LEHMAN BROTHERS HOLDINGS INC
S-4, 1997-04-15
SECURITY BROKERS, DEALERS & FLOTATION COMPANIES
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<PAGE>   1
 
     AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON APRIL 15, 1997
 
                                                     REGISTRATION NO. 333-
================================================================================
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                            ------------------------
 
                                    FORM S-4
 
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                            ------------------------
 
                         LEHMAN BROTHERS HOLDINGS INC.
             (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                            <C>                            <C>
           DELAWARE                         6211                        13-3216325
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF  (PRIMARY STANDARD INDUSTRIAL        (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)   CLASSIFICATION CODE NUMBER)        IDENTIFICATION NO.)
</TABLE>
 
                            ------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                           <C>
                                                          THOMAS A. RUSSO, ESQ.
           3 WORLD FINANCIAL CENTER                      3 WORLD FINANCIAL CENTER
           NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10285                      NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10285
                (212) 526-7000                                (212) 526-7000
 (ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE     (NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND
               NUMBER, INCLUDING                                TELEPHONE
AREA CODE, OF REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE   NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF AGENT FOR
                    OFFICES)                                     SERVICE)
</TABLE>
 
                                    COPY TO:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                           <C>
           RAYMOND W. WAGNER, ESQ.                         JENNIFER MARRE, ESQ.
          SIMPSON THACHER & BARTLETT                       LEHMAN BROTHERS INC.
             425 LEXINGTON AVENUE                        3 WORLD FINANCIAL CENTER
           NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10017                      NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10285
</TABLE>
 
                            ------------------------
 
     APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE OF THE SECURITIES TO
PUBLIC: As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Registration
Statement.
 
     If any of 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 6, check the following box.  [ ]
                            ------------------------
 
                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
 
<TABLE>
<S>                            <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>
=================================================================================================
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 MAXIMUM PROPOSED
                                                MAXIMUM PROPOSED    AGGREGATE        AMOUNT OF
    TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF        AMOUNT TO      OFFERING PRICE      OFFERING      REGISTRATION
 SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED    BE REGISTERED     PER SHARE(1)       PRICE(1)           FEE
<S>                            <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cumulative Convertible Voting
  Preferred Stock, Series B,      13,000,000
  par value $1.00 per share...      shares           $26.34        $342,420,000      $103,764
=================================================================================================
</TABLE>
 
(1) Calculated pursuant to Rule 457(c) based on the average of the bid and asked
    price of the Registrant's Cumulative Convertible Voting Preferred Stock,
    Series A, par value $1.00 per share, on April 14, 1997.
                            ------------------------
 
     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>   2
 
     INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A
     REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
     SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR
     MAY OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
     BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR
     THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE
     SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE
     UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS
     OF ANY SUCH STATE.
 
                  Subject to Completion, dated April 15, 1997
 
PROSPECTUS
 
                         LEHMAN BROTHERS HOLDINGS INC.
                               Offer to Exchange
               13,000,000 Shares of Cumulative Convertible Voting
         Preferred Stock, Series B, par value $1.00 per share, for its
           Outstanding Cumulative Convertible Voting Preferred Stock,
                      Series A, par value $1.00 per share.
                            ------------------------
    The Exchange Offer will expire at 12:00 midnight, New York City time, on May
  , 1997, unless extended (the "Expiration Date").
 
    Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. (the "Company") hereby offers to exchange (the
"Exchange Offer"), on a share-for-share basis, up to 13,000,000 shares of its
new Cumulative Convertible Voting Preferred Stock, Series B (the "Series B
Preferred Stock") for up to 13,000,000 shares of its outstanding Cumulative
Convertible Voting Preferred Stock, Series A (the "Series A Preferred Stock").
Such 13,000,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock constitute all outstanding
shares of the Series A Preferred Stock.
 
    The terms of the Series B Preferred Stock (including dividend rate, voting
rights and liquidation preference) are identical in all material respects to the
terms of the Series A Preferred Stock for which they may be exchanged pursuant
to the Exchange Offer, except that conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock
will not be subject to the restriction in the terms of the Series A Preferred
Stock requiring that at least 250,000 shares thereof be converted at any one
time.
 
    The annual dividend rate per share on the Series B Preferred Stock will be
in an amount equal to $1.955 per share. Dividends on the shares of Series B
Preferred Stock, when and as declared by the Board of Directors of the Company,
will be cumulative and will be payable on March 15, June 15, September 15 and
December 15 in each year (the "Dividend Payment Dates"), commencing on June 15,
1997. Dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock will be paid to the holders of
record of shares of Series B Preferred Stock of the Company on a record date,
not exceeding 40 days preceding the payment date thereof.
 
    The Series B Preferred Stock will be redeemable at the option of the Company
on any Dividend Payment Date, in specified cumulative amounts increasing to
13,000,000 shares on and after June 15, 1998 (subject to reduction as described
herein), upon at least 30 days' and not more than 45 days' notice to the holders
thereof, at $39.10 per share plus accumulated and unpaid dividends (whether or
not earned or declared) to the date fixed for redemption, provided that the
Average Market Price (as defined) of the Common Stock on the date such notice is
given is greater than the Conversion Price (as defined). As of March 31, 1997,
the Average Market Price would have been $33.60 and the Conversion Price would
have been $123.0212380. Accordingly, at that date the Series B Preferred Stock
would not have been redeemable at the option of the Company. The Series B
Preferred Stock will not be subject to any mandatory sinking fund.
 
    Each share of Series B Preferred Stock will be convertible at the option of
the holder at any time, unless previously redeemed, into a number of shares of
Common Stock equal to $39.10 divided by the Conversion Price in effect at the
time of such conversion. As of the date of this Prospectus, the Conversion
Price, which is subject to adjustment under certain conditions, would have been
$123.0212380.
 
    The liquidation preference of each share of Series B Preferred Stock will be
equal to $39.10 plus an amount equal to accumulated and unpaid dividends
(whether or not earned or declared) on such share of Series B Preferred Stock.
 
    The Exchange Offer is not conditioned upon any minimum number of shares of
Series B Preferred Stock being tendered for exchange. The date of acceptance and
exchange of the Series A Preferred Stock (the "Exchange Date") will be the first
business day following the Expiration Date. Shares of Series A Preferred Stock
tendered pursuant to the Exchange Offer may be withdrawn at any time prior to
the Expiration Date. The Company will pay all expenses incident to the Exchange
Offer. The Company will not receive any proceeds from the Exchange Offer.
 
    A HOLDER OF SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK WHO EXCHANGES SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK
FOR SERIES B PREFERRED STOCK WILL NOT RECOGNIZE ANY GAIN OR LOSS FOR UNITED
STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES AS A RESULT OF SUCH EXCHANGE.
                            ------------------------
  THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
 EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
   AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
                               CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
                            ------------------------
                    The Dealer Manager for this Offering is:
                                LEHMAN BROTHERS
 
                       , 1997
<PAGE>   3
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
     The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") and in accordance therewith files
reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"SEC"). Such reports and information may be inspected and copied at the public
reference facilities maintained by the SEC at 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the following Regional Offices of the SEC: New
York Regional Office, 7 World Trade Center, New York, New York 10048; and
Chicago Regional Office, Suite 1400, Northwestern Atrium Center, 500 W. Madison
Street, Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511; and copies of such material can be
obtained from the Public Reference Section of the SEC, 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. The SEC also maintains a Web site
at http://www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements
and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the
SEC. The Company's Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange
("NYSE") and the Pacific Stock Exchange Inc. (the "PSE"). The Company's 8 3/4%
Notes Due 2002 and 8.3% Quarterly Income Capital Securities (Series A
Subordinated Interest Deferrable Debentures Due 2035) are listed on the NYSE.
The Company's $55 Million Serial Zero Coupon Senior Notes Due May 16, 1998,
Global Telecommunications Stock Upside Note Securities SM Due 2000, 9 1/8%
Micron Yield Enhanced Equity Linked Debt Securities Due 1997 and AMEX Hong Kong
30 Index Call Warrants expiring January 23, 1998 are listed on the American
Stock Exchange, Inc. (the "ASE"). Reports and other information concerning the
Company may also be inspected at the offices of the NYSE at 20 Broad Street, New
York, New York 10005, at the offices of the ASE, at 86 Trinity Place, New York,
New York 10006 and at the offices of the PSE, 301 Pine Street, San Francisco,
California 94104.
 
     The Company has filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4
(herein, together with all amendments and exhibits, the "Registration
Statement") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act").
The Company has filed an Issuer Tender Offer Statement on Schedule 13E-4
(herein, together with all exhibits and schedules thereto, the "Schedule 13E-4")
with the SEC under the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder,
which includes certain additional information relating to the Exchange Offer and
the Series B Preferred Stock offered hereby. This Prospectus does not contain
all of the information set forth in the Registration Statement or the Schedule
13E-4, certain parts of which are omitted in accordance with the rules and
regulations of the SEC, and to which reference is hereby made. For further
information, reference is hereby made to the Registration Statement and the
Schedule 13E-4.
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   4
 
                      DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
 
     The following documents previously filed by the Company with the SEC
pursuant to the Exchange Act are hereby incorporated by reference in this
Prospectus:
 
          (1) The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
     November 30, 1996.
 
          (2) The Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
     February 28, 1997.
 
          (3) The Company's Current Reports on Form 8-K dated January 8, 1997
     and March 26, 1997.
 
     Each document filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this Prospectus and prior to the
Expiration Date shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this
Prospectus from the date of filing of such document. 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 the Registration
Statement and this Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein or
in any subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated
by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so
modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded,
to constitute a part of the Registration statements or this Prospectus.
 
     The Company will provide without charge to each person, including any
beneficial owner of any of the Series A Preferred Stock, to whom a copy of this
Prospectus is delivered, upon the written or oral request of any such person, a
copy of any or all of the documents which are incorporated herein by reference,
other than exhibits to such documents (unless such exhibits are specifically
incorporated by reference into such documents). Requests should be directed to
Mary Jo Capko, the Controller's Office, Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc., 3 World
Financial Center, 8th Floor, New York, New York 10285 (telephone (212)
526-0660). IN ORDER TO ENSURE TIMELY DELIVERY OF THE DOCUMENTS ANY REQUEST
SHOULD BE MADE BY FIVE BUSINESS DAYS PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION DATE.
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   5
 
                                    SUMMARY
 
     The following summary is qualified in its entirety by and should be read in
conjunction with, the more detailed information contained elsewhere in this
Prospectus. Holders of Series A Preferred Stock are urged to read this
Prospectus in its entirety. All references to the "Company" shall mean Lehman
Brothers Holdings Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless the context
requires otherwise.
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
     The Company is one of the leading global investment banks serving
institutional, corporate, government and high net worth individual clients and
customers. The Company's worldwide headquarters in New York and regional
headquarters in London and Tokyo are complemented by offices in additional
locations in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Latin and South America
and the Asia-Pacific region.
 
     The Company's business includes capital raising for clients through
securities underwriting and direct placements; corporate finance and strategic
advisory services; merchant banking; securities sales and trading; asset
management; research; and the trading of foreign exchange and derivative
products. The Company acts as a market marker in all major equity and fixed
income products in both the domestic and international markets. The Company is a
member of all principal securities and commodities exchanges in the United
States, as well as the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
("NASD"), and holds memberships or associate memberships on several principal
international securities and commodities exchanges, including the London, Tokyo,
Hong Kong, Frankfurt, Milan and Stockholm stock exchanges.
 
     The Company was incorporated in Delaware on December 29, 1983. The
Company's principal executive offices are located at 3 World Financial Center,
New York, New York 10285 (telephone (212) 526-7000).
 
                               THE EXCHANGE OFFER
 
THE EXCHANGE OFFER.........  The Company is offering to exchange pursuant to the
                             Exchange Offer, on a share-for-share basis, up to
                             13,000,000 shares of its new Cumulative Convertible
                             Voting Preferred Stock, Series B (the "Series B
                             Preferred Stock") for up to 13,000,000 shares of
                             its outstanding Cumulative Convertible Voting
                             Preferred Stock, Series A (the "Series A Preferred
                             Stock"). The terms of the Series B Preferred Stock
                             (including dividend rate, voting rights and
                             liquidation preference) are identical in all
                             material respects to the terms of the Series A
                             Preferred Stock for which they may be exchanged
                             pursuant to the Exchange Offer, except that
                             conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock will not
                             be subject to the restriction in the terms of the
                             Senior A Preferred Stock requiring that at least
                             250,000 shares thereof be converted at any one
                             time. See "The Exchange Offer -- Terms of the
                             Exchange" and "--Terms and Conditions of the Letter
                             of Transmittal" and "Description of Series B
                             Preferred Stock."
 
DIVIDEND PAYMENTS..........  Holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock
                             accepted for exchange pursuant to the Exchange
                             Offer will not receive dividends accrued from March
                             15, 1997 (the last regular dividend payment period
                             with respect to the Series A Preferred Stock) on
                             such Series A Preferred Stock. Holders whose shares
                             of Series A Preferred Stock are accepted for
                             exchange will be entitled to receive dividends on
                             the Series B Preferred Stock, when and as declared
                             by the Board of Directors, or any duly authorized
                             committee thereof, accruing in the amount of
                             $0.48875 per share (equal to the indicated annual
                             dividend amount per share of Series A Preferred
                             Stock divided by four) from March 15, 1997 to, but
                             excluding, June 15, 1997 (the first Dividend
                             Payment Date for the Series B Preferred Stock).
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   6
 
MINIMUM CONDITION..........  The Exchange Offer is not conditioned upon any
                             minimum number of shares of Series A Preferred
                             Stock being tendered for exchange.
 
EXPIRATION DATE............  The Exchange Offer will expire at 12:00 midnight,
                             New York City time, on May   , 1997, unless
                             extended (the "Expiration Date"). Any share of
                             Series A Preferred Stock not accepted for exchange
                             for any reason will be returned without expense to
                             the tendering holder thereof as promptly as
                             practicable after the expiration or termination of
                             the Exchange Offer.
 
EXCHANGE DATE..............  The date of acceptance for exchange of the Series A
                             Preferred Stock will be the first business day
                             following the Expiration Date.
 
CONDITIONS OF THE EXCHANGE
  OFFER....................  The Company's obligation to consummate the Exchange
                             Offer will be subject to certain conditions. See
                             "The Exchange Offer -- Conditions to the Exchange
                             Offer." The Company reserves the right to terminate
                             or amend the Exchange Offer at any time prior to
                             the Expiration Date upon the occurrence of any such
                             condition.
 
WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS..........  The tender of Series A Preferred Stock pursuant to
                             the Exchange Offer may be withdrawn at any time
                             prior to the Expiration Date.
 
PROCEDURES FOR TENDERING
NOTES......................  See "The Exchange Offer -- Tender Procedure."
 
FEDERAL INCOME
  TAX CONSEQUENCES.........  In the opinion of counsel, a holder of Series A
                             Preferred Stock who exchanges Series A Preferred
                             Stock for Series B Preferred Stock will not
                             recognize any gain or loss for United States
                             federal income tax purposes as a result of such
                             exchange. See "Certain United States Federal Income
                             Tax Consequences." With respect to dividends paid
                             on the Series B Preferred Stock, holders of Series
                             B Preferred Stock will be eligible for the
                             dividends-received deduction available to domestic
                             corporate holders to the extent they were eligible
                             for the dividends-received deduction with respect
                             to dividends paid on the Series A Preferred Stock.
 
USE OF PROCEEDS............  There will be no cash proceeds to the Company from
                             the exchange pursuant to the Exchange Offer.
 
EXCHANGE AGENT AND
  INFORMATION AGENT........  Lehman Brothers Inc. ("Lehman Brothers") is serving
                             as Exchange Agent and Information Agent in
                             connection with the Exchange Offer.
 
CONSEQUENCE OF FAILURE
  TO EXCHANGE..............  Holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock who
                             do not exchange their shares of Series A Preferred
                             Stock for shares of Series B Preferred Stock
                             pursuant to the Exchange Offer will continue to be
                             subject to the restriction on conversion of such
                             Series A Preferred Stock requiring the conversion
                             of at least 250,000 shares thereof at any one time.
 
MARKET FOR SERIES B
PREFERRED
  STOCK....................  The Series B Preferred Stock will be a new issue of
                             securities with no established trading market. The
                             Company has been advised by Lehman Brothers that it
                             intends to make a market in the Series B Preferred
                             Stock but is not obligated to do so and may
                             discontinue market making at any time without
                             notice. No assurance can be given as to the
                             liquidity of the trading market for the Series B
                             Preferred Stock.
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   7
 
                     TERMS OF THE SERIES B PREFERRED STOCK
 
ISSUER.....................  Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc.
 
SECURITIES OFFERED.........  Up to 13,000,000 shares of Cumulative Convertible
                             Voting Preferred Stock, Series B, par value $1.00
                             per share (the "Series B Preferred Stock").
 
DIVIDENDS..................  The annual dividend rate per share of Series B
                             Preferred Stock will be in an amount equal to
                             $1.955 per share. Dividends on the shares of Series
                             B Preferred Stock, when and as declared by the
                             Board of Directors of the Company, will be
                             cumulative and payable on March 15, June 15,
                             September 15 and December 15 in each year,
                             commencing on June 15, 1997.
 
MANDATORY REDEMPTION.......  None.
 
OPTIONAL REDEMPTION........  Series B Preferred Stock is redeemable at the
                             option of the Company on any Dividend Payment Date,
                             in specified cumulative amounts increasing to
                             13,000,000 shares on and after June 15, 1998
                             (subject to reduction as described herein), upon at
                             least 30 days' and not more than 45 days' notice to
                             the holders thereof, at $39.10 per share plus
                             accumulated and unpaid dividends (whether or not
                             earned or declared) to the date fixed for
                             redemption, provided that the Average Market Price
                             of the Common Stock on the date such notice is
                             given is greater than the Conversion Price. As of
                             March 31, 1997, the Average Market Price would have
                             been $33.60 and the Conversion Price would have
                             been $123.0212380. Accordingly, at that date the
                             Series B Preferred Stock would not have been
                             redeemable at the option of the Company. See
                             "Description of Series B Preferred
                             Stock -- Redemption."
 
CONVERSION.................  Each share of Series B Preferred Stock will be
                             convertible at the option of the holder at any
                             time, unless previously redeemed, into a number of
                             shares of Common Stock equal to $39.10 divided by
                             the Conversion Price in effect at the time of such
                             conversion. As of the date of this Prospectus, the
                             Conversion Price, which is subject to adjustment
                             under certain conditions, would have been
                             $123.0212380.
 
