PXRE CORP
S-4, 1996-10-30
FIRE, MARINE & CASUALTY INSURANCE
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<PAGE>
<PAGE>
        AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON OCTOBER 30, 1996
                                                     REGISTRATION NO. 333-
________________________________________________________________________________
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                            ------------------------
 
                                    FORM S-4
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                            ------------------------
 
                                PXRE CORPORATION
             (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
                            ------------------------
<TABLE>
<S>                                       <C>                               <C>
                  DELAWARE                               6719                      06-1183996
      (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF         (PRIMARY STANDARD INDUSTRIAL       (IRS EMPLOYER
       INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)          CLASSIFICATION CODE NUMBER)     IDENTIFICATION NO.)

</TABLE>
 
                        399 THORNALL STREET, 14TH FLOOR
                            EDISON, NEW JERSEY 08837
                                 (908) 906-8100
         (ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING
            AREA CODE, OF REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
                            ------------------------
 
                               SANFORD M. KIMMEL
          SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, TREASURER AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
                                PXRE CORPORATION
                        399 THORNALL STREET, 14TH FLOOR
                            EDISON, NEW JERSEY 08837
                                 (908) 906-8100
      (NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING
                        AREA CODE, OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
                            ------------------------
 
                                   COPIES TO:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                   <C>
                      F. SEDGWICK BROWNE, ESQ.                                           RICHARD J. SANDLER, ESQ.
                    MORGAN, LEWIS & BOCKIUS LLP                                           DAVIS POLK & WARDWELL
                          101 PARK AVENUE                                                  450 LEXINGTON AVENUE
                      NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10178                                           NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10017
                           (212) 309-6000                                                     (212) 450-4000
</TABLE>
 
                            ------------------------
 
     APPROXIMATE  DATE  OF COMMENCEMENT  OF PROPOSED  SALE  TO THE  PUBLIC: Upon
consummation of  the  merger  (the 'Merger')  of  Transnational  Re  Corporation
('Transnational') with and into Registrant.
     If  the  securities being  registered  on this  Form  are being  offered in
connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance  with
General Instruction G, check the following box. [ ]
                            ------------------------
 
                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
 
[CAPTION]
<TABLE>


                                                                                                                 PROPOSED MAXIMUM
                         TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF                          AMOUNT TO BE      PROPOSED MAXIMUM     AGGREGATE OFFERING
                      SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED                        REGISTERED(1) OFFERING PRICE PER UNIT       PRICE(2)
<S>                                                                      <C>           <C>                      <C>
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share..................................   7,304,521             (2)              $172,084,415.20
 
<CAPTION>
                                                                            AMOUNT OF
                         TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF                           REGISTRATION
                      SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED                           FEE(3)(4)
<S>                                                                      <C>
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share..................................     $52,147
</TABLE>
 
(1) Represents  the maximum number of shares of Common Stock, par value $.01 per
    share, of the Registrant  ('PXRE Common Stock') to  be issued in  connection
    with  the  Merger in  exchange for  shares of  Transnational Class  A Common
    Stock, par  value  $.01  per  share ('Transnational  Class  A  Stock'),  and
    Transnational Class B Common Stock, par value $.01 per share ('Transnational
    Class  B  Stock';  and,  together  with  the  Transnational  Class  A Stock,
    'Transnational Common Stock'), determined on the basis of the exchange ratio
    in the  Merger  (1.0575  shares of  PXRE  Common  Stock for  each  share  of
    Transnational Common Stock).
(2) Estimated  pursuant to Rule 457(f) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
    (the 'Securities  Act'),  based upon  the  market  value of  the  shares  of
    Transnational Class A Stock to be converted in the Merger ($25.06 per share,
    which was the average of the high and low sales price thereof on October 28,
    1996,  as reported  on the  Nasdaq National Market)  and the  book value per
    share of  the Transnational  Class B  Stock to  be converted  in the  Merger
    ($24.40 per share as of June 30, 1996).
(3) The registration fee for the securities registered hereby, $52,147, has been
    calculated  pursuant  to  Rule  457(f)  under  the  Securities  Act,  as one
    thirty-third of one percent of $172,084,415.20.
(4) A fee of thirty-three thousand four hundred fifty-one Dollars ($33,451)  was
    paid  on September 30,  1996 pursuant to  Rules 14a-6(i) and  0-11 under the
    Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as  amended, in respect of the Merger  upon
    the  filing by the  Registrant and Transnational  of preliminary joint proxy
    materials relating thereto.  Pursuant to  Rule 457(b)  under the  Securities
    Act,  the amount of such  previously paid fee has  been credited against the
    registration fee payable  in connection  with this  filing. Accordingly,  an
    additional  filing  fee  of  $18,696  is  required  to  be  paid  with  this
    Registration Statement.
                            ------------------------
     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 THIS REGISTRATION  STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION  8(a),
MAY DETERMINE.
 
________________________________________________________________________________

<PAGE>
<PAGE>
                                PXRE CORPORATION
 
                              399 THORNALL STREET
                                   14TH FLOOR
                            EDISON, NEW JERSEY 08837
 
[LOGO]
 
                                                                November 1, 1996
 
Dear Stockholder:
 
     You  are cordially invited  to attend a Special  Meeting of Stockholders of
PXRE Corporation ('PXRE')  to be held  at the offices  of PXRE Corporation,  399
Thornall  Street, 14th Floor,  Edison, New Jersey  08837 on December  9, 1996 at
1:00 p.m., local  time. A Notice  of the Special  Meeting, form of  proxy and  a
Joint  Proxy Statement/Prospectus containing information about the matters to be
acted upon are enclosed. All holders of record of shares of common stock of PXRE
('PXRE Common  Stock') as  of the  close of  business on  October 23,  1996  are
entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Special Meeting.
 
     At  the Special  Meeting, holders  of PXRE  Common Stock  will be  asked to
consider and to vote upon (i) a  proposal to approve and adopt an Agreement  and
Plan  of  Merger,  dated  as  of  August  22,  1996,  as  amended  (the  'Merger
Agreement'),  by   and   between   PXRE   and   Transnational   Re   Corporation
('Transnational'),  providing  for,  among  other  things,  (a)  the  merger  of
Transnational with and into PXRE, which  will be the surviving corporation  (the
'Merger')  and (b) the issuance of shares of PXRE Common Stock to the holders of
Transnational Common Stock at an exchange ratio of 1.0575 shares of PXRE  Common
Stock  per  Transnational  share,  subject  to  the  provisions  of  the  Merger
Agreement, and (ii) a proposal to approve and adopt an amendment to the Restated
Certificate of Incorporation  of PXRE which  increases the number  of shares  of
PXRE  Common  Stock  which  PXRE  has  authority  to  issue  from  20,000,000 to
40,000,000 shares (the 'PXRE Charter  Amendment'). Approval of the PXRE  Charter
Amendment is not a condition to the Merger.
 
     Details  of  the  proposed Merger,  the  PXRE Charter  Amendment  and other
important  information  are   set  forth   in  the   accompanying  Joint   Proxy
Statement/Prospectus, which you are urged to read carefully.
 
     Your Board of Directors has carefully reviewed and considered the terms and
conditions  of the proposed  Merger and the proposed  PXRE Charter Amendment. In
addition, the  Board of  Directors has  received the  opinion of  its  financial
adviser, Dillon, Read & Co. Inc., to the effect that, as of August 22, 1996, the
date PXRE and Transnational entered into the Merger Agreement, the consideration
to  be paid by PXRE  in the Merger was  fair to the stockholders  of PXRE from a
financial point of  view. A copy  of that  opinion is attached  to the  enclosed
Joint  Proxy Statement/Prospectus and should be read by PXRE stockholders in its
entirety.
 
     YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS  UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MERGER AGREEMENT  AND
HAS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE PXRE CHARTER AMENDMENT AND RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE
FOR  THE PROPOSAL TO APPROVE AND ADOPT THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND FOR THE PROPOSAL
TO APPROVE AND ADOPT THE PXRE CHARTER AMENDMENT.
 
     Whether or not  you plan  to attend the  Special Meeting,  holders of  PXRE
Common  Stock should complete,  sign and date the  accompanying Form(s) of Proxy
and return such Form(s) of Proxy in the enclosed prepaid envelope. If you attend
the Special Meeting, you may revoke your proxy and vote in person, if you  wish,
even  if  you  have  previously  returned your  Form(s)  of  Proxy.  Your prompt
cooperation will be greatly appreciated.
 
                                          Sincerely,


                                         /s/ GERALD L. RADKE


                                         GERALD L. RADKE
                                         Chairman of the Board, President
                                            and Chief Executive Officer

<PAGE>
<PAGE>
                                PXRE CORPORATION
                            ------------------------
                   NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
                         TO BE HELD ON DECEMBER 9, 1996
                            ------------------------
 
                                                              Edison, New Jersey
                                                                November 1, 1996
 
     NOTICE  IS  HEREBY GIVEN  that a  Special Meeting  of Stockholders  of PXRE
Corporation, a Delaware  corporation ('PXRE'), will  be held at  the offices  of
PXRE,  399 Thornall Street, 14th Floor, Edison,  New Jersey 08837 on December 9,
1996 at 1:00 p.m., local time, for the following purposes:
 
          1. To  consider and  vote upon  a  proposal to  approve and  adopt  an
     Agreement  and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 22, 1996, as amended (the
     'Merger Agreement'), by and between PXRE and Transnational Re  Corporation,
     a  Delaware  corporation  ('Transnational'),  providing  for,  among  other
     things, (a) the merger of Transnational  with and into PXRE, which will  be
     the  surviving corporation (the 'Merger') and (b) the issuance of shares of
     PXRE Common  Stock to  the  holders of  Transnational  Common Stock  at  an
     exchange  ratio of  1.0575 shares  of PXRE  Common Stock  per Transnational
     share, all  as  more  fully  described  in  the  accompanying  Joint  Proxy
     Statement/Prospectus;
 
          2.  To  consider and  vote upon  a  proposal to  approve and  adopt an
     amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of PXRE, pursuant to
     which Article IV thereof will be  amended to increase the number of  shares
     of  Common  Stock which  PXRE  has authority  to  issue from  20,000,000 to
     40,000,000; and
 
          3. To transact such other business relating to the purposes for  which
     the Special Meeting was called, or ancillary to the conduct thereof, as may
     properly  be  brought  before the  Special  Meeting or  any  adjournment or
     postponement thereof.
 
     A copy of the Merger Agreement is attached as Annex A to, and is  described
in, the accompanying Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus. Holders of shares of PXRE
Common  Stock will not be entitled  to dissenters' appraisal rights with respect
to the Merger.
 
     The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on October 23, 1996,
as the  record date  for the  determination of  those stockholders  entitled  to
notice  of and to vote at the Special Meeting or any adjournment or postponement
thereof. Accordingly, only stockholders  of record at the  close of business  on
that date will be entitled to vote.
 
                                          By Order of the Board of Directors,


                                          /s/ F. SEDGWICK BROWNE


                                          F. SEDGWICK BROWNE,
                                          Secretary
 
     PLEASE  DATE, SIGN AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED FORM(S) OF PROXY PROMPTLY IN THE
ENVELOPE PROVIDED,  WHETHER OR  NOT YOU  INTEND  TO BE  PRESENT AT  THE  SPECIAL
MEETING.  EXECUTION OF A PROXY  WILL NOT AFFECT YOUR RIGHT  TO VOTE IN PERSON IF
YOU ARE PRESENT AT THE SPECIAL MEETING.

<PAGE>
<PAGE>
                          TRANSNATIONAL RE CORPORATION
                              399 THORNALL STREET
                                   14TH FLOOR
                            EDISON, NEW JERSEY 08837
 
[LOGO]
 
                                                                November 1, 1996
 
Dear Stockholder:
 
     You  are cordially invited  to attend a Special  Meeting of Stockholders of
Transnational Re  Corporation ('Transnational')  to be  held at  the offices  of
Transnational  Re  Corporation, 399  Thornall  Street, 14th  Floor,  Edison, New
Jersey 08837 on  December 9,  1996 at  3:00 p.m., local  time. A  Notice of  the
Special Meeting, form of proxy and a Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus containing
information  about the  matters to  be acted upon  are enclosed.  All holders of
record of shares of Class A Common Stock of Transnational ('Transnational  Class
A  Stock') and  Class B  Common Stock  of Transnational  ('Transnational Class B
Stock' and, together with the Transnational Class A Stock, 'Transnational Common
Stock') as of the close of business on October 23, 1996 (the 'Record Date')  are
entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Special Meeting.
 
     At the Special Meeting, holders of Transnational Common Stock will be asked
to  consider and to vote  upon a proposal to approve  and adopt an Agreement and
Plan  of  Merger,  dated  as  of  August  22,  1996,  as  amended  (the  'Merger
Agreement'),  by  and  between  PXRE  Corporation  ('PXRE')  and  Transnational,
pursuant to which, among other things, (a) Transnational will be merged with and
into PXRE, which will be the  surviving corporation (the 'Merger') and (b)  each
share  of Transnational Common Stock will be converted into the right to receive
1.0575 shares of  Common Stock  of PXRE ('PXRE  Common Stock'),  subject to  the
provisions of the Merger Agreement.
 
     As  of the Record Date, PXRE, through a subsidiary, owned all of the issued
and  outstanding   shares  of   Transnational   Class  B   Stock,   representing
approximately  22% of  the voting  power of  the shares  of Transnational Common
Stock. PXRE has agreed in the Merger Agreement to cause such shares to be  voted
in favor of approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement.
 
     Details  of the  proposed Merger  and other  important information  are set
forth in the accompanying Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus, which you are  urged
to read carefully.
 
     Your  Board of Directors, together with  a special committee of independent
directors (the 'Special Committee'), has  carefully reviewed and considered  the
terms  and conditions of the proposed Merger. In addition, the Special Committee
has received the opinion of its financial adviser, Donaldson, Lufkin &  Jenrette
Securities Corporation, to the effect that, as of August 22, 1996, the date PXRE
and Transnational entered into the Merger Agreement, the right to receive 1.0575
shares of PXRE Common Stock into which each share of Transnational Class A Stock
is  to be converted pursuant to the Merger  Agreement was fair to the holders of
Transnational Class A  Stock from  a financial  point of  view. A  copy of  that
opinion  is attached to the enclosed Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and should
be read by Transnational stockholders in its entirety.
 
     YOUR BOARD  OF DIRECTORS,  BASED  IN SUBSTANTIAL  PART UPON  THE  UNANIMOUS
RECOMMENDATION  OF THE SPECIAL  COMMITTEE, HAS DETERMINED THAT  THE TERMS OF THE
MERGER ARE  FAIR  TO,  AND IN  THE  BEST  INTERESTS OF,  TRANSNATIONAL  AND  ITS
STOCKHOLDERS  (OTHER THAN  PXRE) AND RECOMMENDS  THAT YOU VOTE  FOR APPROVAL AND
ADOPTION OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT.
 
     Whether or  not  you  plan  to  attend  the  Special  Meeting,  holders  of
Transnational  Common  Stock should  complete,  sign and  date  the accompanying
Form(s) of  Proxy and  return such  Form(s)  of Proxy  in the  enclosed  prepaid
envelope.  If you attend the Special Meeting, you may revoke your proxy and vote
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
in person, if you  wish, even if  you have previously  returned your Form(s)  of
Proxy. Your prompt cooperation will be greatly appreciated.
 
                                          Sincerely,

                                          /s/ GERALD L. RADKE


                                          GERALD L. RADKE
                                          Chairman of the Board, President
                                            and Chief Executive Officer

<PAGE>
<PAGE>
                          TRANSNATIONAL RE CORPORATION
 
                            ------------------------
                   NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
                         TO BE HELD ON DECEMBER 9, 1996
                            ------------------------
                                                              Edison, New Jersey
                                                                November 1, 1996
 
     NOTICE   IS  HEREBY  GIVEN  that  a  Special  Meeting  of  Stockholders  of
Transnational Re Corporation, a Delaware corporation ('Transnational'), will  be
held  at the offices of Transnational  Re Corporation, 399 Thornall Street, 14th
Floor, Edison, New Jersey 08837  on December 9, 1996  at 3:00 p.m., local  time,
for the following purposes:
 
          1.  To  consider and  vote upon  a  proposal to  approve and  adopt an
     Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as  of August 22, 1996, as amended,  by
     and  between  Transnational and  PXRE  Corporation, a  Delaware corporation
     ('PXRE'), pursuant to which, among other things, (a) Transnational will  be
     merged  with and into PXRE, which will be the surviving corporation and (b)
     each outstanding share  of Transnational  Class A Common  Stock, par  value
     $.01  per share ('Transnational Class A  Stock') and each outstanding share
     of Transnational Class B  Stock, par value  $.01 per share  ('Transnational
     Class  B Stock'  and, together  with the  Transnational Class  A Stock, the
     'Transnational Common Stock') will be  converted into the right to  receive
     1.0575  shares of Common Stock,  par value $.01 per  share, of PXRE, all as
     more fully described in the accompanying Joint Proxy  Statement/Prospectus;
     and
 
          2.  To transact such other business relating to the purposes for which
     the Special Meeting was called, or ancillary to the conduct thereof, as may
     properly be  brought  before the  Special  Meeting or  any  adjournment  or
     postponement thereof.
 
     A  copy of the Merger Agreement is attached as Annex A to, and is described
in, the  accompanying Joint  Proxy Statement/Prospectus.  Holders of  shares  of
Transnational  Common Stock will not be entitled to dissenters' appraisal rights
with respect to the Merger.
 
     The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on October 23, 1996,
as the  record date  for the  determination of  those stockholders  entitled  to
notice  of and to vote at the Special Meeting or any adjournment or postponement
thereof. Accordingly, only stockholders  of record at the  close of business  on
that date will be entitled to vote.
 
                                          By Order of the Board of Directors,


                                          /s/ F. SEDGWICK BROWNE

 
                                          F. SEDGWICK BROWNE,
                                          Secretary
 
PLEASE  DATE, SIGN  AND RETURN  THE ENCLOSED  FORM(S) OF  PROXY PROMPTLY  IN THE
ENVELOPE PROVIDED,  WHETHER OR  NOT YOU  INTEND  TO BE  PRESENT AT  THE  SPECIAL
MEETING.  EXECUTION OF A PROXY  WILL NOT AFFECT YOUR RIGHT  TO VOTE IN PERSON IF
YOU ARE PRESENT AT THE SPECIAL MEETING.

<PAGE>
<PAGE>
                             JOINT PROXY STATEMENT
                                       OF
                                PXRE CORPORATION
                                      AND
                          TRANSNATIONAL RE CORPORATION
                            ------------------------
                         PROSPECTUS OF PXRE CORPORATION
                            ------------------------
 
     This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is being furnished to stockholders of
PXRE  Corporation,  a  Delaware  corporation ('PXRE'),  in  connection  with the
solicitation of proxies by  the PXRE Board of  Directors from holders of  Common
Stock,  par value $.01 per  share ('PXRE Common Stock'), of  PXRE for use at the
special meeting of stockholders of PXRE to be held on December 9, 1996, and  any
adjournment   or  postponement   thereof  (the  'PXRE   Special  Meeting').  See
'SUMMARY -- The Special Meetings' and 'THE SPECIAL MEETINGS'.
 
     This  Joint  Proxy   Statement/Prospectus  is  also   being  furnished   to
stockholders   of   Transnational   Re  Corporation,   a   Delaware  corporation
('Transnational'), in  connection  with  the  solicitation  of  proxies  by  the
Transnational Board of Directors from holders of Class A Common Stock, par value
$.01  per share ('Transnational Class  A Stock'), and Class  B Common Stock, par
value $.01 per  share ('Transnational  Class B  Stock'; and,  together with  the
Transnational Class A Stock, 'Transnational Common Stock'), of Transnational for
use  at  the special  meeting of  stockholders  of Transnational  to be  held on
December  9,   1996,  and   any  adjournment   or  postponement   thereof   (the
'Transnational  Special Meeting'; and,  together with the  PXRE Special Meeting,
the 'Special Meetings'). See 'SUMMARY -- The Special Meetings' and 'THE  SPECIAL
MEETINGS'.
 
     This  Joint Proxy  Statement/Prospectus constitutes the  prospectus of PXRE
filed with respect to up to 7,304,521  shares of PXRE Common Stock to be  issued
in  connection with the proposed merger of Transnational with and into PXRE (the
'Merger') pursuant to the Agreement and Plan  of Merger, dated as of August  22,
1996,  as amended (the 'Merger Agreement'),  between PXRE and Transnational. See
'SUMMARY -- The Merger' and 'THE  MERGER'. References to PXRE and  Transnational
in  this Joint Proxy  Statement/Prospectus mean the  respective corporations and
their consolidated subsidiaries, except as the context may otherwise indicate.
 
     This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and  the accompanying forms of  proxy
are  first being mailed  to stockholders of  PXRE and Transnational  on or about
November 1, 1996.
 
                            ------------------------
THE SECURITIES TO BE ISSUED PURSUANT TO THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS
   HAVE NOT BEEN  APPROVED OR  DISAPPROVED BY THE  SECURITIES AND  EXCHANGE
     COMMISSION   OR  ANY  STATE  SECURITIES   COMMISSION,  NOR  HAS  THE
       SECURITIES AND  EXCHANGE  COMMISSION  OR  ANY  STATE  SECURITIES
         COMMISSION  PASSED  UPON THE  ACCURACY  OR ADEQUACY  OF THIS
           JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO
                THE   CONTRARY   IS    A    CRIMINAL   OFFENSE.
 
                            ------------------------
     THE DATE OF THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS IS NOVEMBER 1, 1996.
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
     NO PERSON IS AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR MAKE ANY  REPRESENTATION
NOT CONTAINED IN THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND, IF SO GIVEN OR MADE,
SUCH  INFORMATION  OR REPRESENTATION  MUST  NOT BE  RELIED  UPON AS  HAVING BEEN
AUTHORIZED. THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS  DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN  OFFER
TO  SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY SECURITIES OTHER THAN THOSE TO
WHICH IT RELATES OR AN OFFER  TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION  OF AN OFFER TO BUY  ANY
SECURITIES  IN  ANY JURISDICTION  IN  WHICH, OR  TO ANY  PERSON  TO WHOM,  IT IS
UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION.
 
     NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS NOR THE  SALE
OF   ANY  SECURITIES  HEREUNDER  SHALL,   UNDER  ANY  CIRCUMSTANCES,  CREATE  AN
IMPLICATION  THAT  THERE  HAS  BEEN  NO  CHANGE  IN  THE  AFFAIRS  OF  PXRE   OR
TRANSNATIONAL SINCE THE DATE HEREOF OR THAT THE INFORMATION HEREIN IS CORRECT AS
OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE HEREOF.
 
     FOR  NORTH CAROLINA RESIDENTS:  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 THE ADEQUACY OF
THIS DOCUMENT.
 
     STATE  INSURANCE HOLDING  COMPANY LAWS  AND REGULATIONS  APPLICABLE TO PXRE
GENERALLY PROVIDE THAT NO PERSON MAY ACQUIRE CONTROL OF PXRE, AND THUS  INDIRECT
CONTROL  OF ITS INSURANCE SUBSIDIARIES, UNLESS  SUCH PERSON HAS PROVIDED CERTAIN
REQUIRED INFORMATION TO, AND SUCH  ACQUISITION IS APPROVED (OR NOT  DISAPPROVED)
BY,  THE  APPROPRIATE INSURANCE  REGULATORY  AUTHORITIES. GENERALLY,  ANY PERSON
ACQUIRING BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF  TEN PERCENT OR MORE  OF THE OUTSTANDING  PXRE
COMMON  STOCK  WOULD  BE PRESUMED  TO  HAVE  ACQUIRED SUCH  CONTROL,  UNLESS THE
APPROPRIATE INSURANCE REGULATORY AUTHORITIES UPON ADVANCE APPLICATION  DETERMINE
OTHERWISE.
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
     PXRE  and Transnational are each  subject to the informational requirements
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the 'Exchange Act'), and  in
accordance  therewith, file reports, proxy statements and other information with
the Securities and Exchange Commission  (the 'Commission'). PXRE has filed  with
the  Commission a Registration Statement on  Form S-4 (herein, together with any
amendments thereto, the  'Registration Statement') under  the Securities Act  of
1933, as amended (the 'Securities Act') with respect to the PXRE Common Stock to
be  issued pursuant to  the Merger. The Registration  Statement and the exhibits
thereto, as well as the reports, proxy statements and other information filed by
PXRE and Transnational,  can be  inspected and  copied at  the public  reference
facilities  maintained at the  Commission at Room 1024,  450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549 and at the following regional offices of the  Commission:
Seven  World Trade  Center, Suite 1300,  New York,  New York 10048  and 500 West
Madison Street, Suite 1400,  Chicago, Illinois 60661.  Copies of such  materials
may  also be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the Commission at 450
Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed rates. In addition, the
Commission maintains a  Web site  that contains reports,  proxy and  information
statements  and  other  information regarding  registrants,  including  PXRE and
Transnational, that file electronically with the Commission. The address of such
Web site is: http://www.sec.gov. Such materials and other information concerning
PXRE and Transnational also can  be inspected and copied  at the offices of  the
Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc., at 1735 K Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006.
 
     This  Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus does not contain all the information
set forth in the Registration Statement,  certain parts of which are omitted  in
accordance  with  the  rules  and  regulations  of  the  Commission.  Statements
contained  in  this  Joint  Proxy   Statement/Prospectus  or  in  any   document
incorporated  in this  Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus  by reference  as to the
contents of any contract or other document referred to herein or therein are not
necessarily complete, and in each instance reference is made to the copy of such
contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement  or
such other document, each such statement being qualified in all respects by such
reference.
 
                                       ii
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
                           INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
 
     The following documents, previously filed with the Commission by PXRE (File
No.  0-15428) and Transnational (File No. 0-22376) pursuant to the Exchange Act,
are hereby incorporated by reference in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus:
 
          (1) PXRE's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December  31,
              1995  (which  incorporates by  reference certain  information from
              PXRE's Proxy  Statement relating  to its  1996 Annual  Meeting  of
              Stockholders; the 'PXRE Form 10-K');
 
          (2) PXRE's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March
              31, 1996 and June 30, 1996 (the 'PXRE Forms 10-Q');
 
          (3) PXRE's  Current Reports on Form 8-K dated May 17, 1996, August 22,
              1996 and August 26, 1996;
 
          (4) The  description  of  PXRE  Common  Stock  set  forth  in   PXRE's
              Registration  Statement  filed  pursuant  to  Section  12  of  the
              Exchange Act, and any amendment or report filed for the purpose of
              updating any such description;
 
          (5) Transnational's Annual  Report on  Form 10-K  for the  year  ended
              December   31,  1995  (which  incorporates  by  reference  certain
              information from Transnational's Proxy  Statement relating to  its
              1996  Annual  Meeting  of  Stockholders;  the  'Transnational Form
              10-K');
 
          (6) Transnational's Quarterly Reports  on Form 10-Q  for the  quarters
              ended  March 31, 1996 and June  30, 1996 (the 'Transnational Forms
              10-Q');
 
          (7) Transnational's Current Reports  on Form 8-K  dated May 17,  1996,
              August 22, 1996 and August 26, 1996; and
 
          (8) The  description  of  Transnational  Class A  Stock  set  forth in
              Transnational's Registration Statement  filed pursuant to  Section
              12  of the Exchange Act, and any amendment or report filed for the
              purpose of updating any such description.
 
     Such incorporation  by reference  shall  not be  deemed to  incorporate  by
reference the information referred to in Item 402(a)(8) of Regulation S-K.
 
     All  documents  and reports  subsequently filed  by PXRE  and Transnational
pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c),  14 and 15(d) of  the Exchange Act after  the
date  of this  Joint Proxy  Statement/Prospectus and  prior to  the date  of the
Special Meetings shall be deemed to  be incorporated by reference in this  Joint
Proxy  Statement/Prospectus and to be  a part hereof from  the date of filing of
such documents or reports. Any statement contained in a document incorporated or
deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified  or
superseded  for purposes of this Joint  Proxy Statement/Prospectus to the extent
that a  statement contained  herein  or in  a  document subsequently  filed  and
incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such previous statement.
Any  such statement so modified or superseded  shall not be deemed, except as so
modified  or   superseded,  to   constitute   a  part   of  this   Joint   Proxy
Statement/Prospectus.
 
     THIS  JOINT  PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS  INCORPORATES CERTAIN  DOCUMENTS BY
REFERENCE WHICH ARE NOT PRESENTED HEREIN OR DELIVERED HEREWITH. THESE  DOCUMENTS
(OTHER  THAN EXHIBITS  TO SUCH DOCUMENTS  UNLESS SUCH  EXHIBITS ARE SPECIFICALLY
INCORPORATED HEREIN BY  REFERENCE) ARE  AVAILABLE TO ANY  PERSON, INCLUDING  ANY
BENEFICIAL  OWNER, TO WHOM  THIS JOINT PROXY  STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS IS DELIVERED,
WITHOUT CHARGE ON WRITTEN OR ORAL REQUEST DIRECTED TO, IN THE CASE OF  DOCUMENTS
RELATING  TO PXRE,  PXRE CORPORATION,  399 THORNALL  STREET, EDISON,  NEW JERSEY
08837, ATTENTION:  TREASURER,  (908) 906-6785,  AND  IN THE  CASE  OF  DOCUMENTS
RELATING  TO TRANSNATIONAL,  TRANSNATIONAL RE CORPORATION,  399 THORNALL STREET,
EDISON, NEW  JERSEY 08837,  ATTENTION: TREASURER,  (908) 906-6785.  IN ORDER  TO
ENSURE  TIMELY  DELIVERY  OF THESE  DOCUMENTS,  ANY  REQUEST SHOULD  BE  MADE BY
DECEMBER 2, 1996.
 
                                      iii
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                              PAGE
                                                                                                              ----
<S>                                                                                                           <C>
AVAILABLE INFORMATION......................................................................................     ii
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE.................................................................................    iii
SUMMARY....................................................................................................      1
     The Companies.........................................................................................      1
     The Special Meetings..................................................................................      1
     The Merger............................................................................................      2
     The PXRE Charter Amendment............................................................................      5
SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF PXRE.............................................      6
SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF TRANSNATIONAL....................................      9
SELECTED UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF PXRE..........................     10
COMPARATIVE PER SHARE DATA.................................................................................     11
MARKET PRICE DATA AND DIVIDENDS............................................................................     12
THE SPECIAL MEETINGS.......................................................................................     13
     Place, Date and Time..................................................................................     13
     Matters to be Considered at the Special Meetings......................................................     13
     Record Date; Quorum; Votes Required...................................................................     13
     Voting and Revocation of Proxies......................................................................     14
     Solicitation of Proxies...............................................................................     15
THE COMPANIES..............................................................................................     15
     PXRE..................................................................................................     15
     Transnational.........................................................................................     16
     Combined Company......................................................................................     16
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PXRE AND TRANSNATIONAL................................................................     16
     Background............................................................................................     16
     Management Agreement..................................................................................     17
     PXRE Reinsurance Agreement............................................................................     20
     Registration Rights Agreement.........................................................................     20
     CBOT Joint Venture....................................................................................     20
THE MERGER.................................................................................................     21
     Background of the Merger..............................................................................     21
     Recommendation of the PXRE Board; Reasons for the Merger..............................................     26
     Recommendation of the Special Committee and the Transnational Board; Reasons for the Merger...........     26
     Opinion of Dillon Read................................................................................     27
     Opinion of DLJ........................................................................................     30
     Certain Projected Financial Information...............................................................     36
     Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger............................................................     38
     Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger.................................................     40
     Accounting Treatment..................................................................................     40
     Estimated Synergies...................................................................................     41
     Governmental Approvals................................................................................     41
     Effect on Employee Benefit and Stock Plans............................................................     41
     Resale of PXRE Common Stock...........................................................................     42
     Appraisal Rights......................................................................................     42
     Certain Litigation Concerning the Proposed Merger.....................................................     42
     Listing of Shares.....................................................................................     42
THE MERGER AGREEMENT.......................................................................................     43
     General...............................................................................................     43
     Effective Time........................................................................................     43
     Merger Consideration..................................................................................     43
</TABLE>
 
                                       iv
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                              PAGE
                                                                                                              ----
<S>                                                                                                           <C>
     Conversion of Shares; Procedures for Exchange of Certificates; Fractional Shares......................     43
     Representations and Warranties........................................................................     44
     Conduct of Business Prior to Merger...................................................................     45
     No Solicitation; Fiduciary Out........................................................................     48
     Indemnification and Insurance.........................................................................     48
     Amendment to the Management Agreement.................................................................     48
     Certain Additional Agreements.........................................................................     48
     Conditions to the Merger..............................................................................     49
     Amendment and Waiver..................................................................................     50
     Termination...........................................................................................     50
     Certain Expenses......................................................................................     51
THE PXRE CHARTER AMENDMENT.................................................................................     52
DESCRIPTION OF PXRE CAPITAL STOCK..........................................................................     53
     PXRE Common Stock.....................................................................................     53
     PXRE Preferred Stock..................................................................................     53
DESCRIPTION OF TRANSNATIONAL CAPITAL STOCK.................................................................     53
     Transnational Common Stock............................................................................     53
     Transnational Preferred Stock.........................................................................     54
COMPARISON OF CERTAIN RIGHTS OF STOCKHOLDERS...............................................................     54
     Size and Classification of the Board..................................................................     55
     Removal of Directors; Filling of Vacancies on the Board...............................................     55
     Stockholder Nominations...............................................................................     56
     Amendment of Corporate Charter and By-laws............................................................     56
     Certain Business Combinations.........................................................................     57
     Other Differences.....................................................................................     58
LEGAL MATTERS..............................................................................................     58
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS....................................................................................     58
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR 1997 ANNUAL MEETINGS.............................................................     58
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF PXRE...................................    P-1
     ANNEX A -- Merger Agreement...........................................................................    A-1
     ANNEX B -- Opinion of Dillon, Read & Co. Inc..........................................................    B-1
     ANNEX C -- Opinion of Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corp....................................    C-1
     ANNEX D -- PXRE Charter Amendment.....................................................................    D-1
</TABLE>
 
                                       v

<PAGE>
<PAGE>
                                    SUMMARY
 
     The  following is a  summary of certain  information contained elsewhere in
this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus. Reference is made to, and this summary is
qualified in  its  entirety by,  the  more detailed  information  contained,  or
incorporated  by  reference, in  this Joint  Proxy Statement/Prospectus  and the
Annexes  hereto.   Stockholders   are   urged   to   read   this   Joint   Proxy
Statement/Prospectus and the Annexes hereto in their entirety.
 
THE COMPANIES
 
     PXRE.   PXRE,  through  its  subsidiary  PXRE  Reinsurance  Company  ('PXRE
Reinsurance'), provides treaty and  facultative reinsurance to primary  insurers
and  reinsurers on commercial  and personal property  risks, marine and aviation
risks and  certain casualty  risks.  PXRE solicits  its treaty  and  facultative
reinsurance  business from the worldwide brokerage market. PXRE also employs its
property reinsurance underwriting expertise and generates management fee  income
by managing business for other insurers and reinsurers, including Transnational.
PXRE's  executive offices are located at 399 Thornall Street, Edison, New Jersey
08837 and its telephone number is (908) 906-6785.
 
     Transnational.  Transnational,   through   its   subsidiary   Transnational
Reinsurance  Company  ('Transnational  Reinsurance'),  specializes  in providing
brokered  property   retrocessional   reinsurance  and   marine   and   aviation
retrocessional  reinsurance in the U.S. and international markets. Transnational
also writes  marine and  aviation  reinsurance and  facultative excess  of  loss
reinsurance.  Transnational  derives  its  business  pursuant  to  a  management
agreement with PXRE  Reinsurance (the 'Management  Agreement'). Pursuant to  the
Management  Agreement, Transnational  Reinsurance is entitled  to participate in
certain designated business  written by  PXRE Reinsurance  and PXRE  Reinsurance
provides,  for  a fee,  underwriting and  supervisory  services relating  to the
reinsurance  operations  of  Transnational   Reinsurance,  and  management   and
administrative  services for  Transnational and  Transnational Reinsurance. PXRE
Reinsurance owns all of the issued and outstanding Transnational Class B  Stock,
constituting  approximately 22% of the Transnational Common Stock outstanding as
of the  date  hereof.  Transnational's  executive offices  are  located  at  399
Thornall  Street, Edison,  New Jersey  08837 and  its telephone  number is (908)
906-6785.
 
     Combined Company. Giving effect to the Merger as if it had occurred on June
30,  1996,  PXRE  would  have  had   a  total  GAAP  (as  hereinafter   defined)
stockholders'  equity of approximately $351 million  and book value per share of
$24.31. See 'UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF
PXRE'.  Similarly,  at  June  30,  1996,  PXRE  Reinsurance  and   Transnational
Reinsurance   would  have  had   combined  statutory  capital   and  surplus  of
approximately $386 million and their combined net written premiums in respect of
property catastrophe exposures (71%  of total net  written premiums) would  have
been   comprised  of  catastrophe  reinsurance  and  retrocessional  reinsurance
representing 19% and  52%, respectively, of  total net written  premiums. As  of
June  30, 1996, PXRE  Reinsurance's net written premiums  in respect of property
catastrophe exposures  (73% of  total net  written premiums)  were comprised  of
catastrophe reinsurance and retrocessional reinsurance representing 34% and 39%,
respectively, of total net written premiums, whereas Transnational Reinsurance's
catastrophe  component  of  net  written  premiums  (68%  of  total  net written
premiums) was comprised solely of retrocessional reinsurance. The aforementioned
analysis of business mix  is not necessarily indicative  of business mix of  the
combined  company which may  result in the future  because, among other reasons,
the limitations  on the  lines of  business currently  written by  Transnational
Reinsurance will no longer apply.
 
THE SPECIAL MEETINGS
 
     Place,  Date and Time. The PXRE Special Meeting will be held at the offices
of PXRE, 399 Thornall Street, 14th Floor, Edison, New Jersey 08837 at 1:00 p.m.,
local time, on December 9, 1996. The Transnational Special Meeting will be  held
at  the offices of  Transnational, 399 Thornall Street,  14th Floor, Edison, New
Jersey 08837 at 3:00 p.m., local time, on December 9, 1996.
 
                                       1
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
     Matters To  Be Considered  at the  Special Meetings.  At the  PXRE  Special
Meeting,  holders of PXRE Common  Stock will be asked  to consider and vote upon
(i) a proposal to approve and adopt the Merger Agreement attached as Annex A  to
this  Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus providing for the Merger of Transnational
with and  into PXRE  and the  issuance of  shares of  PXRE Common  Stock to  the
holders  of Transnational Common Stock and (ii) a proposal to amend the Restated
Certificate of Incorporation of PXRE (the 'PXRE Charter') to increase the number
of shares of  PXRE Common Stock  which PXRE  will have authority  to issue  from
20,000,000  to 40,000,000 shares (the 'PXRE Charter Amendment'). Holders of PXRE
Common Stock will also transact such other business relating to the purposes for
which the PXRE Special Meeting was called, or ancillary to the conduct  thereof,
as  may properly  be brought  before the PXRE  Special Meeting.  Approval of the
Merger Agreement,  and  consummation of  the  Merger, is  not  conditioned  upon
approval of the PXRE Charter Amendment.
 
     At the Transnational Special Meeting, holders of Transnational Common Stock
will  be asked  to consider and  vote upon a  proposal to approve  and adopt the
Merger Agreement. Holders of Transnational Common Stock will also transact  such
other  business relating  to the  purposes for  which the  Transnational Special
Meeting was called,  or ancillary  to the conduct  thereof, as  may properly  be
brought before the Transnational Special Meeting.
 
     See  'THE  SPECIAL MEETINGS  --  Matters to  be  Considered at  the Special
Meetings'.
 
     Record Date. The record  date for the PXRE  Special Meeting and the  record
date  for the Transnational Special Meeting is the close of business in New York
on October 23,  1996 (the 'Record  Date'). See 'THE  SPECIAL MEETINGS --  Record
Date; Quorum; Votes Required'.
 
     Required  Votes. The  approval and  adoption of  the Merger  Agreement will
require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of  PXRE
Common  Stock  outstanding on  the  Record Date.  Approval  of the  PXRE Charter
Amendment will require  the affirmative vote  of both (i)  holders of more  than
two-thirds of the shares of PXRE Common Stock outstanding on the Record Date and
(ii)  holders of a majority (an  'Independent Majority of PXRE Stockholders') of
the shares of PXRE Common Stock outstanding on the Record Date excluding  shares
beneficially  owned, directly or indirectly, by any  person who as of the Record
Date was the beneficial owner of 5%  or more of the then issued and  outstanding
shares  of PXRE  Common Stock  or who  controls, is  controlled by,  or is under
common control with, PXRE (except for Phoenix Home Life Mutual Insurance Company
('Phoenix Home Life')). Holders of PXRE Common  Stock as of the Record Date  are
entitled to one vote per share on each matter to be voted on at the PXRE Special
Meeting.
 
     The  approval  and  adoption  of  the  Merger  Agreement  will  require the
affirmative vote of  the holders of  a majority of  the shares of  Transnational
Class  A  Stock and  Transnational  Class B  Stock,  voting as  a  single class,
outstanding on the Record Date. Holders of Transnational Common Stock as of  the
Record  Date are entitled to one vote per share on each matter to be voted on at
the Transnational Special Meeting.
 
     See 'THE SPECIAL MEETINGS -- Record Date; Quorum; Votes Required'.
 
THE MERGER
 
     Effect of Merger. On the date that is the second business day following the
date on  which  the conditions  set  forth in  the  Merger Agreement  have  been
satisfied or waived (such date, unless another date is agreed in writing by PXRE
and  Transnational, the 'Closing  Date'), a certificate of  merger will be filed
with the Secretary  of State of  the State  of Delaware in  accordance with  the
Delaware  General Corporation Law (the 'DGCL') (the  time of such filing or such
later time as is specified in such certificate of merger, the 'Effective Time').
At the Effective Time, Transnational will merge with and into PXRE. PXRE will be
the surviving corporation in the  Merger (the 'Surviving Corporation') and  will
continue  its corporate  existence under  Delaware law.  At the  Effective Time,
subject to certain  exceptions as  described herein  with respect  to shares  of
Transnational  Class A  Stock owned by  PXRE, Transnational  or their respective
subsidiaries, each outstanding  share of  Transnational Class A  Stock and  each
outstanding share of Transnational Class B Stock will be automatically converted
into the right
 
                                       2
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
to  receive  1.0575  (the  'Exchange  Ratio')  validly  issued,  fully  paid and
non-assessable shares of PXRE Common Stock.
 
     THE EXCHANGE RATIO IS  FIXED IN THE MERGER  AGREEMENT AND NEITHER PXRE  NOR
TRANSNATIONAL  HAS THE RIGHT TO TERMINATE  THE MERGER AGREEMENT BASED ON CHANGES
IN THE  MARKET PRICE  OF EITHER  PARTY'S STOCK.  ACCORDINGLY, THE  VALUE OF  THE
CONSIDERATION  TO BE  RECEIVED BY  TRANSNATIONAL STOCKHOLDERS  IN THE  MERGER IS
SUBJECT TO  FLUCTUATION  BASED  ON  THE  MARKET  PRICE  OF  PXRE  COMMON  STOCK.
TRANSNATIONAL  STOCKHOLDERS ARE  URGED TO  OBTAIN CURRENT  MARKET QUOTATIONS FOR
PXRE COMMON STOCK  AND TRANSNATIONAL  CLASS A  STOCK. FOR  CERTAIN RECENT  STOCK
PRICE DATA, SEE 'MARKET PRICE DATA AND DIVIDENDS'.
 
     Recommendation of the PXRE Board; Reasons for the Merger. The PXRE Board of
Directors  (the 'PXRE Board') concluded that the terms of the Merger are fair to
and in  the best  interests of  PXRE and  its stockholders  and has  unanimously
approved the Merger Agreement. The PXRE Board recommends a vote FOR the proposal
to  approve and  adopt the  Merger Agreement.  For a  discussion of  the factors
considered by  the PXRE  Board in  reaching  its decision,  see 'THE  MERGER  --
Recommendation of the PXRE Board; Reasons for the Merger'.
 
     Recommendation  of the Special  Committee and the  Transnational Board. The
Transnational Board of Directors (the 'Transnational Board'), together with  the
special  committee  of  independent  directors  of  Transnational  (the 'Special
Committee'), concluded that the terms of the Merger are fair to and in the  best
interests  of Transnational and its stockholders (other than PXRE). Accordingly,
the  Transnational  Board,  based  in   substantial  part  upon  the   unanimous
recommendation  of the Special Committee, has  approved the Merger Agreement and
recommends a vote FOR  the proposal to approve  and adopt the Merger  Agreement.
For  a discussion  of the  factors considered by  the Special  Committee and the
Transnational Board, see 'THE MERGER -- Recommendation of the Special  Committee
and the Transnational Board; Reasons for the Merger'.
 
     Opinions  of Financial Advisers. PXRE has  retained Dillon, Read & Co. Inc.
('Dillon Read') as its financial adviser  in connection with the Merger.  Dillon
Read  rendered a written opinion  to the PXRE Board,  dated August 22, 1996 (the
date PXRE and Transnational entered into the Merger Agreement), stating that, as
of the  date  of  such  opinion,  and  based  upon  various  considerations  and
assumptions  set forth  therein, the  consideration to  be paid  pursuant to the
Merger Agreement was fair to the stockholders of PXRE, from a financial point of
view. Dillon Read's opinion  is directed only to  the fairness from a  financial
point  of  view  of  the consideration  to  be  provided by  PXRE  and  does not
constitute  a  recommendation  to  any  stockholder  of  PXRE  as  to  how  such
stockholder should vote such stockholder's shares. For information regarding the
assumptions  made, procedures followed,  other matters considered  and limits of
the review by Dillon Read, see 'THE  MERGER -- Opinion of Dillon Read'.  Holders
of  PXRE Common  Stock are  encouraged to  read the  Dillon Read  opinion in its
entirety.
 
     The Special Committee has retained Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette  Securities
Corp.  ('DLJ')  as its  financial  adviser in  connection  with the  Merger. DLJ
rendered a written opinion to the Special Committee, dated August 22, 1996  (the
date  PXRE and Transnational  entered into the Merger  Agreement), to the effect
that, as of the date of such opinion, and based upon various considerations  and
assumptions set forth therein, the right to receive 1.0575 shares of PXRE Common
Stock into which each share of Transnational Class A Stock would be converted in
the  Merger  was fair  to  the holders  of Transnational  Class  A Stock  from a
financial point of view. DLJ's opinion is  directed only to the fairness from  a
financial point of view of the consideration to be received in the Merger by the
stockholders  of  Transnational,  other than  PXRE,  and does  not  constitute a
recommendation to any stockholder  of Transnational as  to how such  stockholder
should vote such stockholder's shares. For information regarding the assumptions
made,  procedures followed, other matters considered and limits of the review by
DLJ, see 'THE MERGER -- Opinion of DLJ'. Holders of Transnational Class A  Stock
are encouraged to read the DLJ opinion in its entirety.
 
     Conditions  to the  Merger. The  obligations of  PXRE and  Transnational to
effect the  Merger  are  subject  to  the  satisfaction  or  waiver  of  various
conditions, including (i) the approval of the Merger
 
                                       3
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
Agreement  by the requisite vote of  the stockholders of PXRE and Transnational,
(ii) the receipt of required consents and approvals of governmental entities and
specified third parties except to the extent not material, (iii) the absence  of
any  temporary restraining order,  preliminary or permanent  injunction or other
order issued by a  court of competent jurisdiction  or other legal restraint  or
prohibition  preventing the consummation of the  Merger (which condition may not
be waived), (iv) the effectiveness of the Registration Statement and the absence
of any stop  order or  proceeding seeking  a stop  order, (v)  receipt of  legal
opinions  with respect to the tax consequences of the Merger, (vi) the truth and
correctness of representations and warranties  in all material respects and  the
absence  of certain material  adverse changes and (vii)  the receipt of approval
for trading on the Nasdaq National Market  ('NASDAQ') or, if any shares of  PXRE
Common  Stock are then listed  on the New York  Stock Exchange (the 'NYSE'), the
listing on the NYSE, in each case subject to official notice of issuance, of the
shares of PXRE Common  Stock to be  issued to holders  of Transnational Class  A
Stock  in connection with the Merger. See 'THE MERGER AGREEMENT -- Conditions to
the Merger'.
 
     Termination of the Merger Agreement; Certain Expenses. The Merger Agreement
may be terminated  and the Merger  abandoned prior to  the Effective Time  under
certain  circumstances, including, among others, if  (i) the Merger has not been
consummated on or before June 30, 1997  (the 'End Date'), unless the failure  to
consummate  the Merger  is the result  of a  willful and material  breach of the
Merger Agreement by the  party seeking to terminate  the Merger Agreement,  (ii)
any governmental entity has issued an order, decree or ruling or taken any other
action  permanently  enjoining,  or restraining,  or  otherwise  prohibiting the
Merger and  such order,  decree, ruling  or other  action has  become final  and
nonappealable,   (iii)  the  required  vote  of  the  stockholders  of  PXRE  or
Transnational has not been  obtained, (iv) there has  been a material breach  by
the  non-terminating party of any material representation, warranty, covenant or
agreement under the Merger Agreement which  is not capable of being cured  using
reasonable efforts by the End Date, (v) by a party if the other party's Board of
Directors  (or Special  Committee, in  the case  of Transnational)  withdraws or
modifies in  an adverse  manner its  recommendation of  the Merger,  or (vi)  by
Transnational, if another entity makes a proposal for an acquisition transaction
with  Transnational  which the  Special Committee  believes  is superior  to the
Merger from a financial point of view to the stockholders of Transnational.  See
'THE  MERGER AGREEMENT  -- Termination'. The  Merger Agreement  provides for the
reimbursement by a  party of  certain expenses of  the other  party incurred  in
connection  with the Merger (not to exceed $1 million) following the termination
of  the  Merger   Agreement  under  certain   circumstances.  See  'THE   MERGER
AGREEMENT -- Certain Expenses'.
 
     Management  Agreement  Amendment.  The Merger  Agreement  provides  for the
amendment of the Management Agreement to  extend the initial term thereof  until
December  31, 2000 and certain related matters effective upon the termination of
the  Merger   Agreement   under   certain   circumstances.   See   'THE   MERGER
AGREEMENT -- Amendment to the Management Agreement'.
 
     Appraisal  Rights. Holders  of Transnational  Common Stock  and PXRE Common
Stock will not be entitled  to appraisal rights under  the DGCL with respect  to
the Merger.
 
     Regulatory  Approvals Required. The  Merger is subject  to review under the
Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust  Improvements  Act of  1976,  as amended  (the  'HSR
Act'), by the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice. The Merger
is  subject to the expiration or earlier termination of the waiting period under
the HSR Act. Notification and report forms  under the HSR Act were submitted  on
September 27, 1996 and early termination of the waiting period has been granted.
 
     The  Merger and certain related transactions  are also subject to the prior
approval (or, with respect to certain matters, the approval or termination of  a
30-day  waiting period without  prior disapproval) of  the Connecticut Insurance
Department. Applications  and/or notices  respecting  such approvals  have  been
submitted to the Connecticut Insurance Department.
 
     Certain  Federal Income  Tax Consequences. It  is expected  that the Merger
will constitute a tax-free reorganization  for federal income tax purposes  and,
accordingly,   that  no  gain  or  loss  will  be  recognized  by  Transnational
stockholders on the conversion  of Transnational Common  Stock solely into  PXRE
Common  Stock by reason of the Merger. Gain, if any, may be recognized by reason
of cash received in
 
                                       4
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
lieu of  fractional shares  of PXRE  Common Stock.  See 'THE  MERGER --  Certain
Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger'. Holders of Transnational Class A
Stock  are  urged to  consult  their own  tax advisers  as  to the  specific tax
consequences to them of the Merger.
 
     Anticipated  Accounting  Treatment.  The  Merger  will  be  treated  as   a
'purchase'   for  accounting   and  financial   reporting  purposes.   See  'THE
MERGER -- Accounting Treatment'.
 
     Comparison of  Stockholder Rights.  See 'COMPARISON  OF CERTAIN  RIGHTS  OF
STOCKHOLDERS'  for a summary  of the material differences  between the rights of
holders of Transnational Common Stock and PXRE Common Stock.
 
     Security Ownership of Directors  and Executive Officers.  As of the  Record
Date,  directors and executive officers of PXRE and their affiliates have voting
control of  725,588  shares  of  PXRE Common  Stock  (including  636,700  shares
beneficially  owned by Phoenix  Home Life) representing  approximately 9% of the
shares of  PXRE  Common Stock  outstanding  on  such date.  Such  directors  and
executive officers have advised PXRE that they intend to vote or direct the vote
of  all shares of PXRE Common Stock over  which they have voting control for the
approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement and for the approval and  adoption
of the PXRE Charter Amendment.
 
     As  of the Record  Date, directors and  executive officers of Transnational
and their affiliates (other  than PXRE) have voting  control of 9,050 shares  of
Transnational  Class A Stock representing less than 1% of the total voting power
of the outstanding  shares of  Transnational Class A  Stock on  such date.  Such
directors  and executive officers have advised Transnational that they intend to
vote or direct the vote of all shares of Transnational Class A Stock over  which
they  have  voting control  in  favor of  approval  and adoption  of  the Merger
Agreement. Additionally, PXRE beneficially owns all of the outstanding shares of
Transnational Class B Stock representing  approximately 22% of the total  voting
power  of the outstanding shares of Transnational  Common Stock as of the Record
Date. The Transnational Class  B Stock will  be voted in  favor of approval  and
adoption  of  the Merger  Agreement.  See 'THE  MERGER  -- Interests  of Certain
Persons in the Merger'.
 
THE PXRE CHARTER AMENDMENT
 
     At the PXRE Special Meeting, holders of PXRE Common Stock will consider and
vote upon  the PXRE  Charter Amendment.  The PXRE  Charter Amendment  would,  if
approved,  amend Article IV of  the PXRE Charter to  increase from 20,000,000 to
40,000,000 shares  the number  of shares  of  PXRE Common  Stock which  PXRE  is
authorized  to issue. Approval of the  Merger Agreement, and consummation of the
Merger, is not conditioned upon approval of the PXRE Charter Amendment. The PXRE
Board recommends a vote FOR the proposal  to approve and adopt the PXRE  Charter
Amendment. See 'THE PXRE CHARTER AMENDMENT'.
 
                                       5

<PAGE>
<PAGE>
         SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF PXRE
 
     The  following table sets forth  selected historical consolidated financial
information of PXRE  as of and  for each of  the years in  the five year  period
ended  December 31, 1995 and as  of and for each of  the six month periods ended
June  30,  1996  and  1995.  The  selected  historical  consolidated   financial
information of PXRE for each of the years in the five year period ended December
31,  1995 are derived from PXRE's audited consolidated financial statements. The
financial data for the six months ended June 30, 1996 and 1995 are derived  from
PXRE's  unaudited consolidated financial statements  and include, in the opinion
of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments)
necessary to present fairly the  data for the periods.  The results for the  six
months  ended June 30,  1996 may not be  indicative of the  results for the full
year. The following  data should be  read in conjunction  with the  consolidated
financial statements of PXRE and other financial information appearing elsewhere
and incorporated by reference in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                                     JUNE 30,                    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                -------------------   ---------------------------------------------
                                                                  1996       1995       1995       1994     1993(1)(3)   1992(1)(3)
                                                                --------   --------   --------   --------   ----------   ----------
                                                                       (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA AND PERCENTAGES)
<S>                                                             <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>
INCOME DATA:
    Gross premiums written....................................  $ 61,652   $ 83,233   $155,380   $179,684    $116,975     $100,951
                                                                --------   --------   --------   --------   ----------   ----------
                                                                --------   --------   --------   --------   ----------   ----------
    Net premiums written......................................    36,087     53,509     97,636    108,518      77,506       49,631
                                                                --------   --------   --------   --------   ----------   ----------
                                                                --------   --------   --------   --------   ----------   ----------
    Net premiums earned.......................................  $ 36,520   $ 48,698   $ 97,142   $110,601    $ 78,928     $ 48,435
    Net investment income.....................................     8,110      6,931     14,730     13,786       8,011        5,083
    Net realized investment (losses) gains....................      (176)      (768)        85     (1,164)     (1,526)         392
    Gain on sale of subsidiary(4).............................       -0-        -0-        -0-        -0-      10,564          -0-
    Management fee income.....................................     3,740      3,348      6,417      6,992       3,158          809
    Agency commissions........................................       -0-        -0-        -0-        -0-         -0-          257
                                                                --------   --------   --------   --------   ----------   ----------
        Total revenues........................................    48,194     58,209    118,374    130,215      99,135       54,976
                                                                --------   --------   --------   --------   ----------   ----------
    Losses and loss expenses incurred.........................     9,100     15,001     34,716     52,647      40,570       39,778
    Acquisition costs, operating and interest costs...........    16,770     15,160     31,631     31,180      24,996       22,813
                                                                --------   --------   --------   --------   ----------   ----------
    Income (loss) before income taxes, equity in net earnings
      of Transnational and cumulative effect of accounting
      change..................................................    22,324     28,048     52,027     46,388      33,569       (7,615)
    Equity in net earnings of Transnational(4)................     1,984      3,046      5,948      4,141          84          -0-
    Income tax provision (benefit)............................     7,813      9,770     18,189     15,700      11,008       (3,322)
                                                                --------   --------   --------   --------   ----------   ----------
    Net income (loss).........................................    16,495     21,324     39,786     34,829      22,645       (4,293)
    Cumulative effect of accounting change....................       -0-        -0-        -0-        -0-         -0-          433
                                                                --------   --------   --------   --------   ----------   ----------
    Net income (loss).........................................  $ 16,495   $ 21,324   $ 39,786   $ 34,829    $ 22,645     $ (3,860)
                                                                --------   --------   --------   --------   ----------   ----------
                                                                --------   --------   --------   --------   ----------   ----------
    Preferred stock dividend..................................  $    -0-   $    599   $    599   $  2,005    $  2,056     $  1,419
    Primary earnings per common share:
        Net income (loss).....................................  $   1.86   $   2.70   $   4.74   $   4.89    $   3.34     $  (1.37)
                                                                --------   --------   --------   --------   ----------   ----------
                                                                --------   --------   --------   --------   ----------   ----------
        Average common shares outstanding(2)(7)...............     8,867      7,684      8,275      6,710       6,170        3,851
    Fully diluted earnings per common share:
        Net income (loss).....................................  $   1.86   $   2.41   $   4.48   $   3.94    $   2.70     $  (1.37)
                                                                --------   --------   --------   --------   ----------   ----------
                                                                --------   --------   --------   --------   ----------   ----------
        Average common shares outstanding(2)(7)...............     8,876      8,836      8,874      8,847       8,380        3,851
        Cash dividends per common share.......................  $   0.36   $   0.30   $   0.63   $  0.375    $  0.225     $   0.20
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
    Cash and investments......................................  $262,751   $243,800   $269,089   $231,789    $248,949     $ 81,994
    Total assets..............................................   386,310    375,950    393,465    353,794     349,251      205,484
    Losses and loss expenses..................................    66,509     75,154     72,719     81,836      71,442       88,668
    Notes payable(2)..........................................    65,475     69,700     67,775     69,700      75,000        5,250
    Total stockholders' equity................................   219,214    192,389    211,162    166,771     142,690       69,728
    Book value per common share...............................  $  24.99   $  22.06   $  24.15   $  21.27    $  18.06     $  11.20
    Return on average equity..................................      16.8%      25.2%      21.0%      22.9%       19.2%        (6.0)%
SELECTED GAAP DATA:(5)
    Loss ratio................................................      24.9%      30.8%      35.7%      47.6%       51.4%        82.1%
    Underwriting expense ratio................................      25.8%      17.0%      18.6%      14.8%       24.2%        44.2%
                                                                --------   --------   --------   --------   ----------   ----------
    Combined ratio............................................      50.7%      47.8%      54.3%      62.4%       75.6%       126.3%
SELECTED STATUTORY DATA:(6)
    Loss ratio................................................      25.2%      30.6%      35.8%      49.3%       51.9%        75.2%
    Underwriting expense ratio................................      23.2%      16.8%      18.5%      14.9%       22.2%        35.2%
                                                                --------   --------   --------   --------   ----------   ----------
    Combined ratio............................................      48.4%      47.4%      54.3%      64.2%       74.1%       110.4%
    Statutory capital and surplus of PXRE Reinsurance(2)......  $267,004   $226,589   $250,231   $211,988    $185,844     $ 65,221
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                1991(1)
                                                                --------
 
<S>                                                             <C>
INCOME DATA:
    Gross premiums written....................................  $ 66,462
                                                                --------
                                                                --------
    Net premiums written......................................    42,802
                                                                --------
                                                                --------
    Net premiums earned.......................................  $ 42,051
    Net investment income.....................................     4,692
    Net realized investment (losses) gains....................     1,509
    Gain on sale of subsidiary(4).............................       -0-
    Management fee income.....................................       336
    Agency commissions........................................       313
                                                                --------
        Total revenues........................................    48,901
                                                                --------
    Losses and loss expenses incurred.........................    28,861
    Acquisition costs, operating and interest costs...........    18,900
                                                                --------
    Income (loss) before income taxes, equity in net earnings
      of Transnational and cumulative effect of accounting
      change..................................................     1,140
    Equity in net earnings of Transnational(4)................       -0-
    Income tax provision (benefit)............................       188
                                                                --------
    Net income (loss).........................................       952
    Cumulative effect of accounting change....................       -0-
                                                                --------
    Net income (loss).........................................  $    952
                                                                --------
                                                                --------
    Preferred stock dividend..................................  $    -0-
    Primary earnings per common share:
        Net income (loss).....................................  $   0.25
                                                                --------
                                                                --------
        Average common shares outstanding(2)(7)...............     3,872
    Fully diluted earnings per common share:
        Net income (loss).....................................  $   0.25
                                                                --------
                                                                --------
        Average common shares outstanding(2)(7)...............     3,872
        Cash dividends per common share.......................  $   0.20
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
    Cash and investments......................................  $ 68,264
    Total assets..............................................   138,414
    Losses and loss expenses..................................    62,664
    Notes payable(2)..........................................     6,000
    Total stockholders' equity................................    51,269
    Book value per common share...............................  $  13.34
    Return on average equity..................................       1.8%
SELECTED GAAP DATA:(5)
    Loss ratio................................................      68.6%
    Underwriting expense ratio................................      42.0%
                                                                --------
    Combined ratio............................................     110.6%
SELECTED STATUTORY DATA:(6)
    Loss ratio................................................      69.3%
    Underwriting expense ratio................................      34.9%
                                                                --------
    Combined ratio............................................     104.2%
    Statutory capital and surplus of PXRE Reinsurance(2)......  $ 50,440
</TABLE>
 
                                                        (footnotes on next page)
 
                                       6
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
(footnotes from previous page)
 
(1) Effective  January 1, 1993,  PXRE adopted the  Financial Accounting Standard
    Board's ('FASB')  Statement  of  Financial  Accounting  Standards  No.  113,
    'Accounting   and   Reporting   for   Reinsurance   of   Short-Duration  and
    Long-Duration Contracts' ('SFAS  No. 113').  As a result  of such  adoption,
    PXRE effected a December 31, 1992 and 1991 balance sheet reclassification to
    assets  of $53,314,969 and $25,369,685 of reinsurance recoverables on losses
    and loss expense liabilities and $5,529,292 and $3,395,276 of ceded unearned
    premiums in  1992 and  1991,  respectively, both  of which  were  previously
    deducted  from liabilities. The  adoption of SFAS  No. 113 had  no effect on
    PXRE's net income for the years ended December 31, 1993 or 1992.
 
