SEPARATE ACCOUNT NO 45 OF EQUITABLE LIFE ASSUR SOCIETY OF US
485APOS, 1997-04-30
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<PAGE>

                                                      Registration No. 33-83750
                                                      Registration No. 811-8754
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

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

                                   FORM N-4

         REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933      [ ]

         Pre-Effective Amendment No.                                  [ ]

   
         Post-Effective Amendment No. 6                               [X]
    

                                    AND/OR

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940       [ ]

   
         Amendment No. 8                                              [X]
    

                       (Check appropriate box or boxes)

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

                            SEPARATE ACCOUNT No. 45
                                      of
           THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES
                          (Exact Name of Registrant)

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

           THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES
                              (Name of Depositor)

   
             1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10104
             (Address of Depositor's Principal Executive Offices)
       Depositor's Telephone Number, including Area Code: (212) 554-1234
    

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

                              JONATHAN E. GAINES
                 VICE PRESIDENT AND ASSOCIATE GENERAL COUNSEL
           The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States
             1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10104
                    (Name and Address of Agent for Service)

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

                 Please send copies of all communications to:
                              PETER E. PANARITES
                        Freedman, Levy, Kroll & Simonds
                   1050 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Suite 825
                            Washington, D.C. 20036
                           -------------------------


<PAGE>


         Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering:  Continuous

         It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check
appropriate box):

[ ]      Immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485 .
 
[ ]      On (date) pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485.

[X]      60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of Rule 485.

[ ]      On (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of Rule 485.

   
    

If appropriate, check the following box:

[ ]      This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for
         previously filed post-effective amendment.

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

         The Registrant has registered an indefinite number of securities
under the Securities Act of 1933 pursuant to Rule 24f-2.

         The Rule 24f-2 Notice of the Registrant for fiscal year 1996 was
filed on February 28, 1997.

<PAGE>


                             CROSS REFERENCE SHEET
                SHOWING LOCATION OF INFORMATION IN PROSPECTUSES


         FORM N-4 ITEM                     PROSPECTUS CAPTION
         -------------                     ------------------
 1.      Cover Page                        Cover Page

 2.      Definitions                       General Terms

   
 3.      Synopsis                          See Profile of Prospectus or
                                           Summary

 4.      Condensed Financial               Investment Performance - Money
         Information                       Market Fund Yield Information, -
                                           Provisions of the Certificates
                                           and Services We Provide - Annuity
                                           Account Value

 5.      General Description of            Equitable Life, The Separate Account
         Registrant, Depositor and         and The Investment Funds
         Portfolio Companies                        

 6.      Deductions and Expenses           Provisions of the Certificates
                                           and Services We Provide -
                                           Distribution of the Certificates,
                                           Deductions and Charges

 7.      General Description of            Provisions of
         Variable Annuity Contracts        the Certificates and Services We
                                           Provide

 8.      Annuity Period                    Provisions of the Certificates
                                           and Services We Provide

 9.      Death Benefit                     Provisions of the Certificates
                                           and Services We Provide - Death
                                           Benefit

10.      Purchases and Contract Value      Investment Performance,
                                           Provisions of the Certificates
                                           and Services We Provide
    

<PAGE>


                             CROSS REFERENCE SHEET
                SHOWING LOCATION OF INFORMATION IN PROSPECTUSES


         FORM N-4 ITEM                     PROSPECTUS CAPTION
         -------------                     ------------------

   
11.      Redemptions                       Provisions of the Certificates
                                           and Services We Provide -
                                           Surrendering the Certificates to
                                           Receive the Cash Value,- Income
                                           Annuity Options, Deductions and
                                           Charges

12.      Taxes                             Tax Aspects of the Certificates
    

13.      Legal Proceedings                 Not Applicable

14.      Table of Contents of the          Statement of Additional Information
         Statement of Additional           Table of Contents
         Information                        
                                           


<PAGE>

                             CROSS REFERENCE SHEET
                        SHOWING LOCATION OF INFORMATION
                    IN STATEMENTS OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


                                           STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL
         FORM N-4 ITEM                     INFORMATION CAPTION
         -------------                     -------------------

15.      Cover Page                        Cover Page

16.      Table of Contents                 Table of Contents

   
17.      General Information               Prospectus Caption:
         and History                       Equitable Life, The Separate
                                           Account and The Investment Funds
    

18.      Services                          Not Applicable

   
19.      Purchases of Securities           Prospectus Caption:      
         Being Offered                     Provisions of the Certificates and
                                           Services We Provide - Distribution 
                                           of the Certificates

20.      Underwriters                      Prospectus Caption:
                                           Provisions of the Certificates
                                           and Services We Provide -
                                           Distribution of the Certificates
    

21.      Calculation of Performance        Accumulation Unit Values, 
         Data                              Annuity Unit Values,
                                           Money Market Fund Yield
                                           Information, Intermediate
                                           Government Securities Fund
                                           Yield Information

22.      Annuity Payments                  Annuity Unit Values

23.      Financial Statements              Financial Statements


<PAGE>
                                     NOTE


This Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to the Form N-4 Registration Statement No.
33-83750 ("Registration Statement") of The Equitable Life Assurance Society of
the United States ("Equitable Life") and its Separate Account No. 45 includes,
among other documents, four updating supplements, each dated May 1, 1997
("Supplements"), to Equitable Life's Rollover IRA and Accumulator prospectuses,
two dated October 16, 1996, and two dated May 1, 1996, which were previously
filed and are part of the Registration Statement. The Supplements will be used
for continuing offerings to owners, as of April 30, 1997, of the fixed and
variable annuity certificates to which the Supplements relate.




<PAGE>

                                 SUPPLEMENT TO
                        INCOME MANAGER(SM) ROLLLOVER IRA
                          PROSPECTUS DATED MAY 1, 1997

          COMBINATION VARIABLE AND FIXED DEFERRED ANNUITY CERTIFICATES

                                   Issued By:
           The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States

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

This prospectus supplement describes the Combined Guaranteed Minimum Death
Benefit and Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit (Plan A) offered to Annuitant
election ages 76 or older under the INCOME MANAGER Prospectus for Rollover 
IRA. Capitalized terms in this supplement have the same meaning as in the
prospectus.

The Combined Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit and Guaranteed Minimum Income
Benefit (Plan A) discussed on page 23 of the prospectus under baseBUILDER 
Benefits is available for Annuitant issue ages 76 or older at a charge of 
0.45%. The benefit is as discussed below:

The Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit applicable to the combined benefit is as
follows:

         4% to Age 85 Benefit - On the Contract Date, the Guaranteed Minimum
         Death Benefit is equal to the portion of the initial contribution
         allocated to the Investment Funds. Thereafter, the Guaranteed Minimum
         Death Benefit is credited with interest at 4% (3% for amounts in the
         Alliance Money Market and Alliance Intermediate Government Securities
         Funds) on each Contract Date anniversary through the Annuitant's age
         85 (or on the date of the Annuitant's death if earlier), and 0%
         thereafter, and is adjusted for any subsequent contributions and
         transfers into the Investment Funds and transfers and withdrawals from
         such Funds.

In the Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit discussed on page 24 of the prospectus
may be exercised only within 30 days following the 7th or later Contract Date
anniversary, but in no event later than the Annuitant's age 90.

The period certain will be 90 less the your age at election.

The Guaranteed Minimum Income benefit benefit base described on page 35 of the
prospectus is as follows:

         The Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit benefit base is equal to the
         initial contribution on the Contract Date. Thereafter, the Guaranteed
         Minimum Income Benefit benefit base is credited with interest at 4%
         (3% for amounts in the Alliance Money Market and Alliance Intermediate
         Government Securities Funds) on each Contract Date anniversary through
         the Annuitant's age 85 (or on the date of the Annuitant's death if
         earlier), and 0% thereafter, and is adjusted for any subsequent
         contributions and transfers into the Investment Funds and transfers
         and withdrawals from such Funds.
    
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUPPLEMENT DATED MAY 1, 1997


<PAGE>


                                                                    May 1, 1997



THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES
   
                    PROFILE OF INCOME MANAGER ROLLOVER IRA
          COMBINATION VARIABLE AND FIXED DEFERRED ANNUITY CERTIFICATES


This Profile is a summary of some of the more important points that you should
know and consider before purchasing a Certificate. The Certificate is more
fully described in the prospectus which accompanies this Profile. Please read
the prospectus carefully.


1. THE ANNUITY CERTIFICATE. The Rollover IRA Certificate is a qualified
deferred annuity issued by Equitable Life. It is designed to provide for the
accumulation of savings and for retirement income through the investment,
during an accumulation phase, of rollover contributions, direct transfers from
other individual retirement arrangements and additional individual retirement
annuity or IRA, contributions. You may invest in Investment Funds where your
Certificate's value may vary up or down depending upon investment performance.
You may also invest in Guarantee Periods, or " GIROs" that when held to
maturity provide guaranteed interest rates that we have set and a guarantee of
principal. If you make transfers or withdrawals from a GIRO before maturity, 
its investment value may increase or decrease due to interest rate changes. 
Earnings accumulate under your Certificate on a tax-deferred basis until 
amounts are distributed. All amounts distributed are subject to income tax.

The Investment Funds offer a potential for better returns than the interest 
rates guaranteed when GIROs are held to maturity, but the Investment Funds
involve risk and you can lose money. You may make transfers among the 
Investment Funds and GIRO's. The value of GIROs prior to their maturity 
fluctuates and you can lose money on premature transfers or withdrawals.

The Certificate provides a number of distribution methods during the
accumulation phase and for converting to annuity income, which include the
ASSURED PAYMENT OPTION, APO PLUS and other Annuity Benefits.

The Assured Payment Option may also be elected if you desire to start receiving
lifetime income immediately. When you elect the Assured Payment Option, your
Certificate's value will be reduced to provide for guaranteed lifetime income. 
You may also elect APO PLUS whereby a portion of your money is invested under 
the Assured Payment Option, and the remaining amount is allocated to the 
Alliance Common Stock Fund or the Alliance Equity Index Fund, as you select. 
Every three years during the fixed period of the Assured Payment Option, a 
portion of your money in the selected Investment Fund is applied to increase 
the guaranteed payments under the Assured Payment Option.
    

The amount accumulated under your Certificate during the accumulation phase
will affect the amount of distribution or annuity benefits you will receive.

2. ANNUITY PAYMENTS. You can have your Certificate's value applied to any of
the following five ANNUITY BENEFITS: (1) Life Annuity - payments for your life,
(2) Life Annuity - Period Certain - payments for your life, but with payments
continuing to the beneficiary for the balance of the 5, 10, 15 or 20 years (as
you select) if you die before the end of the selected period; (3) Life Annuity
- - Refund Certain - payments


                                ----------------
                        baseBUILDER is a service mark of
           The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States.


                                       1


<PAGE>





for your life, with payments continuing to the beneficiary after your death
until any remaining amount applied to this option runs out; and (4) Period
Certain Annuity - payments for a specified period of time, usually 5, 10, 15 or
20 years, with no life contingencies. Options (2) and (3) are also available as
a Joint and Survivor Annuity - payments for your life, and after your death,
continuation of payments to the survivor for life. Income Annuity Options
(other than the Refund Certain only available on a fixed basis) are available
as a fixed annuity, or as a variable annuity, where the dollar amount of your
payments will depend upon the investment performance of the Investment Funds.
Once you begin receiving annuity payments, you cannot change your annuity
benefit.

   
3. PURCHASE. You can purchase a Certificate by rolling over or transferring at
least $5,000 or more from one or more individual retirement arrangements. You
may add additional amounts of $1,000 or more at any time (subject to certain
restrictions). Additional amounts are limited to $2,000 per year, but 
additional rollover or transfer amounts are unlimited. Subject to certain age
restrictions, you may purchase the baseBUILDER(SM) guaranteed benefits in the 
form of a Combined Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit and Guaranteed Minimum 
Income Benefit (Plan A). If you do not elect the combined benefits, the 
Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit is provided under the Certificate at a lower 
charge (Plan B). Both benefits are discussed below.

4. INVESTMENT OPTIONS. You may invest in any or all of the following Investment
Funds, which invest in shares of corresponding portfolios of The Hudson River
Trust (HR Trust) and EQ Advisors Trust, (EQ Trust). The portfolios are
described in the prospectuses for HR Trust and EQ Trust.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

HR TRUST INVESTMENT FUNDS                 EQ TRUST INVESTMENT FUNDS
- -------------------------                 --------------------------
<S>                              <C>                     <C>
Alliance Conservative Investors  EQ/Putnam Balanced    Morgan Stanley Emerging
Alliance Growth Investors        EQ/Putnam Growth &      Markets Equity*
Alliance Growth & Income           Income Value        T. Rowe Price Equity
Alliance Common Stock            MFS Emerging Growth     Income
Alliance Global                    Companies           T. Rowe Price
Alliance International           MFS Research            International Stock
Alliance Aggressive Stock        Merrill Lynch Basic   Warburg Pincus Small
Alliance Small Cap Growth          Value Equity          Company Value
Alliance Money Market            Merrill Lynch World
Alliance Intermediate              Strategy
  Government Securities
Alliance High Yield

</TABLE>


Alliance Equity Index Fund (Available under APO Plus Only)
* The Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Equity Fund will be available on or about
September 2, 1997.


You may also invest in one or more GIROs currently maturing in years 1998
through 2007. Under the Assured Payment Option and APO Plus, GIROs currently
maturing in years 2008 through 2012 are also available.
    


                                       2


<PAGE>
   
5. EXPENSES. The Certificate has expenses as follows: For Plan A--there is an
annual charge as a percentage of the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit. The
percentage is equal to 0.45% for the 6% to Age 80 Benefit; and 0.30% for the 6%
to Age 70 Benefit. For Plan B-- the percentage is equal to 0.20%. A daily 
charge is deducted for mortality and expense risks and administration expenses 
at an annual rate of 0.90% of assets in the Investment Funds and 0.25%, 
respectively.

The charges for the portfolios of HR Trust range from 0.63% to 1.33% of the
average daily assets of HR Trust portfolios, depending upon HR Trust portfolios
selected (based on 1996 other expenses). The charges for the portfolios of EQ
Trust range from 0.85% to 1.75% of the average daily assets of EQ Trust
portfolio. These amounts are based on estimates and, for EQ Trust, a current
expense cap. The 12b-1 fees for the portfolios of HR Trust and EQ Trust are
0.25% of the average daily net assets of HR Trust and EQ Trust, respectively.
Charges for state premium and other applicable taxes may also apply at the time
you elect to start receiving annuity payments.
    
A withdrawal charge is imposed as a percentage of each contribution withdrawn
in excess of a free corridor amount, or if the Certificate is surrendered. The
free corridor amount for withdrawals is 15% of the Certificate's value at the
beginning of the year, except that under the Assured Payment Option and APO
Plus it is 10%. The withdrawal charge does not apply under certain of the
distribution methods available under the Certificate. When applicable, the
withdrawal charge is determined in accordance with the table below, based on
the year a contribution is withdrawn. The year in which we receive your
contribution is "Year 1."
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                Year of Contribution Withdrawal
                      1      2      3      4      5      6      7      8+
                     ------------------------------------------------------
<S>                 <C>     <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>     <C>
Percentage of
Contribution         7.0%  6.0%    5.0%   4.0%   3.0%   2.0%   1.0%   0.0%
</TABLE>
   
The following chart is designed to help you understand the charges in the
Certificate. The "Total Annual Charges" column shows the combined total of the
Certificate charges deducted as a percentage of assets in the Investment Funds 
and the portfolio charges, as shown in the first two columns. The last two 
columns show you two examples of the charges, in dollars, that you would pay 
under a Certificate and include the benefit based charge for the baseBUILDER
combined Guaranteed Minimum Death and Income Benefits equal to 0.45% of the
Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit in effect on each Contract Date anniversary. 
The examples assume that you invested $1,000 in a Certificate which earns 5%
annually and that you withdraw your money: (1) at the end of year 1, and (2)
at the end of year 10. For year 1, the Total Annual Charges are assessed as
well as the withdrawal charge. For year 10, the example shows the aggregate 
of all the annual charges assessed for the 10 years, but there is no
withdrawal charge. No charges for state premium and other applicable taxes 
are assumed in the examples.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             EXAMPLES
                               TOTAL ANNUAL    TOTAL ANNUAL    TOTAL         Total Annual
                               CERTIFICATE      PORTFOLIO      ANNUAL      Expenses at End of:
INVESTMENT FUND                  CHARGES         CHARGES       CHARGES      (1)        (2)
                                                                           1 Year    10 Years
<S>                             <C>            <C>             <C>         <C>        <C>
EQ TRUST
- --------
EQ/Putnam Balanced               1.15%           0.90%          2.05%      $90.74    $293.88
EQ/Putnam Growth & Income Value  1.15            0.85           2.00        90.24     288.87
MFS Emerging Growth Companies    1.15            0.85           2.00        90.24     288.87
MFS Research                     1.15            0.85           2.00        90.24     288.87
Merrill Lynch Basic Value Equity 1.15            0.85           2.00        90.24     288.87
Merrill Lynch World Strategy     1.15            1.20           2.35        93.72     323.50
Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets
  Equity                         1.15            1.75           2.90        99.19     375.62
T. Rowe Price Equity Income      1.15            0.85           2.00        90.24     288.87
T. Rowe Price International 
  Stock                          1.15            1.20           2.35        93.72     323.50
Warburg Pincus Small
  Company Value                  1.15            1.00           2.15        91.73     303.84
HR TRUST
- --------
Alliance Conservative
 Investors                        1.15%           0.80%         1.95%      $89.74     $275.75
Alliance Growth Investors         1.15            0.84          1.99        90.14      279.80
Alliance Growth & Income          1.15            0.85          2.00        90.24      280.80
Alliance Common Stock             1.15            0.66          1.81        88.35      261.52
Alliance Global                   1.15            0.98          2.13        91.53      293.80
Alliance International            1.15            1.33          2.48        95.01      328.00
    
                                       3


<PAGE>
   
Alliance Aggressive Stock         1.15            0.83          1.98        90.04      278.79
Alliance Small Cap Growth         1.15            1.25          2.40        94.22        ---
Alliance Money Market             1.15            0.64          1.79        88.15      259.45
Alliance Intermediate
 Government Securities            1.15            0.84          1.99        90.14      279.80
Alliance High Yield               1.15            0.91          2.06        90.84      286.83

UNDER  APO PLUS
Alliance Common Stock             1.15            0.66          1.81        88.35      233.84
Alliance Equity Index             1.15            0.63          1.78        88.05      230.74
</TABLE>
    

For Investment Funds investing in portfolios with less than 10 years of
operations, charges have been estimated. The charges reflect any expense waiver
or limitation. For more detailed information, see the Fee Table in the
prospectus.


6. TAXES. Your earnings are not taxed until distributions are made from your
Certificate. If you are younger than age 59 1/2 when you receive any
distributions, you may be charged a 10% Federal tax penalty on the amount
received.


7. ACCESS TO YOUR MONEY. During the accumulation phase, you also may receive
distributions under a Certificate through the following WITHDRAWAL OPTIONS: (1)
Lump Sum Withdrawals of at least $1,000 may be taken at any time. Lump Sum
Withdrawals are also available under the Distribution Options. (2)
Substantially Equal Payment Withdrawals (if you are less than age 59 1/2), paid
monthly, quarterly or annually based on life expectancy; (3) Systematic
Withdrawals (if you are age 59 1/2 to 70), paid monthly, quarterly or annually,
subject to certain restrictions, including a maximum percentage of your
Certificate's value; and (4) Minimum Distribution Withdrawals (after you are
age 70 1/2), which pays the minimum amount necessary to meet minimum
distribution requirements in the Internal Revenue Cole. You also have access to
your Certificate's value by surrendering the Certificate. All or a portion of
certain withdrawals may be subject to a withdrawal charge to the extent that
the withdrawal exceeds the free corridor amount. A free corridor amount does
not apply to a surrender. Withdrawals and surrenders are subject to income tax
and may be subject to a tax penalty.

   
8. PERFORMANCE. During the accumulation phase, your Certificate's value in the
Investment Funds may vary up or down depending upon the investment performance
of the Investment Funds you have selected. The following chart shows total
returns for certain Investment Funds for the time periods shown. The results
indicated reflect all of the charges, except for the optional Combined 
Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit and Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit Charge
and the withdrawal charge. If included, these two charges would reduce the 
performance numbers shown below. Past performance is not a guarantee of future
results.
    

                                       4


<PAGE>


   
The performance data for the Alliance Growth & Income, Alliance International,
Alliance Conservative Investors, Alliance Intermediate Government Securities
(under which portfolios of HR Trust with a 12b-1 fee were not previously
available) and the for other Investment Funds prior to October 16, 1996, do not
reflect the 12b-1 fee. There is no performance data for the Alliance Small Cap
Growth Fund and the Investment Funds investing in EQ Trust portfolios as such
Investment Funds were not available prior to May 1, 1997.




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      CALENDAR YEAR

INVESTMENT FUND                1996      1995      1994      1993      1992     1991    1990     1989     1988     1987
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                           <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>      <C>     <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
HR TRUST
- --------
Alliance Conservative
   Investors                   3.99%    19.02% (5.20)%     9.54%      4.50%    18.51%  5.14%    2.79%     --        --
Alliance Growth Investors     11.24     24.92  (4.27)     13.95       3.69     47.19   9.39     3.53      --        --
Alliance Growth & Income      18.70     22.65  (1.72)     (0.55)       --       --      --       --       --        --
Alliance Common Stock         22.76     30.93  (3.26)     23.29       2.03     36.30  (9.17)   24.16     21.03%    6.21%
Alliance Global               13.20     17.45   4.02      30.60      (1.65)    29.06  (7.15)   25.29      9.61   (13.62)
Alliance International         8.54     10.34    --         --        ---       ---     ---      --       --        --
Alliance Aggressive Stock     20.71     30.13  (4.92)     15.41      (4.28)    84.73   6.92    41.86     (0.03)    6.06
Alliance Money Market          4.05      4.53   2.82       1.78       2.37      4.97   6.99     7.93      6.09     5.41
Alliance Intermediate
   Government Securities       2.57     12.03  (5.47)      9.27       4.38     11.30    --       --       --        --
Alliance High Yield           21.39     18.54  (3.90)     21.74      11.02     23.03  (2.26)    3.93      8.48     3.49
Alliance Equity Index         20.97     34.92   0.11        --        --        --      --       --       --        --

</TABLE>

9. DEATH BENEFIT. If you die before amounts are applied under an annuity
benefit, the named beneficiary will be paid a death benefit. The death benefit
is equal to (1) your Certificate's value in the Investment Funds, or if
greater, the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit, and (2) the amount of the death
benefit provided with respect to GIRO's. The Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit
is different in New York.

     The Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit is a "6% to Age 80 Benefit." We add 
     interest to the initial amount allocated to the Investment Funds at 6% (3%
     for amounts in the Alliance Money Market Fund and Alliance Intermediate 
     Government Securities Fund) through the Annuitant's age 80.

     If you elect the Plan A and are between the ages of 20 through 65, you
     may instead elect a 6% to Age 70 Benefit, for a lower charge.
    

10. OTHER INFORMATION.

GUARANTEED MINIMUM INCOME BENEFIT. The Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit,
as part of the baseBUILDER, is an optional benefit that provides a minimum
amount of guaranteed lifetime income for your future. When you are ready to
convert (during specified periods of time) your Certificate's value to the
Assured Payment Option the minimum amount of lifetime income that will be
provided will be the greater of (i) your Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit
or (ii) your Certificate's current value in the Investment Funds, applied at
current annuity factors.
   
    


                                       5


<PAGE>

   
Investment performance is not guaranteed. The Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit
provides a safety net for your future income.

FREE LOOK. You can examine the Certificate for a period of 10 days after you
receive it, and return it to us for a refund. The free look period is longer in
some states.

Your refund will equal your Certificate's value, reflecting any investment gain
or loss, in the Investment Funds, and any increase or decrease in the value of
any amounts held in the GIRO's, through the date we receive your Certificate.
Some states or Federal income tax regulations may require that we calculate the
refund differently.


PRINCIPAL ASSURANCE. This option is designed to assure the return of your
original amount invested on a GIRO maturity date, by putting a portion of your
money in a particular GIRO, and the balance in the Investment Funds in any way
you choose. Assuming that you make no transfers or withdrawals of the portion
in the GIRO, such amount will grow to your original investment upon maturity.


DOLLAR COST AVERAGING. Special Dollar Cost Averaging - You can elect when you
apply for your Certificate to put your money into the Alliance Money Market
Fund and have a it transferred from the Alliance Money Market Fund into the
other Investment Funds on a monthly basis over the first twelve months in which
case Certificate charges will not be deducted from the amount remaining in the 
Alliance Money Market Fund during this period. General Dollar Cost Averaging - 
You can elect at any time to put money into the Alliance Money Market Funds and
have a dollar amount or percentage transferred from the Alliance Money Market 
Fund into the other Investment Funds on a periodic basis over a longer period 
of time, and all applicable charges deducted from the value in the Alliance 
Money Market Fund will apply. Dollar cost averaging does not assure a profit or
protect against a loss should market prices decline.
    