LIQUIDATION................  The liquidation preference of each share of Series
                             B Preferred Stock will be equal to $39.10 plus an
                             amount equal to accumulated and unpaid dividends
                             (whether or not earned or declared) on such share
                             of Series B Preferred Stock.
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   8
 
                            SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
     The following table summarizes certain consolidated financial information
based upon the Company's historical results included in the Company's audited
financial statements for the twelve months ended November 30, 1996 and 1995, the
eleven months ended November 30, 1994 and the twelve months ended December 31,
1993 and 1992. During 1993, the Company completed the sales of three businesses.
As a result, the Company's 1993 historical results are not directly comparable
with financial information of prior years presented. In addition, the Company's
1994 results presented below are for the eleven month period ended November 30,
due to the Company's decision to change its year-end from December 31. For these
reasons, the Company's 1994 results are not fully comparable with all periods
presented below. The information set forth below should be read in conjunction
with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" and the Company's 1996 Consolidated Financial Statements and notes
thereto, incorporated by reference in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the year ended November 30, 1996, incorporated herein by reference.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA
                                          ---------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                               TWELVE MONTHS
                                          TWELVE MONTHS    TWELVE MONTHS    ELEVEN MONTHS          ENDED
                                              ENDED            ENDED            ENDED           DECEMBER 31,
                                          NOVEMBER 30,     NOVEMBER 30,     NOVEMBER 30,     ------------------
                                              1996             1995             1994          1993       1992
                                          -------------    -------------    -------------    -------    -------
                                                    (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND EMPLOYEE DATA)
<S>                                       <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>        <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
 
Revenues:
  Principal transactions................    $   1,579        $   1,393        $   1,345      $ 2,055    $ 1,767
  Investment banking....................          981              801              572          972        892
  Commissions...........................          362              450              445        1,316      1,677
  Interest and dividends................       11,298           10,788            6,761        5,840      5,661
  Other.................................           40               44               67          491        684
                                             --------         --------         --------      -------    -------
    Total revenues......................       14,260           13,476            9,190       10,674     10,681
  Interest expense......................       10,816           10,405            6,452        5,368      5,185
                                             --------         --------         --------      -------    -------
    Net revenues........................        3,444            3,071            2,738        5,306      5,496
                                             --------         --------         --------      -------    -------
Non-interest expenses:
  Compensation and benefits.............        1,747            1,544            1,413        2,989      3,310
  Other expenses........................          976            1,061            1,084        1,603      2,188
  Loss on sale of Shearson..............                                                         535
  Severance and other charges...........           84               97               48          152        245
                                             --------         --------         --------      -------    -------
    Total non-interest expenses.........        2,807            2,702            2,545        5,279      5,743
                                             --------         --------         --------      -------    -------
Income (loss) from continuing operations
  before taxes and cumulative effect of
  changes in accounting principles......          637              369              193           27       (247)
Provision for (benefit from) income
  taxes.................................          221              127               67          318        (54)
                                             --------         --------         --------      -------    -------
Income (loss) from continuing operations
  before cumulative effect of changes in
  accounting principles.................          416              242              126         (291)      (193)
Income (loss) from discontinued
  operations............................                                                         189         77
Cumulative effect of changes in
  accounting principles, net of taxes...                                            (13)                     (7)
                                             --------         --------         --------      -------    -------
Net income (loss).......................    $     416        $     242        $     113      $  (102)   $  (123)
                                             ========         ========         ========      =======    =======
Net income (loss) applicable to common
  stock.................................    $     378        $     200        $      75      $  (150)   $  (171)
                                             ========         ========         ========      =======    =======
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
  (at period end)
Total assets............................    $ 128,596        $ 115,303        $ 109,947      $80,474    $85,232
Total assets excluding matched
  book(a)...............................       96,256           79,069           72,457       54,428     58,866
Long-term debt(b).......................       15,922           12,765           11,321        9,899      7,680
Total stockholders' equity..............        3,874            3,698            3,395        2,052      2,361
Total capital(c)........................       19,796           16,463           14,716       11,951     10,041
</TABLE>
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   9
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA
                                          ---------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                               TWELVE MONTHS
                                          TWELVE MONTHS    TWELVE MONTHS    ELEVEN MONTHS          ENDED
                                              ENDED            ENDED            ENDED           DECEMBER 31,
                                          NOVEMBER 30,     NOVEMBER 30,     NOVEMBER 30,     ------------------
                                              1996             1995             1994          1993       1992
                                          -------------    -------------    -------------    -------    -------
                                                    (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND EMPLOYEE DATA)
<S>                                       <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>        <C>
PER SHARE DATA(d)
Income (loss) from continuing operations
  before cumulative effect of change in
  accounting principle..................    $    3.24        $    1.76        $    0.81      $ (3.20)
Discontinued operations.................                                                        1.79
Cumulative effect of change in
  accounting principle..................                                          (0.12)
Net income (loss).......................         3.24             1.76             0.69        (1.41)
Dividends declared per common share.....         0.20             0.20            0.175
Book value per common share (at period
  end)..................................        28.84            25.67            24.35
OTHER DATA (at period end)
Ratio of total assets to total
  stockholders' equity..................         33.2x            31.2x            32.4x        39.2x      36.1x
Ratio of total assets excluding matched
  book to total stockholders'
  equity(a).............................         24.8x            21.4x            21.3x        26.5x      24.9x
Return on common equity
  (annualized)(e).......................         13.9%             7.5%             6.2%
Ratio of earnings to combined fixed
  charges and preferred stock
  dividends(f)..........................         1.05             1.03             1.02             (g)        (g)
Employees...............................        7,556            7,771            8,512        9,300
</TABLE>
 
     As noted above, the Company's historical financial statements are not fully
comparable, due to the sales of three significant businesses in 1993 and the
eleven month reporting period presented for 1994. To facilitate an understanding
of the Company' s results, included below is a table reflecting the results of
the ongoing businesses of the Company (the "Lehman Businesses") for the twelve
months ended November 30, 1996 and 1995, the eleven months ended November 30,
1994 and the years ended December 31, 1993 and 1992.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     LEHMAN BUSINESSES
                                            -------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    TWELVE MONTHS
                                            TWELVE MONTHS        TWELVE MONTHS    ELEVEN MONTHS         ENDED
                                                ENDED                ENDED            ENDED          DECEMBER 31,
                                            NOVEMBER 30,         NOVEMBER 30,     NOVEMBER 30,     ----------------
                                                1996                 1995             1994          1993      1992
                                            -------------        -------------    -------------    ------    ------
                                             (UNAUDITED)                        (IN MILLIONS) 
<S>                                         <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>       <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
 
Revenues:
  Principal transactions..................     $ 1,579          $ 1,393          $ 1,345       $1,732    $1,192
  Investment banking......................         981              801              572          802       674
  Commissions.............................         362              450              445          488       446
  Interest and dividends..................      11,298           10,788            6,761        5,679     5,404
  Other...................................          40               44               67           79        65
                                               -------          -------           ------       ------    ------
    Total revenues........................      14,260           13,476            9,190        8,780     7,781
  Interest expense........................      10,816           10,405            6,452        5,225     4,928
                                               -------          -------           ------       ------    ------
    Net revenues..........................       3,444            3,071            2,738        3,555     2,853
                                               -------          -------           ------       ------    ------
Non-interest expenses:
  Compensation and benefits...............       1,747            1,544            1,413        1,825     1,551
  Other expenses..........................         976            1,061            1,084        1,133     1,411
  Severance and other charges.............          84               97               48           32       245
                                               -------          -------           ------       ------    ------
    Total non-interest expenses...........       2,807            2,702            2,545        2,990     3,207
                                               -------          -------           ------       ------    ------
Income (loss) from continuing operations
  before taxes and cumulative effect of
  changes in accounting principles........         637              369              193          565      (354)
Provision for (benefit from) income
  taxes...................................         221              127               67          210      (109)
                                               -------          -------           ------       ------    ------
Income (loss) from continuing operations
  before cumulative effect of changes in
  accounting principles...................     $   416          $   242          $   126       $  355    $ (245)
                                               -------          -------           ------       ------    ------
</TABLE>
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   10
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     LEHMAN BUSINESSES
                                            -------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                TWELVE MONTHS
                                                             TWELVE MONTHS    ELEVEN MONTHS         ENDED
                                                                 ENDED            ENDED          DECEMBER 31,
                                            TWELVE MONTHS    NOVEMBER 30,     NOVEMBER 30,     ----------------
                                                ENDED            1995             1994          1993      1992
                                            NOVEMBER 30,     -------------    -------------    ------    ------
                                                1996
                                            -------------
                                             (UNAUDITED)               (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                         <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>       <C>
FINANCIAL RATIOS (%):(e)
  Compensation and benefits/net
    revenues..............................        50.7             50.8             51.6         51.4      54.4
  Pretax operating margin.................        20.9             13.2              8.8         16.8      (3.8)
  Effective tax rate......................          35               35               34           37       N/M
  Return on common equity (annualized)....        13.9              7.5              6.2
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(a)   Matched book represents "securities purchased under agreements to resell"
      ("reverse repos") to the extent that such balance is less than "securities
      sold under agreements to repurchase" ("repos") as of the statement of
      financial condition date. Several nationally recognized rating agencies
      consider such reverse repos to be a proxy for matched book assets when
      evaluating the Company's capital strength and financial ratios. Such
      agencies consider matched book assets to have a low risk profile and
      exclude such amounts in the calculation of leverage (total assets divided
      by total stockholders' equity). Although there are other assets with
      similar risk characteristics on the Company's Statement of Financial
      Condition, the exclusion of reverse repos from total assets in this
      calculation reflects the fact that these assets are matched against
      liabilities of a similar nature, and therefore require minimal amounts of
      capital support. Accordingly, the Company believes the ratio of total
      assets excluding matched book to total stockholders' equity to be a more
      meaningful measure of the Company's leverage.
 
(b)   Long-term debt includes senior notes and subordinated indebtedness.
 
(c)   Total capital includes total stockholders' equity and long-term debt.
 
(d)   Earnings per common share data for the year ended 1993 includes Common
      Stock issued as of May 31, 1994, when all of the shares of Common Stock of
      the Company were distributed to American Express Company common
      shareholders of record on May 20, 1994.
 
(e)   Financial ratios exclude reserves and other charges and for the twelve
      months ended November 30, 1995 exclude the effect of the sale of Omnitel.
 
(f)    In computing the ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and
       preferred stock dividends, "earnings" consist principally of interest
       expense and one-third of office rentals and one-fifth of equipment
       rentals, which are deemed to be representative of the interest factor.
 
(g)   Earnings were inadequate to cover fixed charges and preferred dividends
      and would have had to increase approximately $295 million in 1992 and $27
      million in 1993 in order to cover the deficiencies for the respective
      periods.
 
N/M Not Meaningful.
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   11
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
     There will be no cash proceeds to the Company from the Exchange Offer.
 
                               THE EXCHANGE OFFER
 
PURPOSE OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER
 
     The principal purpose of the Exchange Offer is to permit holders of the
Series A Preferred Stock to convert shares of Series B Preferred Stock into
shares of Common Stock without requiring that at least 250,000 shares of Series
B Preferred Stock be converted at any one time.
 
TERMS OF THE EXCHANGE
 
     The Company hereby offers to exchange, subject to the conditions set forth
herein and in the Letter of Transmittal accompanying this Prospectus, one share
of Series B Preferred Stock for each share of Series A Preferred Stock. The
terms of the Series B Preferred Stock are identical in all material respects to
the rights of the Series A Preferred Stock for which it may be exchanged
pursuant to this Exchange Offer, except that the Series B Preferred Stock is not
subject to any restriction requiring that at least 250,000 shares of Series B
Preferred Stock be converted at any one time. See "Description of Series B
Preferred Stock."
 
     The Exchange Offer is not conditioned upon any minimum number of shares of
Series B Preferred Stock being tendered for exchange.
 
     Tendering holders of the Series A Preferred Stock will not be required to
pay brokerage commissions or fees or, subject to the instructions in the Letter
of Transmittal, transfer taxes with respect to the exchange of the Series A
Preferred Stock pursuant to the Exchange Offer.
 
EXPIRATION DATE; EXTENSION; AMENDMENTS
 
     The Exchange Offer will expire on the Expiration Date. The term "Expiration
Date" means 12:00 midnight, New York City time, on May   , 1997, unless the
Company in its sole discretion extends the period during which the Exchange
Offer is open, in which event the term "Expiration Date" shall mean the latest
time and date on which the Exchange Offer, as so extended by the Company, shall
expire. The Company reserves the right to extend the Exchange Offer at any time
and from time to time by giving oral or written notice to Lehman Brothers (the
"Exchange Agent") and making a public announcement thereof. There can be no
assurance that the Company will exercise its right to extend the Exchange Offer.
During any extension of the Exchange Offer, all Series A Preferred Stock
previously tendered and not withdrawn pursuant to the Exchange Offer will remain
subject to the Exchange Offer subject to the right of a tendering holder to
withdraw its shares of Series A Preferred Stock. See "-- Withdrawal Rights."
 
     The Company also expressly reserves the right subject to applicable law,
(i) to delay acceptance for exchange of any shares of Series A Preferred Stock
or terminate the Exchange Offer and not accept for exchange any shares of Series
A Preferred Stock and promptly return all such shares to the tendering holders
thereof in the event that any of the conditions specified in "-- Conditions of
the Exchange Offer" below are not satisfied or waived by the Company or to
comply in whole or in part with applicable law, by giving oral or written notice
of such delay or termination to the Exchange Agent, (ii) to waive any condition
to the Exchange Offer and accept all shares of Series A Preferred Stock
previously tendered pursuant thereto, or (iii) to amend the Exchange Offer in
any respect. If the Exchange Offer is so amended, the term "Exchange Offer"
shall mean the Exchange Offer as so amended. The reservation by the Company of
the right to delay acceptance for exchange of shares of Series A Preferred Stock
is subject to the provisions of Rule 13e-4 and Rule 14e-1(c) under the Exchange
Act, which require that the Company pay the consideration offered or return the
shares of Series A Preferred Stock deposited by or on behalf of holders thereof
promptly after the termination or withdrawal of the Exchange Offer.
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   12
 
     Any extension, delay, termination or amendment of the Exchange Offer will
be followed as promptly as practicable by a public announcement thereof. Without
limiting the manner in which the Company may choose to make a public
announcement of any extension, delay, termination or amendment of the Exchange
Offer, the Company will have no obligation to publish, advertise or otherwise
communicate any such public announcement, other than by issuing a release to the
Dow Jones News Service, except in the case of an announcement of an extension of
the Exchange Offer, in which case the Company will have no obligation to
publish, advertise or otherwise communicate such announcement other than by
issuing a notice of such extension by press release or other public
announcement, which notice will be issued no later than 9:00 A.M., New York City
time, on the next business day after the previously scheduled expiration time of
the Exchange Offer.
 
TENDER PROCEDURE
 
     The tender to the Company of Series A Preferred Stock by a holder thereof
pursuant to one of the procedures set forth below and the acceptance thereof by
the Company will constitute a binding agreement between such holder and the
Company in accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions set forth
herein and in the Letter of Transmittal. This Prospectus, together with the
Letter of Transmittal, will first be sent out on or about April   , 1997, to all
holders of Series A Preferred Stock known to the Company and the Exchange Agent.
 
     A holder of Series A Preferred Stock may tender the same by properly
completing and signing the Letter of Transmittal or a facsimile thereof (all
references in this Prospectus to the Letter of Transmittal shall be deemed to
include a facsimile thereof) and delivering the same, together with the
certificate or certificates representing the shares of Series A Preferred Stock
being tendered and any other documents required by the Letter of Transmittal, to
the Exchange Agent at its address set forth on the Letter of Transmittal on or
prior to the Expiration Date (or complying with the procedure for book entry
transfer described below).
 
     If tendered shares of Series A Preferred Stock are registered in the name
of the signer of the Letter of Transmittal and the Series B Preferred Stock to
be issued in exchange therefor are to be issued (and any untendered shares of
Series A Preferred Stock are to be reissued) in the name of the registered
holder (which term, for the purposes described herein, shall include any
participant in The Depository Trust Company (also referred to as a "book-entry
transfer facility") whose name appears on a security listing as the owner of the
shares of Series A Preferred Stock), the signature of such signer need not be
guaranteed. In any other case, the tendered shares of Series A Preferred Stock
must be endorsed or accompanied by written instruments of transfer in form
satisfactory to the Company and duly executed by the registered holder, and the
signature on the endorsement or instrument of transfer must be guaranteed by a
commercial bank or trust company located or having an office, branch, agency or
correspondent in the United States, or by a member firm of a registered national
securities exchange or of the NASD (any of the foregoing hereinafter referred to
as an "Eligible Institution"). If the Series B Preferred Stock and/or Series A
Preferred Stock not exchanged are to be delivered to an address other than that
of the registered holder appearing on the stock register for the Series A
Preferred Stock, the signature in the Letter of Transmittal must be guaranteed
by an Eligible Institution.
 
     THE METHOD OF DELIVERY OF THE SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK AND ALL OTHER
DOCUMENTS IS AT THE ELECTION AND RISK OF THE HOLDER. IF SENT BY MAIL, IT IS
RECOMMENDED THAT REGISTERED MAIL, RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED, BE USED, PROPER
INSURANCE OBTAINED, AND THE MAILING BE MADE SUFFICIENTLY IN ADVANCE OF THE
EXPIRATION DATE TO PERMIT DELIVERY TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT ON OR BEFORE THE
EXPIRATION DATE. NO LETTERS OF TRANSMITTAL OR SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK SHOULD BE
SENT TO THE COMPANY.
 
     The Exchange Agent will make a request promptly after the date of this
Prospectus to establish accounts with respect to the Series A Preferred Stock at
the book-entry transfer facility for the purpose of facilitating the Exchange
Offer, and subject to the establishment thereof, any financial institution that
is a participant in the book-entry transfer facility's system may make
book-entry delivery of the Series A Preferred Stock by causing such book-entry
transfer facility to transfer such Series A Preferred Stock into the Exchange
Agent's account with respect to the Series A Preferred Stock in accordance with
the book-entry transfer facility's procedures for such transfer. Although
delivery of Series A Preferred Stock may be effected through book-
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   13
 
entry transfer into the Exchange Agent's accounts at the book-entry transfer
facility, an appropriate Letter of Transmittal with any required signature
guarantee and all other required documents must in each case be transmitted to
and received or confirmed by the Exchange Agent at its address set forth on the
Letter of Transmittal on or prior to the Expiration Date.
 
     A tender will be deemed to have been received as of the date when the
tendering holder's properly completed and duly signed Letter of Transmittal
accompanied by the Series A Preferred Stock (or a confirmation of book-entry
transfer of such Series A Preferred Stock into the Exchange Agent's account at
the book-entry transfer facility) is received by the Exchange Agent.
 
     All questions as to the validity, form, eligibility (including time of
receipt) and acceptance for exchange of any tender of shares of Series A
Preferred Stock will be determined by the Company, whose determination will be
final and binding. The Company reserves the absolute right to reject any shares
of Series A Preferred Stock not properly tendered or the acceptance for exchange
of which may, in the opinion of the Company's counsel, be unlawful. The Company
also reserves the absolute right to waive any defect or irregularity in the
tender of any shares of Series A Preferred Stock. Unless waived, any defects or
irregularities in connection with tenders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock
for exchange must be cured within such reasonable period of time as the Company
will determine. None of the Company, the Exchange Agent or any other person will
be under any duty to give notification of any defects or irregularities in
tenders or incur any liability for failure to give any such notification.
 
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
 
     The Letter of Transmittal contains, among other things, the following terms
and conditions, which are part of the Exchange Offer.
 
     The party tendering Series A Preferred Stock for exchange (the
"Transferor") exchanges, assigns and transfers the Series A Preferred Stock to
the Company and irrevocably constitutes and appoints the Exchange Agent as the
Transferor's agent and attorney-in-fact to cause the Series A Preferred Stock to
be assigned, transferred and exchanged. The Transferor represents and warrants
that it has full power and authority to tender, exchange, assign and transfer
the Series A Preferred Stock and to acquire Series B Preferred Stock issuable
upon the exchange of such tendered Series A Preferred Stock, and that, when the
same are accepted for exchange, the Company will acquire good and unencumbered
title to the tendered Series A Preferred Stock, free and clear of all liens,
restrictions, charges and encumbrances and not subject to any adverse claim. The
Transferor also warrants that it will, upon request, execute and deliver any
additional documents deemed by the Exchange Agent or the Company to be necessary
or desirable to complete the exchange, assignment and transfer of tendered
Series A Preferred Stock or transfer ownership of such Series A Preferred Stock
on the account books maintained by a book-entry transfer facility. All authority
conferred by the Transferor will survive the death or incapacity of the
Transferor and every obligation of the Transferor will be binding upon the
heirs, legal representatives, successors, assigns, executors and administrators
of such Transferor.
 
WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS
 
     Tenders of Series A Preferred Stock pursuant to the Exchange Offer may be
withdrawn at any time prior to the Expiration Date.
 