(2) During the second quarter of 1992,  PXRE completed an offering of  1,059,800
    depositary  shares,  each representing  1/100 of  a share  of PXRE  Series A
    Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock. The net proceeds of $24,403,000 were
    contributed to PXRE Reinsurance's surplus. During the first quarter of 1993,
    PXRE completed an offering of 2,300,000 shares of PXRE Common Stock. The net
    proceeds of $46,942,000 (except  for $5,000,000 which  was retained by  PXRE
    for  general  corporate  purposes) were  contributed  to  PXRE Reinsurance's
    surplus. During the  third quarter of  1993, PXRE completed  an offering  of
    $75,000,000  principal  amount  of  9.75% Senior  Notes  due  2003.  The net
    proceeds of $72,150,000 (except for approximately $3,938,000 which was  used
    by  PXRE  to repay  all amounts  outstanding  under and  retire a  term loan
    facility and $15,000,000 which was retained  by PXRE to provide support  for
    debt  service on  the Senior Notes)  were contributed  to PXRE Reinsurance's
    surplus.
 
(3) The FASB's Emerging Issues Task Force  ('EITF') reached a consensus on  July
    22,   1993  regarding   Issue  No.   93-6,  'Accounting   for  Multiple-Year
    Retrospectively-Rated Contracts  by Ceding  and Assuming  Enterprises.'  The
    EITF  consensus requires that affected companies should accrue the lesser of
    termination penalties or the effect  of prospective adjustments in rates  or
    coverages triggered by a loss event in the period that the loss is recorded.
    The EITF mandate required adoption of this consensus no later than the third
    quarter  of  1993. As  described  in Note  2  to the  Consolidated Financial
    Statements  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  1993,  PXRE  had   certain
    retrocessional  catastrophe coverage  for its  principal types  of business.
    Certain of these contracts were for three or more years and had  contractual
    adjustments regarding rates and/or coverages when losses are recovered under
    these  contracts. Although PXRE was provided  with the opportunity to cancel
    some of  these  contracts  without  penalty,  PXRE  chose  to  continue  the
    contracts  to  obtain the  coverage  provided thereunder.  Accordingly, PXRE
    believed that the  appropriate application  of the EITF's  consensus was  to
    record  in the third quarter of 1992 incremental premiums that resulted from
    Hurricane  Andrew  loss  recoveries  under  these  contracts.  This   change
    increased  1992 third quarter ceded  earned premiums by $5,772,000, deferred
    income tax benefit by $1,962,000, net loss by $3,810,000 and loss per common
    share by $0.99.  These adjustments were  determined on the  basis of  losses
    estimated  by PXRE at December 31,  1992. The financial statements for years
    prior to  1992  were  not  affected. Also,  due  to  additional  information
    received  during  the first  six months  of 1993  with respect  to Hurricane
    Andrew losses, PXRE reported, in the  second quarter of 1993, an  additional
    $2,500,000  of ceded  premium expenses through  the application  of the EITF
    consensus. The statutory  capital and  surplus of PXRE  Reinsurance has  not
    been adjusted.
 
(4) Until   the  fourth  quarter  of   1993,  Transnational  Reinsurance  was  a
    wholly-owned  subsidiary  of  PXRE  Reinsurance.  On  November  1,  1993,  a
    registration   statement  relating  to  an   initial  public  offering  (the
    'Offering') by Transnational  of 5,750,000 shares  of Transnational Class  A
    Stock  at $20.00 per  share was declared effective.  In conjunction with the
    formation of Transnational  and registration  of the  Transnational Class  A
    Stock in the Offering, all of the outstanding capital stock of Transnational
    Reinsurance was contributed by PXRE Reinsurance to Transnational in exchange
    for  the issuance of  1,535,848 shares of Transnational  Class B Stock which
    caused PXRE Reinsurance's
 
                                              (footnotes continued on next page)
 
                                       7
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
(footnotes continued from previous page)
    holdings of the  Transnational Class  B Stock  (when combined  with the  100
    shares  of Transnational  Class B Stock  contributed to  PXRE Reinsurance by
    PXRE  in  connection  with  the  closing  of  the  Offering)  to  constitute
    approximately  21%  of all  of  the outstanding  Transnational  Common Stock
    immediately  after  the   Offering.  Transnational,  through   Transnational
    Reinsurance,  now  specializes  principally in  providing  brokered property
    retrocessional  reinsurance   and   marine   and   aviation   retrocessional
    reinsurance  in the  United States and  international markets  pursuant to a
    Management Agreement with PXRE Reinsurance. As a result of this transaction,
    PXRE recorded a gain on the sale in the fourth quarter of 1993 amounting  to
    $10,564,000  on a  pre-tax basis,  representing the  difference between PXRE
    Reinsurance's interest  in  the  net  assets  of  Transnational  Reinsurance
    immediately  after  the  Offering  and  the  historical  book  value  of its
    investment in Transnational  Reinsurance. Subsequent to  the Offering,  PXRE
    has accounted for its investment in Transnational on the equity method.
 
(5) The  GAAP ratios have been derived  from the audited consolidated statements
    of income  of  PXRE prepared  in  accordance with  United  States  generally
    accepted accounting principles ('GAAP').
 
(6) The  statutory  ratios  have  been  derived  from  the  statutory  financial
    statements of  PXRE Reinsurance  and its  insurance subsidiary  prepared  in
    accordance  with statutory accounting practices  ('SAP') and exclude the net
    expenses of  PXRE  (parent  company)  and  its  non-insurance  subsidiaries,
    unrealized  foreign  exchange gains  and  losses, and  GAAP  adjustments for
    deferred acquisition costs and deferred income taxes.
 
(7) During 1995, all of the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock  were
    converted  into  shares of  PXRE Common  Stock.  To date,  these convertible
    preferred shares  were  the  principal reason  for  the  difference  between
    primary and fully diluted earnings per share.
 
                                       8
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
    SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF TRANSNATIONAL
 
     The  following table sets forth  selected historical consolidated financial
information of Transnational as of and for each of the years ended December  31,
1995,  1994, 1992 and 1991 and as of and for each of the six month periods ended
June 30,  1996 and  1995. The  1993  data represents  ten months  of  operations
(January 1, 1993 to October 31, 1993) related to Transnational Reinsurance prior
to the initial public offering and two months of operations (November 1, 1993 to
December  31, 1993) related to the  consolidated operations of Transnational and
Transnational  Reinsurance.  The  selected  historical  consolidated   financial
information  of Transnational for the years  ended December 31, 1995, 1994, 1992
and 1991 and  fiscal periods in  1993 are derived  from Transnational's  audited
consolidated  financial statements. The financial data for the six month periods
ended June  30,  1996  and  1995  are  derived  from  Transnational's  unaudited
consolidated financial statements and include, in the opinion of management, all
adjustments  (consisting  only  of normal  recurring  adjustments)  necessary to
present fairly the data for  the periods. The results  for the six months  ended
June  30, 1996  may not  be indicative  of the  results for  the full  year. The
following information  should  be  read in  conjunction  with  the  consolidated
financial  statements of Transnational and other financial information appearing
elsewhere   and    incorporated   by    reference    in   this    Joint    Proxy
Statement/Prospectus.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            SIX MONTHS            YEAR ENDED         TWO MONTHS       YEAR ENDED
                                                          ENDED JUNE 30,         DECEMBER 31,          ENDED         DECEMBER 31,
                                                        -------------------   -------------------   DECEMBER 31,   -----------------
                                                          1996       1995       1995       1994         1993       1993(1)    1992
                                                        --------   --------   --------   --------   ------------   -------   -------
                                                                   (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA AND PERCENTAGES)
<S>                                                     <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>            <C>       <C>
INCOME DATA:
    Gross premiums written............................  $ 28,902   $ 37,790   $ 71,692   $ 68,297     $  1,059     $1,108    $   156
                                                        --------   --------   --------   --------   ------------   -------   -------
                                                        --------   --------   --------   --------   ------------   -------   -------
    Net premiums written..............................    28,418     37,790     71,692     68,297        1,059      1,111        102
                                                        --------   --------   --------   --------   ------------   -------   -------
                                                        --------   --------   --------   --------   ------------   -------   -------
    Net premiums earned...............................  $ 26,835   $ 33,445   $ 70,524   $ 64,822     $    213     $  315    $   265
    Net investment income.............................     5,278      4,284      9,095      7,473          698      1,449        737
    Net realized investment (losses) gains............      (124)      (581)      (495)      (806)        (297)      (408 )       25
                                                        --------   --------   --------   --------   ------------   -------   -------
        Total revenues................................    31,989     37,148     79,124     71,489          614      1,356      1,027
    Losses and loss expenses incurred.................    10,641      8,140     21,063     29,805           33        155        376
    Acquisition costs and operating expenses..........     8,118      7,866     17,098     12,456           83        169        247
                                                        --------   --------   --------   --------   ------------   -------   -------
    Income before income taxes........................    13,230     21,142     40,963     29,228          498      1,032        404
    Income tax provision..............................     4,216      7,145     13,696      9,583          101        264        104
                                                        --------   --------   --------   --------   ------------   -------   -------
    Net income........................................  $  9,014   $ 13,997   $ 27,267   $ 19,645     $    397     $  768    $   300
    Net income per common share.......................  $   1.30   $   1.96   $   3.85   $   2.70     $   0.05        N/A        N/A
    Average common shares outstanding.................     6,961      7,142      7,082      7,285        7,286        N/A        N/A
    Cash dividends per common share...................  $   0.10   $   0.00   $   0.05        N/A          N/A        N/A        N/A
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
    Cash and investments..............................  $184,485   $160,522   $182,355   $143,665     $122,819               $11,563
    Total assets......................................   206,137    179,600    202,441    159,909      124,741                12,079
    Losses and loss expenses..........................    20,979     16,045     24,800     17,005          256                   446
    Total stockholders' equity........................   168,368    150,169    164,871    136,305      122,279                11,176
    Book value per common share.......................  $  24.40   $  21.40   $  23.50   $  18.84     $  16.78                   N/A
    Return on average equity..........................      13.8%      20.2%      18.1%      15.3%         N/A                   N/A
SELECTED GAAP DATA(2):
    Loss ratio........................................      39.7%      24.3%      29.9%      46.0%        15.8%      49.4 %   142.0%
    Underwriting expense ratio........................      30.3%      23.5%      24.2%      19.2%        38.6%      53.7 %    93.3%
                                                        --------   --------   --------   --------   ------------   -------   -------
    Combined ratio....................................      70.0%      47.8%      54.1%      65.2%        54.4%     103.1 %   235.3%
SELECTED STATUTORY DATA(3):
    Loss ratio........................................      39.6%      24.5%      29.9%      45.9%         N/A       49.4 %   142.0%
    Underwriting expense ratio........................      28.0%      22.1%      23.4%      18.0%         N/A       24.9 %   206.9%
                                                        --------   --------   --------   --------   ------------   -------   -------
    Combined ratio....................................      67.6%      46.6%      53.3%      63.9%         N/A       74.3 %   348.9%
    Statutory capital and surplus of Transnational
      Reinsurance.....................................  $155,688   $141,271   $151,924   $136,328     $117,664               $11,104
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                                         1991
                                                        -------
 
<S>                                                     <C>
INCOME DATA:
    Gross premiums written............................  $   409
                                                        -------
                                                        -------
    Net premiums written..............................      386
                                                        -------
                                                        -------
    Net premiums earned...............................  $   181
    Net investment income.............................      779
    Net realized investment (losses) gains............      225
                                                        -------
        Total revenues................................    1,185
    Losses and loss expenses incurred.................      167
    Acquisition costs and operating expenses..........      381
                                                        -------
    Income before income taxes........................      637
    Income tax provision..............................      184
                                                        -------
    Net income........................................  $   453
    Net income per common share.......................      N/A
    Average common shares outstanding.................      N/A
    Cash dividends per common share...................      N/A
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
    Cash and investments..............................  $11,207
    Total assets......................................   11,775
    Losses and loss expenses..........................      166
    Total stockholders' equity........................   10,876
    Book value per common share.......................      N/A
    Return on average equity..........................      N/A
SELECTED GAAP DATA(2):
    Loss ratio........................................     91.7%
    Underwriting expense ratio........................    210.2%
                                                        -------
    Combined ratio....................................    301.9%
SELECTED STATUTORY DATA(3):
    Loss ratio........................................     91.7%
    Underwriting expense ratio........................    109.6%
                                                        -------
    Combined ratio....................................    201.3%
    Statutory capital and surplus of Transnational
      Reinsurance.....................................  $10,746
</TABLE>
 
- ------------
 
(1) The  1993  data represents  ten  months of  operations  (January 1,  1993 to
    October 31, 1993) related to Transnational Reinsurance prior to the  initial
    public  offering and two months of  operations (November 1, 1993 to December
    31, 1993)  related  to  the consolidated  operations  of  Transnational  and
    Transnational Reinsurance.
 
(2) The  GAAP ratios have been derived  from the audited consolidated statements
    of income of Transnational prepared in accordance with GAAP.
 
(3) The  statutory  ratios  have  been  derived  from  the  statutory  financial
    statements  of Transnational Reinsurance prepared in accordance with SAP and
    exclude the  net expenses  of Transnational  (parent company)  and its  non-
    insurance subsidiary, unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses, and GAAP
    adjustments for deferred acquisition costs and deferred income taxes.
 
                                       9

<PAGE>
<PAGE>
                          SELECTED UNAUDITED PRO FORMA
              CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF PXRE
 
     The following selected unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statement
of  income for the twelve months ended December  31, 1995 and for the six months
ended June 30,  1996 presents operating  results of  PXRE as if  the Merger  had
occurred  on  January  1,  1995.  The  selected  unaudited  pro  forma condensed
consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 1996 gives effect to the Merger as  if
it had occurred on June 30, 1996. Pro forma adjustments are based upon available
information  and  certain  assumptions  that  management  of  PXRE  believes are
reasonable in the circumstances.
 
     The  selected  unaudited   pro  forma   condensed  consolidated   financial
information should be read in conjunction with the unaudited pro forma condensed
consolidated  statements  of  income  and  balance  sheet  and  the consolidated
financial statements of PXRE, including  notes thereto, and the other  financial
information  pertaining to PXRE and  Transnational contained elsewhere herein or
incorporated herein by  reference. The  selected unaudited  pro forma  condensed
consolidated  financial  information is  not intended  to  be indicative  of the
consolidated results of operations or financial position of PXRE that would have
been reported  if the  Merger  had occurred  at the  date  indicated or  of  the
consolidated results of future operations or of future financial position.
 
     The  Merger is accounted for  as a purchase in  accordance with GAAP. Under
purchase accounting,  the total  purchase  price is  allocated to  the  acquired
assets  and liabilities based  on their fair values.  Allocation of the purchase
price is  subject  to valuations  and  other  studies which  are  not  complete.
Accordingly,  the final allocation  may be different  from the amounts reflected
herein. However, management of  PXRE does not believe  such differences will  be
material.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    FOR THE SIX MONTHS      FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS
                                                                    ENDED JUNE 30, 1996    ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
                                                                    -------------------    -----------------------
                                                                        (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                                                 <C>                    <C>
Statement of Income Data:
     Net premiums written........................................         $64,505                 $ 169,328
     Net premiums earned.........................................          63,355                   167,666
     Net investment income.......................................          13,388                    23,825
     Net realized losses on investments..........................            (300)                     (410)
     Management fee income.......................................           2,398                     2,891
     Losses and loss expenses....................................          19,741                    55,779
     Acquisition costs, operating and interest expenses..........          23,525                    46,830
     Amortization of negative goodwill...........................            (297)                     (593)
     Income tax provision........................................          11,897                    31,201
     Net income..................................................          23,975                    60,755
     Fully diluted net income per share..........................         $  1.65                 $    4.17
     Fully diluted weighted average shares outstanding...........          14,559                    14,557
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                  JUNE 30, 1996
                                                                                               -------------------
                                                                                                 (IN THOUSANDS,
                                                                                                EXCEPT PER SHARE
                                                                                                      DATA)
<S>                                                                                            <C>
Balance Sheet Data:
     Total cash and investments.............................................................        $ 447,236
     Other assets...........................................................................           87,192
     Total assets...........................................................................          534,428
     Losses and loss expenses...............................................................           73,675
     Notes payable..........................................................................           65,475
     Total liabilities......................................................................          183,087
     Total stockholders' equity.............................................................          351,341
     Book value per share...................................................................        $   24.31
</TABLE>
 
                                       10
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
                           COMPARATIVE PER SHARE DATA
 
     Set  forth below  are historical fully  diluted operating  income per share
excluding net realized gains (losses), fully diluted net income per share,  cash
dividends  per share and  book value per  share data of  PXRE and Transnational,
unaudited pro forma  combined per  share data of  PXRE and  unaudited pro  forma
equivalent  per share  data of Transnational.  The unaudited  pro forma combined
data gives effect to  the Merger as if  it had occurred at  January 1, 1995  for
data  included in the statements of income and  June 30, 1996 for book value per
share data. The  data set forth  below should  be read in  conjunction with  (i)
PXRE's audited consolidated financial statements and unaudited interim financial
statements,  including the notes thereto, which are incorporated by reference in
this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus, (ii) Transnational's audited consolidated
financial statements and unaudited  interim financial statements, including  the
notes  thereto,  which  are  incorporated  by  reference  in  this  Joint  Proxy
Statement/Prospectus and (iii)  the unaudited pro  forma condensed  consolidated
financial  statements, including the notes  thereto, appearing elsewhere in this
Joint  Proxy  Statement/Prospectus.   See  'INCORPORATION   BY  REFERENCE'   and
'UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF PXRE'.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             PXRE                             TRANSNATIONAL
                                              ----------------------------------    ----------------------------------
                                               SIX MONTHS                            SIX MONTHS
                                               ENDED OR AT     YEAR ENDED OR AT      ENDED OR AT     YEAR ENDED OR AT
                                              JUNE 30, 1996    DECEMBER 31, 1995    JUNE 30, 1996    DECEMBER 31, 1995
                                              -------------    -----------------    -------------    -----------------
 
<S>                                           <C>              <C>                  <C>              <C>
Historical:
     Fully diluted operating income per
       share excluding net realized gains
       (losses), net of taxes..............      $  1.87            $  4.48            $  1.31            $  3.90
     Fully diluted net income per share....         1.86               4.48               1.30               3.85
     Cash dividends per share..............         0.36               0.63               0.10               0.05
     Book value per share..................        24.99              24.15              24.40              23.50
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              TRANSNATIONAL
                                                      PRO FORMA COMBINED                 PRO FORMA EQUIVALENTS(1)
                                              ----------------------------------    ----------------------------------
                                               SIX MONTHS                            SIX MONTHS
                                               ENDED OR AT     YEAR ENDED OR AT      ENDED OR AT     YEAR ENDED OR AT
                                              JUNE 30, 1996    DECEMBER 31, 1995    JUNE 30, 1996    DECEMBER 31, 1995
                                              -------------    -----------------    -------------    -----------------
<S>                                           <C>              <C>                  <C>              <C>
Pro forma:
     Fully diluted operating income per
       share excluding net realized gains
       (losses), net of taxes..............      $  1.66            $  4.19            $  1.76            $  4.43
     Fully diluted net income per share....         1.65               4.17               1.74               4.41
     Cash dividends per share(2)...........         0.36               0.63               0.38               0.67
     Book value per share..................        24.31              23.67              25.71              25.03
</TABLE>
 
- ------------
 
(1) The  Transnational pro  forma equivalent  data represents  the unaudited pro
    forma combined  fully  diluted  operating income  per  share  excluding  net
    realized  gains (losses), fully diluted net income per share, cash dividends
    per share and  book value per  share calculated on  the assumption that  the
    exchange  ratio will be 1.0575 shares of PXRE Common Stock for each share of
    Transnational Common Stock.
 
(2) Pro  forma  cash  dividends  per  share  are  assumed  to  be  the  same  as
    historically declared by PXRE. However, any decision to increase or decrease
    the cash dividend per share is at the discretion of the PXRE Board.
 
                                       11
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
                        MARKET PRICE DATA AND DIVIDENDS
 
     PXRE Common Stock and Transnational Class A Stock trade on NASDAQ under the
trading  symbols 'PXRE' and 'TREX', respectively. The following table sets forth
for the quarters indicated the high and low bid quotations for PXRE Common Stock
and Transnational Class A  Stock as reported by  NASDAQ. These prices  represent
quotations  by dealers and do not  include mark-ups, mark-downs, or commissions,
and do not necessarily represent actual transactions. The table also sets  forth
the  quarterly  per  share cash  dividends  declared  on PXRE  Common  Stock and
Transnational Common Stock, respectively.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           DIVIDENDS                                 DIVIDENDS
                                                         PXRE             DECLARED ON         TRANSNATIONAL         DECLARED ON
                                                     COMMON STOCK             PXRE            CLASS A STOCK         TRANSNATIONAL
                                                      BID PRICE           COMMON STOCK          BID PRICE           COMMON STOCK
                                               ------------------------   ------------   ------------------------   -------------
                                                  HIGH          LOW                         HIGH          LOW
                                               -----------  -----------                  -----------  -----------
<S>                                            <C>          <C>           <C>            <C>          <C>           <C>
1994:
     First quarter...........................   $   27.25    $  19.50        $0.075       $   26.25    $   17.25
     Second quarter..........................       27.50       18.50         0.075           24.50        17.25
     Third quarter...........................       29.00       23.00         0.075           25.25        20.50
     Fourth quarter..........................       28.25       23.25         0.15            22.75        18.75
1995:
     First quarter...........................       28.75       21.75         0.15            23.00        18.75
     Second quarter..........................       26.50       21.00         0.15            20.875       19.50
     Third quarter...........................       29.75       23.50         0.15            26.375       20.00
     Fourth quarter..........................       27.50       22.75         0.18            27.25        22.00       $0.05
1996:
     First quarter...........................       28.00       24.00         0.18            24.75        21.875       0.05
     Second quarter..........................       27.00       23.75         0.18            24.875       20.875       0.05
     Third quarter...........................       24.50       22.25         0.18            25.625       22.25        0.05
     Fourth quarter (through October 28).....       24.75       22.875        0.21(1)         25.375       24.125       (2)
</TABLE>
 
- ------------
 
(1) The PXRE Board raised  the quarterly dividend on  PXRE Common Stock to  $.21
    per  share  from $.18  per share  on  October 17,  1996, effective  with the
    quarterly dividend declared  on such date  which is payable  on December  2,
    1996 to the holders of record of PXRE Common Stock as of November 15, 1996.
 
(2) It  is anticipated that at its November meeting the Transnational Board will
    declare a quarterly dividend of $.05  per share on the Transnational  Common
    Stock,  the record date of  which will be (and the  payment date of which is
    expected to be) prior to the Closing Date.
 
     The following  table  sets forth  the  closing  sale price  per  share,  as
reported by NASDAQ, of PXRE Common Stock and Transnational Class A Stock on each
of  May 9, 1996 (the  last full trading day prior  to the public announcement of
the merger proposal by PXRE), August 21,  1996 (the last full trading day  prior
to the public announcement of the execution of the Merger Agreement) and October
28,  1996 (the most recent practicable trading day prior to the printing of this
Joint  Proxy  Statement/Prospectus),  and   equivalent  per  share  prices   for
Transnational Class A Stock based on the PXRE Common Stock prices:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  PXRE        TRANSNATIONAL    TRANSNATIONAL
                                                              COMMON STOCK    CLASS A STOCK     EQUIVALENT*
                                                              ------------    -------------    -------------
<S>                                                           <C>             <C>              <C>
May 9, 1996................................................      $24.00          $21.625          $ 25.38
August 21, 1996............................................      $23.00          $23.25           $ 24.32
October 28, 1996...........................................      $24.25          $25.00           $ 25.64
</TABLE>
 
- ------------
 
*  Calculated  by multiplying the closing price of  PXRE Common Stock as of each
   such date by the Exchange Ratio of 1.0575.
                            ------------------------
     BECAUSE THE EXCHANGE  RATIO IS FIXED  IN THE MERGER  AGREEMENT AND  NEITHER
PXRE  NOR TRANSNATIONAL HAS THE RIGHT TO TERMINATE THE MERGER AGREEMENT BASED ON
CHANGES IN THE MARKET  PRICE OF EITHER  PARTY'S STOCK, THE  MARKET VALUE OF  THE
SHARES  OF PXRE COMMON STOCK THAT  HOLDERS OF TRANSNATIONAL COMMON STOCK RECEIVE
IN THE  MERGER  MAY  VARY  SIGNIFICANTLY  FROM  THE  PRICES  SHOWN  ABOVE.  PXRE
STOCKHOLDERS  AND TRANSNATIONAL STOCKHOLDERS ARE  URGED TO OBTAIN CURRENT MARKET
QUOTATIONS FOR PXRE COMMON STOCK AND TRANSNATIONAL CLASS A STOCK.
 
     On the Record Date,  there were approximately 140  holders of record  (and,
based on PXRE's best information, approximately 2,000 beneficial owners) of PXRE
Common   Stock  and   approximately  15  holders   of  record   (and,  based  on
Transnational's best  information,  approximately 1,100  beneficial  owners)  of
Transnational Class A Stock.
 
                                       12

<PAGE>
<PAGE>
                              THE SPECIAL MEETINGS
 
PLACE, DATE AND TIME
 
     The  PXRE Special Meeting  will be held  on December 9,  1996 at 1:00 p.m.,
local time, at the offices of PXRE, 399 Thornall Street, 14th Floor, Edison, New
Jersey 08837.
 
     The Transnational Special Meeting will be held on December 9, 1996 at  3:00
p.m.,  local time,  at the offices  of Transnational, 399  Thornall Street, 14th
Floor, Edison, New Jersey 08837.
 
MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED AT THE SPECIAL MEETINGS
 
     PXRE. At the PXRE Special Meeting,  holders of shares of PXRE Common  Stock
will  consider and  vote upon  (i) a  proposal to  approve and  adopt the Merger
Agreement, including the issuance  of PXRE Common Stock  in connection with  the
Merger,  and (ii) a  proposal to approve  and adopt the  PXRE Charter Amendment.
Holders of PXRE Common Stock will also transact such other business relating  to
the  purposes for which the PXRE Special Meeting was called, or ancillary to the
conduct thereof, as  may properly be  brought before the  PXRE Special  Meeting.
Approval  of  the  Merger Agreement,  and  consummation  of the  Merger,  is not
conditioned upon approval of the PXRE Charter Amendment.
 
     THE BOARD  OF  DIRECTORS  OF  PXRE  HAS  UNANIMOUSLY  APPROVED  THE  MERGER
AGREEMENT  AND THE PXRE CHARTER AMENDMENT AND RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR APPROVAL AND
ADOPTION OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND  APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE PXRE  CHARTER
AMENDMENT.
 
     Transnational.  At the Transnational Special  Meeting, holders of shares of
Transnational Common Stock will consider and vote upon the approval and adoption
of the  Merger  Agreement.  Holders  of Transnational  Common  Stock  will  also
transact   such  other  business   relating  to  the   purposes  for  which  the
Transnational Special Meeting was called,  or ancillary to the conduct  thereof,
as may properly be brought before the Transnational Special Meeting.
 
     THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF TRANSNATIONAL, BASED IN SUBSTANTIAL PART UPON THE
UNANIMOUS  RECOMMENDATION  OF THE  SPECIAL  COMMITTEE, HAS  APPROVED  THE MERGER
AGREEMENT AND  RECOMMENDS  A  VOTE  FOR APPROVAL  AND  ADOPTION  OF  THE  MERGER
AGREEMENT.
 
RECORD DATE; QUORUM; VOTES REQUIRED
 
     PXRE. The PXRE Board has fixed the close of business on October 23, 1996 as
the  Record  Date for  the PXRE  Special Meeting.  Accordingly, only  holders of
record of PXRE Common Stock on the Record Date will be entitled to notice of and
to vote at the PXRE Special Meeting.  Holders of record of PXRE Common Stock  on
the  Record Date are  each entitled to one  vote per share on  each matter to be
voted on at the PXRE Special Meeting. As of the Record Date, 8,268,125 shares of
PXRE Common Stock  were issued  and outstanding  and held  by approximately  140
holders  of record  and, based on  PXRE's best  information, approximately 2,000
beneficial owners.
 
     A majority of  the shares of  PXRE Common Stock  outstanding on the  Record
Date  must be represented in  person or by proxy at  the PXRE Special Meeting in
order for a  quorum to  be present  for purposes of  voting on  approval of  the
Merger  Agreement  and  the PXRE  Charter  Amendment.  If an  executed  proxy is
returned and the stockholder has abstained from voting on approval and  adoption
of  the Merger Agreement  or approval of  the PXRE Charter  Amendment, or if any
executed proxy is returned by  a broker holding shares  of PXRE Common Stock  in
street  name  which indicates  that  the broker  does  not have  or  declines to
exercise discretionary  authority  to  vote such  shares  (a  so-called  'broker
non-vote'),  the shares represented by such  proxy will be considered present at
the PXRE  Special  Meeting for  purposes  of  determining whether  a  quorum  is
present.  In the event that a quorum is not present at the PXRE Special Meeting,
it is  expected that  such meeting  will be  adjourned or  postponed to  solicit
additional proxies.
 
                                       13
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
     The  approval  and  adoption  of  the  Merger  Agreement  will  require the
affirmative vote of the holders  of record of a majority  of the shares of  PXRE
Common  Stock  outstanding on  the  Record Date.  Approval  of the  PXRE Charter
Amendment will require  the affirmative vote  of both (i)  holders of more  than
two-thirds of the shares of PXRE Common Stock outstanding on the Record Date and
(ii)  an Independent  Majority of  PXRE Stockholders.  In determining  whether a
proposal has received the requisite number of affirmative votes, abstentions and
broker non-votes will have the same effect as a vote against the proposal.
 
     As of the Record Date, directors  and executive officers of PXRE and  their
affiliates  beneficially owned and were entitled  to vote 725,588 shares of PXRE
Common Stock (including 636,700 shares beneficially owned by Phoenix Home Life),
which  represented  approximately  9%  of  the  shares  of  PXRE  Common   Stock
outstanding  on the  Record Date. Each  PXRE director and  executive officer has
indicated his or her present  intention to vote or direct  the vote of the  PXRE
Common  Stock so owned by him or her or  over which he or she has voting control
for the approval and adoption of the  Merger Agreement and for the approval  and
adoption of the PXRE Charter Amendment.
 
     Transnational.  The Transnational Board has fixed  the close of business on
October 23,  1996 as  the Record  Date for  the Transnational  Special  Meeting.
Accordingly,  only holders of record of Transnational Common Stock on the Record
Date will be  entitled to notice  of and  to vote at  the Transnational  Special
Meeting.  Holders of record of Transnational Common Stock on the Record Date are
each entitled  to one  vote per  share on  each matter  to be  voted on  at  the
Transnational  Special  Meeting.  As of  the  Record Date,  5,365,400  shares of
Transnational  Class  A  Stock   were  issued  and   outstanding  and  held   by
approximately   15  holders  of  record   and,  based  on  Transnational's  best
information, approximately  1,100 beneficial  owners,  and 1,535,948  shares  of
Transnational  Class B  Stock were issued  and outstanding, all  of which shares
were held by PXRE Reinsurance.
 
     A majority of the shares of  Transnational Common Stock outstanding on  the
Record  Date must  be represented  in person  or by  proxy at  the Transnational
Special Meeting in order for  a quorum to be present  for purposes of voting  on
approval  of the  Merger Agreement.  If an  executed proxy  is returned  and the
stockholder has abstained  from voting on  approval and adoption  of the  Merger
Agreement,  the shares represented  by such proxy will  be considered present at
the Transnational Special Meeting for  purposes of determining whether a  quorum
is   present.  Broker  non-votes   will  also  be   considered  present  at  the
Transnational Special Meeting for  purposes of determining  whether a quorum  is
present.  In the event that a quorum is not present at the Transnational Special
Meeting, it is  expected that  such meeting will  be adjourned  or postponed  to
solicit additional proxies.
 
     The  approval  and  adoption  of  the  Merger  Agreement  will  require the
affirmative vote  of the  holders  of record  of a  majority  of the  shares  of
Transnational  Common  Stock  outstanding  on the  Record  Date.  In determining
whether a  proposal has  received  the requisite  number of  affirmative  votes,
abstentions and broker non-votes will have the same effect as a vote against the
proposal.
 
     As  of the Record  Date, directors and  executive officers of Transnational
and their affiliates (other than PXRE)  beneficially owned and were entitled  to
vote 9,050 shares of Transnational Class A Stock, which represented less than 1%
of  the shares of  Transnational Class A  Stock outstanding on  the Record Date.
Each Transnational  director and  executive officer  has indicated  his  present
intention  to  vote the  Transnational Class  A Stock  so owned  by him  for the
approval and adoption of  the Merger Agreement. Additionally,  as of the  Record
Date,  PXRE Reinsurance beneficially owned  and was entitled to  vote all of the
issued and outstanding shares of Transnational Class B Stock, which  represented
approximately 22% of the shares of Transnational Common Stock outstanding on the
Record  Date. All such shares  of Transnational Class B  Stock will be voted for
the approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement.
 
VOTING AND REVOCATION OF PROXIES
 
     Shares represented by all  properly executed proxies  received in time  for
the  Special  Meetings will  be voted  at  such Special  Meetings in  the manner
specified by the  holders thereof. Shares  represented by proxies  for which  no
voting  instructions are given  will be voted  in favor of  the Merger Agreement
and, in the case of proxies representing  shares of PXRE Common Stock, in  favor
of the PXRE Charter Amendment.
 
                                       14
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
     It is not expected that any matter other than those referred to herein will
be brought before either of the Special Meetings. If, however, other matters are
properly  presented for a vote, it is the  intention of the persons named in the
proxies to vote the shares to which said proxies relate in accordance with their
judgment with respect to such matters.
 
     The persons named  as proxies by  a PXRE or  Transnational stockholder  may
propose  and vote for one or more adjournments of the applicable Special Meeting
to permit further solicitations of proxies  in favor of any proposal;  provided,
however,  that  no proxy  which  is voted  against  the approval  of  the Merger
Agreement will be voted in favor of any such adjournment.
 
     The grant of a proxy  on the enclosed PXRE  or Transnational form does  not
preclude  a stockholder from voting in person.  A stockholder may revoke a proxy
at any time prior to its exercise by  filing with the Secretary of PXRE (in  the
case  of a PXRE stockholder) or the Secretary of Transnational (in the case of a
Transnational stockholder) a duly executed revocation of proxy, by submitting  a
duly  executed proxy  bearing a  later date  or by  appearing at  the applicable
Special Meeting and voting in person at such Special Meeting. Attendance at  the
relevant  Special Meeting will not, in and of itself, constitute revocation of a
proxy.
 
SOLICITATION OF PROXIES
 
     Each of PXRE and  Transnational will bear the  cost of the solicitation  of
proxies from its own stockholders, except that PXRE and Transnational will share
equally  the cost of printing this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus. In addition
to solicitation by mail, the directors,  officers and employees of each  company
and  its subsidiaries may  solicit proxies from stockholders  of such company by
telephone or telegram or in person. Corporate Communications Inc., the  investor
relations firm regularly retained by PXRE and Transnational, will also be called
upon  to solicit  proxies by  telephone or by  mail. The  fees of  such firm are
expected to be  approximately $7,000 plus  out-of-pocket expenses.  Arrangements
will  also  be made  with brokerage  houses and  other custodians,  nominees and
fiduciaries for the forwarding of solicitation material to the beneficial owners
of stock  held  of  record by  such  person,  and PXRE  and  Transnational  will
reimburse such custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for their reasonable out-of-
pocket expenses in connection therewith.
 
     TRANSNATIONAL  STOCKHOLDERS  SHOULD NOT  SEND  ANY STOCK  CERTIFICATES WITH
THEIR PROXY CARDS. THE PROCEDURE FOR THE EXCHANGE OF SHARES AFTER THE MERGER  IS
CONSUMMATED  IS SET  FORTH IN THIS  JOINT PROXY  STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS UNDER 'THE
MERGER  AGREEMENT  --   CONVERSION  OF  SHARES;   PROCEDURES  FOR  EXCHANGE   OF
CERTIFICATES; FRACTIONAL SHARES'.
 
                                 THE COMPANIES
 
PXRE
 
     PXRE,   through  its  subsidiary  PXRE  Reinsurance,  provides  treaty  and
facultative reinsurance to  primary insurers  and reinsurers  on commercial  and
personal  property risks, marine and aviation  risks and certain casualty risks.
PXRE solicits its treaty and facultative reinsurance business from the worldwide
brokerage market.  PXRE  also  employs  its  property  reinsurance  underwriting
expertise  and generates  management fee income  by managing  business for other
insurers and reinsurers, including Transnational.
 
     PXRE Reinsurance  is  licensed,  accredited,  or  otherwise  authorized  or
permitted  to  conduct  reinsurance  business in  all  states  (except Arkansas,
Hawaii, Kansas, Oklahoma, Vermont and  Washington) and the District of  Columbia
and Puerto Rico. PXRE Reinsurance has an A.M. Best rating of 'A (Excellent)' and
a Standard & Poors Corporation ('S&P') claims-paying rating of 'A-(Good).'
 
     PXRE's  executive offices are  located at 399  Thornall Street, Edison, New
Jersey 08837 and its telephone number is (908) 906-6785.
 
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     Additional information concerning PXRE  is included in  the PXRE Form  10-K
and the PXRE Forms 10-Q incorporated by reference herein.
 
TRANSNATIONAL
 
     Transnational,    through   its   subsidiary   Transnational   Reinsurance,
specializes in providing brokered property retrocessional reinsurance and marine
and aviation retrocessional reinsurance in  the U.S. and international  markets.
Transnational also writes marine and aviation reinsurance and facultative excess
of  loss  reinsurance.  Transnational  derives  its  business  pursuant  to  the
Management  Agreement  with  PXRE   Reinsurance.  Pursuant  to  the   Management
Agreement,  Transnational  Reinsurance  is entitled  to  participate  in certain
designated business written by PXRE  Reinsurance and PXRE Reinsurance  provides,
for  a fee,  underwriting and supervisory  services relating  to the reinsurance
operations of  Transnational  Reinsurance,  and  management  and  administrative
services  for Transnational and Transnational Reinsurance. PXRE Reinsurance owns
all  of  the  issued  and  outstanding  Transnational  Class  B  Common   Stock,
constituting  approximately 22% of the Transnational Common Stock outstanding as
of the date hereof. See 'RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PXRE AND TRANSNATIONAL'.
 
     Transnational Reinsurance is licensed or authorized to conduct  reinsurance
business  in the following states: Connecticut (its state of domicile), Alabama,
Alaska, Delaware, Kentucky, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico,  North
Carolina, Rhode Island, South Dakota and Virginia. Transnational Reinsurance has
an A.M. Best rating of 'A (Excellent)' and a S&P claims-paying rating of 'BBq'.
 
     Transnational's  executive  offices  are located  at  399  Thornall Street,
Edison, New Jersey 08837 and its telephone number is (908) 906-6785.
 
     Additional  information  concerning  Transnational   is  included  in   the
Transnational  Form  10-K  and  the  Transnational  Forms  10-Q  incorporated by
reference herein.
 
COMBINED COMPANY
 
     Giving effect to the Merger  as if it had occurred  on June 30, 1996,  PXRE
would  have had a total GAAP  stockholders' equity of approximately $351 million
and book  value  per  share  of  $24.31.  See  'UNAUDITED  PRO  FORMA  CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED  FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF PXRE'. Similarly,  at June 30, 1996, PXRE
Reinsurance and  Transnational Reinsurance  would  have had  combined  statutory
capital and surplus of approximately $386 million and their combined net written
premiums  in respect of property catastrophe exposures (71% of total net written
premiums)  would   have   been   comprised  of   catastrophe   reinsurance   and
retrocessional  reinsurance representing 19% and 52%, respectively, of total net
written premiums. As at June 30,  1996, PXRE Reinsurance's net written  premiums
in respect of property catastrophe exposures (73% of total net written premiums)
were   comprised  of  catastrophe  reinsurance  and  retrocessional  reinsurance
representing 34% and 39%, respectively,  of total net written premiums,  whereas
Transnational  Reinsurance's catastrophe component of  net written premiums (68%
of  total  net  written  premiums)   was  comprised  solely  of   retrocessional
reinsurance.  The  aforementioned analysis  of business  mix is  not necessarily
indicative of  business mix  of the  combined company  which may  result in  the
future  because, among other  reasons, the limitations on  the lines of business
currently written by Transnational Reinsurance will no longer apply.
 
                  RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PXRE AND TRANSNATIONAL
 
BACKGROUND
 
     In November 1993, Transnational, then a newly-organized subsidiary of PXRE,
effected  an  initial  public  offering  (the  'Offering'),  and  in  a  related
transaction  PXRE caused PXRE  Reinsurance to contribute  all of the outstanding
capital stock  of Transnational  Reinsurance (formerly  Transnational  Insurance
Company)   to  Transnational.  This  contribution   was  made  in  exchange  for
Transnational's
 
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issuance  to  PXRE  Reinsurance  of  shares  of  Transnational  Class  B  Stock,
convertible  on a one-for-one basis into  shares of Transnational Class A Stock,
which resulted in PXRE Reinsurance  owning approximately 21% of  Transnational's
total  issued and outstanding Common Stock  after completion of the Offering and
being entitled to designate  two of the five  directors of Transnational. As  of
the Record Date, PXRE owned (through PXRE Reinsurance) all outstanding shares of
Transnational  Class B Stock, representing  approximately 22% of the outstanding
shares of  Transnational  Common Stock.  Pursuant  to the  Management  Agreement
discussed below, PXRE Reinsurance undertook, for a fee, to manage the businesses
of   Transnational  and  Transnational  Reinsurance  including  the  reinsurance
operations of Transnational Reinsurance. To this  end, the officers of PXRE  and
PXRE  Reinsurance  serve  as  the officers  of  Transnational  and Transnational
Reinsurance. The  officers, while  not salaried  employees of  Transnational  or
Transnational  Reinsurance, are eligible to receive directly from Transnational,
pursuant to  the Transnational  Officer Incentive  Plan, cash  incentive  awards
based on the net income of Transnational. In addition, two of the five directors
of  Transnational, and four of the seven directors of Transnational Reinsurance,
are directors and/or officers of PXRE.
 
MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
 
     Since November 8, 1993, PXRE Reinsurance  has been party to the  Management
Agreement with Transnational and Transnational Reinsurance. Under the Management
Agreement,  PXRE Reinsurance has responsibility for the day-to-day operations of
Transnational and  Transnational  Reinsurance,  including  all  the  reinsurance
operations   of  Transnational  Reinsurance.   Transnational  and  Transnational
Reinsurance do not  have any operating  properties or systems  and they have  no
separate  management  or  employees,  all  of  their  executive  officers  being
executive officers or employees of  PXRE. Pursuant to the Management  Agreement,
PXRE  Reinsurance provides all the  operating facilities, systems, equipment and
management  and  clerical  personnel  required  to  conduct  the  businesses  of
Transnational and Transnational Reinsurance.
 
     Under  the  terms of  the  Management Agreement,  Transnational Reinsurance
shares in  PXRE  Reinsurance's  'new  business'  (defined  to  mean  reinsurance
business  from insurers and reinsurers which  have not ceded reinsurance to PXRE
Reinsurance during  the  twelve months  preceding  the date  of  the  Management
Agreement  and, therefore, are  not deemed current  clients of PXRE Reinsurance)
and 'additional business' (defined  to mean reinsurance  for current clients  of
PXRE  Reinsurance  which  does  not  replace  existing  coverage)  classified as
property retrocessional reinsurance business, marine and aviation retrocessional
reinsurance or marine and  aviation reinsurance and  facultative excess of  loss
reinsurance.  Transnational Reinsurance is entitled  to share similarly in other
property reinsurance business, if any, which PXRE Reinsurance may, from time  to
time,  propose that Transnational Reinsurance underwrite and which Transnational
Reinsurance's Board of Directors (by action  of a majority of the directors  not
affiliated with PXRE) may approve.
 
     PXRE  Reinsurance, with respect  to the foregoing  business, is required to
endeavor to write for Transnational Reinsurance a line generally at least  equal
to  PXRE  Reinsurance's  retained line  (i.e.,  gross  line net  after  pro rata
cessions to third  party companies  under existing  or substantially  equivalent
managed  business retrocessional  agreements), provided that  the maximum amount
written for  Transnational Reinsurance  may not  exceed three  times the  amount
retained  by  PXRE Reinsurance  (i.e., 75%  Transnational Reinsurance;  25% PXRE
Reinsurance). In the event it is not practical or feasible to write  reinsurance
direct  for Transnational Reinsurance,  PXRE Reinsurance is  required to use its
best efforts to retrocede such amount of the line written by it so as to achieve
the foregoing proportionate  sharing formula,  subject to  the establishment  of
appropriate  security  in  respect  of  Transnational  Reinsurance's obligations
thereunder. As a result, in  1995 Transnational Reinsurance assumed  $24,790,000
of premiums written from PXRE Reinsurance.
 
     With  respect  to  the renewal  of  policies written  under  the Management
Agreement, Transnational Reinsurance is entitled to at least the same proportion
of the combined lines  of Transnational Reinsurance and  PXRE Reinsurance as  it
had originally, subject to the foregoing limits.
 
     Although Transnational Reinsurance is not entitled to share in any business
written  by PXRE  Reinsurance for  current clients  (as described  above) or any
renewals thereof, PXRE Reinsurance has agreed to endeavor to increase the amount
of   reinsurance    written   by    it   with    respect   to    such    current
 
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clients,  which increase is considered 'additional business' for the purposes of
the Management  Agreement, and  is generally  allocated first  to  Transnational
Reinsurance  to the  extent required to  obtain for  Transnational Reinsurance a
line at least equal to PXRE Reinsurance's net line.
 
     Pursuant to  the  Management Agreement,  PXRE  Reinsurance is  required  to
present  to the Board of Directors of Transnational Reinsurance, at or about the
start of  each  management  year,  a business  plan  for  such  year,  including
projections  for each line  of business included  in Transnational Reinsurance's
underwriting guidelines then in effect, projections of aggregate gross  premiums
written  on a  'best case', 'worst  case' and  'most likely case'  basis and any
proposed changes in Transnational Reinsurance's underwriting guidelines for  the
year.  As part of any such business plan, or at any other time, PXRE Reinsurance
may present to  Transnational Reinsurance's  Board of Directors  a proposal  for
conducting  other property reinsurance business, whether or not such business is
of a type then underwritten  by PXRE Reinsurance for  its own account, but  PXRE
Reinsurance   is  not  obligated  to  present  such  business  to  Transnational
Reinsurance's Board of Directors prior to writing policies for its own account.
 
     Transnational Reinsurance pays PXRE Reinsurance an annual basic  management
fee  under the  Management Agreement  equal to  5% of  gross premiums (including
reinstatement  premiums   less  return   premiums)  written   of   Transnational
Reinsurance   and  its  consolidated  subsidiaries  (if  any)  as  reflected  in
Transnational Reinsurance's statutory quarterly and annual statements filed with
state insurance  authorities.  In  addition, PXRE  Reinsurance  is  entitled  to
receive  from Transnational a  contingent fee equal  to 20% of  'net income' (as
defined) in excess of a 20% 'return on equity' (as defined) of Transnational for
each year, or part thereof, that the Management Agreement remains effective (the
first such  year  having  commenced  on  January 1,  1994).  To  date,  no  such
contingent fee has been payable by Transnational to PXRE.
 
     If net income is not in excess of a 20% 'return on equity' (as defined), or
if  there is a  loss (the aggregate amount  of such shortfall  and loss, if any,
being considered a 'deficit'), the amount of the deficit is carried forward as a
debit item in the contingent fee computation for the ensuing management year  or
years and no contingent fee is considered as earned with respect to such ensuing
year or years until the previous deficit has been made good and a credit balance
has  been again restored. If net income is in excess of a 20% 'return on equity'
(i) 50% of the  contingent fee is payable  to PXRE Reinsurance by  Transnational
within  30  days after  the  delivery of  the computation  of  the same  by PXRE
Reinsurance, and  (ii) 50%  of the  net income  in excess  of a  20% 'return  on
equity'  is carried forward as  a credit item in  the contingent fee computation
for the  ensuing  management year  or  years,  except upon  termination  of  the
Management  Agreement the contingent  fee (including carryforwards  of debit and
credit items)  for the  management  year in  which  such termination  occurs  is
payable  in full with no negative amount being recoverable from PXRE Reinsurance
and no portion  of any positive  amount being subject  to being carried  forward
into future years.
 
     Transnational  and Transnational Reinsurance also pay all expenses directly
attributable to  them, including  a proportionate  share of  PXRE  Reinsurance's
rental expenses with respect to office space based on gross premiums written for
the management year.
 
     The  Management Agreement also addresses procedures for potential conflicts
of interest. Generally,  business opportunities presented  to Transnational  (or
Transnational  Reinsurance) or PXRE  (or PXRE Reinsurance),  other than business
opportunities that meet certain criteria  or involve (or are reasonably  related
to)  the  underwriting of  any property  or marine  and aviation  reinsurance or
insurance, must  be  presented to  a  four member  Coordinating  Committee  (the
'Committee') consisting of two independent directors of PXRE and two independent
directors  of either Transnational or Transnational Reinsurance, as the case may
be. This Committee then reviews  and evaluates the business opportunities  using
such  factors as they consider relevant.  Based upon such review and evaluation,
this Committee is required to make  recommendations to each respective Board  of
Directors as to whether or not such business opportunities should be pursued and
if  so,  by  which  company.  The  Boards of  Directors  must  then  act  on the
recommendation of  the Committee  (by  a vote  of their  respective  independent
directors)  after considering all  other factors relevant  to them. In addition,
any transaction,  agreement  or  other commercial  arrangement  proposed  to  be
entered  into  between Transnational  or Transnational  Reinsurance, on  the one
hand,   and   PXRE   or    PXRE   Reinsurance,   on    the   other   hand,    to
 
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the  extent such transaction, agreement or arrangement is material to any of the
parties thereto,  must  first be  presented  to  the Committee  for  review  and
evaluation  and approved by the respective  Boards of Directors of the companies
involved in the manner described above. The foregoing does not apply in the case
of  transactions,  agreements  or   arrangements  otherwise  addressed  in   the
Management  Agreement  and  in  the  case of  sales  between  such  companies of
marketable securities at the market prices thereof.
 
     Pursuant to  the  Management  Agreement, PXRE  Reinsurance's  liability  to
Transnational  and Transnational  Reinsurance in  respect thereof  is limited to
PXRE Reinsurance's willful misconduct or gross negligence, and Transnational and
Transnational Reinsurance have undertaken to  hold PXRE Reinsurance and  certain
other specified persons and entities (collectively, 'PXRE indemnitees') harmless
from  any  loss, claim,  damage, liability  or expense  (collectively, 'losses')
resulting to such PXRE indemnitees, based upon or related to the conduct by PXRE
Reinsurance of Transnational's and Transnational Reinsurance's business,  except
for  losses caused by PXRE Reinsurance's  willful misconduct or gross negligence
in respect of which PXRE Reinsurance  has agreed to indemnify Transnational  and
Transnational  Reinsurance. The Management Agreement  provides that in no event,
however,  will  PXRE  Reinsurance  be  responsible  for  losses  in  respect  of
retrocessional  and other reinsurance written by Transnational Reinsurance after
the Offering.
 
     The Management  Agreement has  an  initial term  ending December  31,  1998
(subject to automatic renewal for successive three year terms unless either PXRE
Reinsurance  gives or Transnational and  Transnational Reinsurance give at least
one year's advance written notice of non-renewal), subject to extension of  such
initial  term, as  described below,  in the event  of termination  of the Merger
Agreement  under  certain  circumstances.   The  Management  Agreement  may   be
terminated  by  Transnational  and  Transnational  Reinsurance  if Transnational
Reinsurance's gross written premiums  for a calendar  year fall below  specified
levels. The Management Agreement may also be terminated upon events constituting
a 'change of control' (as defined in the Management Agreement) of Transnational,
Transnational Reinsurance or PXRE, material breaches of the Management Agreement
by any party or if any party is subject to insolvency or similar proceedings. If
the  Management  Agreement is  terminated for  any  reason, PXRE  Reinsurance is
required, except in specified circumstances, to continue to provide  reinsurance
underwriting  and/or  the  other  services and  facilities  contemplated  by the
Management  Agreement,   if  requested   by  Transnational   and   Transnational
Reinsurance,  for up to twelve months, to enable Transnational and Transnational
Reinsurance  to  locate  facilities,  equipment,  personnel  and  management  to
continue their operations.
 
     If   gross  premiums   written  for   Transnational  Reinsurance   and  its
consolidated subsidiaries  (if  any) in  any  management year  as  reflected  in
Transnational  Reinsurance's statutory annual statement for such management year
filed with  state  insurance  authorities do  not  at  least equal  (i)  40%  of
Transnational Reinsurance's statutory surplus as regards policyholders as at the
end   of  the  previous  management  year,  reduced  by  certain  dividends  and
distributions, or  (ii) if  lower  than 40%  and only  if  the amount  of  gross
premiums   written  projected  as  the   'most  likely'  case  in  Transnational
Reinsurance's business plan for the particular management year is less than  the
'most  likely' case amount originally proposed  by PXRE Reinsurance, then 50% of
the amount of  gross premiums  written projected as  the 'most  likely' case  in
Transnational  Reinsurance's business  plan for  the particular  management year
(the applicable amount being referred to as the 'premium target'), Transnational
Reinsurance  may  elect  to  cancel  the  Management  Agreement.  Alternatively,
following the first such shortfall, Transnational Reinsurance may elect to cause
PXRE  Reinsurance to  place with Transnational  Reinsurance, for at  least a two
year period, a quota share of PXRE Reinsurance's entire portfolio of reinsurance
in an amount at least equal  to such shortfall. Transnational and  Transnational
Reinsurance  may cancel  the Management Agreement  if the aggregate  of all such
business in  any  succeeding management  year  still falls  below  the  'premium
target' for such succeeding management year.
 
     Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, in the event that the Merger Agreement is
terminated  under  certain  circumstances,  the  Management  Agreement  will  be
amended, effective upon  such termination,  to extend the  initial term  thereof
until  December 31, 2000  and to provide  that the Management  Agreement will be
subject to termination by  Transnational any time after  December 31, 1998  upon
one year's advance written notice.
 
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     Transnational  incurred a total of approximately $4,154,200, $3,510,000 and
$60,000 in  fees  and  expense  reimbursements to  PXRE  Reinsurance  under  the
Management Agreement during 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively.
 
     The Management Agreement will be terminated upon completion of the Merger.
 
PXRE REINSURANCE AGREEMENT
 
     PXRE  Reinsurance and Transnational Reinsurance are parties to an aggregate
excess of loss reinsurance agreement  (the 'PXRE Reinsurance Agreement'),  which
serves to protect Transnational Reinsurance against adverse loss development and
uncollectible   reinsurance  relating  to   business  written  by  Transnational
Reinsurance prior to  November 8,  1993. Under the  PXRE Reinsurance  Agreement,
PXRE Reinsurance has agreed to indemnify Transnational Reinsurance in respect of
business  written by  Transnational Reinsurance  prior to  November 8,  1993 for
development of losses in  excess of Transnational  Reinsurance's reserves as  of
September  30, 1993. In 1993, Transnational  Reinsurance paid a one-time premium
of $25,000 to PXRE Reinsurance under the PXRE Reinsurance Agreement. No  amounts
have  been paid by PXRE Reinsurance  to Transnational Reinsurance under the PXRE
Reinsurance Agreement.
 
REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT
 
     PXRE Reinsurance and  Transnational are  parties to  a registration  rights
agreement  (the  'Registration Rights  Agreement')  whereby PXRE  Reinsurance is
entitled to certain 'piggyback' and 'demand' registration rights, subject to the
conditions contained  in such  agreement.  In general,  in connection  with  any
registration   of  stock   pursuant  to   the  Registration   Rights  Agreement,
Transnational will bear  all registration  and filing  fees, printing  expenses,
fees   and  disbursements  of  counsel  for   each  of  Transnational  and  PXRE
Reinsurance, 'blue sky' fees and expenses and the expense of any special  audits
incident  to or required by any such registration. For each such registration of
Transnational stock,  PXRE Reinsurance  will  bear all  underwriting  discounts,
selling commission and transfer taxes applicable to such sales. The Registration
Rights Agreement will be terminated upon completion of the Merger.
 
CBOT JOINT VENTURE
 
     In  March  1995,  PXRE  and  Transnational  entered  into  a  joint venture
arrangement to trade in catastrophe futures and options contracts on the Chicago
Board of Trade ('CBOT'). PXRE and Transnational have each committed $2.5 million
to this venture. Although  the joint venture has  developed a number of  trading
strategies, the low level of activity in the CBOT market for catastrophe futures
has kept trade volume to a minimum through June 30, 1996.
 
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                                   THE MERGER
 
BACKGROUND OF THE MERGER
 
     Transnational  was organized  by PXRE in  November, 1993 as  a property and
marine and aviation retrocessional specialist to take advantage of opportunities
in the  retrocessional marketplace.  Transnational completed  an initial  public
offering  of its  Class A  Common Stock  on November  9, 1993,  after which PXRE
Reinsurance owned all  the outstanding  Class B Common  Stock of  Transnational,
representing approximately 21% of the Transnational Common Stock.
 
     Today, the reinsurance markets, rating agencies and the capital markets are
placing  increased importance on the size  and financial strength of reinsurance
companies. In addition, increased competition and the influx of capital into the
reinsurance industry, coupled with dampened demand for coverages, have  resulted
in  a  decrease  in pricing  in  many  segments of  the  catastrophe reinsurance
markets, in response to which Transnational  and PXRE in recent renewal  periods
have  been reducing their premiums written.  In response to these changed market
conditions, management of PXRE in the first quarter of 1996 began to explore the
possibility of a strategic  business combination with Transnational.  Management
of  PXRE believed  that the combination  of PXRE and  Transnational, which would
create a capital  base in  excess of $350  million, would  improve the  combined
company's  position in the reinsurance markets,  with rating agencies and in the
capital markets. Also, management of PXRE believed that a strategic  combination
with Transnational could result in management efficiencies and cost savings.
 
     On  April  16, 1996,  management of  PXRE  raised with  the PXRE  Board the
concept of a strategic combination with Transnational and discussed the  factors
described  above. The PXRE Board affirmed its willingness to explore the concept
of such a combination  and appointed a committee  of three directors (the  'PXRE
Committee'),  consisting  of  Edward  P. Lyons,  Wendy  Luscombe  and  Donald H.
Trautlein, to consider the concept further, including meeting with PXRE's  legal
and financial advisers, and to supervise the process.
 
     On  April 18, 1996, Gerald  L. Radke, the Chairman  of the Board, President
and Chief  Executive  Officer  of  PXRE and  Transnational,  advised  the  three
independent directors of Transnational (Messrs. Thomas H. Fox, Franklin D. Haftl
and  William L. Musser,  Jr.) that the  PXRE Board had  authorized him to advise
them that PXRE had determined to explore the concept of a strategic  combination
with  Transnational.  In light  of the  relationship  between the  two companies
(including PXRE's designation of two  directors to the Transnational Board),  it
was  determined that the three independent  directors should meet separately and
retain independent legal and financial advisers.
 
     Subsequent to Mr. Radke's  April 18 advice, Messrs.  Fox, Haftl and  Musser
held  discussions  amongst  themselves  in  late  April,  1996  regarding  their
anticipated role as independent directors of Transnational should a proposal  be
made  by  PXRE  for  a business  combination  with  Transnational.  During those
discussions, the  independent directors  of Transnational  determined to  retain
Davis  Polk  & Wardwell  ('Davis Polk')  in the  event such  a proposal  were to
materialize.
 
     Dillon Read  was retained  to advise  PXRE in  connection with  a  possible
transaction in late April, 1996.
 
     The  PXRE Committee  met with  representatives of  Dillon Read  and Morgan,
Lewis & Bockius LLP ('Morgan Lewis') on May 9, 1996. At this meeting Dillon Read
made a presentation  to the  PXRE Committee which  included a  review of,  among
other  things, current reinsurance industry  conditions and recent consolidation
trends in the reinsurance industry, summary market and financial information for
selected  reinsurance  companies  and  a  financial  and  business  overview  of
Transnational.  Dillon Read  also reviewed  various valuation  methodologies and
negotiation strategies.  At the  same  meeting, Morgan  Lewis advised  the  PXRE
Committee  generally  as to  the relevant  aspects of  Delaware law  and federal
securities laws. Also at this meeting,  the PXRE Committee developed an  initial
proposal  for the merger of Transnational and PXRE. Thereafter, on May 10, 1996,
PXRE submitted to Transnational a proposal for a strategic business  combination
of  PXRE and Transnational,  designed to be  on a tax-free  basis and subject to
specified conditions, at an  exchange ratio of .98  shares of PXRE Common  Stock
for  each share of Transnational Class A  Stock. PXRE announced that it had made
the initial proposal on May 10, 1996.
 