REPORTS. We will provide you with an annual statement of your Certificate's
values as of the last day of each year, and three additional reports of your
Certificate's values each year. You also will be provided with written
confirmations of each financial transaction, and copies of annual and
semi-annual statements of HR Trust and EQ Trust.

You may call toll-free at 1-800-789-7771 for a recording of daily Investment
Fund values and guaranteed rates applicable to GIRO's.


11. INQUIRIES. If you need more information, please contact your agent. You may
also contact us, at:

The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States
Income Management Group
P.O. Box 1547
Secaucus, NJ  07096-1547
Telephone 1-800-789-7771 and Fax 1-201-583-2224



                                       6




<PAGE>
   
                        INCOME MANAGER(SM) ROLLOVER IRA

                         PROSPECTUS DATED MAY 1, 1997
    

         COMBINATION VARIABLE AND FIXED DEFERRED ANNUITY CERTIFICATES
                                  Issued By:
          The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States

This prospectus describes individual retirement annuity (IRA) certificates The
Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States (EQUITABLE LIFE, WE, OUR
and US) offers under a combination variable and fixed deferred annuity contract
(ROLLOVER IRA) issued on a group basis or as individual contracts. Enrollment
under a group contract will be evidenced by issuance of a certificate.
Certificates and individual contracts each will be referred to as
"Certificates." Under the Rollover IRA we will accept only initial
contributions that are rollover contributions or that are direct transfers from
other individual retirement arrangements, as described in this prospectus. A
minimum initial contribution of $5,000 is required to put a Certificate into
effect.

   
The Rollover IRA is designed to provide for the accumulation of retirement
savings and for income. Contributions accumulate on a tax-deferred basis and
can be distributed under a number of different methods which are designed to be
responsive to the owner's (CERTIFICATE OWNER, YOU and YOUR) objectives. The
distribution methods include the ASSURED PAYMENT OPTION, Assured Payment Option
Plus (APO PLUS), and a variety of payout options, including variable annuities
and fixed annuities. The Assured Payment Option and APO Plus are also available
for election in the application if you are interested in receiving
distributions rather than accumulating funds.
    

The Rollover IRA offers investment options (INVESTMENT OPTIONS) that permit you
to create your own strategies. These Investment Options include 21 variable
investment funds (INVESTMENT FUNDS) and each GUARANTEE PERIOD in the GUARANTEED
PERIOD ACCOUNT.

   
We invest each Investment Fund in Class IB shares of a corresponding portfolio
(PORTFOLIO) of The Hudson River Trust (HR TRUST) or EQ Advisors Trust (EQ
TRUST), mutual funds whose shares are purchased by separate accounts of
insurance companies. The prospectuses for HR Trust and EQ Trust, both of which
accompany this prospectus, describe the investment objectives, policies and
risks of the Portfolios.

                               INVESTMENT FUNDS
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 EQUITY SERIES:
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DOMESTIC EQUITY                      INTERNATIONAL EQUITY                       AGGRESSIVE EQUITY
<S>                                  <C>                                        <C>
 Alliance Common Stock                Alliance Global                            Alliance Aggressive Stock
 Alliance Growth & Income             Alliance International                     Alliance Small Cap Growth
 EQ/Putnam Growth & Income Value      Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Equity     MFS Emerging Growth Companies
 MFS Research                         T. Rowe Price International Stock          Warburg Pincus Small Company Value
 Merrill Lynch Basic Value Equity
 T. Rowe Price Equity Income
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
       ASSET ALLOCATION SERIES                                   FIXED INCOME SERIES
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>                          <C>
 Alliance Conservative Investors     AGGRESSIVE FIXED INCOME      DOMESTIC FIXED INCOME
 Alliance Growth Investors           Alliance High Yield          Alliance Intermediate Government Securities
 EQ/Putnam Balanced                                               Alliance Money Market
 Merrill Lynch World Strategy                                     Alliance Equity Index (ONLY AVAILABLE UNDER
                                                                  APO PLUS)
 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    

   
Amounts allocated to a Guarantee Period accumulate on a fixed basis and are
credited with interest at a rate we set (GUARANTEED RATE) for the entire
period. On each business day (BUSINESS DAY) we will determine the Guaranteed
Rates available for amounts newly allocated to Guarantee Periods. A market
value adjustment (positive or negative) will be made for withdrawals,
transfers, surrender and certain other transactions from a Guarantee Period
before its expiration date (EXPIRATION DATE). Each Guarantee Period has its own
Guaranteed Rates. The Guarantee Periods currently available have Expiration
Dates of February 15, in years 1998 through 2007 under the Rollover IRA and
1998 through 2012 under the Assured Payment Option and APO Plus.
    

This prospectus provides information about the Rollover IRA that prospective
investors should know before investing. You should read it carefully and retain
it for future reference. The prospectus is not valid unless accompanied by
current prospectuses for HR Trust and EQ Trust, both of which you should also
read carefully.

Registration statements relating to Separate Account No. 45 (SEPARATE ACCOUNT)
and interests under the Guarantee Periods have been filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission (SEC). The statement of additional information (SAI),
dated May 1, 1997, which is part of the registration statement for the Separate
Account, is available free of charge upon request by writing to our Processing
Office or calling 1-800-789-7771, our toll-free number. The SAI has been
incorporated by reference into this prospectus. The Table of Contents for the
SAI appears at the back of this prospectus.

THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY
OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

THE CERTIFICATES ARE NOT INSURED BY THE FDIC OR ANY OTHER AGENCY. THEY ARE
NOT DEPOSITS OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF ANY BANK AND ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED.
THEY ARE SUBJECT TO INVESTMENT RISKS AND POSSIBLE LOSS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTED.

   
          Copyright 1997 The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the
                    United States, New York, New York 10104.
    All rights reserved. baseBUILDER is a service mark of The Equitable Life
                    Assurance Society of the United States.
    

                                
<PAGE>
               INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

   Equitable Life's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1996 is incorporated herein by reference.

   
   All documents or reports filed by Equitable Life pursuant to Section 13(a),
13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (EXCHANGE
ACT) after the date hereof and prior to the termination of the offering of the
securities offered hereby shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in
this prospectus and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such
documents. Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be
incorporated herein by reference shall be deemed to be modified or superseded
for purposes of this prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein
or in any other 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 and superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus. Equitable
Life files its Exchange Act documents and reports, including its annual and
quarterly reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q, electronically pursuant to EDGAR
under CIK No. 0000727920. The SEC maintains a web site that contains reports,
proxy and information statements and other information regarding registrants
that file electronically with the SEC. The address of the site is
http://www.sec.gov.

   Equitable Life will provide without charge to each person to whom this
prospectus is delivered, upon the written or oral request of such person, a
copy of any or all of the foregoing documents incorporated herein by
reference (other than exhibits not specifically incorporated by reference
into the text of such documents). Requests for such documents should be
directed to The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States, 1290
Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10104. Attention: Corporate
Secretary (telephone: (212) 554-1234).
    

                                2
<PAGE>

                         PROSPECTUS TABLE OF CONTENTS

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                     <C>  
GENERAL TERMS                          PAGE 4
FEE TABLE                              PAGE 6
PART 1: EQUITABLE LIFE, THE SEPARATE
        ACCOUNT AND THE
        INVESTMENT FUNDS              PAGE 11
Equitable Life                          11
Separate Account No. 45                 11
HR Trust                                12
HR Trust's Manager and Adviser          12
EQ Trust                                12
EQ Trust's Manager and Advisers         12
Investment Policies and Objectives of
  HR Trust's Portfolios and EQ Trust's
  Portfolios                            13

PART 2: THE GUARANTEED PERIOD
        ACCOUNT                       PAGE 16
Guarantee Periods                       16
Market Value Adjustment for Transfers,
  Withdrawals or Surrender Prior to the
  Expiration Date                       17
Modal Payment Portion                   18
Investments                             18

PART 3: PROVISIONS OF THE
        CERTIFICATES AND SERVICES
        WE PROVIDE                    PAGE 20
What is the Rollover IRA?               20
Availability of the Certificates        20
Contributions Under the Certificates    20
Methods of Payment                      20
Allocation of Contributions             20
Free Look Period                        21
Annuity Account Value                   21
Transfers Among Investment Options      22
Dollar Cost Averaging                   22
baseBUILDER Benefits                    23
Death Benefit                           23
Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit       24
Cash Value                              25
Surrendering the Certificates to
  Receive the Cash Value                25
When Payments are Made                  25
Assignment                              26
Services We Provide                     26
Distribution of the Certificates        26

PART 4: DISTRIBUTION METHODS UNDER THE
        CERTIFICATES                  PAGE 27
Assured Payment Option                  27
APO Plus                                30
Withdrawal Options                      32
Annuity Benefits                        35

PART 5: DEDUCTIONS AND CHARGES        PAGE 37
Charges Deducted from the Annuity
  Account Value                         37
Charges Deducted from the Investment
  Funds                                 37
HR Trust Charges to Portfolios          38
EQ Trust Charges to Portfolios          38
Sponsored Arrangements                  39
Other Distribution Arrangements         39

PART 6: VOTING RIGHTS                 PAGE 40
HR Trust and EQ Trust Voting Rights     40
Voting Rights of Others                 40
Separate Account Voting Rights          40
Changes in Applicable Law               40

PART 7: TAX ASPECTS OF THE            PAGE 41
        CERTIFICATES
Tax-Qualified Individual Retirement
  Annuities (IRAs)                      41
Penalty Tax on Early Distributions      46
Tax Penalty for Insufficient
  Distributions                         46
Tax Penalty for Excess Distributions or
  Accumulation                          46
Federal and State Income Tax
  Withholding                           47
Other Withholding                       47
Impact of Taxes to Equitable Life       47
Transfers Among Investment Options      47
Tax Changes                             48

PART 8: INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS       PAGE 49

PART 9: INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE        PAGE 50
Standardized Performance Data           50
Rate of Return Data for Investment
  Funds                                 52
Communicating Performance Data          55
Alliance Money Market Fund and Alliance
  Intermediate Government Securities
  Fund Yield Information                55

APPENDIX I: MARKET VALUE
  ADJUSTMENT EXAMPLE                  PAGE 57

APPENDIX II: GUARANTEED MINIMUM
  DEATH BENEFIT EXAMPLE               PAGE 58

APPENDIX III: EXAMPLE OF PAYMENTS
  UNDER THE ASSURED PAYMENT
  OPTION AND APO PLUS                 PAGE 59

APPENDIX IV: IRS TAX DEDUCTION TABLE  PAGE 60

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL
  INFORMATION TABLE OF CONTENTS       PAGE 61
</TABLE>
    

                                3

<PAGE>

                                 GENERAL TERMS

ACCUMULATION UNIT--Contributions that are invested in an Investment Fund
purchase Accumulation Units in that Investment Fund.

ACCUMULATION UNIT VALUE--The dollar value of each Accumulation Unit in an
Investment Fund on a given date.

   
ANNUITANT--The individual who is the measuring life for determining benefits
under the Certificates. The Annuitant and Certificate Owner must be the same
individual.

ANNUITY ACCOUNT VALUE--The sum of the amounts in the Investment Options under
the Certificate. See "Annuity Account Value" in Part 3.

ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE--The date on which Annuity Benefit payments
automatically commence.

ASSURED PAYMENT OPTION--A distribution option which provides guaranteed
lifetime income. The Assured Payment Option may be elected in the application
or elected as a distribution option at a later date. Under this option amounts
are allocated to the Guaranteed Period Account and the Life Contingent Annuity.
No amounts may be allocated to the Investment Funds.

APO PLUS--A distribution option which provides guaranteed lifetime income. APO
Plus may be elected in the application or as a distribution option at a later
date. Under this option amounts are allocated to the Guaranteed Period Account,
the Life Contingent Annuity and to the Alliance Common Stock Fund and/or the
Alliance Equity Index Fund. The amount in such Funds is then systematically
converted to increase the guaranteed lifetime income.

BASEBUILDER (SERVICE MARK) --Protection benefits, consisting of the Guaranteed
Minimum Death Benefit and the Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit.
    

BUSINESS DAY--Generally, any day on which the New York Stock Exchange is open
for trading. For the purpose of determining the Transaction Date, our Business
Day ends at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time or the closing of the New York Stock
Exchange, if earlier.

CASH VALUE--The Annuity Account Value minus any applicable charges.

CERTIFICATE--The Certificate issued under the terms of a group annuity contract
and any individual contract, including any endorsements.

   
CERTIFICATE OWNER--The person who owns a Certificate and has the right to
exercise all rights under the Certificate. The Certificate Owner must be the
same individual as the Annuitant.
    

CODE--The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

   
CONTRACT DATE--The effective date of the Certificates. This is usually the
Business Day we receive the initial contribution at our Processing Office.
    

CONTRACT YEAR--The 12-month period beginning on your Contract Date and each
anniversary of that date.

EQ TRUST--EQ Advisors Trust, a mutual fund in which the assets of separate
accounts of insurance companies are invested. EQ Financial Consultants, Inc.
(EQ Financial) is the manager to EQ Trust and has appointed advisers for each
of the Portfolios.

EXPIRATION DATE--The date on which a Guarantee Period ends.

   
GUARANTEED MINIMUM DEATH BENEFIT--The minimum amount payable with respect to
the Investment Funds, upon the death of the Annuitant.

GUARANTEED MINIMUM INCOME BENEFIT--The minimum amount of future guaranteed
lifetime income provided with respect to the Investment Funds.

GUARANTEE PERIOD--Any of the periods of time ending on an Expiration Date that
are available for investment under the Certificates. Guarantee Periods may also
be referred to as Guaranteed Interest Rate Options (GIROs).
    

GUARANTEED PERIOD ACCOUNT--The Account that contains the Guarantee Periods and
the Modal Payment Portion of such Account.

GUARANTEED RATE--The annual interest rate established for each allocation to a
Guarantee Period.

   
HR TRUST--The Hudson River Trust, a mutual fund in which the assets of separate
accounts of insurance companies are invested. Alliance Capital Management L.P.
(Alliance) is the manager and adviser to HR Trust.

INVESTMENT FUNDS--The funds of the Separate Account that are available under
the Certificates. The Alliance Equity Index Fund is only available under APO
Plus.
    

                                4
<PAGE>

INVESTMENT OPTIONS--The choices for investment: the Investment Funds and each
available Guarantee Period.

   
IRA--An individual retirement annuity, as defined in Section 408(b) of the
Code.

LIFE CONTINGENT ANNUITY--Provides guaranteed lifetime income beginning at a
future date. Amounts may only be applied under the Life Contingent Annuity
through election of the Assured Payment Option and APO Plus.
    

MATURITY VALUE--The amount in a Guarantee Period on its Expiration Date.

   
MODAL PAYMENT PORTION--Under the Assured Payment Option and APO Plus, the
portion of the Guaranteed Period Account from which payments, other than
payments due on an Expiration Date, are made.     

PORTFOLIOS--The portfolios of HR Trust and EQ Trust that correspond to the
Investment Funds of the Separate Account.

PROCESSING DATE--The day when we deduct certain charges from the Annuity
Account Value. If the Processing Date is not a Business Day, it will be on the
next succeeding Business Day. The Processing Date will be once each year on
each anniversary of the Contract Date.

   
PROCESSING OFFICE--The address to which all contributions, written requests
(e.g., transfers, withdrawals, etc.) or other written communications must be
sent. See "Services We Provide" in Part 3.

SAI--The statement of additional information for the Separate Account under the
Certificates.
    

SEPARATE ACCOUNT--Equitable Life's Separate Account No. 45.

TRANSACTION DATE--The Business Day we receive a contribution or a transaction
request providing all the information we need at our Processing Office. If your
contribution or request reaches our Processing Office on a non-Business Day, or
after the close of the Business Day, the Transaction Date will be the next
following Business Day. Transaction requests must be made in a form acceptable
to us.

VALUATION PERIOD--Each Business Day together with any preceding non-business
days.

                                5
<PAGE>

                                   FEE TABLE

   
The purpose of this fee table is to assist you in understanding the various
costs and expenses you may bear directly or indirectly under the Certificate so
that you may compare them with other similar products. The table reflects both
the charges of the Separate Account and the expenses of HR Trust and EQ Trust.
Charges for applicable taxes such as state or local premium taxes may also
apply. For a complete description of the charges under the Certificate, see
"Part 5: Deductions and Charges." For a complete description of each trust's
charges and expenses, see the prospectuses for HR Trust and EQ Trust.

As explained in Part 2, the Guarantee Periods are not a part of the Separate
Account and are not covered by the fee table and examples. The only charge
shown in the Table which will be deducted from amounts allocated to the
Guarantee Periods is the withdrawal charge. See "Part 5: Deductions and
Charges." A market value adjustment (either positive or negative) also may be
applicable as a result of a withdrawal, transfer or surrender of amounts from
a Guarantee Period. See "Part 2: The Guaranteed Period Account."
    

OWNER TRANSACTION EXPENSES (DEDUCTED FROM ANNUITY ACCOUNT VALUE)

WITHDRAWAL CHARGE AS A PERCENTAGE OF CONTRIBUTIONS (percentage deducted upon
  surrender or for certain withdrawals. The applicable withdrawal charge
  percentage is determined by the Contract Year in which the withdrawal is made
  or the Certificate is surrendered beginning with "Contract Year 1" with
  respect to each contribution withdrawn or surrendered. For each contribution,
  the Contract Year in which we receive that contribution is "Contract Year
  1")(1)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 CONTRACT
    YEAR
- ----------
<S>          <C>
   1....     7.00%
   2....     6.00
   3....     5.00
   4....     4.00
   5....     3.00
   6....     2.00
   7....     1.00
   8+...     0.00
</TABLE>

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 GUARANTEED BENEFIT EXPENSE (DEDUCTED FROM ANNUITY ACCOUNT VALUE)(2)
<S>                                                                                 <C>
COMBINED GUARANTEED MINIMUM DEATH BENEFIT AND GUARANTEED MINIMUM INCOME BENEFIT
 (PLAN A) ..........................................................................  0.45%
GUARANTEED MINIMUM DEATH BENEFIT ONLY (PLAN B) .....................................  0.20%
THESE CHARGES ARE CALCULATED AS A PERCENTAGE OF THE GUARANTEED MINIMUM DEATH
 BENEFIT

SEPARATE ACCOUNT ANNUAL EXPENSES (AS A PERCENTAGE OF ASSETS IN EACH INVESTMENT
 FUND)
MORTALITY AND EXPENSE RISKS.........................................................  0.90%
ADMINISTRATION(3)...................................................................  0.25%
                                                                                    -------
 TOTAL SEPARATE ACCOUNT ANNUAL EXPENSES.............................................  1.15%
                                                                                    =======
</TABLE>
    

- ------------
See footnotes on next page.

                                6
<PAGE>
   
HR TRUST AND EQ TRUST ANNUAL EXPENSES (AS A PERCENTAGE OF AVERAGE DAILY NET
ASSETS IN EACH PORTFOLIO)
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              INVESTMENT PORTFOLIOS
                            ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 ALLIANCE        ALLIANCE      ALLIANCE       ALLIANCE
                               CONSERVATIVE       GROWTH       GROWTH &        COMMON        ALLIANCE     ALLIANCE
HR TRUST                        INVESTORS       INVESTORS       INCOME         STOCK          GLOBAL   INTERNATIONAL
- --------                    -----------------  ------------   ---------- ---------------- ------------ -------------
<S>                         <C>              <C>            <C>          <C>              <C>          <C>
Investment Advisory Fee           0.48%           0.53%         0.55%          0.38%          0.65%        0.90%
12b-1 Fee(4)                      0.25%           0.25%         0.25%          0.25%          0.25%        0.25%
Other Expenses                    0.07%           0.06%         0.05%          0.03%          0.08%        0.18%
                            ---------------- -------------- ------------ ---------------- ------------ ------------
 TOTAL HR TRUST ANNUAL
  EXPENSES(5)                     0.80%           0.84%         0.85%          0.66%          0.98%        1.33%
                            ================ ============== ============ ================ ============ ============
</TABLE>
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              ALLIANCE
                                  ALLIANCE        ALLIANCE      ALLIANCE     INTERMEDIATE     ALLIANCE     ALLIANCE
                                AGGRESSIVE        SMALL         MONEY          GOVT.           HIGH        EQUITY
HR TRUST                          STOCK         CAP GROWTH      MARKET       SECURITIES       YIELD        INDEX
- --------------------------- ---------------- -------------- ------------ ---------------- ------------ ------------
<S>                          <C>             <C>           <C>            <C>            <C>          <C>  
Investment Advisory Fee           0.55%           0.90%         0.35%          0.50%          0.60%        0.33%
12-b Fee(4)                       0.25%           0.25%         0.25%          0.25%          0.25%        0.25%
Other Expenses                    0.03%           0.10%         0.04%          0.09%          0.06%        0.05%
                            ---------------- -------------- ------------ ---------------- ------------ ------------
 TOTAL HR TRUST ANNUAL
  EXPENSES(5)                     0.83%           1.25%         0.64%          0.84%          0.91%        0.63%
                            ================ ============== ============ ================ ============ ============
</TABLE>
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             EQ/PUTNAM         MFS                              MERRILL
                                             GROWTH &        EMERGING                            LYNCH
                               EQ/PUTNAM      INCOME          GROWTH             MFS          BASIC VALUE
EQ TRUST                       BALANCED        VALUE        COMPANIES         RESEARCH          EQUITY
- --------                     ------------ ------------- ---------------- ----------------- ---------------
<S>                              <C>           <C>            <C>               <C>              <C>  
Investment Advisory Fee          0.55%         0.55%          0.55%             0.55%            0.55%
12b-1 Fee(4)                     0.25%         0.25%          0.25%             0.25%            0.25%
Other Expenses                   0.10%         0.05%          0.05%             0.05%            0.05%
                            ------------- ------------- ---------------- ----------------- ---------------
 TOTAL EQ TRUST ANNUAL
  EXPENSES(6)                    0.90%         0.85%          0.85%             0.85%            0.85%
                            ============= ============= ================ ================= ===============
</TABLE>
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              MORGAN                                            WARBURG
                                MERRILL       STANLEY                          T. ROWE          PINCUS
                                 LYNCH       EMERGING        T. ROWE            PRICE            SMALL
                                 WORLD        MARKETS      PRICE EQUITY     INTERNATIONAL       COMPANY
EQ TRUST                       STRATEGY       EQUITY          INCOME            STOCK            VALUE
- --------                    ------------- ------------- ---------------- ----------------- --------------- 
<S>                              <C>           <C>            <C>               <C>              <C>  
Investment Advisory Fee          0.70%         1.15%          0.55%             0.75%            0.65%
12b-1 Fee(4)                     0.25%         0.25%          0.25%             0.25%            0.25%
Other Expenses                   0.25%         0.35%          0.05%             0.20%            0.10%
                            ------------- ------------- ---------------- ----------------- ---------------
 TOTAL EQ TRUST ANNUAL
  EXPENSES(6)                    1.20%         1.75%          0.85%             1.20%            1.00%
                            ============= ============= ================ ================= ===============
</TABLE>
    

   
- ------------
Notes:
(1)   Deducted upon a withdrawal with respect to amounts in excess of the 15%
      (10% under the Assured Payment Option and APO Plus) free corridor
      amount, and upon a surrender. See "Part 5: Deductions and Charges,"
      "Withdrawal Charge."
(2)   The Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit is applicable to the Investment
      Funds. The Combined Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit and Guaranteed
      Minimum Income Benefit (Plan A) is not available under APO Plus. See APO
      Plus in Part 4. If you choose a 6% to Age 70 Benefit, the charge is
      0.30%. This charge is deducted annually on each Processing Date. See
      "Combined Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit and Guaranteed Minimum Income
      Benefit Benefit Charge (Plan A)" and "Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit
      Only Benefit Charge (Plan B)" in Part 5.
(3)   We reserve the right to increase this charge to an annual rate of 0.35%,
      the maximum permitted under the Certificates.
(4)   The Class IB shares of HR Trust and EQ Trust are subject to fees imposed
      under distribution plans (herein, the "Rule 12b-1 Plans") adopted by HR
      Trust and EQ Trust pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company
      Act of 1940. The Rule 12b-1 Plans provide that HR Trust and EQ Trust, on
      behalf of each Portfolio, may pay annually up to 0.25% of the average
      daily net assets of a Portfolio attributable to its Class IB shares in
      respect of activities primarily intended to result in the sale of the
      Class IB shares.
(5)   The amounts shown for the Portfolios of HR Trust (other than Alliance
      Small Cap Growth) have been restated to reflect advisory fees which went
      into effect as of May 1, 1997. "Other Expenses" are based on average
      daily net assets in each Portfolio during 1996. The amounts shown for the
      Alliance Small Cap Growth Portfolio are estimated for the current fiscal
      year as this Portfolio commenced operations on May 1, 1997. The
      investment advisory fee for each Portfolio may vary from year to year
      depending upon the average daily net assets of the respective Portfolio
      of HR Trust. The maximum investment advisory fees, however, cannot be
      increased without a vote of that Portfolio's shareholders. The other
      direct operating expenses will also fluctuate from year to year depending
      on actual expenses. See "HR Trust Charges to Portfolios" in Part 5.
(6)   "Other Expenses" shown are based on estimated amounts (after expense
      waiver or limitation) for the current fiscal year, as EQ Trust commenced
      operations on May 1, 1997. The maximum investment advisory fees cannot be
      increased without a vote of that Portfolio's shareholders. The other
      direct operating expenses will fluctuate from year to year depending on
      actual expenses but pursuant to agreement, cannot together with other
      fees specified exceed total annual expenses specified. See "EQ Trust
      Charges to Portfolios" in Part 5.