     To be effective, a written, telegraphic, telex or facsimile transmission
notice of withdrawal must be timely received by the Exchange Agent at its
address set forth on the Letter of Transmittal, and with respect to a facsimile
transmission, must be confirmed by telephone and an original delivered by
guaranteed overnight delivery. Any such notice of withdrawal must specify the
person named in the Letter of Transmittal as having tendered Series A Preferred
Stock to be withdrawn, the certificate numbers of the shares of Series A
Preferred Stock to be withdrawn, a statement that such holder is withdrawing his
election to have such shares of Series A Preferred Stock exchanged, and the name
of the registered holder of such shares of Series A Preferred Stock, and must be
signed by the holder in the same manner as the original signature on the Letter
of Transmittal (including any required signature guarantees) or be accompanied
by evidence satisfactory to the Company that the person withdrawing the tender
has succeeded to the beneficial ownership of the shares
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   14
 
of Series A Preferred Stock being withdrawn. The Exchange Agent will return the
properly withdrawn shares of Series A Preferred Stock promptly following receipt
of notice of withdrawal. If shares of Series A Preferred Stock have been
tendered pursuant to the procedure for book-entry transfer, any notice of
withdrawal must specify the name and number of the account at the book-entry
transfer facility to be credited with the withdrawn shares of Series A Preferred
Stock or otherwise comply with the book-entry transfer procedure. All questions
as to the validity of notices of withdrawals, including time of receipt, will be
determined by the Issuer, and such determination will be final and binding on
all parties.
 
     Any shares of Series A Preferred Stock so withdrawn will be deemed not to
have been validly tendered for exchange for purposes of the Exchange Offer. Any
shares of Series A Preferred Stock which have been tendered for exchange but
which are not exchanged for any reason will be returned to the holder thereof
without cost to such holder (or, in the case of shares of Series A Preferred
Stock tendered by book-entry transfer into the Exchange Agent's account at the
book-entry transfer facility pursuant to the book-entry transfer procedures
described above, such shares will be credited to an account with such book-entry
transfer facility specified by the holder) as soon as practicable after
withdrawal, rejection of tender or termination of the Exchange Offer. Properly
withdrawn shares of Series A Preferred Stock may be retendered by following one
of the procedures described under "-- Tender Procedure" above, at any time on or
prior to the Expiration Date.
 
ACCEPTANCE OF SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK FOR EXCHANGE; DELIVERY OF SERIES B
PREFERRED STOCK
 
     Upon the satisfaction or waiver of all the terms of the Exchange Offer, the
acceptance for exchange of Series A Preferred Stock validly tendered and not
withdrawn and issuance of the Series B Preferred Stock will be made on the
Exchange Date. The Exchange Date means the first business day following the
Expiration Date. For the purposes of the Exchange Offer, the Company shall be
deemed to have accepted for exchange validly tendered shares of Series A
Preferred Stock when, as and if the Company has given oral or written notice
thereof to the Exchange Agent.
 
     The Exchange Agent will act as agent for the tendering holders of Series A
Preferred Stock for the purposes of receiving Series B Preferred Stock from the
Company and causing the Series A Preferred Stock to be assigned, transferred and
exchanged. Upon the terms of the Exchange Offer, delivery of Series B Preferred
Stock to be issued in exchange for accepted Series A Preferred Stock will be
made by the Exchange Agent promptly after acceptance of the tendered Series A
Preferred Stock. Tendered Series A Preferred Stock not accepted for exchange by
the Company will be returned without expense to the tendering holders promptly
following the Expiration Date.
 
ACCRUED DIVIDENDS
 
     Holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock accepted for exchange
pursuant to The Exchange Offer will not receive dividends accrued from March 15,
1997 (the last regular dividend payment period with respect to the Series A
Preferred Stock) on such Series A Preferred Stock. Holders whose shares of
Series A Preferred Stock are accepted for exchange will be entitled to receive
dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock, when and as declared by the Board of
Directors accruing in the amount of $.48875 per share (equal to the indicated
annual dividend amount per share of Series A Preferred Stock divided by four)
from March 15, 1997 to, but excluding June 15, 1997 (the first Dividend Payment
Date for the Series B Preferred Stock).
 
     Dividends on shares of Series A Preferred Stock not exchanged in the
Exchange Offer will continue to accrue and be payable, when and as declared by
the Board of Directors.
 
CONDITIONS OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER
 
     Notwithstanding any other provision of the Exchange Offer, the Company will
not be required to accept for exchange, or, subject to any applicable rules and
regulations of the SEC, including Rule 14e-1(c) (relating to the Company's
obligation to exchange and issue shares of Series B Preferred Stock for or
return tendered shares of Series A Preferred Stock promptly after termination of
the Exchange Offer), exchange and issue shares of Series B Preferred Stock for
any shares of Series A Preferred Stock tendered and may postpone the
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   15
 
acceptance for exchange of or, subject to the restriction set forth above, the
exchange and issuance of, shares of Series B Preferred Stock for shares of
Series A Preferred Stock tendered and to be exchanged and may terminate or amend
the Exchange Offer, if at any time prior to the time of acceptance for exchange
of, or exchange and issuance of shares of Series B Preferred Stock for, any such
shares of Series A Preferred Stock (whether or not any other shares of Series A
Preferred Stock have theretofore been accepted for exchange or shares of Series
B Preferred Stock have been issued in respect thereof pursuant to the Exchange
Offer), any of the following events shall occur:
 
          (a) any change (or any condition, event or development involving a
     prospective change) shall have occurred or been threatened in the business,
     properties, assets, liabilities, capitalization, stockholders' equity,
     financial condition, operations, results of operations or prospects of the
     Company or any of its subsidiaries, or in the general economic or financial
     market conditions in the United States or abroad, which is or may be
     materially adverse to the Company and its subsidiaries or its stockholders
     or to the value of the Series A Preferred Stock or there shall have been a
     significant decrease in the market prices of or trading in the Series A
     Preferred Stock, or the Company shall have become aware of any fact or
     occurrence which is or may be materially adverse with respect to the value
     of the Series A Preferred Stock or the Exchange Offer's contemplated
     benefits to the Company; or
 
          (b) there shall have occurred (1) any general suspension of trading
     in, or limitation on prices for, securities on any national securities
     exchange or the over-the-counter market, (2) a declaration of a banking
     moratorium or any suspension of payments in respect of banks in the Untied
     States, (3) declaration of a national emergency or a commencement of a war,
     armed hostilities or other national or international calamity directly or
     indirectly involving the United States, (4) any limitation (whether or not
     mandatory) by any governmental or regulatory authority on, or any other
     event which might affect, the nature or extension of credit by banks or
     other financial institutions, (5) any significant adverse change in the
     United States securities or financial markets, or (6) in the case of any of
     the foregoing existing at the time of the commencement of the Exchange
     Offer a material acceleration, escalation or worsening thereof; or
 
          (c) there shall have been any action taken or threatened, or any
     statute, rule, regulation, judgment, order or injunction proposed, sought,
     promulgated, enacted, entered, enforced or deemed applicable to the
     Exchange Offer by any local, state, federal or foreign government or
     governmental authority or by any court, domestic or foreign, that might,
     directly or indirectly, (1) make the acceptance for exchange or issuance of
     shares of Series B Preferred Stock for some or all of the shares of Series
     A Preferred Stock illegal or otherwise restrict or prohibit consummation of
     the Exchange Offer, (2) result in a delay in, or restrict the ability of
     the Company, or render the Company unable, to accept for exchange some or
     all of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock or to issue some or all of
     the shares of Series B Preferred Stock in exchange thereof, (3) otherwise
     adversely affect the Company or (4) result in a material limitation in the
     benefits expected to be derived by the Company as a result of the
     transactions contemplated by the Exchange Offer; or
 
          (d) there shall be threatened, instituted or pending any action,
     proceeding or claim by or before any court or governmental, administrative
     or regulatory agency or authority or any other person or tribunal, domestic
     or foreign, challenging the making of the Exchange Offer, the acquisition
     by the Company of any shares of Series A Preferred Stock, or seeking to
     obtain any material damages as a result thereof, or otherwise adversely
     affecting the Company or the value of the Series A Preferred Stock.
 
which makes it inadvisable to proceed with the Exchange Offer or such acceptance
for exchange of shares of Series A Preferred Stock or the issuance of the shares
of Series B Preferred Stock in exchange therefor.
 
     All the foregoing conditions are for the sole benefit of the Company and
may be asserted by the Company regardless of the circumstances giving rise to
such condition and may be waived by the Company, in whole or in part, at any
time and from time to time, in the sole discretion of the Company. The failure
by the Company at any time to exercise any of the foregoing rights will not be
deemed a waiver of any such right, and each such right will be deemed an ongoing
right which may be asserted at any time and from time to time. Any determination
by the Company concerning the foregoing conditions will be final and binding.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   16
 
     If any of the foregoing conditions shall not be satisfied (or, with respect
to the above enumerated events, shall have occurred), the Company may, subject
to applicable law, (i) terminate the Exchange Offer and return all shares of
Series A Preferred Stock tendered pursuant to the Exchange Offer to tendering
security holders; (ii) extend the Exchange Offer and retain all tendered shares
of Series A Preferred Stock until the Expiration Time for the extended Exchange
Offer; or (iii) waive the unsatisfied conditions with respect to the Exchange
Offer and accept all shares of Series A Preferred Stock tendered pursuant to the
Exchange Offer.
 
DEALER MANAGER
 
     Lehman Brothers Inc., the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary ("Lehman
Brothers"), is acting as dealer manager (the "Dealer Manager") for the Exchange
Offer. The Company will pay the Dealer Manager predetermined compensation for
its services in connection with the Exchange Offer and to reimburse the Dealer
Manager for all of its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses.
 
     The Dealer Manager will use its best efforts to solicit the exchange of
shares of Series A Preferred Stock pursuant to the Exchange Offer.
 
EXCHANGE AGENT AND INFORMATION AGENT
 
     Lehman Brothers has been appointed as the Exchange Agent and Information
Agent for the Exchange Offer. Letters of Transmittal must be addressed to the
Exchange Agent at its address set forth on the Letter of Transmittal.
 
     DELIVERY TO AN ADDRESS OTHER THAN AS SET FORTH ON THE LETTER OF
TRANSMITTAL, OR TRANSMISSIONS OF INSTRUCTIONS VIA A FACSIMILE OR TELEX NUMBER
OTHER THAN THE ONES SET FORTH ON THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL, WILL NOT CONSTITUTE
A VALID DELIVERY.
 
SOLICITATION OF TENDERS; EXPENSES
 
     The Company has retained Lehman Brothers Inc., its wholly-owned subsidiary,
to act as Dealer Manager in connection with the Exchange Offer and will not
otherwise make any payments to brokers, dealers or others for soliciting
acceptances of the Exchange Offer. The Company will, however, pay the Exchange
Agent reasonable and customary fees for its services and will reimburse it for
reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection therewith. The Company will also
pay brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries the
reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them in forwarding copies of this
Prospectus and related documents to the beneficial owners of the Series A
Preferred Stock and in handling or forwarding tenders for their customers.
 
     No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any
representation in connection with the Exchange Offer other than those contained
in this Prospectus. If given or made, such information or representations should
not be relied upon as having been authorized by the Company or the
Dealer-Manager. Neither the delivery of this Prospectus nor any exchange made
hereunder will, under any circumstances, create any implication that there has
been no change in the affairs of the Company since the respective dates as of
which information is given herein. The Exchange Offer is not being made to (nor
will tenders be accepted from or on behalf of) holders of Series A Preferred
Stock in any jurisdiction in which the making of the Exchange Offer or the
acceptance thereof would not be in compliance with the laws of such
jurisdiction. However, the Company may, at its discretion, take such action as
it may deem necessary to make the Exchange Offer in any such jurisdiction and
extend the Exchange Offer to holder of Series A Preferred Stock in such
jurisdiction. In any jurisdiction in which the securities laws or blue sky laws
of which require the Exchange Offer to be made by a licensed broker or dealer,
the Exchange Offer is being made on behalf of the Company by one or more
registered brokers or dealers which are licensed under the laws of such
jurisdiction.
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   17
 
TRANSFER TAXES
 
     Holders who tender their shares of Series A Preferred Stock for exchange
will not be obligated to pay any transfer taxes in connection therewith, except
that holders who instruct the Company to register shares of Series B Preferred
Stock in the name of, or request that shares of Series A Preferred Stock not
tendered or not accepted in the Exchange Offer be returned to, a person other
than the registered tendering holder will be responsible for the payment of any
applicable transfer tax thereon.
 
CONSEQUENCES OF FAILURE TO EXCHANGE
 
     Holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock who do not exchange their
shares of Series A Preferred Stock for shares of Series B Preferred Stock
pursuant to the Exchange Offer will continue to be subject to the restriction on
conversion of such Series A Preferred Stock requiring the conversion of at least
250,000 shares thereof at any one time.
 
OTHER
 
     Participation in the Exchange Offer is voluntary, and holders of Series A
Preferred Stock should carefully consider whether to participate. Holders of
Series A Preferred Stock are urged to consult their financial and tax advisors
in making their own decisions on which action to take.
 
     Holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock who do not tender their
shares of Series A Preferred Stock in the Exchange Offer will continue to hold
such shares of Series A Preferred Stock and will be entitled to all the rights,
and limitations applicable thereto. All untendered shares of Series A Preferred
Stock will continue to be subject to the restrictions on conversion as described
herein. To the extent that shares of Series A Preferred Stock are tendered and
accepted in the Exchange Offer, the trading market for untendered shares of
Series A Preferred Stock could be adversely affected.
 
     The Company may in the future seek to acquire untendered shares of Series A
Preferred Stock in open market or privately negotiated transactions, through
subsequent exchange offers or otherwise. The Company has no present plan to
acquire any shares of Series A Preferred Stock which are not tendered in the
Exchange Offer.
 
                         MARKET AND TRADING INFORMATION
 
     There is no established trading market for the Series A Preferred Stock.
 
     The Series B Preferred Stock will be a new issue of securities with no
established trading market. The Company has been advised by Lehman Brothers that
it intends to make a market in the Series B Preferred Stock but is not obligated
to do so and may discontinue marketmaking at any time without notice. No
assurance can be given as to the liquidity of the trading market for the Series
B Preferred Stock.
 
                    DESCRIPTION OF SERIES B PREFERRED STOCK
 
GENERAL
 
     The following description of the Series B Preferred Stock set forth herein
does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety
by, the provisions of the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the
"Restated Certificate of Incorporation") filed as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement, and the Certificate of Designations relating to the Series B
Preferred Stock (the "Certificate of Designation"), the form of which is filed
as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and which will be filed with the
Secretary of State of the State of Delaware prior to the issuance of the Series
B Preferred Stock.
 
     Subject to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company and to
any limitations contained in the outstanding preferred stock, the Company may
issue additional classes or series of preferred stock, at any time or from time
to time, with such powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional or
other special
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   18
 
rights and qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, as the Board of
Directors or any duly authorized committee thereof shall determine, all without
further action of the stockholders, including holders of then outstanding
preferred stock, of the Company.
 
     The Restated Certificate of Incorporation authorizes the issuance of
38,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $1.00 par value per share. As of November
30, 1996, there were 13,000,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock and 1,000
shares of Redeemable Voting Preferred Stock (the "Redeemable Preferred Stock")
issued and outstanding.
 
     Series A Preferred Stock.  The terms of the Series A Preferred Stock are
identical in all material respects to the terms of the Series B Preferred Stock
described herein, except that the terms of the Series A Preferred Stock require
the conversion of at least 250,000 shares thereof at any one time.
 
     Redeemable Preferred Stock.  As of the date of this Prospectus, American
Express Company ("AMEX") and Nippon Life Insurance Company ("Nippon Life")
together own all of the issued and outstanding shares of Redeemable Preferred
Stock.
 
     The shares of Redeemable Preferred Stock are entitled to receive
preferential dividends, as and when declared by the Board of Directors out of
funds legally available therefor, on a cumulative basis. For each dividend
period following May 31, 1994, the holders of Redeemable Preferred Stock are
entitled to receive dividends in an amount equal to, in the aggregate, 50% of
the amount, if any, by which the Company's net income for the applicable
dividend period exceeds $400 million, up to a maximum of $50 million for any
such period (the "Dividend Formula"). The liquidation preference per share of
the Redeemable Preferred Stock is $1.00 plus accumulated and unpaid dividends
and accrued interest, if any, thereon at a specified rate.
 
     Subject to funds being legally available therefor, the Company is required
to redeem all of the Redeemable Preferred Stock on the final dividend payment
date therefor, or as soon as practicable thereafter when funds become legally
available, at a price per share equal to the liquidation preference referred to
above. In addition, if a Designated Event (as defined in the Restated
Certificate of Incorporation) occurs, the holders of the Redeemable Preferred
Stock have the right to require the Company to redeem, out of funds legally
available therefor, all of the Redeemable Preferred Stock for an aggregate
redemption price equal to $250 million if such Designated Event takes place
prior to November 30, 1997, declining $50 million per year in each of the next
five years thereafter.
 
     Holders of Redeemable Preferred Stock are entitled to vote, together with
the holders of the Company's Common Stock as one class, on all matters to be
voted on by stockholders of the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, AMEX has
agreed that so long as it or any of its subsidiaries holds any shares of the
Redeemable Preferred Stock, it will vote such shares in the same proportion as
the votes cast by the holders of shares of the Common Stock on matters to be
voted on by stockholders of the Company generally. Each share of Redeemable
Preferred Stock is entitled to 1,059 votes. In addition, if the equivalent of
six quarterly dividends (whether or not consecutive) to which the holders of the
Redeemable Preferred Stock are entitled in accordance with the Dividend Formula,
or to which the holders of any Parity Preferred Stock are entitled pursuant to
the terms of such Parity Preferred Stock, are in arrears, then the authorized
number of directors of the Company will be increased by two and the holders of
the Redeemable Preferred Stock will have the right (voting as a class with the
holders of any other Parity Preferred Stock of the Company upon which like
voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable) to elect such two
directors until such time as all accumulated dividends have been paid. In
addition, the holders of Redeemable Preferred Stock have voting rights in
certain other circumstances.
 
DIVIDENDS
 
     The annual dividend rate per share of Series B Preferred Stock will be an
amount equal to $1.955 per share. Dividends on the shares of Series B Preferred
Stock, when and as declared by the Board of Directors, out of funds legally
available therefor, will be cumulative and will be payable quarterly in cash on
March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15 of each year (or, if any such
day is not a Business Day, then on the next succeeding Business Day) in each
year (the "Dividend Payment Dates"), commencing on June 15, 1997.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>   19
 
The amount of dividends payable on each share of Series B Preferred Stock for
each full quarterly dividend period will be computed by dividing by four such
annual rate. Dividends payable on the Series B Preferred Stock for any period
less than a full quarterly period will be computed on the basis of a 360-day
year consisting of twelve 30-day months for the actual number of days involved.
Dividends with respect to any share of Series B Preferred Stock will accumulate
from March 15, 1997. The term "Business Day" means a day other than a Saturday,
Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in New York City are authorized or
required by law to close.
 
     No cash dividends will be declared and set apart for payment on any capital
stock ranking on a par with the Series B Preferred Stock in the payment of
dividends unless there will likewise be or have been declared and set apart for
payment on all shares of Series B Preferred Stock at the time outstanding full
cumulative dividends for all quarterly dividend periods ending on or before the
dividend payment date for such other stock. If and so long as any full
cumulative dividends payable on the shares of Series B Preferred Stock in
respect of all prior dividend periods will not have been paid or set apart for
payment, the Company will not pay any dividends or make any distributions of
assets on or redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire for consideration shares of
capital stock of the Company ranking junior to or on a par with the Series B
Preferred Stock in payment of dividends.
 
     Dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock are payable to the holders of
record thereof as they appear on the stock register of the Company on such
record date, not exceeding 40 days preceding the payment date thereof, as will
be fixed by the Board of Directors or by a duly authorized committee thereof.
Dividends on account of arrears for any past dividend periods may be declared
and paid at any time, without reference to any Dividend Payment Date, to holders
of record on such date, not exceeding 40 days preceding the payment date
thereof, as may be fixed by the Board of Directors or by a duly authorized
committee thereof. Dividends will be paid to each holder of record in United
States dollars by check mailed to such holders at their respective addresses
appearing on the books of the Company.
 