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     In response to PXRE's  proposal, Transnational's independent directors  met
by conference on May 10, 1996 to constitute themselves as a special committee of
the  Transnational  Board  (the  'Special  Committee')  in  connection  with the
proposal, and  Mr.  Fox  was  designated  Chairman  of  the  Special  Committee.
Transnational,  on May 13, 1996, announced that it had received the proposal and
that a  special committee  of independent  directors of  Transnational would  be
formed  to consider  the proposal with  the assistance of  independent legal and
financial advisers.  By action  of  the Transnational  Board  on May  13,  1996,
establishment  of the  Special Committee  consisting of  Messrs. Fox,  Haftl and
Musser was ratified, and the Special  Committee was delegated full authority  to
review,  evaluate and  reach a determination  with respect to  the PXRE proposal
(including authority to  negotiate with  respect to  the terms  of any  business
combination  with PXRE),  any alternatives  available to  Transnational, and any
other proposals  that might  be received  for a  business combination  involving
Transnational  or  all  or substantially  all  of its  assets.  Furthermore, the
Transnational Board authorized the  retention of legal  counsel and a  financial
adviser  by the Special Committee to assist  in its review and evaluation of the
PXRE proposal and any other potential proposals. The Special Committee  retained
Davis  Polk as its legal  counsel and DLJ as its  financial adviser to assist in
its review  and  evaluation  of  the  PXRE  proposal  and  any  other  potential
proposals.
 
     On  May 15, 1996, a putative class action lawsuit was filed in the Court of
Chancery of  the State  of  Delaware which  named  PXRE, Transnational  and  the
directors  of Transnational, including certain persons  who are also officers of
PXRE and Transnational,  as defendants.  See 'THE MERGER  -- Certain  Litigation
Concerning the Proposed Merger'.
 
     At a Special Committee meeting held on May 20, 1996, Davis Polk advised the
Special  Committee generally as to the relevant  aspects of Delaware law and the
legal duties  of the  Special Committee.  Davis Polk  also advised  the  Special
Committee  as to the status of the aforementioned lawsuit and answered questions
of the Special Committee relating thereto.
 
     At the same meeting, DLJ made  an introductory presentation to the  Special
Committee  regarding the proposal and there  was a preliminary discussion of the
proposal and possible alternatives thereto. The Special Committee instructed DLJ
to initiate contact with third parties  whom DLJ thought might be interested  in
an  alternative transaction with Transnational and to analyze, as an alternative
to the PXRE proposal, the prospects of Transnational operating as a  stand-alone
company.
 
     The  Transnational  annual meeting  of stockholders  and  a meeting  of the
Transnational Board were held on May 21, 1996.
 
     Commencing on  or  about  May  20, 1996,  PXRE  furnished  to  the  Special
Committee's   advisers  copies   of  various   documents  concerning   PXRE  and
Transnational to  facilitate such  advisers' due  diligence review  of PXRE  and
Transnational  on behalf of the Special  Committee with respect to the proposal.
On May 23, 1996, Davis Polk submitted a request for copies of further  documents
in  connection with such due diligence  review. Such documents were furnished by
PXRE as requested. DLJ and Davis Polk engaged in a due diligence review of  such
materials.
 
     On  May  24, 1996,  Morgan  Lewis distributed  a  first draft  of  a merger
agreement to the Special Committee and its advisers.
 
     On May 29, 1996, management of PXRE conducted a due diligence  presentation
regarding  the  business and  affairs  of both  PXRE  and Transnational  for the
Special Committee and its financial and legal advisers.
 
     The annual meeting of stockholders of PXRE and a meeting of the PXRE  Board
were  held on June 6, 1996. At the meeting of the PXRE Board, Dillon Read made a
presentation which included a review of, among other things, current reinsurance
industry conditions and recent consolidation trends in the reinsurance industry,
summary market and financial information for selected reinsurance companies  and
a  financial and business  overview of Transnational.  Dillon Read also reviewed
the initial merger proposal and  various valuation methodologies to be  utilized
by Dillon Read in its financial analysis of the Merger and answered questions of
the  Board  relating to  costs  associated with  raising  capital in  the public
markets. The  Dillon  Read presentation  was  preliminary and  informational  in
nature  and was intended primarily to review  with the PXRE Board certain issues
that would  require  resolution  in negotiations  with  Transnational's  Special
Committee. At this meeting Morgan Lewis
 
                                       22
 
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<PAGE>
advised  the  PXRE Board  as to  the  status of  the aforementioned  lawsuit and
answered questions of the PXRE Board relating thereto.
 
     The Special Committee met with its legal and financial advisers, in  person
or  by conference, on numerous occasions during June and July of 1996 to discuss
and analyze the PXRE proposal, to formulate a possible counter-proposal thereto,
to receive reports  from DLJ with  respect to DLJ's  exploration of  alternative
transactions, and to review and consider alternatives to the PXRE proposal. At a
Special  Committee meeting on June 10, 1996, DLJ led a general discussion of the
PXRE  proposal   and  of   potential  alternative   transactions  available   to
Transnational,   and  Davis  Polk  updated  the   Committee  on  the  status  of
negotiations regarding  a proposed  confidentiality agreement  between PXRE  and
Transnational.  Davis Polk  also led a  preliminary discussion  on the principal
issues presented  in the  May 24,  1996  draft merger  agreement that  had  been
received from Morgan Lewis.
 
     At  a Special Committee meeting on June 14, 1996, DLJ led a further general
discussion of the  proposal and of  DLJ's evaluation and  analysis thereof.  DLJ
also  updated  the  Special  Committee on  its  discussions  with  third parties
regarding potential  alternative transactions  available to  Transnational.  DLJ
also  advised the Special Committee that it had been invited to meet with Dillon
Read on  June  18, 1996  to  discuss the  proposal,  and the  Special  Committee
determined  that it was advisable  for DLJ to attend  such meeting. DLJ attended
the June 18 meeting with Dillon Read and presented and explained to Dillon  Read
the  Special Committee's thinking on the PXRE proposal. That evening DLJ updated
the Special Committee on its discussions with Dillon Read.
 
     On June 20, 1996, DLJ presented for consideration by the Special  Committee
DLJ's  analysis  of  various  possible  counter-offer  proposals  that  might be
submitted to PXRE in response  to PXRE's proposal. Such possible  counter-offers
included  consideration of a number of  variations generally designed to provide
greater value to Transnational stockholders through the merger, including, among
other things, (i) increasing the exchange  ratio at which Transnational Class  A
Stock  would be converted into PXRE Common Stock in the merger and providing for
a 'collar' provision (a 'Collar') to provide certain protection to Transnational
stockholders against  significant downward  fluctuations in  the price  of  PXRE
Common  Stock by establishing  a minimum value  to be received  in the merger by
(while also limiting the potential upside to) Transnational stockholders, and/or
(ii) providing a  combination of  PXRE Common  Stock, warrants  to acquire  PXRE
Common  Stock and  cash to Transnational  stockholders in  the merger. Following
discussion of such counter-proposals, the  Special Committee requested that  DLJ
conduct  further  analysis with  respect  thereto with  a  view to  developing a
counter-proposal for submission to PXRE and its advisers.
 
     Reciprocal  confidentiality  agreements  were  executed  between  PXRE  and
Transnational on or about June 26, 1996.
 
     On   June  27,   1996,  DLJ   presented  a   revised  set   of  alternative
counter-proposals  for  consideration  by   the  Special  Committee.   Following
discussion  thereon  and  based  on  the advice  of  its  advisers,  the Special
Committee favored a counter-proposal (the 'Transnational Counter-Proposal') that
represented  merger  consideration  per  share  of  Transnational  Common  Stock
consisting of .98 shares of PXRE Common Stock (including a Collar of $4.00 above
and  below the average closing  price of PXRE Common  Stock for the ten business
days prior to the signing of the merger agreement) plus warrants to purchase .31
shares of PXRE Common Stock. The principal proposed terms of such warrants  were
(i)  an exercise price per share equal to the average closing price per share of
PXRE Common  Stock  for  the ten  business  days  prior to  signing  the  merger
agreement,  (ii) expiration within  six months following  the occurrence of both
(x) a market  loss of  at least $20  billion and  (y) the market  price of  PXRE
Common  Stock being at least 150% of the  warrant exercise price for at least 20
consecutive trading days, and (iii) otherwise a ten-year term.
 
     The Special Committee and its advisers were of the view that including such
warrants in  the  merger  consideration would  be  attractive  to  Transnational
stockholders in that such warrants would enable such stockholders to participate
in future upside with respect to PXRE Common Stock separate from and in addition
to  the shares  of PXRE Common  Stock to be  received in the  merger, while also
being attractive to  PXRE by providing  economical access to  capital at a  time
when  capital-raising  might  be  desirable to  PXRE.  Accordingly,  the Special
Committee authorized DLJ to submit the Transnational Counter-Proposal to PXRE.
 
                                       23
 
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<PAGE>
     DLJ presented the Transnational Counter-Proposal to PXRE and Dillon Read at
a meeting on  July 9, 1996.  Mr. Radke and  Dillon Read requested  clarification
thereof but offered no response thereto at that time.
 
     In  mid-July, the PXRE Committee met on a number of occasions by conference
with PXRE's legal and financial advisers and Messrs. Radke and Kimmel to discuss
the Transnational  Counter-Proposal. During  this time  period discussions  were
also held between Dillon Read and DLJ to clarify and elaborate on the provisions
of  the Transnational  Counter-Proposal. On  July 15,  1996, the  PXRE Committee
authorized Dillon  Read  to advise  DLJ  that  PXRE could,  subject  to  certain
conditions  (principally,  negotiation  of  a  definitive  merger  agreement and
satisfactory  settlement  terms  being  reached   with  the  plaintiff  in   the
aforementioned lawsuit), raise its offer to 1.04 shares of PXRE Common Stock for
each  share of Transnational Common Stock, but that the warrants and Collar were
not acceptable.
 
     On or  about  July 16,  1996,  Dillon Read  communicated  to DLJ  that  the
Transnational   Counter-Proposal  was  not  acceptable  to  PXRE  and  that,  in
particular, PXRE  did not  favor the  inclusion of  any warrants  in the  merger
consideration.  Dillon Read  responded to the  Transnational Counter-Proposal by
submitting a revised proposal from PXRE which constituted an increased  exchange
ratio of 1.04 shares of PXRE Common Stock for each share of Transnational Common
Stock  in the merger, without  any Collar provision. At  that point, the Special
Committee instructed DLJ to meet again  with Dillon Read to continue to  explore
the  inclusion of  warrants in  the merger  consideration and  to gain  a better
understanding of PXRE's exclusion thereof  in its revised proposal. Following  a
series  of discussions on such  matters between Dillon Read  and DLJ towards the
end of  July, DLJ,  on behalf  of  the Special  Committee, submitted  a  revised
counter-proposal  to PXRE  which constituted  merger consideration  per share of
Transnational Common Stock consisting  of (i) 0.98 shares  of PXRE Common  Stock
plus  (ii) warrants to purchase  .25 shares of PXRE  Common Stock (the principal
terms  of  the  proposed  warrants  being  the  same  as  in  the  Transnational
Counter-Proposal).
 
     On  July 29, 1996, the  PXRE Committee met with  PXRE's legal and financial
advisers and Messrs. Radke  and Kimmel to  discuss the revised  counter-proposal
and, in particular, to explore further the implications of including warrants as
part  of the merger consideration. The  PXRE Committee authorized Dillon Read to
continue discussions  with DLJ  and also  authorized Mr.  Radke to  discuss  its
concerns directly with the Special Committee.
 
     In  early August,  1996, representatives  of PXRE  and Transnational  had a
number of discussions  in which PXRE  indicated its desire  to exclude  warrants
from   the  merger   consideration  because,   among  other   things,  a  merger
consideration based on a  fixed exchange ratio without  warrants provided for  a
less  complex transaction, including warrants  in the merger consideration would
make the transaction partially taxable to Transnational stockholders and  entail
additional legal and administrative costs to PXRE, and PXRE did not favor giving
Transnational stockholders a right to acquire PXRE Common Stock in the future at
current  prices separate from and in addition to the shares of PXRE Common Stock
to be received in the merger.
 
     Consistent with PXRE's desire  to structure the  merger consideration as  a
fixed  exchange  ratio, the  financial advisers  of  PXRE and  Transnational had
numerous  discussions  during  that  time  regarding  the  parties'   respective
positions  on such exchange ratio. Following  these discussions, Mr. Fox and Mr.
Radke had a discussion on August 6,  1996 during which Mr. Radke indicated  that
the  PXRE Committee would  be willing to  proceed based on  an exchange ratio of
1.055. Mr. Fox communicated the Special Committee's view that an exchange  ratio
of  1.055 was not acceptable, but that the Special Committee would be willing to
accept an exchange ratio  of 1.06. Mr.  Radke communicated to  Mr. Fox the  PXRE
Committee's  view that  this counter-proposal was  not acceptable.  On August 7,
1996, Mr. Haftl had a further discussion  with Mr. Radke in an attempt to  reach
an  agreement on the exchange  ratio. In a subsequent  conversation on August 8,
1996, Messrs. Radke and Fox agreed to an exchange ratio of 1.0575.
 
     On August 8, 1996, Davis Polk provided to Morgan Lewis written comments  of
the  Special Committee  and its advisers  on the draft  merger agreement. Morgan
Lewis and  Davis Polk  commenced negotiation  of the  provisions of  the  merger
agreement  on August 9, 1996. A  negotiating session attended by representatives
of PXRE,  the  Special Committee  and  their  respective advisers  was  held  at
 
                                       24
 
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<PAGE>
Morgan Lewis' offices on August 12, 1996 to discuss the remaining open points in
the  draft  merger  agreement.  A  revised draft  of  the  merger  agreement was
distributed by Morgan Lewis on August  13, 1996 and Davis Polk provided  written
comments to Morgan Lewis thereon on August 15, 1996.
 
     On  August 12, 1996,  representatives of DLJ and  the Special Committee met
with the  legal  counsel  and the  financial  expert  of the  plaintiff  in  the
aforementioned lawsuit.
 
     The  parties continued arms-length negotiations  until the definitive terms
of the merger  agreement were finalized,  subject to agreement  in principle  on
satisfactory   settlement  terms  being  reached   with  the  plaintiff  in  the
aforementioned lawsuit  and the  approval of  the PXRE  Board and  Transnational
Board.
 
     On  August 21, 1996, a  meeting of the Special  Committee was held at which
DLJ reviewed and updated presentations previously made to the Special Committee,
including its valuation methodologies used in its evaluation of the fairness  to
the  holders of Transnational Class A Stock,  from a financial point of view, of
the consideration to  be paid  to such  holders by PXRE  in the  merger. At  the
meeting,  DLJ presented to  the Special Committee DLJ's  oral opinion (which was
presented in writing on August  22, 1996) to the effect  that, as of such  date,
the right to receive 1.0575 shares of PXRE Common Stock into which each share of
Transnational  Class A Stock would be converted pursuant to the merger agreement
was fair to the holders of Transnational Class A Stock from a financial point of
view. See 'Opinion of  DLJ'. Following DLJ's  presentation, Davis Polk  reviewed
the  proposed merger agreement and noted that no material terms thereof remained
open. Davis Polk also advised the Special Committee that a tentative  settlement
of the lawsuit filed by a Transnational stockholder with respect to the proposed
merger  had been reached on the  basis of the terms of  the merger that had been
described to the Special Committee at  the meeting. After full consideration  of
the negotiations with PXRE, the draft of the merger agreement, the financial and
other  terms of  the merger, the  status of the  lawsuit, and in  light of DLJ's
fairness opinion, the Special  Committee voted unanimously  that (i) the  merger
agreement  and the  proposed merger and  other transactions  contemplated by the
merger agreement (collectively, the 'Merger Proposal') were fair to, and in  the
best  interests of, the holders of Transnational Class A Stock, and (ii) subject
to approval of the merger  and related matters by the  PXRE Board on August  22,
1996,  to recommend the Merger Proposal  for approval by the Transnational Board
and to recommend that the Transnational Board recommend that the stockholders of
Transnational approve the Merger Proposal. A meeting of the Transnational  Board
was  then held (with Messrs. Radke and Kimmel absent) at which the Transnational
Board, subject to approval of the merger  and related matters by the PXRE  Board
on  August  22, 1996,  approved  the Merger  Proposal  and recommended  that the
stockholders of Transnational approve the Merger Proposal.
 
     On August 22,  1996, the PXRE  Board held  a meeting at  which Dillon  Read
summarized  the negotiations that resulted in  the terms of the proposed merger,
including  the  Exchange  Ratio  and  reviewed  and  updated  the   presentation
previously  made to the directors, including the various valuation methodologies
used by Dillon Read in its analysis of the fairness to the stockholders of PXRE,
from a financial point of view, of the  consideration to be paid by PXRE in  the
merger.  Dillon Read then presented  a copy of Dillon  Read's written opinion to
the effect that, as of such date, the consideration to be paid by PXRE  pursuant
to  the merger agreement was fair to  the stockholders of PXRE, from a financial
point of view. See 'Opinion of Dillon Read'. At the conclusion of Dillon  Read's
presentation,  representatives of Morgan Lewis then reviewed the proposed merger
agreement and discussed certain of its terms  and advised the PXRE Board that  a
tentative settlement of the lawsuit with respect to the proposed merger filed by
a stockholder of Transnational had been reached on the basis of the terms of the
merger  that had  been described to  the PXRE  Board at the  meeting. After full
consideration of the negotiations with the  Special Committee, the draft of  the
merger  agreement, the financial and other terms  of the merger, and in light of
the fairness opinion of Dillon Read, the PXRE Board voted unanimously to approve
the merger agreement  and to  recommend that the  stockholders of  PXRE vote  in
favor  of  the approval  and  adoption of  the  merger agreement,  including the
issuance of shares of PXRE Common Stock provided for therein.
 
     PXRE and  Transnational each  executed the  Merger Agreement  and issued  a
joint  press release announcing that they  had entered into the Merger Agreement
on the morning of August  22, 1996. On August  23, 1996, PXRE and  Transnational
announced    that    an    agreement    in    principle    had    been   reached
 
                                       25
 
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<PAGE>
respecting settlement  of  the lawsuit  relating  to the  Merger.  See  'Certain
Litigation Concerning the Proposed Merger'.
 
     PXRE  and  Transnational  each  executed  Amendment  No.  1  to  the Merger
Agreement as of September 27, 1996 and  Amendment No. 2 to the Merger  Agreement
as  of  October 24,  1996. The  Amendments  reflected certain  technical changes
required to be made to the Merger Agreement.
 
RECOMMENDATION OF THE PXRE BOARD; REASONS FOR THE MERGER
 
     The PXRE Board concluded that  the terms of the Merger  are fair to and  in
the  best interests  of PXRE and  its stockholders. Accordingly,  the PXRE Board
unanimously approved the  Merger Agreement and  recommends that stockholders  of
PXRE  vote FOR the approval and adoption  of the Merger Agreement, including the
issuance of shares  of PXRE Common  Stock provided for  therein. The PXRE  Board
considered  the  fact  that  the  Merger  will  provide  PXRE  and Transnational
stockholders with an  ongoing equity  interest in  a single  corporation with  a
higher  capital base. As ceding companies  continue to emphasize size in placing
reinsurance, and rating agencies increasingly stress the size of capital base in
rating decisions, the significant increase in size achieved by combining the two
companies should make  PXRE a stronger  participant in the  market, even  though
many  of the other major property catastrophe reinsurers continue to have larger
capital bases than PXRE. The Merger will also result in management  efficiencies
and  will eliminate various expenses associated with the operation of two public
companies.
 
     In reaching  its  conclusion,  the  PXRE  Board  considered  the  following
material factors:
 
          1.   Information  concerning  the  financial  performance,  condition,
     business operations and prospects of each of PXRE and Transnational.
 
          2. The proposed terms and structure  of the transaction and the  terms
     and conditions of the Merger Agreement.
 
          3.  The effects of the Merger on PXRE's existing stockholders, as well
     as the  effect  of  the  Merger  on  employees  and  clients  of  PXRE  and
     Transnational.
 
          4.  The current  book values per  share of PXRE  and Transnational and
     current and historical market prices of PXRE Common Stock and Transnational
     Class A Stock.
 
          5. The costs associated with raising capital in the public markets.
 
          6. The  opinion  of Dillon  Read,  dated  August 22,  1996,  that  the
     consideration  to be paid pursuant  to the Merger Agreement  is fair to the
     stockholders of  PXRE, from  a financial  point of  view. See  'Opinion  of
     Dillon Read'.
 
          7.  The proposed settlement of the  litigation relating to the Merger.
     See 'Certain Litigation Concerning the Merger'.
 
          8. The regulatory approvals required to consummate the Merger and  the
     favorable prospects for receiving all such approvals.
 
     In  view  of  the variety  of  factors  considered in  connection  with the
evaluation of the Merger, the PXRE Board did not find it practicable to, and did
not, quantify  or otherwise  assign  relative weights  to the  specific  factors
considered in reaching its decision.
 
     For  information concerning certain interests of members of the PXRE Board,
see 'Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger'.
 
RECOMMENDATION OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE AND THE TRANSNATIONAL BOARD; REASONS FOR
THE MERGER
 
     The Special Committee concluded  that the terms of  the Merger are fair  to
and in the best interests of stockholders of Transnational (other than PXRE) and
unanimously  voted to recommend that the  Transnational Board approve the Merger
Agreement. The Transnational Board, acting through the independent directors who
constitute the  Special Committee  (and  in the  absence  of Messrs.  Radke  and
Kimmel),  based substantially upon  the unanimous recommendation  of the Special
Committee, determined that the terms of the  Merger are fair to and in the  best
interests  of the stockholders of  Transnational (other than PXRE). Accordingly,
the Transnational Board approved  the Merger Agreement  and recommends that  the
stockholders    of   Transnational   vote   FOR    the   proposal   to   approve
 
                                       26
 
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<PAGE>
and adopt the  Merger Agreement.  In determining  to recommend  approval of  the
Merger  Agreement by the  Transnational Board, the  Special Committee considered
the following material factors:
 
          1. The assistance, advice and  opinion of DLJ, including DLJ's  review
     of  financial matters relating  to PXRE and  Transnational, and its written
     opinion as to the fairness of the right of holders of Transnational Class A
     Stock to receive 1.0575 shares of PXRE Common Stock from a financial  point
     of view. See 'Opinion of DLJ'.
 
          2.  Information concerning the  business, assets, financial condition,
     operating results  and prospects  of  PXRE and  Transnational, as  well  as
     information  concerning the state of the insurance and reinsurance industry
     generally, including the trend towards  consolidation in the insurance  and
     reinsurance   industry  that   has  shifted  business   to  larger,  better
     capitalized reinsurers.
 
          3. The current  book values per  share of PXRE  and Transnational  and
     current and historical market prices of PXRE Common Stock and Transnational
     Class A Stock.
 
          4.  The relative market  value of the shares  of Transnational Class A
     Stock and PXRE  Common Stock historically  and on the  date of the  Special
     Committee's action.
 
          5. The premium that the proposed merger consideration represented over
     the market value of Transnational Class A Stock that had been prevailing in
     various  periods immediately  prior to May  9, 1996, the  last full trading
     date prior to the date on which PXRE publicly announced the Merger proposal
     submitted  by  PXRE  to  Transnational.  If  the  Merger  would  have  been
     consummated  on May 9, 1996,  the date prior to  the public announcement of
     the Merger proposal by PXRE, the 1.0575 Exchange Ratio would have  resulted
     in  holders of Transnational Class A Stock receiving PXRE Common Stock with
     a market value on that date  of approximately 17.4% higher than the  market
     value  on that date  of the Transnational  Class A Stock.  The value of the
     merger consideration is, however, subject  to fluctuation based on  changes
     in the market price of PXRE Common Stock.
 
          6.  The proposed terms and structure  of the transaction and the terms
     and conditions of the Merger  Agreement, including the Exchange Ratio,  the
     tax-free  status  of  the  Merger,  and  the  ability  of  Transnational to
     terminate the Merger Agreement, subject  to certain conditions, if a  third
     party  makes  a  bona  fide proposal  for  an  Acquisition  Transaction (as
     described below)  that  the Special  Committee  believes, and  advises  the
     Transnational  Board, is superior  to the Merger from  a financial point of
     view to the Transnational stockholders.
 
          7. The nature and extent of the negotiations relating to the Merger.
 
          8. Alternative  transactions  to  the  Merger  Proposal  available  to
     Transnational.
 
          9.  The  nature,  terms  and  scheduled  expiration  of  the  term  of
     Transnational's Management  Agreement  with  PXRE,  and  the  prospects  of
     operating  Transnational as a stand-alone  company following termination of
     the Management Agreement.
 
          10. The proposed settlement of the litigation relating to the  Merger.
     See 'Certain Litigation Concerning the Merger'.
 
          11.   The  opportunity,   through  the   Merger,  for  Transnational's
     stockholders to have  an ongoing  equity interest in  the combined  company
     with  a larger capital base,  and the possible benefits  that might flow to
     the stockholders of Transnational from  the Merger, including the  expected
     financial economies and cost reductions for the combined company.
 
In  view of the variety of factors  considered in connection with the evaluation
of the Merger, the  Special Committee did  not find it  practicable to, and  did
not,  quantify  or otherwise  assign relative  weights  to the  specific factors
considered in reaching its decision.
 
     For  information   concerning  certain   interests   of  members   of   the
Transnational Board, see 'Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger'.
 
OPINION OF DILLON READ
 
     PXRE  retained Dillon Read to act as financial adviser to the PXRE Board in
its consideration of the  Merger. No limitations were  imposed by PXRE upon  the
scope  of Dillon Read's  investigation or otherwise with  respect to the opinion
rendered   by   Dillon   Read.   On    August   22,   1996,   the   date    PXRE
 
                                       27
 
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<PAGE>
and  Transnational entered into  the Merger Agreement,  Dillon Read rendered its
opinion to the PXRE Board that, as of that date, the consideration to be paid by
PXRE pursuant to the Merger Agreement was fair to the stockholders of PXRE, from
a financial point of view.
 
     A copy of Dillon Read's opinion, dated August 22, 1996, is attached  hereto
as  Annex B. Holders of PXRE  Common Stock are urged to  read the opinion in its
entirety for assumptions made, procedures followed, other matters considered and
limits of the review by Dillon Read.
 
     Dillon Read's opinion is directed only to the fairness of the consideration
to be  provided  by  PXRE  and  does not  constitute  a  recommendation  to  any
stockholder  of PXRE as  to how such stockholder  should vote such stockholder's
shares.
 
     In arriving at its opinion, Dillon  Read, among other things, (i)  reviewed
certain  publicly  available  business  and  financial  information  relating to
Transnational and PXRE, (ii)  reviewed certain non-public financial  information
and  other data  relating to  Transnational and PXRE  provided to  them by PXRE,
including financial  projections  prepared  by the  management  of  PXRE,  (iii)
conducted  discussions with members  of the senior management  of PXRE (who also
serve as senior management of Transnational), (iv) reviewed the financial terms,
to the extent publicly available, of certain acquisition transactions considered
by Dillon Read to be generally  comparable to the Merger, (v) reviewed  publicly
available  financial and securities market  data pertaining to certain companies
in lines of  business considered by  Dillon Read to  be generally comparable  to
those  of Transnational, (vi)  reviewed the reported  price and trading activity
for Transnational Class A Stock and PXRE Common Stock, and (vii) conducted  such
other  financial studies, analyses and investigations, and considered such other
information, as Dillon Read deemed necessary and appropriate.
 
     In connection with its  review, and with the  consent of PXRE, Dillon  Read
did  not assume  any responsibility for  independent verification of  any of the
foregoing information  and relied  on  such information  as being  complete  and
accurate  in all  material respects.  In addition, Dillon  Read did  not make an
independent evaluation or appraisal of any assets or liabilities (contingent  or
otherwise)  of Transnational  or any  of its  subsidiaries, nor  was Dillon Read
furnished with  any  such  evaluation or  appraisal.  Furthermore,  Dillon  Read
assumed,  with  PXRE's  consent, that  all  of such  information,  including the
projections, provided to Dillon Read by management of PXRE was prepared in  good
faith  on a  basis reflecting  the best  then currently  available estimates and
judgments  of  such  management  as  to  the  future  financial  performance  of
Transnational  and PXRE and was based  on the historical performance and certain
estimates and  assumptions  which  were  reasonable at  the  time  made.  PXRE's
management has informed Dillon Read that, as of the June 30, 1996 second quarter
results,  Transnational was  currently not meeting  its plan for  1996 and would
expect to  achieve lower  results for  the future  years than  indicated in  the
projections.  PXRE's management  did not  provide Dillon  Read with  any revised
projections to  take into  consideration these  new expectations.  In  addition,
Dillon  Read's opinion  was based  on economic,  monetary and  market conditions
existing on the date thereof.
 
     The consideration to be paid by  PXRE pursuant to the Merger Agreement  was
determined  in  negotiations between  PXRE and  the  Special Committee  in which
negotiations Dillon Read advised PXRE.
 
     In connection with rendering its opinion and making its presentation to the
PXRE Board, Dillon  Read considered a  variety of evaluation  methods which  are
summarized  below. While the following  summary describes the material analyses,
it does not purport to be a  complete description of the analyses considered  by
Dillon Read in support of its opinion.
 
     Selected  Company Trading  Analysis. Using  publicly available information,
Dillon Read analyzed trading multiples  of eight companies whose securities  are
publicly  traded and  which Dillon Read  believed to be  generally comparable to
PXRE and  Transnational,  noting  however that  property  reinsurers  have  more
volatility  of  earnings and  therefore trade  at lower  relative price/earnings
multiples and that the offshore  property catastrophe companies generally  trade
at  a  premium to  PXRE  and Transnational  which  are U.S.-based  pure property
catastrophe reinsurance companies due to tax advantages. Dillon Read  calculated
trading  multiples  for  such  eight selected  companies  of  (i)  1996 expected
earnings per share (based on median estimates supplied by Institutional  Brokers
Estimate  System database), 5.0x to 7.0x, (ii) book value of common equity, 1.0x
to 1.4x,  and (iii)  latest  statutory surplus,  0.9x to  1.4x.  Transnational's
valuation    multiples,   based    upon   the    Exchange   Ratio    of   1.0575
 
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contemplated by the Merger Agreement were as follows: (i) 1996 expected earnings
per share, 7.1x; (ii) latest book value of common equity, 1.0x; and (iii) latest
surplus, 1.1x.  Dillon Read  noted that  these multiples  for Transnational  are
within or above the trading range of the selected companies.
 
     Acquisition Analysis. Dillon Read analyzed twelve U.S. transactions and ten
European  transactions which Dillon Read believed  to be generally comparable to
the transaction contemplated by the  Merger Agreement, using publicly  available
information,  noting  however that  most of  the transactions  involved casualty
reinsurers with different return and  growth characteristics than principally  a
property  catastrophe retrocessional reinsurer. The range for the purchase price
of equity as a  multiple of each  of the indicated statistics  for the group  of
selected  transactions were as follows: (i)  latest book value of common equity,
0.8x to 1.4x; (ii)  latest 12-month net income  to common shareholders, 8.0x  to
24.6x; and (iii) latest net premiums earned, 0.3x to 2.9x.
 
     Transnational's  valuation multiples, based upon  the 1.0575 Exchange Ratio
contemplated by the Merger Agreement, were as follows: (i) latest book value  of
common  equity, 1.0x;  (ii) latest 12-month  net income  to common shareholders,
7.6x; and (iii) latest net premiums  earned, 2.6x. Dillon Read noted that  these
multiples were within or below the range of the selected multiples.
 
     Economic  Book  Value Analysis.  Dillon Read  calculated the  economic book
value of Transnational as of  June 30, 1996 and  determined that it was  between
$23.88  and  $25.01  per  share.  In  calculating  the  economic  book  value of
Transnational, Dillon Read took into consideration the following factors,  among
others: (i) mark-to-market of the investment portfolio, (ii) adjustments for the
valuation  of deferred income tax benefits,  (iii) ranges of differences between
the stated amounts and net present value of loss reserves and unearned  premiums
and (iv) a range of value for any reserve deficiency. Dillon Read noted that the
price  for Transnational contemplated by the Merger Agreement ($24.455 per share
based on a PXRE closing price on August 20, 1996 of $23.125 per share) is within
the range established by the economic book value analysis.
 
     Discounted Cash Flow Analysis. Dillon Read calculated the present value  of
future cash flows that Transnational could be expected to generate over the next
five  years  (the 'Discounted  Cash Flow  Analysis').  The Discounted  Cash Flow
Analysis was  based  upon (i)  Transnational's  recent operating  and  financial
performance,  including management's business plan for  fiscal 1996 and 1997 and
the historical operating results  for the three  most recently completed  fiscal
years,  and (ii) projections  and business plans for  1996 through 2000 prepared
for Transnational by PXRE Reinsurance and its management or representatives that
were provided to Dillon  Read. In developing its  Discounted Cash Flow  Analysis
for  each case, Dillon Read took the 'dividend cash flow' that Transnational was
expected to generate  from fiscal year  1996 to 2000  and discounted these  cash
flows  to present values. Dillon Read applied a range of discount rates from 11%
to  15%,  determined  by  Dillon  Read   as  the  most  appropriate  range   for
Transnational.  Dillon Read arrived at this  range of appropriate discount rates
by determining the cost  of equity for publicly  traded companies in  businesses
deemed  by Dillon Read to be  generally similar to Transnational. To approximate
the residual value  of Transnational  after this five-year  period, Dillon  Read
applied multiples of book value ranging from 0.9x to 1.3x, which range was based
on the multiples of book value which have been paid in recent publicly announced
acquisitions  of businesses  deemed by  Dillon Read  to be  generally similar to
Transnational. These residual  value estimates were  then discounted to  present
value  using each of the  above discount rates. The  analysis yielded a range of
perceived values for Transnational Common Stock  of $24.00 to $32.00 per  share.
Dillon  Read noted  that the consideration  to be  paid by PXRE  pursuant to the
Merger Agreement valued  at the  time of Dillon  Read's opinion  was within  the
range of perceived values of Transnational's future cash flows.
 
     As  noted  above, the  discounted cash  flow  analysis was  calculated with
operating projections provided to Dillon Read by the management of PXRE.  PXRE's
management has informed Dillon Read that, as of the June 30, 1996 second quarter
results,  Transnational was  currently not meeting  its plan for  1996 and would
expect to  achieve lower  results for  the future  years than  indicated in  the
projections.  PXRE's management  did not  provide Dillon  Read with  any revised
projections to take into consideration these new expectations.
 
     Relative Contribution  Analysis.  Dillon Read  analyzed  certain  financial
information,  including  income statement  data, balance  sheet data  and market
data, of PXRE and Transnational to determine
 
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<PAGE>
the relative contribution  of each  of PXRE  and Transnational  to the  combined
company.  Among other things, Transnational's contribution  to net income of the
combined entity as of June 30, 1996 was estimated to be 38.9%, its  contribution
to  total assets of  the combined company at  June 30, 1996  was estimated to be
34.8%, its contribution to book value of  the combined company at such date  was
estimated to be 43.4% and its contribution to surplus of the combined company at
such date was estimated to be 36.8%. Additionally, based upon the stock price at
August  9, 1996,  Transnational's contribution to  market value  of the combined
company was estimated to be 43.6%. Dillon Read noted that, based on an  Exchange
Ratio  of 1.0575  shares of  PXRE Common Stock  for each  share of Transnational
Common  Stock,  the  owners  of  Transnational  Common  Stock  (including   PXRE
Reinsurance)  will own approximately 45.4% of  the combined entity, which Dillon
Read viewed as not inconsistent with  the foregoing percentages. The results  of
these  contribution analyses are not necessarily indicative of the contributions
that the respective businesses may actually make in the future.
 
     In arriving  at its  opinion, Dillon  Read did  not assign  any  particular
weight  to any analysis or factor considered  by it, but rather made qualitative
judgments based  on  its experience  in  rendering  such opinions  and  on  then
existing  economic, monetary  and market conditions  as to  the significance and
relevance of each analysis  and factor. Accordingly,  Dillon Read believes  that
its  analyses must be considered  as a whole and  that selecting portions of its
analyses and  the  factors  considered, without  considering  all  analyses  and
factors,  could create a misleading or incomplete view of the process underlying
such analyses  and its  opinion.  In its  analyses,  Dillon Read  made  numerous
assumptions  with respect to industry performance, general business and economic
conditions and other matters, many of  which are beyond PXRE's or Dillon  Read's
control.  Any estimates contained in Dillon  Read's analyses are not necessarily
indicative of actual values or predictive of future results or values, which may
be significantly more or less favorable than as set forth therein.
 
     Dillon Read is a  nationally recognized investment  banking firm which,  as
part  of its  investment banking  business, regularly  is engaged  in evaluating
businesses and their  securities in  connection with  mergers and  acquisitions,
negotiated  underwritings, competitive  bids, secondary  distributions of listed
and unlisted securities, private placements and valuations for estate, corporate
and other purposes.  The PXRE Board  selected Dillon  Read on the  basis of  the
firm's expertise and reputation.
 
     Pursuant  to the engagement letter between  PXRE and Dillon Read, PXRE paid
Dillon Read $100,000 upon the execution of the engagement letter and has  agreed
to  pay Dillon Read an additional $400,000 upon consummation of the Merger. PXRE
has also agreed to reimburse Dillon Read for its reasonable expenses,  including
attorneys'  fees, incurred in  connection with its  engagement, and to indemnify
Dillon  Read  and  certain  related  persons  against  certain  liabilities   in
connection  with  Dillon  Read's  engagement,  including  liabilities  under the
federal securities laws.
 
     Dillon Read has in the  past performed various investment banking  services
for  PXRE for which Dillon Read has  been compensated. In the ordinary course of
business, Dillon Read has  traded securities of Transnational  and PXRE for  its
own  account and for  the accounts of  its clients and,  accordingly, may at any
time hold a long or short position in such securities.
 
OPINION OF DLJ
 
     In its role as financial adviser to the Special Committee, DLJ was asked by
the Special Committee to render its opinion  to the Special Committee as to  the
fairness,  from a financial point of view, to the holders of Transnational Class
A Stock  of  the  consideration to  be  paid  by PXRE  pursuant  to  the  Merger
Agreement.  On  August 22,  1996, DLJ  delivered its  written opinion  (the 'DLJ
Opinion') to the Special  Committee to the  effect that as of  the date of  such
opinion  and  based  upon  and  subject  to  the  assumptions,  limitations  and
qualifications set forth in such opinion, the right to receive 1.0575 shares  of
PXRE  Common Stock into which each share of Transnational Class A Stock is to be
converted  pursuant  to  the  Merger  Agreement  was  fair  to  the  holders  of
Transnational Class A Stock from a financial point of view.
 
     A  copy  of the  DLJ  Opinion is  attached hereto  as  Annex C.  Holders of
Transnational Class A Stock are  urged to read the  opinion in its entirety  for
assumptions  made, procedures followed,  other matters considered  and limits of
the review by DLJ.
 
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<PAGE>
<PAGE>
     The DLJ Opinion was prepared for the Special Committee and is directed only
to the fairness,  from a financial  point of view,  of the right  of holders  of
Transnational  Class A Stock to  receive 1.0575 shares of  PXRE Common Stock per
share of Transnational Class  A Stock in  the Merger and  does not constitute  a
recommendation to any holder of Transnational Class A Stock as to how to vote at
the Transnational Special Meeting.
 
     The  DLJ Opinion does  not constitute an  opinion as to  the price at which
PXRE Common  Stock will  actually trade  at  any time.  The Exchange  Ratio  was
determined  in negotiations between Transnational and PXRE in which negotiations
DLJ advised Transnational. No  restrictions or limitations  were imposed by  the
Special  Committee  upon DLJ  with  respect to  the  investigations made  or the
procedures followed by DLJ in rendering its opinion.
 
     In arriving at its opinion, DLJ reviewed the Merger Agreement and financial
and other information that  was publicly available or  furnished to it by  PXRE,
including  information provided  during discussions  with PXRE's  management. In
addition, DLJ compared  certain financial and  securities data of  Transnational
and PXRE with corresponding data of various other companies whose securities are
traded  in  public markets,  reviewed the  historical  stock prices  and trading
volumes of Transnational Class  A Stock and PXRE  Common Stock, reviewed  prices
and  premiums  paid  in other  business  combinations and  conducted  such other
financial studies, analyses  and investigations  as DLJ  deemed appropriate  for
purposes of rendering its opinion.
 
     In  rendering  its  opinion,  DLJ relied  upon  and  assumed  the accuracy,
completeness and fairness of all of the financial and other information that was
available to it from  public sources, that  was provided to DLJ  by PXRE or  its
representatives,  or that was otherwise reviewed by  DLJ. DLJ did not assume any
responsibility for  making  an  independent evaluation  of  Transnational's  and
PXRE's  assets or liabilities or for  making any independent verification of any
of the information reviewed by DLJ.
 
     The DLJ Opinion was  necessarily based on  economic, market, financial  and
other  conditions as they existed  on, and on the  information made available to
DLJ as of, the date of the  DLJ Opinion. It should be understood that,  although
subsequent developments may affect its opinion, DLJ does not have any obligation
to update, revise or reaffirm the DLJ Opinion.
 
     The  following is a summary of the  presentation made by DLJ to the Special
Committee in connection with rendering its opinion.
 
     Analysis of  Certain  Publicly  Traded Companies.  To  provide  comparative
market information, DLJ compared selected historical and projected operating and
financial  ratios for Transnational to the  corresponding data and ratios of the
following companies whose securities are publicly traded: (i) GCR Holdings Ltd.;
(ii) IPC Holdings Ltd.; (iii) LaSalle Re Holdings Ltd.; (iv) Mid Ocean Ltd.; (v)
PartnerRe Ltd.; (vi) PXRE; and (vii) RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (together,  the
'Transnational   Selected  Companies').  In  reviewing  the  comparative  market
information, certain ratios pertaining to  market valuation may not be  directly
comparable  because, with the exception of PXRE,  all of the companies among the
Transnational Selected Companies are domiciled in Bermuda and are not subject to
income tax on their earnings, whereas Transnational is domiciled in the U.S. and
is subject to income tax on its earnings.
 
     Such analysis included, among  other things, the ratios  of stock price  to
net  operating earnings per share ('EPS') in accordance with GAAP for the latest
twelve months ('LTM') ended June 30,  1996, to estimated GAAP net operating  EPS
for   1996  and  1997  (as  estimated  by  research  analysts  and  compiled  by
Institutional  Brokers  Estimating  Service   for  the  Transnational   Selected
Companies)  and to shareholders' equity  per share as of  June 30, 1996. Closing
prices as of August 20, 1996 were used in this analysis. The ratios described in
this paragraph were chosen in this analysis to reflect the value attributable in
the public equity markets to various valuation measures of property  catastrophe
reinsurance  companies. Measures utilized in the public marketplace to value the
stock of  publicly  traded companies  in  the property  catastrophe  reinsurance
industry  are based on, among other things, a company's historical and projected
GAAP net  operating  earnings,  historical  statutory  net  operating  earnings,
shareholders'  equity and statutory capital and  surplus. The multiples of stock
price to GAAP net operating earnings per share reflect the value attributed to a
company by public equity market investors based on the company's historical  and
projected  earnings. The  multiples of stock  price to  shareholders' equity per
share reflect  the  values attributed  to  a  company by  public  equity  market
 
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<PAGE>
investors based on the company's net worth. Variances in multiples for different
companies may reflect such considerations as the consistency, quality and growth
of  earnings  and  the company's  capitalization,  asset quality  and  return on
capital. Since  GAAP net  operating earnings  and shareholders'  equity  already
reflect  the cost of a company's debt  or preferred stock financing, analyses of
multiples of GAAP  net operating  earnings or shareholders'  equity are  usually
based  on the price paid  for the company's common  stock which excludes debt or
preferred stock financing. Comparing the multiples  of price offered to be  paid
by  PXRE to the GAAP  net operating earnings per  share and shareholders' equity
with the multiples at which the Transnational Selected Companies trade indicates
whether the implied valuation of Transnational resulting from such offered price
is within the  range of  values at  which the  Transnational Selected  Companies
trade.
 
     The  ratios of  public stock price  to GAAP  net operating EPS  for the LTM
ended June 30, 1996 ranged from 4.7x to  8.4x, with an average of 6.8x, for  the
Transnational  Selected Companies. Based on the  Exchange Ratio as of August 20,
1996, the implied multiple of offer price to Transnational's estimated GAAP  net
operating EPS for the LTM ended June 30, 1996 was 7.6x. This multiple is greater
than  the low and the average multiples of the Transnational Selected Companies.
The ratios of public stock price to estimated 1996 GAAP net operating EPS ranged
from 4.3x  to 7.6x,  with an  average of  5.9x, for  the Transnational  Selected
Companies.  Based  on the  Exchange Ratio  as  of August  20, 1996,  the implied
multiple of offer price to Transnational's estimated 1996 GAAP net operating EPS
was 7.3x. This multiple is greater than the low and the average multiples of the
Transnational Selected Companies. The ratios of public stock price to  estimated
1997  GAAP operating EPS ranged from 4.6x to  7.0x, with an average of 5.9x, for
the Transnational Selected Companies. Based on  the Exchange Ratio as of  August
20,  1996, the implied multiple of offer price to Transnational's estimated 1997
GAAP net operating EPS was 7.5x. This multiple is greater than the low,  average
and high multiples of the Transnational Selected Companies. The ratios of public
stock  price to shareholders'  equity as of  June 30, 1996  ranged from 0.93x to
1.48x, with an average of 1.27x, for the Transnational Selected Companies. Based
on the Exchange Ratio as of August 20, 1996, the implied multiple of offer price
to Transnational's shareholders'  equity as  of June  30, 1996  was 1.00x.  This
multiple  is greater than the low multiple and less than the average multiple of
the Transnational Selected Companies.
 
     Since the consideration paid to  Transnational shareholders will be in  the
form  of  PXRE  Common Stock,  to  provide comparative  market  information, DLJ
compared selected historical  and projected  operating and  financial ratios  of
PXRE  to the corresponding data and ratios of the following property catastrophe
reinsurance companies whose  securities are  publicly traded:  (i) GCR  Holdings
Ltd.;  (ii) IPC Holdings  Ltd.; (iii) LaSalle  Re Holdings Ltd.;  (iv) Mid Ocean
Ltd.; (v) PartnerRe Ltd.;  and (vi) RenaissanceRe  Holdings Ltd. (together,  the
'PXRE Selected Companies').
 
     Such  analysis included, among  other things, the ratios  of stock price to
GAAP net operating EPS for the LTM  ended June 30, 1996, and estimated GAAP  net
operating  EPS for 1996 and 1997 (as estimated by research analysts and compiled
by Institutional Brokers Estimating Service for the PXRE Selected Companies) and
shareholders' equity per share as of June 30, 1996. Closing prices as of  August
20,  1996 were used  in this analysis.  Comparing the multiples  of PXRE's stock
price to GAAP net operating earnings per share and shareholders' equity with the
multiples at which the  PXRE Selected Companies  trade indicates whether  PXRE's
stock  price is within the range of  values at which the PXRE Selected Companies
trade.
 
     The ratios of  public stock price  to GAAP  net operating EPS  for the  LTM
ended  June 30, 1996, ranged from 4.7x to 8.4x, with an average of 7.0x, for the
PXRE Selected Companies. The multiple of price to PXRE's GAAP net operating  EPS
for  the LTM ended June 30, 1996 was 6.0x. This multiple is greater than the low
multiple and less than the average multiple of the PXRE Selected Companies.  The
ratios  of public stock  price to estimated  1996 GAAP net  operating EPS ranged
from 4.3x to 7.6x, with an average of 5.8x, for the PXRE Selected Companies. The
multiple of price to PXRE's estimated 1996 GAAP net operating EPS was 6.0x. This
multiple is greater  than the  low and average  multiples of  the PXRE  Selected
Companies. The ratios of public stock price to estimated 1997 GAAP operating EPS
ranged  from  4.6x to  7.0x,  with an  average of  5.8x,  for the  PXRE Selected
Companies. The multiple of price to PXRE's estimated 1997 GAAP net operating EPS
was 6.3x. This multiple is greater than the low and the average multiples of the
PXRE Selected  Companies. The  ratios  of public  stock price  to  shareholders'
equity  as of  June 30,  1996, ranged from  1.16x to  1.48x, with  an average of
1.29x, for the
 
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PXRE Selected Companies. The multiple of price to PXRE's shareholders' equity as
of June 30, 1996 was 0.93x. This multiple  is less than the low multiple of  the
PXRE Selected Companies.
 
     Transaction  Analysis.  DLJ  reviewed  publicly  available  information for
selected transactions involving the acquisition of property casualty reinsurance
and property  catastrophe  reinsurance  companies  since  January  1,  1990.  In
reviewing  these transactions,  several factors were  considered, including: (i)
the lack  of  comparable  transactions  in  the  property  casualty  reinsurance
industry; (ii) the fact that there has only been one acquisition in the property
catastrophe reinsurance industry, that of the acquisition of Tempest Reinsurance
Company  ('Tempest')  by ACE  Limited ('ACE')  on July  1, 1996,  (the 'Selected
Transaction'); and (iii) that certain ratios pertaining to market valuation  may
not  be directly comparable because Tempest and ACE are domiciled in Bermuda and
are not  subject to  income  tax on  their  earnings, whereas  Transnational  is
domiciled in the U.S. and is subject to income tax on its earnings. The Selected
Transaction  was used  in this  analysis because  Tempest was  deemed by  DLJ to
operate in  similar  businesses or  have  similar financial  characteristics  to
Transnational  and PXRE. In reviewing  the Selected Transaction, several factors
were considered in comparing it to  the offer proposed, including: (i) the  fact
that  General Re Corporation ('General Re') managed the business of Tempest, and
that PXRE manages the business of Transnational under the Management  Agreement;
and  (ii) the fact  that the officers  and employees dedicated  by General Re to
manage the Tempest  business and  the operating  infrastructure associated  with
that business were transferred to the acquirer as part of the acquisition.
 
     DLJ reviewed the consideration paid in the Selected Transaction in terms of
the  price paid  for the common  stock in the  transaction as a  multiple of net
operating earnings prepared  in accordance with  GAAP for the  LTM prior to  the
close of the transaction and as a multiple of shareholders' equity as of the end
of  the last  fiscal quarter  ended prior  to the  close of  the transaction. In
analyzing acquisitions of reinsurance companies, the purchase price paid may  be
expressed  as multiples of the price paid for common stock to GAAP net operating
earnings and  to  shareholders' equity.  Variances  in multiples  for  different
transactions  may reflect  such considerations  as the  consistency, quality and
growth of earnings and the company's capitalization, asset quality and return on
capital. Since  GAAP net  operating earnings  and shareholders'  equity  already
reflect  the cost of a company's debt  or preferred stock financing, analyses of
multiples of GAAP  net operating  earnings or shareholders'  equity are  usually
based  on the price paid for the  company's common stock which excludes the cost
of assuming,  repaying or  redeeming  such debt  or preferred  stock  financing.
Comparing  the multiples of price offered to be paid for the Transnational Class
A Stock by PXRE to the GAAP  net operating earnings and shareholders' equity  of
Transnational  with multiples paid  by the acquirer  in the Selected Transaction
indicates whether the valuation being placed on Transnational is similar to  the
valuation placed on Tempest.
 
     The  multiple of  price paid  for common  stock to  LTM GAAP  net operating
earnings for the Selected Transaction was  4.8x. Based on the Exchange Ratio  as
of  August 20,  1996, the  implied multiple  of price  paid for  common stock to
Transnational's GAAP net operating earnings for the LTM ended June 30, 1996  was
7.6x.  This multiple is  greater than the multiple  of the Selected Transaction.
The multiple of price paid for common stock to shareholders' equity for the last
fiscal quarter ended prior to the  close of the Selected Transaction was  1.47x.
Based on the Exchange Ratio as of August 20, 1996, the implied multiple of price
paid  for common  stock to Transnational's  shareholders' equity as  of June 30,
1995 was  1.00x.  This multiple  is  lower than  the  multiple of  the  Selected
Transaction.
 
     DLJ  also determined the percentage premium of the offer price (represented
by the purchase  price per  share in  cash transactions,  and the  price of  the
constituent  securities times the exchange ratio  in the case of stock-for-stock
mergers) and  compared it  to  44 other  selected affiliated  transactions  (the
'Affiliated  Transactions')  from January  1,  1990 to  the  date of  the Merger
Agreement. Each of  the Affiliated Transactions  involved acquisitions in  which
the  acquirer had  an ownership  position in the  acquired company  prior to the
acquisition. The prices paid in  connection with the Affiliated Transactions  as
compared  to public market trading prices one  day, one week and one month prior
to the announcement date for the Affiliated Transactions ranged from premiums of
21.1%, 23.9% and 26.1%, respectively at the median to discounts of 19.1%,  20.0%
and 12.5%, respectively at the low end. The Exchange Ratio as of August 20, 1996
represented  premiums to the  trading prices of Transnational  Class A Stock one
day, one  week  and  one  month  prior  to  the  announcement  of  the  proposed
acquisition
 
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<PAGE>
of  13.0%,  13.0%  and 8.7%,  respectively.  These  premiums are  less  than the
premiums paid at the median of the Affiliated Transactions and greater than  the
discounts paid at the low end of the Affiliated Transactions.
 
     No  company or transaction used in  the Analysis of Certain Publicly Traded
Companies or the Transaction Analysis described above was directly comparable to
Transnational, PXRE  or the  proposed Merger.  Accordingly, an  analysis of  the
results  of the foregoing  was not simply  mathematical nor necessarily precise;
rather, it involved complex considerations and judgments concerning  differences
in  financial and operating characteristics of  companies and other factors that
could affect the transaction values and trading prices.
 
     Stock Trading History.  To provide contextual  data and comparative  market
data,  DLJ  examined  the  history  of the  trading  prices  and  their relative
relationships for both Transnational  Class A Stock and  PXRE Common Stock.  DLJ
reviewed  the trading history since the November 9, 1993 initial public offering
of Transnational Class  A Stock  and the trading  history of  PXRE Common  Stock
since  January 4, 1991 to determine  whether trading levels immediately prior to
announcement of  the proposed  merger  were reflective  of longer  term  trading
levels  or were affected  by recent unusual or  event specific trading activity.
The Exchange  Ratio as  of August  20,  1996, represented  an 11.7%  premium  to
Transnational's  average stock price from its  initial public offering to May 9,
1996 (one day prior to the announcement of the Merger), an 11.7% premium to  the
average  stock price from May 9, 1994 to May  9, 1996 and an 8.4% premium to the
average stock price  from May 9,  1995 to May  9, 1996. As  of August 20,  1996,
PXRE's  average stock price  over the last  year, two years  and three years has
been $25.15,  $25.12 and  $25.89,  respectively. The  average prices  for  these
periods  represent premiums to PXRE's August 20,  1996 stock price of 8.8%, 8.6%
and 12.0%, respectively.
 
     Transnational's price to forward earnings multiple implied by the  proposed
offer  is 7.3x,  a level  higher than  at any  point in  time in Transnational's
trading  history  commencing   shortly  after  its   initial  public   offering.
Transnational's  price to book  value multiple implied by  the proposed offer is
1.00x, a  level that  is within  the range  of Transnational's  trading  history
within a year of the announcement of the proposed merger of 0.87x to 1.18x.
 
     Contribution  Analysis. DLJ analyzed the  relative contributions of holders
of PXRE Common  Stock and Transnational  Class A Stock  to the combined  company
with  respect to GAAP net operating earnings, shareholders' equity and statutory
surplus  and  compared  this   with  relative  ownership   of  the  holders   of
Transnational  Class  A Stock  in the  combined company  after the  Merger. Such
analysis was considered on a percentage contribution basis and was made (i)  for
1994;  (ii) for 1995; (iii) for  the LTM ended or as  of June 30, 1996; and (iv)
for 1996 and 1997 as projected by PXRE's management.
 
     For 1994, the relative contribution of the holders of Transnational Class A
Stock to the combined  company with respect to  GAAP net operating earnings  was
32.1%  of the total, with respect to  GAAP shareholders' equity was 39.1% of the
total and with respect to  statutory surplus was 33.6%  of the total. For  1995,
the  relative contribution of the holders of  Transnational Class A Stock to the
combined company with respect  to GAAP net operating  earnings was 35.3% of  the
total, with respect to GAAP shareholders' equity was 37.9% of the total and with
respect  to statutory surplus was 32.2% of the total. For the LTM ended or as of
June 30, 1996, the relative contribution of the holders of Transnational Class A
Stock to the combined  company with respect to  GAAP net operating earnings  was
33.7%  of the total, with respect to  GAAP shareholders' equity was 37.4% of the
total and with respect to statutory surplus was 32.1% of the total. For 1996  as
projected  by  PXRE's  management,  the  relative  contribution  of  holders  of
Transnational Class A  Stock to the  combined company with  respect to GAAP  net
operating  earnings was 38.6%  of the total, with  respect to GAAP shareholders'
equity was 38.8% of the total and with respect to statutory surplus was 34.6% of
the total. For 1997 as projected by PXRE's management, the relative contribution
of the  holders of  Transnational Class  A Stock  to the  combined company  with
respect  to GAAP net operating earnings was  37.1% of the total, with respect to
GAAP shareholders' equity was 39.0% of  the total and with respect to  statutory
surplus was 34.9% of the total.
 
     Based  on the  Exchange Ratio, the  holders of Transnational  Class A Stock
would own approximately  39.3% of  the combined  company after  the Merger.  The
results of these contribution
 
                                       34
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
analyses are not necessarily indicative of the contributions that the respective
businesses may actually make in the future.
 
     Discounted  Cash Flow Analysis.  DLJ also performed  a discounted cash flow
analysis of  Transnational.  In conducting  this  analysis, DLJ  calculated  the
present  value per share  to the holders  of Transnational Class  A Stock of the
future common  stock  dividends  paid  by  Transnational  assuming  the  current
dividend  rate and a  projected terminal value of  Transnational at December 31,
2000. The net present  value analysis was based  on discount rates ranging  from
15%  to 20%. The  terminal value for  this analysis was  computed by multiplying
Transnational's projected 2000 GAAP net operating income and projected  December
31,  2000  GAAP shareholders'  equity, as  projected by  PXRE's management  on a
stand-alone basis, by a range of  multiples. DLJ relied on its understanding  of
required  equity  returns in  the property  catastrophe reinsurance  business to
derive discount rates and the public equity market analysis of selected property
catastrophe reinsurance companies to calculate terminal values. At a multiple of
2000 GAAP net operating income of 5.0x, the present value of the terminal  value
per  share to the holders  of Transnational Class A  Stock ranged from $19.08 to
$15.49 at discount rates ranging from 15% to 20%. At a multiple of 2000 GAAP net
operating income of 7.0x, the present value  of the terminal value per share  to
the  holders of  Transnational Class  A Stock  ranged from  $26.39 to  $21.40 at
discount rates ranging from 15% to 20%. At a multiple of 2000 GAAP shareholders'
equity of 0.9x, the present value of the terminal value per share to the holders
of Transnational Class A  Stock ranged from $20.29  to $16.46 at discount  rates
ranging  from 15%  to 20%. At  a multiple  of 2000 GAAP  shareholders' equity of
1.1x, the  present value  of the  terminal value  per share  to the  holders  of
Transnational  Class  A Stock  ranged from  $24.62 to  $19.96 at  discount rates
ranging from 15% to 20%.
 
     The discounted cash flow analysis was calculated with operating projections
provided to DLJ by  the management of PXRE.  PXRE's management has informed  DLJ
that,  as  of  the  June  30, 1996  second  quarter  results,  Transnational was
currently not  meeting its  plan for  1996  and would  expect to  achieve  lower
results  for  the  future  years  than  indicated  in  the  projections.  PXRE's
management did  not  provide DLJ  with  any  revised projections  to  take  into
consideration these new expectations.
 
     The  summary set forth above does not  purport to be a complete description
of the analyses performed by DLJ. The preparation of a fairness opinion involves
various determinations  as  to the  most  appropriate and  relevant  methods  of
financial  analysis  and  the application  of  these methods  to  the particular
circumstances and,  therefore, such  an opinion  is not  readily susceptible  to
summary  description. Each of the  analyses conducted by DLJ  was carried out in
order to provide a different perspective on the transaction and add to the total
mix of information available. DLJ  did not form a  conclusion as to whether  any
individual  analysis, considered in isolation, supported or failed to support an
opinion as to fairness. Rather, in  reaching its conclusion, DLJ considered  the
results  of the  analyses in light  of each  other and did  not place particular
reliance or weight on any individual analysis and ultimately reached its opinion
based  on  the  results  of  all   analyses  taken  as  a  whole.   Accordingly,
notwithstanding  the separate  factors summarized  above, DLJ  believes that its
analyses must  be  considered as  a  whole and  that  selected portions  of  its
analyses  and the factors considered by it, without considering all analyses and
factors, may create an incomplete view of the evaluation process underlying  its
opinion.  In performing its analyses, DLJ made numerous assumptions with respect
to industry performance, business and economic conditions and other matters. The
analyses performed by  DLJ are not  necessarily indicative of  actual values  or
future results, which may be significantly more or less favorable than suggested
by such analyses.
 
     The Special Committee selected DLJ as its financial adviser because it is a
nationally recognized investment banking firm that has substantial experience in
transactions  similar  to the  Merger. Pursuant  to the  terms of  an engagement
letter  dated  May  20,  1996  between  the  Special  Committee  and  DLJ,   (i)
Transnational  paid DLJ a $100,000 retainer  fee and $350,000 in connection with
the delivery  of  the  DLJ  Opinion  and (ii)  DLJ  is  entitled  to  additional
compensation  of $433,000 (payable upon consummation  of the Merger), which is a
function of the increase  in the aggregate amount  of consideration received  by
holders of Transnational Class A Stock in connection with the Merger as compared
to the aggregate value of the Transnational Class A Stock as of the announcement
of  the initial merger proposal. Under the  terms of the engagement letter, such
additional compensation was required  to be limited to  an amount such that  the
total  compensation received by DLJ (including the  retainer fee and fee for the
DLJ Opinion)  would not  exceed  one percent  (1%)  of the  total  consideration
 
                                       35
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
received  by  the holders  of Transnational  Class  A Stock.  Transnational also
agreed to reimburse DLJ for all out-of-pocket expenses (including the reasonable
fees and out-of-pocket  expenses of counsel  up to $20,000)  incurred by DLJ  in
connection  with its engagement and to indemnify DLJ and certain related persons
against  certain  liabilities  in  connection  with  its  engagement,  including
liabilities  under the federal securities laws. The terms of the fee arrangement
with DLJ were negotiated at arms' length between the Special Committee and  DLJ,
and  the Transnational Board  was aware of such  arrangement, including the fact
that a significant  portion of the  aggregate fee payable  to DLJ is  contingent
upon consummation of the Merger.
 