    

                                7
<PAGE>
EXAMPLES

   
The examples below show the expenses that a hypothetical Certificate Owner
would pay under the Combined Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit and Guaranteed
Minimum Income Benefit Benefit (Plan A), under the Guaranteed Minimum Death
Benefit Only Benefit (Plan B) and under APO Plus in the two situations noted
below assuming a $1,000 contribution invested in one of the Investment Funds
listed, and a 5% annual return on assets.(1)     

These examples should not be considered a representation of past or future
expenses for each Investment Fund or Portfolio. Actual expenses may be greater
or less than those shown. Similarly, the annual rate of return assumed in the
examples is not an estimate or guarantee of future investment performance.

   
 COMBINED GUARANTEED MINIMUM DEATH BENEFIT/GUARANTEED MINIMUM INCOME BENEFIT
                              (PLAN A) ELECTION
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               IF YOU DO NOT SURRENDER YOUR
IF YOU SURRENDER YOUR CERTIFICATE AT THE END OF EACH PERIOD    CERTIFICATE AT THE END OF EACH PERIOD
SHOWN, THE EXPENSES WOULD BE:                                  SHOWN, THE EXPENSES WOULD BE:
                       1 YEAR   3 YEARS   5 YEARS   10 YEARS   1 YEAR   3 YEARS   5 YEARS   10 YEARS
                       -------- --------- --------- ---------- -------- --------- --------- ---------
<S>                    <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>
HR TRUST
- ----------------------
Alliance Conservative
 Investors               $89.74   $120.55   $154.64   $275.75    $24.51   $ 75.92   $130.68   $283.83
Alliance Growth
 Investors                90.14    121.76    156.67    279.80     24.91     77.12    132.69    287.85
Alliance Growth &
 Income                   90.24    122.06    157.17    280.80     25.01     77.42    133.19    288.87
Alliance Common Stock     88.35    116.35    147.61    261.52     23.12     71.71    123.63    269.57
Alliance Global           91.53    125.95    163.66    293.80     26.30     81.30    139.67    301.85
Alliance International    95.01    136.36    180.97    328.00     29.78     91.73    157.01    336.07
Alliance Aggressive
 Stock                    90.04    121.46    156.17    278.79     24.81     76.82    132.19    286.85
Small Cap Growth          94.22    134.00        --        --     28.99     89.36        --        --
Alliance Money Market     88.15    115.75    146.59    259.45     22.92     71.11    122.61    267.51
Alliance Intermediate
 Gov't Securities         90.14    121.76    156.67    279.80     24.91     77.12    132.69    287.85
Alliance High Yield       90.84    123.86    160.17    286.83     25.61     79.22    136.19    294.89
EQ TRUST
- ----------------------
EQ/Putnam Balanced       $90.74   $123.56        --        --    $25.51   $ 78.91        --        --
EQ/Putnam Growth &
 Income Value             90.24    122.06        --        --     25.01     77.42        --        --
MFS Emerging Growth
 Companies                90.24    122.06        --        --     25.01     77.42        --        --
MFS Research              90.24    122.06        --        --     25.01     77.42        --        --
Merrill Lynch Basic
 Value Equity             90.24    122.06        --        --     25.01     77.42        --        --
Merrill Lynch World
 Strategy                 93.72    132.50        --        --     28.49     87.87        --        --
Morgan Stanley
 Emerging Market
 Equity                   99.19    148.78        --        --     33.96    104.14        --        --
T. Rowe Price Equity
 Income                   90.24    122.06        --        --     25.01     77.42        --        --
T. Rowe Price
 International Stock      93.72    132.50        --        --     28.49     87.87        --        --
Warburg Pincus Small
 Company Value            91.73    126.55        --        --     26.50     81.90        --        --
</TABLE>
    

   
- ------------
See note on next page.
    

                                       8
<PAGE>
   
       GUARANTEED MINIMUM DEATH BENEFIT ONLY BENEFIT (PLAN B) ELECTION
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               IF YOU DO NOT SURRENDER YOUR
IF YOU SURRENDER YOUR CERTIFICATE AT THE END OF EACH PERIOD    CERTIFICATE AT THE END OF EACH PERIOD
SHOWN, THE EXPENSES WOULD BE:                                  SHOWN, THE EXPENSES WOULD BE:
                       1 YEAR   3 YEARS   5 YEARS   10 YEARS   1 YEAR   3 YEARS   5 YEARS   10 YEARS
                       -------- --------- --------- ---------- -------- --------- --------- ---------
<S>                    <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>
HR TRUST
- --------
Alliance Conservative
 Investors               $89.74   $115.25   $143.62   $248.28    $21.86   $67.64    $116.31   $251.89
Alliance Growth
 Investors                90.14    116.46    145.64    252.38     22.26    68.84     118.33    255.98
Alliance Growth &
 Income                   90.24    116.76    146.16    253.43     22.36    69.14     118.83    257.01
Alliance Common Stock     88.35    111.05    136.55    233.84     20.47    63.42     109.21    237.42
Alliance Global           91.53    120.66    152.69    266.60     23.65    73.04     125.36    270.18
Alliance International    95.01    131.11    170.11    301.30     27.13    83.49     142.78    304.87
Alliance Aggressive
 Stock                    90.04    116.16    145.14    251.37     22.16    68.54     117.82    254.95
Small Cap Growth          94.22    128.73        --        --     26.34    81.12         --        --
Alliance Money Market     88.15    110.44    135.53    231.77     20.27    62.82     108.21    235.35
Alliance Intermediate
 Gov't Securities         90.14    116.46    145.64    252.38     22.26    68.84     118.33    255.98
Alliance High Yield       90.84    118.56    149.17    259.51     22.96    70.95     121.86    263.11
EQ TRUST
- ----------------------
EQ/Putnam Balanced       $90.74   $118.26        --        --    $22.86   $70.65         --        --
EQ/Putnam Growth &
 Income Value             90.24    116.76        --        --     22.36    69.14         --        --
MFS Emerging Growth
 Companies                90.24    116.76        --        --     22.36    69.14         --        --
MFS Research              90.24    116.76        --        --     22.36    69.14         --        --
Merrill Lynch Basic
 Value Equity             90.24    116.76        --        --     22.36    69.14         --        --
Merrill Lynch World
 Strategy                 93.72    127.24        --        --     25.84    79.62         --        --
Morgan Stanley
 Emerging Market
 Equity                   99.19    143.56        --        --     31.31    95.94         --        --
T. Rowe Price Equity
 Income                   90.24    116.76        --        --     22.36    69.14         --        --
T. Rowe Price
 International Stock      93.72    127.24        --        --     25.84    79.62         --        --
Warburg Pincus Small
 Company Value            91.73    121.26        --        --     23.85    73.64         --        --
</TABLE>
    

   
- ------------
See note on next page.
    

                                       9
<PAGE>
   
                              APO PLUS ELECTION
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 IF YOU SURRENDER YOUR CERTIFICATE AT THE END OF EACH PERIOD
SHOWN, THE
EXPENSES WOULD BE:
                      1 YEAR   3 YEARS   5 YEARS   10 YEARS
                      -------- --------- --------- ----------
<S>                   <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>
Alliance Common Stock   $88.35   $111.05   $136.55   $233.84
Alliance Equity Index    88.05    110.14    135.02    230.74

</TABLE>
    

   
                    (RESTUBBED TABLE CONTINUED FROM ABOVE)
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 IF YOU DO NOT SURRENDER YOUR CERTIFICATE AT THE END OF EACH PERIOD SHOWN, THE
EXPENSES WOULD BE:
                      1 YEAR   3 YEARS  5 YEARS   10 YEARS
                      -------- -------- --------- ----------
<S>                   <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>
Alliance Common Stock   $20.47   $63.42   $109.21   $237.42
Alliance Equity Index    20.17    62.52    107.69    234.31

</TABLE>
    

   
Note:
(1)   The amount accumulated from the $1,000 contribution could not be paid in
      the form of an annuity at the end of any of the periods shown in the
      examples. If the amount applied to purchase an annuity is less than
      $2,000, or the initial payment is less than $20 we may pay the amount to
      the payee in a single sum instead of as payments under an annuity form.
      See "Income Annuity Options" in Part 4. The examples do not reflect
      charges for applicable taxes such as state or local premium taxes that
      may also be deducted in certain jurisdictions.
    

                                       10
<PAGE>

                 PART 1: EQUITABLE LIFE, THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT
                           AND THE INVESTMENT FUNDS

EQUITABLE LIFE

Equitable Life is a New York stock life insurance company that has been in
business since 1859. For more than 100 years we have been among the largest
life insurance companies in the United States. Equitable Life has been selling
annuities since the turn of the century. Our home office is located at 1290
Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10104. We are authorized to sell
life insurance and annuities in all fifty states, the District of Columbia,
Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. We maintain local offices throughout the
United States.

   
Equitable Life is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Equitable Companies
Incorporated (the Holding Company). The largest shareholder of the Holding
Company is AXA-UAP (AXA). As of December 31, 1997 AXA, beneficially owned 63.8%
of the outstanding common stock of the Holding Company (assuming conversion of
convertible preferred stock held by AXA). Under its investment arrangements
with Equitable Life and the Holding Company, AXA is able to exercise
significant influence over the operations and capital structure of the Holding
Company and its subsidiaries, including Equitable Life. AXA, a French company,
is the holding company for an international group of insurance and related
financial service companies. 
    

Equitable Life, the Holding Company and their subsidiaries managed
approximately $239.8 billion of assets as of December 31, 1996.

SEPARATE ACCOUNT NO. 45

Separate Account No. 45 is organized as a unit investment trust, a type of
investment company, and is registered with the SEC under the Investment Company
Act of 1940, as amended (1940 Act). This registration does not involve any
supervision by the SEC of the management or investment policies of the Separate
Account. The Separate Account has several Investment Funds, each of which
invests in shares of a corresponding Portfolio of HR Trust and EQ Trust.
Because amounts allocated to the Investment Funds are invested in a mutual
fund, investment return and principal will fluctuate and the Certificate
Owner's Accumulation Units may be worth more or less than the original cost
when redeemed.

Under the New York Insurance Law, the portion of the Separate Account's assets
equal to the reserves and other liabilities relating to the Certificates are
not chargeable with liabilities arising out of any other business we may
conduct. Income, gains or losses, whether or not realized, from assets of the
Separate Account are credited to or charged against the Separate Account
without regard to our other income gains or losses. We are the issuer of the
Certificates, and the obligations set forth in the Certificates (other than
those of Annuitants or Certificate Owners) are our obligations.

In addition to contributions made under the Rollover IRA Certificates, we may
allocate to the Separate Account monies received under other contracts,
certificates, or agreements. Owners of all such contracts, certificates or
agreements will participate in the Separate Account in proportion to the
amounts they have in the Investment Funds that relate to their contracts,
certificates or agreements. We may retain in the Separate Account assets that
are in excess of the reserves and other liabilities relating to the Rollover
IRA Certificates or to other contracts, certificates or agreements, or we may
transfer the excess to our General Account.

   
We reserve the right, subject to compliance with applicable law; (1) to add
Investment Funds (or sub-funds of Investment Funds) to, or to remove Investment
Funds (or sub-funds) from, the Separate Account, or to add other separate
accounts; (2) to combine any two or more Investment Funds or sub-funds thereof;
(3) to transfer the assets we determine to be the share of the class of
contracts to which the Certificates belong from any Investment Fund to another
Investment Fund; (4) to operate the Separate Account or any Investment Fund as
a management investment company under the 1940 Act, in which case charges and
expenses that otherwise would be assessed against an underlying mutual fund
would be assessed against the Separate Account; (5) to deregister the Separate
Account under the 1940 Act, provided that such action conforms with the
requirements of applicable law; (6) to restrict or eliminate any voting rights
as to the Separate Account; and (7) to cause one or more Investment Funds to
invest some or all of their assets in one or more other trusts or investment
companies. If any changes are made that result in a material change in the
underlying investment policy of an Investment Fund, you will be notified as
required by law.
    

                               11
<PAGE>

HR TRUST

   
HR Trust is an open-end diversified management investment company, more
commonly called a mutual fund. As a "series" type of mutual fund, it issues
several different series of stock, each of which relates to a different
Portfolio of HR Trust. HR Trust commenced operations in January 1976 with a
predecessor of its Alliance Common Stock Portfolio. HR Trust does not impose a
sales charge or "load" for buying and selling its shares. All dividend
distributions to HR Trust are reinvested in full and fractional shares of the
Portfolio to which they relate. Investment Funds that invest in Portfolios of
HR Trust purchase Class IB shares of a corresponding Portfolio of HR Trust.
More detailed information about HR Trust, its investment objectives, policies,
restrictions, risks, expenses, the Rule 12b-1 Plan relating to Class IB shares,
and all other aspects of its operations appears in its prospectus which
accompanies this prospectus or in its statement of additional information.
    

HR TRUST'S MANAGER AND ADVISER

HR Trust is managed and advised by Alliance Capital Management L.P. (Alliance),
which is registered with the SEC as an investment adviser under the 1940 Act.
Alliance, a publicly-traded limited partnership, is indirectly majority-owned
by Equitable Life. On December 31, 1996, Alliance was managing approximately
$182.8 billion in assets. Alliance acts as an investment adviser to various
separate accounts and general accounts of Equitable Life and other affiliated
insurance companies. Alliance also provides management and consulting services
to mutual funds, endowment funds, insurance companies, foreign entities,
qualified and non-tax qualified corporate funds, public and private pension and
profit-sharing plans, foundations and tax-exempt organizations.

   
Alliance's main office is located at 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New
York 10105.
    

EQ TRUST

   
EQ Trust is an open-end management investment company. As a "series type" of
mutual fund, EQ Trust issues different series of stock, each of which relates
to a different Portfolio of EQ Trust. EQ Trust commenced operations on May 1,
1997. EQ Trust does not impose a sales charge or "load" for buying and selling
its shares. All dividend distributions to EQ Trust are reinvested in full and
fractional shares of the Portfolio to which they relate. Investment Funds that
invest in Portfolios of EQ Trust purchase Class IB shares of a corresponding
Portfolio of EQ Trust. More detailed information about EQ Trust, its investment
objectives, policies and restrictions, risks, expenses, the 12b-1 relating to
the Class IB shares, and all other aspects of its operations appears in its
prospectus which accompanies this prospectus and in its statement of additional
information.
    

EQ TRUST'S MANAGER AND ADVISERS

EQ Trust is managed by EQ Financial Consultants, Inc. (EQ Financial) which,
subject to supervision and direction of the Trustees of EQ Trust, has overall
responsibility for the general management and administration of EQ Trust. EQ
Financial is an investment adviser registered under the 1940 Act, and a
broker-dealer registered under the Exchange Act. EQ Financial is a Delaware
corporation and an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Equitable Life.

   
EQ Financial's main office is located at 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York,
New York 10104.

EQ Financial has entered into investment advisory agreements with Putnam
Investments, Massachusetts Financial Services Company, Merrill Lynch Asset
Management, L.P., Morgan Stanley Asset Management, Inc., T. Rowe Price
Associates, Inc. and Rowe Price-Fleming International, Inc., and Warburg,
Pincus Counsellors, Inc., which serve as advisers to EQ/Putnam, MFS, Merrill
Lynch, Morgan Stanley, T. Rowe Price, and Warburg Pincus Portfolios,
respectively, of EQ Trust.
    

                                       12
<PAGE>

INVESTMENT POLICIES AND OBJECTIVES OF HR TRUST'S PORTFOLIOS AND EQ TRUST'S
PORTFOLIOS

   
Each Portfolio has a different investment objective which it tries to achieve
by following separate investment policies. The policies and objectives of each
Portfolio will affect its return and its risks. There is no guarantee that
these objectives will be achieved. Set forth below is a summary of the
investment policies and objectives of each Portfolio. This summary is qualified
in its entirety by reference to the prospectuses for HR Trust and EQ Trust both
of which accompany this prospectus. Please read the prospectuses for each of
the trusts carefully before investing.
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 PORTFOLIO                                        INVESTMENT POLICY                  OBJECTIVE
- ------------------------------ ----------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------
<S>                            <C>                                                   <C>
HR TRUST
- -----------
Alliance Conservative          Diversified mix of publicly-traded, fixed-income      High total return without, in 
Investors                      and equity securities; asset mix and security         the adviser's opinion, undue
                               selection  are primarily based upon factors           risk to principal  
                               expected to reduce risk. The Portfolio is
                               generally expected to hold approximately 70% of
                               its assets in fixed income securities and 30% in
                               equity securities.

Alliance Growth Investors      Diversified mix of publicly-traded,                   High total return
                               fixed-income and  equity securities; asset mix        consistent with the adviser's
                               and security selection based upon factors             determination of reasonable risk
                               expected to increase possibility                  
                               of high long-term return. The Portfolio is 
                               generally expected to hold approximately 70% 
                               of its assets in equity securities and 30% in 
                               fixed income securities.

Alliance Growth & Income       Primarily income producing common stocks and          High total return through a
                               securities convertible into common stocks.            combination of current income
                                                                                     and capital appreciation

Alliance Common Stock          Primarily common stock and other equity-type          Long-term growth of capital
                               instruments.                                          and increasing income

Alliance Global                Primarily equity securities of non-United             Long-term growth of capital
                               States as well as United States companies.

Alliance International         Primarily equity securities                           Long-term growth of capital 
                               selected principally to permit participation
                               in non-United States companies
                               with prospects for growth.

Alliance Aggressive Stock      Primarily common stocks and other equity-type         Long-term growth of capital
                               securities issued by quality small and
                               intermediate sized companies with strong growth
                               prospects and in covered options on securities.

Alliance Small Cap Growth      Primarily U.S. common stocks and other equity-type    Long-term growth of capital
                               securities issued by smaller companies with 
                               favorable growth prospects.

Alliance Money Market          Primarily high quality U.S. dollar denominated        High level of current income
                               money market instruments.                             while preserving assets and
                                                                                     maintaining liquidity

                                       13
<PAGE>
PORTFOLIO                                         INVESTMENT POLICY                   OBJECTIVE
- ------------------------------ ----------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------
Alliance Intermediate          Primarily debt securities issued or guaranteed by the High current income consistent
 Government Securities         U.S. government, its agencies and instrumentalities.  with relative stability of
                               Each investment will have a final maturity of         principal
                               not more than 10 years or a duration
                               not exceeding that of a 10-year Treasury note.

Alliance High Yield            Primarily a diversified mix of high yield,            High return by maximizing
                               fixed-income securities involving greater volatility  current income and, to the
                               of price and risk of principal and income than high   extent consistent with that
                               quality fixed-income securities. The medium and lower objective, capital
                               quality debt securities in which the Portfolio may    appreciation
                               invest are known as "junk bonds."

Available under APO Plus
Alliance Equity Index          Selected securities in the Standard                   Total return (before trust and
                               & Poor's 500 Index (the "Index") which the advisor    separate account expenses)
                               believes will, in the aggregate, approximate the      that approximates the 
                               performance results of the Index                      investment performance of the
                                                                                     Index (including reinvestment
                                                                                     of dividends) at risk level
                                                                                     consistent with that of the
                                                                                     Index

EQ TRUST
EQ/Putnam Balanced             A well-diversified portfolio of stocks                Balanced Investment
                               and bonds that will produce both capital 
                               growth and current income.

EQ/Putnam Growth &             Primarily common stocks that offer potential for      Capital growth and,
 Income Value                  capital growth, consistent with the Portfolio's       secondarily, current income
                               investment objective, common stocks that offer
                               potential for current income.

MFS Emerging Growth            Primarily (i.e., at least 80% of its assets under     Long-term growth of capital
 Companies                     normal circumstances) in common stocks of emerging    and future income
                               growth companies that the Portfolio adviser
                               believes are early in their life cycle but which
                               have the potential to become major enterprises.

MFS Research                   A substantial portion of assets                       Long-term growth of capital
                               invested in common stock or securities convertible    and future income  
                               into common stock of companies believed by
                               the Portfolio adviser to possess better than
                               average prospects for long-term growth.

Merrill Lynch Basic Value      Investment in securities, primarily equities, that    Capital appreciation and,  
 Equity                        the Portfolio adviser believes are undervalued and    secondarily, income
                               therefore represent basic investment value.

                                       14

<PAGE>

PORTFOLIO                                         INVESTMENT POLICY                  OBJECTIVE
- ------------------------------ ----------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------
Merrill Lynch World            Investment primarily in a portfolio of equity and     High total investment return
 Strategy                      fixed income securities, including convertible
                               securities, of U.S. and foreign issuers.

Morgan Stanley Emerging        Primarily equity securities of emerging market        Long-term capital appreciation 
Markets Equity                 country (i.e., foreign) issuers.

T. Rowe Price Equity           Primarily dividend paying common stocks of            Substantial dividend income
 Income                        established companies.                                and also capital appreciation

T. Rowe Price International    Primarily common stocks of established non-United     Long-term growth of capital
 Stock                         States companies.

Warburg Pincus Small           Primarily in a portfolio of equity securities of      Long-term capital appreciation
 Company Value                 small capitalization companies (i.e.,
                               companies having market capitalizations of $1
                               billion or less at the time of initial purchase)
                               that the Portfolio adviser considers to be
                               relatively undervalued. 
</TABLE>
    

   
- ------------
* Will be available on or about September 2, 1997.
    

                                       15
<PAGE>

   
                     PART 2: THE GUARANTEED PERIOD ACCOUNT
    

GUARANTEE PERIODS

   
Each amount allocated to a Guarantee Period and held to the Period's Expiration
Date accumulates interest at a Guaranteed Rate. The Guaranteed Rate for each
allocation is the annual interest rate applicable to new allocations to that
Guarantee Period, which was in effect on the Transaction Date for the
allocation. We may establish different Guaranteed Rates under different classes
of Certificates. We use the term GUARANTEED PERIOD AMOUNT to refer to the
amount allocated to and accumulated in each Guarantee Period. The Guaranteed
Period Amount is reduced or increased by any market value adjustment as a
result of withdrawals, transfers or charges (see below).
    

Your Guaranteed Period Account contains the Guarantee Periods to which you have
allocated Annuity Account Value. On the Expiration Date of a Guarantee Period,
its Guaranteed Period Amount and its value in the Guaranteed Period Account are
equal. We call the Guaranteed Period Amount on an Expiration Date the Guarantee
Period's Maturity Value. We report the Annuity Account Value in your Guaranteed
Period Account to reflect any market value adjustment that would apply if all
Guaranteed Period Amounts were withdrawn as of the calculation date. The
Annuity Account Value in the Guaranteed Period Account with respect to the
Guarantee Periods on any Business Day, therefore, will be the sum of the
present value of the Maturity Value in each Guarantee Period, using the
Guaranteed Rate in effect for new allocations to such Guarantee Period on such
date.

Guarantee Periods and Expiration Dates

We currently offer Guarantee Periods ending on February 15th for each of the
maturity years 1998 through 2007. Not all of these Guarantee Periods will be
available for ages 76 and above. See "Allocation of Contributions" in Part 4.
Also, the Guarantee Periods may not be available for investment in all states.
As Guarantee Periods expire we expect to add maturity years so that generally
10 are available at any time.

   
Under the Assured Payment Option and APO Plus, in addition to the Guarantee
Periods above, Guarantee Periods ending on February 15th for each of the
maturity years 2008 through 2012 are also available.
    

Under the Rollover IRA, we will not accept allocations to a Guarantee Period
if, on the Transaction Date:

o  Such Transaction Date and the Expiration Date for such Guarantee Period fall
   within the same calendar year.

o  The Guaranteed Rate is 3%.

o  The Guarantee Period has an Expiration Date beyond the February 15th
   immediately following the Annuity Commencement Date.