REDEMPTION
 
     The Company may at its option redeem outstanding shares of Series B
Preferred Stock on any Dividend Payment Date in the specified amounts and during
the periods set forth below (subject, in each case, to reduction by the number
of shares of Series B Common Stock converted into Common Stock or converted or
exchanged for common stock of AMEX or purchased by the Company pursuant to the
1990 Agreement by and between AMEX and Nippon Life upon at least 30 days' and
not more than 45 days' written notice to the holders thereof, at a redemption
price equal to $39.10 per share plus accumulated and unpaid dividends (whether
or not earned or declared) to the date fixed for redemption,
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              REDEMPTION PERIOD                        NUMBER OF SHARES
        -------------------------------------------------------------  ----------------
        <S>                                                            <C>
        Date of Original Issuance to and including June 15, 1997.....      7,800,000
        June 16, 1997 to and including June 15, 1998.................     10,400,000
        After June 15, 1998..........................................     13,000,000
</TABLE>
 
provided, however, that shares of Series B Preferred Stock are not redeemable by
the Company unless (i) there is Common Stock outstanding on the dates upon which
notice of redemption is first given and such redemption is effected, and (ii)
the Average Market Price of the Common Stock on the date such notice is given is
greater than the Conversion Price. As of March 31, 1997, the Average Market
Price would have been $33.60 and the Conversion Price would have been
$123.0212380. Accordingly, at that date the Series B Preferred Stock would not
have been redeemable at the option of the Company. See "-- Conversion". As used
herein, (i) "1990 Agreement" means the 1990 Agreement, dated as of June 12,
1990, by and between AMEX and Nippon Life, as amended by the 1994 Agreement,
dated April 28, 1994, by and among AMEX, Nippon Life and the Corporation, as
further amended by the Agreement, dated January 22, 1997, between Nippon Life
and AMEX and (ii) "Average Market Price" means the average of the daily closing
prices for the 10 consecutive trading days selected by the Company commencing no
less than 20 days nor more than 30 trading days before the day in question. The
closing price for each day will be the last reported sales price regular way or,
in case no such reported sale takes place on such day, the average of the
reported closing bid
 
                                       18
<PAGE>   20
 
and asked prices regular way, in either case on the NYSE or, if such security is
not listed or admitted to trading on the NYSE, on the principal national
securities exchange on which such security is listed or admitted to trading or,
if not listed or admitted to trading on any national securities exchange, on the
Nasdaq National Market or, if such security is not listed or admitted to trading
on any national securities exchange or quoted on National Market, the average of
the closing bid and asked prices in the over-the-counter-market as furnished by
any NYSE member firm selected from time to time by the issuer for that purpose.
For the purposes of this definition, the term "trading day" shall mean each
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday, other than any day on which
securities are not traded on such exchange or in such market.
 
     The Company is required to give notice of any proposed redemption of shares
of Series B Preferred Stock by mailing a copy of such notice to holders of
record of shares of Series B Preferred Stock to be redeemed at their respective
addresses appearing on the books of the Company. Each such notice will specify
the shares called for redemption, the redemption price and the price at which
and the date on which the shares called for redemption will, upon presentation
and surrender of the certificates of stock evidencing such shares, be redeemed
and the redemption price therefor paid. From and after the date fixed in any
such notice as the date of redemption of shares of Series B Preferred Stock,
unless default shall be made by the Company in providing monies at the time and
place specified for the payment of the redemption price pursuant to said notice,
all dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock thereby called for redemption will
cease to accrue and all rights of the holders thereof as stockholders of the
Company, except the right to receive the redemption price, will cease and
terminate.
 
CONVERSION
 
     Each share of Series B Preferred Stock will be convertible, in whole or in
part, at the option of the holder at any time, into a number of shares of Common
Stock (calculated as to each conversion to the nearest 1/100 of a share) equal
to $39.10 divided by the Conversion Price in effect at the time of such
conversion. The Conversion Price is currently $123.0212380 per share. The
Conversion Price will be adjusted in certain instances as described below.
 
     To convert shares of Series B Preferred Stock into Common Stock, the
registered holder of such shares of Series B Preferred Stock must surrender at
the office of the Transfer Agent, or at such other office or offices, if any, as
the Board of Directors may designate, the certificate or certificates therefor,
duly endorsed or assigned to the Company or in blank, and give written notice to
the Company at such office that it elects to convert such shares.
 
     A payment or adjustment will not be made by the Company upon any conversion
on account of any dividends accrued on the shares of Series B Preferred Stock
surrendered for conversion or on account of any dividends on the Common Stock
issued upon conversion.
 
     Shares of Series B Preferred Stock will be deemed to have been converted
immediately prior to the close of business on the day of the surrender of such
shares for conversion, and the person or persons entitled to receive the Common
Stock issuable upon such conversion will be treated for all purposes as the
record holder or holders of such Common Stock at such time. As promptly as
practicable on or after the conversion date, the Company will issue and deliver
at such office a certificate or certificates for the number of full shares of
Common Stock issuable upon such conversion, together with payment in lieu of any
fraction of a share, to the person or persons entitled to receive the same. In
case shares of Series B Preferred Stock are called for redemption, the right to
convert such shares will terminate at the close of business on the date fixed
for redemption, unless default shall be made in payment of the redemption price.
 
     The Conversion Price for shares of Series B Preferred Stock may be subject
to adjustment in certain events, including (i) dividends and other distributions
payable in Common Stock on any class of capital stock of the Company, (ii) the
issuance to all holders of Common Stock of rights or warrants entitling them to
subscribe for or purchase Common Stock at less than, depending on the
circumstances, the Average Market Price (as defined under "-- Redemption" or
Fair Market Value (as defined below), (iii) subdivisions, combinations and
reclassifications of the Common Stock, (iv) distributions to all holders of
Common Stock of evidences of indebtedness of the Company or assets (including
securities, but excluding (a) any rights or
 
                                       19
<PAGE>   21
 
warrants referred to in (ii) above, (ii) any dividend or distribution paid in
cash or other property out of the Adjusted Retained Earnings (defined below) of
the Company and (iii) any dividend or distribution referred to (i) above) and
(v) a consolidation or merger to which the Company is a party or the sale or
transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company. In addition
to the foregoing adjustments, the Company is permitted to make such reductions
in the Conversion Price for the Series B Preferred Stock as it considers to be
advisable in order that any event treated for United States federal income tax
purposes as a dividend of stock or stock rights will not be taxable to the
recipients. As used herein, (i) the term "Fair Market Value" per share of Common
Stock on any date means the fair market value thereof on the date in question,
determined (A) if Nippon Life and its affiliates then own a majority of the
shares of Series B Preferred Stock then outstanding (i) jointly by the Company
and Nippon Life or (ii) if the Company and Nippon Life cannot so agree, by the
Board of Directors of the Company reasonably determined in good faith or (B) if
Nippon Life and its affiliates do not then own a majority of the shares of
Series B Preferred Stock then outstanding, by the Board of Directors of the
Company reasonably determined in good faith and (ii) the term "Adjusted Retained
Earnings" means the retained earnings of the Company as of the date of the
relevant dividend or distribution plus $500,000,000 plus any dividend paid after
August 10, 1990 (which has been debited against retained earnings) on any
preferred stock of the Company outstanding on August 10, 1990.
 
     The Company will pay any and all stamp or other similar taxes that may be
payable in respect of the issue or delivery of shares of Common Stock on
conversion of shares of Series B Preferred Stock. The Company will not, however,
be required to pay any tax which may be payable in respect of any transfer
involved in the issue and delivery of shares of Common Stock in a name other
than that in which the shares of Series B Preferred Stock so converted were
registered, and no such issue or delivery will be made unless and until the
person requesting such issue has paid to the Company the amount of any such tax,
or has established to the satisfaction of the Company that such tax has been
paid.
 
     In any case in which an adjustment described in this "Conversion" section
will become effective immediately after a record date for an event, the Company
may defer until the occurrence of such event (i) issuing to the holder of any
shares of Series B Preferred Stock converted after such record date and before
the occurrence of such event the additional shares of Common Stock issuable upon
such conversion by reason of the adjustment required by such event over and
above the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon such conversion before
giving effect to such adjustment and (ii) paying to such holder any amount in
cash in lieu of a fractional share of Common Stock; provided, that, upon the
request of such holder, the Company will deliver to such holder a due bill or
other appropriate instrument evidencing such holder's rights to receive such
additional shares of Common Stock, and such cash, upon the occurrence of the
event requiring such adjustment.
 
VOTING RIGHTS
 
     The holders of Series B Preferred Stock will have the following voting
rights subject to the terms and conditions described below.
 
     The holders of Series B Preferred Stock will have voting rights equal to
the voting rights of holders of shares of Common Stock and the shares of Series
B Preferred Stock will vote together with the shares of Common Stock (and of any
other class or series which may similarly be entitled to vote with the shares of
Common Stock) as a single class upon all matters upon which holders of Common
Stock are entitled to vote.
 
     So long as any shares of Series B Preferred Stock remain outstanding, the
Company will not, either directly or indirectly or through merger or
consolidation with any other corporation, without the affirmative vote at a
meeting or the written consent with or without a meeting of the holders of at
least a majority of the shares of Series B Preferred Stock then outstanding,
amend, alter or repeal any of the provisions of the Restated Certificate of
Incorporation, or authorize any reclassification of the Series B Preferred
Stock, so as in any such case to affect adversely the preferences, special
rights or powers of the Series B Preferred Stock, or authorize any capital stock
of the Company ranking, either as to payment of dividends or upon liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the Company, prior to the Series B Preferred Stock.
 
                                       20
<PAGE>   22
 
     In exercising the voting rights set forth herein or when otherwise granted
voting rights by operation of law, each share of Series B Preferred Stock will
be entitled to a number of votes equal to the quotient obtained by dividing
$39.10 by the Conversion Price in effect at the time.
 
     No consent of holders of the Series B Preferred Stock will be required for
(i) the creation of any indebtedness of any kind of the Company or (ii) the
authorization or issuance of any class of capital stock of the Company ranking
junior or equal to the Series B Preferred Stock in payment of dividends or upon
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company.
 
LIQUIDATION
 
     In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of the Company, before any distribution of the assets of the Company
to holders of Common Stock or any other capital stock of the Company ranking
junior to the Series B Preferred Stock upon liquidation, dissolution or winding
up of the Company, the holders of the Series B Preferred Stock will be entitled
to receive out of the assets of the Company available for distribution to its
stockholders, whether from capital, surplus or earnings, an amount per share of
Series B Preferred Stock equal to $39.10 plus an amount equal to accumulated and
unpaid dividends (whether or not earned or declared) on such share of Series B
Preferred Stock to the date of final distribution.
 
     If, upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, the
amounts payable with respect to the Series B Preferred Stock or any capital
stock ranking on a par with the Series B Preferred Stock are not paid in full,
then such holders will share ratably in any such distribution of assets, or
proceeds thereof, in proportion to the full respective preferential amounts to
which they are entitled. Neither a consolidation nor a merger of the Company
with one or more other corporations, nor a sale or a transfer of all or
substantially all of the assets of the Company, will be deemed to be a voluntary
or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company.
 
SINKING FUND
 
     The Series B Preferred Stock will not be subject to any right of mandatory
payment or prepayment (except for liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the
Company) or to any sinking fund.
 
TRANSFER AGENT
 
     Bank of Boston, c/o Boston Equiserve is the transfer agent for the Series B
Preferred Stock.
 
             CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
 
     In the opinion of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, special tax counsel to the
Company, a holder of Series A Preferred Stock who exchanges such Series A
Preferred Stock for Series B Preferred Stock in the Exchange Offer will not
recognize any gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes as a
result of such exchange. Moreover, the holding period of Series B Preferred
Stock will include the holding period of the Series A Preferred Stock and the
basis of the Series B Preferred Stock will be the same as the basis of the
Series A preferred stock immediately before the Exchange Offer.
 
     With respect to dividends paid on the Series B Preferred Stock, holders of
Series B Preferred Stock will be eligible for the dividends-received deduction
available to domestic corporate holders to the extent they were eligible for the
dividends-received deduction with respect to dividends paid on the Series A
Preferred Stock.
 
                                 LEGAL OPINIONS
 
     The validity of the shares of Series B Preferred Stock to be issued on the
Exchange Offer will be passed upon for the Company by Jennifer Marre, Esq., Vice
President and Associate General Counsel of the Company.
 
                                       21
<PAGE>   23
 
                            INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
     The consolidated financial statements and schedules of the Company for the
year ended November 30, 1996 and 1995 and the eleven months ended November 30,
1994 appearing in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
November 30, 1996, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors,
as set forth in their report thereon included therein and incorporated herein by
reference. Such consolidated financial statements and schedules are, and audited
financial statements included in subsequently filed documents will be,
incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon the reports of Ernst & Young
LLP pertaining to such financial statements (to the extent covered by consents
filed with the SEC) given upon the authority of such firm as experts in
accounting and auditing.
 
                                       22
<PAGE>   24
 
     Facsimile copies of the Letter of Transmittal will be accepted. Letters of
Transmittal, certificates representing shares of Series A Preferred Stock and
any other required documents should be sent by each stockholder or his or her
broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee to the Exchange
Agent at one of the addresses as set forth below:
 
                  The Exchange Agent and Information Agent is:
 
                              LEHMAN BROTHERS INC.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         BY MAIL:                        BY FACSIMILE:               BY HAND/OVERNIGHT DELIVERY:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                        <C>                                       <C>
                                (For Eligible Institutions Only)
   Lehman Brothers Inc.                  (212) 528-6154                 Lehman Brothers Inc.
Liability Management Group                                           Liability Management Group
 3 World Financial Center            Confirm by Telephone:            3 World Financial Center
         9th Floor                       (212) 528-7581                       9th Floor
 New York, New York 10285                                             New York, New York 10285
                                     Shareholder Inquiries:
 Attn: Matias J. Torrellas         (800) 438-3242 (Toll Free)         Attn: Matias J. Torrellas
</TABLE>
 
     Any questions or requests for assistance or additional copies of this
Prospectus or the Letter of Transmittal may be directed to the Information Agent
or the Dealer Manager at their respective telephone numbers and locations set
forth on this page. You may also contact your broker, dealer, commercial bank or
trust company or other nominee for assistance concerning the Exchange Offer.
 
                 The Dealer Manager for the Exchange Offer is:
 
                              Lehman Brothers Inc.
                            3 World Financial Center
                                200 Vesey Street
                               New York, NY 10285
                          Contact: Matias J. Torrellas
                                 (212) 528-7581
<PAGE>   25
 
             ======================================================
 
NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR ANY OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS IN
CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING COVERED BY THIS PROSPECTUS. IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH
INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED
BY THE COMPANY OR THE DEALER-MANAGER. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN
OFFER TO SELL, OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY, ANY SECURITY OTHER THAN THE
SERIES B PREFERRED STOCK OFFERED BY THIS PROSPECTUS, NOR DOES IT CONSTITUTE AN
OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY THE SERIES B PREFERRED BY
ANYONE IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE, OR TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM, IT IS UNLAWFUL TO
MAKE SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY
SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE AN IMPLICATION THAT
THERE HAS BEEN ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR IN THE
AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY SINCE THE DATE HEREOF.
 
                            ------------------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        PAGE
                                        ----
<S>                                     <C>
Available Information.................    2
Documents Incorporated by Reference...    3
Summary...............................    4
Use of Proceeds.......................   10
The Exchange Offer....................   10
Market and Trading Information........   16
Description of Series B Preferred
  Stock...............................   16
Certain United States Federal Income
  Tax Consequences....................   21
Legal Opinions........................   21
Independent Accountants...............   22
</TABLE>
 
             ======================================================
             ======================================================
 
                                LEHMAN BROTHERS
                                 HOLDINGS INC.
                               OFFER TO EXCHANGE
                        13,000,000 SHARES OF CUMULATIVE
                      CONVERTIBLE VOTING PREFERRED STOCK,
                      SERIES B, PAR VALUE $1.00 PER SHARE,
                         FOR ITS OUTSTANDING CUMULATIVE
                      CONVERTIBLE VOTING PREFERRED STOCK,
                      SERIES A, PAR VALUE $1.00 PER SHARE.
                                Lehman Brothers
                                               , 1997
 
             ======================================================
<PAGE>   26
 
                                    PART II
 
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 20.  INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
 
     The Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the registrant requires the
registrant to indemnify its directors and officers to the fullest extent
permitted by Delaware General Corporation Law. In addition, the directors of the
registrant are insured under officers' and directors' liability insurance
policies purchased by the Company. The directors, officers and employees of the
registrant are also insured against fiduciary liabilities under the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.
 
     Any underwriting agreement or agency agreement with respect to an offering
of securities registered hereunder will provide for indemnification of the
registrant and its officers and directors by the underwriters or agents, as the
case may be, against certain liabilities including liabilities under the
Securities Act of 1933.
 
ITEM 21.  EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
     The Exhibit Index beginning on page E-1 is hereby incorporated by
reference.
 
ITEM 22.  UNDERTAKINGS
 
     The undersigned hereby undertakes:
 
          (a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
     determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of
     the registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the
     Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (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.
 
          (b) 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.
 
          (c) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to respond to
     requests for information that is incorporated by reference into the
     prospectus pursuant to Item 4, 10(b), 11 or 13 of this form, within one
     business day of receipt of such request, and to send the incorporated
     documents by first class mail or other equally prompt means. This includes
     information contained in documents filed subsequent to the effective date
     of the registration statement through the date of responding to the
     request.
 
          (d) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to supply by means of
     a post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and
     the company being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of
     and included in the registration statement when it became effective.
 
                                      II-1
<PAGE>   27
 
                                   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 New York, State of New
York, on the 15th day of April, 1997.
 
                                          LEHMAN BROTHERS HOLDINGS INC.
 
                                          By    /s/ MICHAEL R. MILVERSTED
                                            ------------------------------------
                                            Name:   Michael R. Milversted
                                            Title:  Treasurer
 
     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>
                SIGNATURES                                 TITLE                      DATE
- ------------------------------------------  -----------------------------------  ---------------
<C>                                         <S>                                  <C>
 
                    *                       Chief Executive Officer and,          April 15, 1997
- ------------------------------------------  Chairman of the Board of Directors
           Richard S. Fuld, Jr.             (principal executive officer)
                    *                       Chief Financial Officer (principal    April 15, 1997
- ------------------------------------------  financial and accounting officer)
             Charles B. Hintz
 
                    *                       Director                              April 15, 1997
- ------------------------------------------
            Michael L. Ainslie
 
                    *                       Director                              April 15, 1997
- ------------------------------------------
              John F. Akers
 
                    *                       Director                              April 15, 1997
- ------------------------------------------
             Roger S. Berlind
 
                    *                       Director                              April 15, 1997
- ------------------------------------------
           Thomas H. Cruikshank
 
                    *                       Director                              April 15, 1997
- ------------------------------------------
              Katsumi Funaki
 
                    *                       Director                              April 15, 1997
- ------------------------------------------
              Henry Kaufman
 
                    *                       Director                              April 15, 1997
- ------------------------------------------
             John D. Macomber
 
                    *                       Director                              April 15, 1997
- ------------------------------------------
               Dina Merrill
 
                    *                       Director                              April 15, 1997
- ------------------------------------------
            Masataka Shimasaki
 
     *By:  /s/ MICHAEL R. MILVERSTED                                              April 15, 1997
- ------------------------------------------
          Michael R. Milversted
             Attorney-in-Fact
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>   28
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            FILED HEREWITH(--)
EXHIBIT                                                                     OR INCORPORATED BY
NUMBER                            DESCRIPTION                                  REFERENCE TO
- -----      ---------------------------------------------------------  ------------------------------
<S>   <C>  <C>                                                        <C>
3(i)   --  Restated Certificate of Incorporation dated May 27, 1994   Exhibit 3.1 of Registrant's
                                                                      Transition Report on Form 10-K
                                                                      for the eleven months ended
                                                                      November 30, 1994
3(ii)  --  Amended and Restated By-Laws                               Exhibit 3 of Registrant's
                                                                      Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
                                                                      for the quarter ended February
                                                                      28, 1997
4.1    --  Specimen share certificate for Series B Preferred Stock                  --
4.2    --  Certificate of Designations, Powers, Preferences and                     --
           Rights of the Series B Preferred Stock
5      --  Opinion and consent of Jennifer Marre, Esq.                              --
8      --  Opinion and consent of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett                        --
           regarding certain tax matters
10.1   --  Investment Agreement by and among American Express         Exhibit 10.21 to Registration
           Company, Shearson Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. and        Statement No. 33-12976
           Nippon Life Insurance Company dated as of April 15, 1987
10.2   --  1990 Agreement, dated as of June 12, 1990, by and between  Exhibit 10.25 to Registrant's
           American Express Company and Nippon Life Insurance         Annual Report on Form 10-K for
           Company                                                    the year ended December 31,
                                                                      1990
10.3   --  1994 Agreement, dated April 27, 1994, by and among         Exhibit 10.32 to Registrant's
           American Express Company, Nippon Life Insurance Company    Transition Report on Form 10-K
           and the Registrant                                         for the eleven months ended
                                                                      November 30, 1994
10.4   --  1997 Letter Agreement, dated January 22, 1997, by and                    --
           between American Express Company and Nippon Life
           Insurance Company
12     --  Computation of ratio of earnings to combined fixed         Exhibit 12(b) to Registrant's
           charges and preferred dividends                            Annual Report on Form 10-K for
                                                                      the year ended November 30,
                                                                      1996
23.1   --  Consent of Jennifer Marre, Esq. (included in Exhibit 5)                  --
23.2   --  Consent of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett                                    --
23.3   --  Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors                       --
24     --  Power of Attorney                                                        --
27     --  Financial Data Schedule                                                  --
99.1   --  Form of Letter of Transmittal                                            --
99.2   --  Form of Letter to Brokers, Dealers, Commercial Banks,                    --
           Trust Companies and Other Nominees
99.3   --  Form of Letter to Clients                                                --
</TABLE>
 
                                       E-1

<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 4.1

                       [FRONT SIDE OF STOCK CERTIFICATE]


                         CUMULATIVE CONVERTIBLE VOTING

                           PREFERRED STOCK, SERIES B


NUMBER                                                  SHARES


                         LEHMAN BROTHERS HOLDINGS INC.

INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS                 THIS CERTIFICATE IS TRANSFERABLE
OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE                    IN BOSTON, MA OR IN NEW YORK, NY


                                            SEE REVERSE FOR
                                            CERTAIN DEFINITIONS

                                            CUSIP

THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT

IS THE OWNER OF 

FULLY PAID AND NON-ASSESSABLE SHARES OF THE CUMULATIVE VOTING PREFERRED STOCK,
SERIES B (LIQUIDATION PREFERENCE $39.10 PER SHARE) OF THE PAR VALUE OF $1.00
EACH OF


Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc., transferable on the books of the Corporation by
the holder hereof in person or by duly authorized attorney upon surrender of
this Certificate properly endorsed. This Certificate is not valid unless
countersigned by the Transfer Agent and registered by the Registrar.

        Witness the seal of the Corporation and the signatures of its duly
authorized Officers.

Dated:                                     COUNTERSIGNED AND REGISTERED:
                                           THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BOSTON
                                           TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
& CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER                  BY:

                                                          AUTHORIZED OFFICER


        SECRETARY


                                [CORPORATE SEAL]
<PAGE>   2
                      [REVERSE SIDE OF STOCK CERTIFICATE]

                         LEHMAN BROTHERS HOLDINGS INC.


        The Corporation will furnish without charge to each stockholder who so
requests a statement of the designations, powers, preferences and relative
participating, optional or other special rights of each class of stock or
series thereof of the Corporation and the qualifications, limitations or
restrictions of such preferences and/or rights. Such request may be made to the
Corporation or the Transfer Agent.

        The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face
of this certificate, shall be construed as though they were written out in full
according to applicable laws or regulations:

<TABLE>
<S>                                        <C>
TEN COM - as tenants in common             UNIF GIFT MIN ACT - ______________ Custodian ______________
                                                                   (Cust)                  (Minor)
TEN ENT - as tenants by the entireties                         under Uniform gifts to Minors
                                                               Act ___________________________________
JT TEN  - as joint tenants with                                                (State)
          right of survivorship
          and not as tenants in common
</TABLE>

Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.

For Value Received, the undersigned hereby sells, assigns and transfers unto

PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR OTHER
IDENTIFYING NUMBER OF ASSIGNEE

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

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

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, OR ASSIGNEE)

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

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

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

shares of the capital stock represented by the within Certificate, and do hereby
irrevocably constitute and appoint____________________________ Attorney to
transfer the said stock on the books of the within named Corporation with full
power of substitution in the premises.

Dated _________________

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

        NOTICE: THE SIGNATURE TO THIS ASSIGNMENT MUST CORRESPOND WITH 
        THE NAME AS WRITTEN UPON THE FACE OF THE CERTIFICATE IN EVERY
        PARTICULAR, WITHOUT ALTERATION OR ENLARGEMENT OR ANY CHANGE
        WHATEVER.

SIGNATURE(S) GUARANTEED:

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

THE SIGNATURE(S) SHOULD BE GUARANTEED BY AN ELIGIBLE GUARANTOR INSTITUTION
(BANKS, STOCKBROKERS, SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATIONS AND CREDIT UNIONS WITH
MEMBERSHIP IN AN APPROVED GUARANTEE MEDALLION PROGRAM). PURSUANT TO S.E.C. 
RULE 17Ad-15

                      


     

<PAGE>   1
 
                                                                     EXHIBIT 4.2
 
          CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATIONS, POWERS, PREFERENCES AND RIGHTS
                        OF THE SERIES B PREFERRED STOCK
                   ($39.10 LIQUIDATION PREFERENCE PER SHARE)
 
                                       OF
 
                         LEHMAN BROTHERS HOLDINGS INC.
                            ------------------------
                         PURSUANT TO SECTION 151 OF THE
                GENERAL CORPORATION LAW OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE
 
     LEHMAN BROTHERS HOLDINGS INC., a Delaware corporation having its registered
office at 1013 Centre Road, in the City of Wilmington, in the County of New
Castle (the "Corporation"), HEREBY CERTIFIES that resolutions were duly adopted
by the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of the Corporation, acting
pursuant to Section 141(c)(2) of the General Corporation Law of the State of
Delaware, pursuant to the authority conferred upon the Board of Directors of the
Corporation by the provisions of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of
the Corporation, as follows:
 
          RESOLVED, that the Corporation be, and it hereby is, authorized to
     offer, issue and sell a series of Preferred Stock of the Corporation and
     the Board of Directors hereby fixes the designation, number of shares,
     voting powers and the other powers, preferences and relative,
     participating, optional or other special rights, and the qualifications,
     limitations and restrictions thereof (in addition to those set forth in the
     Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation which may be
     applicable to such series), as follows:
 
     1. Designation.  The Board of Directors authorizes the issuance of a series
of the Preferred Stock designated as the "Cumulative Convertible Voting
Preferred Stock, Series B" (the "Series B Preferred Stock"). The authorized
number of shares of Series B Preferred Stock shall be thirteen million
(13,000,000) shares (the "Series B Shares"). The par value of the Series B
Preferred Stock shall be $1.00 per share.
 
     2. Dividends.  (a) The holders of the shares of Series B Preferred Stock
shall be entitled to receive, when and as declared by the Board of Directors or
a duly authorized committee thereof, out of funds legally available for the
payment of dividends, cumulative dividends payable quarterly in cash on March
15, June 15, September 15 and December 15 of each year (or, if any such day is
not a Business Day, then on the next succeeding Business Day) in each year (the
"Dividend Payment Dates"), commencing on June 15, 1987, in preference to
dividends on shares of the Common Stock of the Corporation, or any other capital
stock of the Corporation ranking junior to the Series B Preferred Stock in
payment of dividends. The annual dividend rate per Series B Share shall be in an
amount equal to $1.955 per share. The amount of dividends payable on each Series
B Share for each full quarterly dividend period shall be computed by dividing by
four such annual rate. Dividends payable on the Series B Preferred Stock for any
period less than a full quarterly period shall be computed on the basis of a
360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months for the actual number of days
involved. Dividends with respect to any Series B Share shall accumulate from the
date of issue thereof. No cash dividends shall be declared and set apart for
payment on any capital stock ranking on a par with the Series B Preferred Stock
in the payment of dividends unless there shall likewise be or have been declared
and set apart for payment on all Series B Shares at the time outstanding full
cumulative dividends for all quarterly dividend periods ending on or before the
dividend payment date for such other stock. If and so long as any full
cumulative dividends payable on the Series B Shares in respect of all prior
dividend periods shall not have been paid or set apart for payment, the
Corporation shall not pay any dividends or make any distributions of assets
(other than dividends payable in shares of capital stock of the Corporation
ranking junior to the Series B Preferred Stock in payment of dividends) on or
redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire for consideration shares of capital stock
of the Corporation ranking junior to or on a par with the Series B Preferred
Stock in payment of dividends.
 
                                        1
<PAGE>   2
 
     (b) Dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock shall be paid to the holders
of record of Series B Shares as they appear on the stock register of the
Corporation on such record date, not exceeding 40 days preceding the payment
date thereof, as shall be fixed by the Board of Directors or by a duly
authorized committee thereof. Dividends on account of arrears for any past
dividend periods may be declared and paid at any time, without reference to any
Dividend Payment Date, to holders of record on such date, not exceeding 40 days
preceding the payment date thereof, as may be fixed by the Board of Directors or
by a duly authorized committee thereof. Dividends shall be paid to each holder
of record in United States dollars by check mailed to such holders at their
respective addresses appearing on the books of the Corporation.
 
     3. Liquidation Preference.  In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, before any
distribution of the assets of the Corporation to holders of Common Stock or any
other capital stock of the Corporation ranking junior upon liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, the holders of the Series B
Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive out of the assets of the
Corporation available for distribution to its stockholders, whether from
capital, surplus or earnings, an amount per Series B Share equal to $39.10 plus
an amount equal to all dividends (whether or not earned or declared) accumulated
and unpaid on such Series B Share to the date of final distribution. If, upon
any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, the assets of the
Corporation, or proceeds thereof, distributable among the holders of Series B
Shares or any capital stock ranking on a par with the Series B Preferred Stock
upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, shall be
insufficient to pay in full the preferential amounts to which such stock would
be entitled, then such assets, or the proceeds thereof, shall be distributable
among such holders ratably in accordance with the respective amounts which would
be payable on such shares if all amounts payable thereon were payable in full.
For the purposes hereof, neither a consolidation nor a merger of the Corporation
with one or more other corporations, nor a sale or a transfer of all or
substantially all of the assets of the Corporation, shall be deemed to be a
liquidation, dissolution or winding up, voluntary or involuntary, of the
Corporation.
 
     4. Redemption.  (a) The Corporation may at its option redeem outstanding
Series B Shares on any Dividend Payment Date upon at least 30 days' and not more
than 45 days' written notice to the holders thereof, at a redemption price equal
to $39.10 per share plus accumulated and unpaid dividends (whether or not earned
or declared) to the date fixed for redemption:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          NUMBER OF SHARES SUBJECT TO REDEMPTION
                                     ------------------------------------------------
<S>                                  <C>
to and including June 15, 1997       up to 7,800,000 minus the number of Series B
                                     Shares converted into shares of Corporation
                                     Common Stock or redeemed or exchanged for AMEX
                                     Common Shares or purchased by the Corporation
                                     pursuant to Section 7.4 of the 1990 Agreement
                                     prior to the date fixed for redemption
 
thereafter to and including          up to 10,400,000 minus the number of Series B
  June 15, 1998                      Shares converted into shares of Corporation
                                     Common Stock or redeemed or exchanged for AMEX
                                     Common Shares or purchased by the Corporation
                                     pursuant to Section 7.4 of the 1990 Agreement
                                     prior to the date fixed for redemption
 
thereafter                           up to 13,000,000 minus the number of Series B
                                     Shares converted into shares of Corporation
                                     Common Stock or redeemed or exchanged for AMEX
                                     Common Shares or purchased by the Corporation
                                     pursuant to Section 7.4 of the 1990 Agreement
                                     prior to the date fixed for redemption
</TABLE>
 
provided, however, such Series B Shares shall not be redeemable by the
Corporation unless (i) there is Public Company Common Stock outstanding on the
dates upon which notice of redemption is first given and such
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   3
 
redemption is effected, and (ii) the Average Market Price of the Common Stock of
the Corporation on the date upon which notice of redemption is first given is
above the Conversion Price (as defined in Paragraph 6 of this resolution) then
in effect. As used herein, (i) "AMEX Common Shares" means the Common Shares,
$.60 par value of American Express Company and (ii) "1990 Agreement" means the
1990 Agreement, dated as of June 12, 1990, by and between American Express
Company and Nippon Life Insurance Company ("Nippon Life"), as amended by the
1994 Agreement, dated April 28, 1994, by and among American Express Company,
Nippon Life and the Corporation, as further amended by the Agreement, dated
January 22, 1996, between Nippon Life and American Express Company.
 
     (b) Notice of any proposed redemption of shares of Series B Preferred Stock
shall be given by the Corporation by mailing a copy of such notice to holders of
record of the Series B Shares to be redeemed at their respective addresses
appearing on the books of the Corporation. Said notice shall specify the shares
called for redemption, the redemption price and the price at which and the date
on which the shares called for redemption will, upon presentation and surrender
of the certificates of stock evidencing such shares, be redeemed and the
redemption price therefor paid. From and after the date fixed in any such notice
as the date of redemption of shares of Series B Preferred Stock, unless default
shall be made by the Corporation in providing monies at the time and place
specified for the payment of the redemption price pursuant to said notice, all
dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock thereby called for redemption shall
cease to accrue and all rights of the holders thereof as stockholders of the
Corporation, except the right to receive the redemption price, shall cease and
terminate.
 
     5. Shares to be Retired.  All Series B Shares redeemed by the Corporation
shall be retired and canceled and shall resume the status of authorized and
unissued shares of Preferred Stock, provided that such shares shall not
thereafter be issued as Series B Shares.
 
     6. Conversion Rights.  The Series B Shares shall be convertible, in whole
or in part, at the option of the holders thereof, into shares of Common Stock of
the Corporation subject to the following terms and conditions:
 
          (a) The Series B Shares shall be convertible at the office of any
     Transfer Agent, and at such other office or offices, if any, as the Board
     of Directors may designate, into fully paid and nonassessable shares
     (calculated as to each conversion to the nearest 1/100 of a share) of
     Common Stock of the Corporation, at the Conversion Price, determined as
     hereinafter provided, in effect at the time of conversion, each Series B
     Share being taken by the Corporation as having a value equal to $39.10 per
     share. The number of shares of Common Stock into which each share of Series
     B Preferred Stock may be converted at any time shall be calculated as
     $39.10 divided by the Conversion Price in effect at the time of conversion.
     The price at which shares of Common Stock shall be delivered upon
     conversion (herein called the "Conversion Price") shall be $123.0212380 per
     share, subject to adjustment in certain instances as provided below in
     subparagraphs (c), (d), (e), (f), (g) and (i) of this Paragraph 6.
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   4
 
          (b) In order to convert Series B Shares into Common Stock, the holder
     thereof shall surrender at any office hereinabove mentioned the certificate
     or certificates therefor, duly endorsed or assigned to the Corporation or
     in blank, and give written notice to the Corporation at such office that he
     elects to convert such shares. Such notice shall be substantially in the
     following form:
 
                          "NOTICE TO EXERCISE CONVERSION RIGHT
 
             The undersigned, being a holder of the Cumulative Convertible
        Voting Preferred Stock, Series B ("Series B Shares") of Lehman Brothers
        Holdings Inc., irrevocably exercises the right to convert
        outstanding Series B Shares on           ,      , into shares of Common
        Stock of Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. in accordance with the terms of
        the Series B Shares, and directs that the shares issuable and
        deliverable upon the conversion, together with any check in payment for
        fractional shares, be issued and delivered in the denominations
        indicated below to the registered holder hereof unless a different name
        has been indicated below. If shares are to be issued in the name of a
        person other than the undersigned, the undersigned will pay all transfer
        taxes payable with respect thereto.
                   Dated: [On or before the date fixed for conversion]
 
         Fill in for registration of shares of
           Common Stock if to be issued otherwise
           than to the registered holder:
 

- ------------------------------------
Name

- ------------------------------------
Address

- ------------------------------------    ---------------------------------------
(Please print name and address,                        (Signature)
including postal code number)
Denominations:
- --------------------------------- ."
 
          A payment or adjustment shall not be made by the Corporation upon any
     conversion on account of any dividends accrued on the Series B Shares
     surrendered for conversion or on account of any dividends on the Common
     Stock issued upon conversion.
 
          Series B Shares shall be deemed to have been converted immediately
     prior to the close of business on the day of the surrender of such shares
     for conversion in accordance with the foregoing provisions, and the person
     or persons entitled to receive the Common Stock issuable upon such
     conversion shall be treated for all purposes as the record holder or
     holders of such Common Stock at such time. As promptly as practicable on or
     after the conversion date, the Corporation shall issue and shall deliver at
     such office a certificate or certificates for the number of full shares of
     Common Stock issuable upon such conversion, together with payment in lieu
     of any fraction of a share, as hereinafter provided, to the person or
     persons entitled to receive the same. In case shares of Series B Preferred
     Stock are called for redemption, the right to convert such shares shall
     cease and terminate at the close of business on the date fixed for
     redemption, unless default shall be made in payment of the redemption
     price.
 
          (c) In case the Corporation shall pay or make a dividend or other
     distribution on any class of capital stock of the Corporation in Common
     Stock, the Conversion Price in effect at the opening of business on the day
     following the date fixed for the determination of stockholders entitled to
     receive such dividend or other distribution shall be reduced by multiplying
     such Conversion Price by a fraction of which the numerator shall be the
     number of shares of Common Stock outstanding at the close of business on
     the date fixed for such determination and the denominator shall be the sum
     of such number of shares and the total number of shares constituting such
     dividend or other distribution, such reduction to become effective
     immediately after the opening of business on the day following the date
     fixed for such
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   5
 
     determination. In the event that such distribution is not so made, (i) the
     Conversion Price shall again be adjusted to be the Conversion Price which
     would then be in effect if such date fixed for the determination of
     stockholders entitled to receive such distribution had not been fixed, and
     (ii) the holders shall have the option of reversing any exercise of their
     conversion rights hereunder made after such record date in contemplation of
     such distribution (and thereby reestablishing such conversion rights to the
     extent so exercised) by returning to the Corporation any Common Stock, cash
     and other securities or property which had been received upon such
     conversion; provided that the option set forth in this clause (ii) shall be
     exercisable by a holder only prospectively by a written instrument
     delivered to the Corporation at the time of such conversion, which
     instrument shall state that such holder revokes such conversion if such
     distribution is not so made. For the purposes of this subparagraph (c), the
     number of shares of Common Stock at any time outstanding shall not include
     shares held in the treasury of the Corporation but shall include shares
     issuable in respect of scrip certificates issued in lieu of fractions of
     shares of Common Stock. The Corporation will not pay any dividend or make
     any distribution in shares of Common Stock held in the treasury of the
     Corporation.
 
          (d) In case the Corporation shall issue rights or warrants to all
     holders of its Common Stock entitling them to subscribe for or purchase
     shares of Common Stock at a price per share less than (i) if the
     Corporation shall have outstanding at the time of such issuance, and for a
     period of at least 30 trading days immediately prior to such issuance,
     Public Company Stock, the Average Market Price of the Common Stock or (ii)
     if otherwise, the Fair Market Value per share of the Common Stock, on the
     date fixed for the determination of stockholders entitled to receive such
     rights or warrants, the Conversion Price in effect at the opening of
     business on the day following the date fixed for such determination shall
     be reduced by multiplying such Conversion Price by a fraction of which the
     numerator shall be the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding at the
     close of business on the date fixed for such determination plus the number
     of shares of Common Stock which the aggregate of the offering price of the
     total number of shares of Common Stock so offered for subscription or
     purchase would purchase at such Average Market Price or Fair Market Value,
     as the case may be, and the denominator shall be the number of shares of
     Common Stock outstanding at the close of business on the date fixed for
     such determination plus the number of shares of Common Stock so offered for
     subscription or purchase, such reduction to become effective immediately
     after the opening of business on the day following the date fixed for such
     determination. In the event that such issuance is not so made, (i) the
     Conversion Price shall again be adjusted to be the Conversion Price which
     would then be in effect if such date fixed for the determination of
     stockholders entitled to receive such rights or warrants had not been
     fixed, and the holders shall have the option of reversing any exercise of
     their conversion rights hereunder made after such record date in
     contemplation of such issuance (and thereby re-establishing such conversion
     rights to the extent so exercised) by returning to the Corporation any
     Common Stock, cash and other securities or property which had been received
     upon such conversion; provided that the option set forth in this clause
     (ii) shall be exercisable by a holder only prospectively by a written
     instrument delivered to the Corporation at the time of such conversion,
     which instrument shall state that such holder revokes such conversion if
     such distribution is not so made. For the purposes of this subparagraph
     (d), the number of shares of Common Stock at any time outstanding shall not
     include shares held in the treasury of the Corporation but shall include
     shares issuable in respect of scrip certificates issued in lieu of
     fractions of shares of Common Stock. The Corporation will not issue any
     rights or warrants in respect of shares of Common Stock held in the
     treasury of the Corporation.
 