     In  the ordinary course of business,  DLJ may actively trade the securities
of both Transnational and PXRE for its  own account and for the accounts of  its
customers  and, accordingly, may  at any time  hold a long  or short position in
such securities. DLJ, as part of  its investment banking services, is  regularly
engaged  in  the  valuation  of businesses  and  securities  in  connection with
mergers, acquisitions,  underwritings, sales  and  distributions of  listed  and
unlisted securities, private placements and valuations for estate, corporate and
other purposes.
 
CERTAIN PROJECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
     Transnational  does not  as a matter  of course  publicly disclose internal
projections as to future revenues, earnings or financial condition. However,  as
a  result of the relationship between PXRE and Transnational, PXRE has access to
certain business and  financial information regarding  Transnational which  PXRE
and  Transnational believe is not publicly available. Such information includes,
among other things, certain financial  projections of Transnational prepared  by
PXRE  Reinsurance pursuant to  the Management Agreement  (the 'Projections'). In
connection with the Merger, the Projections were also provided to DLJ and Dillon
Read.
 
     The Projections were prepared  prior to, and not  in contemplation of,  the
discussions  leading to  the Merger and  were considered reasonable  at the time
they were  prepared.  The  Projections do  not  take  into account  any  of  the
potential  effects of the transactions contemplated by the Merger. MANAGEMENT OF
PXRE BELIEVES THAT  THE PROJECTIONS WILL  NOT BE ACHIEVED  BECAUSE, AMONG  OTHER
THINGS,  MARKET  CONDITIONS  HAVE  DETERIORATED AS  A  CONSEQUENCE  OF INCREASED
COMPETITIVE TRENDS. PXRE DID NOT RELY ON THE FORECASTED FUTURE OPERATING RESULTS
CONTAINED IN THE PROJECTIONS TO DETERMINE THE VALUE OF TRANSNATIONAL.
 
     The Projections forecasted net premiums written of $77.3 million and  $74.0
million  in 1996 and 1997, respectively.  The Projections included net income of
$25.7 million ($3.67 per share) in 1996 and approximately $32.15 million  ($4.59
per  share) in 1997. The Projections  also forecasted stockholders' equity to be
approximately $190.0 million and $220.6 million  at December 31, 1996 and  1997,
respectively.   The  Projections  were  based  upon  Transnational  achieving  a
statutory combined ratio  of 63.3% in  1996 and 50.4%  in 1997. For  information
with respect to Transnational's financial condition and results of operations as
of  and  for  the six  months  ended  June 30,  1996,  see  'SELECTED HISTORICAL
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF TRANSNATIONAL'.
 
     The Projections were prepared by PXRE Reinsurance pursuant to the terms  of
the  Management Agreement during the fourth quarter of 1995, solely for planning
and analysis purposes. The  Projections were based  on management's judgment  at
the  time utilizing a number of internal sources, including historical financial
information, annual  plans  and  other  business  plans.  The  most  significant
assumptions  made  in  preparing the  Projections  for  1996 and  1997  were the
following:
 
          1. Reinsurance Market Cycle Factors:
 
           The shortage of property retrocessional capacity would subside during
           1996 and a period of overcapacity would begin in 1997.
 
           Marine and  Aviation reinsurance  and retrocessional  coverage  would
           undergo  intense competition beginning in 1996, requiring a reduction
           in traditional  exposures and  reliance upon  new products  to  write
           business.
 
           Facultative   business  would   continue  to  be   in  a  competitive
           environment.
 
           The competition in primary insurance pricing would not change  during
           1996  and business segments which are affected by primary rate levels
           would not expand.
 
                                       36
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
          2. Catastrophe losses  costing Transnational  Reinsurance $37  million
     during the two year period, plus 'normal' loss experience on other lines of
     business.  Management of PXRE  believes that the occurrence  of one or more
     significant catastrophes in a given year would likely result in significant
     losses in  such year,  but could  lead to  a favorable  market change  and,
     possibly, better results in the following year.
 
          3.   No   purchase   of  retrocessional   coverage   by  Transnational
     Reinsurance.
 
          4. No material shift in investment portfolio composition and a pre-tax
     investment return of 5.3%.
 
          5. A modest buy-back of shares of Transnational Class A Stock in  1996
     and no subsequent repurchases.
 
          6.  An increase of 10% each year in dividends payable on Transnational
     Common Stock.
 
          7. No material change in effective income tax rates and no changes  in
     tax rates as currently enacted.
 
     THE  PROJECTIONS SET FORTH  ABOVE WERE NOT  PREPARED WITH A  VIEW TO PUBLIC
DISCLOSURE OR IN COMPLIANCE WITH PUBLISHED  GUIDELINES OF THE COMMISSION OR  THE
GUIDELINES   ESTABLISHED  BY   THE  AMERICAN   INSTITUTE  OF   CERTIFIED  PUBLIC
ACCOUNTANTS.   THE   PROJECTIONS    ARE   INCLUDED   IN    THIS   JOINT    PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS  ONLY BECAUSE SUCH INFORMATION WAS AVAILABLE TO PXRE. WHILE
PRESENTED WITH NUMERICAL SPECIFICITY, THESE PROJECTIONS ARE BASED UPON A VARIETY
OF ASSUMPTIONS (CERTAIN OF WHICH ARE  SET FORTH ABOVE) RELATING TO THE  BUSINESS
OF  TRANSNATIONAL, ALL OF WHICH ARE SUBJECT TO MATERIAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES.
ALTHOUGH SUCH PROJECTIONS AND ASSUMPTIONS WERE CONSIDERED REASONABLE AT THE TIME
THE PROJECTIONS  WERE  PREPARED,  THE PROJECTIONS  ARE  SUBJECT  TO  SIGNIFICANT
UNCERTAINTIES  AND  CONTINGENCIES,  MANY  OF WHICH  ARE  BEYOND  THE  CONTROL OF
TRANSNATIONAL. BECAUSE MARKET CONDITIONS HAVE  DETERIORATED AS A CONSEQUENCE  OF
INCREASED  COMPETITIVE TRENDS, MANAGEMENT BELIEVES THAT THE PROJECTIONS WILL NOT
BE REALIZED  AND  ACTUAL RESULTS  MAY  VARY  MATERIALLY FROM  THOSE  SHOWN.  THE
INCLUSION OF THE PROJECTIONS HEREIN SHOULD NOT BE REGARDED AS AN INDICATION THAT
PXRE,  TRANSNATIONAL  OR  ANY OTHER  PERSON  WHO RECEIVED  ANY  SUCH INFORMATION
CONSIDERS  IT  AN  ACCURATE   PREDICTION  OF  FUTURE   EVENTS.  NONE  OF   PXRE,
TRANSNATIONAL  OR ANY  PERSON INTENDS PUBLICLY  TO UPDATE  OR OTHERWISE PUBLICLY
REVISE THE PROJECTIONS SET FORTH ABOVE.
 
     THE PROJECTIONS  HAVE NOT  BEEN  EXAMINED OR  COMPILED BY  THE  INDEPENDENT
PUBLIC  ACCOUNTANTS OF PXRE  OR TRANSNATIONAL NOR  HAVE SUCH ACCOUNTANTS APPLIED
ANY PROCEDURES THERETO. ACCORDINGLY, SUCH ACCOUNTANTS DO NOT EXPRESS AN  OPINION
OR ANY OTHER FORM OF ASSURANCE ON THEM.
 
     THE  PROJECTED  FINANCIAL INFORMATION  SET  FORTH ABOVE  IS FORWARD-LOOKING
INFORMATION.
 
     The Private  Securities Litigation  Reform  Act of  1995 provides  a  'safe
harbor'  for  forward-looking  statements  to  encourage  companies  to  provide
prospective information about themselves without  fear of litigation so long  as
those  statements  are  identified  as forward-looking  and  are  accompanied by
meaningful cautionary statements identifying important factors which could cause
actual results to differ  materially from those projected  in the statement.  As
noted  above, because  market conditions have  deteriorated as  a consequence of
increased competitive trends, PXRE no longer believes that the Projections  will
be  realized.  The following  important factors  are  hereby identified  by PXRE
which, among  others,  could  cause Transnational's  actual  results  to  differ
materially  from any such results that might be projected, forecasted, estimated
or budgeted by management of PXRE in forward-looking
 
                                       37
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
statements, including,  without  limitation,  the  Projections.  Most  of  these
factors  are not  unique to  Transnational but  are generally  applicable to all
property and casualty reinsurers and insurers.
 
          (a) Significant catastrophe losses, the timing and extent of which are
     difficult to predict.
 
          (b) Changes in the level of competition in the reinsurance or  primary
     insurance   markets  that  impact  the   volume  or  profitability  of  the
     property-casualty reinsurance business. These changes include, but are  not
     limited  to, the  intensification of  price competition,  the entry  of new
     competitors, existing competitors exiting the market and the development of
     new products by new and existing competitors.
 
          (c) Changes in the  demand for reinsurance,  including changes in  the
     amount of retrocedents' retentions.
 
          (d)  Adverse development on loss  reserves related to business written
     in prior years.
 
          (e) Increases in interest rates, which cause a reduction in the market
     value of Transnational's interest rate sensitive investments, including its
     fixed income investment portfolio.
 
          (f) Decreases in interest rates  causing a reduction of income  earned
     on  new cash flow from operations and the reinvestment of the proceeds from
     sales, calls or maturities of existing investments.
 
          (g) Termination of  the Management  Agreement prior  to the  scheduled
     expiration date thereof under certain limited circumstances.
 
     In  addition to  the factors  outlined above  that are  directly related to
Transnational's business,  Transnational is  also  subject to  general  business
risks,  including,  but  not  limited  to,  adverse  state,  federal  or foreign
legislation and  regulation,  adverse publicity  or  news coverage,  changes  in
general economic factors and the loss of key employees.
 
INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN THE MERGER
 
     In  considering the recommendations of the PXRE Board and the Transnational
Board with respect to the Merger,  stockholders should be aware that certain  of
the respective executive officers and members of the Boards of Directors of PXRE
and  Transnational have certain interests in the Merger that are in addition to,
or different  from, the  interests of  stockholders of  PXRE and  Transnational,
generally.  The PXRE Board,  the Special Committee,  and the Transnational Board
were aware  of these  interests and  considered them,  among other  matters,  in
approving the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby.
 
     Transnational  was organized by PXRE  in 1993. As of  the Record Date, PXRE
owns  all  of   the  outstanding  Transnational   Class  B  Stock   representing
approximately  22% of the outstanding shares of Transnational Common Stock. PXRE
manages and operates  Transnational's business  providing all  of the  operating
facilities, systems, equipment and management and clerical personnel required to
conduct  Transnational's  business pursuant  to the  Management Agreement.  As a
consequence, Transnational  has  no separate  management  or employees  and  all
executive officers of Transnational are executive officers or employees of PXRE.
No  employee of  Transnational receives direct  compensation from Transnational,
except that certain executive officers may be eligible to receive cash incentive
awards based  on  the  net  income of  Transnational  pursuant  to  an  unfunded
non-tax-qualified officer incentive plan established in 1993 (the 'Transnational
Incentive  Plan'). In addition, of the  five members of the Transnational Board,
two are  directors  and/or officers  of  PXRE, and  of  the seven  directors  of
Transnational  Reinsurance,  four are  directors  and/or officers  of  PXRE. See
'RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PXRE AND TRANSNATIONAL'.
 
     As of the Record  Date, the persons serving  as executive officers of  PXRE
and/or  Transnational (including Mr.  Radke who is a  director of both companies
and Mr. Kimmel who is a  director of Transnational) beneficially owned and  were
entitled  to  vote  75,038 shares  of  PXRE  Common Stock  and  8,850  shares of
Transnational Class A Stock, representing less than 1% of the PXRE Common  Stock
and  less than 1% of the  Transnational Class A Stock, respectively, outstanding
as of the  Record Date. Each  such executive officer  has indicated his  present
intention  to vote  or direct the  vote of the  shares of PXRE  Common Stock and
Transnational Class  A  Stock so  owned  by him  or  over which  he  has  voting
 
                                       38
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
control  for the approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement and, with respect
to such shares of PXRE Common Stock,  for the approval and adoption of the  PXRE
Charter Amendment.
 
     See  'Effect on Employee Benefit and Stock Plans' below for a discussion of
the treatment under the Merger Agreement of the Transnational Incentive Plan and
of certain amendments made or to be made to various PXRE employee benefit  plans
in anticipation of the Merger.
 
     As  of the  Record Date, the  non-executive directors  of PXRE beneficially
owned and were entitled  to vote 13,850 shares  of PXRE Common Stock  (excluding
shares owned by Phoenix Home Life with respect to the directors described in the
next  paragraph), which represented  less than 1%  of the shares  of PXRE Common
Stock outstanding on  the Record Date.  In addition, certain  directors of  PXRE
beneficially own shares of Transnational Class A Stock (in each case, and in the
aggregate,  less  than  1%  of  the  Transnational  Class  A  Stock  issued  and
outstanding as  of  the  Record  Date). Each  PXRE  non-executive  director  has
indicated  his or her present  intention to vote or direct  the vote of the PXRE
Common Stock and  Transnational Class A  Stock so owned  by him or  her or  over
which  he or she has voting control for  the approval and adoption of the Merger
Agreement and (with respect to the PXRE Common Stock so owned) for the  approval
and  adoption  of  the  PXRE  Charter Amendment.  As  of  the  Record  Date, the
non-executive directors of Transnational beneficially owned and were entitled to
vote 200 shares of Transnational Class  A Stock, which represented less than  1%
of the shares of Transnational Class A Stock outstanding on the Record Date, and
owned   no  shares  of  PXRE  Common   Stock.  Each  non-executive  director  of
Transnational has indicated his present intention to vote or direct the vote  of
the  Transnational Class  A Stock so  owned by him  or over which  he has voting
control for the approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement.
 
     As of  the Record  Date, Phoenix  Home Life  owned 636,700  shares of  PXRE
Common  Stock representing approximately 8% of  the then outstanding PXRE Common
Stock. Robert  W. Fiondella,  David W.  Searfoss and  Philip R.  McLoughlin  are
executive  officers of Phoenix Home Life and certain of its affiliates and serve
as directors of PXRE.
 
     Additional information  relating to  employment history,  compensation  and
various benefit arrangements of PXRE and its executive officers and directors is
set  forth in and  incorporated herein by  reference to the  PXRE Form 10-K. See
'AVAILABLE INFORMATION' and 'INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE'.
 
     Edward P. Lyons,  Wendy Luscombe and  Donald H. Trautlein,  members of  the
PXRE  Committee,  have received  or will  receive the  following fees  for their
services on the  PXRE Committee  in addition  to their  regular compensation  of
$1,000  per Board and Committee meeting for attending meetings of the PXRE Board
and Committees  and an  annual retainer  fee of  $16,000 (plus  $1,500 each  for
members  ($3,000 for the  Chairman) of the Audit  Committee, the Human Resources
Committee and the Investment Committee of the PXRE Board):
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                         <C>
Edward P. Lyons..........................................................   $9,000
Wendy Luscombe...........................................................   $7,500
Donald H. Trautlein......................................................   $7,500
</TABLE>
 
     Thomas H. Fox, Franklin D. Haftl and William L. Musser, Jr., members of the
Special Committee, have received  or will receive the  following fees for  their
services  on the Special Committee in  addition to their regular compensation of
$1,000  per  Board  and  Committee   meeting  for  attending  meetings  of   the
Transnational  Board and Committees and an  annual retainer fee of $16,000 (plus
$1,500 each for members  ($3,000 for the Chairman)  of the Audit Committee,  the
Compensation Committee and the Investment Committee of the Transnational Board):
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                        <C>
Thomas H. Fox...........................................................   $18,000
Franklin D. Haftl.......................................................   $16,500
William L. Musser, Jr. .................................................   $16,500
</TABLE>
 
     Also,  see  'Effect  on  Employee  Benefit and  Stock  Plans'  below  for a
discussion of the treatment under the Merger Agreement of stock options held by,
and deferred stock rights of, members of the Special Committee.
 
                                       39
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
     In addition, see  'THE MERGER AGREEMENT  -- Indemnification and  Insurance'
for  a discussion of the indemnification of the present and former directors and
officers of Transnational for liability arising from their service prior to  the
consummation of the Merger.
 
CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER
 
     The  following discussion is based upon  the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as  amended  (the  'Code'),  the  applicable  Treasury  regulations  thereunder,
judicial  authority, and current  administrative rulings and  practice as of the
date hereof. The following discussion is  intended only as a summary of  certain
federal  income tax consequences of the Merger  and does not purport to consider
all aspects  of federal  income taxation  that  may be  relevant to  a  decision
whether to vote in favor of approval of the Merger. The summary does not discuss
all  of the tax  consequences that may be  important to particular stockholders,
especially stockholders  subject to  special tax  treatment (such  as  insurance
companies,  banks, dealers  in securities,  tax-exempt organizations  or foreign
persons) and stockholders  who acquired  their shares of  Transnational Class  A
Stock as compensation. In addition, neither the opinions described below nor the
following  description considers  the effect  of any  applicable foreign, state,
local or other tax laws.
 
     The obligations  of Transnational  and PXRE  to consummate  the Merger  are
conditioned  upon the receipt (i)  by Transnational of an  opinion of Davis Polk
and (ii) by PXRE  of an opinion  of Morgan Lewis (the  'Tax Opinions'), in  each
case  to the effect that the Merger qualifies for Federal income tax purposes as
a tax-free reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.  The
delivery  of the Tax Opinions by Davis Polk and Morgan Lewis will be conditioned
upon  certain   assumptions  set   forth  therein,   the  receipt   of   certain
representations  from  Transnational and  PXRE,  and certain  other information,
data, documentation and other materials as they deem necessary. The Tax Opinions
will be based on current law and  assume that the Merger will be consummated  as
described  herein. Neither this summary, nor the Tax Opinions are binding on the
Internal Revenue Service (the 'IRS') and no ruling from the IRS has been  sought
or will be sought with respect to such tax consequences.
 
     THE  FOLLOWING IS A SUMMARY OF  MATERIAL FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF
THE MERGER, WITHOUT REFERENCE TO THE  PARTICULAR FACTS AND CIRCUMSTANCES OF  ANY
PARTICULAR STOCKHOLDER. STOCKHOLDERS OF TRANSNATIONAL ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR
OWN  TAX ADVISERS AS TO THE SPECIFIC FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, FOREIGN OR OTHER TAX
CONSEQUENCES TO THEM OF THE MERGER.
 
     A Transnational stockholder  which receives PXRE  Common Stock in  exchange
for  its Transnational  Class A Stock  will not  recognize gain or  loss on such
exchange, except  to the  extent that  cash is  received in  lieu of  fractional
shares. Such a stockholder's tax basis in the PXRE Common Stock received will be
the same as the tax basis of the shares of Transnational Class A Stock exchanged
therefor,  less any proportionate part of such basis allocable to any fractional
share interest in  PXRE Common  Stock for which  cash is  received. The  holding
period  of the PXRE Common Stock received will include the holding period of the
Transnational Class A Stock exchanged therefor, provided that such Transnational
Class A Stock is held as a capital asset at the Effective Time.
 
     A Transnational stockholder who receives cash in lieu of fractional  shares
of PXRE Common Stock will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between
the  cash received  and the  part of  basis of  the Transnational  Class A Stock
allocated to the  fractional share interest.  Any such  gain or loss  will be  a
capital  gain or loss if  the Transnational Class A Stock  was held as a capital
asset.
 
     No gain  or loss  will be  recognized as  a result  of the  Merger by  PXRE
(including  as a result of the exchange by PXRE Reinsurance of the Transnational
Class B Stock for shares of PXRE Common Stock) or by the PXRE stockholders.
 
ACCOUNTING TREATMENT
 
     PXRE and Transnational expect  that the Merger will  be accounted for as  a
purchase  under GAAP and that, pursuant  to such accounting treatment, PXRE will
value the shares of PXRE Common Stock  to be issued in the Merger in  accordance
with  the FASB's EITF 95-19 consensus that the value of equity securities issued
to effect a  purchase combination  should be  based on  the market  price for  a
reasonable  period before and  after the date  the terms of  the acquisition are
agreed and announced (in this case,
 
                                       40
 
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<PAGE>
August 22, 1996). The acquisition price will be allocated to the assets acquired
(including identifiable  intangible  assets)  and liabilities  assumed.  To  the
extent  any  difference in  the acquisition  price  over the  fair value  of the
Transnational assets  exists  after  the allocation,  such  difference  will  be
allocated to goodwill.
 
     In  accordance with GAAP, the shares of  PXRE Common Stock received by PXRE
Reinsurance in the Merger will not be considered outstanding for purposes of the
consolidated financial statements of PXRE.
 
ESTIMATED SYNERGIES
 
     PXRE currently  estimates  that the  Merger  will result  in  approximately
$800,000   of  quantifiable  reductions  in   professional  and  printing  costs
associated with one rather than two  public companies and in Delaware  franchise
tax expenses of one rather than two Delaware corporations.
 
GOVERNMENTAL APPROVALS
 
     The  consummation of the Merger is subject to the expiration or termination
of the relevant waiting period under the HSR Act. Notification and report  forms
under  the HSR Act were submitted on September 27, 1996 and early termination of
the waiting period has been granted.
 
     The Merger and certain related transactions, including the issuance of PXRE
Common Stock to  PXRE Reinsurance in  exchange for its  shares of  Transnational
Class  B Stock,  are also  subject to  the prior  approval (or,  with respect to
certain matters, the approval or termination of a 30-day waiting period  without
prior  disapproval) of the Connecticut Insurance Department. Applications and/or
notices respecting  such  approvals  have  been  submitted  to  the  Connecticut
Insurance Department.
 
EFFECT ON EMPLOYEE BENEFIT AND STOCK PLANS
 
     Transnational.  Transnational has no paid employees and the persons serving
as its executive  officers receive  no direct  compensation from  Transnational,
except  that such persons may be eligible to receive cash incentive awards based
on the net income of Transnational pursuant to the Transnational Incentive Plan.
Transnational also maintains a deferred stock  plan and a stock option plan  for
its non-employee directors.
 
     Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Transnational has agreed to seek to amend
the  Transnational Incentive Plan prior to the Effective Time (and to obtain the
agreement of the plan  participants to such amendment)  to provide that (x)  the
computation  of net profits for purposes of the 1996 bonus pool will be based on
the sum of the net profits of Transnational and its subsidiaries for the  period
ending  on the last day of the last  full calendar quarter ending on or prior to
the Effective Time  plus the net  profits of Transnational  Reinsurance for  any
subsequent  calendar quarter(s) of  1996 (without regard to  any expenses of the
Merger, any charges for any annual bonus pool, or any contingent fee payable  to
PXRE  Reinsurance, all as computed  in accordance with GAAP)  and (y) the Merger
will not be deemed to be a termination of employment for any participant in  the
Transnational  Incentive Plan and that the vested percentages of participants in
the 1994, 1995 and 1996 bonus pools shall be determined based on their years and
months of service with  Transnational prior to the  Merger plus their years  and
months of service with the Surviving Corporation after the Merger.
 
     Pursuant  to the  Transnational Non-Employee Director  Deferred Stock Plan,
each of the non-employee directors of Transnational is entitled to receive 2,000
shares of  Transnational  Class  A  Stock  upon ceasing  to  be  a  director  of
Transnational. All of such directors will cease to be directors of Transnational
as  of the Effective Time.  Pursuant to the Merger  Agreement, such plan will be
amended to provide that each such share due to such directors will be deemed  to
be issued immediately prior to the Effective Time and will be converted into the
applicable number of shares of PXRE Common Stock in accordance with the terms of
the Merger Agreement.
 
     Pursuant  to the Transnational Director Stock  Option Plan, on May 21, 1996
(the date  of the  annual meeting  of stockholders),  each of  the  non-employee
directors  of Transnational was granted options ('Director Options') to purchase
1,000 shares of Transnational Class  A Stock at an  option price of $23.31  (the
fair  market  value  of  such  shares on  such  date).  Pursuant  to  the Merger
Agreement, at the
 
                                       41
 
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<PAGE>
Effective Time each  outstanding Director  Option, whether  vested or  unvested,
will  be  deemed to  constitute  an option  to acquire,  on  the same  terms and
conditions as applicable under such Director  Option, the same number of  shares
of  PXRE Common  Stock as  the holder  of such  Director Option  would have been
entitled to  receive pursuant  to  the Merger  had  such holder  exercised  such
Director  Option in full (whether or not actually exercisable) immediately prior
to the Effective Time  (an 'Assumed Option'). Each  Assumed Option will have  an
exercise  price per  share equal  to (x)  the aggregate  exercise price  for the
shares of Transnational Class A  Stock deemed otherwise purchasable pursuant  to
such  Director Option divided  by (y) the  number of full  shares of PXRE Common
Stock that are subject to such Assumed Option.
 
     PXRE. In anticipation of the Merger, the terms of certain of the PXRE bonus
plans and its director stock  option plan have been  amended so that the  Merger
will  not constitute a 'change of control' under the terms thereof. In all other
respects, the employee benefit plans of PXRE will be unaffected by the Merger.
 
RESALE OF PXRE COMMON STOCK
 
     The  shares  of  PXRE  Common  Stock  received  by  holders  of  shares  of
Transnational  Class A Stock  in the Merger will  be freely transferable, except
that shares received  by persons who  are deemed 'affiliates'  (as such term  is
defined  in Rule  144 under  the Securities Act)  of Transnational  prior to the
Merger may  be resold  by them  only  in transactions  permitted by  the  resale
provisions  of Rule 145  under the Securities Act  (or, in the  case of any such
persons who become affiliates of PXRE, Rule 144 under the Securities Act) or  as
otherwise   may  be  permitted  under  the  Securities  Act.  This  Joint  Proxy
Statement/Prospectus does not cover any resales of PXRE Common Stock received by
any person who may be deemed to be such an affiliate.
 
     In the Merger Agreement, Transnational has  agreed to use its best  efforts
to cause each affiliate of Transnational to agree in writing with PXRE that such
person  will not sell  or otherwise transfer  PXRE Common Stock  received in the
Merger except in accordance with Securities Act requirements.
 
APPRAISAL RIGHTS
 
     Holders of shares of Transnational Common  Stock and PXRE Common Stock  are
not entitled to appraisal rights under the DGCL in connection with the Merger.
 
CERTAIN LITIGATION CONCERNING THE PROPOSED MERGER
 
     On  May 15, 1996,  PXRE, Transnational and  the directors of Transnational,
including certain persons who are also officers of PXRE and Transnational,  were
named  defendants in a complaint filed in the  Court of Chancery in the State of
Delaware (Crandon  Capital Partners  v. Kimmel,  et al.,  C.A. No.  14998).  The
complaint  was brought by a Transnational stockholder individually and on behalf
of the purported class  of public stockholders of  Transnational in response  to
PXRE's  initial proposal to  Transnational to merge  Transnational with and into
PXRE. The complaint alleged, among  other things, that the proposed  transaction
was  grossly unfair and  inadequate, that those defendants  who are directors of
Transnational had violated their fiduciary duties to Transnational and that PXRE
had violated  its  alleged fiduciary  duties  as a  controlling  stockholder  of
Transnational.  Prior to the  signing of the  Merger Agreement, discussions were
held between counsel for  the plaintiff and counsel  for the defendants in  such
lawsuit  and agreement in principle  was reached to settle  the lawsuit based on
the increase in the exchange ratio. The agreement in principle is subject to the
execution  of  mutually  satisfactory  settlement  documentation,   confirmatory
discovery, Court approval and other conditions.
 
LISTING OF SHARES
 
     It  is a condition to each party's obligation to effect the Merger that the
shares of PXRE Common  Stock to be  issued to holders  of Transnational Class  A
Stock  in connection with the  Merger be approved for  trading on NASDAQ, or, if
any shares of PXRE are then listed on the NYSE, be listed on the NYSE, in either
case subject to official  notice of issuance.  PXRE has agreed  to use its  best
efforts  to cause such shares of PXRE Common Stock to be so approved for trading
or so listed,  subject to official  notice of issuance,  prior to the  Effective
Time.  PXRE intends, promptly following the Merger,  to seek listing of the PXRE
Common Stock on the NYSE.
 
                                       42

<PAGE>
<PAGE>
                              THE MERGER AGREEMENT
 
     The  following is a summary of the principal terms of the Merger Agreement,
a copy of which is attached to this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus as Annex A.
Capitalized terms  which are  not otherwise  defined in  this summary  have  the
meanings  set forth in the Merger Agreement.  The description set forth below of
the terms of the Merger Agreement is  qualified in its entirety by reference  to
the  complete text of  the Merger Agreement, which  is incorporated by reference
herein. All of the stockholders of PXRE and Transnational are urged to read  the
Merger Agreement in its entirety.
 
GENERAL
 
     The  Boards of Directors of PXRE and Transnational have approved the Merger
Agreement, which provides for the Merger at the Effective Time, with PXRE as the
Surviving Corporation. As a result of the Merger, by operation of Delaware  law,
all   of  the   properties,  rights,   privileges,  powers   and  franchises  of
Transnational will vest  in PXRE as  the Surviving Corporation,  and all  debts,
liabilities  and duties of Transnational will  become the debts, liabilities and
duties  of  PXRE.  Such  liabilities  would  include,  without  limitation,  any
liabilities   under  federal  securities  laws,  including  Section  11  of  the
Securities Act.
 
     The directors and officers of PXRE immediately prior to the Merger will  be
the  directors and officers  of the Surviving  Corporation immediately after the
Merger. The PXRE Charter, as in  effect immediately prior to the Effective  Time
(as   amended  by  the   PXRE  Charter  Amendment,  if   approved  by  the  PXRE
stockholders), will  be  the  certificate  of  incorporation  of  the  Surviving
Corporation,  and the  By-laws of  PXRE, as in  effect immediately  prior to the
Effective Time, will be the by-laws  of the Surviving Corporation, in each  case
immediately after the Effective Time.
 
EFFECTIVE TIME
 
     The  Effective Time  will be  the time  of the  filing of  a certificate of
merger with the Secretary of State of  the State of Delaware or such later  time
as  is specified in such certificate of merger. The filing of the certificate of
merger will occur  on the Closing  Date (or such  other later date  as PXRE  and
Transnational may agree). The Merger Agreement may be terminated by either party
if, among other reasons, the Merger shall not have been consummated on or before
June 30, 1997. See 'Conditions to the Merger' and 'Termination' below.
 
MERGER CONSIDERATION
 
     Upon   consummation  of  the  Merger,   except  as  described  below,  each
outstanding share of (i) Transnational Class A Stock, other than shares held  in
Transnational's  treasury  or  held  by  PXRE  or  any  subsidiary  of  PXRE  or
Transnational, and  (ii)  Transnational  Class B  Stock  will  be  automatically
converted  (except that cash will be paid in lieu of fractional shares) into the
right to receive 1.0575 validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable shares  of
PXRE Common Stock.
 
     THE  EXCHANGE RATIO IS FIXED  IN THE MERGER AGREEMENT  AND NEITHER PXRE NOR
TRANSNATIONAL HAS THE RIGHT TO TERMINATE  THE MERGER AGREEMENT BASED ON  CHANGES
IN  THE MARKET  PRICE OF  EITHER PARTY'S  STOCK. ACCORDINGLY,  THE VALUE  OF THE
CONSIDERATION TO  BE RECEIVED  BY TRANSNATIONAL  STOCKHOLDERS IN  THE MERGER  IS
SUBJECT  TO  FLUCTUATION  BASED  ON  THE  MARKET  PRICE  OF  PXRE  COMMON STOCK.
TRANSNATIONAL STOCKHOLDERS ARE  URGED TO  OBTAIN CURRENT  MARKET QUOTATIONS  FOR
PXRE  COMMON STOCK  AND TRANSNATIONAL  CLASS A  STOCK. FOR  CERTAIN RECENT STOCK
PRICE DATA, SEE 'MARKET PRICE DATA AND DIVIDENDS.'
 
     Any shares of Transnational  Class A Stock owned  immediately prior to  the
Effective Time by PXRE, Transnational or their subsidiaries will be canceled and
retired and will cease to exist.
 
CONVERSION OF SHARES; PROCEDURES FOR EXCHANGE OF CERTIFICATES; FRACTIONAL SHARES
 
     The  conversion of  Transnational Class A  Stock and  Transnational Class B
Stock into PXRE Common Stock will occur automatically at the Effective Time.
 
                                       43
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
     Promptly after  the  Effective Time  (and  in no  event  more than  5  days
thereafter),  American  Stock  Transfer  & Trust  Company,  in  its  capacity as
Exchange Agent (the  'Exchange Agent'),  will send  a transmittal  form to  each
former  holder of Transnational Common Stock.  The transmittal form will contain
instructions  with  respect   to  the  surrender   of  certificates   previously
representing Transnational Common Stock to be exchanged for PXRE Common Stock.
 
     TRANSNATIONAL   STOCKHOLDERS   SHOULD  NOT   FORWARD   TRANSNATIONAL  STOCK
CERTIFICATES TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT  UNTIL THEY HAVE RECEIVED TRANSMITTAL  FORMS.
TRANSNATIONAL  STOCKHOLDERS  SHOULD  NOT  RETURN  STOCK  CERTIFICATES  WITH  THE
ENCLOSED PROXY.
 
     After the  Effective Time,  each  certificate that  previously  represented
shares  of Transnational Common  Stock will represent only  the right to receive
the PXRE Common Stock into  which such shares were  converted in the Merger  and
the  right to receive cash in lieu of  fractional shares of PXRE Common Stock as
described below.
 
     Holders of certificates previously representing Transnational Common  Stock
will not be paid dividends or other distributions declared or made following the
Effective  Time  on the  PXRE  Common Stock  into  which such  shares  have been
converted, and will not be paid cash in lieu of fractional shares of PXRE Common
Stock, until  such  certificates  are  surrendered to  the  Exchange  Agent  for
exchange. When such certificates are surrendered, any unpaid dividends and other
distributions  and any cash  in lieu of  fractional shares of  PXRE Common Stock
payable as described below will be paid without interest.
 
     Former holders of record immediately prior to the Effective Time of  shares
of  Transnational Common Stock  (other than PXRE  Reinsurance in accordance with
Section 160(c) of the DGCL) will be  entitled, at and after the Effective  Time,
to  vote the number  of shares of PXRE  Common Stock which  they are entitled to
receive in respect of their shares of Transnational Common Stock in the  Merger,
regardless  of  whether the  certificates formerly  representing such  shares of
Transnational  Common  Stock  shall  have  been  surrendered  in  exchange   for
certificates evidencing PXRE Common Stock.
 
     All  shares  of  PXRE Common  Stock  issued  upon conversion  of  shares of
Transnational Common Stock (including any cash issued in lieu of any  fractional
shares  of  PXRE Common  Stock), shall  be deemed  to have  been issued  in full
satisfaction of all  rights pertaining  to such shares  of Transnational  Common
Stock,  subject, however, to PXRE's obligation to  pay any dividends or make any
other distributions with  a record date  prior to the  Effective Time which  may
have  been declared  or made  by Transnational  on such  shares of Transnational
Common Stock in accordance with the Merger Agreement or prior to the date of the
Merger Agreement and which remain unpaid at the Effective Time.
 
     No  fractional  shares  of  PXRE  Common  Stock  will  be  issued  to   any
Transnational stockholder upon surrender of certificates previously representing
Transnational  Common Stock. For  each fractional share  that would otherwise be
issued, PXRE will pay by check an amount equal to (x) such fractional part of  a
share  of PXRE Common  Stock multiplied by (y)  the closing price  of a share of
PXRE Common Stock on the trading day immediately preceding the Closing Date.
 
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
 
     The Merger  Agreement contains  various representations  and warranties  of
PXRE   and  Transnational.  Those  made  by  PXRE  include  representations  and
warranties as  to, among  other  things, (i)  the corporate  organization,  good
standing  and power of  PXRE and each  of its subsidiaries;  (ii) PXRE's capital
structure;  (iii)  the  authorization,  execution,  delivery,  performance   and
enforceability   of  the  Merger  Agreement  and  related  matters,  the  Merger
Agreement's noncontravention  of any  applicable agreement  or law  (subject  to
certain  materiality exceptions), or any charter  or by-law provision of PXRE or
its subsidiaries, and the governmental  filings, consents, approvals or  actions
needed  with respect  to any transaction  contemplated by  the Merger Agreement;
(iv) documents filed by PXRE with the Commission and the accuracy of information
contained therein;  (v)  the  financial statements  included  in  the  foregoing
documents  filed  with  the  Commission,  the  annual  and  quarterly  insurance
regulatory  statements  with  respect  to  PXRE  Reinsurance,  the  accuracy  of
information presented in
 
                                       44
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
each of the foregoing, and the absence of material undisclosed liabilities; (vi)
the accuracy of information supplied by PXRE in connection with this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus;  (vii) the absence  of certain material  changes or events
since  the  date  of  the  most  recent  financial  statements  filed  with  the
Commission,  including, among other things, any PXRE Material Adverse Change (as
defined in 'Conditions  to the Merger'  below), or any  event or condition  that
individually  or in the  aggregate could reasonably  be expected to  result in a
PXRE Material  Adverse Change,  the declaration  of certain  dividends,  certain
redemptions  or repurchases of stock, any split, reclassification or combination
of  capital  stock,  certain  changes  in  accounting  methods,  principles   or
practices, amendment of any material term of any outstanding security of PXRE or
any  subsidiary  thereof, the  incurrence,  assumption or  guarantee  of certain
indebtedness, the  creation  of certain  Liens,  the making  of  certain  loans,
capital   contributions,  investments,  certain  other  material  contracts  and
arrangements, any  restrictions on  PXRE's right  to engage  or compete  in  any
business,  certain material acquisitions, joint  ventures or similar agreements,
and certain grants or increases of severance arrangements and certain  increases
in  compensation and benefit arrangements; (viii)  the filing of tax returns and
payment  of  taxes;  (ix)  compliance  with  applicable  laws;  (x)  the  voting
requirements for the approval of the Merger and the PXRE Charter Amendment; (xi)
the  receipt of an  opinion of PXRE's financial  adviser; (xii) certain advisory
fees and  expenses;  (xiii)  the  absence  of  certain  material  litigation  or
judgments;  (xiv)  PXRE's knowledge  as  to Transnational's  representations and
warranties and certain other developments regarding Transnational; (xv)  certain
matters  relating  to the  tax  consequences of  the  Merger; and  (xvi) certain
matters relating to  the Employee  Retirement Income  Security Act  of 1974,  as
amended ('ERISA').
 
     The  Merger  Agreement  also  includes  representations  and  warranties of
Transnational;  however,  many  of  such  representations  and  warranties   are
qualified  as  described  below.  The  representations  and  warranties  made by
Transnational include representations and  warranties as to (i)  Transnational's
capital  structure; (ii) the authorization, execution, delivery, performance and
enforceability of  the  Merger Agreement  and  related matters  and  the  Merger
Agreement's  noncontravention of any Transnational  charter or by-law provision;
(iii)  the  accuracy  of  information  supplied  by  the  Special  Committee  in
connection  with this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus;  (iv) the absence of the
declaration of certain dividends; (v)  the voting requirements for the  approval
of  the  Merger; (vi)  the receipt  of an  opinion of  Transnational's financial
adviser; and (vii) certain advisory fees and expenses. The Merger Agreement also
includes a  representation  of Transnational  that  none of  certain  statements
(which statements are similar to the representations and warranties made by PXRE
and  described  above,  except  for  those  respecting  PXRE's  knowledge  as to
Transnational's representations and warranties,  tax consequences of the  Merger
and  ERISA matters) are untrue or incorrect in any material respect by virtue of
affirmative actions taken by  the Transnational Board since  May 10, 1996 or  by
the Special Committee.
 
     Except   as  to  certain  tax   representations,  the  representations  and
warranties in the Merger Agreement do not survive the Effective Time.
 
CONDUCT OF BUSINESS PRIOR TO MERGER
 
     In the Merger Agreement, PXRE has agreed  that during the period up to  the
Effective  Time, PXRE will, and  will cause its subsidiaries  to, carry on their
respective businesses  only in  the ordinary  course of  business  substantially
consistent  with past practice and, to  the extent consistent therewith, use all
reasonable best efforts to preserve intact their current business organizations,
keep available the services of their current officers and employees and preserve
their relationships with agents, insureds, reinsureds and others having business
dealings with them to the end that their goodwill and ongoing businesses will be
unimpaired at the Effective Time.
 
     Without limiting the generality of the  foregoing, during the period up  to
the  Effective Time,  except as expressly  contemplated by  the Merger Agreement
(including the Disclosure Schedule thereto), PXRE will not, and will not  permit
any  of its subsidiaries to, without  the prior written consent of Transnational
(by action of  the Special Committee):  (i) (x)  declare, set aside  or pay  any
dividends  on,  or  make any  other  distributions  (whether in  cash,  stock or
property) in respect of, any of PXRE's outstanding capital stock (other than  as
disclosed    to    the    Special   Committee),    (y)    split,    combine   or
 
                                       45
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
reclassify any  of its  outstanding  capital stock  or  issue or  authorize  the
issuance  of any other securities  in respect of, in  lieu of or in substitution
for shares of its outstanding capital stock or (z) purchase, redeem or otherwise
acquire (other than  as disclosed to  the Special Committee)  any shares of  its
outstanding capital stock or other securities or any rights, warrants or options
to  acquire any such  shares or securities;  (ii) issue, sell,  grant, pledge or
otherwise encumber any shares of its capital stock, any other voting  securities
or  any  securities convertible  into,  or any  rights,  warrants or  options to
acquire, any such shares, voting securities or convertible securities other than
upon the  exercise  of stock  options  outstanding on  the  date of  the  Merger
Agreement  or  certain  other specified  issuances;  (iii) except  for  the PXRE
Charter Amendment,  amend its  certificate of  incorporation, by-laws  or  other
comparable  charter or organizational documents;  (iv) merge or consolidate with
any other person  or acquire  (x) any corporation,  partnership, joint  venture,
association  or  other business  organization or  division  thereof, or  (y) any
assets that are  material, individually  or in the  aggregate, to  PXRE and  its
subsidiaries  taken  as  a whole,  except  in  the ordinary  course  of business
substantially consistent with past practice  and purchases of investment  assets
in  accordance with  the PXRE Investment  Guidelines; (v)  sell, lease, license,
mortgage or otherwise encumber  or subject to any  Lien or otherwise dispose  of
any  of  its properties  or  assets that  are  material individually  or  in the
aggregate to  PXRE  and its  subsidiaries,  except  in the  ordinary  course  of
business  substantially consistent  with past  practice and  sales of investment
assets in the ordinary course of  business; (vi) (x) incur any indebtedness  for
borrowed  money  or  guarantee  or otherwise  become  responsible  for  any such
indebtedness  of  another  person  other   than  pursuant  to  line  of   credit
arrangements  existing as  of the date  of the Merger  Agreement (and additional
line of credit arrangements not exceeding $10 million) and letters of credit and
related agreements in the ordinary  course of business substantially  consistent
with  past practice, or (y)  except as disclosed to  the Special Committee, make
any material loans, advances or capital contributions to, or investments in, any
other person,  other than  to PXRE  or to  any direct  or indirect  wholly-owned
subsidiary  of PXRE and other than  purchases of investment assets in accordance
with the  PXRE  Investment  Guidelines;  (vii) except  for  any  actions  which,
individually or in the aggregate, do not materially increase the obligations and
liabilities  of PXRE, (x) enter into, adopt, amend (except as may be required by
law) or terminate any employee benefit plan or any agreement, arrangement,  plan
or  policy between PXRE and one or  more of its directors, officers or employees
or (y) increase  in any manner  the compensation or  fringe benefits  (including
severance  benefits) of any director, officer or employee or pay any benefit not
required by any  plan and arrangement  in effect as  of the date  of the  Merger
Agreement;  (viii) settle or compromise any  derivative suit or other litigation
or claim  arising out  of the  transactions contemplated  hereby, or  any  other
litigation  or claim if the settlement thereof  involves payment of in excess of
$100,000 (other  than  undisputed  claims for  contractual  benefits  under  any
reinsurance  contract  under  which  PXRE  is  the  reinsurer);  provided,  that
Transnational has agreed to  not unreasonably withhold its  consent to any  such
settlement  or compromise; (ix) make any  material change in accounting methods,
principles or practices used by PXRE or  any of its subsidiaries except for  any
such  change required  by reason of  a concurrent  change in GAAP;  (x) take any
action that requires the approval of its stockholders; (xi) take or allow to  be
taken  or  fail  to take  any  action  which act  or  omission  would jeopardize
qualification of the Merger as a 'reorganization' within the meaning of  Section
368(a)(1)(A)  of  the  Code; (xii)  take  any  action that  would,  or  would be
reasonably likely to, result in any of PXRE's or Transnational's representations
and warranties set forth in the Merger Agreement not being true in all  material
respects  as of  or at any  time prior to  the Effective  Time or in  any of the
conditions to the Merger set forth in the Merger Agreement not being  satisfied;
or (xiii) agree to take any of the foregoing actions.
 
     In  the Merger Agreement, PXRE has agreed  that during the period up to the
Effective Time, it will  cause PXRE Reinsurance to  take all actions within  its
authority  as Manager under the Management  Agreement to cause Transnational and
its subsidiaries to carry  on their respective businesses  only in the  ordinary
course  of  business substantially  consistent with  past  practice and,  to the
extent consistent therewith, use all reasonable best efforts to preserve  intact
their  current  business  organizations and  preserve  their  relationships with
agents, insureds, reinsureds and  others having business  dealings with them  to
the  end that their  goodwill and ongoing  businesses will be  unimpaired at the
Effective Time and the Special Committee has agreed not to take any  affirmative
action  that  would  cause  Transnational or  its  subsidiaries  to  breach this
covenant.
 
                                       46
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
     The Merger Agreement further provides that, without limiting the generality
of the foregoing, during the  period up to the  Effective Time, PXRE will  cause
PXRE  Reinsurance to take all  action within its authority  as Manager under the
Management Agreement  so  that  Transnational  and  its  subsidiaries  will  not
(without  the prior written  consent of the Special  Committee), and the Special
Committee will  not  (without  the  prior written  consent  of  PXRE)  take  any
affirmative action that would cause Transnational or its subsidiaries to, except
as  expressly  contemplated by  the Merger  Agreement (including  the Disclosure
Schedule thereto): (i) (x) declare, set aside  or pay any dividends on, or  make
any  other distributions (whether in cash, stock or property) in respect of, any
of the outstanding  capital stock of  Transnational, except for  Transnational's
regular  quarterly dividends  of up  to $.05  per share,  (y) split,  combine or
reclassify  any  of  Transnational's  outstanding  capital  stock  or  issue  or
authorize  the issuance of any other securities in  respect of, in lieu of or in
substitution for  shares of  Transnational's outstanding  capital stock  or  (z)
purchase,  redeem or  otherwise acquire  any shares  of its  outstanding capital
stock or other securities or any rights, warrants or options to acquire any such
shares or securities; (ii) issue, sell, grant, pledge or otherwise encumber  any
shares  of  its capital  stock, any  other voting  securities or  any securities
convertible into,  or any  rights,  warrants or  options  to acquire,  any  such
shares, voting securities or convertible securities other than upon the exercise
of  stock options  outstanding on  the date of  the Merger  Agreement or certain
other specified issuances; (iii) amend its certificate of incorporation, by-laws
or  other  comparable  charter  or  organizational  documents;  (iv)  merge   or
consolidate  with any other person or  acquire (x) any corporation, partnership,
joint venture, association or other  business organization or division  thereof,
or  (y)  any assets  that are  material,  individually or  in the  aggregate, to
Transnational and its  subsidiaries taken  as a  whole, except  in the  ordinary
course  of business substantially consistent with past practice and purchases of
investment assets in  accordance with the  Transnational Investment  Guidelines;
(v)  sell, lease, license, mortgage or otherwise encumber or subject to any Lien
or otherwise  dispose of  any of  its  properties or  assets that  are  material
individually  or in the aggregate to  Transnational and its subsidiaries, except
in the ordinary course of  business substantially consistent with past  practice
and  sales of  investment assets  in the ordinary  course of  business; (vi) (x)
incur any  indebtedness for  borrowed  money or  guarantee or  otherwise  become
responsible  for any such indebtedness of another person, other than pursuant to
line of credit arrangements existing as of the date of the Merger Agreement  and
letters  of credit  and related  agreements in  the ordinary  course of business
substantially consistent with past practice or  (y) make any loans, advances  or
capital  contributions to,  or investments in,  any other person,  other than to
Transnational  or  to  any  direct   or  indirect  wholly-owned  subsidiary   of
Transnational  and other than purchases of  investment assets in accordance with
the Transnational  Investment Guidelines;  (vii) (x)  enter into,  adopt,  amend
(except as may be required by law) or terminate any employee benefit plan or any
agreement,  arrangement, plan or policy between Transnational and one or more of
its directors,  officers  or  employees  or  (y)  increase  in  any  manner  the
compensation  or fringe benefits (including severance benefits) of any director,
officer or employee or pay any benefit  not required by any plan or  arrangement
in  effect as of the  date of the Merger  Agreement; (viii) settle or compromise
any derivative suit or other litigation or claim arising out of the transactions
contemplated hereby, or any other litigation or claim involving Transnational if
the settlement thereof  involves payment of  in excess of  $100,000 (other  than
undisputed  claims for contractual benefits under any reinsurance contract under
which Transnational is  the reinsurer); provided,  that PXRE has  agreed to  not
unreasonably  withhold its  consent to any  such settlement  or compromise; (ix)
make any material change in accounting methods, principles or practices used  by
Transnational  or any of its subsidiaries except for any such change required by
reason of a concurrent  change in GAAP;  (x) take any  action that requires  the
approval of its stockholders; (xi) take or allow to be taken or fail to take any
action  which act or omission would jeopardize  qualification of the Merger as a
'reorganization' within the meaning of  Section 368(a)(1)(A) of the Code;  (xii)
take  any action that would, or would be  reasonably likely to, result in any of
Transnational's representations and warranties set forth in the Merger Agreement
not being true  in all  material respects  as of  or at  any time  prior to  the
Effective Time or in any of the conditions to the Merger set forth in the Merger
Agreement  not being  satisfied; or  (xiii) agree to  take any  of the foregoing
actions.
 
                                       47
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
NO SOLICITATION; FIDUCIARY OUT
 
     The Merger  Agreement provides  that Transnational  will not  (nor will  it
permit  any of  its officers,  directors, agents  or affiliates  to) directly or
indirectly solicit,  encourage (including  by way  of providing  any  non-public
information  concerning  Transnational  or  its  subsidiaries  to  any  person),
initiate or participate in  any negotiations or discussions,  or enter into  (or
authorize) any agreement or agreement in principle, or announce any intention to
do  any  of  the foregoing,  with  respect  to any  Acquisition  Transaction. An
'Acquisition Transaction' is  defined in the  Merger Agreement as  any offer  or
proposal  to  acquire all,  or  a substantial  part,  of Transnational's  or its
subsidiaries' business and properties or any of its or its subsidiaries' capital
stock whether by  merger, purchase  of assets,  tender offer  or otherwise.  The
Merger Agreement does not prohibit the Special Committee, to the extent required
by  its  fiduciary  duties under  applicable  law  as advised  by  counsel, from
providing information  to, participating  in negotiations  or discussions  with,
entering  into any agreement or transaction with, or announcing any intention to
do any of the  foregoing with, any  party that makes  an unsolicited inquiry  or
proposal  relating to an  Acquisition Transaction. The  Merger Agreement further
provides that Transnational  will promptly  notify PXRE  of the  receipt of  any
inquiry  or  proposal  which  it  may  receive  in  respect  of  any Acquisition
Transaction, including  the  identity  of  the person  making  such  inquiry  or
proposal  and, unless advised by  counsel that there is  a significant risk that
such action  would constitute  a  breach of  the Special  Committee's  fiduciary
duties,  the material terms and conditions thereof and any changes therein. PXRE
has agreed that the Special Committee may  provide to any such party that  makes
an  unsolicited inquiry  or proposal  respecting an  Acquisition Transaction any
change in the terms in the Merger Agreement proposed by PXRE in response to such
unsolicited inquiry  or  proposal,  provided  that  the  Special  Committee  has
disclosed to PXRE the identity of the person making such inquiry or proposal and
the  material terms and conditions of  such proposed Acquisition Transaction and
any changes therein.
 
INDEMNIFICATION AND INSURANCE
 
     Pursuant to the Merger  Agreement, PXRE has  generally agreed to  indemnify
the  present  and  former  officers  and  directors  of  Transnational  and  its
subsidiaries against  all  damages  and  liabilities  arising  out  of  acts  or
omissions  occurring prior to  the Effective Time (including  but not limited to
the transactions contemplated  by the  Merger Agreement) to  the fullest  extent
permitted  by  Delaware  law.  PXRE  has also  agreed  that  all  limitations or
exculpation of liabilities existing in favor of such persons provided for in the
Transnational Charter and the Transnational By-laws,  in each case as in  effect
on  the date of  the Merger Agreement,  shall continue in  full force and effect
with respect to  Merger Matters, without  any amendment thereto,  to the  extent
such  rights  are consistent  with the  DGCL.  In addition,  PXRE has  agreed to
maintain Transnational's existing directors'  and officers' liability  insurance
coverage  for six years from  the Effective Time in  respect of events occurring
prior to the Effective Time, subject to certain limitations.
 
AMENDMENT TO THE MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
 
     The Merger Agreement  provides that in  the event the  Merger Agreement  is
terminated  by  Transnational due  to (i)  the failure  to obtain  the requisite
approval of the  PXRE stockholders  or (ii)  the withdrawal  or modification  or
change in any manner adverse to Transnational of the PXRE Board's recommendation
of  the Merger Agreement and the Merger, the Management Agreement will be deemed
amended effective upon such termination (i)  to extend the initial term  thereof
such  that the expiration date of the initial term will be changed from December
31, 1998  to December  31, 2000,  and (ii)  to provide  that at  any time  after
December  31, 1998 Transnational may terminate the Management Agreement upon one
year's advance written notice to PXRE Reinsurance.
 
CERTAIN ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS
 
     The  Merger  Agreement  contains   additional  covenants  of  each   party,
including,  among others, the following: (i)  to call its stockholders' meeting;
(ii) to take, or cause to be  taken, all reasonable actions necessary to  comply
promptly  with all legal requirements which may be imposed on it with respect to
 
                                       48
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
the Merger; (iii) to allow the other party reasonable access to its  properties,
books, contracts, commitments and records; (iv) to use its best efforts to take,
or cause to be taken, all actions, and to do, or cause to be done, and to assist
and  cooperate with the other  party in doing, all  things necessary, proper and
advisable to  consummate and  make  effective, in  the most  expeditious  manner
practicable,  the  Merger; (v)  to consult  with the  other party  regarding any
public announcement  regarding  the  transactions  contemplated  by  the  Merger
Agreement;  (vi) to  make and  cause their  respective subsidiaries  to make all
necessary filings in order to consummate  the Merger and the other  transactions
contemplated  by the Merger  Agreement, to use  best efforts to  comply with all
governmental requirements applicable to the Merger and to obtain as promptly  as
practicable  all  necessary permits,  orders or  other consents  of governmental
entities and consents of all third parties necessary for the consummation of the
Merger and  the other  transactions contemplated  by the  Merger Agreement;  and
(vii)  to coordinate the  payment of dividends  with respect to  the PXRE Common
Stock and the Transnational Common Stock and the record dates and payment  dates
relating thereto.
 
     The  Merger Agreement  also contemplates that  prior to  the Effective Time
Transnational will  seek  to  amend the  Transnational  Re  Corporation  Officer
Incentive  Plan to provide for the computation of the 1996 bonus pool thereunder
and that the  Merger will  not be  deemed a  termination of  employment for  any
participant  therein,  and  that  the  Transnational  Re  Non-Employee  Director
Deferred Stock Plan will be amended to  provide that all shares with respect  to
which rights have been granted to participants therein shall be deemed issued to
such   participants  immediately   prior  to   the  Effective   Time.  See  'THE
MERGER -- Effect on Employee Benefit and Stock Plans.'
 
CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER
 
     Subject to satisfaction or waiver of all conditions to the Merger set forth
in the Merger Agreement or the earlier termination of the Merger Agreement,  the
closing  of the  Merger (the  'Closing') will  take place  at 10:00  a.m. on the
Closing Date.
 
     The obligations of each of PXRE and Transnational to consummate the  Merger
are  subject to the satisfaction or waiver of a number of conditions, including:
(i) the obtaining of  all necessary stockholder approvals;  (ii) the receipt  of
required  consents and  approvals of  governmental entities  and specified third
parties except to the  extent not material; (iii)  the waiting period under  the
HSR  Act having expired or been terminated;  (iv) the absence of any injunction,
order or other legal  restraint or prohibition preventing  the Merger or any  of
the  other transactions contemplated by the  Merger Agreement; provided that any
party invoking this  condition shall have  used reasonable efforts  to have  any
such  order or injunction vacated; (v)  the Registration Statement having become
effective under the Securities Act  and not being subject  to any stop order  or
related  proceedings; and (vi) the  shares of PXRE Common  Stock to be issued in
the Merger having been approved for trading on NASDAQ or, if any shares of  PXRE
Common  Stock are then  listed on the NYSE,  having been listed  on the NYSE, in
either case subject to official notice of issuance.
 
     The obligations of Transnational to  effect the Merger are further  subject
to  certain additional conditions,  including, among others,  the following: (i)
the truth and correctness, or truth and correctness in all material respects, as
applicable, of the representations and warranties of PXRE as of specified dates;
(ii) the  performance  by PXRE  in  all  material respects  of  all  obligations
required  to be performed by it under  the Merger Agreement prior to the Closing
Date; (iii) since  June 30,  1996, there having  been no  PXRE Material  Adverse
Change,  and no event or condition which  individually or in the aggregate could
reasonably be expected to result in  a PXRE Material Adverse Change, other  than
any  such  PXRE  Material  Adverse  Change  deemed  waived  as  described  under
'Amendment and Waiver'; (iv) Transnational having received (x) the legal opinion
of Davis Polk to the effect  that Transnational and its stockholders (except  to
the  extent such  stockholders receive cash  in lieu of  fractional shares) will
recognize no gain or  loss for federal  income tax purposes as  a result of  the
Merger,  and PXRE having received the legal  opinion with respect to tax matters
described below and (y) 'comfort' letters from Price Waterhouse LLP in form  and
substance  satisfactory  to Transnational;  and (v)  the opinion  of DLJ  to the
effect that the consideration to be received by holders of Transnational Class A
Stock in the Merger is fair to such holders from a financial point of view shall
not have been withdrawn, amended or modified in any material respect.
 
                                       49
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
     The obligations of PXRE to effect the Merger are further subject to certain
additional conditions, including, among others, the following: (i) the truth and
correctness, or truth and correctness  in all material respects, as  applicable,
of  the representations and  warranties of Transnational  as of specified dates;
(ii)  the  performance  by  Transnational  in  all  material  respects  of   all
obligations  required to be performed by it  under the Merger Agreement prior to
the Closing Date; (iii) since June 30, 1996, there having been no  Transnational
Material  Adverse Change, and no event or condition which individually or in the
aggregate could reasonably  be expected  to result in  a Transnational  Material
Adverse Change, other than any such Transnational Material Adverse Change deemed
waived  as described under 'Amendment and Waiver'; (iv) PXRE having received (x)
the legal opinion of Morgan Lewis to  the effect that PXRE and its  stockholders
will  recognize no gain or  loss for federal income tax  purposes as a result of
the Merger, and Transnational having received the legal opinion with respect  to
tax matters described above and (y) comfort letters from Price Waterhouse LLP in
form  and substance satisfactory to PXRE; and  (v) the opinion of Dillon Read to
the effect that the consideration  to be paid by PXRE  in the Merger is fair  to
the  stockholders of PXRE, from  a financial point of  view, shall not have been
withdrawn, amended or modified in any material respect.
 
     As used  in the  Merger Agreement,  (x) a  'Transnational Material  Adverse
Change'  means any material adverse change  in the business, financial condition
or results of operations of Transnational and its subsidiaries taken as a whole,
other than any such change resulting from (i) any decrease in written or  earned
premiums, (ii) any decrease in the value of portfolio investments, and (iii) any
losses   under  reinsurance  or  retrocessional  agreements  (other  than  where
Transnational Reinsurance  is  the cedant)  in  respect of  catastrophic  events
occurring  after the date of the  Merger Agreement which losses, individually or
in the aggregate, do not result in  a decrease of more than 50% of  consolidated
stockholders'  equity of  Transnational and  its subsidiaries,  as determined in
accordance with GAAP, on an after-tax basis, from the amount thereof as of  June
30,  1996 and (y)  a 'PXRE Material  Adverse Change' means  any material adverse
change in the business, financial condition or results of operations of PXRE and
its subsidiaries taken as a whole, other than any such change resulting from (i)
any decrease in written or  earned premiums, (ii) any  decrease in the value  of
portfolio  investments, and (iii) any losses under reinsurance or retrocessional
agreements  (other  than  where  PXRE  Reinsurance  is  cedant)  in  respect  of
catastrophic  events  occurring after  the date  of  the Merger  Agreement which
losses, individually or in the  aggregate, do not result  in a decrease of  more
than  50% of consolidated stockholders' equity  of PXRE and its subsidiaries, as
determined in  accordance with  GAAP, on  an after-tax  basis, from  the  amount
thereof as of June 30, 1996.
 
AMENDMENT AND WAIVER
 
     Subject  to applicable law,  at any time  prior to the  Effective Time, the
parties may  (i)  amend the  Merger  Agreement; provided,  however,  that  after
approval  of the  Merger by  the stockholders  of Transnational  and/or PXRE, no
amendment shall be  made that by  law requires the  approval of  Transnational's
stockholders or PXRE's stockholders, as the case may be, without the approval of
such  stockholders;  (ii) extend  the time  for  the performance  of any  of the
obligations or other acts  of the other party;  (iii) waive any inaccuracies  in
the  representations and warranties  of the other party  contained in the Merger
Agreement or in any document delivered pursuant to the Merger Agreement; or (iv)
subject to clause  (i) above,  waive compliance with  any of  the agreements  or
conditions  contained  in  the  Merger  Agreement  (except  that  the conditions
regarding the receipt  of the  legal opinions  described above  relating to  tax
matters  may not be  waived). Any agreement on  the part of a  party to any such
amendment, extension or waiver shall be valid only if set forth in an instrument
in writing signed on behalf of such party.
 