Guaranteed Rates and Price Per $100 of Maturity Value

Because the Maturity Value of a contribution allocated to a Guarantee Period
can be determined at the time it is made, you can determine the amount required
to be allocated to a Guarantee Period in order to produce a target Maturity
Value (assuming no transfers or withdrawals are made and no charges are
allocated to the Guarantee Period). The required amount is the present value of
that Maturity Value at the Guaranteed Rate on the Transaction Date for the
contribution, which may also be expressed as the price per $100 of Maturity
Value on such Transaction Date.

   
Guaranteed Rates for new allocations as of April 15, 1997 and the related price
per $100 of Maturity Value for each currently available Guarantee Period were
as follows:
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    GUARANTEE
  PERIODS WITH     GUARANTEED
 EXPIRATION DATE   RATE AS OF      PRICE
FEBRUARY 15TH OF   APRIL 15,    PER $100 OF
  MATURITY YEAR       1997     MATURITY VALUE
- ---------------- ------------ --------------
<S>              <C>          <C>
       1998           4.93%        $96.05
       1999           5.40          90.78
       2000           5.64          85.58
       2001           5.76          80.65
       2002           5.86          75.91
       2003           5.94          71.39
       2004           6.03          66.99
       2005           6.09          62.89
       2006           6.17          58.89
       2007           6.23          55.16

</TABLE>
    

   
Available under the Assured Payment Option and APO Plus
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 <S>     <C>      <C>
 2008    6.20%   $52.08
 2009    6.20     49.04
 2010    6.20     46.17
 2011    6.20     43.48
 2012    6.20     40.94
</TABLE>
    

                                       16
<PAGE>

Allocation Among Guarantee Periods

The same approach as described above may also be used to determine the amount
which you would need to allocate to each Guarantee Period in order to create a
series of constant Maturity Values for two or more years.

   
For example, if you wish to have $100 mature on February 15th of each of years
1998 through 2002, then according to the above table the lump sum contribution
you would have to make as of April 15, 1997 would be $428.97 (i.e., the sum of
the price per $100 of Maturity Value for each maturity year from 1998 through
2002).

The above example is provided to illustrate the use of present value
calculations. It does not take into account the potential for charges to be
deducted, withdrawals or transfers to be made from Guarantee Periods or for the
market value adjustment that would apply to such transactions. Actual
calculations will be based on Guaranteed Rates on each actual Transaction Date,
which may differ.
    

Options at Expiration Date

Under the Rollover IRA, we will notify you on or before December 31st prior to
the Expiration Date of each Guarantee Period in which you have any Guaranteed
Period Amount. You may elect one of the following options to be effective at
the Expiration Date, subject to the restrictions set forth on the prior page
and under "Allocation of Contributions" in Part 4:

  (a)    to transfer the Maturity Value into any Guarantee Period we are then
         offering, or into any of our Investment Funds; or

  (b)    to withdraw the Maturity Value (subject to any withdrawal charges
         which may apply).

If we have not received your election as of the Expiration Date, the Maturity
Value in the expired Guarantee Period will be transferred into the Guarantee
Period with the earliest Expiration Date.

MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT FOR TRANSFERS, WITHDRAWALS OR SURRENDER PRIOR TO THE
EXPIRATION DATE

Any withdrawal (including transfers, surrender and deductions) from a Guarantee
Period prior to its Expiration Date will cause any remaining Guaranteed Period
Amount for that Guarantee Period to be increased or decreased by a market value
adjustment. The amount of the adjustment will depend on two factors: (a) the
difference between the Guaranteed Rate applicable to the amount being withdrawn
and the Guaranteed Rate on the Transaction Date for new allocations to a
Guarantee Period with the same Expiration Date, and (b) the length of time
remaining until the Expiration Date. In general, if interest rates have risen
between the time when an amount was originally allocated to a Guarantee Period
and the time it is withdrawn, the market value adjustment will be negative, and
vice versa; and the longer the period of time remaining until the Expiration
Date, the greater the impact of the interest rate difference. Therefore, it is
possible that a significant rise in interest rates could result in a
substantial reduction in your Annuity Account Value in the Guaranteed Period
Account related to longer term Guarantee Periods.

The market value adjustment (positive or negative) resulting from a withdrawal
of all funds from a Guarantee Period will be determined for each contribution
allocated to that Period as follows:

(1)    We determine the present value of the Maturity Value on the Transaction
       Date as follows:

          (a)  We determine the Guaranteed Period Amount that would be payable
               on the Expiration Date, using the applicable Guaranteed Rate.

          (b)  We determine the period remaining in your Guarantee Period
               (based on the Transaction Date) and convert it to fractional
               years based on a 365 day year. For example three years and 12
               days becomes 3.0329.

          (c)  We determine the current Guaranteed Rate which applies on the
               Transaction Date to new allocations to the same Guarantee
               Period.

          (d)  We determine the present value of the Guaranteed Period Amount
               payable at the Expiration Date, using the period determined in
               (b) and the rate determined in (c).

(2)    We determine the Guaranteed Period Amount as of the current date.

(3)    We subtract (2) from the result in (1)(d). The result is the market
       value adjustment applicable to such Guarantee Period, which may be
       positive or negative.

The market value adjustment (positive or negative) resulting from a withdrawal
(including any withdrawal charges) of a portion of the amount in a Guarantee
Period will be a percentage of the market value adjustment that would be
applicable upon a withdrawal of all funds from a Guarantee Period. This
percentage is determined by (i) dividing the amount of the withdrawal or
transfer from the Guarantee Period by (ii) the Annuity Account Value in such
Guarantee Period prior to the withdrawal or transfer. See Appendix I for an
example.

                                       17
<PAGE>

The Guaranteed Rate for new allocations to a Guarantee Period is the rate we
have in effect for this purpose even if new allocations to that Guarantee
Period would not be accepted at the time. This rate will not be less than 3%.
If we do not have a Guaranteed Rate in effect for a Guarantee Period to which
the "current Guaranteed Rate" in (1)(c) would apply, we will use the rate at
the next closest Expiration Date. If we are no longer offering new Guarantee
Periods, the "current Guaranteed Rate" will be determined in accordance with
our procedures then in effect. For purposes of calculating the market value
adjustment only, we reserve the right to add up to 0.25% to the current rate in
(1)(c) above.

MODAL PAYMENT PORTION

   
Under the Assured Payment Option and APO Plus, a portion of your contributions
or Annuity Account Value is allocated to the Modal Payment Portion of the
Guaranteed Period Account for payments to be made prior to the Expiration Date
of the earliest Guarantee Period we then offer. Such amount will accumulate
interest beginning on the Transaction Date at an interest rate we set. Interest
will be credited daily. Such rate will not be less than 3%.
    

Upon the expiration of a Guarantee Period, the Guaranteed Period Amount will be
held in the Modal Payment Portion of the Guaranteed Period Account. Amounts
from an expired Guarantee Period held in the Modal Payment Portion of the
Guaranteed Period Account will be credited with interest at a rate equal to the
Guaranteed Rate applicable to the expired Guarantee Period, beginning on the
Expiration Date of such Guarantee Period.

There is no market value adjustment with respect to amounts held in the Modal
Payment Portion of the Guaranteed Period Account.

INVESTMENTS

Amounts allocated to Guarantee Periods or the Modal Payment Portion of the
Guaranteed Period Account will be held in a "nonunitized" separate account
established by Equitable Life under the laws of New York. This separate account
provides an additional measure of assurance that full payment of amounts due
under the Guarantee Periods and the Modal Payment Portion of the Guaranteed
Period Account will be made. Under the New York Insurance Law, the portion of
the separate account's assets equal to the reserves and other contract
liabilities relating to the Certificates are not chargeable with liabilities
arising out of any other business we may conduct.

Investments purchased with amounts allocated to the Guaranteed Period Account
are the property of Equitable Life. Any favorable investment performance on the
assets held in the separate account accrues solely to Equitable Life's benefit.
Certificate Owners do not participate in the performance of the assets held in
this separate account. Equitable Life may, subject to applicable state law,
transfer all assets allocated to the separate account to its general account.
Regardless of whether assets supporting Guaranteed Period Accounts are held in
a separate account or our general account, all benefits relating to the Annuity
Account Value in the Guaranteed Period Account are guaranteed by Equitable
Life.

Equitable Life has no specific formula for establishing the Guaranteed Rates
for the Guarantee Periods. Equitable Life expects the rates to be influenced
by, but not necessarily correspond to, among other things, the yields on the
fixed income securities to be acquired with amounts that are allocated to the
Guarantee Periods at the time that the Guaranteed Rates are established. Our
current plans are to invest such amounts in fixed income obligations, including
corporate bonds, mortgage backed and asset backed securities and government and
agency issues having durations in the aggregate consistent with those of the
Guarantee Periods.

Although the foregoing generally describes Equitable Life's plans for investing
the assets supporting Equitable Life's obligations under the fixed portion of
the Certificates, Equitable Life is not obligated to invest those assets
according to any particular plan except as may be required by state insurance
laws, nor will the Guaranteed Rates Equitable Life establishes be determined by
the performance of the nonunitized separate account.

General Account

   
Our general account supports all of our policy and contract guarantees,
including those applicable to the Guaranteed Period Account, as well as our
general obligations. Amounts applied under the Life Contingent Annuity become
part of the general account. See "Assured Payment Option," "Life Contingent
Annuity," in Part 4. 
    

The general account is subject to regulation and supervision by the Insurance
Department of the State of New York and to the insurance laws and regulations
of all jurisdictions where we are authorized to do business. Because of
applicable exemptions and exclusionary provisions, interests in the general
account have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(1933 Act), nor is the general account an investment company under

                                       18
<PAGE>

the 1940 Act. Accordingly, neither the general account nor the Life Contingent
Annuity is subject to regulation under the 1933 Act or the 1940 Act. However,
the market value adjustment interests under the Certificates are registered
under the 1933 Act.

We have been advised that the staff of the SEC has not made a review of the
disclosure that is included in the prospectus for your information that relates
to the general account (other than market value adjustment interests) and the
Life Contingent Annuity. The disclosure, however, may be subject to certain
generally applicable provisions of the Federal securities laws relating to the
accuracy and completeness of statements made in prospectuses.

                                       19
<PAGE>

   
              PART 3: PROVISIONS OF THE CERTIFICATES AND SERVICES
                       WE PROVIDE

THE PROVISIONS DISCUSSED IN THIS PART 3 APPLY WHEN YOUR CERTIFICATE IS
OPERATING PRIMARILY TO ACCUMULATE ANNUITY ACCOUNT VALUE. DIFFERENT RULES MAY
APPLY WHEN YOU ELECT THE ASSURED PAYMENT OPTION OR APO PLUS IN THE APPLICATION
OR AS LATER ELECTED AS A DISTRIBUTION OPTION UNDER YOUR ROLLOVER IRA AS
DISCUSSED IN PART 4. THE PROVISIONS OF YOUR CERTIFICATE MAY BE RESTRICTED BY
APPLICABLE LAWS OR REGULATIONS.

WHAT IS THE ROLLOVER IRA?

The Rollover IRA is a deferred annuity designed to provide for the accumulation
of retirement savings and for income at a future date. Investment Options
available are Investment Funds providing variable returns and Guarantee Periods
providing guaranteed interest when held to maturity. Rollover IRA Certificates
are issued as individual retirement annuities (IRAs).

Earnings generally accumulate on a tax-deferred basis until withdrawn or when
distributions become payable. Withdrawals made prior to 59 1/2 may be subject
to tax penalty.
    

AVAILABILITY OF THE CERTIFICATES

   
The Certificates are available for issue ages 20 through 78. These
Certificates may not be available in all states. These Certificates are not
available in Puerto Rico.
    

CONTRIBUTIONS UNDER THE CERTIFICATES

   
Your initial contribution must be at least $5,000. We will only accept
initial contributions which are either rollover contributions under Sections
402(c), 403(a)(4), 403(b)(8), or 408(d)(3) of the Code, or direct
custodian-to-custodian transfers from other individual retirement
arrangements. See "Part 7: Tax Aspects of the Certificates."

You may make subsequent contributions in an amount of at least $1,000 at any
time until you attain age 79. Subsequent contributions may be "regular" IRA
contributions (limited to a maximum of $2,000 a year), or rollover
contributions or direct transfers as described above.

"Regular" IRA contributions may no longer be made for the taxable year in which
you attain age 70 1/2 or thereafter. Rollover and direct transfer contributions
may be made until you attain age 79. However, any amount contributed after you
attain age 70 1/2 must be net of your required minimum distribution for the
year in which the rollover or direct transfer contribution is made. See "Part
7: Tax Aspects of the Certificates." For the consequences of making a "regular"
IRA contribution to your Certificate, also see Part 7.

We may refuse to accept any contribution if the sum of all contributions under
all accumulation Certificates with the same Annuitant would then total more
than $1,500,000. We reserve the right to limit aggregate contributions made
after the first Contract Year to 150% of first year contributions. We may also
refuse to accept any contribution if the sum of all contributions under all
Equitable Life annuity accumulation certificates/contracts you own would then
total more than $2,500,000.
    

Contributions are credited as of the Transaction Date.

METHODS OF PAYMENT

   
Except as indicated below, all contributions must be made by check drawn on a
bank or credit union in the U.S., in U.S. dollars and made payable to Equitable
Life. All checks are accepted subject to collection. Contributions must be sent
to Equitable Life at our Processing Office address designated for
contributions. Your initial contribution must be accompanied by a completed
application which is acceptable to us. In the event the application information
or the application is otherwise not acceptable, we may retain your contribution
for a period not exceeding five Business Days while an attempt is made to
obtain the required information. If the required information cannot be obtained
within those five Business Days, the Processing Office will inform the agent,
on behalf of the applicant, of the reasons for the delay and return the
contribution immediately to the applicant, unless the applicant specifically
consents to our retaining the contribution until the required information is
received by the Processing Office.

ALLOCATION OF CONTRIBUTIONS

You may choose Self-Directed, Principal Assurance or Dollar Cost Averaging
allocations.
    

                                       20
<PAGE>

   
A contribution allocated to an Investment Fund purchases Accumulation Units in
that Investment Fund based on the Accumulation Unit Value for that Investment
Fund computed on the Transaction Date. A contribution allocated to the
Guaranteed Period Account will have the Guaranteed Rate for the specified
Guarantee Period offered on the Transaction Date. 
    

Self-Directed Allocation

   
You allocate your contributions to one or up to all of the available Investment
Options. Allocations among Investment Options must be in whole percentages.
Allocation percentages can be changed at any time by writing to our Processing
Office, or by telephone. The change will be effective on the Transaction Date
and will remain in effect for future contributions unless another change is
requested.

At ages 76 and above, allocations to Guarantee Periods must be limited to those
with maturities of five years or less and with maturity dates no later than the
February 15th immediately following the Annuity Commencement Date.

Principal Assurance

This option (for issue ages 20 through 75) assures that your Maturity Value in
a specified Guarantee Period will equal your initial contribution on the
Guarantee Period's Expiration Date, while at the same time allowing you to
invest in the Investment Funds. It may be elected only at issue of your
Certificate and assumes no withdrawals or transfers from the Guarantee Period.
The maturity year generally may not be later than 10 years nor earlier than
seven years from the Contract Date. In order to accomplish this strategy, we
will allocate a portion of your initial contribution to the selected Guarantee
Period. See "Guaranteed Rates and Price Per $100 of Maturity Value" in Part 2.
The balance of your initial contribution and all subsequent contributions must
be allocated under "Self-Directed Allocation" as described above.

Before you select a year that would extend beyond the year in which you will
attain age 70 1/2 you should consider your ability to take minimum
distributions from other IRA funds that you may have or from the Investment
Funds to the extent possible. See "Required Minimum Distributions" in Part 7.

FREE LOOK PERIOD
    

You have the right to examine the Rollover IRA Certificate for a period of 10
days after you receive it, and to return it to us for a refund. You cancel it
by sending it to our Processing Office. The free look is extended if your state
requires a refund period of longer than 10 days.

   
Your refund will equal the Annuity Account Value reflecting any investment gain
or loss, and any positive or negative market value adjustment, through the date
we receive your Certificate at our Processing Office. Some states or Federal
income tax regulations may require that we calculate the refund differently. If
the Assured Payment Option or APO Plus is elected in the application for the
Certificate, your refund will include any amount applied under the Life
Contingent Annuity. See "Assured Payment Option," "Life Contingent Annuity" in
Part 4. If you cancel your Certificate during the free look period, we may
require that you wait six months before you may apply for a Certificate with us
again.

We follow these same procedures if you change your mind before you receive
your Certificate but after a contribution has been made. See "Part 7: Tax
Aspects of the Certificates" for possible consequences of cancelling your
Certificate during the free look period.
    

ANNUITY ACCOUNT VALUE

Your Annuity Account Value is the sum of the amounts in the Investment Options.

   
Annuity Account Value in Investment Funds
    

The Annuity Account Value in an Investment Fund on any Business Day is equal to
the number of Accumulation Units in that Investment Fund times the Accumulation
Unit Value for the Investment Fund for that date. The number of Accumulation
Units in an Investment Fund at any time is equal to the sum of Accumulation
Units purchased by contributions and transfers less the sum of Accumulation
Units redeemed for withdrawals, transfers or deductions for charges.

The number of Accumulation Units purchased or sold in any Investment Fund
equals the dollar amount of the transaction divided by the Accumulation Unit
Value for that Investment Fund for the applicable Transaction Date.

   
The number of Accumulation Units will not vary because of any later change in
the Accumulation Unit Value. The Accumulation Unit Value varies with the
investment performance of the corresponding Portfolios of each respective
trust, which in turn reflects the investment income and realized and unrealized
capital gains and losses of the Portfolios, as well as each respective trust's
fees and expenses. The Accumulation Unit Value is also stated after deduction
of the Separate Account asset charges relating to the Certificates. A
description of the computation of the Accumulation Unit Value is found in the
SAI. 
    

Annuity Account Value in Guaranteed Period
Account

The Annuity Account Value in the Guaranteed Period Account on any Business
Day will be the sum of

                                       21
<PAGE>

   
the present value of the Maturity Value in each Guarantee Period, using the
Guaranteed Rate in effect for new allocations to such Guarantee Period on such
date. (This is equivalent to the Guaranteed Period Amount increased or
decreased by the full market value adjustment.) The Annuity Account Value,
therefore, may be higher or lower than the contributions (less withdrawals)
accumulated at the Guaranteed Rate. At the Expiration Date the Annuity Account
Value in the Guaranteed Period Account will equal the Maturity Value. While the
Assured Payment Option or APO Plus is in effect, the Annuity Account Value will
include any amount in the Modal Payment Portion of the Guaranteed Period
Account. However, amounts held in the Modal Payment Portion of the Guaranteed
Period Account are not subject to a market value adjustment. See "Part 2: The
Guaranteed Period Account."

TRANSFERS AMONG INVESTMENT OPTIONS
    

At any time prior to the Annuity Commencement Date, you may transfer all or
portions of your Annuity Account Value among the Investment Options, subject to
the following restrictions.

   
  o     Transfers out of a Guarantee Period other than at the Expiration Date
        will result in a market value adjustment. See "Part 2: The Guaranteed
        Period Account."

  o     At ages 76 and above, transfers to Guarantee Periods must be limited to
        those with maturities of five years or less and with maturity dates no
        later than February 15th immediately following the Annuity Commencement
        Date.

  o     Transfers may not be made to a Guarantee Period with an Expiration Date
        in the current calendar year, or if the Guaranteed Rate is 3%.
    

Transfer requests must be made directly to our Processing Office. Your request
for a transfer should specify your Certificate number, the amounts or
percentages to be transferred and the Investment Options to and from which the
amounts are to be transferred. Your transfer request may be in writing or by
telephone.

For telephone transfer requests, procedures have been established by Equitable
Life that are considered to be reasonable and are designed to confirm that
instructions communicated by telephone are genuine. Such procedures include
requiring certain personal identification information prior to acting on
telephone instructions and providing written confirmation. In light of the
procedures established, Equitable Life will not be liable for following
telephone instructions that it reasonably believes to be genuine.

We may restrict, in our sole discretion, the use of an agent acting under a
power of attorney, such as a market timer, on behalf of more than one
Certificate Owner to effect transfers. Any agreements to use market timing
services to effect transfers are subject to our rules then in effect and must
be on a form satisfactory to us.

A transfer request will be effective on the Transaction Date and the transfer
to or from Investment Funds will be made at the Accumulation Unit Value next
computed after the Transaction Date. All transfers will be confirmed in
writing.

DOLLAR COST AVERAGING

   
We offer two Dollar Cost Averaging programs as described below. The main
objective of dollar cost averaging is to attempt to shield your investment from
short term price fluctuations. Since the same dollar amounts are transferred to
other Investment Funds periodically, more Accumulation Units are purchased in
an Investment Fund if the value per Accumulation Unit is low and fewer
Accumulation Units are purchased if the value per Accumulation Unit is high.
Therefore, a lower average value per Accumulation Unit may be achieved over the
long term. This plan of investing allows you to take advantage of market
fluctuations but does not assure a profit or protect against a loss in
declining markets.

Special Dollar Cost Averaging

For Certificate Owners who (at issue of the Certificate) want to dollar cost
average their entire initial contribution from the Alliance Money Market Fund
into the other Investment Funds monthly over a period of twelve months, we
offer a Special Dollar Cost Averaging program under which the mortality and
expense risks and administration charges normally deducted from the Alliance
Money Market Fund will not be deducted. See "Charges Deducted from the
Investment Funds" in Part 5.

General Dollar Cost Averaging

If you have at least $5,000 of Annuity Account Value in the Alliance Money
Market Fund, you may choose to have a specified dollar amount or percentage of
your Annuity Account Value transferred from the Alliance Money Market Fund to
other Investment Funds on a monthly, quarterly or annual basis. This program
may be elected at any time.

<PAGE>

The minimum amount that may be transferred on each Transaction Date is $250.
The maximum amount which may be transferred is equal to the Annuity Account
Value in the Alliance Money Market Fund at the time the option is elected,
divided by 
    

                                       22
<PAGE>

   
the number of transfers scheduled to be made each Contract Year. Dollar cost
averaging may not be elected while the systematic withdrawal option is in
effect.

The transfer date will be the same calendar day of the month as the Contract
Date. If, on any transfer date, the Annuity Account Value in the Alliance Money
Market Fund is equal to or less than the amount you have elected to have
transferred, the entire amount will be transferred and the dollar cost
averaging option will end. You may change the transfer amount once each
Contract Year, or cancel this option by sending us satisfactory notice to our
Processing Office at least seven calendar days before the next transfer date.

BASEBUILDER BENEFITS

The baseBUILDER option provides guaranteed benefits in the form of a Combined
Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit and Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit. The
combined benefit (Plan A) is available for Annuitant issue ages 20 through 75
for which there is a charge. (See "Combined Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit
and Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit Charge" in Part 5). If you do not elect
the combined benefit, the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit is still provided
under the Certificate at a lower charge.

If the Annuitant is age 76 or older and you are interested in the Combined
Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit and Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit, ask
your agent for a copy of the prospectus supplement describing this benefit. The
combined benefit (Plan A) is not currently available in New York.
    

DEATH BENEFIT

Generally, upon receipt of proof satisfactory to us of your death prior to the
Annuity Commencement Date, we will pay the death benefit to the beneficiary
named in your Certificate. You designate the beneficiary at the time you apply
for the Certificate. While the Certificate is in effect, you may change your
beneficiary by writing to our Processing Office. The change will be effective
on the date the written submission was signed. The death benefit payable will
be determined as of the date we receive such proof of death and any required
instructions as to the method of payment.

The death benefit is equal to the sum of:

   
 (1)      the Annuity Account Value in the Investment Funds, or, if greater,
          the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit defined below; and

 (2)      the death benefit provided with respect to the Guaranteed Period
          Account, which is equal to the Annuity Account Value in the
          Guaranteed Period Account or, if greater, the sum of the Guaranteed
          Period Amounts in each Guarantee Period, plus any amounts in the
          Modal Payment Portion of the Guaranteed Period Account. See "Part
          2: The Guaranteed Period Account."

Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit

Your Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit is the minimum amount payable with
respect to the Investment Funds upon your death.
    

Applicable to Certificates issued in all states except
New York

   
6% to Age 80 Benefit--On the Contract Date, the Guaranteed Minimum Death
Benefit is equal to the portion of the initial contribution allocated to the
Investment Funds. Thereafter, the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit is credited
with interest at 6% (3% for amounts in the Alliance Money Market Fund and
Alliance Intermediate Government Securities Funds) on each Contract Date
anniversary through the Annuitant's age 80 (or on the date of your death, if
earlier) and 0% thereafter, and is adjusted for any subsequent contributions
and transfers into the Investment Funds and transfers and withdrawals from such
Funds.