          (e) In case outstanding shares of Common Stock shall be subdivided
     into a greater number of shares of Common Stock, the Conversion Price in
     effect at the opening of business on the day following the date upon which
     such subdivision becomes effective shall be proportionately reduced, and,
     conversely, in case outstanding shares of Common Stock shall each be
     combined into a smaller number of shares of Common Stock, the Conversion
     Price in effect at the opening of business on the day following the day
     upon which such combination becomes effective shall be proportionately
     increased, such reduction or increase, as the case may be, to become
     effective immediately after the opening of business on the day following
     the day upon which such subdivision or combination becomes effective.
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   6
 
          (f) In case the Corporation shall, by dividend or otherwise,
     distribute to all holders of its Common Stock evidences of its indebtedness
     or assets (including securities, but excluding (i) any rights or warrants
     referred to in subparagraph (d) above, (ii) any dividend or distribution
     paid in cash or other property out of the Adjusted Retained Earnings of the
     Corporation and (iii) any dividend or distribution referred to in
     subparagraph (c) above), then either (at the option of the Corporation) (I)
     the Corporation shall elect to include in such distribution the holders of
     shares of Series B Preferred Stock in respect of the number of Series B
     Shares held by such holders as of the record date for such distribution as
     if such holders had converted such Series B Shares into Common Stock
     immediately prior to such record date (such conversion assumed to be made
     at the Conversion Price in effect without regard to the adjustment provided
     in the following clause (II)), or (II) the Conversion Price shall be
     adjusted so that the same shall equal the price determined by multiplying
     the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to the close of business
     on the date fixed for the determination of stockholders entitled to receive
     such distribution by a fraction of which the numerator shall be the Fair
     Market Price per share of the Common Stock on the date fixed for such
     determination less the fair market value (as determined (A) if Nippon Life
     and its Affiliates then own a majority of the Series B Shares then
     outstanding (i) jointly by the Corporation and Nippon Life or (ii) if
     Nippon Life and the Corporation cannot so agree, by an internationally
     recognized investment banking firm selected by Nippon Life and the
     Corporation or (B) if Nippon Life and its Affiliates do not then own a
     majority of the Series B Shares then outstanding, by an independent,
     internationally recognized investment banking firm selected by the
     Corporation) on such date of the portion of the assets or evidences of
     indebtedness so distributed applicable to one share of Common Stock and the
     denominator shall be the Fair Market Price per share of the Common Stock,
     such adjustment to become effective immediately prior to the opening of
     business on the day following the date fixed for the determination of
     stockholders entitled to receive such distribution. In the event that such
     distribution is not so made, (i) the Conversion Price shall again be
     adjusted to be the Conversion Price which would then be in effect if such
     date fixed for the determination of stockholders entitled to receive such
     distribution had not been fixed, and (ii) the holders shall have the option
     of reversing any exercise of their conversion rights hereunder made after
     such record date in contemplation of such distribution (and thereby
     re-establishing such conversion rights to the extent so exercised) by
     returning to the Corporation any Common Stock, cash and other securities or
     property which had been received upon such conversion; provided that the
     option set forth in this clause (ii) shall be exercisable by a Holder only
     prospectively by a written instrument delivered to the Corporation at the
     time of such conversion, which instrument shall state that such holder
     revokes such conversion if such distribution is not so made. For purposes
     of this subparagraph (f), "Adjusted Retained Earnings" shall mean the
     retained earnings of the Corporation as of the date of such dividend or
     distribution plus $500,000,000 plus any dividend paid after August 10, 1990
     (which has been debited against retained earnings) on any Preferred Stock
     of the Corporation outstanding on August 10, 1990. If the Corporation makes
     an election under clause (I) of this subparagraph (f) with respect to any
     such distribution payable on any Series B Share (an "Elected Company
     Dividend"), the Corporation may in lieu of such distribution elect to pay
     the fair market value (determined as provided above) of such Elected
     Company Dividend in cash (the "Cash Equivalent") or elect to defer payment
     of such Elected Company Dividend or the Cash Equivalent to the holder of
     such Series B Share and hold such amount (and any amounts subsequently paid
     or earned in respect of such deferred Elected Company Dividend or Cash
     Equivalent) in trust for the holder until the earlier to occur of (X) the
     conversion of such Series B Share into Common Stock or (Y) if the holder of
     such Series B Share had the right to exchange such Series B Share for AMEX
     Exchange Common Shares (otherwise than as a result of an exchange for AMEX
     Exchange Common Shares), such holder no longer has such right; provided,
     that payment to the holder of such Series B Share shall be made promptly
     after the earliest of such times; and provided, further, that any such
     deferred Elected Company Dividend or Cash Equivalent shall not be payable
     and shall be released to the Corporation and no longer held in trust for
     the holder with respect to any Series B Share that is exchanged for AMEX
     Exchange Common Shares or is redeemed or is otherwise purchased by the
     Corporation pursuant to Section 7.4 of the 1990 Agreement. Any cash to be
     held in trust for the holder as a deferred Elected Company Dividend or Cash
     Equivalent shall be invested by the Corporation in U.S. government treasury
     bills.
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   7
 
          (g) The reclassification (including any reclassification upon a merger
     in which the Corporation is the continuing corporation, but not including
     any transaction for which an adjustment is provided in subparagraph (h)
     below of this Paragraph 6) of Common Stock into securities including other
     than Common Stock shall be deemed to involve (i) a distribution of such
     securities other than Common Stock to all holders of Common Stock (and the
     effective date of such reclassification shall be deemed to be "the date
     fixed for the determination of stockholders entitled to receive such
     distribution" and "the date fixed for such determination" within the
     meaning of subparagraph (f) above of this Paragraph 6), and (ii) a
     subdivision or combination, as the case may be, of the number of shares of
     Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to such reclassification into
     the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately thereafter
     (and the effective date of such reclassification shall be deemed to be "the
     day upon which such subdivision becomes effective" or "the day upon which
     such combination becomes effective," as the case may be, and "the day upon
     which such subdivision or combination becomes effective" within the meaning
     of subparagraph (e) above of this Paragraph 6).
 
          (h) In case of any consolidation of the Corporation with, or merger of
     the Corporation into, any other Person, any merger of another Person into
     the Corporation (other than a merger which does not result in any
     reclassification, conversion, exchange or cancellation of outstanding
     shares of Common Stock) or any sale or transfer of all or substantially all
     of the assets of the Corporation, the Person formed by such consolidation
     or resulting from such merger or which acquires such assets, as the case
     may be, shall execute and deliver an assumption agreement satisfactory in
     form and substance to a majority in interest of the holders, providing that
     the holders of Series B Shares shall have the right thereafter, during the
     period such Series B Shares shall be outstanding to convert such Series B
     Shares only into the kind and amount of securities, cash and other property
     receivable upon such consolidation, merger, sale or transfer by a holder of
     the number of shares of Common Stock into which such Series B Shares might
     have been converted immediately prior to such consolidation, merger, sale
     or transfer. If the holders of Common Stock may elect from choices the kind
     or amount of securities, cash and other property receivable in respect of
     any Series B Share upon such consolidation, merger, sale or transfer, then
     for the purpose of this Paragraph 6 the kind and amount of securities, cash
     and other property receivable upon such consolidation, merger, sale or
     transfer shall be deemed to be the choice specified by the holder of such
     Series B Share, which specification shall be made by such holder by the
     later of (i) 20 Business Days after such holder is provided with a final
     version of all information required by law or regulation to be furnished to
     holders of Common Stock concerning such choice, or if no such information
     is required, 20 Business Days after the Corporation notifies such holder of
     all material facts concerning such specification and (ii) the last time at
     which holders of Common Stock are permitted to make their specification
     known to the Corporation. If such holder fails to make any specification,
     such holder's choice shall be deemed to be whatever choice is made by a
     plurality of holders of Common Stock not affiliated with the Corporation or
     the other Person to the merger or consolidation or, if no such holders
     exist, as specified by the Board of Directors in good faith. Such
     assumption agreement shall provide for adjustments which, for events
     subsequent to the effective date of such written instrument, shall be as
     nearly equivalent as may be practicable to the adjustments provided for in
     this Paragraph 6. The above provisions of this subparagraph (h) shall
     similarly apply to successive consolidations, mergers, sales or transfers.
 
          (i) The Corporation may make such reductions in the Conversion Price,
     in addition to those required by subparagraphs (c), (d), (e), (f) and (g)
     above of this Paragraph 6, as it considers to be advisable in order that
     any event treated for Federal income tax purposes as a dividend of stock or
     stock rights shall not be taxable to the recipients.
 
          (j) Whenever the Conversion Price is adjusted as herein provided the
     Corporation shall compute the adjusted Conversion Price in accordance with
     this Paragraph 6 and shall prepare a certificate signed by the Treasurer
     (or other responsible financial officer) of the Corporation setting forth
     the adjusted Conversion Price and showing in reasonable detail the facts
     upon which such adjustment is based, and such certificate shall forthwith
     be filed with the Transfer Agent or Agents for the Series B Preferred Stock
     and a copy air mailed as soon as practicable to the holders of record of
     the Series B Shares.
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   8
 
     (k) In case:
 
             (i) the Corporation shall declare a dividend (or any other
        distribution) on its Common Stock payable otherwise than in cash out of
        its Adjusted Retained Earnings; or
 
             (ii) the Corporation shall authorize the granting to the holders of
        its Common Stock of rights or warrants to subscribe for or purchase any
        shares of capital stock of any class or of any other rights; or
 
             (iii) of any reclassification of the capital stock of the
        Corporation (other than a subdivision or combination of its outstanding
        shares of Common Stock), or of any consolidation or merger to which the
        Corporation is a party and for which approval of common stockholders of
        the Corporation is required, or of the sale or transfer of all or
        substantially all of the assets of the Corporation; or
 
             (iv) of the voluntary or involuntary dissolution, liquidation or
        winding up of the Corporation;
 
                then the Corporation shall cause to be filed with the Transfer
           Agent or Agents, if any, for the Series B Preferred Stock, and shall
           cause to be air mailed to the holders of record of the outstanding
           shares of Series B Preferred Stock, at least 30 days (or 15 days in
           any case specified in clause (i) or (ii) above) prior to the
           applicable record or effective date hereinafter specified, a notice
           stating (X) the date on which a record is to be taken for the purpose
           of such dividend, distribution, rights or warrants, or, if a record
           is not to be taken, the date as of which the holders of Common Stock
           of record to be entitled to such dividend, distribution, rights or
           warrants are to be determined, or (Y) the date on which such
           reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer, dissolution,
           liquidation or winding up is expected to become effective, and the
           date as of which it is expected that holders of Common Stock of
           record shall be entitled to exchange their shares of Common Stock for
           securities, cash or other property deliverable upon such
           reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer, dissolution,
           liquidation or winding up.
 
          (l) The Corporation shall at all times reserve and keep available,
     free from preemptive rights, out of its authorized but unissued Common
     Stock, for the purpose of effecting the conversion of Series B Shares, the
     full number of shares of Common Stock then deliverable upon the conversion
     of all Series B Shares then outstanding.
 
          (m) No fractional shares of Common Stock shall be issued upon
     conversion, but, instead of any fraction of a share which would otherwise
     be issuable, the Corporation shall pay a cash adjustment in respect of such
     fraction in an amount equal to the same fraction of the market price per
     share of Common Stock (as determined in good faith by the Board of
     Directors or in any manner prescribed by the Board of Directors) at the
     close of business on the day of conversion.
 
          (n) The Corporation will pay any and all stamp or other similar taxes
     that may be payable in respect of the issue or delivery of shares of Common
     Stock on conversion of Series B Shares pursuant hereto. The Corporation
     shall not, however, be required to pay any tax which may be payable in
     respect of any transfer involved in the issue and delivery of shares of
     Common Stock in a name other than that in which the Series B Shares so
     converted were registered, and no such issue or delivery shall be made
     unless and until the person requesting such issue has paid to the
     Corporation the amount of any such tax, or has established to the
     satisfaction of the Corporation that such tax has been paid.
 
          (o) In any case in which this Paragraph 6 shall require that an
     adjustment shall become effective immediately after a record date for an
     event, the Corporation may defer until the occurrence of such event (i)
     issuing to the holder of any Series B Shares converted after such record
     date and before the occurrence of such event the additional shares of
     Common Stock (and Elected Company Dividend or Cash Equivalent, if any)
     issuable upon such conversion by reason of the adjustment required by such
     event over and above the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon
     such conversion before giving effect to such adjustment and (ii) paying to
     such holder any amount in cash in lieu of a fractional share of Common
     Stock pursuant to Paragraph 6(m) of this Section A; provided, that, upon
     the request of such holder, the Corporation shall deliver to such holder a
     due bill or other appropriate instrument
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   9
 
     evidencing such holder's rights to receive such additional shares of Common
     Stock, and such cash, upon the occurrence of the event requiring such
     adjustment.
 
          (p) For the purpose of this Paragraph 6:
 
             (i) "Adjusted Retained Earnings" shall have the meaning assigned in
        Paragraph 6(f) of this resolution.
 
             (ii) "Affiliate" means, with respect to a Person, any corporation
        or other entity in which such Person has a direct or indirect
        controlling interest or by which such Person is directly or indirectly
        controlled or which is under direct or indirect common control with such
        Person.
 
             (iii) "AMEX Exchange Common Shares" means the AMEX Common Shares
        (as defined in Paragraph 4 of this resolution) issued to Nippon Life or
        its Affiliates pursuant to Section 5.5 of the 1990 Agreement.
 
             (iv) "Average Market Price" of any security on any date means the
        average of the daily closing prices for the 10 consecutive trading days
        selected by the issuer commencing not less than 20 days nor more than 30
        trading days before the day in question. The closing price for each day
        shall be the last reported sales price regular way or, in case no such
        reported sale takes place on such day, the average of the reported
        closing bid and asked prices regular way, in either case on the New York
        Stock Exchange or, if such security is not listed or admitted to trading
        on such Exchange, on the principal national securities exchange on which
        such security is listed or admitted to trading or, if not listed or
        admitted to trading on any national securities exchange, on the Nasdaq
        National Market or, if such security is not listed or admitted to
        trading on any national securities exchange or quoted on the Nasdaq
        National Market, the average of the closing bid and asked prices in the
        over-the-counter market as furnished by any New York Stock Exchange
        member firm selected from time to time by the issuer for that purpose.
        For the purposes of this definition, the term "trading day" shall mean
        each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday, other than any day
        on which securities are not traded on such exchange or in such market.
 
             (v) "Common Stock" shall include any stock of any class of the
        Corporation which has no preference in respect of dividends or of
        amounts payable in the event of any voluntary or involuntary
        liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation and which is
        not subject to redemption by the Corporation. However, shares issuable
        on conversion of Series B Shares shall include only shares of the class
        designated as Common Stock of the Corporation as of the Closing Date, or
        shares of any class or classes resulting from any reclassification or
        reclassifications thereof and which have no preference in respect of
        dividends or of amounts payable in the event of any voluntary or
        involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation
        and which are not subject to redemption by the Corporation; provided
        that if at any time there shall be more than one such resulting class,
        the shares of each such class then so issuable shall be substantially in
        the proportion which the total number of shares of such class resulting
        from all such reclassifications bears to the total number of shares of
        all such classes resulting from all such reclassifications.
 
             (vi) "Cash Equivalent" shall have the meaning assigned in Paragraph
        6(f) of this resolution.
 
             (vii) "Elected Company Dividend" shall have the meaning assigned in
        Paragraph 6(f) of this resolution.
 
             (viii) "Fair Market Value" per share of Common Stock on any date
        means the fair market value thereof on the date in question, which
        either (A) if Nippon Life and its Affiliates then own a majority of the
        Series B Shares then outstanding (i) shall be determined jointly by the
        Corporation and Nippon Life or (ii) if the Corporation and Nippon Life
        cannot agree, shall be the value reasonably determined in good faith by
        the Board of Directors of the Corporation or (B) if Nippon Life and its
        Affiliates do not then own a majority of the Series B Shares then
        outstanding, shall be the value reasonably determined in good faith by
        the Board of Directors of the Corporation.
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   10
 
             (ix) "Fair Market Price" per share of Common Stock on any date
        means the fair market value thereof on the date in question, determined
        (A) if Nippon Life and its Affiliates then own a majority of the Series
        B Shares then outstanding (i) jointly by the Corporation and Nippon Life
        or (ii) if the Corporation and Nippon Life cannot so agree, by an
        independent internationally recognized investment banking firm selected
        by the Corporation and Nippon Life or (B) if Nippon Life and its
        Affiliates do not then own a majority of the Series B Shares then
        outstanding, shall be determined by an independent, internationally
        recognized investment banking firm selected by the Corporation, which
        determination in any such case shall include the value attributable to
        any assets or securities to be distributed to the holders of Common
        Stock.
 
             (x) "1990 Agreement" shall have the meaning assigned in Paragraph 4
        of this resolution.
 
             (xi) "Nippon Life" shall have the meaning assigned in Paragraph 4
        of this resolution.
 
             (xii) "Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership,
        joint venture, trust, unincorporated organization or governmental or any
        agency or political subdivision thereof.
 
             (xiii) "Public Company Stock" means any class or series of Voting
        Stock registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and broadly
        held and actively traded by public stockholders.
 
             (xiv) "Voting Stock" means all securities issued by the Company
        having the ordinary power to vote in the election of directors of the
        Company, other than securities having such power only upon the
        occurrence of a default or any other extraordinary contingency.
 
     7. Voting Rights.
 
     The holders of Series B Preferred Stock shall have the following voting
rights subject to the following terms and conditions:
 
          (a) The holders of Series B Preferred Stock shall have voting rights
     equal to the voting rights of holders of shares of Common Stock and the
     Series B Shares shall vote together with the shares of Common Stock (and of
     any other class or series which may similarly be entitled to vote with the
     shares of Common Stock) as a single class upon all matters upon which
     holders of Common Stock are entitled to vote;
 
          (b) So long as any of the Series B Shares remain outstanding, the
     Corporation will not, either directly or indirectly or through merger or
     consolidation with any other corporation, without the affirmative vote at a
     meeting or the written consent with or without a meeting of the holders of
     at least a majority of the Series B Shares then outstanding, amend, alter
     or repeal any of the provisions of the Certificate of Designations, Powers,
     Preferences and Rights of the Series B Preferred Stock or the Restated
     Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation, or authorize any
     reclassification of the Series B Preferred Stock, so as in any such case to
     affect adversely the preferences, special rights or powers of the Series B
     Preferred Stock, or authorize any capital stock of the Corporation ranking,
     either as to payment of dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or
     winding up of the Corporation, prior to the Series B Preferred Stock; and
 
          (c) In exercising the voting rights set forth in this Paragraph 7 or
     when otherwise granted voting rights by operation of law, each share of
     Series B Preferred Stock shall be entitled to a number of votes equal to
     the quotient obtained by dividing $39.10 by the Conversion Price in effect
     at the time.
 
     No consent of holders of the Series B Preferred Stock shall be required for
(i) the creation of any indebtedness of any kind of the Corporation or (ii) the
authorization or issuance of any class of capital stock of the Corporation
ranking junior or equal to the Series B Preferred Stock in payment of dividends
or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation.
 