TERMINATION
 
     The Merger Agreement may be terminated  at any time prior to the  Effective
Time:
 
          (a) by mutual written consent of Transnational and PXRE;
 
          (b)  by written  notice by  either Transnational  or PXRE:  (i) if the
     Merger has  not been  consummated on  or  before the  End Date  unless  the
     failure to consummate the Merger is the result
 
                                       50
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
     of  a willful  and material  breach of  the Merger  Agreement by  the party
     seeking to  terminate the  Merger Agreement;  or (ii)  if any  governmental
     entity  has issued  an order,  decree or ruling  or taken  any other action
     permanently enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting the Merger  and
     such   order,  decree,  ruling  or  other   action  has  become  final  and
     nonappealable;
 
          (c) by  PXRE, if  there has  been a  material breach  of any  material
     representation,   warranty,   covenant  or   agreement   on  the   part  of
     Transnational such that certain conditions are incapable of being satisfied
     by the End Date (or as otherwise extended); provided, however, that if  any
     such  breach  is  curable  by Transnational  through  the  exercise  of its
     reasonable best  efforts and  for so  long as  Transnational is  using  its
     reasonable  best efforts  to cure such  breach, PXRE may  not terminate the
     Merger Agreement pursuant to such provision;
 
          (d) by Transnational,  if there has  been any material  breach of  any
     material  representation, warranty,  covenant or  agreement on  the part of
     PXRE such that certain conditions are  incapable of being satisfied by  the
     End  Date (or as  otherwise extended); provided, however,  that if any such
     breach is  curable by  PXRE through  the exercise  of its  reasonable  best
     efforts  and for so  long as PXRE  is using its  reasonable best efforts to
     cure such  breach, Transnational  may not  terminate the  Merger  Agreement
     pursuant to such provision;
 
          (e)  by PXRE, (i) if the approval of the stockholders of Transnational
     has not been obtained by reason of the failure to obtain the required  vote
     at  the Transnational  Stockholders Meeting  or any  adjournment thereof or
     (ii) if the approval of the  stockholders of PXRE (other than the  approval
     of  the PXRE  Charter Amendment)  has not  been obtained  by reason  of the
     failure to obtain the required vote at the PXRE Stockholders Meeting or any
     adjournment thereof;
 
          (f) by Transnational, (i) if the approval of the stockholders of  PXRE
     (other  than  the approval  of  the PXRE  Charter  Amendment) has  not been
     obtained by reason of the failure to  obtain the required vote at the  PXRE
     Stockholders  Meeting or any adjournment thereof or (ii) if the approval of
     the stockholders of Transnational  has not been obtained  by reason of  the
     failure  to  obtain the  required  vote at  the  Transnational Stockholders
     Meeting or any adjournment thereof;
 
          (g) by PXRE, if, prior to the Transnational Stockholders Meeting,  the
     Special  Committee or the Transnational Board has withdrawn, or modified or
     changed in any manner adverse to PXRE its approval or recommendation of the
     Merger Agreement or the Merger;
 
          (h) by Transnational, if, prior to the PXRE Stockholders Meeting,  the
     PXRE  Board has withdrawn, or modified or  changed in any manner adverse to
     Transnational its approval or recommendation of the Merger Agreement or the
     Merger; or
 
          (i) by  Transnational,  if  Transnational has  received  a  bona  fide
     proposal  for  an  Acquisition  Transaction  which  the  Special  Committee
     believes, and advises the  Transnational Board, is  superior to the  Merger
     from  a  financial  point  of view  to  the  stockholders  of Transnational
     (provided that the provisions  described under 'No Solicitation;  Fiduciary
     Out' have not been breached).
 
     In  the event  of termination  of the  Merger Agreement  by either  PXRE or
Transnational, written notice thereof must be promptly given to the other  party
and  the  Merger Agreement  will become  void  and have  no effect,  without any
liability or obligation on the part  of Transnational or PXRE, other than  under
certain  specified provisions of  the Merger Agreement  relating to amendment of
the  Management  Agreement,  certain  fees   and  expenses  and  certain   other
miscellaneous provisions, provided, however, that no party will be relieved from
any  liability resulting  from any  willful and  material breach  of any  of its
representations, warranties, covenants  or agreements  set forth  in the  Merger
Agreement.
 
CERTAIN EXPENSES
 
     The  Merger Agreement provides  that PXRE will  reimburse Transnational for
all documented,  reasonable out-of-pocket  expenses (not  to exceed  $1,000,000)
incurred by Transnational in connection with the Merger Agreement and the Merger
in  the event that (i)  the Merger Agreement is  terminated (x) by Transnational
for the reasons described  in paragraph (d)  or clause (i)  of paragraph (f)  of
'Termination'  or  (y) by  PXRE  for the  reasons  described in  clause  (ii) of
paragraph (e) of 'Termination' or (ii) the End Date occurs and the conditions to
closing cannot be satisfied only because
 
                                       51
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
Dillon Read has  withdrawn or amended  or modified in  any material respect  its
fairness  opinion. Similarly,  the Merger Agreement  provides that Transnational
will reimburse PXRE for all  documented, reasonable out-of-pocket expenses  (not
to  exceed $1,000,000) incurred by PXRE  in connection with the Merger Agreement
and the Merger in the event that  (i) the Merger Agreement is terminated (x)  by
PXRE  for the reasons described in paragraph  (c) or clause (i) of paragraph (e)
of 'Termination' or  (y) by Transnational  for the reasons  described in  clause
(ii)  of paragraph  (f) of  'Termination' or  (ii) the  End Date  occurs and the
conditions to closing  cannot be  satisfied only  because DLJ  has withdrawn  or
amended or modified in any material respect its fairness opinion.
 
     The  Merger Agreement provides that the above-described payments will be as
liquidated damages and will  be in lieu  of any other  remedies (other than  any
liability resulting from any willful and material breach of the representations,
warranties, covenants or agreements set forth in the Merger Agreement).
 
     Except  as provided above and except for printing expenses and filing fees,
which will be shared equally,  each of PXRE and  Transnational will pay its  own
fees  and expenses incident to preparing for, entering into and carrying out the
Merger Agreement and the transactions  contemplated thereby, whether or not  the
Merger is consummated.
 
                           THE PXRE CHARTER AMENDMENT
 
     At  the PXRE  Special Meeting  the stockholders  of PXRE  will be  asked to
consider and  vote upon  the PXRE  Charter Amendment  which would  increase  the
number  of authorized shares of PXRE  Common Stock from 20,000,000 to 40,000,000
shares.
 
     The PXRE Board believes that it is desirable to authorize additional shares
of PXRE Common Stock so that there will be sufficient shares available after the
Merger for issuance for purposes that the PXRE Board may hereafter determine  to
be  in the  best interests  of PXRE  and its  stockholders. Such  purposes could
include offers of  shares for cash,  the declaration of  stock splits and  stock
dividends,  mergers and  acquisitions and  other general  corporate purposes. In
many situations, prompt action  may be required which  would not permit  seeking
stockholder approval to authorize additional shares for the specific transaction
on a timely basis. The PXRE Board believes it should have the flexibility to act
promptly  in the  best interests  of the stockholders.  The terms  of any future
issuance of shares of PXRE Common Stock will be dependent largely on market  and
financial  conditions  and  other  factors existing  at  the  time  of issuance.
Although there are no  present plans or commitments  for their use, such  shares
would be available for issuance without further action by stockholders except as
required by law or applicable NASDAQ or stock exchange requirements. The current
rules  of NASDAQ (and the NYSE) would require stockholder approval if the number
of shares of PXRE  Common Stock to be  issued would equal or  exceed 20% of  the
number  of shares  of PXRE  Common Stock  outstanding immediately  prior to such
issuance.
 
     Although the PXRE Board has no current intention of issuing any  additional
shares  of  PXRE  Common Stock  as  an  anti-takeover defense,  the  issuance of
additional shares could be used to create impediments to or otherwise discourage
persons attempting  to  gain control  of  PXRE.  For example,  the  issuance  of
additional  shares  could be  used to  dilute  the voting  power of  shares then
outstanding. Shares of  PXRE Common  Stock could also  be issued  to persons  or
entities  who would support the PXRE Board  in opposing a takeover bid which the
PXRE Board  determines  to  be  not  in the  best  interests  of  PXRE  and  its
stockholders.  In the case  of a hostile  tender offer, the  ability of the PXRE
Board to  issue  additional shares  of  PXRE Common  Stock  could be  viewed  as
beneficial  to management by stockholders who want to participate in such tender
offer. Approval of the PXRE Charter Amendment will require the affirmative  vote
of  both (i) holders of more than two-thirds  of the shares of PXRE Common Stock
outstanding as  of the  Record Date  and (ii)  an Independent  Majority of  PXRE
Stockholders.  The form  of the proposed  PXRE Charter Amendment  is attached as
Annex D to this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
 
     The PXRE Board has unanimously  determined that the PXRE Charter  Amendment
is  advisable and in  the best interests  of the stockholders  of PXRE. The PXRE
Board unanimously recommends  that the stockholders  of PXRE vote  FOR the  PXRE
Charter Amendment.
 
                                       52
 
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<PAGE>
                       DESCRIPTION OF PXRE CAPITAL STOCK
 
PXRE COMMON STOCK
 
     PXRE  is currently  authorized to  issue 20,000,000  shares of  PXRE Common
Stock. As of the Record Date, 8,268,125 shares of PXRE Common Stock were  issued
and  outstanding,  and 793,965  shares of  PXRE Common  Stock were  reserved for
issuance upon the exercise of outstanding stock options.
 
     Except as otherwise  required by law,  each share of  PXRE Common Stock  is
entitled  to one vote on  all matters submitted to  a vote of PXRE stockholders,
including the election of directors.
 
     Subject to  the  preferential  rights,  if any,  of  holders  of  any  then
outstanding  preferred stock, the  holders of PXRE Common  Stock are entitled to
receive dividends when and as  declared by the PXRE  Board out of funds  legally
available  for  such payment.  Holders  of PXRE  Common  Stock do  not  have any
preemptive rights to  purchase additional  shares. Subject  to the  preferential
rights  of holders of any then outstanding  preferred stock, the holders of PXRE
Common Stock are entitled to share ratably  in the assets of PXRE available  for
distribution  to stockholders in the event of PXRE's liquidation, dissolution or
winding up.
 
     The transfer agent and  registrar for PXRE Common  Stock is American  Stock
Transfer & Trust Company, New York, New York.
 
PXRE PREFERRED STOCK
 
     PXRE  is authorized to issue 500,000  shares of Serial Preferred Stock, par
value $0.01 per  share (the 'PXRE  Serial Preferred Stock').  No shares of  PXRE
Serial Preferred Stock are outstanding.
 
     The  PXRE Serial Preferred Stock may be  issued in one or more series, from
time to time, with  each such series to  have the designations, dividend  rates,
rights  of  redemption,  conversion  rights,  voting  powers,  sinking  fund  or
retirement provisions,  preferences  and relative,  participating,  optional  or
other  special rights, and qualifications,  limitations or restrictions thereof,
if any, as stated and expressed  in the resolution or resolutions providing  for
the issuance of such series adopted by the PXRE Board.
 
                   DESCRIPTION OF TRANSNATIONAL CAPITAL STOCK
 
TRANSNATIONAL COMMON STOCK
 
     Transnational  is authorized  to issue  20,000,000 shares  of Transnational
Class A Stock and  5,000,000 shares of  Transnational Class B  Stock. As of  the
Record  Date,  5,365,400 shares  of Transnational  Class  A Stock  and 1,535,948
shares of Transnational  Class B Stock  were issued and  outstanding. As of  the
Record  Date,  3,000 shares  of Transnational  Class A  Stock were  reserved for
issuance upon the exercise of outstanding Director Options and 1,535,948  shares
of  Transnational  Class A  Stock were  reserved  for issuance  in the  event of
conversion of the Transnational Class B Stock.
 
     The shares of Transnational Class A  Stock and Transnational Class B  Stock
are  identical in all respects, except  as to voting rights and transferability.
Each share of  Transnational Class A  Stock and Transnational  Class B Stock  is
entitled  to one  vote for the  election of directors.  Holders of Transnational
Class B Stock voting as a separate class are entitled to elect 40% of the  total
authorized  membership of the  Transnational Board (or  the nearest higher whole
number if such percentage is not a  whole number) (the 'Class B Directors')  and
holders  of Transnational Class A  Stock voting together as  a single class with
holders  of  any  other  class  of  Transnational  capital  stock  (other   than
Transnational  Class  B  Stock)  entitled  to vote  are  entitled  to  elect the
remaining members of the Transnational Board (the 'Class A Directors'),  subject
to  the rights of any  preferred stock to elect  directors. If the Transnational
Class B Stock represents 5% or less  of the total voting power of  Transnational
Common  Stock, then the holders  of Transnational Class B  Stock will have their
shares automatically converted into the  same number of shares of  Transnational
Class  A Stock, and will vote together with the holders of Transnational Class A
Stock with  respect  to electing  the  entire Transnational  Board.  Holders  of
Transnational  Class A Stock vote together as a single class with holders of any
other class of  Transnational capital  stock (other than  Transnational Class  B
Stock) entitled to vote on the removal of
 
                                       53
 
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<PAGE>
the  Class A  Directors, and holders  of Transnational  Class B Stock  vote as a
separate class on the removal of the Class B Directors. The holders of shares of
Transnational Class  A  Stock and  Transnational  Class  B Stock  also  vote  as
separate  classes respecting the approval of any amendments to the Transnational
Charter that adversely affect the shares  of their class. On all other  matters,
except  as otherwise required by law, holders of Transnational Class A Stock and
Transnational Class B  Stock vote together  as a single  class, with each  share
entitled to one vote.
 
     There  are restrictions on the transferability of the Transnational Class B
Stock. Transnational Class B Stock cannot be transferred, in any way, other than
(i) to Transnational, (ii) to an affiliate of a holder of Transnational Class  B
Stock  or (iii) upon conversion into  Transnational Class A Stock. Transnational
Class B Stock  can be  pledged as  collateral security  by the  holders of  such
shares,  but the pledgee, upon foreclosure on such shares, can only convert such
shares into Transnational  Class A  Stock. Any  transfer in  violation of  these
restrictions  automatically effects a conversion  of Transnational Class B Stock
into Transnational Class A Stock.
 
     Upon any conversion of Transnational Class  B Stock, each such share  shall
be  converted into one share of Transnational  Class A Stock. In addition to the
foregoing, holders of Transnational Class B Stock have the option of  converting
such  shares  into Transnational  Class  A Stock  by  delivering such  shares to
Transnational or to the transfer agent  for such shares, accompanied by  written
notice that the holder of the Transnational Class B Stock elects to convert such
shares  to Transnational  Class A Stock.  Shares of Transnational  Class B Stock
which are  converted  to Transnational  Class  A  Stock cannot  be  reissued  by
Transnational.
 
     Subject  to  the  preferential  rights,  if any,  of  holders  of  any then
outstanding shares  of preferred  stock, the  holders of  Transnational Class  A
Stock and Transnational Class B Stock are entitled to receive dividends when and
as  declared by the Transnational Board out  of funds legally available for such
payment. Any dividends  declared must be  paid to  both classes, on  a pro  rata
basis. Holders of Transnational Class A Stock and Transnational Class B Stock do
not  have any  preemptive rights to  purchase additional shares.  Subject to the
preferential rights  of holders  of  any then  outstanding shares  of  preferred
stock,  the holders  of Transnational  Class A  Stock and  Transnational Class B
Stock are entitled  as a  single class to  share, on  a pro rata  basis, in  the
assets  of Transnational available for distribution to stockholders in the event
of Transnational's liquidation, dissolution or winding up.
 
     The transfer  agent  and registrar  for  Transnational Class  A  Stock  and
Transnational  Class B  Stock is  American Stock  Transfer &  Trust Company, New
York, New York.
 
TRANSNATIONAL PREFERRED STOCK
 
     Transnational is authorized to issue  5,000,000 shares of Serial  Preferred
Stock,  par value $0.01 per share  (the 'Transnational Serial Preferred Stock').
No shares of Transnational Serial Preferred Stock are outstanding.
 
     The Transnational  Serial Preferred  Stock may  be issued  in one  or  more
series,  from time  to time,  with each  such series  to have  the designations,
dividend rates, rights of redemption, conversion rights, voting powers,  sinking
fund or retirement provisions, preferences and relative, participating, optional
or  other  special  rights,  and  qualifications,  limitations  or  restrictions
thereof, if  any, as  stated  and expressed  in  the resolution  or  resolutions
providing for the issuance of such series adopted by the Transnational Board.
 
                  COMPARISON OF CERTAIN RIGHTS OF STOCKHOLDERS
 
     Upon  consummation of  the Merger,  Transnational stockholders  will become
PXRE stockholders and their rights will be governed by the PXRE Charter and PXRE
By-laws, which  differ  in  certain material  respects  from  the  Transnational
Charter and the Transnational By-laws.
 
     The  following comparison of the PXRE Charter  and PXRE By-laws, on the one
hand, and the  Transnational Charter  and Transnational By-laws,  on the  other,
assumes  the completion of the Merger and is  stated so as to explain the rights
of PXRE stockholders following the Merger. This comparison is not intended to be
complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the PXRE Charter,  the
 
                                       54
 
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<PAGE>
PXRE By-laws, the Transnational Charter and the Transnational By-laws. Copies of
the  PXRE  Charter and  the PXRE  By-laws  are available  for inspection  at the
offices of PXRE and  copies will be sent  to Transnational stockholders or  PXRE
stockholders upon request. Copies of the Transnational Charter and Transnational
By-laws  are available for inspection at the offices of Transnational and copies
will be sent to Transnational stockholders upon request.
 
     The DGCL governs the terms  of both (i) the  PXRE Charter and PXRE  By-laws
and (ii) the Transnational Charter and Transnational By-laws.
 
SIZE AND CLASSIFICATION OF THE BOARD
 
     PXRE.  Pursuant to the PXRE  Charter, the PXRE Board  is divided into three
classes, and directors  are elected to  serve staggered three-year  terms. As  a
result, approximately one-third of the PXRE Board is elected each year. The PXRE
Charter  provides that the number of directors  may be increased or decreased by
up to two members within  any twelve-month period by  a resolution adopted by  a
majority vote of the PXRE Board, with any further increases or decreases in such
period  requiring a resolution adopted by at least two-thirds of the entire PXRE
Board and a  majority (but in  any event not  less than six)  of the  Continuing
Directors (as defined in the PXRE Charter) or by the affirmative vote of holders
of  at  least two-thirds  of  the total  voting  power of  PXRE's  capital stock
entitled to vote in the election of directors, including the affirmative vote of
an Independent  Majority of  PXRE  Stockholders; provided,  that the  number  of
directors of PXRE may not be less than five nor more than eleven.
 
     Transnational.  Pursuant  to the  Transnational Charter,  the Transnational
Board is  divided  into  three  classes, and  directors  are  elected  to  serve
staggered  three-year  terms.  As  a  result,  approximately  one-third  of  the
Transnational Board is  elected each  year. The  Transnational Charter  provides
that  the number of directors may be increased or decreased by up to two members
within any twelve-month period by a resolution adopted by a majority vote of the
Transnational Board,  with any  further increases  or decreases  in such  period
requiring   a  resolution  adopted   by  at  least   two-thirds  of  the  entire
Transnational Board and a majority (but in any event not less than four) of  the
Continuing  Directors  (as  defined  in the  Transnational  Charter)  or  by the
affirmative vote of holders of at least two-thirds of the total voting power  of
Transnational's  capital  stock  entitled  to  vote  generally  at  meetings  of
stockholders, including  the  affirmative vote  of  an Independent  Majority  of
Transnational  Stockholders (as hereinafter defined);  provided, that the number
of directors of Transnational may not be less than two nor more than eleven, and
provided, further, that for  so long as holders  of Transnational Class B  Stock
are  entitled to  elect Class  B Directors,  the Transnational  Board may  be so
enlarged by resolution  of the Transnational  Board only to  the extent that  at
least 40% of the enlarged Transnational Board consists of Class B Directors.
 
REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS; FILLING OF VACANCIES ON THE BOARD
 
     Under the DGCL, any director or the entire board of directors generally may
be  removed, with or without  cause, by the holders of  a majority of the shares
entitled to  vote  at an  election  of directors.  However,  in the  case  of  a
corporation having a classified board, stockholders may effect such removal only
for cause unless the certificate of incorporation provides otherwise.
 
     PXRE. The PXRE Charter (which provides for a classified board of directors)
and  the PXRE By-laws specifically provide that any director (or the entire PXRE
Board) may be removed with or without  cause only by the affirmative vote, at  a
meeting  called for that purpose, of holders of two-thirds or more of the voting
stock of PXRE that elected the director. Any vacancies in the PXRE Board and any
newly-created  directorships  resulting  from  an  increase  in  the  number  of
directors  may be filled only by the PXRE  Board acting by vote of two-thirds of
the directors then in office, even though  less than a quorum. The PXRE  Charter
further  provides that any director  elected to fill a  vacancy will hold office
for a term that coincides with the term of the class to which such director  has
been  elected. No decrease in the number of directors may shorten the term of an
incumbent director.
 
     Transnational. The Transnational Charter  (which provides for a  classified
board  of  directors) specifically  provides  that, for  so  long as  holders of
Transnational Class B Stock are entitled to elect
 
                                       55
 
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<PAGE>
Class B Directors and holders of Transnational Class A Stock (voting together as
a single class with  holders of any other  class of Transnational capital  stock
(other than Transnational Class B Stock) entitled to vote) are entitled to elect
Class  A Directors, (i) any one  or more or all of  the Class A Directors may be
removed for cause only, and only by the affirmative vote at a meeting called for
that  purpose  of  the  holders  of  two-thirds  or  more  of  the   outstanding
Transnational  Class A Stock and such holders of other capital stock entitled to
vote thereon, voting as a single class, and  (ii) any one or more or all of  the
Class  B Directors may  be removed for  cause only, and  only by the affirmative
vote at a meeting called for that  purpose of the holders of two-thirds or  more
of the outstanding Transnational Class B Stock.
 
     The   Transnational  Charter  also  provides  that  any  vacancies  on  the
Transnational Board  and  any  newly-created directorships  resulting  from  any
increase  in the  number of  directors may be  filled only  by the Transnational
Board, acting (i) by vote of a majority of the remaining Class A Directors  with
respect  to vacancies  in Class  A Stock  directorships, and  (ii) by  vote of a
majority of the remaining Class B Directors with respect to vacancies in Class B
Stock  directorships.  The  Transnational  Charter  further  provides  that  any
director  elected to fill a  vacancy will hold office  for a term that coincides
with the term of the class to which such director has been elected. No  decrease
in the number of directors may shorten the term of an incumbent director.
 
STOCKHOLDER NOMINATIONS
 
     PXRE.  The PXRE  Charter establishes procedures  that must  be followed for
stockholders  to  nominate  individuals  for  election  to  the  PXRE  Board.  A
stockholder  entitled to vote for the election of directors may make nominations
for the  election of  directors to  the PXRE  Board, provided  that (i)  advance
notice  of the  nomination is given  to the  PXRE Board within  a specified time
period, (ii) such  notice sets forth,  among other things,  the nominee's  name,
age,  address and occupation and the number of shares of PXRE Common Stock owned
by the nominee, (iii) the nomination can  only be made at a stockholder  meeting
called  for the election of  directors and (iv) the  Chairman of the meeting has
discretion to determine  whether the  nominating stockholder  complied with  the
requirements of (i) through (iii) above and, if the Chairman determines that the
stockholder did not so comply, to disregard the nomination.
 
     Transnational.  The Transnational Charter  establishes procedures that must
be followed  for  stockholders  to  nominate individuals  for  election  to  the
Transnational  Board. A holder  of Transnational Class  A Stock or Transnational
Class B Stock entitled to vote for  the election of directors of its  particular
class  may make  nominations for  the election  of directors  for its particular
class, provided  that (i)  advance notice  of  the nomination  is given  to  the
Transnational Board within a specified time period, (ii) such notice sets forth,
among  other things,  the nominee's  name, age,  address and  occupation and the
number and class of shares of  Transnational Common Stock owned by the  nominee,
(iii)  the nomination can only  be made at a  stockholder meeting called for the
election of directors  and (iv) the  Chairman of the  meeting has discretion  to
determine  whether the nominating stockholder  complied with the requirements of
(i) through (iii) above and, if the Chairman determines that the stockholder did
not so comply, to disregard the nomination.
 
AMENDMENT OF CORPORATE CHARTER AND BY-LAWS
 
     PXRE. Generally, any  amendment to  the PXRE Charter  requires approval  by
each of the following: (i) two-thirds of the entire PXRE Board and a majority of
the   Continuing  Directors  (as  defined  in   the  PXRE  Charter),  (ii)  PXRE
stockholders holding  more than  two-thirds  of the  voting  power of  the  then
outstanding  voting  stock of  PXRE and  (iii) an  Independent Majority  of PXRE
Stockholders.
 
     Any amendment to the PXRE By-laws  requires the approval of (i)  two-thirds
of the entire PXRE Board and a majority (but in any event not less than four) of
the  Continuing Directors (as defined in the PXRE Charter), or (ii) the approval
of PXRE stockholders holding at least two-thirds of the then outstanding  voting
stock of PXRE and an Independent Majority of PXRE Stockholders.
 
                                       56
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
     Transnational.  Generally,  any  amendment  to  the  Transnational  Charter
requires approval  by  each of  the  following:  (i) two-thirds  of  the  entire
Transnational  Board and a  majority of the Continuing  Directors (as defined in
the Transnational  Charter), (ii)  Transnational stockholders  holding at  least
two-thirds  of  the  voting  power  of  the  then  outstanding  voting  stock of
Transnational and (iii)  Transnational stockholders  holding a  majority of  the
outstanding  voting stock of Transnational  excluding shares beneficially owned,
directly or indirectly, by  any person who  owns 5% or  more of the  outstanding
Transnational  Common Stock  or controls, is  controlled by, or  is under common
control  with,  Transnational  (except  for   PXRE  or  PXRE  Reinsurance)   (an
'Independent Majority of Transnational Stockholders'). Additionally, for so long
as  holders  of  Transnational Class  B  Stock  are entitled  to  elect  Class B
Directors, (i) any amendment of the Transnational Charter affecting the terms of
the Transnational Class B  Stock or the  provisions regarding the  Transnational
Board  requires  the approval  of holders  of  at least  two-thirds of  the then
outstanding Transnational Class B Stock voting as a separate class and (ii)  any
amendment  of  the  Transnational  Charter affecting  the  voting,  dividend and
distribution terms  of the  Transnational Class  A Stock  and the  Transnational
Class  B Stock requires the approval of  both (x) holders of at least two-thirds
of the then outstanding Transnational Class  B Stock voting as a separate  class
and  (y) holders  of at least  two-thirds of the  then outstanding Transnational
Class A Stock voting as a separate class.
 
     Any amendment to  the Transnational  By-laws requires the  approval of  (i)
two-thirds  of the entire Transnational  Board and a majority  (but in any event
not  less  than  three)  of  the   Continuing  Directors  (as  defined  in   the
Transnational  Charter),  or  (ii) the  approval  of  Transnational stockholders
holding  at  least  two-thirds   of  the  then   outstanding  voting  stock   of
Transnational and an Independent Majority of Transnational Stockholders.
 
CERTAIN BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
 
     PXRE.  The PXRE Charter  contains special voting  provisions which apply to
certain business  combination transactions  involving PXRE  or PXRE  Reinsurance
with,  or proposed  by or  on behalf  of, an  interested stockholder  or certain
related parties (excluding Phoenix Home Life  and any of its direct or  indirect
subsidiaries).  In general, such a transaction must be approved by two-thirds of
the entire  PXRE  Board or  by  the affirmative  vote  of holders  of  at  least
two-thirds  of the total voting  power of PXRE's capital  stock entitled to vote
generally in the  election of directors  (including the affirmative  vote of  an
Independent Majority of PXRE Stockholders); provided, however, that if the terms
of   such  transaction  satisfy  certain  'fair  price'  requirements  and  such
transaction is recommended  to stockholders by  the favorable vote  of not  less
than  a majority of the entire  PXRE Board and a majority  (but in any event not
less than four) of  the Continuing Directors (as  defined in the PXRE  Charter),
then only the vote, if any, prescribed by the DGCL is required.
 
     Transnational. The Transnational Charter contains special voting provisions
which apply to certain business combination transactions involving Transnational
or Transnational Reinsurance with, or proposed by or on behalf of, an interested
stockholder  or certain related parties (excluding PXRE and PXRE Reinsurance and
any of their direct  or indirect subsidiaries). In  general, such a  transaction
must  be approved  by two-thirds  of the  entire Transnational  Board or  by the
affirmative vote of holders of at least two-thirds of the total voting power  of
Transnational's  capital  stock  entitled  to  vote  generally  at  meetings  of
stockholders (including  the  affirmative vote  of  an Independent  Majority  of
Transnational  Stockholders);  provided,  however,  that if  the  terms  of such
transaction satisfy certain  'fair price' requirements  and such transaction  is
recommended to stockholders by the favorable vote of not less than a majority of
the  entire Transnational Board and  a majority (but in  any event not less than
three) of the Continuing  Directors (as defined  in the Transnational  Charter),
then only the vote, if any, prescribed by the DGCL is required. Additionally, if
the  terms of  such transaction satisfy  the 'fair price'  requirements, but the
transaction is not so  recommended to stockholders  by the Transnational  Board,
the  transaction must be approved by the affirmative vote of holders of not less
than a  majority of  the total  voting power  of Transnational's  capital  stock
entitled   to  vote  generally  at   meetings  of  stockholders  (including  the
affirmative vote of an Independent Majority of Transnational Stockholders).
 
                                       57
 
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<PAGE>
OTHER DIFFERENCES
 
     For  additional   information  on   differences  between   the  rights   of
stockholders  of PXRE and Transnational, see 'DESCRIPTION OF PXRE CAPITAL STOCK'
and 'DESCRIPTION OF TRANSNATIONAL CAPITAL STOCK'.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
     The legality of the PXRE Common Stock  to be issued in connection with  the
Merger  is being passed  on by the  law firm of  Morgan, Lewis &  Bockius LLP, a
limited liability partnership,  New York,  New York,  counsel for  PXRE. Mr.  F.
Sedgwick  Browne, a partner of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, is Secretary of PXRE
and Transnational and owns 3,000 shares of PXRE Common Stock and 2,000 shares of
Transnational Class A Stock.
 
                            INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
     The consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules  of
PXRE  as of December 31,  1995 and 1994 and  for each of the  three years in the
period ended December  31, 1995 incorporated  by reference in  this Joint  Proxy
Statement/Prospectus  have  been audited  by  Price Waterhouse  LLP, independent
accountants. The  consolidated  financial  statements  and  financial  statement
schedules  of Transnational as of December 31, 1995 and 1994 and for each of the
three years in the period ended  December 31, 1995 incorporated by reference  in
this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus also have been audited by Price Waterhouse
LLP. Price Waterhouse LLP has been selected to audit the financial statements of
both PXRE and Transnational for their current fiscal years.
 
     Representatives  of Price Waterhouse LLP are  expected to be present at the
Special Meetings with the opportunity to make a statement, if they desire to  do
so, and to respond to appropriate questions.
 
                 STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR 1997 ANNUAL MEETINGS
 
     In  the event that the Merger is  not consummated before the Annual Meeting
of  Stockholders  of  Transnational  to  be  held  in  1997,  any  Transnational
stockholder  who  wishes  to  present  a proposal  for  inclusion  in  the proxy
statement for such Annual Meeting must comply with the rules and regulations  of
the  Commission then  in effect. As  previously stated  in Transnational's proxy
statement for  its  1996  Annual Meeting,  to  be  included in  the  1997  proxy
statement,  such proposals  must be received  by Transnational  at its principal
office not later than December 16, 1996.
 
     An Annual Meeting of Stockholders of PXRE  will be held in 1997. Notice  of
the  date of  such meeting  will be  publicly disclosed  by PXRE.  As previously
stated in  PXRE's  proxy statement  for  its 1996  Annual  Meeting,  stockholder
proposals  intended to be presented at the 1997 Annual Meeting must be submitted
by December 31, 1996.
 
                                       58

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                              UNAUDITED PRO FORMA
              CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF PXRE
 
     The  following  unaudited pro  forma  condensed consolidated  statements of
income for the  twelve months ended  December 31,  1995 and for  the six  months
ended  June 30,  1996 present  operating results  of PXRE  as if  the Merger had
occurred on  January 1,  1995. The  unaudited pro  forma condensed  consolidated
balance  sheet as  of June  30, 1996  gives effect  to the  Merger as  if it had
occurred on  June 30,  1996.  Pro forma  adjustments  are based  upon  available
information  and  certain  assumptions  that  management  of  PXRE  believes are
reasonable in the circumstances.
 
     The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information should
be read  in conjunction  with  the consolidated  financial statements  of  PXRE,
including  notes thereto, and the other financial information pertaining to PXRE
and Transnational contained  elsewhere herein  or incorporated  by reference  in
this  Joint  Proxy  Statement/Prospectus.  The  unaudited  pro  forma  condensed
consolidated financial  information is  not  intended to  be indicative  of  the
consolidated results of operations or financial position of PXRE that would have
been  reported  if the  Merger  had occurred  at the  date  indicated or  of the
consolidated results of future operations or of future financial position.
 
     The Merger is accounted  for as a purchase  in accordance with GAAP.  Under
purchase  accounting,  the total  purchase price  is  allocated to  the acquired
assets and liabilities based  on their fair values.  Allocation of the  purchase
price  is  subject  to valuations  and  other  studies which  are  not complete.
Accordingly, the final allocation  may be different  from the amounts  reflected
herein.  However, management  of PXRE does  not believe such  difference will be
material.
 
            UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        AT JUNE 30, 1996
                                                -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                        PRO FORMA
                                                  PXRE      TRANSNATIONAL(10)    ADJUSTMENTS(2)(6)      COMBINED
                                                --------    -----------------    -----------------      ---------
                                                              (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
<S>                                             <C>         <C>                  <C>                    <C>
Total cash and investments...................   $262,751        $ 184,485                               $447,236
Other assets.................................    123,559           20,718            $ (37,308)(1)
                                                                                         4,528(3)
                                                                                       (24,305)(4)        87,192
                                                --------    -----------------    -----------------      ---------
     Total assets............................   $386,310        $ 205,203            $ (57,085)         $534,428
                                                --------    -----------------    -----------------      ---------
                                                --------    -----------------    -----------------      ---------
Losses and loss expenses.....................   $ 66,509        $  20,979            $ (13,813)(4)      $ 73,675
Unearned premiums............................     13,406            7,082                                 20,488
Notes payable................................     65,475            - 0 -                                 65,475
Other liabilities............................     21,706            8,774              (10,459)(4)
                                                --------    -----------------
                                                                                         1,779(5)
                                                                                         1,649(7)         23,449
                                                                                 -----------------      ---------
     Total liabilities.......................    167,096           36,835              (20,844)          183,087
     Total stockholders' equity..............    219,214          168,368              (37,308)(1)
                                                --------    -----------------
                                                                                        (1,649)(7)
                                                                                         4,528(3)
                                                                                        (1,779)(5)
                                                                                           (33)(9)
                                                                                 -----------------
                                                                                       (36,241)          351,341
                                                                                                        ---------
     Total liabilities and stockholders'
       equity................................   $386,310        $ 205,203            $ (57,085)         $534,428
                                                --------    -----------------    -----------------      ---------
                                                --------    -----------------    -----------------      ---------
Shares outstanding...........................                                                             14,455 (8)
                                                                                                        ---------
                                                                                                        ---------
Book value per share.........................                                                           $  24.31
                                                                                                        ---------
                                                                                                        ---------
                                             See accompanying notes.
</TABLE>
 
- ------------
 
 (1) Included in PXRE's other assets  is its equity investment in  Transnational
     amounting  to $37,308,000  which is  eliminated in  the combined  pro forma
     financial statements.
 
                                              (footnotes continued on next page)
 
                                      P-1
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
(footnotes continued from previous page)
 
 (2) Operating expense savings which are expected to result from the Merger  are
     not  included in the  pro forma financial  statements. Annual savings which
     are expected  to  occur following  the  Merger  relate to  a  reduction  in
     professional  and printing costs associated with one rather than two public
     companies, as well as a reduction  in Delaware franchise tax costs for  one
     rather than two Delaware corporations.
 
 (3) The  deferred tax  liability previously  provided by  PXRE Reinsurance with
     respect to its  22% investment in  Transnational is, after  the Merger,  no
     longer  required. The elimination of the deferred tax liability reduces the
     amount of the purchase price to be allocated. See also Note 5.
 
 (4) The intercompany balances owed between PXRE and Transnational for premiums,
     losses, management fees and operating expenses will be eliminated.
 
 (5) Under purchase accounting,  the total  purchase price is  allocated to  the
     acquired  assets and liabilities based on  their fair values. The excess of
     the fair value of  the Transnational Class A  net assets acquired over  the
     cost  of the transaction, including the  reversal of deferred tax liability
     discussed in Note 3 above, is  recorded as negative goodwill. Based on  the
     value  of the PXRE Common Stock expected to be issued to effect the Merger,
     PXRE will record negative goodwill of $1,779,500 as a result of the  Merger
     (see  discussion in Note 6 below). For  purposes of the pro forma financial
     statements, negative goodwill will  be amortized on  a straight line  basis
     over  a 3 year period. The amortization period is based on preliminary data
     which is subject to change. Therefore, final amortization may be  different
     from the amount included in the pro forma financial statements.
 
 (6) The  Merger Agreement provides  that, at the Effective  Time, each share of
     Transnational Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to  the
     Effective Time will be converted into the right to receive 1.0575 shares of
     PXRE  Common Stock. For purposes  of the Merger, the  value assigned to the
     PXRE Common Stock to be issued is $129,280,596, including the deferred  tax
     adjustment  discussed in Note 3 above  and transaction costs of $1,175,000.
     This value was determined in accordance with the EITF 95-19 Consensus  that
     the  value of equity securities issued to effect a purchase combination (in
     this case,  the Merger)  should be  based on  (a) the  market price  for  a
     reasonable  period before and  after the date the  terms of the acquisition
     are agreed and announced (in this case, August 22, 1996), or (b) at a later
     date if the  purchase price  changes. The PXRE  Common Stock  traded at  an
     average  share price (two days preceding  and two days following August 22,
     1996) of $23.35 per  share. For purposes  of the pro  forma book value  per
     share,  PXRE has used  the $23.35 average  per share price  and has assumed
     that it will issue  5,680,256 shares of PXRE  Common Stock in exchange  for
     Transnational Class A Stock.
 
 (7) This  amount is an adjustment to  recognize the estimated transaction costs
     of Transnational for the Merger.
 
 (8) PXRE Common  Stock held  by  PXRE Reinsurance  will  not be  considered  as
     outstanding in consolidation.
 
 (9) This  adjustment reflects the  tax effect of  certain pro forma elimination
     adjustments.
 
(10) Certain items  as reported  in Transnational's  Form 10-Q  for the  quarter
     ended  June 30, 1996 were reclassified in the unaudited pro forma condensed
     consolidated balance sheet.
 
                                      P-2
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
        UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996
                                                             ------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                          PRO FORMA
                                                              PXRE      TRANSNATIONAL    ADJUSTMENTS      COMBINED
                                                             -------    -------------    -----------      ---------
                                                                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
<S>                                                          <C>        <C>              <C>              <C>
Net premiums written......................................   $36,087       $28,418                         $64,505
                                                             -------    -------------                     ---------
                                                             -------    -------------                     ---------
Net premiums earned.......................................   $36,520       $26,835                         $63,355
Net investment income.....................................     8,110         5,278                          13,388
Net realized losses on investments........................      (176)         (124)                           (300)
Management fee income.....................................     3,740         - 0 -         $ 1,342(4)        2,398
Losses and loss expenses..................................     9,100        10,641                          19,741
Acquisition costs, operating and interest expenses(6).....    16,770         8,118          (1,342)(4)
                                                                                               (21)(4)      23,525
Amortization of negative goodwill.........................     - 0 -         - 0 -            (297)(1)        (297)
Equity in net earnings of Transnational...................     1,984         - 0 -           1,984(4)        - 0 -
Income tax provision......................................     7,813         4,216            (132)(5)      11,897
                                                             -------    -------------    -----------      ---------
Net income................................................   $16,495       $ 9,014         $ 1,534         $23,975
                                                             -------    -------------    -----------      ---------
                                                             -------    -------------    -----------      ---------
Operating income excluding net realized losses on
  investments.............................................   $16,609       $ 9,094         $ 1,534         $24,169
                                                             -------    -------------    -----------      ---------
                                                             -------    -------------    -----------      ---------
Fully diluted net income per share........................     $1.86                                         $1.65
Fully diluted operating income per share excluding net
  realized losses.........................................     $1.87                                         $1.66
Fully diluted weighted average shares outstanding.........     8,876                       5,683(2)(3)      14,559
</TABLE>
 
- ------------
 
(1) As discussed in  Note 5 to  the unaudited pro  forma condensed  consolidated
    balance  sheet, PXRE will record negative goodwill of $1,779,500 as a result
    of the Merger. For purposes of the pro forma financial statements,  negative
    goodwill  will be amortized on  a straight line basis  over a 3 year period.
    The adjustment of $297,000 represents amortization of negative goodwill  for
    the  six month period ended June 30,  1996. The amortization period is based
    on  preliminary  data   which  is  subject   to  change.  Therefore,   final
    amortization  may be  different from  the amount  included in  the pro forma
    financial statements.
 
(2) 3,000 outstanding options  to purchase  Transnational Common  Stock will  be
    replaced  with  options  to  purchase  PXRE  Common  Stock.  This adjustment
    represents  the  weighted  average  number  of  ordinary  share  equivalents
    outstanding related to the newly issued PXRE options.
 
(3) The  Merger Agreement  provides that, at  the Effective Time,  each share of
    Transnational Common Stock issued and  outstanding immediately prior to  the
    Effective  Time will be converted into the right to receive 1.0575 shares of
    PXRE Common Stock.  For purposes of  the Merger, the  value assigned to  the
    PXRE  Common Stock to be issued  is $129,280,596, including the deferred tax
    adjustment discussed  in  Note  3  to  the  Unaudited  Pro  Forma  Condensed
    Consolidated  Balance Sheet and transaction  costs of $1,175,000. This value
    was determined in accordance with the EITF 95-19 consensus that the value of
    equity securities issued to effect a purchase combination (in this case, the
    Merger) should be  based on  (a) the market  price for  a reasonable  period
    before  and  after the  date the  terms  of the  acquisition are  agreed and
    announced (in this case,  August 22, 1996),  or (b) at a  later date if  the
    purchase  price changes.  The PXRE Common  Stock traded at  an average share
    price (two days preceding and two days following August 22, 1996) of  $23.35
    per  share. For purposes of the pro  forma earnings per share, PXRE has used
    the $23.35  average per  share price  and  has assumed  that it  will  issue
    5,680,256  shares of PXRE Common Stock in exchange for Transnational Class A
    Stock.
 
(4) The intercompany transactions and  adjustments made under equity  accounting
    will be eliminated.
 
(5) This adjustment reflects the net tax effect of certain pro forma adjustments
    yielding a 33.2% pro forma combined effective tax rate.
 
(6) Operating  expense savings which are expected  to result from the Merger are
    not included in the pro forma financial statements.
 
                                      P-3
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
        UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
                                                          ---------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                          PRO FORMA
                                                           PXRE      TRANSNATIONAL    ADJUSTMENTS         COMBINED
                                                          -------    -------------    -----------         ---------
                                                                    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                                       <C>        <C>              <C>                 <C>
Net premiums written...................................   $97,636       $71,692                           $169,328
                                                          -------    -------------                        ---------
                                                          -------    -------------                        ---------
Net premiums earned....................................   $97,142       $70,524                           $167,666
Net investment income..................................    14,730         9,095                             23,825
Net realized gains (losses) on investments.............        85          (495)                              (410)
Management fee income..................................     6,417         - 0 -         $ 3,526(4)           2,891
Losses and loss expenses...............................    34,716        21,063                             55,779
Acquisition costs, operating and interest
  expenses(7)..........................................    31,631        17,098           1,649(5)
                                                                                         (3,526)(4)
                                                                                            (22)(4)         46,830
Amortization of negative goodwill......................     - 0 -         - 0 -            (593)(1)           (593)
Equity in net earnings of Transnational................     5,948         - 0 -           5,948(4)           - 0 -
Income tax provision...................................    18,189        13,696            (684)(6)         31,201
                                                          -------    -------------    -----------         ---------
Net income.............................................   $39,786       $27,267         $ 6,298           $ 60,755
                                                          -------    -------------    -----------         ---------
                                                          -------    -------------    -----------         ---------
Operating income excluding net realized gains (losses)
  on investments.......................................   $39,731       $27,589         $ 6,298           $ 61,022
                                                          -------    -------------    -----------         ---------
                                                          -------    -------------    -----------         ---------
Fully diluted net income per share.....................     $4.48                                            $4.17
Fully diluted operating income per share excluding net
  realized gains (losses)..............................     $4.48                                            $4.19
Fully diluted weighted average shares outstanding......     8,874                         5,683(2)(3)       14,557
</TABLE>
 
- ------------
 
(1) As discussed in  Note 5 to  the unaudited pro  forma condensed  consolidated
    balance  sheet, PXRE will record negative goodwill of $1,779,500 as a result
    of the Merger. For purposes of the pro forma financial statements,  negative
    goodwill  will be amortized on  a straight line basis  over a 3 year period.
    The adjustment of $593,000 represents amortization of negative goodwill  for
    one  year. The  amortization period  is based  on preliminary  data which is
    subject to change. Therefore, final  amortization may be different from  the
    amount included in the pro forma financial statements.
 
(2) 3,000  outstanding options  to purchase  Transnational Common  Stock will be
    replaced with  options  to  purchase  PXRE  Common  Stock.  This  adjustment
    represents  the  weighted  average  number  of  ordinary  share  equivalents
    outstanding related to the newly issued PXRE options.
 
(3) The Merger Agreement  provides that, at  the Effective Time,  each share  of
    Transnational  Common Stock issued and  outstanding immediately prior to the
    Effective Time will be converted into the right to receive 1.0575 shares  of
    PXRE  Common Stock. For  purposes of the  Merger, the value  assigned to the
    PXRE Common Stock to be issued  is $129,280,596, including the deferred  tax
    adjustment  discussed  in  Note  3  to  the  Unaudited  Pro  Forma Condensed
    Consolidated Balance Sheet and transaction  costs of $1,175,000. This  value
    was determined in accordance with the EITF 95-19 consensus that the value of
    equity securities issued to effect a purchase combination (in this case, the
    Merger)  should be  based on  (a) the market  price for  a reasonable period
    before and  after the  date the  terms  of the  acquisition are  agreed  and
    announced  (in this case,  August 22, 1996), or  (b) at a  later date if the
    purchase price changes.  The PXRE Common  Stock traded at  an average  share
    price  (two days preceding and two days following August 22, 1996) of $23.35
    per share. For purposes of the pro  forma earnings per share, PXRE has  used
    the  $23.35  average per  share price  and  has assumed  that it  will issue
    5,680,256 shares of PXRE Common Stock in exchange for Transnational Class  A
    Stock.
 
(4) The  intercompany transactions and adjustments  made under equity accounting
    will be eliminated.
 
(5) This amount is an adjustment to recognize the estimated transaction costs of
    Transnational for the Merger.
 
(6) This  adjustment  reflects  the  net  tax  effects  of  certain  pro   forma
    adjustments yielding a 33.9% pro forma combined effective tax rate.
 
(7) Operating  expense savings which are expected  to result from the Merger are
    not included in the pro forma financial statements.
 
                                      P-4

<PAGE>
<PAGE>
                                                                         ANNEX A
 
________________________________________________________________________________
 
                          AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
                          DATED AS OF AUGUST 22, 1996*
                                    BETWEEN
                          TRANSNATIONAL RE CORPORATION
                                      AND
                                PXRE CORPORATION
 
________________________________________________________________________________
 
* Composite copy to reflect Amendment No. 1 dated as of September 27, 1996 and
  Amendment No. 2 dated as of October 24, 1996.
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                              PAGE
                                                                                                              ----
<S>                   <C>                                                                                     <C>
ARTICLE 1             THE MERGER...........................................................................    A-1
     Section 1.1.     The Merger...........................................................................    A-1
     Section 1.2.     Closing..............................................................................    A-1
     Section 1.3.     Effective Time.......................................................................    A-1
     Section 1.4.     Effects of the Merger................................................................    A-2
     Section 1.5.     Certificate of Incorporation; By-laws................................................    A-2
     Section 1.6.     Directors and Officers of the Surviving Corporation..................................    A-2
 
ARTICLE 2             EFFECT OF THE MERGER ON THE SECURITIES OF THE CONSTITUENT CORPORATIONS...............    A-2
     Section 2.1.     Effect on Capital Stock..............................................................    A-2
     Section 2.2.     Exchange of Certificates.............................................................    A-3
 
ARTICLE 3             REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.......................................................    A-5
     Section 3.1.     Representations and Warranties of PXRE...............................................    A-5
     Section 3.2.     Representations and Warranties of Transnational......................................   A-12
 
ARTICLE 4             COVENANTS RELATING TO CONDUCT OF BUSINESS PRIOR TO MERGER............................   A-18
     Section 4.1.     Certain Covenants....................................................................   A-18
 
ARTICLE 5             ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS................................................................   A-21
     Section 5.1.     Preparation of Form S-4, the PXRE Proxy Statement and the Transnational Proxy
                      Statement............................................................................   A-21
     Section 5.2.     Meetings of Stockholders.............................................................   A-21
     Section 5.3.     Legal Requirements to Merger.........................................................   A-21
     Section 5.4.     Access to Information................................................................   A-22
     Section 5.5.     Best Efforts.........................................................................   A-22
     Section 5.6.     Benefit Plans........................................................................   A-22
     Section 5.7.     Indemnification and Insurance........................................................   A-22
     Section 5.8.     Public Announcements.................................................................   A-23
     Section 5.9.     No Solicitation, Etc.................................................................   A-23
     Section 5.10.    Consents, Approvals and Filings......................................................   A-24
     Section 5.11.    Non-Interference, Etc................................................................   A-24
     Section 5.12.    Affiliates...........................................................................   A-24
     Section 5.13.    Listing..............................................................................   A-25
     Section 5.14.    Stockholder Litigation...............................................................   A-25
     Section 5.15.    Dividends............................................................................   A-25
     Section 5.16.    Amendment to Management Agreement....................................................   A-25
 
ARTICLE 6             CONDITIONS PRECEDENT.................................................................   A-25
     Section 6.1.     Conditions to Each Party's Obligation to Effect the Merger...........................   A-25
     Section 6.2.     Conditions to Obligations of Transnational...........................................   A-26
     Section 6.3.     Conditions to Obligations of PXRE....................................................   A-27
 
ARTICLE 7             TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER....................................................   A-28
     Section 7.1.     Termination..........................................................................   A-28
     Section 7.2.     Effect of Termination................................................................   A-29
     Section 7.3.     Amendment............................................................................   A-29
     Section 7.4.     Extension; Waiver....................................................................   A-29
     Section 7.5.     Procedure for Termination, Amendment, Extension or Waiver; Role of the Special
                      Committee up to the Effective Time...................................................   A-29
 
ARTICLE 8             GENERAL PROVISIONS...................................................................   A-29
     Section 8.1.     Nonsurvival of Representations and Warranties........................................   A-29
     Section 8.2.     Fees and Expenses....................................................................   A-30
     Section 8.3.     Definitions..........................................................................   A-30
</TABLE>
 
                                       i
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                              PAGE
                                                                                                              ----
<S>                   <C>                                                                                     <C>
     Section 8.4.     Interpretation.......................................................................   A-30
     Section 8.5.     Notices..............................................................................   A-30
     Section 8.6.     Counterparts.........................................................................   A-31
     Section 8.7.     Entire Agreement; Third-Party Beneficiaries..........................................   A-31
     Section 8.8.     Governing Law........................................................................   A-31
     Section 8.9.     Assignment...........................................................................   A-31
     Section 8.10.    Enforcement..........................................................................   A-32
     Section 8.11.    Severability.........................................................................   A-32
</TABLE>
 
                                       ii

<PAGE>
<PAGE>
                          AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
 
     AGREEMENT  AND  PLAN  OF  MERGER,  dated as  of  August  22,  1996* between
TRANSNATIONAL RE CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation ('Transnational'), and PXRE
CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation ('PXRE').
 
                                  WITNESSETH:
 
     WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of Transnational, based upon the  unanimous
recommendation  of  the  special  committee  of  the  independent  directors  of
Transnational (the 'Special Committee'), and the Board of Directors of PXRE deem
it advisable  and in  the best  interests of  their respective  stockholders  to
consummate,  and have unanimously approved, the merger of Transnational with and
into PXRE upon the  terms and subject  to the conditions  set forth herein  (the
'Merger');
 
     WHEREAS,  the  Board of  Directors of  Transnational  in 1993  approved the
transaction which resulted  in PXRE's wholly-owned  subsidiary PXRE  Reinsurance
Company ('PXRE Reinsurance') becoming an interested stockholder in Transnational
in  accordance  with  the provisions  of  Section  203 of  the  Delaware General
Corporation Law (the 'DGCL');
 
     WHEREAS, for United States federal income tax purposes, it is intended that
the Merger  shall constitute  a  reorganization within  the meaning  of  Section
368(a)(1)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the 'Code');
 
     WHEREAS, immediately following the Effective Time (as hereinafter defined),
PXRE  will contribute or cause to be  contributed to PXRE Reinsurance all of the
shares of  capital stock  of Transnational  Reinsurance Company  ('Transnational
Reinsurance'); and
 
     WHEREAS,  Transnational and  PXRE desire  to make  certain representations,
warranties, covenants and agreements in connection  with the Merger and also  to
prescribe various conditions to the Merger;
 
     NOW,  THEREFORE,  in  consideration  of the  foregoing  and  the respective
representations,  warranties,  covenants  and   agreements  contained  in   this
Agreement, the parties hereto agree as follows:
 
                                   ARTICLE 1
                                   THE MERGER
 
     SECTION  1.1. The Merger. Upon the terms  and subject to the conditions set
forth in this Agreement, and in accordance with the DGCL, Transnational shall be
merged with and into PXRE  at the Effective Time.  Upon the Effective Time,  the
separate  existence of Transnational shall cease, and PXRE shall continue as the
surviving corporation (the 'Surviving Corporation').
 
     SECTION 1.2.  Closing. Unless  this Agreement  shall have  been  terminated
pursuant to Section 7.1 and subject to the satisfaction or waiver of each of the
conditions  set forth in  Article 6, the  closing of the  Merger (the 'Closing')
will take place  at 10:00  a.m. on  the date (the  'Closing Date')  that is  the
second  business day  following the date  on which  the last to  be fulfilled or
waived of the conditions set forth in Article 6 shall be fulfilled or waived  in
accordance  with this Agreement, at the offices  of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP,
101 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10178, unless another date, time or place is
agreed to in writing by the parties hereto.
 
     SECTION 1.3.  Effective  Time.  The  parties  hereto  will  file  with  the
Secretary  of State of the State of Delaware (the 'Delaware Secretary of State')
on the date of  the Closing (or  on such other later  date as Transnational  and
PXRE may agree) a certificate of merger or other appropriate documents, prepared
and  executed in accordance with  the relevant provisions of  the DGCL, and make
all other filings and recordings required under the DGCL in connection with  the
Merger.  The Merger shall become effective upon the filing of the certificate of
merger with  the Delaware  Secretary  of State,  or at  such  later time  as  is
specified in the certificate of merger (the 'Effective Time').
 
- ------------
*  Composite copy to reflect Amendment No. 1  dated as of September 27, 1996 and
Amendment No. 2 dated as of October 24, 1996.
 
                                      A-1
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
     SECTION 1.4. Effects of the Merger.  The Merger shall have the effects  set
forth  in  Section 259  of  the DGCL.  Without  limiting the  generality  of the
foregoing, and  subject thereto,  at  the Effective  Time, all  the  properties,
rights,  privileges, powers  and franchises of  Transnational shall  vest in the
Surviving Corporation, and  all debts, liabilities  and duties of  Transnational
shall become the debts, liabilities and duties of the Surviving Corporation, all
as provided under the DGCL.
 
     SECTION 1.5. Certificate of Incorporation; By-laws.
 
     (a) The Restated Certificate of Incorporation of PXRE (the 'PXRE Charter'),
as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time (as amended as provided for
in  Section  1.5(b) below),  shall from  and  after the  Effective Time,  be the
certificate of  incorporation  of  the Surviving  Corporation  until  thereafter
changed or amended as provided therein or by applicable law.
 
     (b)  Prior to the Effective  Time, Paragraphs A and C  of Article IV of the
PXRE Charter may, subject to the  requisite approval by PXRE's stockholders,  be
amended (the 'PXRE Charter Amendment') to read as follows:
 
          'A. Authorized Capital Stock. The aggregate number of shares which the
     Corporation  shall have authority to issue is 40,500,000 shares, consisting
     of:
 
             1. 500,000 shares  of Serial  Preferred Stock (par  value $.01  per
        share); and
 
             2. 40,000,000 shares of Common Stock (par value $.01 per share)
        . . .
          C.  Common  Stock. The  total  number of  shares  of Common  Stock the
     Corporation has authority to issue is 40,000,000 shares, par value of  $.01
     per share.'
 
     (c) The by-laws of PXRE (the 'PXRE By-laws') as in effect immediately prior
to  the Effective Time shall  be the by-laws of  the Surviving Corporation until
thereafter changed or amended as provided therein or by applicable law.
 
     SECTION 1.6. Directors and Officers of the Surviving Corporation.
 
     (a) The directors of PXRE immediately prior to the Effective Time shall  be
the directors of the Surviving Corporation until their respective successors are
duly  elected and qualified or until their earlier death, resignation or removal
in accordance  with the  PXRE Charter  and  the PXRE  By-laws, or  as  otherwise
provided by applicable law.
 
     (b)  The officers of PXRE immediately prior  to the Effective Time shall be
the officers of the Surviving Corporation until their respective successors  are
duly  appointed  and  qualified or  until  their earlier  death,  resignation or
removal in  accordance  with  the PXRE  Charter  and  the PXRE  By-laws,  or  as
otherwise provided by applicable law.
 
                                   ARTICLE 2
                     EFFECT OF THE MERGER ON THE SECURITIES
                        OF THE CONSTITUENT CORPORATIONS
 
     SECTION  2.1. Effect on Capital Stock. As  of the Effective Time, by virtue
of the Merger and without any action on the part of the holders of any shares of
Transnational Class A Common Stock, par value $.01 per share (the 'Transnational
Class A Stock'),  any shares of  Transnational Class B  Common Stock, par  value
$.01   per  share  ('Transnational  Class  B   Stock';  and  together  with  the
Transnational Class A Stock, 'Transnational  Common Stock') or any other  shares
of capital stock of Transnational:
 
          (a)   Cancellation  of   Transnational  Treasury   Stock  and  Certain
     PXRE-Owned Stock.  Each share  of Transnational  Class A  Stock issued  and
     outstanding  immediately  prior  to the  Effective  Time that  is  owned by
     Transnational or  any  subsidiary  of  Transnational  or  by  PXRE  or  any
     subsidiary  of PXRE shall  automatically be canceled  and retired and shall
     cease to exist,  and no Common  Stock, par  value $.01 per  share, of  PXRE
     ('PXRE  Common Stock'), cash  or other consideration  shall be delivered or
     deliverable in exchange therefor.
 
          (b) Conversion  of  Transnational  Common Stock.  Subject  to  Section
     2.2(f),   (i)  each  share  of  Transnational  Class  A  Stock  issued  and
     outstanding immediately prior to the  Effective Time (other than shares  to
     be  canceled in accordance with Section  2.1(a) above, but including shares
     referred to
 
                                      A-2
 
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<PAGE>
     in Section  5.6(b)) and  (ii) each  share of  Transnational Class  B  Stock
     issued  and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall, as a
     matter of  law, be  converted  into the  right  to receive  1.0575  validly
     issued,  fully paid  and non-assessable  shares of  PXRE Common  Stock (the
     'Stock Consideration'). The Stock Consideration and any cash to be paid  in
     accordance  with Section 2.2(f) in lieu of fractional shares of PXRE Common
     Stock are referred to collectively as the 'Merger Consideration'.
 
          (c)  Transnational  Stock  Options.   At  the  Effective  Time,   each
     outstanding   stock  option   (each,  a  'Director   Option')  to  purchase
     Transnational Class A Stock granted under the Transnational Re  Corporation
     Director  Stock Option Plan, whether vested or unvested, shall be deemed to
     constitute an option to acquire, on  the same terms and conditions as  were
     applicable  under such Director  Option, the same number  of shares of PXRE
     Common Stock as the holder of such Director Option would have been entitled
     to receive pursuant to the Merger  had such holder exercised such  Director
     Option  in full (whether or not  actually exercisable) immediately prior to
     the Effective Time ('Assumed  Option'). Each Assumed  Option shall have  an
     exercise  price per share equal to (y) the aggregate exercise price for the
     shares of Transnational Class A Stock deemed otherwise purchasable pursuant
     to such Director Option divided  by (z) the number  of full shares of  PXRE
     Common Stock that are subject to such Assumed Option.
 
          (d)  Cancellation and Retirement of  Transnational Common Stock. As of
     the Effective Time, all  certificates representing shares of  Transnational
     Common Stock, other than certificates representing shares to be canceled in
     accordance with Section 2.1(a), issued and outstanding immediately prior to
     the  Effective Time, shall no longer be outstanding and shall automatically
     be canceled and  retired and shall  cease to  exist, and each  holder of  a
     certificate  representing  any such  shares  of Transnational  Common Stock
     shall cease to have  any rights with respect  thereto, except the right  to
     receive  the  Merger Consideration  upon surrender  of such  certificate in
     accordance with Section 2.2, without interest.
 