Applicable to Certificates issued in New York

Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit--On the Contract Date, the Guaranteed Minimum
Death Benefit is equal to the initial contribution. Thereafter, the Guaranteed
Minimum Death Benefit is reset through the Annuitant's age 80 to the Annuity
Account Value on a Contract Date anniversary if higher than the current
Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit, and is adjusted for any subsequent
contributions and withdrawals.

Upon your death, the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit will be reset to the
Annuity Account Value in the Investment Funds, plus the sum of the Guaranteed
Period Amounts in each Guarantee Period, if greater than the Guaranteed Minimum
Death Benefit determined above.

See Appendix II for an example of the calculation of the Guaranteed Minimum
Death Benefit. Withdrawals and transfers will reduce your Guaranteed Minimum
Death Benefit, see "How Withdrawals and Transfers Affect Your Guaranteed
Minimum Death Benefit and Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit" below.

<PAGE>

HOW DEATH BENEFIT PAYMENT IS MADE

We will pay the death benefit to the beneficiary in the form of the annuity
benefit you have chosen
    

                                       23
<PAGE>

   
under your Certificate. If no annuity benefit has been chosen at the time of
your death, the beneficiary will receive the death benefit in a lump sum.
However, subject to any exceptions in the Certificate, Equitable Life's rules
then in effect and any other applicable requirements under the Code, the
beneficiary may elect to apply the death benefit amount to one or more annuity
benefits offered by Equitable Life. See "Annuity Benefits and Distribution
Options" in Part 4. 
    

Successor Annuitant

If you elect to have your spouse be both the sole primary beneficiary and the
successor Annuitant/ Certificate Owner, then no death benefit is payable until
your surviving spouse's death.

   
On the Processing Date following your death, if the successor
Annuitant/Certificate Owner election was elected at issue of your Certificate
and is in effect at your death, the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit will be
reset at the greater of the current Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit and the
current Annuity Account Value in the Investment Funds. In determining whether
the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit will continue to grow, we will use the age
(as of the Processing Date) of the successor Annuitant/Certificate Owner.

GUARANTEED MINIMUM INCOME BENEFIT

The Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit provides a minimum amount of guaranteed
lifetime income with respect to the Investment Funds. It operates through
application of your Annuity Account Value in the Investment Funds under the
Assured Payment Option (discussed in Part 4).

On the Transaction Date that you exercise your Guaranteed Minimum Income
Benefit, the annual lifetime income that will be provided under the Assured
Payment Option will be the greater of (i) your Guaranteed Minimum Income
Benefit, and (ii) the income provided by application of your Annuity Account
Value in the Investment Funds at our then current annuity factors. The
Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit does not provide an Annuity Account Value or
guarantee performance of your Investment Funds. Because it is based on
conservative actuarial factors, the level of lifetime income that it guarantees
may often be less than the level that would be provided by application of your
Annuity Account Value at current annuity factors. It should therefore be
regarded as a safety net.

If you have any Annuity Account Value in the Guaranteed Period Account as of
the Transaction Date that you exercise your Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit,
such Annuity Account Value will also be applied (at current annuity factors)
toward providing payments under the Assured Payment Option. Such Annuity
Account Value will increase the payments provided by the Guaranteed Minimum
Income Benefit. A market value adjustment may apply.

Illustrated below are Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit amounts per $100,000 of
initial contribution, for a male age 60 (at issue) on Contract Date
anniversaries as indicated below, assuming allocation only to the Investment
Funds (excluding the Alliance Money Market and Alliance Intermediate Government
Securities Funds), no subsequent contributions, transfers or withdrawals. 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  GUARANTEED MINIMUM
                 INCOME BENEFIT ANNUAL
                    INCOME PAYABLE
 CONTRACT DATE       FOR LIFE WITH
  ANNIVERSARY        10 YEAR FIXED
  AT ELECTION           PERIOD
- --------------- ---------------------
<S>             <C>
        7               $ 8,992
       10                12,160
       15                18,358
</TABLE>
    

   
Withdrawals and transfers will reduce your Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit,
see "How Withdrawals and Transfers Affect Your Guaranteed Minimum Death
Benefit and Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit" below.

The Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit may be exercised only within 30 days
following the 7th or later Contract Date anniversary. However, it may not be
exercised earlier than your age 60, nor later than age 83; except that for
issue ages 20 to 44, it may be exercised following the 15th or later Contract
Date anniversaries.

When you exercise your Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit, you will receive at 
least the minimum annual income specified and a fixed period based on your age 
at the time the benefit is exercised as follows:
    

<PAGE>

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
              LEVEL PAYMENTS*
- ------------------------------------------
  AGE AT ELECTION      FIXED PERIOD YEARS
- ------------------- ----------------------
<S>                 <C>
      60 to 75                10
         76                    9
         77                    8
         78+                   7
</TABLE>
    
   
- ------------
* Other forms and period certains may also be available.

Payments start one payment mode after the Assured Payment Option goes into
effect.

Each year on your Contract Date anniversary, if you are eligible to exercise
Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit, we will send you an eligibility notice
illustrating how much income could be provided 
    

                                       24
<PAGE>

   
under on the Contract Date anniversary. You may then notify us within 30 days
following the Contract Date anniversary if you want to exercise your Guaranteed
Minimum Income Benefit by submitting the proper form. The amount of income you
actually receive will be determined on the Transaction Date that we receive
your properly completed exercise notice.

The Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit, which relates to the Investment Funds, 
will no longer be in effect if you elect the Assured Payment Option. If you
subsequently terminate the Assured Payment Option and have your Certificate
operate under the Rollover IRA rules, then the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit
will go back into effect based on your Annuity Account Value in the Investment
Funds as of the Transaction Date that the Rollover IRA goes into effect.

You may always apply your Annuity Account Value to any of our life annuity
benefits. The annuity benefits are discussed in Part 4. These benefits differ
from the Assured Payment Option and may provide higher or lower income levels
but do not have all the features under the Assured Payment Option. You may
request and illustration from your agent.

Successor Annuitant/Certificate Owner

If the successor Annuitant/Certificate Owner election (discussed above) was
elected at issue of the Certificate and is in effect at your death, the 
Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit will continue to be available on Contract 
Date anniversaries seven and later based on the Contract Date, provided the 
Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit is exercised as specified above based on the 
age of the successor Annuitant/ Certificate Owner.

Alternate Combined Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit/Guaranteed Minimum Income
Benefit Benefit (Plan A) available for issue ages 20 through 65

In addition to a baseBUILDER Combined Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit and
Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit Benefit where Guaranteed Minimum Death
Benefit interest is credited through age 80 (6% to Age 80 Benefit), there is a
lower cost benefit where Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit interest is credited
through age 70 (6% to Age 70 Benefit) to the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit 
and Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit benefit base. If you wish to elect this 
alternate benefit, you must do so in the application; otherwise the 6% to Age 
80 Benefit will apply. Once elected, the benefit may not be changed.

CASH VALUE

The Cash Value under the Certificate fluctuates daily with the investment
performance of the Investment Funds you have selected and reflects any upward
or downward market value adjustment. See "Part 2: The Guaranteed Period
Account." We do not guarantee any minimum Cash Value except for amounts in a
Guarantee Period held to the Expiration Date. On any date before the Annuity
Commencement Date while the Certificate is in effect, the Cash Value is equal
to the Annuity Account Value less any withdrawal charge. The free corridor
amount will not apply when calculating the withdrawal charge applicable upon a
surrender. See "Part 5: Deductions and Charges."

SURRENDERING THE CERTIFICATES TO
RECEIVE THE CASH VALUE
    

You may surrender a Certificate to receive the Cash Value at any time while you
are living and before the Annuity Commencement Date.

For a surrender to be effective, we must receive your written request and the
Certificate at our Processing Office. The Cash Value will be determined on the
Transaction Date. All benefits under the Certificate will be terminated as of
that date.

   
You may receive the Cash Value in a single sum payment or apply it under one or
more of the income annuity options. See "Income Annuity Options" in Part 4. We
will usually pay the Cash Value within seven calendar days, but we may delay
payment as described in "When Payments are Made" below.

For the tax consequences of surrenders, see "Part 7: Tax Aspects of the
Certificates."
    

WHEN PAYMENTS ARE MADE

Under applicable law, application of proceeds from the Investment Funds to a
variable annuity, payment of a death benefit from the Investment Funds, payment
of any portion of the Annuity Account Value (less any applicable withdrawal
charge) from the Investment Funds, and, upon surrender, payment of the Cash
Value from the Investment Funds will be made within seven calendar days after
the Transaction Date. Payments or application of proceeds from the Investment
Funds can be deferred for any period during which (1) the New York Stock
Exchange is closed or trading on it is restricted, (2) sales of securities or
determination of the fair value of an Investment Fund's assets is not
reasonably practicable because of an emergency, or (3) the SEC, by order,
permits us to defer payment in order to protect persons with interest in the
Investment Funds.

We can defer payment of any portion of the Annuity Account Value in the
Guaranteed Period Account for up to six months while you are living. We may
also defer payments for any amount attributable to a

                                       25
<PAGE>

contribution made in the form of a check for a reasonable amount of time (not
to exceed 15 days) to permit the check to clear.

ASSIGNMENT

The Certificates are not assignable or transferrable except through surrender
to us. They may not be borrowed against or used as collateral for a loan or
other obligation.

SERVICES WE PROVIDE

O     REGULAR REPORTS

 o      Statement of your Certificate values as of the last day of the
        calendar year;

 o      Three additional reports of your Certificate values each year;

 o      Annual and semi-annual statements of each trust; and

 o      Written confirmation of financial transactions.

O     TOLL-FREE TELEPHONE SERVICES

   
 o      Call 1-800-789-7771 for a recording of daily Accumulation Unit Values
        and Guaranteed Rates applicable to the Guarantee Periods. Also call
        during our regular business hours to speak to one of our customer
        service representatives.
    

O     PROCESSING OFFICE

 o  FOR CONTRIBUTIONS SENT BY REGULAR MAIL:

    Equitable Life
    Income Management Group
    Post Office Box 13014
    Newark, NJ 07188-0014

 o  FOR CONTRIBUTIONS SENT BY EXPRESS MAIL:

    Equitable Life
    c/o First Chicago National Processing Center
    300 Harmon Meadow Boulevard, 3rd Floor
    Attn: Box 13014
    Secaucus, NJ 07094

 o  FOR ALL OTHER COMMUNICATIONS (E.G., REQUESTS FOR TRANSFERS,
    WITHDRAWALS) SENT BY REGULAR MAIL:

    Equitable Life
    Income Management Group
    P.O. Box 1547
    Secaucus, NJ 07096-1547

 o  FOR ALL OTHER COMMUNICATIONS (E.G., REQUESTS FOR TRANSFERS,
    WITHDRAWALS) SENT BY EXPRESS MAIL:

   
    Equitable Life
    Income Management Group
    200 Plaza Drive, 4th Floor
    Secaucus, NJ 07096
    

DISTRIBUTION OF THE CERTIFICATES

   
As the distributor of the Certificates, Equitable Distributors, Inc. (EDI), an
indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Equitable Life, has responsibility for
sales and marketing functions for the Certificates. EDI also serves as the
principal underwriter of the Separate Account under the 1940 Act. EDI is
registered with the SEC as a broker-dealer under the Exchange Act and is a
member of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. EDI's principal
business address is 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10104. EDI
was paid a fee of $1,204,370 for 1996 and $126,914 for 1995 for its services
under its "Distribution Agreement" with Equitable Life and the Separate
Account.

The Certificates will be sold by registered representatives of EDI and its
affiliates, who are also our licensed insurance agents. Broker-dealer sales
compensation for EDI and its affiliates will generally not exceed six percent
of total contributions made under a Certificate. EDI may also receive
compensation and reimbursement for its marketing services under the terms of
its distribution agreement with Equitable Life. Broker-dealers receiving sales
compensation will generally pay a portion thereof to their registered
representatives as commissions related to sales of the Certificates. The
offering of the Certificates is intended to be continuous.
    

                                       26
<PAGE>

   
              PART 4: DISTRIBUTION METHODS UNDER THE CERTIFICATES

The Rollover IRA Certificates offer several distribution methods specifically
designed to provide retirement income. The Assured Payment Option and APO Plus,
may be elected in the application or as a distribution option at a later date.
In addition, the Certificates provide for Lump Sum Withdrawals, Substantially
Equal Payment Withdrawals, Systematic Withdrawals and Minimum Distribution
Withdrawals. Fixed and variable income annuity options are also available for
amounts to be applied at the Annuity Commencement Date. The Assured Payment
Option and APO Plus may not be available in all states.

The Certificates are subject to the Code's minimum distribution requirements.
Generally, distributions from these Certificates must commence by April 1 of
the calendar year following the calendar year in which you attain age 70 1/2.
Subsequent distributions must be made by December 31st of each calendar year.
If you do not commence minimum distributions in the calendar year in which you
attain age 70 1/2, and wait until the three month period (January 1 to April 1)
in the next calendar year to commence minimum distributions, then you must take
two required minimum distributions in that calendar year. If the required
minimum distribution is not made, a penalty tax in an amount equal to 50% of
the difference between the amount required to be withdrawn and the amount
actually withdrawn may apply. See "Part 7: Tax Aspects of the Certificates" for
a discussion of various special rules concerning the minimum distribution
requirements. 
    

For IRA retirement benefits subject to minimum distribution requirements, we
will send a form outlining the distribution options available before you reach
age 70 1/2 (if you have not annuitized before that time).

   
ASSURED PAYMENT OPTION

The Assured Payment Option is designed to provide you with guaranteed payments
for your life (SINGLE LIFE) or for the lifetime of you and a joint Annuitant
you designate (JOINT AND SURVIVOR) through a series of distributions from the
Annuity Account Value that are followed by Life Contingent Annuity payments.
Payments you receive during the fixed period are designed to pay out the entire
Annuity Account Value by the end of the fixed period and to meet or exceed
minimum distribution requirements, if applicable. See "Minimum Distribution
Withdrawals" below. The fixed period ends with the distribution of the Maturity
Value of the last Guarantee Period, or distribution of the final amount in the
Modal Payment Portion of the Guaranteed Period Account. The fixed period may
also be referred to as the "liquidity period" as during this period, you have
access to the Cash Value through Lump Sum Withdrawals or surrender of the
Certificate, with lifetime income continuing in reduced amounts. 
    

After the fixed period, the payments are made under the Life Contingent Annuity
described below.

   
You may elect the Assured Payment Option at any time if your initial
contribution or Annuity Account Value is at least $10,000 at the time of
election, by submitting a written request satisfactory to us. The Assured
Payment Option may be elected at ages 59 1/2 through 83. If you are over age 
70 1/2, the availability of this option may be restricted under certain limited
circumstances. See "Tax Considerations for the Assured Payment Option and APO
Plus" in Part 7. The Assured Payment Option with level payments (described
below) may be elected at ages as young as 45. However, there are tax
considerations that should be taken into account before electing level payments
under the Assured Payment Option if you are under age 59 1/2. See "Penalty Tax
on Early Distributions" in Part 7. The Assured Payment Option with increasing
payments (described below) may be elected at ages as young 53 1/2 provided
payments do not start before you attain age 59 1/2.

Once the Assured Payment Option is elected, all amounts currently held under
your Rollover IRA must be allocated to the Guarantee Periods, the Modal Payment
Portion of the Guaranteed Period Account, if applicable, and the Life
Contingent Annuity. See "Allocation of Contributions or Annuity Account Value"
below. Subsequent contributions may be made according to the rules set forth
below and in "Tax-Free Transfers and Rollovers" in Part 7.

Subsequent Contributions under the Assured
Payment Option

Subsequent "regular" IRA contributions may no longer be made for the taxable
year in which you attain age 70 1/2 and thereafter. Subsequent rollover and
direct transfer contributions may be made at any time until the earlier of (i)
when you attain age 84 and (ii) when the Certificate is within seven years of
the end of the fixed period while the Assured Payment Option is in effect.
However, any amount contributed after you attain age 70 1/2 must be net of your
required minimum distribution for the year in which the rollover or direct
transfer contribution is made. 
    

Payments

You may elect to receive monthly, quarterly or annual payments. However, all
payments are made on

                                       27
<PAGE>

   
the 15th of the month. Payments to be made on an Expiration Date during the
fixed period represent distributions of the Maturity Values of serially
maturing Guarantee Periods on their Expiration Dates. Payments to be made
monthly, quarterly or annually on dates other than an Expiration Date
represent distributions from amounts in the Modal Payment Portion of the
Guaranteed Period Account. See "Part 2: The Guaranteed Period Account."
    

You have a choice of receiving level payments during the fixed period and then
under the Life Contingent Annuity. Or, you may elect to receive payments that
increase. During the fixed period, payments are designed to increase by 10%
every three years on each third anniversary of the payment start date. After
the end of the fixed period, your first payment under the Life Contingent
Annuity will be 10% greater than the final payment made under the fixed period.
Thereafter, payments will increase annually on each anniversary of the payment
start date under the Life Contingent Annuity based on the annual increase, if
any, in the Consumer Price Index, but in no event greater than 3% per year.

   
Payments will generally start one payment mode from the date the Assured
Payment Option goes into effect. Or you may choose to defer the date payments
will start generally for a period of up to 60 months. Deferral of the payment
start date permits you to lock in rates at a time when you may consider current
rates to be high, while permitting you to delay receiving payments if you have
no immediate need to receive income under your Certificate. In making this
decision, you should consider that the amount of income you purchase is based
on the rates applicable on the Transaction Date, so if rates rise during the
interim, your payments may be less than they would have been if you had elected
the Assured Payment Option at a later date. Deferral of the payment start date
is not available above age 80. Before you elect to defer the date your payments
will start, you should consider the consequences of this decision on the
requirement under the Code that you take minimum distributions each calendar
year with respect to the value of your IRA. See "Required Minimum
Distributions" in Part 7. The ability to defer the payment start date may not
be available in all states. Also, if amounts are applied to the Assured Payment
Option as a result of the Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit (discussed in Part
3), deferral of the payment start date is not permitted.

Required minimum distributions will be calculated based on the Annuity Account
Value in each Guarantee Period and the deemed value of the Life Contingent
Annuity for tax purposes. If at any time your payment under the Assured Payment
Option would be less than the minimum amount required to be distributed under
minimum distribution rules, we will notify you of the difference. You will have
the option to have an additional amount withdrawn under your Certificate and
such withdrawal will be treated as a Lump Sum Withdrawal; however, no
withdrawal charge will apply. An adjustment will be made to future scheduled
payments. Or, you may take the amount from other IRA funds you may have. See
"Lump Sum Withdrawals" below and "Required Minimum Distributions" in Part 7.

See Appendix III for an example of payments purchased under an Assured Payment
Option.
    

Fixed Period

   
If you elect level payments, you may select a fixed period of not less than
seven years nor more than 15 years. The maximum fixed period available based on
your age at issue of the Certificate (or age at the time of election if the
Assured Payment Option is elected after issue) is as follows:
    

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                         MAXIMUM
       AGE*            FIXED PERIOD
- ----------------- --------------------
<S>               <C>
  45 through 70          15 years
  71 through 78      85 less your age
  79 through 83          7 years
</TABLE>

   
The minimum and maximum fixed period will be reduced by each year you defer the
date payments will start.

If you elect increasing payments, you do not have a choice as to the fixed
period. Based on your age at issue of the Certificate (or age at the time of
election if the Assured Payment Option is elected after issue), your fixed
period will be as follows: 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
       AGE*          FIXED PERIOD
- ----------------- ----------------
<S>               <C>
59 1/2 through 70 15 years
71 through 75     12 years
76 through 80     9 years
81 through 83     6 years
</TABLE>
    

If you elect increasing payments and defer the date payments will start, your
fixed period will be as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                     FIXED PERIOD BASED ON
                        DEFERRAL PERIOD
                  --------------------------
                       1-36         37-60
       AGE*           MONTHS        MONTHS
- ----------------- ------------- ------------
<S>               <C>           <C>
53 1/2 through 70     12 years       9 years
71 through 75          9 years       9 years
76 through 80          6 years       6 years
81 through 83            N/A           N/A
</TABLE>

* For joint and survivor, the fixed period is based on the age of the younger
Annuitant.

   
If amounts are applied to the Assured Payment Option as a result of the
Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit, the fixed periods will be as discussed under
"Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit" in Part 3.
    

                                       28
<PAGE>

Allocation of Contributions or Annuity Account Value

   
If the Assured Payment Option is elected in the application, then based on the
amount of your initial contribution, your age and sex (and the age and sex of
the joint Annuitant, if applicable), the mode of payment, the form of payments
and the fixed period you select, your entire contribution will be allocated by
us. A portion of the initial contribution will be allocated among the Guarantee
Periods and the Modal Payment Portion of the Guaranteed Period Account, if
applicable, to provide fixed period payments and a portion will be applied
under the Life Contingent Annuity in order to provide the payments for life.
For initial contributions of $500,000 or more, amounts allocated to the Life
Contingent Annuity may also be based on your underwriting classification. In
general, underwriting classification is based on your medical history and
smoker status and may result in a smaller allocation of amounts to the Life
Contingent Annuity if your classification is lower than our standard class. If
the Assured Payment Option is elected any time after issue of the Rollover IRA
Certificate or if you cancel APO Plus (discussed below) and elect the Assured
Payment Option, then based on your Annuity Account Value and the information
you provide as described above, your entire Annuity Account Value, including
any amounts currently invested in the Investment Funds, will be allocated by us
among the Guarantee Periods, the Modal Payment Portion of the Guaranteed Period
Account, if applicable, and applied under the Life Contingent Annuity. While
the Assured Payment Option is in effect, no amounts may be allocated to the
Investment Funds. If amounts in the Guarantee Periods are transferred, a market
value adjustment may apply.

If you elect the Assured Payment Option in the application and your initial
contribution will come from multiple sources, your application must also
indicate that contributions are to be allocated to the Alliance Money Market
Fund under the Rollover IRA described in Part 3. Election of the Assured
Payment Option must include your instructions to apply your Annuity Account
Value, on the date the last such contribution is received, under the Assured
Payment Option as described above.

Any subsequent contributions made while the Assured Payment Option is in effect
must be allocated to the Guarantee Periods and applied to the Life Contingent
Annuity. We will determine the allocation of such contributions, such that your
payments will be increased and the fixed period and date that payments are to
start under the Life Contingent Annuity will remain the same.
    

Life Contingent Annuity

The Life Contingent Annuity provides lifetime payments starting after the end
of the fixed period. The portion of your contributions or Annuity Account Value
applied under the Life Contingent Annuity does not have a Cash Value or an
Annuity Account Value and, therefore, does not provide for transfers or
withdrawals. Once the fixed period has ended and payments have begun under the
Life Contingent Annuity, subsequent amounts may no longer be applied under the
Life Contingent Annuity.

THERE IS NO DEATH BENEFIT PROVIDED UNDER THE LIFE CONTINGENT ANNUITY AND
ANNUITY INCOME IS PAID ONLY IF YOU (OR A JOINT ANNUITANT) ARE LIVING AT THE
DATE ANNUITY BENEFITS BEGIN. BENEFITS ARE ONLY PAID DURING YOUR LIFETIME AND,
IF APPLICABLE, THE LIFETIME OF A JOINT ANNUITANT. CONSEQUENTLY, YOU SHOULD
CONSIDER THE POSSIBILITY THAT NO AMOUNTS WILL BE PAID UNDER THE LIFE CONTINGENT
ANNUITY IF YOU (OR A JOINT ANNUITANT) DO NOT SURVIVE TO THE DATE PAYMENTS ARE
TO START UNDER SUCH ANNUITY.

You may elect to have the Life Contingent Annuity provide level or increasing
payments on a Single Life or a Joint and 100% to Survivor basis. If you elect
increasing payments, the payments will increase annually based on the increase,
if any, in the Consumer Price Index, but in no event greater than 3% per year.
The Life Contingent Annuity may also provide payments on a Joint and one-half
to Survivor or a Joint and two-thirds to Survivor basis.

Payments under the Life Contingent Annuity will be made to you during your
lifetime (and the lifetime of the joint Annuitant, if applicable) on the same
payment mode and date as the payments that were made during the fixed period.

Election Restrictions under Joint and
Survivor

   
Election of the Assured Payment Option with a Joint and Survivor form of the
Life Contingent Annuity is subject to the following restrictions: (i) the joint
Annuitant must be your spouse; (ii) neither you nor the joint Annuitant can be
over age 83; (iii) under level payments if you elect the Joint and 100% to
Survivor form, only the longest fixed period is permitted; and (iv) the fixed
period may be limited by the minimum distribution rules. See "Required Minimum
Distributions" in Part 7.