     8. Sinking Fund.  The Series B Preferred Stock shall not be subject to any
right of mandatory payment or prepayment (except for liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of the Corporation) or to any sinking fund.
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   11
 
     9. Exchanges.  Certificates representing Series B Shares shall be
exchangeable, at the option of the holder, for a new certificate or certificates
of the same or different denominations representing in the aggregate the same
number of Series B Shares.
 
     10. Term.  Subject to redemption as set forth in Paragraph 4 of this
resolution or to conversion as set forth in Paragraph 6 of this resolution the
Series B Preferred Stock shall be perpetual.
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. has caused this
certificate to be signed by Jennifer Marre, Vice President, and attested by
Karen C. Manson, its Secretary, this 10th day of April, 1997.
 
                                          LEHMAN BROTHERS HOLDINGS INC.
 
                                          By: /s/ JENNIFER MARRE
                                            ------------------------------------
                                            Jennifer Marre, Vice President
 
ATTEST:
 
/s/ KAREN C. MANSON
- --------------------------------------
Karen C. Manson, Secretary
 
                                       11

<PAGE>   1
                                                                       EXHIBIT 5


                          LEHMAN BROTHERS HOLDINGS INC.
                          THREE WORLD FINANCIAL CENTER
                               NEW YORK, NY 10285



                                                                  April 15, 1997


Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street, NW
Washington, DC  20549

Ladies and Gentlemen:

         I am an Associate General Counsel of Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc., a
Delaware corporation ("Holdings"). A Registration Statement on Form S-4 (the
"Registration Statement"), under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Act"), was filed by Holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the
date hereof. The Registration Statement relates to the exchange of Holdings'
Series A Preferred Stock for a new series of preferred stock (the "Series B
Preferred Stock"), par value $1.00 per share, which Holdings may offer from time
to time in one or more series.

         In that connection, I or members of my staff have examined and relied
upon originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction,
of such documents, corporate records, certificates and instruments relating to
Holdings as I have deemed relevant and necessary to the formation of the opinion
hereinafter set forth. In such examination, I have assumed the genuineness and
authenticity of all documents examined by me or members of my staff and all
signatures thereon, the legal capacity of all persons executing such documents,
the conformity to originals of all copies of documents submitted to us and the
truth and correctness of any representations and warranties contained therein.

         Based upon the foregoing, I am of the opinion that:

         The Series B Preferred Stock is duly authorized, and when and to the
extent issued, the shares of Series B Preferred Stock will be validly issued,
fully paid and non-assessable, and no holder thereof will be subject to personal
liability by reason of being such a holder.
<PAGE>   2
LETTER TO SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
APRIL 15, 1997
PAGE 2



         In rendering this opinion, I express no opinion as to the laws of any
jurisdiction other than the State of New York, the General Corporation Law of
the State of Delaware and the United States of America.

         I hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement and to the reference to me under the caption "Legal
Opinions" in the Registration Statement, without admitting that I am an "expert"
under the Act, or the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange
Commission issued thereunder, with respect to any part of the Registration
Statement, including this exhibit.

                                    Very truly yours,

                                    /s/ Jennifer Marre

                                    Jennifer Marre
                                    Associate General Counsel

<PAGE>   1
                                                                     EXHIBIT 8 
      
                    [SIMPSON THACHER & BARTLETT LETTERHEAD]



                                        April 15, 1997



                   Re:  Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. Offer to
                        Exchange Up to 13,000,000 shares of
                        Cumulative Convertible Voting Preferred 
                        Stock, Series B, par value $1.00 per
                        share, for its Outstanding Cumulative
                        Convertible Voting Preferred Stock,
                        Series A, par value $1.00 per share

Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc.
3 World Financial Center
New York, NY 10285

Ladies and Gentlemen:

        You have requested our opinion with respect to certain United States
federal income tax consequences of the proposed transaction in which Lehman
Brothers Holdings Inc. (the "Company") offers to exchange (the "Exchange
Offer") up to 13,000,000 shares of its new Cumulative Convertible Voting
Preferred Stock, Series B (the "Series B Preferred Stock") for 13,000,000
shares of its outstanding Cumulative Convertible Voting Preferred Stock,
Series A (the "Series A Preferred Stock"). All capitalized terms used but not
defined herein have the meanings ascribed to them in the draft of the
Prospectus, dated as of April 15, 1997 (the "Prospectus").

        We have examined a draft dated April 15, 1997 of the Prospectus
relating to the Exchange Offer. In addition, we have

<PAGE>   2
SIMPSON THACHER & BARTLETT

                                      -2-                       April 15, 1997

examined such other documents, and have made such other and further
investigations, as we have deemed relevant and necessary as a basis for the
opinion hereinafter set forth. We have not, however, undertaken any independent
investigation of any factual matter in the foregoing. In addition, we have
assumed the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the
conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to us as drafts or
as certified, conformed, photostatic or facsimile copies, and the authenticity
of the originals of such latter documents. We have also assumed that the
Prospectus will be in the form of the draft examined by us as set forth above.

        Our examination of the Prospectus has, consistent with the nature of our
engagement, not included a review or investigation of the information
concerning the Company set forth therein or any other information set forth
therein, and, accordingly, we express no opinion or view with respect thereto.

        Our opinion is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the "Code"), Treasury Regulations, administrative interpretations, and
judicial precedents as of the date hereof. If there is any  subsequent change in
the applicable law or regulations, or if there are subsequently any new
administrative or judicial interpretations of the law or regulations, the
opinion expressed herein may become inapplicable.
<PAGE>   3
SIMPSON THACHER & BARTLETT

                                      -3-                        April 15, 1997

        We hereby advise you that, in our opinion, the statements set forth in
the Prospectus under the caption "Certain United States Federal Income Tax
Consequences" insofar as they purport to constitute summaries of matters of
United States federal tax law and regulations or legal conclusions with respect
thereto, constitute accurate summaries of the matters described therein in all
material respects.

        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.

        This opinion is rendered to you in connection with the above-described
transaction. This opinion may not be relied upon by you for any other purpose,
or relied upon by, or furnished to, any other person, firm or corporation
without our prior written consent.

                                        Very truly yours,

                                        /s/ Simpson Thacher & Bartlett

                                        SIMPSON THACHER & BARTLETT

<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.4


                          NIPPON LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY




                                                                January 22, 1997



Mr. Richard K. Goeltz
Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer
American Express Company
American Express Tower
World Financial Center
New York, New York  10285


Dear Mr. Goeltz:

         We refer to the 1990 Agreement by and between American Express and us,
dated as of June 12, 1990.
        
         We are discussing with Lehman the possibility of Lehman issuing to us
in exchange for our Cumulative Convertible Voting Preferred Stock, Series A
("Series A Preferred Stock") an equal number of shares of a new series of
preferred stock ("New Preferred Stock"). The terms, rights and privileges of the
New Preferred Stock would be identical to the terms, rights and privileges of
the Series A Preferred Stock in all respects except that there would no longer
be any minimum number of shares that must be converted into Lehman common stock
at any one time. Lehman would make a representation to Nippon to the effect that
the New Preferred Stock would be legally and validly issued, free of all liens
and we would place no liens on the New Preferred Stock. Immediately following
this transaction, we would own no shares of Series A Preferred Stock. At the
time of the transaction, the foregoing would be the only change involving our
equity investments in Lehman.

         If the transaction described above is completed, the parties agree that
the rights in Section 5.5 and Exhibit 12 of the 1990 Agreement will apply to the
New Preferred Stock to the same extent that they currently apply to the Series A
Preferred Stock. In addition, Section 10.6 of the 1990 Agreement will apply to
the New Preferred Stock. The foregoing is an expression of our mutual intent,
but remains subject to American Express' right to review the final terms of the
New Preferred Stock to ensure that the terms of and the rights provided by the
New Preferred Stock are identical to the terms and rights of the Series A
Preferred Stock except for the minimum conversion requirement.
<PAGE>   2
         Except as described herein, the 1990 Agreement will remain unchanged.

         Please confirm the foregoing by signing a counterpart of this letter
and returning it to us, whereupon this letter will become a binding agreement
between American Express and us.


                                    Very truly yours,

                                    Nippon Life Insurance Company


                                    By:  /s/Kiyoshi Ujihara
                                       -------------------------
                                    Name:  Kiyoshi Ujihara
                                    Title: Chief Representative



Agreed as of the date set forth above:

American Express Company


By:  /s/Richard K. Goeltz
   ---------------------------
Name:  Richard K. Goeltz
Title: Vice Chairman and
       Chief Financial Officer

<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.2


                     CONSENT OF SIMPSON THACHER & BARTLETT


We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Certain United States
Federal Income Tax Consequences" in the Registration Statement on Form S-4 and
related prospectus of Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. (the "Company") for the
registration of 13,000,000 shares of Cumulative Convertible Voting Preferred
Stock, Series B of the Company.


/s/ Simpson Thacher & Bartlett
- ------------------------------
New York, New York
April 15, 1997

<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.3


                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the reference to our firm as experts under the caption
"Independent Accountants" in the Registration Statement on Form S-4 and related
prospectus of Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. (the "Company") for the registration
of 13,000,000 shares of Cumulative Convertible Voting Preferred Stock, Series B
of the Company and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated
January 7, 1997, appearing in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended November 30, 1996.


/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
- ----------------------
New York, New York
April 14, 1997

<PAGE>   1
                                                                      EXHIBIT 24


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

      KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints Thomas A. Russo, Karen M. Muller and Michael R.
Milversted and each of them, his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and
agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and
in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and
all amendments (including post-effective amendments) and supplements to this
Registration Statement and any Registration Statement previously filed by the
Registrant or a predecessor in interest, and to file the same, with all exhibits
thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each
of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he
or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that
said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their substitutes, may
lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


       SIGNATURES                          TITLE                      DATE
       ----------                          -----                      ----
                                
                                 Chief Executive Officer and 
/s/ Richard S. Fuld, Jr.          Chairman of the Board of        April 15, 1997
- ----------------------------              Directors
    Richard S. Fuld, Jr.        (principal executive officer)



/s/ Charles B. Hintz              Chief Financial Officer
- ----------------------------    (principal financial officer)     April 15, 1997
    Charles B. Hintz            




/s/ Michael L. Ainslie                    Director                April 15, 1997
- ----------------------------
    Michael L. Ainslie


/s/ John F. Akers                         Director                April 15, 1997
- ----------------------------
    John F. Akers



/s/ Roger S. Berlind                      Director                April 15, 1997
- ----------------------------
    Roger S. Berlind



/s/ Thomas H. Cruikshank                  Director                April 15, 1997
- ----------------------------
    Thomas H. Cruikshank



/s/ Katsumi Funaki                        Director                April 15, 1997
- ----------------------------
    Katsumi Funaki



/s/ Henry Kaufman                         Director                April 15, 1997
- ----------------------------
    Henry Kaufman
<PAGE>   2
       SIGNATURES                          TITLE                      DATE
       ----------                          -----                      ----



/s/ John D. Macomber                      Director                April 15, 1997
- ----------------------------
    John D. Macomber



/s/ Dina Merrill                          Director                April 15, 1997
- ----------------------------
    Dina Merrill



/s/ Masataka Shimasaki                    Director                April 15, 1997
- ----------------------------
    Masataka Shimasaki

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
COMPANY'S CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AT NOVEMBER 30, 1996 AND
THE CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED NOVEMBER
30, 1996 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          NOV-30-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             DEC-01-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               NOV-30-1996
<CASH>                                           2,837
<SECURITIES>                                     9,944
<RECEIVABLES>                                   32,340
<ALLOWANCES>                                    20,651
<INVENTORY>                                     61,453
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                   477
<PP&E>                                         128,596
<DEPRECIATION>                                   8,202
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                   8,586
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           56,119
<BONDS>                                          6,296
                           26,364
                                     15,922
<COMMON>                                             0
<OTHER-SE>                                         508
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                        11
<SALES>                                          3,335
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               128,596
<CGS>                                            1,579
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   11,298
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                   362
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                   981
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 10,816
<INCOME-TAX>                                     1,747
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                637
<DISCONTINUED>                                     416
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                       416
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     3.24
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     3.24
        

</TABLE>

<PAGE>   1
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 99.1
 
                             LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
 
                                TO TENDER SHARES
                      OF THE CUMULATIVE CONVERTIBLE VOTING
                           PREFERRED STOCK, SERIES A
 
                                       OF
 
                         LEHMAN BROTHERS HOLDINGS INC.
 
           THE EXCHANGE OFFER WILL EXPIRE AT 12:00 MIDNIGHT, NEW YORK
   CITY TIME, ON              , 1997 (THE "EXPIRATION DATE") UNLESS EXTENDED
                        BY LEHMAN BROTHERS HOLDINGS INC.
 
                                EXCHANGE AGENT:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                           <C>
                   By Hand:                                      By Mail:
             Lehman Brothers Inc.                  (insured or registered recommended)
          Liability Management Group                       Lehman Brothers Inc.
           3 World Financial Center                     Liability Management Group
                  9th Floor                              3 World Financial Center
           New York, New York 10285                             9th Floor
          Attn: Matias J. Torrellas                      New York, New York 10285
                                                        Attn: Matias J. Torrellas
            By Overnight Express:                             By Facsimile:
             Lehman Brothers Inc.                             (212) 528-6154
          Liability Management Group                 (For Eligible Institutions Only)
           3 World Financial Center
                  9th Floor                                   By Telephone:
           New York, New York 10285                           (212) 528-7581
          Attn: Matias J. Torrellas
</TABLE>
 
        DELIVERY OF THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL TO AN ADDRESS OTHER THAN
       AS SET FORTH ABOVE OR TRANSMISSION OF INSTRUCTIONS VIA A FACSIMILE
        TRANSMISSION TO A NUMBER OTHER THAN AS SET FORTH ABOVE WILL NOT
                          CONSTITUTE A VALID DELIVERY.
 
     The undersigned acknowledges receipt of the Prospectus dated             ,
1997 (the "Prospectus") of Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. (the "Company") and
this Letter of Transmittal (the "Letter of Transmittal"), which together
describe the Company's offer (the "Exchange Offer") to exchange up to 13,000,000
shares of its new Cumulative Convertible Voting Preferred Stock, Series B (the
"Series B Preferred Stock") for up to 13,000,000 shares of its outstanding
Cumulative Convertible Voting Preferred Stock, Series A (the "Series A Preferred
Stock"). The terms of the Series B Preferred Stock are identical in all material
respects (including dividend rate, voting rights and liquidation preference) to
the terms of the Series A Preferred Stock for which they may be exchanged
pursuant to the Exchange Offer, except that conversion of the Series B Preferred
Stock will not be subject to the restriction in the terms of the Series A
Preferred Stock requiring that at least 250,000 shares thereof be converted at
any one time.
 
     The undersigned has checked the appropriate boxes below and signed this
Letter of Transmittal to indicate the action the undersigned desires to take
with respect to the Exchange Offer.
<PAGE>   2
 
        PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND THE PROSPECTUS
                    CAREFULLY BEFORE CHECKING ANY BOX BELOW
 
     YOUR BANK OR BROKER CAN ASSIST YOU IN COMPLETING THIS FORM. THE
INSTRUCTIONS INCLUDED WITH THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL MUST BE FOLLOWED.
QUESTIONS AND REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE OR FOR ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THE PROSPECTUS
AND THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT.
 
     List below the shares of the Series A Preferred Stock to which this Letter
of Transmittal relates. If the space provided below is inadequate, the
certificate numbers and/or the number of shares of the Series A Preferred Stock
tendered should be listed on a separate signed schedule affixed hereto.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      DESCRIPTION OF SHARES OF SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK TENDERED HEREWITH
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                <C>                   <C>                   <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                              TOTAL NUMBER
                                                                               OF SHARES             NUMBER OF
  NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) OF REGISTERED HOLDER(S)       CERTIFICATE          REPRESENTED BY            SHARES
                 (PLEASE FILL IN)                        NUMBER(S)*         CERTIFICATE(S)*          TENDERED**
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                    ---------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                    ---------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                    ---------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                    ---------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                    ---------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                    ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           TOTAL
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
 *  Need not be completed by book-entry holders.
 
 ** Unless otherwise indicated, the holder will be deemed to have tendered the
    full number of shares of the Series A Preferred Stock represented by the
    tendered certificates. See Instruction 2.
================================================================================
<PAGE>   3
 
     This Letter of Transmittal is to be used either if certificates of shares
of the Series A Preferred Stock are to be forwarded herewith or if delivery of
shares of the Series A Preferred Stock is to be made by book-entry transfer to
an account maintained by the Exchange Agent at The Depository Trust Company,
pursuant to the procedures set forth in "The Exchange Offer -- Tender Procedure"
in the Prospectus. Delivery of documents to the book-entry transfer facility
does not constitute delivery to the Exchange Agent.
 
[ ] CHECK HERE IF TENDERED SHARES OF THE SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK ARE BEING
    DELIVERED BY BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER MADE TO AN ACCOUNT MAINTAINED BY THE
    EXCHANGE AGENT WITH THE BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER FACILITY AND COMPLETE THE
    FOLLOWING:
 
  Name of Tendering Institution
   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
       [ ] The Depository Trust Company
 
  Account Number
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  Transaction Code Number
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
[ ] CHECK HERE IF SHARES OF SERIES B PREFERRED STOCK ARE TO BE DELIVERED TO
    PERSON OTHER THAN PERSON SIGNING THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL:
 
  Name
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 (Please Print)
 
[ ] CHECK HERE IF SHARES OF SERIES B PREFERRED STOCK ARE TO BE DELIVERED TO
    ADDRESS DIFFERENT FROM THAT LISTED ELSEWHERE IN THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL:
 
  Address
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              (Including Zip Code)
 
[ ] CHECK HERE IF YOU ARE A BROKER-DEALER AND WISH TO RECEIVE 10 ADDITIONAL
    COPIES TO THE PROSPECTUS AND 10 COPIES OF ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS
    THERETO.
 
  Name:
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  Address:
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>   4
 
              PLEASE READ THE ACCOMPANYING INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
 
Ladies and Gentlemen:
 
     Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Exchange Offer, the
undersigned hereby tenders to the Company the above-described number of shares
of the Series A Preferred Stock indicated above. Subject to, and effective upon,
the acceptance for exchange of the shares of the Series A Preferred Stock
tendered herewith, the undersigned hereby exchanges, assigns and transfers to,
or upon the order of, the Company all right, title and interest in and to such
shares of the Series A Preferred Stock. The undersigned hereby irrevocably
constitutes and appoints the Exchange Agent the true and lawful agent and
attorney-in-fact of the undersigned (with full knowledge that said Exchange
Agent acts as the agent of the Company, in connection with the Exchange Offer)
to cause the shares of Series A Preferred Stock to be assigned, transferred and
exchanged. The undersigned represents and warrants that it has full power and
authority to tender, exchange, assign and transfer the shares of the Series A
Preferred Stock and to acquire shares of the Series B Preferred Stock issuable
upon the exchange of such tendered shares of the Series A Preferred Stock, and
that, when the same are accepted for exchange, the Company will acquire good and
unencumbered title to the tendered shares of the Series A Preferred Stock, free
and clear of all liens, restrictions, charges and encumbrances and not subject
to any adverse claim. The undersigned also warrants that it will, upon request,
execute and deliver any additional documents deemed by the Exchange Agent or the
Company to be necessary or desirable to complete the exchange, assignment and
transfer of tendered shares of the Series A Preferred Stock or transfer
ownership of such shares of the Series A Preferred Stock on the account books
maintained by the book-entry transfer facility.
 
     The Exchange Offer is subject to certain conditions as set forth in the
Prospectus under the caption "The Exchange Offer -- Conditions of the Exchange
Offer." The undersigned recognizes that as a result of these conditions (which
may be waived, in whole or in part, by the Company), as more particularly set
forth in the Prospectus, the Company may not be required to exchange any of the
shares of Series A Preferred Stock tendered hereby and, in such event, the
shares of Series A Preferred Stock not exchanged will be returned to the
undersigned at the address shown above.
 