          (e) PXRE  shall take  all corporate  action necessary  to reserve  for
     issuance  a sufficient number of shares  of PXRE Common Stock issuable upon
     exercise of any Assumed Options. As soon as practicable after the Effective
     Time, PXRE shall file a registration statement on Form S-3 or Form S-8,  as
     the  case may be (or any successor  or other appropriate forms), or another
     appropriate form with respect to the shares of PXRE Common Stock subject to
     Assumed  Options.  PXRE  shall  use  its  best  efforts  to  maintain   the
     effectiveness  of such  registration statements  (and maintain  the current
     status of the prospectuses contained therein)  for so long as such  Assumed
     Options remain outstanding.
 
     SECTION 2.2. Exchange of Certificates.
 
     (a)  Exchange Agent. As  of the Effective  Time, PXRE shall  deposit with a
bank or  trust  company  designated  by  PXRE  and  reasonably  satisfactory  to
Transnational  (the 'Exchange Agent'), for the  benefit of the holders of shares
of Transnational Common Stock, certificates  representing shares of PXRE  Common
Stock   representing  the  aggregate  Stock  Consideration  (such  certificates,
together with any dividends or distributions with respect to such  certificates,
being hereinafter referred to as the 'Exchange Fund').
 
     (b)  Exchange Procedures. As soon as  practicable after the Effective Time,
each holder of an  outstanding certificate or  certificates which prior  thereto
represented  shares of Transnational  Common Stock (except  holders of shares of
Transnational Class A  Stock to be  canceled in accordance  with Section  2.1(a)
above)  shall,  upon surrender  to  the Exchange  Agent  of such  certificate or
certificates and acceptance  thereof by  the Exchange  Agent, be  entitled to  a
certificate  representing that number of whole  shares of PXRE Common Stock (and
cash in  lieu of  fractional shares  of  PXRE Common  Stock as  contemplated  by
Section  2.2(f) below)  which the  aggregate number  of shares  of Transnational
Common  Stock  previously  represented  by  such  certificate  or   certificates
surrendered  shall have  been converted  into the  right to  receive pursuant to
Section  2.1(b)  of  this  Agreement.  The  Exchange  Agent  shall  accept  such
certificates  upon compliance with  such reasonable terms  and conditions as the
Exchange Agent may impose  to effect an orderly  exchange thereof in  accordance
with  normal exchange  practices. If  the Merger  Consideration (or  any portion
thereof) is to be delivered  to any person other than  the person in whose  name
the    certificate   representing   shares   of   Transnational   Common   Stock
 
                                      A-3
 
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<PAGE>
surrendered in exchange therefor is registered, it shall be a condition to  such
exchange  that  the certificate  so surrendered  shall  be properly  endorsed or
otherwise be in  proper form for  transfer and that  the person requesting  such
exchange shall pay to the Exchange Agent any transfer or other taxes required by
reason  of  the  payment  of  such consideration  to  a  person  other  than the
registered holder  of the  certificate surrendered,  or shall  establish to  the
satisfaction  of  the Exchange  Agent  that such  tax has  been  paid or  is not
applicable. After the Effective Time, there shall be no further transfer on  the
records  of  Transnational or  its transfer  agent of  certificates representing
shares of Transnational Common Stock and  if such certificates are presented  to
Transnational  for  transfer, they  shall be  canceled  against delivery  of the
Merger Consideration as hereinabove provided. Until surrendered as  contemplated
by  this Section 2.2(b),  each certificate representing  shares of Transnational
Common Stock (other than certificates representing shares of Transnational Class
A Stock to be canceled in accordance with Section 2.1(a) above) shall be  deemed
at any time after the Effective Time to represent only the right to receive upon
such  surrender  the  Merger  Consideration, without  any  interest  thereon, as
contemplated by Section 2.1. No interest will be paid or will accrue on any cash
payable as Merger Consideration.
 
     (c) Letter of  Transmittal. Promptly after  the Effective Time  (but in  no
event  more than 5 days thereafter), the Surviving Corporation shall require the
Exchange Agent to mail  to each record holder  of certificates that  immediately
prior  to the  Effective Time represented  shares of  Transnational Common Stock
which have  been  converted  pursuant  to  Section 2.1,  a  form  of  letter  of
transmittal  and  instructions for  use  in surrendering  such  certificates and
receiving the  Merger  Consideration to  which  such holder  shall  be  entitled
pursuant to Section 2.1.
 
     (d) Distributions with Respect to Unexchanged Shares. No dividends or other
distributions  with respect to  PXRE Common Stock  with a record  date after the
Effective Time shall be paid to  the holder of any certificate that  immediately
prior  to the  Effective Time represented  shares of  Transnational Common Stock
which have been  converted pursuant  to Section 2.1  ('Converted TREX  Shares'),
until  the surrender  for exchange of  such certificate in  accordance with this
Article 2. Following surrender for exchange of any such certificate, there shall
be paid to the holder of such certificate, without interest, (i) at the time  of
such  surrender, the  amount of dividends  or other distributions  with a record
date after the Effective  Time theretofore paid or  payable with respect to  the
number  of  whole  shares  of  PXRE  Common  Stock  into  which  the  shares  of
Transnational Common Stock represented by such certificate immediately prior  to
the  Effective  Time were  converted pursuant  to  Section 2.1  and (ii)  at the
appropriate payment date, the amount of dividends or other distributions with  a
record  date after the Effective  Time, but prior to  such surrender, and with a
payment date subsequent to  such surrender, payable with  respect to such  whole
shares of PXRE Common Stock.
 
     (e)  No Further Ownership Rights in Transnational. The Merger Consideration
paid upon  the surrender  for exchange  of certificates  representing shares  of
Transnational  Common Stock in accordance with the terms of this Article 2 shall
be deemed  to have  been issued  and paid  in full  satisfaction of  all  rights
pertaining  to the shares of  Transnational Common Stock theretofore represented
by  such  certificates,  subject,   however,  to  the  Surviving   Corporation's
obligations (if any) to pay any dividends or make any other distributions with a
record  date  prior  to the  Effective  Time  which may  have  been  declared by
Transnational on such shares  of Transnational Common  Stock in accordance  with
the  terms of this  Agreement or prior to  the date of  this Agreement and which
remain unpaid at the Effective Time.
 
     (f) No Fractional Shares.
 
          (i) No certificates  or scrip representing  fractional shares of  PXRE
     Common   Stock  shall  be  issued  upon   the  surrender  for  exchange  of
     certificates that  immediately  prior  to the  Effective  Time  represented
     shares  of Transnational Common Stock which have been converted pursuant to
     Section 2.1, and such fractional share interests will not entitle the owner
     thereof to vote or to any rights as a stockholder of PXRE. No Transnational
     stockholder shall be entitled to receive cash in lieu of fractional  shares
     in an amount greater than the value of one full share of PXRE Common Stock.
 
          (ii)  Notwithstanding  any other  provisions  of this  Agreement, each
     holder of shares  of Transnational  Common Stock who  would otherwise  have
     been entitled to receive a fraction of a
 
                                      A-4
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
     share  of PXRE  Common Stock  (after taking  into account  all certificates
     delivered by such holder)  pursuant to Section 2.1  shall receive, in  lieu
     thereof,  cash (without interest) in an amount equal to (x) such fractional
     part of a share of PXRE Common Stock multiplied by (y) the closing price of
     a share of PXRE Common Stock  on the trading day immediately preceding  the
     Closing Date. PXRE shall provide the Exchange Agent with the necessary cash
     for such payments as and when it is needed.
 
     (g)  Termination of Exchange  Fund. Any portion of  the Exchange Fund which
remains undistributed to the holders of the certificates representing  Converted
TREX  Shares for 180 days  after the Effective Time  shall be delivered to PXRE,
upon demand, and any holders of  Converted TREX Shares who have not  theretofore
complied  with this Article 2 shall thereafter  look only to PXRE for payment of
their claim for any Merger Consideration and any dividends or distributions with
respect to PXRE Common Stock.
 
     (h) No Liability. None of  Transnational, the Surviving Corporation or  the
Exchange  Agent shall be  liable to any  person in respect  of any shares, cash,
dividends or distributions payable from the Exchange Fund delivered to a  public
official  pursuant to any applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar law.
If any  certificates representing  Converted  TREX Shares  shall not  have  been
surrendered  prior to five years after  the Effective Time (or immediately prior
to such  earlier date  on which  any  Merger Consideration  in respect  of  such
certificate   would  otherwise  escheat  to  or   become  the  property  of  any
Governmental Entity  (as defined  in  Section 3.1(c)),  any such  shares,  cash,
dividends  or distributions payable in respect of such certificate shall, to the
extent permitted  by  applicable  law,  become the  property  of  the  Surviving
Corporation,  free and clear of all claims  or interest of any person previously
entitled thereto.
 
                                   ARTICLE 3
                         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
 
     SECTION 3.1. Representations  and Warranties of  PXRE. PXRE represents  and
warrants to Transnational as follows:
 
          (a)   Organization,  Standing  and  Corporate  Power.  PXRE  and  each
     subsidiary of  PXRE is  a  corporation, partnership  or other  entity  duly
     organized,  validly existing  and in  good standing  under the  laws of the
     jurisdiction in which it is incorporated and has the requisite corporate or
     other power and authority to carry on its business as now being  conducted.
     PXRE  and  each subsidiary  of PXRE  is  duly qualified  or licensed  to do
     business and is in good standing  in each jurisdiction in which the  nature
     of  its business or the  ownership or leasing of  its properties makes such
     qualification or  licensing necessary,  other  than in  such  jurisdictions
     where  the failure to be  so qualified or licensed  (individually or in the
     aggregate) would not  have or  reasonably be  expected to  have a  material
     adverse   effect  on  the  business,  financial  condition  or  results  of
     operations of PXRE  and its  subsidiaries taken as  a whole  or a  material
     adverse effect on the ability of PXRE to consummate any of the transactions
     contemplated  hereby (a 'PXRE Material Adverse Effect'). PXRE has delivered
     to Transnational complete and  correct copies of the  PXRE Charter and  the
     PXRE  By-laws and  the certificate of  incorporation and  by-laws, or other
     organizational documents, of its subsidiaries, in each case as currently in
     effect.
 
          (b) Capital Structure. As of  the date hereof, the authorized  capital
     stock  of PXRE consists  of (i) 20,000,000  shares of PXRE  Common Stock of
     which, as of  the close of  business on August  19, 1996, 8,773,375  shares
     were  issued and outstanding and 244,476  shares were held in treasury; and
     (ii) 500,000 shares of Serial Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share, of
     which no shares  are issued and  outstanding. At the  close of business  on
     August  19, 1996,  833,334 shares  of PXRE  Common Stock  were reserved for
     issuance pursuant to  PXRE's stock option,  stock purchase, deferred  stock
     and  restricted  stock  plans of  which  405,523 shares  were  reserved for
     issuance upon the exercise  of employee and  director options ('PXRE  Stock
     Options') outstanding on such date. Except as set forth above, at the close
     of  business on August  19, 1996, no  (x) shares of  capital stock or other
     equity or voting  securities of  PXRE, (y) securities  of PXRE  convertible
     into  or  exchangeable for  shares  of capital  stock  or equity  or voting
     securities   of   PXRE,    or   (z)    options   or    other   rights    to
 
                                      A-5
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
     acquire  from PXRE,  or obligations  of PXRE  to issue,  any capital stock,
     equity or voting securities or securities convertible into or  exchangeable
     for  capital stock  or equity  or voting  securities of  PXRE, were issued,
     reserved for issuance  or outstanding.  All outstanding  shares of  capital
     stock  of PXRE are, and all shares of PXRE Common Stock which may be issued
     (i) pursuant  to  this  Agreement  or (ii)  pursuant  to  the  exercise  of
     outstanding  PXRE  Stock Options  will  be, when  issued,  duly authorized,
     validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and not subject to preemptive
     rights. No bonds, debentures,  notes or other indebtedness  of PXRE or  any
     subsidiary  of  PXRE having  the  right to  vote  (or convertible  into, or
     exchangeable for, securities having  the right to vote)  on any matters  on
     which  the stockholders  of PXRE  or any  subsidiary of  PXRE may  vote are
     issued or outstanding. Section 3.1(b) of the Disclosure Schedule lists each
     subsidiary of PXRE and, except for  the capital stock of such  subsidiaries
     and  the  other  ownership  interests  listed  in  Section  3.1(b)  of  the
     Disclosure Schedule, PXRE does not own, directly or indirectly, any capital
     stock or other  ownership interest in  any corporation, partnership,  joint
     venture  or  other  entity  (excluding portfolio  investments  made  in the
     ordinary  course  of  business  in  accordance  with  the  PXRE  Investment
     Guidelines (as defined below) or the investment guidelines in effect at the
     time  such investment was  made). Except as disclosed  in Section 3.1(b) of
     the Disclosure Schedule,  all the  outstanding shares of  capital stock  or
     other  ownership  interests  of  each subsidiary  of  PXRE  have  been duly
     authorized, validly issued and  are fully paid  and non-assessable and  are
     owned  by PXRE, by one or more wholly-owned subsidiaries of PXRE or by PXRE
     and one  or more  such wholly-owned  subsidiaries, free  and clear  of  all
     pledges, claims, liens, charges, encumbrances and security interests of any
     kind  or  nature whatsoever  (collectively, 'Liens').  Except as  set forth
     above or in Section  3.1(b) of the Disclosure  Schedule, there are not  any
     securities,  options, warrants,  rights, commitments  or agreements  of any
     kind to which PXRE or any subsidiary is a party or by which any of them  is
     bound  or of any of them obligating any  of them to issue, sell or deliver,
     or  repurchase,  redeem  or  otherwise  acquire,  or  convertible  into  or
     exchangeable  for, or otherwise entitling any person to acquire from any of
     them, shares of capital stock or  other equity or voting securities of  any
     of them or securities convertible into or exchangeable for any such capital
     stock  or equity or voting securities, or  obligating any of them to issue,
     sell, deliver,  grant, extend  or  enter into  any such  security,  option,
     warrant,  right, commitment  or agreement.  Except as  disclosed in Section
     3.1(b) of the Disclosure Schedule, neither PXRE nor any subsidiary of  PXRE
     is  a  party to  or  bound by  any  agreement, proxy  or  other arrangement
     restricting the transfer of  PXRE Common Stock or  affecting the voting  of
     any shares of capital stock of PXRE or any subsidiary.
 
          (c)  Authority;  Noncontravention.  PXRE has  the  requisite corporate
     power and  authority to  enter  into this  Agreement  and, subject  to  the
     approval  of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby by the
     requisite vote of the holders of  PXRE Common Stock (the 'PXRE  Stockholder
     Approval'),  PXRE  has  all  requisite  corporate  power  and  authority to
     consummate the transactions contemplated  by this Agreement. The  execution
     and  delivery of this Agreement by PXRE and the consummation by PXRE of the
     transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary
     corporate action  on the  part of  PXRE, subject  to the  PXRE  Stockholder
     Approval.  This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by PXRE and,
     assuming this  Agreement constitutes  the valid  and binding  agreement  of
     Transnational,   constitutes  a  valid  and  binding  obligation  of  PXRE,
     enforceable against PXRE in accordance with  its terms, except as the  same
     may  be limited  by or  subject to  bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization,
     moratorium or other  similar laws affecting  the enforcement of  creditors'
     rights  generally, and subject  to general principles  of equity. Except as
     disclosed in Section 3.1(c) of  the Disclosure Schedule, the execution  and
     delivery of this Agreement do not, and the consummation of the transactions
     contemplated  by this Agreement  and compliance with  the provisions hereof
     will not, (i) subject to the  PXRE Stockholder Approval, conflict with  any
     of  the  provisions of  the  PXRE Charter  or the  PXRE  By-laws or  of the
     certificate of incorporation, by-laws or other organizational documents  of
     any subsidiary of PXRE, (ii) subject to the matters referred to in the next
     sentence,  conflict with, result in a breach of or default (with or without
     notice or  lapse  of  time,  or  both) under,  give  rise  to  a  right  of
     termination,  cancellation or acceleration  of any obligation  or loss of a
     material benefit under,  or require the  consent of any  person under,  any
     indenture   or  other  agreement,  permit,   franchise,  license  or  other
     instrument or undertaking to which PXRE or any of
 
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<PAGE>
     its subsidiaries is a party or by which PXRE or any of its subsidiaries  or
     any  of their assets  is bound or  affected or held  by PXRE or  any of its
     subsidiaries, (iii)  subject  to  the PXRE  Stockholder  Approval  and  the
     matters  referred to  in the  next sentence,  contravene any  statute, law,
     ordinance,  rule,   regulation,   order,  judgment,   injunction,   decree,
     determination or award applicable to PXRE or any of its subsidiaries or any
     of their respective properties or assets, or (iv) result in the creation of
     any  Lien on  any property  or asset  of PXRE  or any  of its subsidiaries,
     which, in the case of clauses (ii), (iii) and (iv) above, singly or in  the
     aggregate,  could reasonably  be expected to  have a  PXRE Material Adverse
     Effect. No consent, approval or authorization of, or declaration or  filing
     with,  or notice to,  any court or governmental  or regulatory authority or
     agency, domestic or  foreign (a  'Governmental Entity') is  required by  or
     with  respect to PXRE or its  subsidiaries in connection with the execution
     and delivery of this Agreement by PXRE  or the consummation by PXRE or  its
     subsidiaries  of the transactions  contemplated hereby, except  for (i) the
     filing   of   premerger   notification   and   report   forms   under   the
     Hart-Scott-Rodino  Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the 'HSR
     Act') with respect to  the Merger, (ii)  approvals, filings and/or  notices
     required  under insurance regulatory laws as specified in Section 3.1(c) of
     the Disclosure Schedule, (iii) the filing with the Securities and  Exchange
     Commission  (the  'SEC')  of  a  registration  statement  on  Form  S-4  in
     connection with the issuance of PXRE Common Stock in the Merger (the  'Form
     S-4'),  of the PXRE Proxy  Statement (as defined in  Section 3.1(e)) and of
     such reports or other filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
     amended (the 'Exchange Act'),  as may be required  in connection with  this
     Agreement  and the  transactions contemplated  by this  Agreement, (iv) the
     filing and recordation of the certificate  of merger as required under  the
     DGCL  and the filing of appropriate  documents with the Department of State
     or other relevant  authorities of  other states in  which Transnational  is
     qualified  to  do business,  as required  by the  corporation laws  of such
     states, (v) the filing with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware
     of  a  Certificate   of  Amendment  to   PXRE's  Restated  Certificate   of
     Incorporation  relating  to the  PXRE  Charter Amendment,  (vi)  such other
     consents, approvals, authorizations,  declarations, filings  or notices  as
     are  set  forth in  Section 3.1(c)  of the  Disclosure Schedule,  (vii) any
     applicable filings under  state securities  or 'blue sky'  laws and  (viii)
     such  other consents,  approvals, authorizations,  declarations, filings or
     notices the failure to  obtain or make which,  in the aggregate, would  not
     have a PXRE Material Adverse Effect.
 
          (d) SEC Documents; Financial Statements.
 
             (i)   PXRE  has  filed  all  required  reports,  schedules,  forms,
        statements and other documents with the SEC since January 1, 1994  (such
        reports, schedules, forms, statements and other documents, together with
        all  registration statements filed by PXRE  or its subsidiaries with the
        SEC since January  1, 1994, in  each case, as  such documents have  been
        amended  since the  time of  their filing,  collectively, the  'PXRE SEC
        Documents'). As of their respective filing dates (or, if amended, as  of
        the  date  of  the filing  of  such  amendment) the  PXRE  SEC Documents
        complied  in  all  material  respects  with  the  requirements  of   the
        Securities  Act  of  1933, as  amended  (the 'Securities  Act'),  or the
        Exchange Act, as the case may be,  and the rules and regulations of  the
        SEC  promulgated thereunder applicable to  such PXRE SEC Documents. None
        of the  PXRE  SEC  Documents  as of  such  dates  contained  any  untrue
        statement  of  a  material fact  or  omitted  to state  a  material fact
        required to  be  stated  therein  or necessary  in  order  to  make  the
        statements  therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were
        made, not  misleading. The  consolidated  financial statements  of  PXRE
        included  in the PXRE  SEC Documents comply  as to form  in all material
        respects with applicable accounting requirements and the published rules
        and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto, and fairly present,  in
        all  material  respects,  in  conformity  with  United  States generally
        accepted  accounting  principles  ('GAAP')  (except,  in  the  case   of
        unaudited  consolidated quarterly statements, as  permitted by Form 10-Q
        of the SEC) applied  on a consistent basis  during the periods  involved
        (except  as  may be  indicated in  the  notes thereto)  the consolidated
        financial position of PXRE and  its consolidated subsidiaries as of  the
        dates  thereof and the consolidated results of their operations and cash
        flows for the  periods then  ended (subject,  in the  case of  unaudited
        quarterly  statements, to normal year-end audit adjustments). Except (w)
        as disclosed  in  Section  3.1(d)(i) of  the  Disclosure  Schedule,  (x)
        liabilities disclosed or provided
 
                                      A-7
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
        for  in the consolidated balance sheet of PXRE and its subsidiaries (the
        'PXRE Balance Sheet') as  of June 30, 1996  (the 'Balance Sheet  Date'),
        (y)  liabilities under or related to this Agreement and the transactions
        contemplated hereby, and (z) liabilities and obligations incurred in the
        ordinary course of business substantially consistent with past  practice
        since  the Balance Sheet Date, neither  PXRE nor any of its subsidiaries
        has any  liabilities  or obligations  of  any nature  (whether  accrued,
        absolute, contingent, determined, determinable or otherwise), other than
        liabilities  and  obligations which  would  not individually  or  in the
        aggregate reasonably be expected to have a PXRE Material Adverse Effect.
 
             (ii) The Annual  Statement for  the year ended  December 31,  1995,
        together  with  all exhibits  and schedules  thereto, and  any actuarial
        opinion, affirmation or certification filed in connection therewith, and
        any Quarterly  Statements  for  periods ended  after  January  1,  1996,
        together  with all exhibits and schedules  thereto, with respect to PXRE
        Reinsurance, in  each case  as filed  with the  applicable  Governmental
        Entities  charged  with supervision  of insurance  companies ('Insurance
        Regulators')  in  its  jurisdiction   of  domicile,  were  prepared   in
        conformity  with statutory accounting  practices prescribed or permitted
        by such  Insurance  Regulator  ('SAP') applied  on  a  consistent  basis
        (except  as  expressly set  forth in  the  notes, exhibits  or schedules
        thereto) and present fairly, to the extent required by and in conformity
        with SAP, the statutory financial condition of PXRE Reinsurance at their
        respective dates and the results  of operations, changes in capital  and
        surplus  and cash flow of PXRE Reinsurance  for each of the periods then
        ended. Except  as  disclosed in  Section  3.1(d)(ii) of  the  Disclosure
        Schedule, since December 31, 1993 no deficiencies or violations material
        to the financial condition of PXRE Reinsurance have been asserted by any
        Insurance Regulator.
 
          (e) Transaction Documents. The Form S-4 will not, at the time the Form
     S-4 becomes effective under the Securities Act or at the time any amendment
     or  supplement thereto becomes effective  under the Securities Act, contain
     any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material  fact
     required  to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein,
     in light of the  circumstances under which they  are made, not  misleading.
     The proxy statement relating to the approval by the stockholders of PXRE of
     the  matters referred to  in the first  sentence of Section  5.2 (the 'PXRE
     Proxy Statement')  will not,  at the  date  it is  first mailed  to  PXRE's
     stockholders or at the time of the PXRE Stockholders Meeting (as defined in
     Section  5.2), contain any untrue  statement of a material  fact or omit to
     state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order
     to make the statements therein, in  light of the circumstances under  which
     they  are made, not misleading.  None of the information  supplied or to be
     supplied by PXRE for inclusion or  incorporation by reference in the  proxy
     statement  relating to the approval by the stockholders of Transnational of
     the matters  referred  to  in  the second  sentence  of  Section  5.2  (the
     'Transnational  Proxy Statement') will,  at the date it  is first mailed to
     Transnational's  stockholders  or   at  the  time   of  the   Transnational
     Stockholders  Meeting  (as  defined  in Section  5.2),  contain  any untrue
     statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to
     be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein,  in
     light  of the circumstances under which  they are made, not misleading. The
     Form S-4  and the  PXRE  Proxy Statement  will comply  as  to form  in  all
     material  respects  with the  requirements of  the  Securities Act  and the
     Exchange  Act  and  the  rules  and  regulations  promulgated   thereunder.
     Notwithstanding  the foregoing,  no representation  or warranty  is made by
     PXRE in this  Section 3.1(e) with  respect to information  supplied by  the
     Special  Committee specifically for inclusion or incorporation by reference
     in the  Form S-4,  the  PXRE Proxy  Statement  or the  Transnational  Proxy
     Statement.
 
          (f)  Absence of Certain Changes or  Events. Except as disclosed (x) in
     the PXRE SEC Documents filed and publicly available after December 31, 1995
     and prior to the date of this Agreement (the 'Filed PXRE SEC Documents') or
     (y) in Section 3.1(f)  of the Disclosure Schedule,  since January 1,  1996,
     PXRE  and each of its  subsidiaries has conducted its  business only in the
     ordinary course  substantially consistent  with  past practice.  Except  as
     disclosed  in Section 3.1(f) of the  Disclosure Schedule, since the Balance
     Sheet Date,  there has  not been  (i) a  PXRE Material  Adverse Change  (as
     defined  in Section 6.2(c)), or any event or condition that individually or
     in the aggregate could reasonably be expected to result in a PXRE  Material
     Adverse  Change;  (ii) any  declaration, setting  aside  or payment  of any
     dividend or other
 
                                      A-8
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
     distribution (whether in cash,  stock or property) with  respect to any  of
     PXRE's outstanding capital stock, other than the declaration and payment of
     regular  quarterly  dividends  on  PXRE  Common  Stock  or  any repurchase,
     redemption or other acquisition by PXRE  or any of its subsidiaries of  any
     outstanding  shares  of  capital stock  or  other securities  of,  or other
     ownership interests in, PXRE  or any subsidiary  thereof; (iii) any  split,
     combination  or reclassification of any of its outstanding capital stock or
     any issuance or the authorization of  any issuance of any other  securities
     in  respect of, in lieu of or in substitution for shares of its outstanding
     capital stock; (iv) any material  change in accounting methods,  principles
     or  practices by PXRE or any of its subsidiaries except for any such change
     required by reason of a concurrent change in GAAP; (v) any amendment of any
     material term of any outstanding security  of PXRE or any subsidiary;  (vi)
     any  incurrence, assumption or  guarantee by PXRE or  any subsidiary of any
     indebtedness for borrowed money  (other than pursuant  to existing line  of
     credit  arrangements, additional line of  credit arrangements not exceeding
     $10 million and letters  of credit and related  agreements in the  ordinary
     course  of business substantially consistent with past practice); (vii) any
     creation or  assumption  by PXRE  or  any subsidiary  of  any Lien  on  any
     material  asset other than in the ordinary course of business substantially
     consistent with  past practice;  (viii) any  making of  any material  loan,
     advance  or capital contributions to or investment in any person other than
     loans, advances or capital contributions to or investments in  wholly-owned
     subsidiaries  and  other than  portfolio investments  made pursuant  to the
     investment guidelines approved by the Board of Directors of PXRE (the 'PXRE
     Investment Guidelines'), a copy of which has been delivered to the  Special
     Committee;  (ix) any  transaction or  commitment made,  or any  contract or
     agreement entered into, by PXRE or any subsidiary relating to its assets or
     business (including the acquisition  or disposition of  any assets) or  any
     relinquishment by PXRE or any subsidiary of any contract or other right, in
     either  case, material to PXRE and its subsidiaries taken as a whole, other
     than transactions  and  commitments  in the  ordinary  course  of  business
     substantially  consistent with past practice and those contemplated by this
     Agreement; (x) any entry by PXRE or a subsidiary into any contract limiting
     its right at any time on or after the date of this Agreement to engage  in,
     or  to compete with  any person in,  any business conducted  by PXRE or its
     subsidiaries, including, without  limitation, any  contract which  includes
     exclusivity  provisions restricting the geographical  area in which, or the
     method by which, any such business may be conducted; (xi) any entry by PXRE
     or a subsidiary into any acquisition, joint venture, partnership or similar
     agreement or arrangement  which is  material to PXRE  and its  subsidiaries
     taken  as  a whole;  or (xii)  any grant  or increase  of any  severance or
     termination pay to any director, officer or employee of PXRE or any of  its
     subsidiaries  which is  material to  PXRE and  its subsidiaries  taken as a
     whole or any increase in any compensation, bonus or other benefits  payable
     to  directors, officers  or employees  of PXRE  or any  of its subsidiaries
     other than in the ordinary course of business substantially consistent with
     past practice.
 
          (g) Taxes.
 
             (i) Each of PXRE and its subsidiaries has filed all tax returns and
        reports required to be  filed by it or  requests for extensions to  file
        such  returns or  reports have been  timely filed, granted  and have not
        expired, except to  the extent  that such failures  to file  or to  have
        extensions  granted  that  remain  in  effect  individually  or  in  the
        aggregate would not have a PXRE Material Adverse Effect. All tax returns
        filed by PXRE  and each of  its subsidiaries are  complete and  accurate
        except to the extent that such failure to be complete and accurate would
        not  have  a  PXRE  Material  Adverse  Effect.  PXRE  and  each  of  its
        subsidiaries has paid (or PXRE has paid on the subsidiaries' behalf) all
        taxes shown  as due  on  such returns,  and  the most  recent  financial
        statements contained in the Filed PXRE SEC Documents reflect an adequate
        reserve,  in accordance with GAAP, for all taxes payable by PXRE and its
        subsidiaries for  all  taxable  periods  and  portions  thereof  accrued
        through the date of such financial statements.
 
             (ii)  Except  as  set forth  in  Section 3.1(g)  of  the Disclosure
        Schedule, no deficiencies for any taxes have been proposed, asserted  or
        assessed against PXRE or any of its subsidiaries that are not adequately
        reserved  for,  except  for  deficiencies that  individually  or  in the
        aggregate would not have a PXRE Material Adverse Effect, and no requests
        for waivers of the time  to assess any such  taxes have been granted  or
        are pending.
 
                                      A-9
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
             (iii) As used in this Agreement, 'taxes' shall include all Federal,
        state,  local and  foreign income, property,  sales, excise, employment,
        payroll, withholding and other taxes, tariffs or governmental charges of
        any nature whatsoever.
 
          (h) Compliance with Applicable Laws. Each of PXRE and its subsidiaries
     has in  full  force  and  effect all  federal,  state,  local  and  foreign
     governmental  approvals,  authorizations, certificates,  consents, filings,
     franchises,  licenses,   notices,   permits   and   rights   (collectively,
     'Permits'),  including without limitation  all Permits of  or issued by all
     Insurance Regulators, and has  made all declarations  and filings with  all
     Insurance  Regulators and other Governmental  Entities, necessary for it to
     own, lease  or  operate its  properties  and assets  and  to carry  on  its
     business as now conducted, and there has occurred no default under any such
     Permit,  except for the failure of Permits  to be in full force and effect,
     for failures  to  make filings  or  declarations, and  for  defaults  under
     Permits which failure or default individually or in the aggregate would not
     have  a PXRE  Material Adverse  Effect. None  of such  Permits contains any
     restriction  that  is  materially  burdensome   to  PXRE  or  any  of   its
     subsidiaries. PXRE and its subsidiaries are in material compliance with all
     such  Permits and, to  the knowledge of  PXRE, no event  has occurred which
     would lead PXRE to reasonably expect  the revocation or termination of  any
     such Permit or any material impairment of the rights of the holder thereof.
     Except as disclosed in the Filed PXRE SEC Documents or in Section 3.1(h) of
     the  Disclosure Schedule, PXRE and its  subsidiaries are in compliance with
     all, and there have been no  violations of any, applicable statutes,  laws,
     ordinances,  rules,  regulations  and  orders  of  any  Governmental Entity
     (including, without  limitation,  Insurance Regulators),  except  for  such
     noncompliance  or violation which individually or  in the aggregate has not
     had and would not  reasonably be expected to  have a PXRE Material  Adverse
     Effect.  Except as disclosed  in Section 3.1(h)  of the Disclosure Schedule
     and  except   for  routine   examinations  by   Insurance  Regulators,   no
     investigation  by any federal, state,  local or foreign Governmental Entity
     with respect to  PXRE or  any of  its subsidiaries  is pending  or, to  the
     knowledge  of PXRE, threatened, other than, in each case, those the outcome
     of which,  as far  as reasonably  can be  foreseen, will  not have  a  PXRE
     Material  Adverse  Effect. Neither  PXRE nor  any  of its  subsidiaries has
     received any notice  from any  Insurance Regulator  concerning any  alleged
     material  violation of any  Permit or any insurance  laws or regulations or
     notice of any  proposed proceeding  to revoke  any material  Permit or  any
     notice to the effect that any additional material Permit from any Insurance
     Regulator is needed to be obtained by PXRE or its subsidiaries.
 
          (i) Voting Requirements.
 
             (i)   The  affirmative  vote  of  holders  of  a  majority  of  the
        outstanding shares of PXRE Common Stock entitled to vote thereon at  the
        PXRE  Stockholders Meeting with respect to this Agreement and the Merger
        and the issuance of PXRE Common  Stock in connection with the Merger  is
        the  only vote of the  holders of any class  or series of PXRE's capital
        stock  necessary  to  approve   this  Agreement  and  the   transactions
        contemplated  by this  Agreement (other  than the  approval of  the PXRE
        Charter Amendment).
 
             (ii) Approval  of  the  PXRE Charter  Amendment  will  require  the
        affirmative  vote of  both (i)  holders of  more than  two-thirds of the
        outstanding shares of PXRE Common Stock entitled to vote thereon at  the
        PXRE  Stockholders  Meeting  and  (ii)  holders  of  a  majority  of the
        outstanding shares of PXRE Common Stock entitled to vote thereon at  the
        PXRE Stockholders Meeting, excluding shares beneficially owned, directly
        or  indirectly, by any person  who as of the  record date respecting the
        PXRE Stockholders Meeting is the beneficial  owner of 5% or more of  the
        then issued and outstanding shares of PXRE Common Stock or who controls,
        is  controlled  by or  is under  common control  with, PXRE  (except for
        Phoenix Home Life Mutual Insurance Company).
 
          (j) Opinion  of  Financial  Advisor. PXRE  has  received  the  written
     opinion  of Dillon, Read & Co. Inc.,  the financial advisor to PXRE, to the
     effect that, as of the date of  this Agreement, the Merger is fair to  PXRE
     and its stockholders from a financial point of view.
 
          (k)  Brokers. No broker, investment banker, financial advisor or other
     person, other than Dillon, Read & Co. Inc., the fees and expenses of  which
     will  be paid  by PXRE,  is entitled  to any  broker's, finder's, financial
     advisor's or  other  similar  fee  or commission  in  connection  with  the
 
                                      A-10
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
     transactions contemplated by this Agreement based upon arrangements made by
     or on behalf of PXRE or its subsidiaries.
 
          (l) Litigation. Except as disclosed in the Filed PXRE SEC Documents or
     in  Section 3.1(l)  of the Disclosure  Schedule, there is  no suit, action,
     investigation  or  arbitration  pending  or,  to  the  knowledge  of  PXRE,
     threatened  against or affecting PXRE or any of its subsidiaries before any
     court, arbitrator, Insurance Regulator  or other Governmental Entity  that,
     (i)  individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have
     a PXRE Material Adverse Effect or to impair the ability of PXRE to  perform
     its  obligations under this  Agreement or (ii) in  any manner challenges or
     seeks to prevent, enjoin,  alter or materially delay  the Merger or any  of
     the  other transactions  contemplated by this  Agreement, nor  is there any
     judgment, decree,  injunction  or  order  of  any  Governmental  Entity  or
     arbitrator  outstanding against PXRE or any  of its subsidiaries having, or
     which could reasonably be expected to have, any such effect.
 
          (m)  PXRE's  Knowledge  as  to  Transnational  Representations;  Other
     Developments  Regarding  Transnational.  To  the  knowledge  of  PXRE,  the
     statements and matters set forth in Section 3.2 hereof are true and correct
     in all material respects  as of the date  of this Agreement. From  December
     31,  1995 to the  date of this  Agreement, there has  not been any material
     favorable development or set of circumstances relating to or affecting  the
     business  or prospects of  Transnational and its  subsidiaries that has not
     been disclosed  in the  Filed Transnational  SEC Documents  (as defined  in
     Section 3.2(f)) or otherwise disclosed to the Special Committee.
 
          (n) Representations Relating To Tax-Free Status of the Merger.
 
             (i)  PXRE has no plan  or intention to reacquire  any of its Common
        Stock to  be issued  in  the Merger  which  would adversely  affect  the
        qualification  of the Merger as a 'reorganization' within the meaning of
        Section 368(a)(1)(A) of the Code.
 
             (ii) PXRE has no plan or intention to sell or otherwise dispose  of
        any  of the assets of Transnational  or its subsidiaries acquired in the
        Merger, except for dispositions made in the ordinary course of  business
        substantially consistent with past practice and the contribution to PXRE
        Reinsurance  of  all of  the shares  of  capital stock  of Transnational
        Reinsurance.
 
             (iii) For a period  of two years following  the Closing Date,  PXRE
        will cause a corporation controlled by it to continue the active conduct
        of  the historic  business of Transnational's  subsidiaries or  to use a
        significant portion of the  historic business assets of  Transnational's
        subsidiaries in a business.
 
             (iv)  Not more  than 25%  of the  value of  PXRE's total  assets is
        invested in the stock and securities of any one issuer and not more than
        50% of the value  of PXRE's total  assets is invested  in the stock  and
        securities  of  5  or  fewer  issuers.  For  purposes  of  the preceding
        sentence, (i)  'total  assets' does  not  include cash  and  cash  items
        (including  receivables), U.S. Government securities and assets acquired
        for  purposes  of  satisfying   this  representation,  (ii)  stock   and
        securities  in any corporation in which  the parent corporation owns 50%
        or more of the stock (by vote  or value) are disregarded and the  parent
        corporation  is  deemed to  own its  ratable  share of  the subsidiary's
        assets, (iii) all members of a controlled group of corporations  (within
        the  meaning of  section 1563(a)  of the Code)  are treated  as a single
        issuer and  (iv)  a  person  holding stock  in  a  regulated  investment
        company,  a real estate investment trust  or an investment company which
        meets the requirements of the  preceding sentence is treated as  holding
        its proportionate share of the assets held by such company or trust.
 
             (v) The payment of cash in lieu of fractional shares of PXRE Common
        Stock   is  solely  for   the  purpose  of   avoiding  the  expense  and
        inconvenience  to  PXRE  of  issuing  fractional  shares  and  does  not
        represent   separately  bargained-for  consideration.   The  total  cash
        consideration that will be paid in the transaction to the  Transnational
        stockholders  instead of issuing fractional  shares of PXRE Common Stock
        will not exceed  one percent  of the  total consideration  that will  be
        issued  in the transaction to the Transnational stockholders in exchange
        for their shares of Transnational Common Stock.
 
                                      A-11
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
          (o) ERISA.
 
             (i) For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall  have
        the  following definitions:  'ERISA' shall mean  the Employee Retirement
        Income Security Act of 1974; 'ERISA Affiliate' of any person shall  mean
        any other person which, together with such person, would be treated as a
        single  employer under Section 414 of the Code; and 'PXRE Employee Plan'
        shall mean any 'employee  benefit plan', as defined  in Section 3(3)  of
        ERISA,  which  (x) is  subject  to any  provision  of ERISA  and  (y) is
        maintained, administered  or  contributed  to  by PXRE  or  any  of  its
        subsidiaries  and covers any employee or  former employee of PXRE or any
        of its subsidiaries or under which  PXRE or any of its subsidiaries  has
        any liability.
 
             (ii)  Neither PXRE nor any ERISA  Affiliate of PXRE has (i) engaged
        in, or  is a  successor or  parent  corporation to  an entity  that  has
        engaged in, a transaction described in Sections 4069 or 4212(c) of ERISA
        or  (ii) incurred, or reasonably expects to incur prior to the Effective
        Time, (A) any liability  under Title IV of  ERISA arising in  connection
        with  the termination of, or a  complete or partial withdrawal from, any
        plan covered  or previously  covered by  Title IV  of ERISA  or (B)  any
        liability  under  Section 4971  of the  Code that  in either  case could
        exceed $5,000,000. Nothing done or omitted to be done and no transaction
        or holding of any  asset under or in  connection with any PXRE  Employee
        Plan has or will make PXRE or any of its subsidiaries, or any officer or
        director  of PXRE or  any of its subsidiaries,  subject to any liability
        under Title I of ERISA or liable for any tax pursuant to Section 4975 of
        the Code that in either case could exceed $5,000,000.
 
             (iii) With respect to each PXRE Employee Plan which is intended  to
        be  qualified  under Section  401(a) of  the Code,  PXRE has  received a
        favorable determination letter that  the plan is  so qualified and  that
        each trust forming a part thereof is exempt from tax pursuant to Section
        501(a)  of the Code and, to the knowledge of PXRE, no event has occurred
        since the date of  such determination that  would adversely affect  such
        qualification  and exemption. PXRE has furnished to Transnational copies
        of the most recent Internal  Revenue Service determination letters  with
        respect  to each such Plan. To the knowledge of PXRE, each PXRE Employee
        Plan has been maintained in all material respects in compliance with its
        terms and  with the  requirements prescribed  by any  and all  statutes,
        orders,  rules and regulations,  including but not  limited to ERISA and
        the Code, which are applicable to such Plan.
 
             (iv) Neither PXRE nor  any of its subsidiaries  has any current  or
        projected   liability   in   respect   of   post-employment   (including
        post-retirement) health  or  medical  or  life  insurance  benefits  for
        retired, former or current employees of PXRE or any of its subsidiaries,
        except as required to avoid excise tax under Section 4980B of the Code.
 
     SECTION 3.2. Representations and Warranties of Transnational. Transnational
represents and warrants to PXRE (1) to the effect set forth in the TREX Category
A  Statements  (as defined  below), and  (2) that  none of  the TREX  Category B
Statements (as defined below) is untrue or incorrect in any material respect  by
virtue  of any affirmative action taken or  thing done by the Board of Directors
of Transnational since May 10, 1996 or  by the Special Committee. Except as  set
forth  above  in  this Section  3.2,  Transnational makes  no  representation or
warranty  to  PXRE  in  connection  with  this  Agreement  or  the  transactions
contemplated hereby.
 
     As  used herein, 'TREX Category A  Statements' means each of the statements
and matters set  forth in Sections  3.2(b)(A) (but excluding  information as  to
shares  issued and outstanding or held in treasury), 3.2(c)(A), 3.2(c)(B)(i)(x),
3.2(e), 3.2(f)(B)(ii)(x),  3.2(g), 3.2(j),  and 3.2(k).  As used  herein,  'TREX
Category  B Statements' means all of the  statements and matters set forth below
in this Section 3.2 other than TREX Category A Statements.
 
     (a) Organization,  Standing and  Corporate  Power. Transnational  and  each
subsidiary  of Transnational is a corporation,  partnership or other entity duly
organized, validly  existing  and  in  good  standing  under  the  laws  of  the
jurisdiction  in which  it is  incorporated and  has the  requisite corporate or
other power  and authority  to carry  on its  business as  now being  conducted.
Transnational and each subsidiary of Transnational is duly qualified or licensed
to    do   business   and   is   in   good   standing   in   each   jurisdiction
 
                                      A-12
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
in which  the  nature  of its  business  or  the ownership  or  leasing  of  its
properties  makes such qualification or licensing  necessary, other than in such
jurisdictions where the failure to be so qualified or licensed (individually  or
in  the aggregate) would not  have or reasonably be  expected to have a material
adverse effect on the business, financial condition or results of operations  of
Transnational and its subsidiaries taken as a whole or a material adverse effect
on   the  ability  of  Transnational  to  consummate  any  of  the  transactions
contemplated hereby (a 'Transnational Material Adverse Effect').
 
     (b) Capital Structure.  (A) The authorized  capital stock of  Transnational
consists of 20,000,000 shares of Transnational Class A Stock of which, as of the
close  of  business  on  August  19,  1996,  5,365,400  shares  were  issued and
outstanding and  384,600  shares were  held  in treasury,  5,000,000  shares  of
Transnational  Class B  Common Stock of  which, as  of the close  of business on
August 19, 1996,  1,535,948 shares  were issued and  outstanding, and  5,000,000
shares  of Serial Preferred Stock, par value  $.01 per share, of which no shares
are issued. (B)  At the  close of  business on  August 19,  1996, (i)  1,535,948
shares of Transnational Class A Stock were reserved for issuance upon conversion
of  outstanding shares of Transnational Class B Stock and (ii) 106,000 shares of
Transnational  Class   A  Stock   were  reserved   for  issuance   pursuant   to
Transnational's stock option and deferred stock plans of which 3,000 shares were
reserved  for issuance upon the exercise of Director Options outstanding on such
date. Except as set forth above, at the close of business on August 19, 1996, no
(x)  shares  of  capital  stock  or   other  equity  or  voting  securities   of
Transnational , (y) securities of Transnational convertible into or exchangeable
for  shares of capital stock or equity or voting securities of Transnational, or
(z) options or  other rights to  acquire from Transnational,  or obligations  of
Transnational  to  issue,  any capital  stock,  equity or  voting  securities or
securities convertible  into or  exchangeable  for capital  stock or  equity  or
voting  securities  of  Transnational,  were issued,  reserved  for  issuance or
outstanding. All outstanding shares of  capital stock of Transnational are  duly
authorized,  validly issued,  fully paid and  non-assessable and  not subject to
preemptive  rights.  No  bonds,  debentures,  notes  or  other  indebtedness  of
Transnational  having the  right to vote  (or convertible  into, or exchangeable
for, securities  having  the  right  to  vote)  on  any  matters  on  which  the
stockholders  of Transnational may  vote are issued  or outstanding. (C) Section
3.2(b) of the Disclosure  Schedule lists each  subsidiary of Transnational  and,
except  for  the capital  stock  of such  subsidiaries  and the  other ownership
interests listed in  Section 3.2(b)  of the  Disclosure Schedule,  Transnational
does  not  own, directly  or indirectly,  any capital  stock or  other ownership
interest  in  any  corporation,  partnership,  joint  venture  or  other  entity
(excluding  portfolio investments  made in  the ordinary  course of  business in
accordance with Transnational's investment  guidelines). Except as disclosed  in
Section 3.2(b) of the Disclosure Schedule, all the outstanding shares of capital
stock or other ownership interests of each subsidiary of Transnational have been
duly  authorized, validly issued  and are fully paid  and non-assessable and are
owned  by  Transnational,   by  one   or  more   wholly-owned  subsidiaries   of
Transnational   or  by   Transnational  and   one  or   more  such  wholly-owned
subsidiaries, free and clear of all Liens.  (D) Except as set forth above or  in
Section  3.2(b)  of  the  Disclosure Schedule,  there  are  not  any securities,
options, warrants,  rights,  commitments or  agreements  of any  kind  to  which
Transnational  or any of its subsidiaries is a  party or by which any of them is
bound or of any  of them obligating any  of them to issue,  sell or deliver,  or
repurchase,  redeem or  otherwise acquire,  or convertible  into or exchangeable
for, or otherwise entitling any  person to acquire from  any of them, shares  of
capital  stock or other equity or voting securities of any of them or securities
convertible into or exchangeable for any such capital stock or equity or  voting
securities,  or obligating any of them to issue, sell, deliver, grant, extend or
enter into any such security,  option, warrant, right, commitment or  agreement.
Except  as  disclosed  in Section  3.2(b)  of the  Disclosure  Schedule, neither
Transnational nor  any  of its  subsidiaries  is a  party  to or  bound  by  any
agreement,  proxy or other arrangement restricting the transfer of Transnational
Common Stock  or  affecting  the  voting  of any  shares  of  capital  stock  of
Transnational or any of its subsidiaries.
 
     (c)  Authority;  Noncontravention.  (A)  Transnational  has  the  requisite
corporate power and authority to enter  into this Agreement and, subject to  the
approval  of this Agreement and the Merger  by the requisite vote of the holders
of  Transnational  Common  Stock  (the  'Transnational  Stockholder  Approval'),
Transnational  has all requisite corporate power and authority to consummate the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The execution and delivery of  this
Agreement  by  Transnational  and  the  consummation  by  Transnational  of  the
transactions contemplated by  this Agreement  have been duly  authorized by  all
necessary corporate action on the part of Transnational,
 
                                      A-13
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
subject  to the Transnational Stockholder Approval. This Agreement has been duly
executed and delivered by Transnational and, assuming this Agreement constitutes
the valid  and  binding agreement  of  PXRE,  constitutes a  valid  and  binding
obligation  of  Transnational, enforceable  against Transnational  in accordance
with its  terms,  except as  the  same  may be  limited  by or  subject  to  any
bankruptcy,   insolvency,  reorganization,  moratorium  or  other  similar  laws
affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally, and subject to general
principles of  equity.  (B)  Except  as  disclosed  in  Section  3.2(c)  of  the
Disclosure  Schedule, the execution  and delivery of this  Agreement do not, and
the  consummation  of  the  transactions  contemplated  by  this  Agreement  and
compliance  with the provisions of  this Agreement will not,  (i) subject to the
Transnational Stockholder Approval, conflict with  any of the provisions of  (x)
the  Restated Certificate of Incorporation  of Transnational (the 'Transnational
Charter') or the by-laws of  Transnational (the 'Transnational By-laws') or  (y)
the  certificate of incorporation, by-laws  or other organizational documents of
any subsidiary of Transnational, (ii) subject to the matters referred to in  the
next  sentence, conflict with, result in a breach of or default (with or without
notice or lapse of time,  or both) under, give rise  to a right of  termination,
cancellation  or acceleration  of any obligation  or loss of  a material benefit
under, or  require the  consent of  any  person under,  any indenture  or  other
agreement,  permit,  franchise, license  or other  instrument or  undertaking to
which Transnational  or  any  of  its  subsidiaries  is  a  party  or  by  which
Transnational  or any  of its subsidiaries  or any  of their assets  is bound or
affected or held by Transnational or  any of its subsidiaries, (iii) subject  to
the  Transnational Stockholder Approval and the  matters referred to in the next
sentence, contravene  any  statute,  law, ordinance,  rule,  regulation,  order,
judgment, injunction, decree, determination or award applicable to Transnational
or  any of its subsidiaries or any  of their respective properties or assets, or
(iv)  result  in  the  creation  of  any  Lien  on  any  property  or  asset  of
Transnational  or any of its  subsidiaries, which, in the  case of clauses (ii),
(iii) and (iv) above, singly or  in the aggregate, could reasonably be  expected
to  have  a  Transnational  Material Adverse  Effect.  No  consent,  approval or
authorization of, or declaration or filing with, or notice to, any  Governmental
Entity  is required by or  with respect to Transnational  or its subsidiaries in
connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Transnational or
the consummation by Transnational or its subsidiaries of any of the transactions
contemplated  by  this  Agreement,  except  for  (i)  the  filing  of  premerger
notification and report forms under the HSR Act with respect to the Merger, (ii)
approvals,  filings  and/or notices  required  under insurance  regulatory laws,
(iii) the filing  with the  SEC of the  Transnational Proxy  Statement and  such
reports or other filings under the Exchange Act as may be required in connection
with  this Agreement and  the transactions contemplated  by this Agreement, (iv)
the filing and recordation  of the certificate of  merger as required under  the
DGCL  and the filing  of appropriate documents  with the Department  of State or
other relevant authorities of other  states in which Transnational is  qualified
to  do business,  as required by  the corporation  law of such  states, (v) such
other consents, approvals, authorizations,  declarations, filings or notices  as
are  set forth in Section 3.2(c) of the Disclosure Schedule, (vi) any applicable
filings under  state takeover  laws and  (vii) such  other consents,  approvals,
authorizations,  declarations, filings or notices the  failure to obtain or make
which, in the aggregate, would not have a Transnational Material Adverse Effect.
 
     (d) SEC Documents; Financial Statements.
 
          (i) Transnational has  filed all required  reports, schedules,  forms,
     statements  and other  documents with the  SEC since January  1, 1994 (such
     reports, schedules, forms,  statements and other  documents, together  with
     all registration statements filed by Transnational or its subsidiaries with
     the  SEC since January 1,  1994, in each case,  as such documents have been
     amended since the  time of their  filing, collectively, the  'Transnational
     SEC Documents'). As of their respective filing dates (or, if amended, as of
     the  date of the filing of such amendment), the Transnational SEC Documents
     complied in all material respects  with the requirements of the  Securities
     Act  or the Exchange Act, as the case may be, and the rules and regulations
     of the  SEC promulgated  thereunder applicable  to such  Transnational  SEC
     Documents.  None  of  the  Transnational SEC  Documents  as  of  such dates
     contained any untrue  statement of a  material fact or  omitted to state  a
     material  fact required to be stated therein  or necessary in order to make
     the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were
     made,  not   misleading.   The   consolidated   financial   statements   of
     Transnational included in the Transnational SEC Documents comply as to form
     in  all material respects  with applicable accounting  requirements and the
     published rules and regulations
 
                                      A-14
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
     of the  SEC with  respect  thereto, and  fairly  present, in  all  material
     respects,  in  conformity  with  GAAP (except,  in  the  case  of unaudited
     consolidated quarterly statements, as  permitted by Form  10-Q of the  SEC)
     applied on a consistent basis during the periods involved (except as may be
     indicated  in  the notes  thereto) the  consolidated financial  position of
     Transnational and its consolidated subsidiaries as of the dates thereof and
     the consolidated results of their operations and cash flows for the periods
     then ended  (subject, in  the case  of unaudited  quarterly statements,  to
     normal  year-end  audit adjustments).  Except (w)  as disclosed  in Section
     3.2(d)(i) of the Disclosure Schedule, (x) liabilities disclosed or provided
     for in the consolidated balance sheet of Transnational and its subsidiaries
     (the 'Transnational  Balance Sheet')  as  of the  Balance Sheet  Date,  (y)
     liabilities  under  or  related  to  this  Agreement  and  the transactions
     contemplated hereby, and  (z) liabilities and  obligations incurred in  the
     ordinary  course of  business substantially  consistent with  past practice
     since the  Balance  Sheet  Date,  neither  Transnational  nor  any  of  its
     subsidiaries  has  any liabilities  or obligations  of any  nature (whether
     accrued, absolute,  contingent,  determined,  determinable  or  otherwise),
     other  than liabilities and obligations which  would not individually or in
     the aggregate  reasonably  be expected  to  have a  Transnational  Material
     Adverse Effect.
 
          (ii)  The  Annual  Statement for  the  year ended  December  31, 1995,
     together with  all  exhibits  and  schedules  thereto,  and  any  actuarial
     opinion,  affirmation or  certification filed in  connection therewith, and
     any Quarterly Statements for periods ended after January 1, 1996,  together
     with  all  exhibits and  schedules thereto,  with respect  to Transnational
     Reinsurance as  filed  with  the  applicable  Insurance  Regulator  in  its
     jurisdiction of domicile, were prepared in conformity with SAP applied on a
     consistent  basis (except as expressly set  forth in the notes, exhibits or
     schedules thereto) and  present fairly, to  the extent required  by and  in
     conformity  with SAP,  the statutory  financial condition  of Transnational
     Reinsurance at  their  respective  dates and  the  results  of  operations,
     changes  in capital and surplus and  cash flow of Transnational Reinsurance
     for each  of  the  periods  then ended.  Except  as  disclosed  in  Section
     3.2(d)(ii)   of  the  Disclosure  Schedule,  since  December  31,  1993  no
     deficiencies  or  violations  material   to  the  financial  condition   of
     Transnational Reinsurance have been asserted by any Insurance Regulator.
 
     (e)  Transaction  Documents.  None of  the  information supplied  or  to be
supplied by  the Special  Committee relating  to the  transactions  contemplated
hereby  for inclusion or incorporation by reference in the Form S-4 will, at the
time the Form S-4 becomes effective under the Securities Act or at the time  any
amendment  or  supplement thereto  becomes effective  under the  Securities Act,
contain any untrue statement of  a material fact or  omit to state any  material
fact  required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein,
in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading. None of
the information supplied or to be supplied by the Special Committee relating  to
the transactions contemplated hereby for inclusion or incorporation by reference
in  the PXRE  Proxy Statement  will, at the  date it  is first  mailed to PXRE's
stockholders or at the time of the PXRE Stockholders Meeting, contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit  to state any material fact required to  be
stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of
the  circumstances  in  which  they  are  made,  not  misleading.  None  of  the
information supplied or to be supplied by the Special Committee relating to  the
transactions  contemplated hereby for inclusion or incorporation by reference in
the Transnational  Proxy Statement  will, at  the  date it  is first  mailed  to
Transnational's  stockholders or at  the time of  the Transnational Stockholders
Meeting, contain any untrue statement  of a material fact  or omit to state  any
material  fact required to be  stated therein or necessary  in order to make the
statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not
misleading. The Transnational  Proxy Statement  will comply  as to  form in  all
material  respects with the requirements  of the Exchange Act  and the rules and
regulations  promulgated   thereunder.   Notwithstanding   the   foregoing,   no
representation  or warranty is made by Transnational in this Section 3.2(e) with
respect to any other  information included or incorporated  by reference in  the
Form S-4, the PXRE Proxy Statement or the Transnational Proxy Statement.
 
     (f)  Absence of Certain Changes  or Events. Except as  disclosed (x) in the
Transnational SEC Documents filed and publicly available after December 31, 1995
and  prior  to  the  date  of  this  Agreement  (the  'Filed  Transnational  SEC
Documents')  or (y) in Section 3.2(f)  of the Disclosure Schedule, since January
1, 1996,  (A) Transnational  and  each of  its  subsidiaries has  conducted  its
business  only  in  the  ordinary  course  substantially  consistent  with  past
practice. (B) Except as disclosed in Section 3.2(f) of
 
                                      A-15
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
the Disclosure Schedule, since the Balance Sheet Date, there has not been (i)  a
Transnational  Material Adverse  Change (as defined  in Section  6.3(c)), or any
event or condition  that individually or  in the aggregate  could reasonably  be
expected  to result  in a  Transnational Material  Adverse Change;  (ii) (x) any
declaration, setting  aside or  payment of  any dividend  or other  distribution
(whether  in cash,  stock or  property) with  respect to  any of Transnational's
outstanding capital stock,  other than  the declaration and  payment of  regular
quarterly dividends of up to $.05 per share on Transnational Common Stock or (y)
any  repurchase, redemption or other acquisition  by Transnational or any of its
subsidiaries of any outstanding shares of capital stock or other securities  of,
or  other ownership interests in, Transnational or any subsidiary thereof; (iii)
any split, combination  or reclassification  of any of  its outstanding  capital
stock  or  any  issuance or  the  authorization  of any  issuance  of  any other
securities in  respect of,  in lieu  of or  in substitution  for shares  of  its
outstanding  capital  stock; (iv)  any  material change  in  accounting methods,
principles or practices by Transnational or  any of its subsidiaries except  for
any  such change  required by  reason of  a concurrent  change in  GAAP; (v) any
amendment of any material term of  any outstanding security of Transnational  or
any subsidiary; (vi) any incurrence, assumption or guarantee by Transnational or
any  subsidiary of any  indebtedness for borrowed money  (other than pursuant to
existing  line  of  credit  arrangements  and  letters  of  credit  and  related
agreements); (vii) any creation or assumption by Transnational or any subsidiary
of  any Lien on any material asset other than in the ordinary course of business
substantially consistent with past practice;  (viii) any making of any  material
loan, advance or capital contributions to or investment in any person other than
loans,  advances  or capital  contributions  to or  investments  in wholly-owned
subsidiaries  and  other  than  portfolio  investments  made  pursuant  to   the
investment  guidelines approved by the Board  of Directors of Transnational (the
'Transnational Investment Guidelines'); (ix) any transaction or commitment made,
or any contract or  agreement entered into, by  Transnational or any  subsidiary
relating  to its assets or business (including the acquisition or disposition of
any assets) or  any relinquishment  by Transnational  or any  subsidiary of  any
contract  or  other right,  in either  case, material  to Transnational  and its
subsidiaries taken as a  whole, other than transactions  and commitments in  the
ordinary  course  of business  substantially consistent  with past  practice and
those contemplated  by this  Agreement;  (x) any  entry  by Transnational  or  a
subsidiary into any contract limiting its right at any time on or after the date
of  this Agreement to engage in, or to  compete with any person in, any business
conducted by Transnational or  its subsidiaries, including, without  limitation,
any  contract which includes exclusivity provisions restricting the geographical
area in which, or the method by which, any such business may be conducted;  (xi)
any  entry by Transnational or a subsidiary into any acquisition, joint venture,
partnership  or  similar   agreement  or  arrangement   which  is  material   to
Transnational  and its  subsidiaries taken  as a  whole; or  (xii) any  grant or
increase of  any  severance or  termination  pay  to any  director,  officer  or
employee  of  Transnational or  any  of its  subsidiaries  which is  material to
Transnational and  its subsidiaries  taken as  a whole  or any  increase in  any
compensation,  bonus  or  other  benefits  payable  to  directors,  officers  or
employees of Transnational or  any of its subsidiaries,  in their capacities  as
directors,  officers or employees  of Transnational or  any of its subsidiaries,
other than in the ordinary course of business substantially consistent with past
practice.
 
     (g) Voting Requirements. The affirmative vote of the holders of a  majority
of   the  outstanding  shares  of  the  Transnational  Class  A  Stock  and  the
Transnational Class B Stock, voting as a single class, entitled to vote  thereon
at the Transnational Stockholders Meeting with respect to this Agreement and the
Merger is the only vote of the holders of any class or series of Transnational's
capital   stock  necessary  to  approve  this  Agreement  and  the  transactions
contemplated by this Agreement.
 
     (h) Taxes.
 