Withdrawals under the Assured Payment Option

While the Assured Payment Option is in effect, if you take a Lump Sum
Withdrawal as described under "Lump Sum Withdrawals" below (or if a Lump Sum
Withdrawal is made to satisfy minimum distribu- 
    

                                       29
<PAGE>

tion requirements under the Certificate), such withdrawals will be taken from
all remaining Guarantee Periods to which your Annuity Account Value is
allocated and the Modal Payment Portion of the Guaranteed Period Account, if
applicable, such that the amount of the payments and the length of the fixed
period will be reduced, and the date payments are to start under the Life
Contingent Annuity will be accelerated. Additional amounts above the amount of
the requested withdrawal will be withdrawn from the Guaranteed Period Account
and applied to the Life Contingent Annuity to the extent necessary to achieve
this result. As a result, the same pattern of payments will continue in reduced
amounts for your life, and if applicable, the life of your joint Annuitant. If
you have elected increasing payments, the first reduction in your payments will
take place no later than the date of the next planned increase.

   
Substantially Equal Payment Withdrawals, Systematic Withdrawals and Minimum
Distribution Withdrawals may not be elected while the Assured Payment Option is
in effect. See "Substantially Equal Payment Withdrawals," "Systematic
Withdrawals" and "Minimum Distribution Withdrawals," below.
    

Death Benefit

   
Once you have elected the Assured Payment Option, if a death benefit becomes
payable during the fixed period we will pay the death benefit amount, as
described under "Death Benefit" in Part 3, to the designated beneficiary.
Unless you have elected a Joint and Survivor form under the Life Contingent
Annuity, no payment will be made under the Life Contingent Annuity. The death
benefit payable relates only to the Guarantee Periods under the Certificate; a
death benefit is never payable under the Life Contingent Annuity.
    

If you have elected a Joint and Survivor form of annuity under the Life
Contingent Annuity, payments will be made to you or the joint Annuitant, if
living on the date payments are to start. The designated beneficiary and the
joint Annuitant must be your spouse.

   
Termination of the Assured Payment Option

The Assured Payment Option will be terminated if: (i) you cancel such option at
any time by sending a written request satisfactory to us; (ii) you submit a
subsequent contribution and you do not want it applied under the Assured
Payment Option; (iii) you request a transfer of your Annuity Account Value as
described under "Transfers Among Investment Options" in Part 3, while the
Assured Payment Option is in effect; or (iv) you request a change in the date
the payments are to start under the Life Contingent Annuity. Once the Assured
Payment Option is terminated, in order to receive distributions from your
Annuity Account Value you must utilize the withdrawal options described under
"Withdrawal Options" below. Although the Life Contingent Annuity will continue
in effect and payments will be made if you or your joint Annuitant, if
applicable, are living on the date payments are to start, additional Life
Contingent Annuity payments may not be purchased. You may elect to start the
Assured Payment Option again by submitting a written request satisfactory to
us, but no sooner than three years after the Option was terminated. If you
elected the Assured Payment Option at age 70 1/2 or older and subsequently
terminate this Option, required minimum distributions must continue to be made
with respect to your Certificate.

Before terminating the Assured Payment Option, you should consider the
implications this may have under the minimum distribution requirements. See
"Tax Considerations for the Assured Payment Option and APO Plus" in Part 7.
    

Income Annuity Options and Surrendering
the Certificates

   
If you elect an annuity benefit as described under "Income Annuity Options"
below, or surrender the Certificate for its Cash Value as described under
"Surrendering the Certificates to Receive the Cash Value" in Part 3, once we
receive your returned Certificate, your Certificate will be returned to you
with a notation that the Life Contingent Annuity is still in effect.
Thereafter, no subsequent contributions will be accepted under the Certificate
and no amounts may be applied under the Life Contingent Annuity.
    

Withdrawal Charge

   
While the Assured Payment Option is in effect, withdrawal charges will not
apply to the level or increasing payments made during the fixed period. Except
as necessary to meet minimum distribution requirements under the Certificate,
Lump Sum Withdrawals will be subject to a withdrawal charge and will have a 10%
free corridor available. Upon termination of the Assured Payment Option, the
free corridor will apply as described under "Withdrawal Charge" in Part 5.

APO PLUS

APO Plus is a variation of the Assured Payment Option. APO Plus is available at
ages 59 1/2 through 83. It may also be elected at ages as young as 53 1/2
provided payments under APO Plus do not start before you attain age 59 1/2.
Except as indicated below, all provisions of the Assured Payment Option apply
to APO Plus. APO Plus enables you to keep a 
    

                                       30
<PAGE>

   
portion of your Annuity Account Value in the Alliance Common Stock Fund or the
Alliance Equity Index Fund as you select, while periodically converting such
Annuity Account Value to increase the guaranteed lifetime income under the
Assured Payment Option. You select either the Alliance Common Stock Fund or
Alliance Equity Index Fund in the application and once elected it may not be
changed. When you elect APO Plus, a portion of your initial contribution or
Annuity Account Value as applicable is allocated by us to the Assured Payment
Option to provide a minimum guaranteed lifetime income through allocation of
amounts to the Guarantee Periods and the Modal Payment Portion of the
Guaranteed Period Account, if applicable, and application of amounts to the
Life Contingent Annuity. The remaining Annuity Account Value remains in the
Investment Fund. Periodically during the fixed period (as described below), a
portion of the remaining Annuity Account Value in the Investment Fund is
applied to increase the guaranteed level payments under the Assured Payment
Option.

APO Plus allows you to remain invested in the Investment Funds for longer than
would be possible if you applied your entire Annuity Account Value all at once
to the Assured Payment Option or to an income annuity option, while utilizing
an "exit strategy" to provide retirement income.

The fixed period under APO Plus will be based on your age (or the age of the
younger Annuitant if Joint and Survivor is elected) at issue of the Certificate
(or age at the time of election if APO Plus is elected after issue) and will be
the same as the periods indicated for increasing payments under "Assured
Payment Option" above.

You may elect to defer the payment start date as described in "Payments" under
"Assured Payment Option," above. The fixed period will also be as indicated for
deferral of the payment start date for increasing payments under the Assured
Payment Option.

You elect APO Plus in the application or at a later date by submitting the
proper form. APO Plus may not be elected if the Assured Payment Option is
already in effect.

The amount applied under APO Plus is either the initial contribution if APO
Plus is elected at issue of the Certificate, or the Annuity Account Value if
APO Plus is elected after issue of the Certificate. Out of a portion of the
amount applied, level payments are provided under the Assured Payment Option
equal to the initial payment that would have been provided on the Transaction
Date by the allocation of the entire amount to increasing payments as described
in "Payments" under "Assured Payment Option," above. The difference between the
amount required for level payments and the amount required for increasing
payments is allocated to the Investment Fund. If you have Annuity Account Value
in the Guaranteed Period Account at the time this option is elected, a market
value adjustment may apply as a result of such amounts being transferred to
effect the Assured Payment Option.

On the third February 15th following the date the first payment is made (if
payments are to be made on February 15th, the date of the first payment will be
counted as the first February 15th) during the fixed period while you are
living, a portion of the Annuity Account Value in the Investment Funds is
applied to increase the level payments under the Assured Payment Option. If a
deferral period of three years or more is elected, a portion of the Annuity
Account Value in the Investment Funds will be applied on the February 15th
prior to the date the first payment is made, to increase the initial level
payments. If payments are to be made on February 15th, the date of the first
payment will be counted as the first February 15th.

The amount applied is the amount which provides for level payments equal to the
initial payment that would have been provided by the allocation of the entire
Annuity Account Value to increasing payments, as described in the preceding
paragraph. This process is repeated each third year during the fixed period.
The first increased payment will be reflected in the payment made following
three full years of payments and then every three years thereafter. On the
Transaction Date immediately following the last payment during the fixed
period, the remaining Annuity Account Value in the Investment Funds is first
applied to the Life Contingent Annuity to change the level payments previously
purchased to increasing payments. If there is any Annuity Account Value
remaining after the increasing payments are purchased, this balance is applied
to the Life Contingent Annuity to further increase such increasing payments. If
the Annuity Account Value in the Investment Funds is insufficient to purchase
the increasing payments, then the level payments previously purchased will be
increased to the extent possible.

While APO Plus provides a minimum guaranteed lifetime payment under the Assured
Payment Option, the total amount of income that can be provided over time will
depend on the investment performance of the Investment Funds in which you have
Annuity Account Value, as well as the current Guaranteed Rates and the cost of
the Life Contingent Annuity, which may vary. Consequently, the aggregate amount
of guaranteed lifetime income under 
    

                                       31
<PAGE>

   
APO Plus may be more or less than the amount that could have been purchased by
application at the outset of the entire initial contribution or Annuity Account
Value to the Assured Payment Option.

See Appendix III for an example of the payments purchased under Assured Payment
Option and APO Plus.

In calculating your required minimum distributions your Annuity Account Value
in the Investment Funds, the Annuity Account Value in each Guarantee Period,
any amount in the Modal Payment Portion of the Guaranteed Period Account, and
the deemed value of the Life Contingent Annuity for tax purposes will be taken
into account as described in "Payments" under "Assured Payment Option," above.
Also see "Required Minimum Distributions" in Part 7.
    

Allocation of Subsequent Contributions under IRA APO Plus

   
Any subsequent contributions you make may only be allocated to the Alliance
Common Stock Fund and Alliance Equity Index Fund, where it is later applied by
us under the Assured Payment Option. Subsequent contributions may no longer be
made after the end of the fixed period.

Withdrawals under APO Plus

While APO Plus is in effect, if you take a Lump Sum Withdrawal as described
under "Lump Sum Withdrawals" below (or if a Lump Sum Withdrawal is made to
satisfy minimum distribution requirements under the Certificate), such
withdrawals will be taken from your Annuity Account Value in the Investment
Funds unless you specify otherwise. If there is insufficient value in the
Investment Funds the excess will be taken from the Guarantee Periods and the
Modal Payment Portion of the Guaranteed Period Account, if applicable, as
described under "Withdrawals under the Assured Payment Option" above.
    

A Lump Sum Withdrawal taken to satisfy minimum distribution requirements under
the Certificate will not be subject to a withdrawal charge.

Death Benefit

   
Once you have elected APO Plus, if a death benefit becomes payable during the
fixed period we will pay the death benefit amount as described under "Death
Benefit" in Part 3, to the designated beneficiary. Unless you have elected
Joint and Survivor under the Life Contingent Annuity, no payment will be made
under the Life Contingent Annuity. The death benefit relates only to the
Investment Funds and the Guarantee Periods under the Certificate; a death
benefit is never payable under the Life Contingent Annuity.

Termination of APO Plus

You may terminate APO Plus at any time by submitting a request satisfactory to
us. In connection with the termination, you may either (i) elect to terminate
APO Plus at any time and have your Certificate operate under the Rollover IRA
rules (see "Part 3: Provisions of the Certificates and Services We Provide") or
(ii) elect the Assured Payment Option (Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit,
discussed in Part 3 may apply) with level or increasing payments. In the latter
case your remaining Annuity Account Value in the Investment Funds will be
allocated to the Guaranteed Period Account and applied under the Life
Contingent Annuity. A market value adjustment may apply for any amounts
allocated from a Guarantee Period. At least 45 days prior to the end of each
three year period, we will send you a quote indicating how much future income
could be provided under the Assured Payment Option. The quote would be based on
your current Annuity Account Value, current Guaranteed Rates for the Guarantee
Periods and current purchase rates under the Life Contingent Annuity as of the
date of the quote. The actual amount of future income would depend on the rates
in effect on the Transaction Date. 
    

WITHDRAWAL OPTIONS

   
The Rollover IRA is an annuity contract, even though you may elect to receive
your benefits in a non-annuity form. You may take withdrawals from your
Certificate before the Annuity Commencement Date and while you are alive. Four
withdrawal options are available: Lump Sum Withdrawals, Substantially Equal
Payment Withdrawals, Systematic Withdrawals and Minimum Distribution
Withdrawals. Withdrawals may result in withdrawal charges. See "Part 5:
Deductions and Charges." Special withdrawal rules may apply under the Assured
Payment Option and APO Plus.

Amounts withdrawn from the Guaranteed Period Account, other than at the
Expiration Date, will result in a market value adjustment. See "Market Value
Adjustment for Transfers, Withdrawals or Surrender Prior to the Expiration
Date" in Part 2. Withdrawals may be taxable and subject to tax penalty. See
"Part 7: Tax Aspects of the Certificates."
    

As a deterrent to early withdrawal (generally prior to age 59 1/2) the Code
provides certain penalties. We may also be required to withhold income taxes
from the amount distributed. These rules are outlined in "Part 8: Tax Aspects
of the Certificates."

<PAGE>

LUMP SUM WITHDRAWALS

You may take a Lump Sum Withdrawal at any time subject to a minimum withdrawal
amount of $1,000.

                                       32
<PAGE>

   
A request to withdraw more than 90% of the Cash Value as of the Transaction
Date will result in the termination of the Certificate and will be treated as a
surrender of the Certificate for its Cash Value. See "Surrendering the
Certificates to Receive the Cash Value," in Part 3.

To make a Lump Sum Withdrawal, you must submit a request satisfactory to us
which specifies the Investment Options from which the Lump Sum Withdrawal will
be taken. If we have received the information we require, the requested
withdrawal will become effective on the Transaction Date and proceeds will
usually be mailed within seven calendar days thereafter, but we may delay
payment as described in "When Payments Are Made" in Part 3. If we receive only
partially completed information, our Processing Office will contact you for
specific instructions before your request can be processed.

Lump Sum Withdrawals in excess of the 15% free corridor amount may be subject
to a withdrawal charge. While either the Assured Payment Option or APO Plus is
in effect, Lump Sum Withdrawals that exceed the 10% free corridor amount may be
subject to a withdrawal charge. See "Withdrawal Charge" in Part 5.
    

SUBSTANTIALLY EQUAL PAYMENT WITHDRAWALS

   
Substantially Equal Payment Withdrawals provide distributions from the Annuity
Account Value of the amounts necessary so that the 10% penalty tax, normally
applicable to distributions made prior to age 59 1/2, does not apply. See
"Penalty Tax on Early Distributions," in Part 7. Once distributions begin, they
should not be changed or stopped until the later of age 59 1/2 or five years
from the date of the first distribution. If you change or stop the
distributions or take a Lump Sum Withdrawal, you may be liable for the 10%
penalty tax that would have otherwise been due on all prior distributions made
under this option and for any interest thereon.
    

Substantially Equal Payment Withdrawals may be elected at any time if you are
below age 59 1/2. You can elect this option by submitting the proper form. You
select the day and the month when the first withdrawal will be made, but it may
not be sooner than 28 days after the issue of the Certificate. In no event may
you elect to receive the first payment in the same Contract Year in which a
Lump Sum Withdrawal was taken. We will calculate the amount of the distribution
under a method we select and payments will be made monthly, quarterly or
annually as you select. These payments will continue to be made until we
receive written notice from you to cancel this option. Such notice must be
received at our Processing Office at least seven calendar days prior to the
next scheduled withdrawal date. A Lump Sum Withdrawal taken while Substantially
Equal Payment Withdrawals are in effect will cancel such withdrawals. You may
elect to start receiving Substantially Equal Payment Withdrawals again, but in
no event can the payments start in the same Contract Year in which a Lump Sum
Withdrawal was taken. We will calculate a new distribution amount.

Unless you specify otherwise, Substantially Equal Payment Withdrawals will be
withdrawn on a pro rata basis from your Annuity Account Value in the Investment
Funds. If there is insufficient value or no value in the Investment Funds, any
additional amount of the withdrawal or the total amount of the withdrawal, as
applicable, will be withdrawn from the Guarantee Periods in order of the
earliest Expiration Date(s) first.

Substantially Equal Payment Withdrawals are not subject to a withdrawal charge.

SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWALS

This option may be elected if you are age 59 1/2 to 70 1/2. Systematic
Withdrawals provide level percentage or level amount payouts. You may choose to
receive Systematic Withdrawals on a monthly, quarterly or annual frequency. You
select a dollar amount or percentage of the Annuity Account Value to be
withdrawn, subject to a maximum of 1.2% monthly, 3.6% quarterly and 15.0%
annually, but in no event may any payment be less than $250. If at the time a
Systematic Withdrawal is to be made, the withdrawal amount would be less than
$250, no payment will be made and your Systematic Withdrawal election will
terminate.

You select the date of the month when the withdrawals will be made, but you may
not choose a date later than the 28th day of the month. If no date is selected,
withdrawals will be made on the same calendar day of the month as the Contract
Date. The commencement of payments under the Systematic Withdrawal option may
not be elected to start sooner than 28 days after issue of the Certificate.

You may elect Systematic Withdrawals at any time by completing the proper form
and sending it to our Processing Office. You may change the payment frequency
of your Systematic Withdrawals once each Contract Year or cancel this
withdrawal option at any time by sending notice in a form satisfactory to us.
The notice must be received at our Processing Office at least seven calendar
days prior to the next scheduled withdrawal date. You may also change the
amount or percentage of your Systematic Withdrawals once in each Contract Year.
However, you may not change the amount or percentage in any Contract Year where
you have previously taken another withdrawal under the Lump Sum Withdrawal
option described above.

                                       33
<PAGE>

Unless you specify otherwise, Systematic Withdrawals will be withdrawn on a pro
rata basis from your Annuity Account Value in the Investment Funds. If there is
insufficient value or no value in the Investment Funds, any additional amount
of the withdrawal required or the total amount of the withdrawal, as
applicable, will be withdrawn from the Guarantee Periods in order of the
earliest Expiration Date(s) first.

   
Systematic Withdrawals are not subject to a withdrawal charge, except to the
extent that, when added to a Lump Sum Withdrawal previously taken in the same
Contract Year, the Systematic Withdrawal exceeds the 15% free corridor amount.
See "Withdrawal Charge" in Part 5.
    

MINIMUM DISTRIBUTION WITHDRAWALS

   
Minimum Distribution Withdrawals provide distributions from the Annuity Account
Value of the amounts necessary to meet minimum distribution requirements set
forth in the Code. This option may be elected in the year in which you attain
age 70 1/2. You can elect Minimum Distribution Withdrawals by submitting the
proper election form. The minimum amount we will pay out is $250. You may elect
Minimum Distribution Withdrawals for each Certificate you own, subject to our
rules then in effect. Currently, Minimum Distribution Withdrawal payments will
be made annually. 
    

Unless you specify otherwise, Minimum Distributions Withdrawals will be
withdrawn on a pro rata basis from your Annuity Account Value in the Investment
Funds. If there is insufficient value or no value in the Investment Funds, any
additional amount of the withdrawal required or the total amount of the
withdrawal, as applicable, will be withdrawn from the Guarantee Periods in
order of the earliest Expiration Date(s) first.

   
Minimum Distribution Withdrawals are not subject to a withdrawal charge, except
to the extent that, when added to a Lump Sum Withdrawal previously taken in the
same Contract Year, the Minimum Distribution Withdrawal exceeds the 15% free
corridor amount. See "Withdrawal Charge" in Part 5.
    

Example

The chart below illustrates the pattern of payments, under Minimum Distribution
Withdrawals for a male who purchases the Rollover IRA at age 70 with a single
contribution of $100,000, with payments commencing at the end of the first
Contract Year.

                 PATTERN OF MINIMUM DISTRIBUTION WITHDRAWALS
                     $100,000 SINGLE CONTRIBUTION FOR A
                           SINGLE LIFE-MALE AGE 70

                    [THE FOLLOWING TABLE WAS REPRESENTED
                     AS AN AREA GRAPH IN THE PROSPECTUS]

                         Assumes 6.0% Rate of Return

                                               Amount
                 Age                          Withdrawn
                -----                         ---------
                 70                            $6,250
                 75                             7,653
                 80                             8,667
                 85                             8,770
                 90                             6,931
                 95                             3,727
                100                             1,179

                [END OF GRAPHICALLY REPRESENTED DATA]

Payments are calculated each year based on the Annuity Account Value at the end
of each year, using the recalculation method of determining payments. (See
"Part 1--Minimum Distribution Withdrawals" in the SAI.) Payments are made
annually, and it is further assumed that no Lump Sum Withdrawals are taken.

This example assumes an annual rate of return of 6.0% compounded annually for
both the Investment Funds and the Guaranteed Period Account. This rate of
return is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to represent an
expected or guaranteed rate of return. Your investment results will vary. In
addition, this example does not reflect any charges that may be applicable
under the Rollover IRA. Such charges would effectively reduce the actual
return.

<PAGE>

   
HOW WITHDRAWALS AND TRANSFERS AFFECT YOUR GUARANTEED MINIMUM DEATH BENEFIT
AND GUARANTEED MINIMUM INCOME BENEFIT

Except as described in the next sentence, each withdrawal and transfer will
cause a reduction in your current Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit and
Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit benefit base (described below) on a pro rata
basis. Your current Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit and Guaranteed Minimum
Income Benefit benefit base will be reduced on a dollar-for-dollar basis as
long as the sum of your withdrawals and transfers from the Investment Funds in
any Contract Year is 6% or less of the beginning of Contract Year Guaranteed
Minimum Death Benefit. Once a withdrawal or transfer is made that causes
cumulative withdrawals and transfers from the Investment Funds in a Contract
Year to exceed 6% of the beginning of Contract Year Guaranteed Minimum Death
Benefit, that withdrawal or transfer and any subsequent withdrawals and
transfers in that Contract Year will cause a pro rata reduction to occur. 
    

                                       34
<PAGE>

   
Reduction on a dollar-for-dollar basis means your current Guaranteed Minimum
Death Benefit and Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit benefit base will be
reduced by the dollar amount of the withdrawal. Reduction on a pro rata basis
means that we calculate the percentage of the Annuity Account Value as of the
Transaction Date that is being withdrawn and we reduce your current Guaranteed
Minimum Death Benefit and Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit benefit base by
that same percentage. For example, if your Annuity Account Value is $10,000 and
you withdraw $4,000 you have withdrawn 40% ($4,000/$10,000) of your Annuity
Account Value. If your Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit was $20,000 prior to
the withdrawal, it would be reduced by $8,000 ($20,000 x .40) and your new
Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit after the withdrawal would be $12,000 ($20,000
- -$8,000).

The timing of your withdrawals and whether they exceed the 6% threshold
described above can have a significant impact on your Guaranteed Minimum Death
Benefit or Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit.

GUARANTEED MINIMUM INCOME BENEFIT BENEFIT BASE

The Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit benefit base is equal to the portion of
the initial contribution allocated to the Investment Funds on the Contract
Date. Thereafter, the Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit benefit base is
credited with interest at 6% (3% for amounts in the Alliance Money Market and
Alliance Intermediate Government Securities Funds) on each Contract Date
anniversary through the Annuitant's age 80, and 0% thereafter, and is adjusted
for any subsequent contributions and transfers into the Investment Funds and
transfers and withdrawals from such Funds. The Guaranteed Minimum Income
Benefit benefit base will also be reduced by any withdrawal charge remaining on
the Transaction Date that you exercise Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit.

Your Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit benefit base is applied to guaranteed
minimum annuity factors to determine the Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit. The
guaranteed minimum annuity factors are based on (i) interest at 2.5% if
Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit is exercised within 30 days following a
Contract Date anniversary in years 7 through 9 and at 3% if exercised within 30
days following the 10th or later Contract Date anniversary, and (ii) mortality
tables that assume increasing longevity. These interest and mortality factors
are generally more conservative than the basis underlying current annuity
factors, which means that they would produce less periodic income for an equal
amount applied.

Your Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit benefit base does not create an Annuity
Account Value or a Cash Value and is used solely for purposes of calculating
the Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit.

ANNUITY BENEFITS
    

Income annuity options provide periodic payments over a specified period of
time which may be fixed or may be based on your life. Annuity forms of payment
are calculated as of the Annuity Commencement Date, which is on file with our
Processing Office. You can change the Annuity Commencement Date by writing to
our Processing Office any time before the Annuity Commencement Date. However,
you may not choose a date later than the 28th day of any month. Also, no
Annuity Commencement Date will be later than the Processing Date which follows
your 90th birthday (may be different in some states).

Before the Annuity Commencement Date, we will send you a letter advising that
annuity benefits are available. Unless you otherwise elect, we will pay you a
fixed annuity benefit on the "normal form" indicated for your Certificate as of
your Annuity Commencement Date. The amount applied to provide the annuity
benefit will be (1) the Annuity Account Value for any life annuity form or (2)
the Cash Value for any period certain only annuity form except that if the
period certain is more than five years, the amount applied will be no less than
95% of the Annuity Account Value.

   
Amounts in the Guarantee Periods that are applied to an annuity benefit prior
to an Expiration Date will result in a market value adjustment. See "Market
Value Adjustment for Transfers, Withdrawals or Surrender Prior to the
Expiration Date" in Part 2.
    