     The name(s) and address(es) of the registered holder(s) should be printed
above under "Description of Shares of Series A Preferred Stock Tendered
Herewith", if not already printed thereunder, exactly as they appear on the
shares of the Series A Preferred Stock tendered hereby. The certificate
number(s) and the number of shares of the Series A Preferred Stock to which this
Letter of Transmittal relates, together with the number of shares of the Series
A Preferred Stock that the undersigned wishes to tender, should be indicated in
the appropriate boxes above under "Description of Shares of Series A Preferred
Stock Tendered Herewith".
 
     All authority herein conferred or agreed to be conferred shall survive the
death or incapacity of the undersigned, and every obligation of the undersigned
hereunder shall be binding upon the heirs, personal representatives, successors
and assigns of the undersigned. Shares of Series A Preferred Stock may be
withdrawn at any time prior to the Expiration Date in accordance with the terms
of the Letter of Transmittal.
 
     Certificates for all shares of Series B Preferred Stock delivered in
exchange for tendered shares of Series A Preferred Stock and any shares of
Series A Preferred Stock delivered herewith but not exchanged, and registered in
the name of the undersigned, shall be delivered to the undersigned at the
address shown below the signature of the undersigned.
<PAGE>   5
 
                         TENDERING HOLDER(S) SIGN HERE
                  (COMPLETE ACCOMPANYING SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9)
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          (SIGNATURE(S) OF HOLDER(S))
 
Dated
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Area Code and Telephone Number:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
(Must be signed by registered holder(s) exactly as name(s) appear(s) on
certificate(s) for Series A Preferred Stock. If signature is by a trustee,
executor, administrator, guardian, attorney-in-fact, officer of a corporation or
other person acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, please set forth
the full title of such person.) See Instruction 3.
 
Name(s)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 (PLEASE PRINT)
 
Capacity (Full Title)
                 ---------------------------------------------------------------
 
Address
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              (INCLUDING ZIP CODE)
 
Area Code and Telephone No.
                         -------------------------------------------------------
 
Taxpayer Identification No.
                      ----------------------------------------------------------
 
                           GUARANTEE OF SIGNATURE(S)
                      (IF REQUIRED -- SEE INSTRUCTIONS 3)
 
Authorized Signature
                 ---------------------------------------------------------------
 
Name 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Title
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Address
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Name of Firm
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Area Code and Telephone No.
                         -------------------------------------------------------
 
Dated:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>   6
 
                                  INSTRUCTIONS
         FORMING PART OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER
 
1.  DELIVERY OF THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND CERTIFICATES.
 
     Certificates for all physically delivered shares of Series A Preferred
Stock or confirmation of any book-entry transfer to the Exchange Agent's or its
agent's account at a book-entry transfer facility of shares of Series A
Preferred Stock tendered by book-entry transfer, as well as a properly completed
and duly executed copy of this Letter of Transmittal or facsimile thereof, and
any other documents required by this Letter of Transmittal, must be received by
the Exchange Agent at any of its addresses set forth herein on or prior to the
Expiration Date (as defined in the Prospectus).
 
     The method of delivery of this Letter of Transmittal, the shares of Series
A Preferred Stock and any other required documents is at the election and risk
of the holder, and except as otherwise provided below, the delivery will be
deemed made only when actually received or confirmed by the Exchange Agent. If
such delivery is by mail, it is suggested that registered mail with return
receipt requested, properly insured, be used. In all cases sufficient time
should be allowed to permit timely delivery.
 
     No alternative, conditional, irregular or contingent tenders will be
accepted. All tendering holders, by execution of this Letter of Transmittal (or
facsimile thereof), shall waive any right to receive notice of the acceptance of
the shares of Series A Preferred Stock for exchange.
 
2.  PARTIAL TENDERS; WITHDRAWALS.
 
     If less than the entire principal amount of shares of Series A Preferred
Stock evidenced by a submitted certificate is tendered, the tendering holder
should fill in the number of shares tendered in the box entitled "Number of
Shares Tendered." A newly issued certificate for the shares of Series A
Preferred Stock submitted but not tendered will be sent to such holder as soon
as practicable after the Expiration Date. All shares of Series A Preferred Stock
delivered to the Exchange Agent will be deemed to have been tendered unless
otherwise clearly indicated.
 
     Tenders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock pursuant to the Exchange
Offer are irrevocable, except that shares of Series A Preferred Stock tendered
pursuant to the Exchange Offer may be withdrawn at any time prior to the
Expiration Date. To be effective, a written, telegraphic, telex or facsimile
transmission notice of withdrawal must be received by the Exchange Agent prior
to the Expiration Date unless extended by the Company. Any such notice of
withdrawal must specify the person named in the Letter of Transmittal as having
tendered shares of Series A Preferred Stock to be withdrawn, the certificate
numbers of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock to be withdrawn, a statement
that such holder is withdrawing his or her election to have such shares of
Series A Preferred Stock exchanged, and the name of the registered holder of
such shares of Series A Preferred Stock, and must be signed by the holder in the
same manner as the original signature on the Letter of Transmittal (including
any required signature guarantees) or be accompanied by evidence satisfactory to
the Company that the person withdrawing the tender has succeeded to the
beneficial ownership of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock being withdrawn.
The Exchange Agent will return the properly withdrawn shares of Series A
Preferred Stock promptly following receipt of notice of withdrawal. If shares of
Series A Preferred Stock have been tendered pursuant to the procedure for
book-entry transfer, any notice of withdrawal must specify the name and number
of the account at the book-entry transfer facility to be credited with the
withdrawn shares of Series A Preferred Stock or otherwise comply with the
book-entry transfer facility's procedures. All questions as to the validity of
notices of withdrawals, including time of receipt, will be determined by the
Company, and such determination will be final and binding on all parties.
 
3.  SIGNATURE ON THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL; WRITTEN INSTRUCTION AND
    ENDORSEMENTS; GUARANTEE OF SIGNATURES.
 
     If this Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered holder(s) of the
shares of Series A Preferred Stock tendered hereby, the signature must
correspond with the name(s) as written on the face of the certificates without
alteration, enlargement or any change whatsoever.
<PAGE>   7
 
     If any of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock tendered hereby are owned
of record by two or more joint owners, all such owners must sign this Letter of
Transmittal.
 
     If a number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock registered in different
names are tendered, it will be necessary to complete, sign and submit as many
separate copies of this Letter of Transmittal as there are different
registrations of shares of Series A Preferred Stock.
 
     When this Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered holders or
holders (which term, for the purposes described herein, shall include the
book-entry transfer facility whose name appears on a security listing as the
owner of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock) of shares of Series A Preferred
Stock listed and tendered hereby, no endorsements of certificates or separate
written instruments of transfer or exchange are required.
 
     If this Letter of Transmittal is signed by a person other than the
registered holder or holders of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock listed,
such shares of Series A Preferred Stock must be endorsed or accompanied by
separate written instruments of transfer or exchange in form satisfactory to the
Company and duly executed by the registered holder, in either case signed
exactly as the name or names of the registered holder or holders appear(s) on
the certificates of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock.
 
     If this Letter of Transmittal, any certificates or separate written
instruments of transfer or exchange are signed by trustees, executors,
administrators, guardians, attorneys-in-fact, officers of corporations or others
acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, such persons should so
indicate when signing, and, unless waived by the Company, proper evidence
satisfactory to the Company of their authority so to act must be submitted.
 
     Endorsements on certificates or signatures on separate written instruments
of transfer or exchange required by this Instruction 3 must be guaranteed by an
Eligible Institution (as defined in the Prospectus).
 
     Signatures on this Letter of Transmittal need not be guaranteed by an
Eligible Institution, provided the shares of Series A Preferred Stock are
tendered; (i) by a registered holder of such shares of Series A Preferred Stock,
for the holder of such shares of Series A Preferred Stock; or (ii) for the
account of an Eligible Institution.
 
4.  TRANSFER TAXES.
 
     The Company shall pay all transfer taxes, if any, applicable to the
transfer and exchange of shares of Series A Preferred Stock to it or its order
pursuant to the Exchange Offer. If a transfer tax is imposed for any reason
other than the transfer and exchange of shares of Series A Preferred Stock to
the Company or its order pursuant to the Exchange Offer, the amount of any such
transfer taxes (whether imposed on the registered holder or any other person)
will be payable by the tendering holder. If satisfactory evidence of payment of
such taxes or exception therefrom is not submitted herewith the amount of such
transfer taxes will be billed directly to such tendering holder.
 
     Except as provided in this Instruction 4, it will not be necessary for
transfer tax stamps to be affixed to the certificates representing shares of
Series A Preferred Stock listed in this Letter of Transmittal.
 
5.  WAIVER OF CONDITIONS.
 
     The Company reserves the right to waive in its reasonable judgment, in
whole or in part, any of the conditions to the Exchange Offer set forth in the
Prospectus.
 
6.  MUTILATED, LOST, STOLEN OR DESTROYED NOTES.
 
     Any holder whose certificates representing shares of Series A Preferred
Stock have been mutilated, lost, stolen or destroyed, should contact the
Exchange Agent at the address indicated below for further instructions.
<PAGE>   8
 
7.  IRREGULARITIES.
 
     All questions as to the validity, form, eligibility (including time of
receipt) and acceptance for exchange of any tender of shares of Series A
Preferred Stock will be determined by the Company, whose determination will be
final and binding. The Company reserves the absolute right to reject any shares
of Series A Preferred Stock not properly tendered or the acceptance for exchange
of which may, in the opinion of the Company's counsel, be unlawful. The Company
also reserves the absolute right to waive any defect or irregularity in the
tender of any shares of Series A Preferred Stock. Unless waived, any defects or
irregularities in connection with tenders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock
for exchange must be cured within such reasonable period of time as the Company
will determine. None of the Company, the Exchange Agent or any other person will
be under any duty to give notification of any defects or irregularities in
tenders or incur any liability for failure to give any such notification.
 
8.  REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE OR ADDITIONAL COPIES.
 
     Questions relating to the procedure for tendering, as well as requests for
assistance or additional copies of the Prospectus and this Letter of
Transmittal, may be directed to the Exchange Agent at the address and telephone
number set forth above.
 
     IMPORTANT: This Letter of Transmittal or a facsimile thereof (together with
certificates representing shares of Series A Preferred Stock or confirmation of
book-entry transfer and all other required documents) or a Notice of Guaranteed
Delivery must be received by the Exchange Agent on or prior to the Expiration
Date.

<PAGE>   1
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 99.2
 
                         LEHMAN BROTHERS HOLDINGS INC.
 
                               OFFER TO EXCHANGE
 
                 CUMULATIVE CONVERTIBLE VOTING PREFERRED STOCK
                      SERIES B, PAR VALUE $1.00 PER SHARE
                                      FOR
                 CUMULATIVE CONVERTIBLE VOTING PREFERRED STOCK
                      SERIES A, PAR VALUE $1.00 PER SHARE
 
               THE EXCHANGE OFFER WILL EXPIRE AT 12:00 MIDNIGHT,
          NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON             , 1997, UNLESS EXTENDED.
 
                                                                          , 1997
 
To Brokers, Dealers, Commercial
  Banks, Trust Companies and
  Other Nominees:
 
     In our capacity as Dealer Manager, we are enclosing the material listed
below relating to the offer (the "Exchange Offer") by Lehman Brothers Holdings
Inc. (the "Company") to exchange, on a share-for-share basis, up to 13,000,000
shares of its new Cumulative Convertible Voting Preferred Stock, Series B (the
"Series B Preferred Stock") for up to 13,000,000 shares of its outstanding
Cumulative Convertible Voting Preferred Stock, Series A (the "Series A Preferred
Stock"), upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Exchange Offer (as
described in the Prospectus) and subject to the right of the Company to amend or
terminate the Exchange Offer.
 
     The Company expressly reserves the right to extend, amend or modify the
terms of the Exchange Offer, and not to accept for exchange any shares of Series
A Preferred Stock, at any time prior to the Expiration Date for any reason.
 
     We are asking you to contact your clients for whom you hold shares of
Series A Preferred Stock registered in your name (or in the name of your
nominee) or who hold shares of Series A Preferred Stock registered in their own
names. Please bring the Exchange Offer to their attention as promptly as
possible.
 
     The Company will pay all stock transfer taxes applicable to the exchange of
shares of Series A Preferred Stock pursuant to the Exchange Offer, subject to
Instruction 4 of the Letter of Transmittal referred to below.
 
     For your information and for forwarding to your clients, we are enclosing
the following documents:
 
          1. The Prospectus dated             , 1997 (the "Prospectus");
 
          2. The Letter of Transmittal to be used by holders of shares of Series
     A Preferred Stock in accepting the Exchange Offer (duly executed
     photocopies of the Letter of Transmittal may be used to exchange shares of
     Series A Preferred Stock);
 
          3. A letter which may be sent to your clients for whose accounts you
     hold shares of Series A Preferred Stock registered in your name or in the
     name of your nominee, with space for obtaining such clients' instructions
     with regard to the Exchange Offer;
 
          4. Guidelines of the Internal Revenue Service for Certification of
     Taxpayer Identification Number on Substitute Form W-9, providing
     information relating to backup federal income tax withholding; and
 
          5. A return envelope addressed to Lehman Brothers Inc.
<PAGE>   2
 
     WE URGE YOU TO CONTACT YOUR CLIENTS AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE. PLEASE NOTE
THAT THE EXCHANGE OFFER WILL EXPIRE AT 12:00 MIDNIGHT, NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON
            , 1997, UNLESS THE EXCHANGE OFFER IS EXTENDED.
 
     Any questions or requests for assistance or additional copies of the
enclosed materials may be directed to Lehman Brothers Inc., the Information
Agent and Dealer Manager, at the address and telephone number set forth on the
inside back cover of the enclosed Prospectus.
 
                                          Very truly yours,
 
                                          Lehman Brothers
 
     NOTHING CONTAINED HEREIN OR IN THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENTS SHALL BE DEEMED TO
APPOINT YOU THE AGENT OF THE COMPANY, THE DEALER MANAGER, THE INFORMATION AGENT
OR THE EXCHANGE AGENT, OR AUTHORIZE YOU OR ANY OTHER PERSON TO USE ANY DOCUMENT
OR MAKE ANY STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF ANY OF THEM IN CONNECTION WITH THE EXCHANGE
OFFER OTHER THAN THE DOCUMENTS ENCLOSED HEREWITH AND THE STATEMENTS CONTAINED
THEREIN.
 
                                        2

<PAGE>   1
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 99.3
 
                         LEHMAN BROTHERS HOLDINGS INC.
 
                               OFFER TO EXCHANGE
 
                 CUMULATIVE CONVERTIBLE VOTING PREFERRED STOCK
                      SERIES B, PAR VALUE $1.00 PER SHARE
                                      FOR
                 CUMULATIVE CONVERTIBLE VOTING PREFERRED STOCK
                      SERIES A, PAR VALUE $1.00 PER SHARE
 
               THE EXCHANGE OFFER WILL EXPIRE AT 12:00 MIDNIGHT,
          NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON             , 1997, UNLESS EXTENDED.
 
                                                                          , 1997
 
To Our Clients:
 
     Enclosed for your consideration are the Prospectus dated             , 1997
("Prospectus") of Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. (the "Company") and the related
Letter of Transmittal (the "Letter of Transmittal"), which together describe the
Company's offer (the "Exchange Offer") to exchange, on a share-for-share basis,
up to 13,000,000 shares of its new Cumulative Convertible Voting Preferred
Stock, Series B (the "Series B Preferred Stock") for up to 13,000,000 shares of
its outstanding Cumulative Convertible Voting Preferred Stock, Series A (the
"Series A Preferred Stock"), upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the
Exchange Offer (as described in the Prospectus) and subject to the right of the
Company to amend or terminate the Exchange Offer. Such 13,000,000 shares of
Series A Preferred Stock constitute all the outstanding shares of Series A
Preferred Stock.
 
     WE ARE THE HOLDER OF RECORD OF SHARES OF SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK HELD FOR
YOUR ACCOUNT. A TENDER OF SUCH SHARES CAN BE MADE ONLY BY US AS THE HOLDER OF
RECORD AND PURSUANT TO YOUR INSTRUCTIONS. THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL IS FURNISHED
TO YOU FOR YOUR INFORMATION ONLY AND CANNOT BE USED BY YOU TO TENDER SHARES OF
SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK HELD BY US FOR YOUR ACCOUNT.
 
     We request instructions as to whether you wish us to tender any or all of
the shares of Series A Preferred Stock held by us for your account, upon the
terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Prospectus and the Letter
of Transmittal. We urge you to read the enclosed Prospectus carefully before
conveying your instructions to us.
 
     Your attention is invited to the following:
 
          (1) The Exchange Offer is for the Company's 13,000,000 outstanding
     shares of Series A Preferred Stock. The Exchange Offer is subject to
     certain conditions. See "The Exchange Offer -- Conditions of the Exchange
     Offer" in the Prospectus.
 
          (2) The Exchange Offer will expire at 12:00 midnight, New York City
     time, on             , 1997, unless the Exchange Offer is extended. Your
     instructions to us should be forwarded to us in ample time to permit us to
     submit a tender on your behalf. If you would like to withdraw your shares
     of Series A Preferred Stock that we have tendered, you can withdraw them at
     any time prior to the Expiration Date (as defined in the Prospectus).
 
          (3) Exchanges will be made on the basis of one share of Series B
     Preferred Stock for each share of Series A Preferred Stock tendered and
     accepted for exchange.
<PAGE>   2
 
          (4) Any transfer taxes applicable to the exchange of shares of Series
     A Preferred Stock with the Company pursuant to the Exchange Offer will be
     paid by the Company, except as otherwise provided in Instruction 4 of the
     Letter of Transmittal.
 
     If you wish to have us tender any or all of your shares of Series A
Preferred Stock held by us for your account upon the terms and subject to the
conditions set forth in the Exchange Offer, please so instruct us by completing,
executing, detaching and returning to us the instruction form on the detachable
part hereof. An envelope to return your instructions to us is enclosed. If you
authorize tender of your shares of Series A Preferred Stock, all such shares of
Series A Preferred Stock will be tendered unless otherwise specified on the
detachable part hereof. Your instructions should be forwarded to us in ample
time to permit us to submit a tender on your behalf by the expiration of the
Exchange Offer.
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   3
 
                          INSTRUCTIONS WITH RESPECT TO
                         LEHMAN BROTHERS HOLDINGS INC.
 
                               OFFER TO EXCHANGE
                 CUMULATIVE CONVERTIBLE VOTING PREFERRED STOCK
                      SERIES B, PAR VALUE $1.00 PER SHARE
                                      FOR
                 CUMULATIVE CONVERTIBLE VOTING PREFERRED STOCK
                      SERIES A, PAR VALUE $1.00 PER SHARE
 
     The undersigned acknowledge(s) receipt of your letter and the enclosed
Prospectus dated             , 1997 of Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. (the
"Company") and the related Letter of Transmittal, which together describe the
Company's offer (the "Exchange Offer") to exchange, on a share-for-share basis,
up to 13,000,000 shares of its new Cumulative Convertible Voting Preferred
Stock, Series B for up to 13,000,000 shares of its outstanding Cumulative
Convertible Voting Preferred Stock, Series A (the "Series A Preferred Stock"),
upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Exchange Offer (as described
in the Prospectus) and subject to the right of the Company to amend or terminate
the Exchange Offer.
 
     This will instruct you to tender to the Company the number of shares of
Series A Preferred Stock indicated below (or, if no number is indicated below,
all shares of Series A Preferred Stock) which are held by you for the account of
the undersigned, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Exchange
Offer.
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                         <C>
Number of Shares to be Tendered:                              SIGN HERE
          Shares*                           ---------------------------------------------
Dated: ---------------------, 1997                          Signature(s)
                                                              Name(s):
                                             ------------------------------------------
                                                              Address:
                                            --------------------------------------------
                                            =============================================
                                            ---------------------------------------------
                                             Social Security or Taxpayer Identification
                                                                 No.
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
* Unless otherwise indicated, it will be assumed that all shares of Series A
  Preferred Stock held by us for your account are to be tendered.
 
                                        3


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