          (i) Each  of Transnational  and  its subsidiaries  has filed  all  tax
     returns  and reports required to be filed  by it or requests for extensions
     to file such returns  or reports have been  timely filed, granted and  have
     not  expired, except to  the extent that  such failures to  file or to have
     extensions granted that remain in  effect individually or in the  aggregate
     would  not have  a Transnational Material  Adverse Effect.  All tax returns
     filed by  Transnational  and each  of  its subsidiaries  are  complete  and
     accurate except to the extent that such failure to be complete and accurate
     would  not have a Transnational  Material Adverse Effect. Transnational and
     each of  its  subsidiaries has  paid  (or  Transnational has  paid  on  the
     subsidiaries'  behalf) all taxes shown as due on such returns, and the most
     recent financial  statements  contained  in  the  Filed  Transnational  SEC
     Documents reflect an
 
                                      A-16
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
     adequate  reserve,  in  accordance  with GAAP,  for  all  taxes  payable by
     Transnational and its  subsidiaries for  all taxable  periods and  portions
     thereof accrued through the date of such financial statements.
 
          (ii) Except as set forth in Section 3.2(h) of the Disclosure Schedule,
     no  deficiencies for  any taxes  have been  proposed, asserted  or assessed
     against Transnational or any  of its subsidiaries  that are not  adequately
     reserved for, except for deficiencies that individually or in the aggregate
     would not have a Transnational Material Adverse Effect, and no requests for
     waivers  of the  time to  assess any  such taxes  have been  granted or are
     pending.
 
     (i) Compliance with  Applicable Laws.  Except as otherwise  known to  PXRE,
Transnational  and each  of its  subsidiaries has in  full force  and effect all
Permits, including without limitation all Permits of or issued by all  Insurance
Regulators,  and  has  made  all declarations  and  filings  with  all Insurance
Regulators and other Governmental  Entities, necessary for it  to own, lease  or
operate its properties and assets and to carry on its business as now conducted,
and  there has occurred no default under any such Permit, except for the failure
of Permits to  be in  full force  and effect, for  failures to  make filings  or
declarations,   and  for  defaults  under   Permits  which  failure  or  default
individually or in the aggregate would not have a Transnational Material Adverse
Effect. None  of  such  Permits  contains any  restriction  that  is  materially
burdensome  to Transnational or  any of its  subsidiaries. Transnational and its
subsidiaries are in  material compliance with  all such Permits  and, except  as
disclosed in Section 3.2(i) of the Disclosure Schedule, to the knowledge of PXRE
no  event has occurred which would lead PXRE to reasonably expect the revocation
or termination of any such  Permit or any material  impairment of the rights  of
the  holders  thereof.  Except  as  disclosed  in  the  Filed  Transnational SEC
Documents or in Section 3.2(i) of the Disclosure Schedule, or otherwise known to
PXRE, Transnational and its subsidiaries are  in compliance with all, and  there
have  been no  violations of any  applicable statutes,  laws, ordinances, rules,
regulations  and  orders   of  any  Governmental   Entity  (including,   without
limitation,  Insurance Regulators),  except for such  noncompliance or violation
which individually or in the aggregate has  not had and would not reasonably  be
expected to have a Transnational Material Adverse Effect. Except as disclosed in
Section 3.2(i) of the Disclosure Schedule or otherwise known to PXRE, and except
for  routine  examinations  by  Insurance Regulators,  no  investigation  by any
federal,  state,  local   or  foreign  Governmental   Entity  with  respect   to
Transnational  or any of its subsidiaries is pending or to the knowledge of PXRE
threatened, other than,  in each case,  those the  outcome of which,  as far  as
reasonably  can  be foreseen,  will not  have  a Transnational  Material Adverse
Effect. Neither  Transnational nor  any  of its  subsidiaries has  received  any
notice from any Insurance Regulator concerning any alleged material violation of
any  Permit  or any  insurance laws  or  regulations or  notice of  any proposed
proceeding to revoke any material  Permit or any notice  to the effect that  any
additional material Permit from any Insurance Regulator is needed to be obtained
by Transnational or its subsidiaries.
 
     (j)  Opinion of Financial  Advisor. Transnational has  received the written
opinion of  Donaldson, Lufkin  & Jenrette  Securities Corporation  ('DLJ'),  the
financial  advisor to the Special Committee, to  the effect that, as of the date
of  this  Agreement,  the  Merger  Consideration  is  fair  to  the  holders  of
Transnational Class A Stock from a financial point of view.
 
     (k)  Brokers.  No broker,  investment  banker, financial  advisor  or other
person, other  than  DLJ,  the fees  and  expenses  of which  will  be  paid  by
Transnational,  is entitled  to any  broker's, finder's,  financial advisor's or
other similar fee or commission in connection with the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of  Transnational
or its subsidiaries by action of its Special Committee or Board of Directors.
 
     (l)  Litigation.  Except  as  disclosed  in  the  Filed  Transnational  SEC
Documents or in Section 3.2(l) of the Disclosure Schedule, or otherwise known to
PXRE, there is no suit, action, investigation or arbitration pending or, to  the
knowledge of Transnational, threatened against or affecting Transnational or any
of  its subsidiaries before any court,  arbitrator, Insurance Regulator or other
Governmental  Entities  that,  (i)  individually  or  in  the  aggregate,  could
reasonably  be expected  to have a  Transnational Material Adverse  Effect or to
impair the  ability  of Transnational  to  perform its  obligations  under  this
Agreement,  or (ii) in any manner challenges  or seeks to prevent, enjoin, alter
or materially delay the Merger or any of the other transactions contemplated  by
this Agreement, nor is there any judgment,
 
                                      A-17
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
decree, injunction or order of any Governmental Entity or arbitrator outstanding
against  Transnational  or  any  of  its  subsidiaries  having,  or  which could
reasonably be expected to have, any such effect.
 
                                   ARTICLE 4
                   COVENANTS RELATING TO CONDUCT OF BUSINESS
                                PRIOR TO MERGER
 
     SECTION 4.1. Certain Covenants.
 
     (a) Conduct of Business of  PXRE. During the period  from the date of  this
Agreement  to the Effective  Time, PXRE shall, and  shall cause its subsidiaries
to, carry on their respective businesses only in the ordinary course of business
substantially consistent  with  past  practice and,  to  the  extent  consistent
therewith,  use all  reasonable best  efforts to  preserve intact  their current
business organizations, keep  available the services  of their current  officers
and employees and preserve their relationships with agents, insureds, reinsureds
and others having business dealings with them to the end that their goodwill and
ongoing  businesses shall be unimpaired at  the Effective Time. Without limiting
the generality  of  the foregoing,  during  the period  from  the date  of  this
Agreement  to  the  Effective Time,  except  as expressly  contemplated  by this
Agreement, PXRE shall  not, and  shall not permit  any of  its subsidiaries  to,
without  the prior  written consent of  Transnational (by action  of the Special
Committee):
 
          (i) (x) except  as described  in Section 4.1(a)(i)  of the  Disclosure
     Schedule,  declare, set aside  or pay any  dividends on, or  make any other
     distributions (whether in cash,  stock or property) in  respect of, any  of
     PXRE's outstanding capital stock or (y) split, combine or reclassify any of
     PXRE's  outstanding capital stock or issue or authorize the issuance of any
     other securities in respect of, in lieu of or in substitution for shares of
     its outstanding  capital  stock  or  (z) except  as  described  in  Section
     4.1(a)(i) of the Disclosure Schedule, purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire
     any  shares of outstanding capital stock or other securities of PXRE or its
     subsidiaries or any rights, warrants or options to acquire any such  shares
     or securities;
 
          (ii)  issue, sell, grant,  pledge or otherwise  encumber any shares of
     its  capital  stock,  any  other   voting  securities  or  any   securities
     convertible  into, or any rights, warrants  or options to acquire, any such
     shares, voting securities or convertible securities (and there has been  no
     such  issuance, sale,  grant, pledge  or other  encumbrance since  June 30,
     1996) other than any  such issuance pursuant to  (x) the exercise of  stock
     options outstanding on the date hereof or (y) any arrangements disclosed in
     Section 4.1(a)(ii) of the Disclosure Schedule;
 
          (iii)  except for the PXRE Charter Amendment, amend its certificate of
     incorporation,  by-laws  or  other  comparable  charter  or  organizational
     documents;
 
          (iv)  merge or consolidate with any  other person (other than a merger
     or consolidation of a subsidiary of PXRE with a wholly-owned subsidiary  of
     PXRE)  or  acquire  (by  merger, consolidation,  acquisition  of  assets or
     otherwise) (x) any corporation, partnership, joint venture, association  or
     other  business organization or division thereof or (y) any assets that are
     material, individually or in  the aggregate, to  PXRE and its  subsidiaries
     taken  as a whole, except in  the ordinary course of business substantially
     consistent with  past  practice  and  purchases  of  investment  assets  in
     accordance with the PXRE Investment Guidelines;
 
          (v) sell, lease, license, mortgage or otherwise encumber or subject to
     any  Lien or otherwise dispose of (or agree to any of the foregoing) any of
     its properties  or  assets  that  are  material,  individually  or  in  the
     aggregate,  to PXRE and its subsidiaries,  except in the ordinary course of
     business  substantially  consistent  with   past  practice  and  sales   of
     investment assets in the ordinary course of business;
 
          (vi)  (x) incur  any indebtedness for  borrowed money  or guarantee or
     otherwise become responsible  for any such  indebtedness of another  person
     other than pursuant to existing line of credit arrangements (and additional
     line  of  credit arrangements  not exceeding  $10 million)  of PXRE  or its
     subsidiaries and letters of  credit and related agreements  of PXRE or  its
     subsidiaries  in each case in the ordinary course of business substantially
     consistent with  past  practice; or  (y)  except as  described  in  Section
     4.1(a)(vi) of the Disclosure Schedule, make any material loans, advances or
 
                                      A-18
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
     capital  contributions to, or investments in,  any other person, other than
     to PXRE or to  any direct or indirect  wholly-owned subsidiary of PXRE  and
     other  than  purchases of  investment assets  in  accordance with  the PXRE
     Investment Guidelines;
 
          (vii) except as  described in  Section 4.1(a)(vii)  of the  Disclosure
     Schedule  and except  for any other  actions which, individually  or in the
     aggregate, do not  materially increase the  obligations and liabilities  of
     PXRE,  (x) enter into, adopt,  amend (except as may  be required by law) or
     terminate any employee benefit plan or any agreement, arrangement, plan  or
     policy between PXRE and one or more of its directors, officers or employees
     or  (y)  increase  in  any  manner  the  compensation  or  fringe  benefits
     (including severance benefits) of any director, officer or employee or  pay
     any benefit not required by any plan and arrangement as in effect as of the
     date hereof;
 
          (viii) settle or compromise any derivative suit or other litigation or
     claim  arising out  of the transactions  contemplated hereby,  or any other
     litigation or  claim  involving PXRE  if  the settlement  thereof  involves
     payment  of  in  excess  of  $100,000  (other  than  undisputed  claims for
     contractual benefits under any reinsurance contract under which PXRE is the
     reinsurer); provided, that Transnational will not unreasonably withhold its
     consent to any such settlement or compromise;
 
          (ix) make any  material change  in accounting  methods, principles  or
     practices  used by  PXRE or  any of  its subsidiaries  except for  any such
     change required by reason of a concurrent change in GAAP;
 
          (x) take any action that requires the approval of its stockholders;
 
          (xi) take or allow to be taken or fail to take any action which act or
     omission would jeopardize qualification of the Merger as a 'reorganization'
     within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(A) of the Code;
 
          (xii) take any action  that would, or would  be reasonably likely  to,
     result   in  any  of   the  representations  and   warranties  of  PXRE  or
     Transnational set forth in  this Agreement not being  true in all  material
     respects  as of or at any time prior to the Effective Time or in any of the
     conditions to the Merger set forth in Article 6 not being satisfied;
 
          (xiii) agree  in writing  or  otherwise to  take  any of  the  actions
     prohibited by this Section 4.1(a).
 
     (b)  Conduct of Business of Transnational.  During the period from the date
of this Agreement to  the Effective Time, PXRE  shall cause PXRE Reinsurance  to
take  all action within its authority  as Manager under the Management Agreement
dated November 8, 1993 between PXRE Reinsurance, Transnational and Transnational
Reinsurance  (as  amended  to  date,   the  'Management  Agreement')  to   cause
Transnational  and its subsidiaries to carry on their respective businesses only
in the ordinary course of  business substantially consistent with past  practice
and,  to the  extent consistent  therewith, use  all reasonable  best efforts to
preserve  intact  their  current  business  organizations  and  preserve   their
relationships  with  agents,  insureds, reinsureds  and  others  having business
dealings with them to the end  that their goodwill and ongoing businesses  shall
be  unimpaired at the Effective  Time (and the Special  Committee shall not take
any affirmative action  that would  cause Transnational or  its subsidiaries  to
breach  the  foregoing  provisions of  this  clause (b)).  Without  limiting the
generality of the foregoing, during the  period from the date of this  Agreement
to  the Effective  Time, PXRE  shall cause PXRE  Reinsurance to  take all action
within  its  authority  as  Manager  under  the  Management  Agreement  so  that
Transnational  and its subsidiaries shall not (without the prior written consent
of the Special  Committee), and  the Special  Committee shall  not (without  the
prior  written consent  of PXRE)  take any  affirmative action  that would cause
Transnational or its subsidiaries to,  except as expressly contemplated by  this
Agreement:
 
          (i)  (x) declare, set aside or pay any dividends on, or make any other
     distributions (whether  in cash,  stock  or property)  in respect  of,  any
     outstanding  capital  stock  of Transnational,  except  for Transnational's
     regular quarterly dividends of up to $.05 per share, or (y) split,  combine
     or  reclassify any of Transnational's outstanding capital stock or issue or
     authorize the issuance of any other securities in respect of, in lieu of or
     in substitution  for  shares  of  its  outstanding  capital  stock  or  (z)
     purchase,  redeem or  otherwise acquire  any shares  of outstanding capital
     stock or  other securities  of  Transnational or  its subsidiaries  or  any
     rights, warrants or options to acquire any such shares or securities;
 
                                      A-19
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
          (ii)  issue, sell, grant,  pledge or otherwise  encumber any shares of
     its  capital  stock,  any  other   voting  securities  or  any   securities
     convertible  into, or any rights, warrants  or options to acquire, any such
     shares, voting securities  or convertible  securities other  than any  such
     issuance  pursuant to (x) the exercise  of stock options outstanding on the
     date hereof or (y) any arrangements disclosed in Section 4.1(b)(ii) of  the
     Disclosure Schedule;
 
          (iii)  amend  its  certificate  of  incorporation,  by-laws  or  other
     comparable charter or organizational documents;
 
          (iv) merge or consolidate with any  other person (other than a  merger
     or  consolidation  of a  subsidiary  of Transnational  with  a wholly-owned
     subsidiary of Transnational) acquire (by merger, consolidation, acquisition
     of assets or  otherwise) (x) any  corporation, partnership, joint  venture,
     association  or other business organization or  division thereof or (y) any
     assets  that  are   material,  individually   or  in   the  aggregate,   to
     Transnational and its subsidiaries taken as a whole, except in the ordinary
     course   of  business  substantially  consistent  with  past  practice  and
     purchases  of  investment  assets  in  accordance  with  the  Transnational
     Investment Guidelines;
 
          (v) sell, lease, license, mortgage or otherwise encumber or subject to
     any  Lien or otherwise dispose of (or agree to any of the foregoing) any of
     its properties  or  assets  that  are  material,  individually  or  in  the
     aggregate,  to Transnational and  its subsidiaries, except  in the ordinary
     course of business substantially consistent with past practice and sales of
     investment assets in the ordinary course of business;
 
          (vi) (x) incur  any indebtedness  for borrowed money  or guarantee  or
     otherwise  become responsible for  any such indebtedness  of another person
     other  than  pursuant   to  existing   line  of   credit  arrangements   of
     Transnational  or  its  subsidiaries  and  letters  of  credit  and related
     agreements of  Transnational  or  its  subsidiaries in  each  case  in  the
     ordinary course of business substantially consistent with past practice; or
     (y)  except as described  in Section 4.1(b)(vi)  of the Disclosure Schedule
     make any loans, advances  or capital contributions  to, or investments  in,
     any  other person, other than to Transnational or to any direct or indirect
     wholly-owned subsidiary  of  Transnational  and  other  than  purchases  of
     investment   assets  in   accordance  with   the  Transnational  Investment
     Guidelines;
 
          (vii) (x) enter into, adopt, amend (except as may be required by  law)
     or  terminate any employee benefit plan or any agreement, arrangement, plan
     or policy between Transnational and one or more of its directors,  officers
     or  employees  or (y)  increase in  any manner  the compensation  or fringe
     benefits (including but not limited to severance benefits) of any director,
     officer or  employee  or pay  any  benefit not  required  by any  plan  and
     arrangement as in effect as of the date hereof;
 
          (viii) settle or compromise any derivative suit or other litigation or
     claim  arising out  of the transactions  contemplated hereby,  or any other
     litigation or  claim  involving  Transnational if  the  settlement  thereof
     involves payment of in excess of $100,000 (other than undisputed claims for
     contractual   benefits   under   any  reinsurance   contract   under  which
     Transnational is the reinsurer); provided, that PXRE will not  unreasonably
     withhold its consent to any such settlement or compromise;
 
          (ix)  make any  material change  in accounting  methods, principles or
     practices used by Transnational or any  of its subsidiaries except for  any
     such change required by reason of a concurrent change in GAAP;
 
          (x) take any action that requires the approval of its stockholders;
 
          (xi) take or allow to be taken or fail to take any action which act or
     omission would jeopardize qualification of the Merger as a 'reorganization'
     within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(A) of the Code;
 
          (xii)  take any action  that would, or would  be reasonably likely to,
     result in any of Transnational's  representations and warranties set  forth
     in  this Agreement not being true in all material  respects as of or at any
     time prior to the Effective Time or in any of the conditions to the  Merger
     set forth in Article 6 not being satisfied; or
 
                                      A-20
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
          (xiii)  agree  in writing  or  otherwise to  take  any of  the actions
     prohibited by this Section 4.1(b).
 
                                   ARTICLE 5
                             ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS
 
     SECTION 5.1.Preparation of  Form  S-4, the  PXRE  Proxy Statement  and  the
                 Transnational Proxy Statement.
 
     (a)  As soon as practicable following the  date of this Agreement, PXRE and
Transnational  jointly   shall  prepare   and  file   with  the   SEC  a   proxy
statement/prospectus   (which  shall  be  the   PXRE  Proxy  Statement  and  the
Transnational Proxy Statement) and PXRE shall promptly prepare and file with the
SEC the Form S-4. PXRE shall use its best efforts to have the Form S-4  declared
effective under the Securities Act as promptly as practicable after such filing.
PXRE  shall also take,  in consultation with Transnational  and its counsel, any
action (other than qualifying to do business in any jurisdiction in which it  is
not now so qualified) required to be taken under any applicable state securities
laws  in connection  with the issuance  of PXRE  Common Stock in  the Merger and
Transnational shall  furnish all  information concerning  Transnational and  the
holders  of  Transnational  Common  Stock  as  may  be  reasonably  requested in
connection with such action.
 
     (b) As soon as practicable after the Form S-4 is declared effective by  the
SEC, (x) PXRE shall prepare, in consultation with Transnational and its counsel,
proxy  or consent solicitation  materials based upon  and incorporating the PXRE
Proxy  Statement  and  shall  cause  such  materials  to  be  mailed  to  PXRE's
stockholders  as promptly as practicable thereafter; and (y) Transnational shall
prepare,  in  consultation  with  PXRE   and  its  counsel,  proxy  or   consent
solicitation  materials  based upon  and  incorporating the  Transnational Proxy
Statement and  shall  cause  such  materials to  be  mailed  to  Transnational's
stockholders as promptly as practicable thereafter.
 
     SECTION 5.2. Meetings of Stockholders. PXRE will take all actions necessary
in  accordance with  applicable law  and the  PXRE Charter  and PXRE  By-laws to
convene as promptly  as practicable  a meeting  of its  stockholders (the  'PXRE
Stockholders  Meeting') to consider and vote upon the approval of this Agreement
and the Merger  and the issuance  of PXRE  Common Stock in  connection with  the
Merger  in accordance with  the rules of the  Nasdaq National Market ('NASDAQ').
The approval of the PXRE Charter Amendment shall also be considered at the  PXRE
Stockholders  Meeting; provided, however, that  stockholder approval of the PXRE
Charter Amendment  shall not  be a  condition to  either party's  obligation  to
effect  the Merger. Transnational will take  all actions necessary in accordance
with applicable law and the  Transnational Charter and Transnational By-laws  to
convene   as  promptly  as  practicable  a  meeting  of  its  stockholders  (the
'Transnational Stockholders Meeting') to consider and vote upon the approval  of
this  Agreement and the Merger. Each of PXRE and Transnational will, through its
Board of Directors, subject to compliance with their respective fiduciary duties
to stockholders as advised by counsel, recommend to its stockholders approval of
such matters; provided,  that (x)  at any time  prior to  the PXRE  Stockholders
Meeting,  the  Board of  Directors of  PXRE, or  (y)  at any  time prior  to the
Transnational Stockholders Meeting either the Special Committee or the Board  of
Directors  of Transnational,  as the  case may be,  each in  accordance with its
fiduciary duties to  stockholders as advised  by counsel may  revoke, modify  or
qualify  its recommendation  with respect to  this Agreement and  the Merger. As
long as  the Board  of  Directors of  Transnational  and the  Special  Committee
recommend approval of this Agreement and the Merger (and such recommendation has
not  been  revoked, modified  or qualified),  at the  Transnational Stockholders
Meeting PXRE shall vote or cause to  be voted in favor of approval and  adoption
of   this  Agreement  all  of  its   shares  of  Transnational  Class  B  Stock.
Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, any action
by the Board of Directors of PXRE or of Transnational permitted by this  Section
5.2 shall not constitute a breach of this Agreement by PXRE or Transnational, as
the case may be.
 
     SECTION  5.3. Legal Requirements to Merger.  Each of PXRE and Transnational
will take, or  cause to  be taken, all  reasonable actions  necessary to  comply
promptly  with all legal requirements which may be imposed on it with respect to
the Merger and will promptly cooperate with and furnish information to the other
in connection with  any such requirements  imposed upon  any of them  or any  of
their subsidiaries in connection with the Merger. Each of PXRE and Transnational
will, and will cause its
 
                                      A-21
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
subsidiaries  to,  take all  reasonable actions  necessary  to obtain  (and will
cooperate with each  other in  obtaining) any consent,  authorization, order  or
approval  of, or any  exemption by, any  Governmental Entity or  other public or
private third party, required to be obtained by PXRE or Transnational or any  of
their respective subsidiaries in connection with the Merger or the taking of any
action contemplated by this Agreement.
 
     SECTION  5.4. Access to  Information. Upon reasonable  notice, each of PXRE
and Transnational shall (and shall cause each of its subsidiaries to) afford  to
the   officers,   employees,   accountants,   counsel,   financial   and   other
representatives of the other,  access, during normal  business hours during  the
period  prior to  the Effective Time,  to all its  properties, books, contracts,
commitments and records and, during such period, each of PXRE and  Transnational
shall  (and shall  cause each  of its subsidiaries  to) furnish  promptly to the
other (i) a  copy of  each report,  schedule, registration  statement and  other
document filed or received by it during such period pursuant to the requirements
of  the federal  securities laws and  (ii) all other  information concerning its
business, properties and personnel as PXRE or Transnational, as the case may be,
may reasonably request.
 
     SECTION 5.5. Best Efforts. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions and
other agreements set forth in this Agreement, each of the parties agrees to  use
its best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions, and to do, or cause
to  be done, and  to assist and cooperate  with the other  parties in doing, all
things necessary, proper or advisable to  consummate and make effective, in  the
most  expeditious  manner practicable,  the  Merger and  the  other transactions
contemplated by this Agreement.
 
     SECTION 5.6. Benefit Plans.
 
     (a) Prior to  the Effective  Time, Transnational  shall seek  to amend  the
Transnational  Re Corporation Officer Incentive Plan (the 'Incentive Plan') (and
obtain the agreement of  participants in the Incentive  Plan to such  amendment)
(x)  to provide  that the computation  of net  profits for purposes  of the 1996
bonus pool will be based on the sum of the net profits of Transnational and  its
subsidiaries  for the period  ending on the  last day of  the last full calendar
quarter ending  on or  prior  to the  Effective Time  plus  the net  profits  of
Transnational  Reinsurance  for  any  subsequent  calendar  quarter(s)  of 1996,
without regard to any expenses of the  Merger, any charges for any annual  bonus
pool,  or any  contingent fee  payable to PXRE  Reinsurance, all  as computed in
accordance with GAAP; and (y) to provide  that the Merger will not be deemed  to
be  a termination of  employment for any  participant in the  Incentive Plan and
that the vested  percentage of  participants in the  1994, 1995  and 1996  bonus
pools  shall be determined  based on their  years and months  of employment with
Transnational prior to the Merger plus their years and months of employment with
the Surviving Corporation after the Merger.
 
     (b) The  parties shall  cause the  Transnational Re  Non-Employee  Director
Deferred  Stock Plan to  be amended to  provide that all  shares with respect to
which rights have been granted to participants therein shall be deemed issued to
such participants immediately prior to the Effective Time.
 
     SECTION 5.7. Indemnification and Insurance.
 
     (a) PXRE shall indemnify each person who is on the date of this  Agreement,
or  has  been at  any time  prior  to such  date, or  who  becomes prior  to the
Effective  Time,  an   officer  or   director  (the   'Indemnified  Party')   of
Transnational  or any of  its subsidiaries against  all losses, claims, damages,
liabilities, costs  and  expenses  (including  attorney's  fees  and  expenses),
judgments,  fines, losses, and amounts paid in settlement in connection with any
actual or threatened action,  suit, claim, proceeding  or investigation (each  a
'Claim')  to the extent that any  such Claim is based on,  or arises out of, (i)
the fact that such person  is or was a director  or officer of Transnational  or
any  of its subsidiaries at any  time prior to the Effective  Time (or is or was
serving as a  member of the  Special Committee at  any time prior  to or at  the
Effective  Time) or is or was serving at  the request of Transnational or any of
its subsidiaries as a director  or officer of another corporation,  partnership,
joint  venture, trust  or other  enterprise at any  time prior  to the Effective
Time, or (ii) this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated hereby,  or
(iii)  Claims relating to  the facts specified in  the lawsuit captioned Crandon
Capital Partners v.  Kimmel et al.,  Civil Action No.  14998, Delaware  Chancery
Court,  in each case to the extent that any such Claim pertains to any matter or
fact arising,  existing, or  occurring prior  to or  at the  Effective Time  (or
pertains  to  any act  or function  of  the Special  Committee relating  to this
Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby whether arising, existing,  or
occurring prior to or at the
 
                                      A-22
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
Effective  Time), regardless of whether such  Claim is asserted or claimed prior
to, at or after the Effective Time  (the matters described in clauses (i),  (ii)
and (iii) the 'Merger Matters'), to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law
(including  provisions  relating  to  advancement of  expenses  incurred  in the
defense of any Claim).
 
     (b) PXRE agrees that all limitations or exculpation of liabilities existing
in favor of an  Indemnified Party as provided  in the Transnational Charter  and
the  Transnational By-laws as in effect as  of the date hereof shall continue in
full force and  effect with  respect to  Merger Matters,  without any  amendment
thereto, to the extent such rights are consistent with the DGCL.
 
     (c)  In the event PXRE or any of its successors or assigns (i) consolidates
with or  merges  into any  other  person and  shall  not be  the  continuing  or
surviving  corporation  or  entity  of such  consolidation  or  merger,  or (ii)
transfers or conveys all  or substantially all of  its properties and assets  to
any  person, then, in each such case,  to the extent necessary to effectuate the
purposes of  this  Section 5.7,  proper  provision shall  be  made so  that  the
successors  and assigns of PXRE assume the obligations set forth in this Section
5.7 and none of the actions described in clause (i) or (ii) shall be taken until
such provision is made.
 
     (d) PXRE shall cause to  be maintained, for a period  of not less than  six
years  from the Effective Time, Transnational's current directors' and officers'
liability insurance policy to  the extent that it  provides coverage for  events
occurring  prior to the Effective  Time and acts by  or functions of the Special
Committee prior  to or  at the  Effective  Time (the  'D&O Insurance')  for  all
present  and former  directors and officers  of Transnational  or any subsidiary
thereof, so long as the annual premium  therefor would not be in excess of  200%
of  the last annual premium paid for the D&O Insurance prior to the date of this
Agreement (200% of such premium, the 'Maximum Premium'); provided, however, that
PXRE may, in lieu of maintaining such existing D&O Insurance as provided  above,
cause  no less favorable coverage to be provided under any policy maintained for
the benefit of the directors and officers of PXRE or any of its subsidiaries. If
the existing D&O Insurance expires, is terminated or canceled by the insurer  or
if  the annual  premium would  exceed the  Maximum Premium  during such six-year
period, PXRE  shall  use  its best  efforts  to  obtain, in  lieu  of  such  D&O
Insurance,  such comparable directors' and  officers' liability insurance as can
be obtained for the remainder  of such period for  an annualized premium not  in
excess  of the Maximum Premium and on  terms and conditions no less advantageous
than the existing D&O  Insurance (or if coverage  provided under any  directors'
and  officers' liability insurance  policy maintained for  the benefit of PXRE's
directors and officers  is no less  favorable than the  existing D&O  Insurance,
then  even if the premium for such PXRE policy exceeds the Maximum Premium, PXRE
shall include the present and former directors and officers of Transnational and
its subsidiaries  as  covered  persons  under such  PXRE  policy  provided  such
inclusion  shall not increase the  premium for such PXRE  policy). To the extent
that after giving effect to the preceding sentence such comparable insurance  is
not commercially available, with the consent of such persons, PXRE shall provide
self-insurance.  Section 5.7(d) of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth the amount
of the Maximum Premium.
 
     SECTION 5.8.  Public Announcements.  Transnational, on  the one  hand,  and
PXRE,  on  the other  hand, will  consult  with each  other before  issuing, and
provide each other the opportunity to review and comment upon, any press release
or other public statements with respect to the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, including the Merger, and shall  not issue any such press release  or
make  any such  public statement  without the consent  of the  other party (such
consent not  to  be  unreasonably  withheld),  except  as  may  be  required  by
applicable  law,  court  process  or  by  obligations  pursuant  to  any listing
agreement with any national securities exchange or any arrangements with NASDAQ.
 
     SECTION 5.9. No  Solicitation, Etc.  Transnational shall not  (nor will  it
permit  any of  its officers,  directors, agents  or affiliates  to) directly or
indirectly solicit,  encourage (including  by way  of providing  any  non-public
information  concerning  Transnational  or  its  subsidiaries  to  any  person),
initiate or participate in  any negotiations or discussions,  or enter into  (or
authorize) any agreement or agreement in principle, or announce any intention to
do any of the foregoing, with respect to any offer or proposal to acquire all or
a substantial part of its or its subsidiaries' business and properties or any of
its  or its subsidiaries'  capital stock whether by  merger, purchase of assets,
tender offer or otherwise (all such
 
                                      A-23
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
actions being referred to herein as 'Acquisition Transactions'); provided,  that
nothing  contained in this Section 5.9  shall prohibit the Special Committee, to
the extent required by its fiduciary  duties under applicable law as advised  by
counsel,  from  providing  information  to,  participating  in  negotiations  or
discussions with, entering into any agreement or transaction with, or announcing
any intention  to  do  any of  the  foregoing  with, any  party  that  makes  an
unsolicited   inquiry  or  proposal  relating  to  an  Acquisition  Transaction.
Transnational shall  promptly notify  PXRE  of the  receipt  of any  inquiry  or
proposal  which  it  may  receive in  respect  of  any  Acquisition Transaction,
including the identity of the person making such inquiry or proposal and, unless
advised by  counsel that  there is  a significant  risk that  such action  would
constitute  a breach of  the Special Committee's  fiduciary duties, the material
terms and  conditions thereof  and any  changes therein.  PXRE agrees  that  the
Special  Committee  may provide  to  any such  party  that makes  an unsolicited
inquiry or  proposal respecting  an Acquisition  Transaction any  change in  the
terms of this Agreement proposed by PXRE in response to such unsolicited inquiry
or  proposal; provided,  that the  Special Committee  has disclosed  to PXRE the
identity of the person  making such inquiry or  proposal and the material  terms
and conditions of such proposed Acquisition Transaction and any changes therein.
 
     SECTION 5.10. Consents, Approvals and Filings.
 
     (a)   PXRE  and  Transnational   will  make  and   cause  their  respective
subsidiaries to make all necessary  filings, as soon as practicable,  including,
without  limitation, those required  under the HSR Act,  the Securities Act, the
Exchange Act,  state  securities laws  and  state  insurance laws  in  order  to
facilitate  prompt  consummation  of  the  Merger  and  the  other  transactions
contemplated by this Agreement.  In addition, PXRE  and Transnational will  each
use  their best efforts, and will cooperate  fully with each other (i) to comply
as promptly as practicable with all governmental requirements applicable to  the
Merger  and the  other transactions contemplated  by this Agreement  and (ii) to
obtain as  promptly  as  practicable  all necessary  permits,  orders  or  other
consents,  approvals or authorizations of  Governmental Entities and consents or
waivers of all third parties necessary or advisable for the consummation of  the
Merger  and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement. In connection
with the foregoing, each of PXRE and Transnational shall use its best efforts to
provide such information  and communications  to Governmental  Entities as  such
Governmental Entities may reasonably request.
 
     (b)  Each of  the parties shall  provide to  the other party  copies of all
applications and other  documents in  advance of  filing or  submission of  such
applications  and other  documents to  Governmental Entities  in connection with
this Agreement.
 
     SECTION 5.11. Non-Interference, Etc.
 
     (a) Neither party hereto, nor  any of their respective subsidiaries,  shall
take  any  action, directly  or  indirectly, intended  to,  or which  such party
reasonably  believes   would,  result   in  (i)   any  of   the  other   party's
representations  and warranties set  forth in this Agreement  not being true and
correct in all material respects as of  the Closing Date, (ii) any of the  other
party's  covenants not being performed,  or (iii) any of  the conditions to such
party's  obligations  to  consummate  the  transactions  contemplated  by   this
Agreement  not being satisfied. Without limiting the foregoing, no breach of any
covenant,  agreement,  representation  or  warranty  of  Transnational  in  this
Agreement  shall be  deemed to  have occurred to  the extent  caused directly or
indirectly by reason  of any  act or  omission by  PXRE or  its subsidiaries  as
Manager under the Management Agreement or by any employee or officer of PXRE who
is also an officer of Transnational.
 
     (b)  Each  party  shall  give  prompt  notice  to  the  other  of  (i)  any
representation or  warranty made  by  it contained  in  this Agreement  that  is
qualified  as to materiality becoming untrue or inaccurate in any respect or any
such representation or  warranty that  is not  so qualified  becoming untrue  or
inaccurate  in any material respect or (ii) the  failure by it to comply with or
satisfy in  any material  respect any  covenant, condition  or agreement  to  be
complied  with or satisfied by it  under this Agreement; provided, however, that
no such notification shall affect the representations, warranties, covenants  or
agreements  of the parties or  the conditions to the  obligations of the parties
under this Agreement.
 
     SECTION 5.12.  Affiliates. At  least 30  days prior  to the  Closing  Date,
Transnational and PXRE shall agree as to persons who are, at the time the Merger
is submitted for approval to the stockholders of
 
                                      A-24
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
Transnational,  'affiliates' of Transnational for purposes of Rule 145 under the
Securities Act. Transnational  shall use  its best  efforts to  cause each  such
person  to  deliver  to PXRE  on  or prior  to  the  Closing Date  a  letter (an
'Affiliate Letter') to the effect that such person will not offer to sell,  sell
or  otherwise dispose of any  shares of PXRE Common  Stock issued in the Merger,
except pursuant to an effective registration statement, in compliance with  Rule
145,  as amended from time to time, or in a transaction which, in the opinion of
legal counsel satisfactory to PXRE, is exempt from the registration requirements
of the Securities Act. PXRE shall not be required to maintain the  effectiveness
of  the  Form  S-4 for  the  purpose of  resale  of  PXRE Common  Stock  by such
affiliates and the certificates representing PXRE Common Stock received by  such
affiliates  in the  Merger shall  bear a  customary legend  regarding applicable
Securities Act restrictions and the provisions of this Section 5.12.
 
     SECTION 5.13. Listing. PXRE shall use its best efforts to cause the  shares
of  PXRE Common  Stock to be  issued to  holders of Transnational  Class A Stock
pursuant to this  Agreement to be  approved for  trading on NASDAQ,  or, if  any
shares  of PXRE Common Stock are listed on the New York Stock Exchange ('NYSE'),
to be listed on the NYSE, in  each case subject to official notice of  issuance,
prior to the Effective Time.
 
     SECTION  5.14.  Stockholder Litigation.  No  settlement of  any stockholder
litigation against Transnational and its directors relating to the  transactions
contemplated  by this Agreement shall be agreed to without PXRE's consent, which
shall not be unreasonably withheld. No settlement of any stockholder  litigation
against PXRE and its directors relating to the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement shall be agreed to without Transnational's consent, which shall not be
unreasonably withheld.
 
     SECTION 5.15. Dividends. After the date of this Agreement, each of PXRE and
Transnational  shall coordinate  with the  other the  payment of  dividends with
respect to the PXRE Common Stock  and Transnational Common Stock and the  record
dates  and payment dates relating thereto, it being the intention of the parties
hereto that holders of  PXRE Common Stock and  Transnational Common Stock  shall
not  receive two  dividends, or  fail to  receive one  dividend, for  any single
calendar quarter  with respect  to  their shares  of  PXRE Common  Stock  and/or
Transnational  Common Stock  or any  shares of PXRE  Common Stock  that any such
holder receives in exchange for any such shares of Transnational Common Stock in
the Merger.
 
     SECTION 5.16. Amendment to Management Agreement.
 
     (a) In  the  event  that  this Agreement  is  terminated  by  Transnational
pursuant to Section 7.1(f)(i) or pursuant to Section 7.1(h), then effective upon
such  termination, Section 2.2 of the Management Agreement will hereby be deemed
amended by deleting the date 'December 31, 1998' in the fourth line thereof  and
replacing it with 'December 31, 2000'.
 
     (b) In the event that the amendment to the Management Agreement referred to
in  Section  5.16(a)  above  becomes effective,  then  upon  such effectiveness,
Section 8.1(b) of  the Management  Agreement will  hereby be  deemed amended  by
adding  the following parenthetical  immediately prior to  the semi-colon at the
end of such Section 8.1(b):
 
        '(or at any time  after December 31,  1998 by Transnational  by
        action  of its Board, upon one year's advance written notice to
        the Manager)'.
 
                                   ARTICLE 6
                              CONDITIONS PRECEDENT
 
     SECTION 6.1. Conditions to  Each Party's Obligation  to Effect the  Merger.
The  respective obligation of each party to  effect the Merger is subject to the
satisfaction or  waiver  on  or prior  to  the  Closing Date  of  the  following
conditions:
 
          (a)  Stockholder Approval.  This Agreement  and the  Merger shall have
     been approved and adopted  by the affirmative vote  of the stockholders  of
     PXRE  and Transnational by the requisite vote in accordance with applicable
     law.
 
          (b) Governmental and Regulatory Consents.  All filings required to  be
     made prior to the Effective Time with, and all consents, approvals, permits
     and authorizations required to be
 
                                      A-25
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
     obtained  prior to the  Effective Time from,  Governmental Entities in each
     case that are set  forth in Section 6.1(b)  of the Disclosure Schedule,  in
     connection  with  the  execution and  delivery  of this  Agreement  and the
     consummation  of  the   transactions  contemplated  hereby   by  PXRE   and
     Transnational  will have been  made or obtained  (as the case  may be), and
     such consents, approvals, permits and authorizations shall be subject to no
     conditions other  than  (i)  conditions customarily  imposed  by  insurance
     regulatory  authorities or (ii) other  conditions that would not reasonably
     be expected  to have  a PXRE  Material Adverse  Effect or  a  Transnational
     Material Adverse Effect.
 
          (c) HSR Act. The waiting period (and any extension thereof) applicable
     to  the Merger under the  HSR Act shall have  been terminated or shall have
     otherwise expired.
 
          (d) No  Injunctions or  Restraints.  No temporary  restraining  order,
     preliminary  or permanent injunction or other  order issued by any court of
     competent jurisdiction or other  legal restraint or prohibition  preventing
     the   consummation  of  the  Merger  or   any  of  the  other  transactions
     contemplated hereby shall be in  effect; provided, however, that the  party
     invoking this condition shall have used reasonable efforts to have any such
     order or injunction vacated.
 
          (e)  Form S-4, etc. The Form S-4 shall have become effective under the
     Securities Act  and  shall  not  be  the  subject  of  any  stop  order  or
     proceedings by the SEC seeking a stop order.
 
          (f) Third-Party Consents. All consents and waivers of third parties to
     the  consummation  of the  Merger and  the other  transactions contemplated
     hereby that are set forth in Section 6.1(f) of the Disclosure Schedule  and
     other  than those referred  to in Section 6.1(b)  shall have been obtained,
     other than those  which, if not  obtained, would not  have a PXRE  Material
     Adverse Effect or a Transnational Material Adverse Effect.
 
          (g)  Listing. The shares  of PXRE Common Stock  issuable to holders of
     Transnational Class  A Stock  pursuant to  this Agreement  shall have  been
     approved  for trading on NASDAQ or, if  any shares of PXRE Common Stock are
     then listed on the NYSE, shall have been listed on the NYSE, in either case
     subject to official notice of issuance.
 
     SECTION 6.2. Conditions to Obligations of Transnational. The obligations of
Transnational to  effect  the  Merger  are  further  subject  to  the  following
conditions:
 
          (a) Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties
     of  PXRE set forth in  this Agreement that are  qualified as to materiality
     shall be true and  correct and the representations  and warranties of  PXRE
     set  forth in this  Agreement that are  not so qualified  shall be true and
     correct in all  material respects,  in each  case as  of the  date of  this
     Agreement  and as  of the  Closing Date  as though  made on  and as  of the
     Closing Date, except  to the  extent any such  representation and  warranty
     speaks  as  of an  earlier  date, in  which  event such  representation and
     warranty shall be  true and correct,  or true and  correct in all  material
     respects,  as applicable,  as of  such date,  and Transnational  shall have
     received a certificate  signed on  behalf of  PXRE by  the chief  executive
     officer and the chief financial officer of PXRE to such effect.
 
          (b)  Performance of Obligations of PXRE.  PXRE shall have performed in
     all material respects all obligations required to be performed by it  under
     this  Agreement at  or prior to  the Closing Date,  and Transnational shall
     have received a certificate signed on behalf of PXRE by the chief executive
     officer and the chief financial officer of PXRE to such effect.
 
          (c) No Material Adverse Change. Since June 30, 1996, there shall  have
     been  no  PXRE Material  Adverse Change,  and no  event or  condition which
     individually or in the aggregate could reasonably be expected to result  in
     a  PXRE  Material Adverse  Change. For  purposes  of this  Agreement, 'PXRE
     Material Adverse Change' means any material adverse change in the business,
     financial condition or results of  operations of PXRE and its  subsidiaries
     taken  as  a whole,  other  than any  such  change resulting  from  (i) any
     decrease in written or earned premiums,  (ii) any decrease in the value  of
     portfolio   investments  and   (iii)  any   losses  under   reinsurance  or
     retrocessional agreements (other than where PXRE Reinsurance is the cedant)
     in respect of  catastrophic events  occurring after the  date hereof  which
     losses,  individually or in the  aggregate, do not result  in a decrease of
     more  than  50%  of  consolidated  stockholders  equity  of  PXRE  and  its
     subsidiaries, as determined in accordance with GAAP, on an after-tax basis,
     from the amount thereof as of June 30, 1996.
 
                                      A-26
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
          (d)  Tax Opinions. Transnational shall have received an opinion of its
     special  tax  counsel,  Davis  Polk  &  Wardwell,  in  form  and  substance
     satisfactory to Transnational, dated the Effective Time, to the effect that
     Transnational  and its stockholders (except to the extent such stockholders
     receive cash in lieu of fractional  shares) will recognize no gain or  loss
     for  federal income tax purposes as a  result of consummation of the Merger
     and in connection with the delivery of its opinion pursuant to this Section
     6.2(d), Davis  Polk &  Wardwell  may request  certificates of  officers  of
     Transnational  and PXRE. In addition, PXRE  shall have received the opinion
     described in Section 6.3(d).
 
          (e) Fairness  Opinion. The  written  opinion of  DLJ, dated  the  date
     hereof,  to the effect that the Merger  Consideration to be received by the
     holders of Transnational Class A Common Stock is fair to such holders  from
     a  financial point  of view,  shall not have  been withdrawn  or amended or
     modified in any material respect prior to the Closing Date.
 
          (f) Accountant's Comfort  Letters. Transnational  shall have  received
     'comfort'  letters from Price Waterhouse LLP  dated the date of the mailing
     of the Transnational Proxy Statement  and the Effective Time and  addressed
     to  Transnational, in each case satisfactory to Transnational and customary
     in form  and  substance  for  such letters  delivered  in  connection  with
     transactions similar to those contemplated by this Agreement.
 
     SECTION  6.3. Conditions to Obligations of PXRE. The obligations of PXRE to
effect the Merger are further subject to the following conditions:
 
          (a) Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties
     of Transnational  set forth  in this  Agreement that  are qualified  as  to
     materiality   shall  be  true  and  correct  and  the  representations  and
     warranties of Transnational  set forth in  this Agreement that  are not  so
     qualified  shall be true and correct in all material respects, in each case
     as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date as though  made
     on and as of the Closing Date, except to the extent any such representation
     and   warranty  speaks  as  of  an   earlier  date,  in  which  event  such
     representation and warranty shall be true and correct, or true and  correct
     in  all material respects, as  applicable, as of such  date, and PXRE shall
     have received a  certificate signed on  behalf of Transnational  by a  duly
     authorized representative of Transnational to such effect.
 
          (b)  Performance of Obligations  of Transnational. Transnational shall
     have performed  in all  material respects  all obligations  required to  be
     performed  by it under this Agreement at  or prior to the Closing Date, and
     PXRE shall have received a certificate signed on behalf of Transnational by
     a duly authorized representative of Transnational to such effect.
 
          (c) No Material Adverse Change. Since June 30, 1996, there shall  have
     been  no Transnational Material  Adverse Change, and  no event or condition
     which individually  or in  the aggregate  could reasonably  be expected  to
     result  in a  Transnational Material Adverse  Change. For  purposes of this
     Agreement, 'Transnational  Material  Adverse  Change'  means  any  material
     adverse   change  in  the  business,  financial  condition  or  results  of
     operations of Transnational and  its subsidiaries taken  as a whole,  other
     than  any such change resulting from (i)  any decrease in written or earned
     premiums, (ii) any decrease in the value of portfolio investments and (iii)
     any losses under reinsurance or retrocessional agreements (other than where
     Transnational Reinsurance is the cedant) in respect of catastrophic  events
     occurring  after  the  date hereof  which  losses, individually  or  in the
     aggregate, do not  result in a  decrease of more  than 50% of  consolidated
     stockholders equity of Transnational and its subsidiaries, as determined in
     accordance  with GAAP, on an after-tax basis, from the amount thereof as of
     June 30, 1996.
 
          (d) Tax Opinions. PXRE shall have  received an opinion of its  special
     tax   counsel,  Morgan,  Lewis  &  Bockius   LLP,  in  form  and  substance
     satisfactory to PXRE, dated the Effective Time, to the effect that PXRE and
     its stockholders will  recognize no  gain or  loss for  federal income  tax
     purposes  as a result of consummation of  the Merger and in connection with
     the delivery of its opinion pursuant to this Section 6.3(d), Morgan,  Lewis
     &   Bockius  LLP  may   request  certificates  of   officers  of  PXRE  and
     Transnational. In addition, Transnational  shall have received the  opinion
     described in Section 6.2(d).
 
          (e)  Fairness Opinion. The written opinion of Dillon, Read & Co. Inc.,
     dated the date hereof, to  the effect that the Merger  is fair to PXRE  and
     its    stockholders    from   a    financial    point   of    view,   shall
 
                                      A-27
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
     not have been  withdrawn or  amended or  modified in  any material  respect
     prior to the Closing Date.
 
          (f)  Accountant's Comfort Letters. PXRE  shall have received 'comfort'
     letters from Price Waterhouse LLP dated the date of the mailing of the PXRE
     Proxy Statement and the Effective Time and addressed to PXRE, in each  case
     satisfactory  to PXRE and customary in  form and substance for such letters
     delivered in connection with transactions similar to those contemplated  by
     this Agreement.
 
                                   ARTICLE 7
                       TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER
 
     SECTION  7.1. Termination. This Agreement may  be terminated and the Merger
may be abandoned at  any time prior to  the Effective Time (notwithstanding  any
approval  of this Agreement  and the Merger  by the stockholders  of PXRE and/or
Transnational):
 
          (a) by mutual written consent of Transnational and PXRE;
 
          (b) by written notice by either Transnational or PXRE:
 
             (i) if the Merger shall not have been consummated on or before June
        30, 1997 (the 'End Date'), unless  the failure to consummate the  Merger
        is  the result of a willful and material breach of this Agreement by the
        party seeking to terminate this Agreement; or
 
             (ii) if any Governmental Entity shall have issued an order,  decree
        or  ruling or taken any  other action permanently enjoining, restraining
        or otherwise prohibiting the  Merger and such  order, decree, ruling  or
        other action shall have become final and nonappealable;
 
          (c)  by  PXRE, if  there  shall have  been  a material  breach  of any
     material representation, warranty,  covenant or  agreement on  the part  of
     Transnational  such  that the  conditions set  forth  in Section  6.3(a) or
     6.3(b) would  be  incapable of  being  satisfied by  the  End Date  (or  as
     otherwise  extended); provided, however, that if any such breach is curable
     by Transnational through the  exercise of its  reasonable best efforts  and
     for  so long as Transnational shall be using its reasonable best efforts to
     cure such breach, PXRE  may not terminate this  Agreement pursuant to  this
     Section 7.1(c);
 
          (d)  by Transnational, if there shall have been any material breach of
     any material representation, warranty, covenant or agreement on the part of
     PXRE such that the conditions set  forth in Section 6.2(a) or 6.2(b)  would
     be incapable of being satisfied by the End Date (or as otherwise extended);
     provided,  however, that if any such breach  is curable by PXRE through the
     exercise of its reasonable best  efforts and for so  long as PXRE shall  be
     using  its reasonable best  efforts to cure  such breach, Transnational may
     not terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 7.1(d);
 
          (e) by PXRE, (i) if the approval of the stockholders of  Transnational
     contemplated  by this Agreement  shall not have been  obtained by reason of
     the failure to obtain the  required vote at the Transnational  Stockholders
     Meeting  or  any  adjournment  thereof  or  (ii)  if  the  approval  of the
     stockholders of  PXRE  contemplated  by  this  Agreement  (other  than  the
     approval  of the  PXRE Charter Amendment)  shall not have  been obtained by
     reason of the failure to obtain the required vote at the PXRE  Stockholders
     Meeting or any adjournment thereof;
 
          (f)  by Transnational, (i) if the approval of the stockholders of PXRE
     contemplated by this Agreement (other than the approval of the PXRE Charter
     Amendment) shall not have been obtained by reason of the failure to  obtain
     the  required  vote at  the PXRE  Stockholders  Meeting or  any adjournment
     thereof or  (ii)  if the  approval  of the  stockholders  of  Transnational
     contemplated  by this Agreement  shall not have been  obtained by reason of
     the failure to obtain the  required vote at the Transnational  Stockholders
     Meeting or any adjournment thereof;
 
          (g)  by PXRE, if, prior to the Transnational Stockholders Meeting, the
     Special Committee or  the Board  of Directors of  Transnational shall  have
     withdrawn,  or  modified  or changed  in  any  manner adverse  to  PXRE its
     approval or recommendation of this Agreement or the Merger;
 
                                      A-28
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
          (h) by Transnational, if, prior to the PXRE Stockholders Meeting,  the
     Board  of Directors of PXRE shall have withdrawn, or modified or changed in
     any manner adverse to Transnational its approval or recommendation of  this
     Agreement or the Merger; or
 
          (i)  by Transnational if  a corporation, partnership,  person or other
     entity or group  shall have made  a bona fide  proposal for an  Acquisition
     Transaction  which the Special Committee believes, and advises the Board of
     Directors of  Transnational, is  superior to  the Merger  from a  financial
     point  of  view to  the stockholders  of  Transnational; provided  that the
     provisions of Section 5.9 shall not have been breached.
 
     Upon a termination  of this  Agreement pursuant  to this  Section 7.1,  all
amounts,  if any, payable pursuant  to Section 8.2(b) shall  be paid promptly in
accordance with the provisions of Section 8.2(b).
 
     SECTION 7.2. Effect  of Termination. In  the event of  termination of  this
Agreement  by either PXRE  or Transnational as provided  in Section 7.1, written
notice thereof  shall  promptly be  given  to  the other  party  specifying  the
provision  hereof pursuant to which such termination is made, and this Agreement
shall forthwith  become  void and  have  no  effect, without  any  liability  or
obligation  on the  part of PXRE  or Transnational, other  than Sections 3.1(k),
3.2(k), 5.16 and 7.2 and Article 8; provided, however, that nothing contained in
this Section  or  elsewhere  in  this Agreement  shall  relieve  or  limit  upon
termination  of this Agreement  any party from any  liability resulting from any
willful and material breach of any of its representations, warranties, covenants
or agreements set forth in this Agreement.
 
     SECTION 7.3. Amendment. Subject to  the applicable provisions of the  DGCL,
at  any time  prior to  the Effective  Time, the  parties hereto  may amend this
Agreement;  provided,  however,  that  after  approval  of  the  Merger  by  the
stockholders  of Transnational and/or  PXRE, no amendment shall  be made that by
law  requires   the  approval   of   Transnational's  stockholders   or   PXRE's
stockholders,  as the  case may be,  without the approval  of such stockholders.
This Agreement may not be amended except  by an instrument in writing signed  on
behalf of each of the parties.
 
     SECTION  7.4. Extension; Waiver.  At any time prior  to the Effective Time,
the parties  may  (a)  extend  the  time for  the  performance  of  any  of  the
obligations  or other acts of  the other parties, (b)  waive any inaccuracies in
the representations  and  warranties of  the  other parties  contained  in  this
Agreement or in any document delivered pursuant to this Agreement or (c) subject
to Section 7.3, waive compliance with any of the agreements or conditions of the
other   parties  contained  in  this  Agreement;  provided,  however,  that  the
conditions set forth in Section 6.2(d) and  Section 6.3(d) may not in any  event
be  waived. Any agreement on the part of a party to any such extension or waiver
shall be valid only if set forth in an instrument in writing signed on behalf of
such party. The  failure of any  party to this  Agreement to assert  any of  its
rights  under this Agreement or otherwise shall  not constitute a waiver of such
rights.
 
    SECTION 7.5. Procedure for Termination, Amendment, Extension or Waiver; Role
                 of the Special Committee up to the Effective Time.
 
     (a) A termination of this Agreement  pursuant to Section 7.1, an  amendment
of  this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.3 or an extension or waiver pursuant to
Section  7.4  shall,  in  order  to  be  effective,  require  in  the  case   of
Transnational,  action by the Special Committee  or the duly authorized designee
of the  Special Committee  and in  the  case of  PXRE, action  by its  Board  of
Directors or the duly authorized designee of its Board of Directors.
 
     (b)  The Special Committee (and the directors of Transnational who serve on
the Special Committee) shall continue to function and act in such capacity  from
the  date of this Agreement until the Effective Time with respect to all matters
relating to Transnational in connection with this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby.
 
                                   ARTICLE 8
                               GENERAL PROVISIONS
 
     SECTION 8.1. Nonsurvival  of Representations  and Warranties.  None of  the
representations  and warranties  in this  Agreement (including  the exhibits and
schedules hereto)  or in  any instrument  delivered pursuant  to this  Agreement
shall   survive   the   Effective   Time,   other   than   the   representations
 
                                      A-29
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
and warranties set forth in Section  3.1(n) which shall survive until the  third
anniversary of the Effective Time. This Section 8.1 shall not limit any covenant
or  agreement of the  parties which by its  terms contemplates performance after
the Effective Time, including but not  limited to Section 5.7 and the  Affiliate
Letters delivered pursuant to Section 5.12.
 
     SECTION 8.2. Fees and Expenses.
 
     (a)  Except as set forth in Section 8.2(b) and except for expenses incurred
in printing the Transnational Proxy Statement, the PXRE Proxy Statement and  the
Form  S-4, as  well as the  filing fees  relating thereto, which  costs shall be
shared equally  by  PXRE  and  Transnational,  whether  or  not  the  Merger  is
consummated,  each party hereto shall pay its  own fees and expenses incident to
preparing  for,  entering  into  and   carrying  out  this  Agreement  and   the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.
 
     (b)  In the  event that  this Agreement is  terminated by  PXRE pursuant to
Section 7.1(c)  or Section  7.1(e)(i) or  by Transnational  pursuant to  Section
7.1(f)(ii)  or  the End  Date  occurs in  circumstances  where the  condition in
Section 6.2(e) only has not been satisfied or waived, Transnational agrees  that
it  will reimburse  PXRE for  all documented,  reasonable out-of-pocket expenses
(not to exceed $1,000,000) incurred by  PXRE in connection with this  Agreement,
the  Merger and  the transactions contemplated  by this Agreement.  In the event
that this Agreement is terminated by Transnational pursuant to Section 7.1(d) or
Section 7.1(f)(i) or  by PXRE  pursuant to Section  7.1(e)(ii) or  the End  Date
occurs  in circumstances where the condition in Section 6.3(e) only has not been
satisfied or waived, PXRE  agrees that it will  reimburse Transnational for  all
documented,   reasonable  out-of-pocket  expenses  (not  to  exceed  $1,000,000)
incurred by Transnational in connection with this Agreement, the Merger and  the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Such payment shall be as liquidated
damages and not as a penalty, shall be in lieu of any other remedies (other than
in  the circumstances contemplated by the proviso  to Section 7.2), and shall be
made by wire transfer of immediately  available funds promptly after receipt  of
appropriate documentation.
 
     SECTION 8.3. Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement:
 
          (a) an 'affiliate' of any person means another person that directly or
     indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by,
     or  is under  common control with,  such first person;  provided, that with
     respect to PXRE, the  word 'affiliate' shall  not include Transnational  or
     its  subsidiaries and, with respect  to Transnational, the word 'affiliate'
     shall not include PXRE or its subsidiaries;
 
          (b) 'person'  means  an individual,  corporation,  partnership,  joint
     venture, association, trust, unincorporated organization or other entity;
 
          (c)  a 'subsidiary' of any person means  another person 50% or more of
     the total combined voting  power of all classes  of capital stock or  other
     voting  interests of  which, or  50% or  more of  the equity  securities of
     which, is owned directly or indirectly by such first person; and
 
          (d) the  term 'otherwise  known to  PXRE' means  information  actually
     known  after reasonable inquiry by one or  more senior officers of PXRE and
     the term 'to  the knowledge of  PXRE' means to  the actual knowledge  after
     reasonable inquiry of one or more senior officers of PXRE.
 
     SECTION  8.4. Interpretation. When a reference is made in this Agreement to
a Section, Exhibit or Schedule, such reference  shall be to a Section of, or  an
Exhibit  or Schedule to, this Agreement unless otherwise indicated. The table of
contents and headings  contained in  this Agreement are  for reference  purposes
only  and shall  not affect  in any  way the  meaning or  interpretation of this
Agreement. Whenever the words 'include',  'includes' or 'including' are used  in
this  Agreement,  they shall  be deemed  to  be followed  by the  words 'without
limitation'.
 
     SECTION 8.5.  Notices. All  notices, requests,  claims, demands  and  other
communications  under this  Agreement shall  be in  writing and  shall be deemed
given if  delivered  personally  or  sent by  facsimile  (with  confirmation  of
receipt)  or overnight courier  (providing proof of delivery)  to the parties at
the following  addresses (or  at such  other address  for a  party as  shall  be
specified by like notice):
 
                                      A-30
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
(a) if to Transnational, to
 
    Transnational Re Corporation
    399 Thornall Street, 14th Floor
    Edison, NJ 08837
    Attention: President
    Telephone No.: 908-906-8100
    Facsimile No.: 908-906-9157
 
    with copies to:
 
    Mr. Thomas H. Fox
    1112 Northport Point
    Northport, MI 49670
    and
    Davis Polk & Wardwell
    450 Lexington Avenue
    New York, NY 10017
    Attention: Richard J. Sandler
    Telephone No.: 212-450-4224
    Facsimile No.: 212-450-5528
 
(b) If to PXRE, to
 
    PXRE Corporation
    399 Thornall Street, 14th Floor
    Edison, NJ 08837
    Attention: President
    Telephone No.: 908-906-8100
    Facsimile No.: 908-906-9157
 
    with a copy to:
 
    Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
    101 Park Avenue
    New York, NY 10178-0060
    Attention: F. Sedgwick Browne
    Telephone No.: 212-309-6825
    Facsimile No.: 212-309-6273
 
     SECTION  8.6. Counterparts. This  Agreement may be executed  in one or more
counterparts, all of which shall be  considered one and the same agreement,  and
shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each of
the  parties and delivered  to the other  parties, it being  understood that all
parties need not sign the same counterpart.
 
     SECTION 8.7. Entire Agreement;  Third-Party Beneficiaries. This  Agreement,
the  confidentiality letter agreements between PXRE and Transnational each dated
June 26, 1996 and the other agreements referred to herein constitute the  entire
agreement,  and supersede all prior  agreements and understandings, both written
and oral,  among  the  parties  with  respect to  the  subject  matter  of  this
Agreement.  This Agreement is not intended to  confer upon any person other than
the parties hereto any rights or remedies.
 
     SECTION 8.8.  Governing  Law. This  Agreement  shall be  governed  by,  and
construed  in accordance with, the laws of  the State of Delaware, regardless of
the laws that might otherwise govern under applicable principles of conflicts of
laws thereof.
 
     SECTION 8.9.  Assignment. Neither  this Agreement  nor any  of the  rights,
interests  or obligations under this Agreement shall be assigned, in whole or in
part, by operation of law or otherwise  by any of the parties without the  prior
written  consent  of the  other parties,  and  any such  assignment that  is not
consented to shall  be null and  void. Subject to  the preceding sentence,  this
Agreement  will be binding upon, inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by,
the parties and their respective successors and assigns.
 