ANNUITY FORMS

o     Life Annuity: An annuity which guarantees payments for the rest of your
      life. Payments end with the last monthly payment before your death.
      Because there is no death benefit associated with this annuity form, it
      provides the highest monthly payment of any of the life income annuity
      options, so long as you are living.

o     Life Annuity-Period Certain: This annuity form also guarantees payments
      for the rest of your life. In addition, if you die before a specific
      period of time (the "certain period") has ended, payments will continue
      to your beneficiary for the balance of the certain period. Certain
      periods may be 5, 10, 15 or 20 years. A life annuity with a certain
      period of 10 years is the normal form of annuity under the Certificates.

o     Life Annuity-Refund Certain: This annuity form guarantees payments to you
      for the rest of your life. In addition, if you die before the amount
      applied to purchase this annuity option has been recovered, payments will
      continue to your beneficiary until that amount has been recovered. This
      option is available only as a fixed annuity.

                                       35
<PAGE>

o     Period Certain Annuity: This annuity form guarantees payments for a
      specific period of time, usually 5, 10, 15 or 20 years, and does not
      involve life contingencies.

o     Joint and Survivor Life Annuity: This annuity form guarantees life
      income to you and, after your death, continuation of income to the
      survivor.

The life annuity-period certain and the life annuity-refund certain are
available on either a single life or joint and survivor life basis.

   
The annuity forms outlined above are available in both fixed and variable form,
unless otherwise indicated. Fixed annuity payments are guaranteed by us and
will be based either on the tables of guaranteed annuity payments in your
Certificate or on our then current annuity rates, whichever is more favorable
for you. Variable income annuities may be funded through the Investment Funds
through the purchase of annuity units. The amount of each variable annuity
payment may fluctuate, depending upon the performance of the Investment Funds.
That is because the annuity unit value rises and falls depending on whether the
actual rate of net investment return (after deduction of charges) is higher or
lower than the assumed base rate. See "Annuity Unit Values" in the SAI.
Variable income annuities may also be available by separate prospectus through
the Investment Funds of other separate accounts we offer.

For all Annuitants, the normal form of annuity provides  for  fixed  payments.
We  may  offer  other forms not outlined here. Your registered representative
can provide details.

For each annuity benefit, we will issue a separate written agreement putting
the benefit into effect. Before we pay any annuity benefit, we require the
return of the Certificate.

The amount of the annuity payments will depend on the amount applied to
purchase the annuity, the type of annuity chosen and, in the case of a life
annuity form, your age (or your and the joint Annuitant's ages) and in certain
instances, the sex of the Annuitant(s). Once an annuity form is chosen and
payments have commenced, no change can be made.

If, at the time you elect an annuity form, the amount to be applied is less
than $2,000 or the initial payment under the form elected is less than $20
monthly, we reserve the right to pay the Annuity Account Value in a single sum
rather than as payments under the annuity form chosen.
    

                                       36
<PAGE>

   
                        PART 5: DEDUCTIONS AND CHARGES
    

CHARGES DEDUCTED FROM THE
ANNUITY ACCOUNT VALUE

   
We allocate the entire amount of each contribution to the Investment Options
you select, subject to certain restrictions. We then periodically deduct
certain amounts from your Annuity Account Value. Unless otherwise indicated,
the charges described below and under "Charges Deducted from the Investment
Funds" below will not be increased by us for the life of the Certificates. We
may reduce certain charges under sponsored arrangements. See "Sponsored
Arrangements" below. Charges are deducted proportionately from all the
Investment Funds in which your Annuity Account Value is invested on a pro rata
basis, except as noted below. 
    

Withdrawal Charge

A withdrawal charge will be imposed as a percentage of each contribution made
to the extent that (i) a Lump Sum Withdrawal or cumulative withdrawals during a
Contract Year exceed the free corridor amount, or (ii) if the Certificate is
surrendered to receive its Cash Value. We determine the withdrawal charge
separately for each contribution in accordance with the table below.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  CONTRACT YEAR
                   1      2      3      4      5      6      7     8+
                ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ -----
<S>             <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>
Percentage of
 Contribution     7.0%   6.0%   5.0%   4.0%   3.0%   2.0%   1.0%   0.0%
</TABLE>

   
If the Assured Payment Option or APO Plus is in effect, the withdrawal charge
will be imposed as a percentage of contributions (less withdrawals), less the
amount applied under the Life Contingent Annuity. 
    

The applicable withdrawal charge percentage is determined by the Contract Year
in which the excess withdrawal is made or the Certificate is surrendered,
beginning with "Contract Year 1" with respect to each contribution withdrawn or
surrendered. For purposes of the table, for each contribution, the Contract
Year in which we receive that contribution is "Contract Year 1."

The withdrawal charge is deducted from the Investment Options from which each
such withdrawal is made in proportion to the amount being withdrawn from each
Investment Option.

    Free Corridor Amount

    The free corridor amount is 15% of the Annuity Account Value at the
    beginning of the Contract Year, minus any amount previously withdrawn
    during that Contract Year.

   
    While either the Assured Payment Option or APO Plus is in effect, the free
    corridor amount is 10% of the Annuity Account Value at the beginning of the
    Contract Year.
    

There is no withdrawal charge if a Lump Sum Withdrawal is taken to satisfy
minimum distribution requirements under the Certificate. A free corridor amount
is not applicable to a surrender.

For purposes of calculating the withdrawal charge, (1) we treat contributions
as being withdrawn on a first-in first-out basis, and (2) amounts withdrawn up
to the free corridor amount are not considered a withdrawal of any
contributions.

   
The withdrawal charge is to help cover sales expenses.

Combined Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit and Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit
Charge (Plan A)

We deduct a charge annually on each Processing Date for providing the Combined
Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit and Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit (Plan
A). The charge is equal to a percentage of the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit
in effect on the Processing Date. The percentage is equal to 0.45% for the 6%
to Age 80 Benefit and 0.30% for the 6% to Age 70 Benefit.

Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit Only Benefit Charge (Plan B)

We deduct a charge annually on each Processing Date for providing the
Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit Only Benefit (Plan B). The charge is equal to
a percentage of the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit in effect on the
Processing Date. The percentage is equal to 0.20%. 
    
<PAGE>
Charges for State Premium and Other
Applicable Taxes

   
We deduct a charge for applicable taxes, such as state or local premium taxes,
that might be imposed in your state. Generally we deduct this charge from the
amount applied to provide an annuity benefit. In certain states, however, we
may deduct the charge for taxes from contributions. The current tax charge that
might be imposed varies by state and ranges from 0% to 2.25%.
    

CHARGES DEDUCTED FROM THE
INVESTMENT FUNDS

Mortality and Expense Risks Charge

We will deduct a daily charge from the assets in each Investment Fund to
compensate us for mortality

                                       37
<PAGE>

   
and expense risks. The daily charge is at the rate of 0.002477%, which is
equivalent to an annual rate of 0.90%, on the assets in each Investment Fund.

The mortality risk assumed is the risk that Annuitants as a group will live for
a longer time than our actuarial tables predict. As a result, we would be
paying more in annuity income than we planned. We also assume a risk that the
mortality assumptions reflected in our guaranteed annuity payment tables, shown
in each Certificate, will differ from actual mortality experience. Lastly, we
assume a mortality risk to the extent that at the time of death, the Guaranteed
Minimum Death Benefit exceeds the Cash Value of the Certificate. The expense
risk assumed is the risk that it will cost us more to issue and administer the
Certificates than we expect.
    

Administration Charge

We will deduct a daily charge from the assets in each Investment Fund, to
compensate us for administration expenses under the Certificates. The daily
charge is at a rate of 0.000692% (equivalent to an annual rate of 0.25%) on the
assets in each Investment Fund. We reserve the right to increase this charge to
an annual rate of 0.35%, the maximum permitted under the Certificates.

HR TRUST CHARGES TO PORTFOLIOS

   
Investment advisory fees charged daily against HR Trust's assets, the 12b-1
fee, direct operating expenses of HR Trust (such as trustees' fees, expenses of
independent auditors and legal counsel, bank and custodian charges and
liability insurance), and certain investment-related expenses of HR Trust (such
as brokerage commissions and other expenses related to the purchase and sale of
securities), are reflected in each Portfolio's daily share price. The maximum
investment advisory fees paid annually by the Portfolios cannot be changed
without a vote by shareholders. They are as follows:

                           AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   FIRST     NEXT      NEXT      NEXT
                   $750      $750       $1       $2.5
                  MILLION   MILLION   BILLION   BILLION   THEREAFTER
                --------- --------- --------- --------- ------------
 <S>            <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
 Alliance
  Conservative
  Investors.....   0.475%    0.425%    0.375%    0.350%     0.325%
 Alliance
  Growth
  Investors ....   0.550%    0.500%    0.450%    0.425%     0.400%
 Alliance
  Growth &
  Income .......   0.550%    0.525%    0.500%    0.480%     0.470%
 Alliance
  Common Stock     0.475%    0.425%    0.375%    0.355%     0.345%*
 Alliance
  Global........   0.675%    0.600%    0.550%    0.530%     0.520%
 Alliance
  International    0.900%    0.825%    0.800%    0.780%     0.770%
 Alliance
  Aggressive
  Stock ........   0.625%    0.575%    0.525%    0.500%     0.475%
 Alliance Small
  Cap Growth....   0.900%    0.850%    0.825%    0.800%     0.775%
 Alliance Money
  Market .......   0.350%    0.325%    0.300%    0.280%     0.270%
 Alliance
  Intermediate
  Gov't
  Securities  ..   0.500%    0.475%    0.450%    0.430%     0.420%
 Alliance High
  Yield ........   0.600%    0.575%    0.550%    0.530%     0.520%
 Alliance
  Equity Index
  Fund..........   0.325%    0.300%    0.275%    0.255%     0.245%
</TABLE>
    

   
- ------------
*      On assets in excess of $10 billion, the management fee for the Alliance
       Common Stock Portfolio is reduced to 0.335% of average daily net assets.

Investment advisory fees are established under HR Trust's investment advisory
agreements between HR Trust and its investment adviser, Alliance. The Rule
12b-1 Plan provides that HR Trust, on behalf of each Portfolio may pay annually
up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of a Portfolio attributable to its
Class IB shares in respect of activities primarily intended to result in the
sale of the Class IB shares. The 12b-1 fee, which may be waived at our
discretion, may be increased only by action of the Board of Trustees of HR
Trust up to a maximum of 0.50% per annum. All of these fees and expenses are
described more fully in the HR Trust prospectus.
    
<PAGE>
EQ TRUST CHARGES TO PORTFOLIOS

   
Investment management fees charged daily against EQ Trust's assets, the 12b-1
fee, other direct operating expenses of EQ Trust (such as trustees' fees,
expenses of independent auditors and legal counsel, administrative service
fees, custodian fees, and liability insurance), and certain investment-related
expenses of EQ Trust (such as brokerage commissions and other expenses related
to the purchase and sale of securities), are reflected in each Portfolio's
daily share price. The investment management fees paid annually by the
Portfolios cannot be changed without a vote by shareholders.
They are as follows:
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS
- ----------------------------------------------
<S>                                      <C>
EQ/Putnam Balanced ....................  0.55%
EQ/Putnam Growth and Income Value  ....  0.55
MFS Emerging Growth Companies .........  0.55
MFS Research ..........................  0.55
Merrill Lynch Basic Value Equity  .....  0.55
Merrill Lynch World Strategy ..........  0.70
Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Equity   1.15
T. Rowe Price Equity Income ...........  0.55
T. Rowe Price International Stock  ....  0.75
Warburg Pincus Small Company Value  ...  0.75
</TABLE>
    

   
Investment management fees are established under EQ Trust's Investment
Management Agreement be- 
    

                                       38
<PAGE>

   
tween EQ Trust and its investment manager, EQ Financial. EQ Financial has
entered into expense limitation agreements with EQ Trust, with respect to each
Portfolio, pursuant to which EQ Financial has agreed to waive or limit its fees
and total annual operating expenses (expressed as a percentage of the
Portfolio's average daily net assets) to 0.85% each for the EQ/Putnam Growth &
Income Value, MFS Research, Merrill Lynch Basic Value Equity, T. Rowe Price
Equity, and MFS Emerging Growth Companies Portfolios; 0.90% for the EQ/Putnam
Balanced Portfolio; 1.00% for Warburg Pincus Small Company Value Portfolio;
1.20% each for T. Rowe Price International Stock and Merrill Lynch World
Strategy Portfolios; and 1.75% for Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Equity
Portfolio. See the prospectus for EQ Trust for more information.
    

The Rule 12b-1 Plan provides that EQ Trust, on behalf of each Portfolio, may
pay annually up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of a Portfolio
attributable to its Class IB shares in respect of activities primarily intended
to result in the sale of the Class IB shares. The Rule 12b-1 Plan fees, which
may be waived in the discretion of EDI, may be increased only by action of the
Board of Trustees of EQ Trust up to a maximum of 0.50% per annum. All of these
fees and expenses are described more fully in the EQ Trust prospectus.

SPONSORED ARRANGEMENTS

   
For certain sponsored arrangements, we may reduce the withdrawal charge or
change the minimum initial contribution requirements. Under the Assured Payment
Option and APO Plus, we may increase Guaranteed Rates and reduce purchase rates
under the Life Contingent Annuity. We may also change the guaranteed minimum
death benefit and the guaranteed minimum income benefit. We may offer
Investment Funds investing in Class IA shares of HR Trust and EQ Trust, which
are not subject to the 12b-1 fee. Sponsored arrangements include those in which
an employer allows us to sell Certificates to its employees or retirees on an
individual basis. 
    

Our costs for sales, administration, and mortality generally vary with the size
and stability of the sponsoring organization among other factors. We take all
these factors into account when reducing charges. To qualify for reduced
charges, a sponsored arrangement must meet certain requirements, including our
requirements for size and number of years in existence. Sponsored arrangements
that have been set up solely to buy Certificates or that have been in existence
less than six months will not qualify for reduced charges.

We will make these and any similar reductions according to our rules in effect
when a Certificate is approved for issue. We may change these rules from time
to time. Any variation in the withdrawal charge will reflect differences in
costs or services and will not be unfairly discriminatory.

Sponsored arrangements may be governed by the Code, the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), or both. We make no representations as to
the impact of those and other applicable laws on such programs. WE RECOMMEND
THAT EMPLOYERS PURCHASING OR MAKING CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE UNDER A
SPONSORED ARRANGEMENT SEEK THE ADVICE OF THEIR OWN LEGAL AND BENEFITS ADVISERS.

OTHER DISTRIBUTION ARRANGEMENTS

Charges may be reduced or eliminated when sales are made in a manner that
results in savings of sales and administrative expenses, such as sales through
persons who are compensated by clients for recommending investments and receive
no commission or reduced commissions in connection with the sale of the
Certificates. In no event will a reduction or elimination of charges be
permitted where it would be unfairly discriminatory.

                               39
<PAGE>

   
                             PART 6: VOTING RIGHTS
    

HR TRUST AND EQ TRUST VOTING RIGHTS

As explained previously, contributions allocated to the Investment Funds are
invested in shares of the corresponding Portfolios of HR Trust and EQ Trust.
Since we own the assets of the Separate Account, we are the legal owner of the
shares and, as such, have the right to vote on certain matters. Among other
things, we may vote:

o  to elect each trust's Board of Trustees,
o  to ratify the selection of independent auditors for each trust, and
o  on any other matters described in each trust's current prospectus or
   requiring a vote by shareholders under the 1940 Act.

Because HR Trust is a Massachusetts business trust and EQ Trust is a Delaware
business trust, annual meetings are not required. Whenever a shareholder vote
is taken, we will give Certificate Owners the opportunity to instruct us how to
vote the number of shares attributable to their Certificates. If we do not
receive instructions in time from all Certificate Owners, we will vote the
shares of a Portfolio for which no instructions have been received in the same
proportion as we vote shares of that Portfolio for which we have received
instructions. We will also vote any shares that we are entitled to vote
directly because of amounts we have in an Investment Fund in the same
proportions that Certificate Owners vote.

Each share of each trust is entitled to one vote. Fractional shares will be
counted. Voting generally is on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis except that
shares will be voted on an aggregate basis when universal matters, such as
election of Trustees and ratification of independent auditors, are voted upon.
However, if the Trustees determine that shareholders in a Portfolio are not
affected by a particular matter, then such shareholders generally would not be
entitled to vote on that matter.

VOTING RIGHTS OF OTHERS

Currently, we control each trust. EQ Trust shares currently are sold only to
our separate accounts. HR Trust shares are held by other separate accounts of
ours and by separate accounts of insurance companies affiliated and
unaffiliated with us. Shares held by these separate accounts will probably be
voted according to the instructions of the owners of insurance policies and
contracts issued by those insurance companies. While this will dilute the
effect of the voting instructions of the Rollover IRA Certificate Owners, we
currently do not foresee any disadvantages arising out of this. HR Trust's
Board of Trustees intends to monitor events in order to identify any material
irreconcilable conflicts that possibly may arise and to determine what action,
if any, should be taken in response. If we believe that HR Trust's response to
any of those events insufficiently protects our Certificate Owners, we will see
to it that appropriate action is taken to protect our Certificate Owners.

SEPARATE ACCOUNT VOTING RIGHTS

If actions relating to the Separate Account require Certificate Owner approval,
Certificate Owners will be entitled to one vote for each Accumulation Unit they
have in the Investment Funds. Each Certificate Owner who has elected a variable
annuity payout may cast the number of votes equal to the dollar amount of
reserves we are holding for that annuity in an Investment Fund divided by the
Accumulation Unit Value for that Investment Fund. We will cast votes
attributable to any amounts we have in the Investment Funds in the same
proportion as votes cast by Certificate Owners.

CHANGES IN APPLICABLE LAW

The voting rights we describe in this prospectus are created under applicable
Federal securities laws. To the extent that those laws or the regulations
promulgated under those laws eliminate the necessity to submit matters for
approval by persons having voting rights in separate accounts of insurance
companies, we reserve the right to proceed in accordance with those laws or
regulations.

                                       40
<PAGE>

   
                    PART 7: TAX ASPECTS OF THE CERTIFICATES
    

TAX-QUALIFIED INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ANNUITIES (IRAS)

   
This prospectus contains the information which the Internal Revenue Service
(IRS) requires to be disclosed to an individual before he or she purchases an
IRA.

The Rollover IRA Certificate is designed to qualify as an IRA under Section
408(b) of the Code. Your rights under the Rollover IRA cannot be forfeited.
    

This Part covers some of the special tax rules that apply to individual
retirement arrangements. You should be aware that an IRA is subject to certain
restrictions in order to qualify for its special treatment under the Federal
tax law.

This prospectus provides our general understanding of applicable Federal income
tax rules, but does not provide detailed tax information and does not address
issues such as state income and other taxes or Federal gift and estate taxes.
Please consult a tax adviser when considering the tax aspects of the Rollover
IRA Certificates.

Further information on IRA tax matters can be obtained from any IRS district
office. Additional information regarding IRAs, including a discussion of
required distributions, can be found in IRS Publication 590, entitled
"Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs)," which is generally updated
annually.

   
The Rollover IRA Certificate has been approved by the IRS as to form for use as
an IRA. This IRS approval is a determination only as to the form of the annuity
and does not represent a determination of the merits of the annuity as an
investment, and may not address certain features under the Certificates.

Cancellation

You can cancel a Certificate issued as an IRA by following the directions in
Part 3 under "Free Look Period." Since there may be adverse tax consequences if
a Certificate is cancelled (and because we are required to report to the IRS
certain distributions from cancelled IRAs), you should consult with a tax
adviser before making any such decision. If you cancel this Certificate, you
may establish a new individual retirement arrangement if at the time you meet
the requirements for establishing an individual retirement arrangement.
    

Contributions to IRAs

Individuals may make three different types of contributions to purchase an IRA,
or as later additions to an existing IRA: "regular" contributions out of
earnings, tax-free "rollover" contributions from tax-qualified plans, or direct
custodian-to-custodian transfers from other individual retirement arrangements
("direct transfers").

   
The initial contribution to the Certificate must be either a rollover or a
direct custodian-to-custodian transfer. See "Tax-Free Transfers and Rollovers,"
discussed below. Any subsequent contributions you make may be any of rollovers,
direct transfers or "regular" IRA contributions. See "Contributions Under the
Certificates" in Part 3. The immediately following discussion relates to
"regular" IRA contributions. For the reasons noted in "Tax-Free Transfers and
Rollovers" below, you should consult with your tax adviser before making any
subsequent contributions to an IRA which is intended to serve as a "conduit"
IRA.
    

Generally, $2,000 is the maximum amount of deductible and nondeductible
contributions which may be made to all IRAs by an individual in any taxable
year. The above limit may be less when the individual's earnings are below
$2,000. This limit does not apply to rollover contributions or direct
custodian-to-custodian transfers into an IRA.

   
The amount of IRA contributions for a tax year that an individual can deduct
depends on whether the individual (or the individual's spouse, if a joint
return is filed) is covered by an employer-sponsored tax-favored retirement
plan. If the individual's spouse does not work or elects to be treated as
having no compensation, the individual and the individual's spouse may
contribute up to $4,000 to individual retirement arrangements (but no more than
$2,000 to any one individual retirement arrangement). The non-working spouse
owns his or her individual retirement arrangements, even if the working spouse
makes contributions to purchase the spousal individual retirement arrangements.
    

<PAGE>

If neither the individual nor the individual's spouse is covered during any
part of the taxable year by an employer-sponsored tax-favored retirement plan
(including a qualified plan, a tax sheltered account or annuity under Section
403(b) of the Code (TSA) or a simplified employee pension plan), then
regardless of adjusted gross income (AGI), each working spouse may make
deductible contributions to an IRA for each tax year (MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE
DOLLAR DEDUCTION) up to the lesser of $2,000 or 100% of compensation. In
certain cases, individuals covered by a tax-favored retirement plan include
persons eligible to participate in the plan although not actually
participating. Whether or not a person is covered by a retirement plan will be
reported on an employee's Form W-2.

                                       41
<PAGE>

If the individual is single and covered by a retirement plan during any part of
the taxable year, the deduction for IRA contributions phases out with AGI
between $25,000 and $35,000. If the individual is married and files a joint
return, and either the individual or the spouse is covered by a tax-favored
retirement plan during any part of the taxable year, the deduction for IRA
contributions phases out with AGI between $40,000 and $50,000. If the
individual is married, files a separate return and is covered by a tax-favored
retirement plan during any part of the taxable year, the deduction for IRA
contributions phases out with AGI between $0 and $10,000. Married individuals
filing separate returns must take into account the retirement plan coverage of
the other spouse, unless the couple has lived apart for the entire taxable
year. If AGI is below the phase-out range, an individual is entitled to the
Maximum Permissible Dollar Deduction. In computing the partial deduction for
IRA contributions the individual must round the amount of the deduction to the
nearest $10. The permissible deduction for IRA contributions is a minimum of
$200 if AGI is less than the amount at which the deduction entirely phases out.

If the individual (or the individual's spouse, unless the couple has lived
apart the entire taxable year and their filing status is married, filing
separately) is covered by a tax-favored retirement plan, the deduction for IRA
contributions must be computed using one of two methods. Under the first
method, the individual determines AGI and subtracts $25,000 if the individual
is a single person, $40,000 if the individual is married and files a joint
return with the spouse, or $0 if the individual is married and files a separate
return. The resulting amount is the individual's Excess AGI. The individual
then determines the limit on the deduction for IRA contributions using the
following formula:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                       <C>    <C>            <C>     <C>
                                  Maximum             Adjusted
                                Permissible            Dollar
$10,000-Excess AGI                Dollar              Deduction
         $10,000          X      Deduction      =       Limit
</TABLE>

Under the second method, the individual determines his or her Excess AGI and
then refers to the table in Appendix IV originally prepared by the IRS to
determine the deduction.

Contributions may be made for a tax year until the deadline for filing a
Federal income tax return for that tax year (without extensions). No
contributions are allowed for the tax year in which an individual attains age
70 1/2 or any tax year after that. A working spouse age 70 1/2 or over,
however, can contribute up to the lesser of $2,000 or 100% of "earned income"
to a spousal individual retirement arrangement for a non-working spouse until
the year in which the non-working spouse reaches age 70 1/2.

   
An individual not eligible to deduct part or all of the IRA contribution may
still make nondeductible contributions on which earnings will accumulate on a
tax-deferred basis. The deductible and nondeductible contributions to the
individual's IRA (or the nonworking spouse's IRA) may not, however, together
exceed the maximum $2,000 per person limit. See "Excess Contributions" below.
Individuals must keep their own records of deductible and nondeductible
contributions in order to prevent double taxation on the distribution of
previously taxed amounts. See "Distributions from IRA Certificates" below.

An individual making nondeductible contributions in any taxable year, or any
individual who has made nondeductible contributions to an IRA in prior years
and is receiving amounts from any IRA must file the required information with
the IRS. Moreover, individuals making nondeductible IRA contributions must
retain all income tax returns and records pertaining to such contributions
until interests in all IRAs are fully distributed.
    