                                      A-31
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
     SECTION 8.10. Enforcement. The parties agree that irreparable damage  would
occur  in  the event  that  any of  the provisions  of  this Agreement  were not
performed in accordance with their specific terms or were otherwise breached. It
is accordingly agreed  that the parties  shall be entitled  to an injunction  or
injunctions  to prevent breaches  of this Agreement  and to enforce specifically
the terms and provisions  of this Agreement  in any court  of the United  States
located  in the  State of  Delaware or any  state court  sitting in  the City of
Wilmington, Delaware (any such federal or  state court, a 'Delaware Court'),  in
addition  to any other remedy to which they are entitled at law or in equity. In
addition, each  of the  parties hereto  (a)  consents to  submit itself  to  the
personal  jurisdiction of any Delaware Court in the event any dispute arises out
of this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement  and
(b) agrees that it will not attempt to deny or defeat such personal jurisdiction
or venue by motion or other request for leave from any such Delaware Court.
 
     SECTION 8.11. Severability. Whenever possible, each provision or portion of
any  provision of  this Agreement will  be interpreted  in such manner  as to be
effective and valid under applicable law but if any provision or portion of  any
provision  of this Agreement is held to  be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in
any respect  under  any  applicable  law  or  rule  in  any  jurisdiction,  such
invalidity,  illegality or unenforceability will  not affect any other provision
or portion of  any provision in  such jurisdiction, and  this Agreement will  be
reformed,  construed  and  enforced in  such  jurisdiction as  if  such invalid,
illegal or unenforceable provision  or portion of any  provision had never  been
contained herein.
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Transnational and PXRE have caused this Agreement to be
signed  by  their respective  officers or  other representatives  thereunto duly
authorized, all as of the date first written above.
 
                                          TRANSNATIONAL RE CORPORATION
 
                                          By:          /s/ THOMAS H. FOX
                                             ...................................
                                            Name: Thomas H. Fox
                                            Title:  Chairman, Special Committee
                                                    of the Board of Directors
 
                                          PXRE CORPORATION
 
                                          By:         /s/ GERALD L. RADKE
                                             ...................................
                                            Name: Gerald L. Radke
                                            Title:  Chairman of the Board,
                                                    President and Chief
                                                    Executive Officer
 
                                          As to Section 5.16 only:
 
                                          TRANSNATIONAL REINSURANCE COMPANY
 
                                          By:         /s/ GERALD L. RADKE
                                             ...................................
                                            Name: Gerald L. Radke
                                            Title:  Chairman of the Board,
                                                    President and Chief
                                                    Executive Officer
 
                                          PXRE REINSURANCE COMPANY
 
                                          By:         /s/ GERALD L. RADKE
                                             ...................................
                                            Name: Gerald L. Radke
                                            Title:  Chairman of the Board,
                                                    President and Chief
                                                    Executive Officer
 
                                      A-32

<PAGE>
<PAGE>
                                                                         ANNEX B
 
                    [LETTERHEAD OF DILLON, READ & CO. INC.]
 
                                                                 August 22, 1996
 
Board of Directors
PXRE Corporation
399 Thornall Street
Edison, NJ 08837

Lady and Gentlemen:
 
     You  have advised us that PXRE Corporation ('PXRE') proposes to acquire all
of the outstanding Class A  and Class B common stock,  $.01 par value per  share
(the  'TREX Common Stock'), of Transnational  Re ('TREX') in exchange for 1.0575
share of common  stock, $.01  par value  per share,  of PXRE  (the 'PXRE  Common
Stock')  for  each share  of  TREX Common  Stock  (the 'Transaction').  You have
requested our opinion as to whether the consideration to be paid pursuant to the
Transaction is fair to the stockholders of PXRE, from a financial point of view.
 
     In arriving  at our  opinion, we  have, among  other things:  (i)  reviewed
certain  publicly available business and  financial information relating to TREX
and PXRE; (ii) reviewed certain non-public financial information and other  data
provided to us by TREX and PXRE, including financial projections prepared by the
management  of TREX  and PXRE; (iii)  conducted discussions with  members of the
senior management of TREX  and PXRE; (iv) reviewed  the financial terms, to  the
extent  publicly available, of certain acquisition transactions considered to be
generally  comparable  to  the  Transaction;  (v)  reviewed  publicly  available
financial and securities market data pertaining to certain companies in lines of
business  considered to be generally comparable  to those of TREX; (vi) reviewed
the reported price and trading activity for  the TREX Common Stock and the  PXRE
Common  Stock; and  (vii) conducted such  other financial  studies, analyses and
investigations, and considered such other information as we deemed necessary and
appropriate.
 
     In connection with our review, with  your consent, we have not assumed  any
responsibility  for independent verification of any of the foregoing information
and have relied upon its being  complete and accurate in all material  respects.
We have not been requested to make, and have not made, an independent evaluation
or  appraisal of any assets or liabilities  (contingent or otherwise) of TREX or
any of its subsidiaries, nor have we been furnished with any such evaluation  or
appraisal.  Furthermore, we  have assumed,  with your  consent, that  all of the
information, including  the projections,  provided to  us by  TREX's and  PXRE's
management  was prepared in good faith on  a basis reflecting the best currently
available estimates and  judgments of  TREX's and  PXRE's management  as to  the
future  financial performance of TREX and PXRE, respectively, and was based upon
the historical  performance and  certain estimates  and assumptions  which  were
reasonable  at the  time made.  In addition, our  opinion is  based on economic,
monetary and market conditions existing and disclosed to us on the date hereof.
 
     In rendering this opinion, we are not rendering any opinion as to the value
of TREX or making any  recommendation to the stockholders  of TREX or PXRE  with
respect to the advisability of voting in favor of the Transaction.
 
     Dillon,  Read & Co. Inc. ('Dillon Read')  is acting as financial advisor to
the Company  in connection  with the  Transaction and  will receive  a fee  upon
consummation  thereof  in  addition to  the  fee  Dillon Read  is  receiving for
rendering this  opinion. In  the ordinary  course of  business, we  have  traded
securities  of TREX  and PXRE for  our own account  and for the  accounts of our
customers and, accordingly, may  at any time  hold a long  or short position  in
such securities.
 
                                      B-1
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
     Based  upon and subject to the foregoing, we  are of the opinion that as of
the date hereof,  the consideration to  be paid pursuant  to the Transaction  is
fair to the stockholders of PXRE, from a financial point of view.
 
                                          Very truly yours,
                                          DILLON, READ & CO. INC.
 
                                      B-2

<PAGE>
<PAGE>
                   [DONALDSON, LUFKIN & JENRETTE LETTERHEAD]             ANNEX C
 
                                                                 August 22, 1996
 
Special Committee of
the Board of Directors and
The Board of Directors of
Transnational Re Corporation
399 Thornall Street
14th Floor
Edison, NJ 08837
 
Dear Sirs:
 
     You have requested our opinion as to the fairness from a financial point of
view  to the  holders of  Class A Common  Stock, par  value $.01  per share (the
'Class A Common Stock') of Transnational  Re Corporation (the 'Company') of  the
consideration  to be received by such shareholders  pursuant to the terms of the
Agreement and Plan  of Merger  (the 'Agreement') dated  as of  August 22,  1996,
between the Company and PXRE Corporation ('PXRE').
 
     Pursuant  to the  Agreement, subject to  certain exceptions,  each share of
Class A Common Stock and each share of Class B Common Stock, par value $.01  per
share  of the Company will be converted  into the right to receive 1.0575 shares
of Common Stock par value $.01 per share of PXRE ('PXRE Common Stock') and  cash
in lieu of fractional shares of PXRE common stock.
 
     In  arriving at  our opinion,  we have reviewed  the Agreement  dated as of
August 22, 1996 and financial and other information that was publicly  available
or furnished to us by the Company and PXRE including information provided during
discussions  with their  respective managements.  In addition,  we have compared
certain financial and securities data of the Company and PXRE with various other
companies whose securities are traded in public markets, reviewed the historical
stock prices and trading  volumes of the  Class A Common  Stock and PXRE  Common
Stock,  reviewed prices  and premiums  paid in  other business  combinations and
conducted such other financial studies, analyses and investigations as we deemed
appropriate for purposes of this opinion.
 
     In rendering our  opinion, we have  relied upon and  assumed the  accuracy,
completeness and fairness of all of the financial and other information that was
available  to us from public sources, that was provided to us by the Company and
PXRE or its representatives, or that was  otherwise reviewed by us. We have  not
assumed any responsibility for making an independent evaluation of the Company's
and  PXRE's assets or liabilities or  for making any independent verification of
any of the information reviewed by us. We have relied as to all legal matters on
advice of counsel to the Special Committee.
 
     Our opinion is necessarily based  on economic, market, financial and  other
conditions  as they exist on, and on the information made available to us as of,
the date  of this  letter. It  should be  understood that,  although  subsequent
developments  may affect this opinion, we do  not have any obligation to update,
revise or reaffirm this opinion. We are  expressing no opinion herein as to  the
prices  at which  the PXRE  Common Stock  will actually  trade at  any time. Our
opinion does not constitute a recommendation  to any shareholder as to how  such
shareholder should vote on the proposed transaction.
 
     Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation ('DLJ'), as part of its
investment banking services, is regularly engaged in the valuation of businesses
and  securities in  connection with mergers,  acquisitions, underwritings, sales
and distributions  of listed  and unlisted  securities, private  placements  and
valuations for estate, corporate and other purposes.
 
                                      C-1
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
     Based upon the foregoing and such other factors as we deem relevant, we are
of the opinion that the right to receive 1.0575 shares of PXRE Common Stock into
which  each share  of Class A  Common Stock is  to be converted  pursuant to the
Agreement is fair to the holders of Class A Common Stock from a financial  point
of view.
 
                                          Very truly yours,

                                          DONALDSON, LUFKIN & JENRETTE
                                          SECURITIES CORPORATION
 
                                          By       /s/ ROBERT S. FLEISCHER
                                             ...................................
                                                    ROBERT S. FLEISCHER
                                                     MANAGING DIRECTOR
 
                                      C-2

<PAGE>
<PAGE>
                                                                         ANNEX D
 
                     Paragraphs A and C of Article 4 of the
                                    RESTATED
                          CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
                                       OF
                                PXRE CORPORATION
                          (As proposed to be amended)
 
                                   ARTICLE IV
                               AUTHORIZED CAPITAL
 
     A.  Authorized  Capital Stock.  The aggregate  number  of shares  which the
Corporation shall have authority to issue is 40,500,000 shares, consisting of:
 
          1. 500,000  shares  of Serial  Preferred  Stock (par  value  $.01  per
     share); and
 
          2. 40,000,000 shares of Common Stock (par value $.01 per share).
 
     . . .
     C. Common Stock. The total number of shares of Common Stock the Corporation
has authority to issue is 40,000,000 shares, par value of $.01 per share.
 
                                      D-1

<PAGE>
<PAGE>
                                    PART II
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 20. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
 
     (i)  Section  102(b)(7) of  the  General Corporation  Law  of the  State of
Delaware provides that a Delaware corporation may include in its certificate  of
incorporation  a provision eliminating  or limiting the  personal liability of a
director to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for  breach
of  fiduciary duty as a director, provided that such provision may not eliminate
or limit the liability of  a director for any breach  of the director's duty  of
loyalty  to the corporation  or its stockholders,  for acts or  omissions not in
good faith or  which involve intentional  misconduct or a  knowing violation  of
law,  for the payment of  unlawful dividends, or for  any transaction from which
the director derived an improper personal  benefit. The PXRE Charter contains  a
provision  limiting  the  personal  liability  of a  director  to  PXRE  and its
stockholders for monetary damages for a  breach of fiduciary duty as a  director
to the full extent permitted by law.
 
     (ii)  Additionally, Section  145, 'Indemnification  of Officers, Directors,
Employees and Agents; Insurance', of the General Corporation Law of the State of
Delaware provides as follows:
 
          (a) A corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is
     threatened to  be made  a party  to any  threatened, pending  or  completed
     action,  suit  or proceeding,  whether  civil, criminal,  administrative or
     investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the  corporation)
     by  reason of the fact  that he is or was  a director, officer, employee or
     agent of  the corporation,  or is  or was  serving at  the request  of  the
     corporation   as  a  director,  officer,   employee  or  agent  of  another
     corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against
     expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid  in
     settlement  actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with such
     action, suit or proceeding  if he acted  in good faith and  in a manner  he
     reasonably  believed to be in  or not opposed to  the best interests of the
     corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no
     reasonable cause to believe  his conduct was  unlawful. The termination  of
     any  action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction,
     or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of  itself,
     create  a presumption that  the person did not  act in good  faith and in a
     manner which he reasonably  believed to be  in or not  opposed to the  best
     interests  of the corporation, and, with  respect to any criminal action or
     proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful.
 
          (b) A corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is
     threatened to  be made  a party  to any  threatened, pending  or  completed
     action  or suit by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment
     in its favor by reason of the fact  that he is or was a director,  officer,
     employee  or agent of the corporation, or  is or was serving at the request
     of the corporation  as a director,  officer, employee or  agent of  another
     corporation,  partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against
     expenses (including attorneys'  fees) actually and  reasonably incurred  by
     him  in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if
     he acted in good faith and in a  manner he reasonably believed to be in  or
     not  opposed to the  best interests of  the corporation and  except that no
     indemnification shall be made in respect  of any claim, issue or matter  as
     to  which  such  person  shall  have been  adjudged  to  be  liable  to the
     corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery or the
     court in  which  such action  or  suit  was brought  shall  determine  upon
     application  that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all
     the circumstances  of  the  case,  such person  is  fairly  and  reasonably
     entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Court of Chancery or such
     other court shall deem proper.
 
          (c)  To the extent  that a director,  officer, employee or  agent of a
     corporation has been successful  on the merits or  otherwise in defense  of
     any  action, suit or proceeding  referred to in subsections  (a) and (b) of
     this section, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, he shall
     be indemnified against  expenses (including attorneys'  fees) actually  and
     reasonably incurred by him in connection therewith.
 
          (d)  Any indemnification under subsections (a) and (b) of this section
     (unless ordered  by a  court) shall  be  made by  the corporation  only  as
     authorized in the specific case upon a
 
                                      II-1
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
     determination  that indemnification  of the director,  officer, employee or
     agent is proper  in the  circumstances because  he has  met the  applicable
     standard  of conduct set forth in subsections  (a) and (b) of this section.
     Such determination shall be  made (1) by a  majority vote of the  directors
     who  are not parties to  such action, suit or  proceeding, even though less
     than a quorum, or (2) if there are no such directors, or if such  directors
     so direct, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion, or (3) by the
     stockholders.
 
          (e)  Expenses (including  attorneys' fees)  incurred by  an officer or
     director in defending any civil, criminal, administrative or  investigative
     action, suit or proceeding may be paid by the corporation in advance of the
     final  disposition of  such action, suit  or proceeding upon  receipt of an
     undertaking by  or on  behalf of  such director  or officer  to repay  such
     amount  if it shall ultimately be determined  that he is not entitled to be
     indemnified by the corporation as authorized in this section. Such expenses
     (including attorneys' fees) incurred by  other employees and agents may  be
     so  paid upon such terms and conditions,  if any, as the board of directors
     deems appropriate.
 
          (f) The indemnification  and advancement of  expenses provided by,  or
     granted  pursuant to,  the other subsections  of this section  shall not be
     deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification
     or advancement of expenses may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement, vote
     of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to  action
     in his official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding
     such office.
 
          (g)  A corporation shall have power to purchase and maintain insurance
     on behalf of  any person who  is or  was a director,  officer, employee  or
     agent  of  the corporation,  or is  or was  serving at  the request  of the
     corporation  as  a  director,  officer,   employee  or  agent  of   another
     corporation,  partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against
     any liability  asserted  against  him  and incurred  by  him  in  any  such
     capacity,  or  arising  out of  his  status  as such,  whether  or  not the
     corporation would have the  power to indemnify  him against such  liability
     under this section.
 
          (h)  For  purposes of  this section,  references to  'the corporation'
     shall include, in  addition to the  resulting corporation, any  constituent
     corporation  (including  any constituent  of a  constituent) absorbed  in a
     consolidation or merger  which, if  its separate  existence had  continued,
     would  have had power  and authority to  indemnify its directors, officers,
     and employees or  agents, so  that any  person who  is or  was a  director,
     officer,  employee or agent  of such constituent corporation,  or is or was
     serving at  the  request  of  such  constituent  corporation  as  director,
     officer,  employee  or  agent of  another  corporation,  partnership, joint
     venture, trust or other enterprise, shall stand in the same position  under
     this  section with respect to the  resulting or surviving corporation as he
     would have with  respect to  such constituent corporation  if its  separate
     existence had continued.
 
          (i)  For purposes of  this section, references  to 'other enterprises'
     shall include employee benefit plans;  references to 'fines' shall  include
     any  excise taxes assessed on a person with respect to any employee benefit
     plan; and references to 'serving at  the request of the corporation'  shall
     include  any  service as  a  director, officer,  employee  or agent  of the
     corporation  which  imposes  duties  on,  or  involves  services  by,  such
     director,  officer, employee or  agent with respect  to an employee benefit
     plan, its participants  or beneficiaries; and  a person who  acted in  good
     faith  and in a manner he reasonably believed  to be in the interest of the
     participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall be  deemed
     to  have  acted in  a  manner 'not  opposed to  the  best interests  of the
     corporation' as referred to in this section.
 
          (j) The indemnification  and advancement of  expenses provided by,  or
     granted  pursuant to,  this section  shall, unless  otherwise provided when
     authorized or ratified,  continue as to  a person  who has ceased  to be  a
     director,  officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the
     heirs, executors and administrators of such a person.
 
          (k) The Court of Chancery is hereby vested with exclusive jurisdiction
     to  hear  and  determine  all  actions  for  advancement  of  expenses   or
     indemnification  brought under this section  or under any bylaw, agreement,
     vote of stockholders or disinterested directors, or otherwise. The Court of
     Chancery may  summarily determine  a  corporation's obligation  to  advance
     expenses (including attorneys' fees).
 
                                      II-2
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
     (iii)  Article  VI  of the  PXRE  Charter provides  for  indemnification of
directors and  officers  of PXRE  against  liability  they may  incur  in  their
capacities as such to the full extent permitted under Delaware law. In addition,
pursuant  to certain letter  agreements between PXRE and  each of its directors,
PXRE has undertaken to indemnify its  directors to the fullest extent  permitted
by Article VI of the PXRE Charter and applicable Delaware law.
 
     (iv)  There is in effect a Directors and Officers Liability and Corporation
Reimbursement Insurance  Policy  with  Reliance Insurance  Company.  The  policy
insures  the directors and officers of PXRE  against loss arising from any claim
or claims made against such directors or officers, individually or collectively,
by reason  of certain  wrongful acts  such as  any actual  or alleged  error  or
misstatement or misleading statement or act, omission, neglect or breach of duty
by  the officers and directors in the discharge of their duties. The policy also
insures PXRE against loss for which PXRE  is required to indemnify or for  which
PXRE,  to the extent permitted by law, has indemnified the officers or directors
arising from any  claim against  any of  the directors  or officers  of PXRE  by
reason  of the wrongful acts described above.  The policy does not insure PXRE's
directors and officers against loss in connection with any claim relating to any
deliberately dishonest or fraudulent act or omission, any criminal or  malicious
act  or omission, any willful violation of law or any accounting for profits for
the purchase or sale of securities of  PXRE within the meaning of Section  16(b)
of  the Exchange Act. The combined limit  of liability is $10,000,000 per policy
year for both  directors' and  officers' liability  and corporate  reimbursement
coverage.
 
ITEM 21. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
  NO.                                                     DESCRIPTION
- -------   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>       <C>
   2      Agreement  and Plan of Merger, dated  as of August 22, 1996,  between PXRE and Transnational Re Corporation
          ('Transnational'), as amended by Amendment No. 1 dated as  of September 27, 1996 and Amendment No. 2  dated
          as of October 24, 1996 (included as Annex A to the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus).
   3.1    Restated  Certificate of Incorporation  of PXRE (Exhibit 3.1  to PXRE's Registration  Statement on Form S-1
          dated August 29, 1986, as amended by Amendment No. 1 thereto dated February 19, 1987 and by Amendment No. 2
          thereto dated March 25, 1987 (File No. 33-8406), and incorporated by reference herein).
   3.2    Certificate of  Designations  designating the  Series  A Cumulative  Convertible  Preferred Stock  of  PXRE
          (Exhibit  4.5 to PXRE's Registration Statement on Form S-2 dated February 21, 1992, as amended by Amendment
          No. 1 thereto dated April 1, 1992 and by Amendment No. 2 thereto dated April 13, 1992 and by Amendment  No.
          3 thereto dated April 23, 1992 (File No. 33-45893), and incorporated by reference herein).
   3.3    Certificate  of Amendment to PXRE's Restated Certificate of  Incorporation, dated May 20, 1993 (Exhibit 4.3
          to PXRE's  Registration Statement  on  Forms S-8  and  S-3 dated  June 3,  1993  (File No.  33-63768),  and
          incorporated by reference herein).
   3.4    Certificate  of Amendment to PXRE's Restated Certificate of Incorporation, dated May 19, 1994 (Exhibit 3 to
          PXRE's Annual Report  on Form 10-K  for the fiscal  year ended December  31, 1994 (File  No. 0-15428),  and
          incorporated by reference herein).
   3.5    By-Laws of PXRE (Exhibit 3.2 to PXRE's Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated August 29, 1986, as amended
          by  Amendment No. 1  thereto dated February 19,  1987 and by  Amendment No. 2 thereto  dated March 25, 1987
          (File No. 33-8406), and incorporated by reference herein).
   3.6    Amendment to By-Laws of PXRE, Article IV, Section 1, dated June 8, 1995 (Exhibit 3 to PXRE's Annual  Report
          on  Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995 (File No. 0-15428), and incorporated by reference
          herein).
   4.1    Specimen Certificate of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, of PXRE (Exhibit 4.4 to PXRE's Registration
          Statement on Form S-2 dated January 29, 1993, as amended by Amendment No. 1 thereto dated February 11, 1993
          and by Amendment No.  2 thereto dated  February 23, 1993  (File No. 33-57532),  and incorporated herein  by
          reference).
   4.2    Indenture,  dated August 31, 1993, between PXRE and The First National Bank of Boston, as Trustee, relating
          to $75,000,000 principal amount  of 9.75% Senior Notes  of PXRE due 2003  (Exhibit 4.1 to PXRE's  Quarterly
          Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1993 (File No. 0-15428), and incorporated herein by
          reference).
   5      Opinion of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP regarding the legality of the securities being registered.
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-3
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
  NO.                                                     DESCRIPTION
- -------   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>       <C>
   8.1    Form  of opinion of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius  LLP regarding certain federal income tax consequences relating
          to the Merger.
   8.2    Form of opinion of Davis Polk & Wardwell regarding certain federal income tax consequences relating to  the
          Merger.
  23.1    Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP as to financial statements of PXRE.
  23.2    Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP as to financial statements of Transnational.
  23.3    Consent of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP.
  23.4    Consent of Davis Polk & Wardwell.
  23.5    Consent of Dillon, Read & Co. Inc.
  23.6    Consent of Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corp.
  24.     Powers of Attorney.
  99.1    Form of proxy for the Special Meeting of Stockholders of PXRE.
  99.2    Form of proxy for the Special Meeting of Stockholders of Transnational.
</TABLE>
 
ITEM 22. UNDERTAKINGS.
 
     (a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
 
          (1)  To file,  during any  period in which  offers or  sales are being
     made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:
 
             (i) To include any prospectus  required by Section 10(a)(3) of  the
        Securities Act of 1933;
 
             (ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after
        the  effective date  of the Registration  Statement (or  the most recent
        post-effective  amendment  thereof)  which,   individually  or  in   the
        aggregate,  represent a fundamental change  in the information set forth
        in the Registration Statement;
 
             (iii) To include any material information with respect to the  plan
        of  distribution not previously disclosed  in the Registration Statement
        or  any  material  change  to  such  information  in  the   Registration
        Statement;
 
          (2)  That,  for the  purpose of  determining  any liability  under the
     Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be  deemed
     to  be  a new  registration statement  relating  to the  securities offered
     therein, and the offering of such  securities at that time shall be  deemed
     to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
          (3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment
     any  of  the  securities  being  registered  which  remain  unsold  at  the
     termination of the offering.
 
     (b) The  undersigned registrant  hereby undertakes  that, for  purposes  of
determining  any liability under the Securities Act  of 1933, each filing of the
registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the  Securities
Exchange  Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit
plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934) that is incorporated by reference  in the Registration Statement shall  be
deemed  to be  a new registration  statement relating to  the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to  be
the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
     (c) (1) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes as follows: that prior
to any public reoffering of the securities registered hereunder through use of a
prospectus  which is  a part  of this Registration  Statement, by  any person or
party who is deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of Rule 145(c),  the
issuer  undertakes that such reoffering  prospectus will contain the information
called for by the  applicable registration form with  respect to reofferings  by
persons who may be deemed underwriters, in addition to information called for by
the other items of the applicable form.
 
     (2)  The undersigned registrant undertakes  that every prospectus: (i) that
is filed pursuant to paragraph (1) immediately preceding, or (ii) that  purports
to  meet the requirements of Section 10(a)(3)  of the Securities Act of 1933 and
is used in connection with an offering  of securities subject to Rule 415,  will
be filed as a part of an amendment to the Registration Statement and will not be
used until such
 
                                      II-4
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
amendment  is effective,  and that,  for purposes  of determining  any liability
under the Securities Act  of 1933, each such  post-effective amendment shall  be
deemed  to be  a new registration  statement relating to  the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to  be
the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
     (d) 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 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 Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of
such issue.
 
     (e) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to respond to requests for
information  that   is  incorporated   by  reference   into  the   Joint   Proxy
Statement/Prospectus  pursuant to Item 4,  10(b), 11 or 13  of this Form, within
one business  day of  receipt of  such  request, and  to send  the  incorporated
documents  by  first class  mail or  other equally  prompt means.  This includes
information contained in documents filed subsequent to the effective date of the
Registration Statement through the date of responding to the request.
 
     (f) The undersigned registrant  hereby undertakes to supply  by means of  a
post-effective  amendment  all  information concerning  a  transaction,  and the
company being  acquired  involved therein,  that  was  not the  subject  of  and
included in the Registration Statement when it became effective.
 
                                      II-5

<PAGE>
<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 Edison,  State of New
Jersey, on October 30, 1996.
 
                                          PXRE CORPORATION
                                          (Registrant)
 
                                          By         /s/ GERALD L. RADKE
                                             ...................................
                                                      GERALD L. RADKE
                                             CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, PRESIDENT,
                                            CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND DIRECTOR
 
     Pursuant  to  the  requirements  of  the  Securities  Act  of  1933,   this
Registration  Statement has  been signed below  by the following  persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   NAME                                        TITLE                              DATE
- ------------------------------------------  --------------------------------------------   -------------------
<S>                                         <C>                                            <C>
           /s/ GERALD L. RADKE              Chairman of the Board, President, Chief         October 30, 1996
 .........................................    Executive Officer and Director (Principal
             GERALD L. RADKE                  Executive Officer)
 
          /s/ SANFORD M. KIMMEL             Vice President, Treasurer and Chief             October 30, 1996
 .........................................    Financial Officer (Principal Financial
            SANFORD M. KIMMEL                 Officer)
 
             /s/ JOAN L. CADD               Vice President and Controller                   October 30, 1996
 .........................................
               JOAN L. CADD
 
                    *                       Director                                        October 30, 1996
 .........................................
           ROBERT W. FIONDELLA
 
                    *                       Director                                        October 30, 1996
 .........................................
              BERNARD KELLY
 
                    *                       Director                                        October 30, 1996
 .........................................
              WENDY LUSCOMBE
 
                    *                       Director                                        October 30, 1996
 .........................................
             EDWARD P. LYONS
 
                    *                       Director                                        October 30, 1996
 .........................................
           PHILIP R. MCLOUGHLIN
 
                    *                       Director                                        October 30, 1996
 .........................................
            DAVID W. SEARFOSS
 
                    *                       Director                                        October 30, 1996
 .........................................
           DONALD H. TRAUTLEIN
 
                    *                       Director                                        October 30, 1996
 .........................................
               WILSON WILDE
 
       *       /s/ GERALD L. RADKE
 .........................................
             GERALD L. RADKE
             ATTORNEY-IN-FACT
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-6

<PAGE>
<PAGE>
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
 NUMBER                                               DESCRIPTION                                               PAGE
- --------   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   ----
<S>        <C>                                                                                                  <C>
   2       Agreement  and Plan  of Merger, dated  as of  August 22, 1996,  between PXRE  and Transnational Re
           Corporation ('Transnational'), as amended by  Amendment No. 1 dated as  of September 27, 1996  and
           Amendment  No.  2  dated  as  of  October  24, 1996  (included  as  Annex  A  to  the  Joint Proxy
           Statement/Prospectus).
   3.1     Restated Certificate of  Incorporation of PXRE  (Exhibit 3.1 to  PXRE's Registration Statement  on
           Form  S-1 dated August 29, 1986, as amended by Amendment No. 1 thereto dated February 19, 1987 and
           by Amendment No. 2 thereto dated March 25, 1987 (File No. 33-8406), and incorporated by  reference
           herein).
   3.2     Certificate  of Designations  designating the Series  A Cumulative Convertible  Preferred Stock of
           PXRE (Exhibit 4.5 to PXRE's Registration Statement on Form S-2 dated February 21, 1992, as amended
           by Amendment No. 1 thereto dated April 1, 1992 and by Amendment No. 2 thereto dated April 13, 1992
           and by Amendment  No. 3  thereto dated April  23, 1992  (File No. 33-45893),  and incorporated  by
           reference herein).
   3.3     Certificate  of Amendment  to PXRE's  Restated Certificate  of Incorporation,  dated May  20, 1993
           (Exhibit 4.3 to PXRE's Registration Statement  on Forms S-8 and S-3  dated June 3, 1993 (File  No.
           33-63768), and incorporated by reference herein).
   3.4     Certificate  of Amendment  to PXRE's  Restated Certificate  of Incorporation,  dated May  19, 1994
           (Exhibit 3 to PXRE's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1994  (File
           No. 0-15428), and incorporated by reference herein).
   3.5     By-Laws  of PXRE (Exhibit 3.2 to PXRE's Registration  Statement on Form S-1 dated August 29, 1986,
           as amended by Amendment No. 1 thereto dated February 19, 1987 and by Amendment No. 2 thereto dated
           March 25, 1987 (File No. 33-8406), and incorporated by reference herein).
   3.6     Amendment to By-Laws  of PXRE, Article  IV, Section  1, dated June  8, 1995 (Exhibit  3 to  PXRE's
           Annual  Report on Form 10-K  for the fiscal year  ended December 31, 1995  (File No. 0-15428), and
           incorporated by reference herein).
   4.1     Specimen Certificate of Common  Stock, par value $.01  per share, of PXRE  (Exhibit 4.4 to  PXRE's
           Registration  Statement on Form S-2 dated January 29,  1993, as amended by Amendment No. 1 thereto
           dated February  11,  1993 and  by  Amendment No.  2  thereto dated  February  23, 1993  (File  No.
           33-57532), and incorporated herein by reference).
   4.2     Indenture,  dated August 31, 1993, between PXRE and The First National Bank of Boston, as Trustee,
           relating to $75,000,000 principal amount  of 9.75% Senior Notes of  PXRE due 2003 (Exhibit 4.1  to
           PXRE's  Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1993 (File No. 0-15428),
           and incorporated herein by reference).
   5       Opinion of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP regarding the legality of the securities being registered.*
   8.1     Form of opinion of Morgan, Lewis &  Bockius LLP regarding certain federal income tax  consequences
           relating to the Merger.*
   8.2     Form  of  opinion of  Davis  Polk &  Wardwell regarding  certain  federal income  tax consequences
           relating to the Merger.*
  23.1     Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP as to financial statements of PXRE.*
  23.2     Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP as to financial statements of Transnational.*
  23.3     Consent of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP.*
  23.4     Consent of Davis Polk & Wardwell.*
  23.5     Consent of Dillon, Read & Co. Inc.*
  23.6     Consent of Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corp.*
  24.      Powers of Attorney.*
  99.1     Form of proxy for the Special Meeting of Stockholders of PXRE.*
  99.2     Form of proxy for the Special Meeting of Stockholders of Transnational.*
</TABLE>
 
- ------------
 
*  Filed herewith

<PAGE>


<PAGE>
                                                                       EXHIBIT 5
 
                          MORGAN, LEWIS & BOCKIUS LLP
                               COUNSELORS AT LAW
                                101 PARK AVENUE
                            NEW YORK, NY 10178-0060
                                  212-309-6000
                               FAX: 212-309-6273
 
                                                                October 30, 1996
 
PXRE Corporation
399 Thornall Street
14th Floor
Edison, New Jersey 08837
 
            Re: PXRE Corporation Registration Statement on Form S-4
 
Ladies and Gentlemen:
 
     We  have  acted  as counsel  to  PXRE Corporation,  a  Delaware corporation
('PXRE'), in connection with the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of PXRE,  as
amended  to date (the  'Registration Statement'), filed  with the Securities and
Exchange Commission  (the 'Commission')  under the  Securities Act  of 1933,  as
amended  (the 'Securities Act'), relating to  the proposed issuance of shares of
Common Stock,  par  value $.01  per  share, of  PXRE  ('PXRE Common  Stock')  in
connection with the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of August 22, 1996, as
amended (the 'Merger Agreement'), between PXRE and Transnational Re Corporation,
a Delaware corporation ('Transnational'), pursuant to which, among other things,
Transnational  will  be  merged  with  and into  PXRE  (the  'Merger')  and each
outstanding share of Class A Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, and Class B
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, of Transnational will be converted  into
the  right to receive 1.0575 shares of  PXRE Common Stock (in the aggregate, the
'Shares'), all  as  more fully  described  in the  Registration  Statement.  The
Registration  Statement includes a proxy  statement/prospectus (the 'Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus')  to  be  furnished  to  the  stockholders  of  PXRE   and
Transnational in connection with seeking their approval of the Merger Agreement.
 
     This opinion is being furnished in accordance with the requirements of Item
601(b)(5) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act.
 
     In  connection  with  rendering  this opinion,  we  have  examined  and are
familiar with  originals or  copies, certified  or otherwise  identified to  our
satisfaction,  of such documents as we have deemed necessary or appropriate as a
basis for the opinion  set forth herein, including  without limitation, (i)  the
Registration  Statement (including  the Joint  Proxy Statement/Prospectus); (ii)
the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of PXRE, as amended to date; (iii) the
By-Laws of PXRE,  as amended  to date; (iv)  the Merger  Agreement; (v)  certain
resolutions  of  the Board  of Directors  of PXRE  relating to  the transactions
contemplated by the Merger Agreement; (vi) a specimen certificate evidencing the
PXRE Common Stock; and (vii) such other certificates, instruments and  documents
as we considered necessary or appropriate for the purposes of this opinion.
 
     In  our examination, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the
legal capacity of natural persons,  the authenticity of all documents  submitted
to  us  as originals,  the  conformity to  original  documents of  all documents
submitted  to  us  as  certified,  conformed  or  photostatic  copies  and   the
authenticity  of  the originals  of such  copies. In  making our  examination of
documents executed by parties other than PXRE we have assumed that such  parties
had  the power, corporate  or other, to  enter into and  perform all obligations
thereunder and also have assumed the due authorization by all requisite  action,
corporate or other, and execution and delivery by such parties of such documents
and  the validity and  binding effect thereof.  As to any  facts material to the
opinion expressed herein which
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
we  have  not  independently  established  or  verified,  we  have  relied  upon
statements and representations of officers and other representatives of PXRE and
others.
 
     For purposes of this opinion, we have assumed that prior to the issuance of
any  of the Shares, (i) the  Registration Statement, as finally amended, becomes
effective; (ii) the stockholders of PXRE approve the Merger Agreement (including
the issuance of the Shares); (iii) the stockholders of Transnational approve the
Merger Agreement; (iv) the Certificate of  Merger which will give effect to  the
Merger  is properly filed with the Secretary  of State of the State of Delaware;
and (v) the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement are consummated.
 
     Based upon and subject  to the foregoing,  we are of  the opinion that  the
issuance  of the Shares has been duly  authorized and the Shares, when issued in
accordance with  the terms  and  conditions of  the  Merger Agreement,  will  be
validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
 
     We  are members of the Bar  of the State of New  York and we do not express
any opinion herein concerning any law other  than the federal law of the  United
States and the Delaware General Corporation Law.
 
                                          Very truly yours,

                                          MORGAN, LEWIS & BOCKIUS LLP
 
                                       2

<PAGE>


<PAGE>
                                                                     EXHIBIT 8.1
 
                  FORM OF MORGAN, LEWIS & BOCKIUS TAX OPINION
 
               , 1996
 
PXRE Corporation
399 Thornall Street, 14th Floor
Edison, NJ 08837
 
Ladies and Gentlemen:
 
     We  have acted as special  U.S. tax counsel to  PXRE Corporation a Delaware
corporation  (the  'Company'),   in  connection  with   the  preparation  of   a
Registration  Statement on  Form S-4  (Registration No.      -          ), dated
           , 1996  (the 'Registration  Statement'), containing  the Joint  Proxy
Statement  of  the  Company   and  Transnational  Re  Corporation,  a   Delaware
corporation  ('Transnational')  and  Prospectus   of  the  Company  (the  'Proxy
Statement/Prospectus')  relating to the merger  of  Transnational with  and into
the  Company (the 'Merger').
 
     Unless  otherwise defined  herein, capitalized  terms used  herein have the
respective meanings ascribed to those terms in the Registration Statement.
 
     In arriving at  the opinion expressed  below, we have  examined and  relied
upon the following documents:
 
          (a) the Registration Statement;
 
          (b)  the tax representations letters of  even date herewith to us from
     the Company and Transnational;
 
          (c) the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 22, 1996,  as
     amended between the Company and Transnational; and
 
          (d)  such other documents,  records and instruments  as we have deemed
     necessary or appropriate as a basis for our opinion.
 
     We have  also  read and  relied  upon  originals or  copies,  certified  or
otherwise  identified to  our satisfaction, of  such records of  the Company and
Transnational  and  such  certificates  and  representations  of  officers   and
representatives  of  the  Company  and  Transnational,  and  we  have  made such
investigations of law, as we have deemed appropriate as a basis for the  opinion
expressed  below.  In  our  examination, we  have  assumed  the  authenticity of
original documents, the accuracy of copies and the genuineness of signatures. We
understand and assume that (i) each agreement referred to in clause (c) above or
otherwise referred to  in the  Registration Statement represents  the valid  and
binding  obligation of the respective parties thereto, enforceable in accordance
with its respective  terms, and the  entire agreement between  the parties  with
respect  to the subject matter thereof, (ii)  the parties to each such agreement
have complied,  and  will  comply,  with  all  of  their  respective  covenants,
agreements  and undertakings contained therein,  (iii) the transactions provided
for by  each  such  agreement  or otherwise  referred  to  in  the  Registration
Statement  were and will be carried out  in accordance with their terms and (iv)
the Merger will be effective under the law of the State of Delaware.
 
     Our opinion is based  upon existing United States  federal income tax  laws
arising   under  the  Internal  Revenue  Code  of  1986,  as  amended,  Treasury
regulations promulgated thereunder,  administrative pronouncements and  judicial
decisions  as of the  date hereof. All  such authorities are  subject to change,
either prospectively or retroactively.  No assurance can be  provided as to  the
effect of any such change upon our opinion.
 
     The  opinion set forth  herein has no  binding effect on  the United States
Internal Revenue Service or the courts of the United States. No assurance can be
given that, if the matter were contested,  a court would agree with the  opinion
set forth herein.
 
     Based  upon the foregoing  and such consideration  of matters of  law as we
deemed to be  relevant, and subject  to the qualifications  and assumptions  set
forth  herein,  we are  of the  opinion that  the  Merger will  be treated  as a
tax-free reorganization  under  Section 368(a)  of  the Code  and,  accordingly,
neither  the Company nor the Company's  stockholders will recognize gain or loss
for United States federal
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
income tax purposes as a result of the consummation of the Merger, except to the
extent that  the  Company's stockholders  receive  cash in  lieu  of  fractional
shares.
 
     In  giving the foregoing opinion, we express no opinion regarding any other
aspect of federal tax law or any aspect of state, local or foreign tax law.
 
     We are furnishing this letter in  our capacity as special U.S. tax  counsel
of  the Company and this  letter is solely for the  benefit of the Company. This
letter is not to be  used, circulated, quoted or  otherwise referred to for  any
other purpose.
 
                                          Very truly yours,
 
<PAGE>


<PAGE>
                                                                     EXHIBIT 8.2
 
                   FORM OF DAVIS, POLK & WARDWELL TAX OPINION
 
                                          [Date]
 
Transnational Re Corporation
399 Thornall Street
14th Floor
Edison, New Jersey
 
Ladies and Gentlemen:
 
     We  have  acted as  counsel for  Transnational  Re Corporation,  a Delaware
corporation ('Transnational'), in connection with  the merger (the 'Merger')  of
Transnational  with and into PXRE  Corporation, a Delaware corporation ('PXRE'),
whereby each share of common stock,  par value $.01 per share, of  Transnational
('Transnational  Common  Stock'),  other than  certain  shares  of Transnational
Common  Stock  held  by   Transnational,  PXRE  or   any  of  their   respective
subsidiaries,  will be converted into and  become 1.0575 shares of common stock,
par value $.01 per share, of PXRE ('PXRE Common Stock').
 
     In that  connection,  you  have requested  our  opinion  regarding  certain
Federal  income  tax  consequences  of  the  Merger  to  Transnational  and  its
stockholders. In  providing  our  opinion,  we have  examined  the  Joint  Proxy
Statement  of PXRE  Corporation and  Transnational Re  Corporation/Prospectus of
PXRE Corporation dated [date] (the  'Proxy Statement') and such other  documents
and corporate records as we have deemed necessary or appropriate for purposes of
our opinion. In addition, we have assumed with your approval that (i) the Merger
will  be consummated in the manner contemplated by the Proxy Statement, (ii) the
statements concerning the Merger set forth  in the Proxy Statement are  accurate
and  (iii) the written representations  made to us by  Transnational and PXRE in
the respective certificates  dated [date] and  delivered to us  for purposes  of
this opinion (the 'Representations') are accurate and complete.
 
     Based  upon the foregoing,  for Federal income  tax purposes we  are of the
opinion that:
 
          (i) the  Merger  will qualify  as  a 'reorganization'  as  defined  in
     Section  368(a)(1) of  the Internal Revenue  Code of 1986,  as amended (the
     'Code'), and the Treasury Regulations thereunder; and
 
          (ii) no gain or loss will be recognized by Transnational by reason  of
     the Merger; and
 
          (iii) except to the extent that cash is received in lieu of fractional
     shares, no gain or loss will be recognized by stockholders of Transnational
     upon  the receipt of PXRE Common  Stock in exchange for their Transnational
     Common Stock.
 
     We express our  opinion only  as to  those matters  specifically set  forth
above,  and such  opinion may  be relied upon  solely by  you. If  the Merger is
effected  on  a   factual  basis   different  from  that   represented  in   the
Representations, the opinions expressed herein may be inapplicable. In addition,
our   opinion  is  based  on  the  Code,  Treasury  Regulations,  administrative
interpretations  and  judicial  precedents  as  of  the  date  hereof,  and  any
subsequent changes may render our opinion inapplicable in whole or in part.
 
                                          Very truly yours,
 
<PAGE>


<PAGE>
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
     We  hereby consent  to the  incorporation by  reference in  the Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus constituting part  of this Registration  Statement on  Form
S-4  of our reports dated  February 15, 1996 appearing on  pages F-1 and F-22 of
the Annual Report on Form 10-K of  PXRE Corporation for the year ended  December
31,  1995. We also consent to the reference to us under the caption 'Independent
Accountants' in such Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
 
                                          PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
 
October 30, 1996
New York, New York
 
<PAGE>


<PAGE>
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.2
 
                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
     We hereby consent  to the  incorporation by  reference in  the Joint  Proxy
Statement/Prospectus  constituting part  of this Registration  Statement on Form
S-4 of our reports dated  February 13, 1996 appearing on  pages F-1 and F-19  of
the  Annual Report  on Form  10-K of Transnational  Re Corporation  for the year
ended December  31, 1995.  We also  consent to  the reference  to us  under  the
caption 'Independent Accountants' in such Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
 
                                          PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
 
October 30, 1996
New York, New York
 
<PAGE>


<PAGE>
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.3
 
                                   CONSENT OF
                          MORGAN, LEWIS & BOCKIUS LLP
 
     We  hereby consent to the use of our opinion as Exhibit 5 and the filing of
our form of opinion as Exhibit 8.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4  of
PXRE Corporation relating to the proposed merger of Transnational Re Corporation
into  PXRE Corporation and to the reference  to our firm under the headings 'THE
MERGER -- Certain Federal  Income Tax Consequences' and  'Legal Matters' in  the
joint proxy statement/prospectus that is part of such Registration Statement. In
giving  such consent,  we do not  thereby admit that  we are in  the category of
persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended, or the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
 
                                          MORGAN, LEWIS & BOCKIUS LLP
 
October 30, 1996
New York, New York
 
<PAGE>


<PAGE>
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.4
 
                                   CONSENT OF
                             DAVIS POLK & WARDWELL
 
     We hereby consent to the  filing of our form of  opinion as Exhibit 8.2  to
the  Registration  Statement on  Form S-4  of PXRE  Corporation relating  to the
proposed merger of Transnational Re Corporation into PXRE Corporation and to the
reference to our firm  under the heading 'THE  MERGER -- Certain Federal  Income
Tax  Consequences' in the joint proxy  statement/prospectus that is part of such
Registration Statement. In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that  we
are  in the category of  persons whose consent is required  under, and we do not
admit and we disclaim that we are 'experts' for purposes of, the Securities  Act
of 1933, as amended, or the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
 
                                          DAVIS POLK & WARDWELL
 
October 30, 1996
New York, New York

<PAGE>


<PAGE>
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.5
 
                                   CONSENT OF
                            DILLON, READ & CO. INC.
 
     We  hereby consent to (i) the inclusion of our opinion letter, dated August
22, 1996, to the Board of Directors  of PXRE Corporation ('PXRE') as Annex B  to
the  Joint Proxy  Statement/Prospectus which  forms a  part of  the Registration
Statement on Form S-4 of PXRE  relating to the proposed merger of  Transnational
Re  Corporation with and into PXRE and (ii)  all references made to our firm and
such opinion in such Joint  Proxy Statement/Prospectus. In giving such  consent,
we  do not admit  that we come within  the category of  persons whose consent is
required under, and we do  not admit and we disclaim  that we are 'experts'  for
purposes  of,  the  Securities  Act  of 1933,  as  amended,  and  the  rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder.
 
                                          DILLON, READ & CO. INC.
 
                                          By:        /s/ David Dickson
                                             ...................................
 
New York, New York
October 30, 1996
 
<PAGE>


<PAGE>
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.6
 
                                   CONSENT OF
              DONALDSON, LUFKIN & JENRETTE SECURITIES CORPORATION
 
     We hereby consent to (i) the inclusion of our opinion letter, dated  August
22,  1996, to the Special  Committee of the Board of  Directors and the Board of
Directors of Transnational Re  Corporation ('Transnational') as  Annex C to  the
Joint  Proxy  Statement/Prospectus  which  forms  a  part  of  the  Registration
Statement on Form  S-4 of  PXRE Corporation  ('PXRE') relating  to the  proposed
merger  of Transnational with and into PXRE  and (ii) all references made to our
firm and such opinion in such  Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus. In giving  such
consent,  we do  not admit  that we  come within  the category  of persons whose
consent is required  under, and  we do  not admit and  we disclaim  that we  are
'experts' for purposes of, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules
and regulations promulgated thereunder.
 
                                          DONALDSON, LUFKIN & JENRETTE
                                            SECURITIES CORPORATION
 
                                          By:      /s/ Jonathan D. Kelly
                                             ...................................
 
New York, New York
October 30, 1996

<PAGE>


<PAGE>
                                                                      EXHIBIT 24
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
     KNOW  ALL MEN  BY THESE PRESENTS,  that the undersigned,  an officer and/or
director of PXRE  Corporation (the 'Company'),  hereby constitutes and  appoints
Gerald  L. Radke and Sanford M. Kimmel, and each of them singly, as his true and
lawful  attorneys-in-fact  and  agents  with  full  power  of  substitution  and
resubstitution, acting in the name and on behalf of the undersigned, to sign the
Registration  Statement on Form S-4  of the Company and  any and all amendments,
including post-effective amendments,  and supplements (if  any) thereto, and  to
file  the  same, with  all exhibits  thereto and  other documents  in connection
therewith, with the  Securities and  Exchange Commission.  The undersigned  does
hereby  grant unto such  attorneys-in-fact and agents (and  either of them) full
power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and
necessary to be done in such connection, as fully to all intents and purposes as
he might or could do  in person, hereby ratifying  and confirming all that  said
attorneys-in-fact  and  agents  (and either  of  them), or  their  substitute or
substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set  my hand this 17th day of  October,
1996.
 
                                                 /s/ ROBERT W. FIONDELLA
                                           .....................................
                                                   ROBERT W. FIONDELLA
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
                                                                      EXHIBIT 24
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
     KNOW  ALL MEN  BY THESE PRESENTS,  that the undersigned,  an officer and/or
director of PXRE  Corporation (the 'Company'),  hereby constitutes and  appoints
Gerald  L. Radke and Sanford M. Kimmel, and each of them singly, as his true and
lawful  attorneys-in-fact  and  agents  with  full  power  of  substitution  and
resubstitution, acting in the name and on behalf of the undersigned, to sign the
Registration  Statement on Form S-4  of the Company and  any and all amendments,
including post-effective amendments,  and supplements (if  any) thereto, and  to
file  the  same, with  all exhibits  thereto and  other documents  in connection
therewith, with the  Securities and  Exchange Commission.  The undersigned  does
hereby  grant unto such  attorneys-in-fact and agents (and  either of them) full
power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and
necessary to be done in such connection, as fully to all intents and purposes as
he might or could do  in person, hereby ratifying  and confirming all that  said
attorneys-in-fact  and  agents  (and either  of  them), or  their  substitute or
substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set  my hand this 17th day of  October,
1996.
 
                                                    /s/ BERNARD KELLY
                                           .....................................
                                                      BERNARD KELLY
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
                                                                      EXHIBIT 24
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
     KNOW  ALL MEN  BY THESE PRESENTS,  that the undersigned,  an officer and/or
director of PXRE  Corporation (the 'Company'),  hereby constitutes and  appoints
Gerald  L. Radke and Sanford M. Kimmel, and each of them singly, as her true and
lawful  attorneys-in-fact  and  agents  with  full  power  of  substitution  and
resubstitution, acting in the name and on behalf of the undersigned, to sign the
Registration  Statement on Form S-4  of the Company and  any and all amendments,
including post-effective amendments,  and supplements (if  any) thereto, and  to
file  the  same, with  all exhibits  thereto and  other documents  in connection
therewith, with the  Securities and  Exchange Commission.  The undersigned  does
hereby  grant unto such  attorneys-in-fact and agents (and  either of them) full
power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and
necessary to be done in such connection, as fully to all intents and purposes as
she might or could do in person,  hereby ratifying and confirming all that  said
attorneys-in-fact  and  agents  (and either  of  them), or  their  substitute or
substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set  my hand this 17th day of  October,
1996.
 
                                                    /s/ WENDY LUSCOMBE
                                           .....................................
                                                      WENDY LUSCOMBE
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
                                                                      EXHIBIT 24
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
     KNOW  ALL MEN  BY THESE PRESENTS,  that the undersigned,  an officer and/or
director of PXRE  Corporation (the 'Company'),  hereby constitutes and  appoints
Gerald  L. Radke and Sanford M. Kimmel, and each of them singly, as his true and
lawful  attorneys-in-fact  and  agents  with  full  power  of  substitution  and
resubstitution, acting in the name and on behalf of the undersigned, to sign the
Registration  Statement on Form S-4  of the Company and  any and all amendments,
including post-effective amendments,  and supplements (if  any) thereto, and  to
file  the  same, with  all exhibits  thereto and  other documents  in connection
therewith, with the  Securities and  Exchange Commission.  The undersigned  does
hereby  grant unto such  attorneys-in-fact and agents (and  either of them) full
power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and
necessary to be done in such connection, as fully to all intents and purposes as
he might or could do  in person, hereby ratifying  and confirming all that  said
attorneys-in-fact  and  agents  (and either  of  them), or  their  substitute or
substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set  my hand this 17th day of  October,
1996.
 
                                                   /s/ EDWARD P. LYONS
                                           .....................................
                                                     EDWARD P. LYONS
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
                                                                      EXHIBIT 24
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
     KNOW  ALL MEN  BY THESE PRESENTS,  that the undersigned,  an officer and/or
director of PXRE  Corporation (the 'Company'),  hereby constitutes and  appoints
Gerald  L. Radke and Sanford M. Kimmel, and each of them singly, as his true and
lawful  attorneys-in-fact  and  agents  with  full  power  of  substitution  and
resubstitution, acting in the name and on behalf of the undersigned, to sign the
Registration  Statement on Form S-4  of the Company and  any and all amendments,
including post-effective amendments,  and supplements (if  any) thereto, and  to
file  the  same, with  all exhibits  thereto and  other documents  in connection
therewith, with the  Securities and  Exchange Commission.  The undersigned  does
hereby  grant unto such  attorneys-in-fact and agents (and  either of them) full
power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and
necessary to be done in such connection, as fully to all intents and purposes as
he might or could do  in person, hereby ratifying  and confirming all that  said
attorneys-in-fact  and  agents  (and either  of  them), or  their  substitute or
substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set  my hand this 17th day of  October,
1996.
 
                                                 /s/ PHILIP R. MCLOUGHLIN
                                           .....................................
                                                   PHILIP R. MCLOUGHLIN
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
                                                                      EXHIBIT 24
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
     KNOW  ALL MEN  BY THESE PRESENTS,  that the undersigned,  an officer and/or
director of PXRE  Corporation (the 'Company'),  hereby constitutes and  appoints
Gerald  L. Radke and Sanford M. Kimmel, and each of them singly, as his true and
lawful  attorneys-in-fact  and  agents  with  full  power  of  substitution  and
resubstitution, acting in the name and on behalf of the undersigned, to sign the
Registration  Statement on Form S-4  of the Company and  any and all amendments,
including post-effective amendments,  and supplements (if  any) thereto, and  to
file  the  same, with  all exhibits  thereto and  other documents  in connection
therewith, with the  Securities and  Exchange Commission.  The undersigned  does
hereby  grant unto such  attorneys-in-fact and agents (and  either of them) full
power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and
necessary to be done in such connection, as fully to all intents and purposes as
he might or could do  in person, hereby ratifying  and confirming all that  said
attorneys-in-fact  and  agents  (and either  of  them), or  their  substitute or
substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set  my hand this 17th day of  October,
1996.
 
                                                  /s/ DAVID W. SEARFOSS
                                           .....................................
                                                    DAVID W. SEARFOSS
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
                                                                      EXHIBIT 24
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
     KNOW  ALL MEN  BY THESE PRESENTS,  that the undersigned,  an officer and/or
director of PXRE  Corporation (the 'Company'),  hereby constitutes and  appoints
Gerald  L. Radke and Sanford M. Kimmel, and each of them singly, as his true and
lawful  attorneys-in-fact  and  agents  with  full  power  of  substitution  and
resubstitution, acting in the name and on behalf of the undersigned, to sign the
Registration  Statement on Form S-4  of the Company and  any and all amendments,
including post-effective amendments,  and supplements (if  any) thereto, and  to
file  the  same, with  all exhibits  thereto and  other documents  in connection
therewith, with the  Securities and  Exchange Commission.  The undersigned  does
hereby  grant unto such  attorneys-in-fact and agents (and  either of them) full
power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and
necessary to be done in such connection, as fully to all intents and purposes as
he might or could do  in person, hereby ratifying  and confirming all that  said
attorneys-in-fact  and  agents  (and either  of  them), or  their  substitute or
substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set  my hand this 21st day of  October,
1996.
 
                                                 /s/ DONALD H. TRAUTLEIN
                                           .....................................
                                                   DONALD H. TRAUTLEIN
 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
                                                                      EXHIBIT 24
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
     KNOW  ALL MEN  BY THESE PRESENTS,  that the undersigned,  an officer and/or
director of PXRE  Corporation (the 'Company'),  hereby constitutes and  appoints
Gerald  L. Radke and Sanford M. Kimmel, and each of them singly, as his true and
lawful  attorneys-in-fact  and  agents  with  full  power  of  substitution  and
resubstitution, acting in the name and on behalf of the undersigned, to sign the
Registration  Statement on Form S-4  of the Company and  any and all amendments,
including post-effective amendments,  and supplements (if  any) thereto, and  to
file  the  same, with  all exhibits  thereto and  other documents  in connection
therewith, with the  Securities and  Exchange Commission.  The undersigned  does
hereby  grant unto such  attorneys-in-fact and agents (and  either of them) full
power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and
necessary to be done in such connection, as fully to all intents and purposes as
he might or could do  in person, hereby ratifying  and confirming all that  said
attorneys-in-fact  and  agents  (and either  of  them), or  their  substitute or
substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set  my hand this 17th day of  October,
1996.
 
                                                     /s/ WILSON WILDE
                                           .....................................
                                                       WILSON WILDE

<PAGE>


<PAGE>
                                                                    EXHIBIT 99.1
 
PROXY                           PXRE CORPORATION                           PROXY
                        SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
                                DECEMBER 9, 1996
       THIS PROXY IS BEING SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 
     The  undersigned hereby  appoints Gerald L.  Radke, F.  Sedgwick Browne and
Sanford M. Kimmel, and each or any of them, with full power of substitution, the
proxies of the undersigned  to vote all  of the shares of  Common Stock of  PXRE
Corporation  which the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Special Meeting of
Stockholders of PXRE Corporation to be held at the offices of PXRE  Corporation,
399  Thornall  Street,  14th  Floor,  Edison, New  Jersey  on  December  9, 1996
commencing at 1:00 p.m. and at any adjournment or adjournments thereof, with all
the powers the undersigned would possess if personally present upon:
 
          (1) APPROVAL OF MERGER AGREEMENT: Authority to vote this Proxy for the
              approval and adoption of the  Agreement and Plan of Merger,  dated
              as of August 22, 1996, as amended, by and between PXRE Corporation
              and Transnational Re Corporation ('Transnational'), providing for,
              among other things, the merger of Transnational with and into PXRE
              Corporation  and the issuance of PXRE  Common Stock to the holders
              of Transnational  Common Stock,  as more  fully described  in  the
              Proxy  Statement dated  November 1,  1996 relating  to the Special
              Meeting, is:
 
                   [ ]  GRANTED                  [ ]  WITHHELD
 
          (2) APPROVAL OF  AMENDMENT TO  RESTATED CERTIFICATE  OF  INCOPORATION:
              Authority  to vote this Proxy for the approval and adoption of the
              amendment to  the Restated  Certificate of  Incorporation of  PXRE
              Corporation,  as more fully described in the Proxy Statement dated
              November 1, 1996 relating to the Special Meeting, is:
 
                   [ ]  GRANTED                  [ ]  WITHHELD
 
          (3) In their  discretion,  such other  matters  as may  properly  come
              before the meeting.
 
     UNLESS  A CONTRARY DIRECTION  IS INDICATED, THE  SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS
PROXY SHALL  BE VOTED  FOR THE  APPROVAL AND  ADOPTION OF  THE MERGER  AGREEMENT
(INCLUDING  THE ISSUANCE OF PXRE COMMON STOCK  PROVIDED FOR THEREIN) AND FOR THE
APPROVAL  AND  ADOPTION  OF  THE  AMENDMENT  TO  THE  RESTATED  CERTIFICATE   OF
INCORPORATION OF PXRE CORPORATION.
 
                                          Please   sign  exactly  as  your  name
                                          appears on this Proxy. If signing  for
                                          estates, trusts or corporations, title
                                          or   capacity  should  be  stated.  If
                                          shares are held  jointly, each  holder
                                          should sign.
 
                                          Dated: ........................ , 1996

                                          ......................................
                                                        SIGNATURE
 
                                           .....................................
                                                        SIGNATURE
 
<PAGE>


<PAGE>
                                                                    EXHIBIT 99.2
 
PROXY                     TRANSNATIONAL RE CORPORATION                     PROXY
                        SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
                                DECEMBER 9, 1996
       THIS PROXY IS BEING SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 
     The  undersigned hereby  appoints Gerald L.  Radke, F.  Sedgwick Browne and
Sanford M. Kimmel, and each or any of them, with full power of substitution, the
proxies of  the  undersigned to  vote  all of  the  shares of  Common  Stock  of
Transnational  Re Corporation which  the undersigned is entitled  to vote at the
Special Meeting of Stockholders  of Transnational Re Corporation  to be held  at
the  offices of Transnational  Re Corporation, 399  Thornall Street, 14th Floor,
Edison, New  Jersey on  December 9,  1996 commencing  at 3:00  p.m. and  at  any
adjournment  or adjournments thereof, with all  the powers the undersigned would
possess if personally present upon:
 
          (1) APPROVAL OF MERGER AGREEMENT: Authority to vote this Proxy for the
              approval and adoption of the  Agreement and Plan of Merger,  dated
              as of August 22, 1996, as amended, by and between Transnational Re
              Corporation  and  PXRE  Corporation,  providing  for,  among other
              things, the merger of Transnational  Re Corporation with and  into
              PXRE  Corporation, as more fully  described in the Proxy Statement
              dated November 1, 1996 relating to the Special Meeting, is:
 
                   [ ]  GRANTED                  [ ]  WITHHELD
 
          (2) In their  discretion,  such other  matters  as may  properly  come
              before the meeting.
 
     UNLESS  A CONTRARY DIRECTION  IS INDICATED, THE  SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS
PROXY SHALL BE VOTED FOR THE APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT.
 
                                          Please  sign  exactly  as  your   name
                                          appears  on this Proxy. If signing for
                                          estates, trusts or corporations, title
                                          or  capacity  should  be  stated.   If
                                          shares  are held  jointly, each holder
                                          should sign.
 
                                          Dated: ........................ , 1996

                                          ......................................
                                                        SIGNATURE
 
                                           .....................................
                                                        SIGNATURE

<PAGE>



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