Excess Contributions

Excess contributions to an IRA are subject to a 6% excise tax for the year in
which made and for each year thereafter until withdrawn. In the case of
"regular" IRA contributions any contribution in excess of the lesser of $2,000
or 100% of compensation or earned income is an "excess contribution," (without
regard to the deductibility or nondeductibility of IRA contributions under this
limit). Also, any "regular" contributions made after you reach age 70 1/2 are
excess contributions. In the case of rollover IRA contributions, excess
contributions are amounts which are not eligible to be rolled over (for
example, after tax contributions to a qualified plan or minimum distributions
required to be made after age 70 1/2). An excess contribution (rollover or
"regular") which is withdrawn, however, before the time for filing the
individual's Federal income tax return for the tax year (including extensions)
is not includable in income and therefore is not subject to the 10% penalty tax
on early distributions (discussed below under "Penalty Tax on Early
Distributions"), provided any earnings attributable to the excess contribution
are also withdrawn and no tax deduction is taken for the excess contribution.
The withdrawn earnings on the excess contribution, however, would be includable
in the individual's gross income and would be subject to the 10% penalty tax.
If excess contributions are not withdrawn before the time for filing the
individual's Federal income tax return for

                                       42
<PAGE>

   
the year (including extensions), "regular" contributions may still be withdrawn
after that time if the IRA contribution for the tax year did not exceed $2,000
and no tax deduction was taken for the excess contribution; in that event, the
excess contribution would not be includable in gross income and would not be
subject to the 10% penalty tax. Lastly, excess "regular" contributions may also
be removed by underutilizing the allowable contribution limits for a later
year. 
    

If excess rollover contributions are not withdrawn before the time for filing
the individual's Federal tax return for the year (including extensions) and the
excess contribution occurred as a result of incorrect information provided by
the plan, any such excess amount can be withdrawn if no tax deduction was taken
for the excess contribution. As above, excess rollover contributions withdrawn
under those circumstances would not be includable in gross income and would not
be subject to the 10% penalty tax.

Tax-Free Transfers and Rollovers

Rollover contributions may be made to an IRA from these sources: (i) qualified
plans, (ii) TSAs (including 403(b)(7) custodial accounts) and (iii) other
individual retirement arrangements.

The rollover amount must be transferred to the Certificate either as a direct
rollover of an "eligible rollover distribution" (described below) or as a
rollover by the individual plan participant or owner of the individual
retirement arrangement. In the latter cases, the rollover must be made within
60 days of the date the proceeds from another individual retirement arrangement
or an eligible rollover distribution from a qualified plan or TSA were
received. Generally the taxable portion of any distribution from a qualified
plan or TSA is an eligible rollover distribution and may be rolled over
tax-free to an IRA unless the distribution is (i) a required minimum
distribution under Section 401(a)(9) of the Code; or (ii) one of a series of
substantially equal periodic payments made (not less frequently than annually)
(a) for the life (or life expectancy) of the plan participant or the joint
lives (or joint life expectancies) of the plan participant and his or her
designated beneficiary, or (b) for a specified period of ten years or more.

Under some circumstances, amounts from a Certificate may be rolled over on a
tax-free basis to a qualified plan. To get this "conduit" IRA treatment, the
source of funds used to establish the IRA must be a rollover contribution from
the qualified plan and the entire amount received from the IRA (including any
earnings on the rollover contribution) must be rolled over into another
qualified plan within 60 days of the date received. Similar rules apply in the
case of a TSA. If you make a contribution to the Certificate which is from an
eligible rollover distribution and you commingle such contribution with other
contributions, you may not be able to roll over these eligible rollover
distribution contributions and earnings to another qualified plan (or TSA, as
the case may be) at a future date, unless the Code permits.

Under the conditions and limitations of the Code, an individual may elect for
each IRA to make a tax-free rollover once every 12-month period among
individual retirement arrangements (including rollovers from retirement bonds
purchased before 1983). Custodian-to-custodian transfers are not rollovers and
can be made more frequently than once a year.

The same tax-free treatment applies to amounts withdrawn from the Certificate
and rolled over into other individual retirement arrangements unless the
distribution was received under an inherited IRA. Tax-free rollovers are also
available to the surviving spouse beneficiary of a deceased individual, or a
spousal alternate payee of a qualified domestic relations order applicable to a
qualified plan. In some cases, IRAs can be transferred on a tax-free basis
between spouses or former spouses incidental to a judicial decree of divorce or
separation.

Distributions from IRA Certificates

Income or gains on contributions under IRAs are not subject to Federal income
tax until benefits are distributed to the individual. Distributions include
withdrawals from your Certificate, surrender of your Certificate and annuity
payments from your Certificate. Death benefits are also distributions. Except
as discussed below, the amount of any distribution from an IRA is fully
includable as ordinary income by the individual in gross income.

   
If the individual has made non-deductible IRA contributions, those
contributions are recovered tax-free when distributions are received. The
individual must keep records of all nondeductible contributions. At the end of
each tax year in which the individual has received a distribution, the
individual determines a ratio of the total nondeductible IRA contributions
(less any amounts previously withdrawn tax-free) to the total account balances
of all IRAs held by the individual at the end of the tax year (including
rollover IRAs) plus all IRA distributions made during such tax year. The
resulting ratio is then multiplied by all distributions from the IRA during
that tax year to determine the nontaxable portion of each distribution. 
    

In addition, a distribution (other than a required minimum distribution
received after age 70 1/2) is not

                                       43
<PAGE>

taxable if (1) the amount received is a return of excess contributions which
are withdrawn, as described under "Excess Contributions" above, (2) the entire
amount received is rolled over to another individual retirement arrangement
(see "Tax-Free Transfers and Rollovers" above) or (3) in certain limited
circumstances, where the IRA acts as a "conduit," the entire amount is paid
into a qualified plan or TSA that permits rollover contributions.

Distributions from an IRA are not entitled to the special favorable five-year
averaging method (or, in certain cases, favorable ten-year averaging and
long-term capital gain treatment) available in certain cases to distributions
from qualified plans.

Required Minimum Distributions

The minimum distribution rules require IRA owners to start taking annual
distributions from their retirement plans by age 70 1/2. The distribution
requirements are designed to provide for distribution of the owner's interest
in the IRA over the owner's life expectancy. Whether the correct amount has
been distributed is calculated on a year by year basis; there are no provisions
in the Code to allow amounts taken in excess of the required amount to be
carried over or carried back and credited to other years.

Generally, an individual must take the first required minimum distribution with
respect to the calendar year in which the individual turns age 70 1/2. The
individual has the choice to take the first required minimum distribution
during the calendar year he or she turns age 70 1/2, or to delay taking it
until the three month (January 1-April 1) period in the next calendar year.
(Distributions must commence no later than the "Required Beginning Date," which
is the April 1st of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the
individual turns age 70 1/2.) If the individual chooses to delay taking the
first annual minimum distribution, then the individual will have to take two
minimum distributions in that year--the delayed one for the first year and the
one actually for that year. Once minimum distributions begin, they must be made
at some time every year.

There are two approaches to taking minimum distributions--"account based" or
"annuity based"--and there are a number of distribution options in both of
these categories. These choices are intended to give individuals a great deal
of flexibility to provide for themselves and their families.

An account based minimum distribution approach may be a lump sum payment, or
periodic withdrawals made over a period which does not extend beyond the
individual's life expectancy or the joint life expectancies of the individual
and a designated beneficiary. An annuity based approach involves application of
the Annuity Account Value to an annuity for the life of the individual or the
joint lives of the individual and a designated beneficiary, or for a period
certain not extending beyond applicable life expectancies.

You should discuss with your tax adviser which minimum distribution options are
best for your own personal situation. Individuals who are participants in more
than one tax-favored retirement plan may be able to choose different
distribution options for each plan.

Your required minimum distribution for any taxable year is calculated by taking
into account the required minimum distribution from each of your individual
retirement arrangements. The IRS, however, does not require that you make the
required distribution from each individual retirement arrangement that you
maintain. As long as the total amount distributed annually satisfies your
overall minimum distribution requirement, you may choose to take your annual
required distribution from any one or more individual retirement arrangements
that you maintain.

An individual may recompute his or her minimum distribution amount each year
based on the individual's current life expectancy as well as that of the
spouse. No recomputation is permitted, however, for a beneficiary other than a
spouse. If there is an insufficient distribution in any year, a 50% tax may be
imposed on the amount by which the minimum required to be distributed exceeds
the amount actually distributed. The penalty tax may be waived by the Secretary
of the Treasury in certain limited circumstances. Failure to have distributions
made as the Code and Treasury regulations require may result in
disqualification of your IRA. See "Tax Penalty for Insufficient Distributions"
below.

Except as described in the next sentence, if the individual dies after
distribution in the form of an annuity has begun, or after the Required
Beginning Date, payment of the remaining interest must be made at least as
rapidly as under the method used prior to the individual's death. (The IRS has
indicated that an exception to the rule that payment of the remaining interest
must be made at least as rapidly as under the method used prior to the
individual's death applies if the beneficiary of the IRA is the surviving
spouse. In some circumstances, the surviving spouse may elect to "make the IRA
his or her own" and halt distributions until he or she reaches age 70 1/2).

If an individual dies before the Required Beginning Date and before
distributions in the form of an

                               44
<PAGE>
annuity begin, distributions of the individual's entire interest under the
Certificate must be completed within five years after death, unless payments to
a designated beneficiary begin within one year of the individual's death and
are made over the beneficiary's life or over a period certain which does not
extend beyond the beneficiary's life expectancy.

If the surviving spouse is the designated beneficiary, the spouse may delay the
commencement of such payments up until the individual would have attained
70 1/2. In the alternative, a surviving spouse may elect to roll over the
inherited IRA into the surviving spouse's own IRA.

Taxation of Death Benefits

Distributions received by a beneficiary are generally given the same tax
treatment the individual would have received if distribution had been made to
the individual.

If you elect to have your spouse be the sole primary beneficiary and to be the
successor Annuitant and Certificate Owner, then your surviving spouse
automatically becomes both the successor Certificate Owner and Annuitant, and
no death benefit is payable until the surviving spouse's death.

Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit

The Code provides that no part of an individual retirement account may be
invested in life insurance contracts. Treasury Regulations provide that an
individual retirement account may be invested in an annuity contract which
provides a death benefit of the greater of premiums paid or the contract's cash
value. Your Certificate provides a minimum death benefit guarantee that in
certain circumstances may be greater than either of contributions made or the
Annuity Account Value. Although there is no ruling regarding the type of
minimum death benefit guarantee provided by the Certificate, Equitable Life
believes that the Certificate's minimum death benefit guarantee should not
adversely affect the qualification of the Certificate as an IRA. Nevertheless,
it is possible that the IRS could disagree, or take the position that some
portion of the charge in the Certificate for the minimum death benefit
guarantee should be treated for Federal income tax purposes as a taxable
partial withdrawal from the Certificate. If this were so, such a deemed
withdrawal would also be subject to tax penalty for Certificate Owners under
age 59 1/2.

   
Tax Considerations for the Income Manager Assured Payment Option and APO Plus

Although the Life Contingent Annuity does not have a Cash Value, it will be
assigned a value for tax purposes which will generally change each year. This
value must be taken into account when determining the amount of required
minimum distributions from your IRA even though the Life Contingent Annuity may
not be providing a source of funds to satisfy such required minimum
distribution. Accordingly, before you apply any IRA funds under the Assured
Payment Option or APO Plus or terminate such Options, you should be aware of
the tax considerations discussed below. Consult with your tax adviser to
determine the impact of electing the Assured Payment Option and APO Plus in
view of your own particular situation.

When funds have been allocated to the Life Contingent Annuity, you will
generally be required to determine your required minimum distribution by
annually recalculating your life expectancy. The Assured Payment Option and APO
Plus will not be available if you have previously made a different election.
Recalculation is no longer required once the only payments you or your spouse
receive are under the Life Contingent Annuity.
    

If prior to the date payments are to start under the Life Contingent Annuity,
you surrender your Certificate, or withdraw any remaining Annuity Account
Value, it may be necessary for you to satisfy your required minimum
distribution by accelerating the start date of payments for your Life
Contingent Annuity, or to the extent available, take distributions from other
IRA funds you may have. Alternatively you may convert your IRA Life Contingent
Annuity under the IRA Rollover to a non-qualifed Life Contingent Annuity. This
would be viewed as a distribution of the value of the Life Contingent Annuity
from the IRA, and therefore, would be a taxable event. However, since the Life
Contingent Annuity would no longer be part of an IRA, its value would not have
to be taken into account in determining future required minimum distributions.

   
If you have elected a Joint and Survivor form of the Life Contingent Annuity,
the joint Annuitant must be your spouse. You must determine your required
minimum distribution by annually recalculating both your life expectancy and
your spouse's life expectancy. The Assured Payment Option and APO Plus will not
be available if you have previously made a different election. Recalculation is
no longer required once the only payments you or your spouse receive are under
the Life Contingent Annuity. The value of such an annuity will change in the
event of your death or the death of your spouse. For this reason, it is
important that we be informed if you or your spouse dies before the Life
Contingent Annuity has started payments so that a lower valuation can be made.
Otherwise a higher tax value may result in an overstatement of the amount that
would be necessary to satisfy your required minimum distribution amount. 
    

                               45
<PAGE>

Allocations of funds to the Life Contingent Annuity may prevent the
Certificate from later receiving "conduit" IRA treatment. See "Tax-Free
Transfers and Rollovers" above.

Prohibited Transaction

An IRA may not be borrowed against or used as collateral for a loan or other
obligation. If the IRA is borrowed against or used as collateral, its
tax-favored status will be lost as of the first day of the tax year in which
the event occurred. If this happens, the individual must include in Federal
gross income for that year an amount equal to the fair market value of the IRA
Certificate as of the first day of that tax year, less the amount of any
nondeductible contributions not previously withdrawn. Also, the early
distribution penalty tax of 10% will apply if the individual has not reached
age 59 1/2 before the first day of that tax year. See "Penalty Tax on Early
Distributions" below.

PENALTY TAX ON EARLY DISTRIBUTIONS

   
The taxable portion of IRA distributions will be subject to a 10% penalty tax
unless the distribution is made (1) on or after your death, (2) because you
have become disabled, (3) on or after the date when you reach age 59 1/2, or
(4) in accordance with the exception outlined below if you are under 59 1/2.
Also not subject to penalty tax are IRA distributions used to pay certain
extraordinary medical expenses or medical insurance premiums for defined
unemployed individuals.

A payout over your life or life expectancy (or joint and survivor lives or life
expectancies), which is part of a series of substantially equal periodic
payments made at least annually, is also not subject to penalty tax. To permit
you to meet this exception, Equitable Life has two options: Substantially Equal
Payment Withdrawals and the Assured Payment Option with level payments, both of
which are described in Part 4. If you are a Rollover IRA Certificate Owner who
will be under age 59 1/2 as of the date the first payment is expected to be
received and you choose either option, Equitable Life will calculate the
substantially equal annual payments under a method we will select based on
guidelines issued by the IRS (currently contained in IRS Notice 89-25, Question
and Answer 12). Although Substantially Equal Payment Withdrawals and Assured
Payment Option level payments are not subject to the 10% penalty tax, they are
taxable as discussed in "Distributions from IRA Certificates," above. Once
Substantially Equal Payment Withdrawals or Assured Payment Option level
payments begin, the distributions should not be stopped or changed until the
later of your attaining age 59 1/2 or five years after the date of the first
distribution, or the penalty tax, including an interest charge for the prior
penalty avoidance, may apply to all withdrawals. Also, it is possible that the
IRS could view any additional withdrawal or payment you take from your
Certificate as changing your pattern of Substantially Equal Payment Withdrawals
or IRA Assured Payment Option payments for purposes of determining whether the
penalty applies.     

Where a taxpayer under age 59 1/2 purchases an individual retirement annuity
contract calling for substantially equal periodic payments during a fixed
period, continuing afterwards under a joint life contingent annuity with a
reduced payment to the survivor (e.g., a joint and 50% to survivor), the
question might be raised whether payments will not be substantially equal for
the joint lives of the taxpayer and survivor, as the payments will be reduced
at some point. In issuing our information returns, we code the substantially
equal periodic payments from such a contract as eligible for an exception from
the early distribution penalty. We believe that any change in payments to the
survivor would come within the statutory provision covering change of payments
on account of death. As there is no direct authority on this point, however, if
you are under age 59 1/2, you should discuss this item with your own tax
adviser when electing a reduced survivorship option.

TAX PENALTY FOR INSUFFICIENT
DISTRIBUTIONS

Failure to make required distributions discussed above in "Required Minimum
Distributions" may cause the disqualification of the IRA. Disqualification may
result in current taxation of your entire benefit. In addition a 50% penalty
tax may be imposed on the difference between the required distribution amount
and the amount actually distributed, if any.

We do not automatically make distributions from a Certificate before the
Annuity Commencement Date unless a request has been made. It is your
responsibility to comply with the minimum distribution rules. We will notify
you when our records show that your age 70 1/2 is approaching. If you do not
select a method, we will assume you are taking your minimum distribution from
another IRA that you maintain. You should consult with your tax adviser
concerning these rules and their proper application to your situation.

   
TAX PENALTY FOR EXCESS DISTRIBUTIONS OR ACCUMULATION

A 15% excise tax is imposed on an individual's aggregate excess distributions
from all tax-favored
    

                                       46
<PAGE>

   
retirement plans. The excise tax is in addition to the ordinary income tax due,
but is reduced by the amount (if any) of the early distribution penalty tax
imposed by the Code. This tax is temporarily suspended for distributions to the
individual for the years 1997, 1998 and 1999. However, the excise tax continues
to apply for estate tax purposes. In certain cases the estate tax imposed on a
deceased individual's estate will be increased if the accumulated value of the
individual's interest in tax-favored retirement plans is excessive. The
aggregate accumulations will be subject to excise tax in 1997 if they exceed
the present value of a hypothetical life annuity paying $160,000 a year. 
    

FEDERAL AND STATE INCOME TAX
WITHHOLDING

Equitable Life is required to withhold Federal income tax from IRA
distributions, unless the recipient elects not to be subject to income tax
withholding. The rate of withholding will depend on the type of distribution
and, in certain cases, the amount of the distribution. Special withholding
rules apply to foreign recipients and United States citizens residing outside
the United States. If a recipient does not have sufficient income tax withheld
or does not make sufficient estimated income tax payments, however, the
recipient may incur penalties under the estimated income tax rules. Recipients
should consult their tax advisers to determine whether they should elect out of
withholding. Requests not to withhold Federal income tax must be made in
writing prior to receiving benefits under the Certificate. Our Processing
Office will provide forms for this purpose. No election out of withholding is
valid unless the recipient provides us with the correct taxpayer identification
number and a United States residence address.

   
Certain states have indicated that income tax withholding will apply to
payments made from the Certificates to residents. In some states, a recipient
may elect out of state withholding. Generally, an election out of Federal
withholding will also be considered an election out of state withholding. If
you need more information concerning a particular state or any required forms,
call our Processing Office at the toll-free number and consult your tax
adviser. 
    

Periodic payments are generally subject to wage-bracket type withholding (as if
such payments were payments of wages by an employer to an employee) unless the
recipient elects no withholding. If a recipient does not elect out of
withholding or does not specify the number of withholding exemptions,
withholding will generally be made as if the recipient is married and claiming
three withholding exemptions. There is an annual threshold of taxable income
from periodic annuity payments which is exempt from withholding based on this
assumption. For 1997, a recipient of periodic payments (e.g., monthly or annual
payments) which total less than a $14,400 taxable amount will generally be
exempt from Federal income tax withholding, unless the recipient specifies a
different choice of withholding exemptions. A withholding election may be
revoked at any time and remains effective until revoked. If a recipient fails
to provide a correct taxpayer identification number, withholding is made as if
the recipient is single with no exemptions.

A recipient of a non-periodic distribution (total or partial) will generally be
subject to withholding at a flat 10% rate. A recipient who provides a United
States residence address and a correct taxpayer identification number will
generally be permitted to elect not to have tax withheld.

All recipients receiving periodic and non-periodic payments will be further
notified of the withholding requirements and of their right to make withholding
elections.

OTHER WITHHOLDING

As a general rule, if death benefits are payable to a person two or more
generations younger than the Certificate Owner, a Federal generation skipping
tax may be payable with respect to the benefit at rates similar to the maximum
estate tax rate in effect at the time. The generation skipping tax provisions
generally apply to transfers which would also be subject to the gift and estate
tax rules. Individuals are generally allowed an aggregate generation skipping
tax exemption of $1 million. Because these rules are complex, you should
consult with your tax adviser for specific information, especially where
benefits are passing to younger generations, as opposed to a spouse or child.

If we believe a benefit may be subject to generation skipping tax we may be
required to withhold for such tax unless we receive acceptable written
confirmation that no such tax is payable.

IMPACT OF TAXES TO EQUITABLE LIFE

The Certificates provide that Equitable Life may charge the Separate Account
for taxes. Equitable Life can set up reserves for such taxes.

TRANSFERS AMONG INVESTMENT OPTIONS

Transfers among the Investment Funds or between the Guaranteed Period Account
and one or more Investment Funds are not taxable.

                                       47
<PAGE>

TAX CHANGES

The United States Congress has in the past considered and may in the future
consider proposals for legislation that, if enacted, could change the tax
treatment of annuities and individual retirement arrangements. In addition, the
Treasury Department may amend existing regulations, issue new regulations, or
adopt new interpretations of existing laws. State tax laws or, if you are not a
United States resident, foreign tax laws, may affect the tax consequences to
you or the beneficiary. These laws may change from time to time without notice
and, as a result, the tax consequences may be altered. There is no way of
predicting whether, when or in what form any such change would be adopted.

Any such change could have retroactive effects regardless of the date of
enactment. We suggest you consult your legal or tax adviser.

                                       48
<PAGE>

   
                        PART 8: INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
    

The consolidated financial statements and consolidated financial statement
schedules of Equitable Life at December 31, 1996 and 1995 and for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 1996 included in Equitable Life's
Annual Report on Form 10-K, incorporated by reference in the prospectus, have
been examined by Price Waterhouse LLP, independent accountants, whose reports
thereon are incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial
statements and consolidated financial statement schedules have been
incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon the reports of Price
Waterhouse LLP given upon their authority as experts in accounting and
auditing.

                                       49
<PAGE>

   
                        PART 9: INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE

This Part presents performance data for each of the Investment Funds included
in the tables below. The performance data were calculated by two methods. The
first method presented in the tables under "Standardized Performance Data,"
reflects all applicable fees and charges including the combined Guaranteed
Minimum Death Benefit/Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit benefit charge, but
not the charge for tax such as premium taxes.

The second method presented in the tables under "Rate of Return Data for
Investment Funds," also reflects all applicable fees and charges, but does not
reflect the withdrawal charge, the combined Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit
and Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit benefit charge, or the charge for tax
such as premium taxes. These additional charges would effectively reduce the
rates of return credited to a particular Certificate.
    

HR Trust Portfolios

   
The performance data shown below for the Investment Funds investing in Class IB
shares or HR Trust Portfolios (other than the Alliance Small Cap Growth
Portfolio which commenced operations on May 1, 1997), and have been adjusted
for the fees and charges applicable under the Certificates. However, for the
Alliance Growth & Income, Alliance International, Alliance Conservative
Investors and Alliance Intermediate Government Securities Portfolios (under
which Class IB shares were not available prior to the date of this prospectus)
and for the other Portfolios prior to October 1996, when Class IB shares were
not available for under such Portfolios, do not reflect 12b-1 fees, which would
effectively reduce such investment performance.

The performance data for the Alliance Money Market and Common Stock Investment
Funds that invest in corresponding HR Trust Portfolios, for periods prior to
March 22, 1985, reflect the investment results of two open-end management
separate accounts (the "predecessor separate accounts") which were reorganized
in unit investment trust form. The "Since Inception" figures for these
Investment Funds are based on the date of inception of the predecessor separate
accounts. These performance data have been adjusted to reflect the maximum
investment advisory fee payable for the corresponding Portfolio of HR Trust, as
well as an assumed charge of 0.06% for direct operating expenses.
    

EQ Trust Portfolios

   
The Investment Funds of the Separate Account that invest in Class IB shares of
Portfolios of EQ Trust have only recently been established and no Certificates
funded by those Investment Funds have been issued as of the date of this
Prospectus. EQ Trust commenced operations on May 1, 1997. Therefore, no actual
performance data for any of these Portfolios are available. In this connection,
see the discussion immediately following the tables below.

See "Part 2: The Guaranteed Period Account" for information on the Guaranteed
Period Account.

STANDARDIZED PERFORMANCE DATA
    

The standardized performance data in the following tables illustrate the
average annual total return of the Investment Funds over the periods shown,
assuming a single initial contribution of $1,000 and the surrender of the
Certificate at the end of each period. These tables (which reflect the first
calculation method described above) are prepared in a manner prescribed by the
SEC for use when we advertise the performance of the Separate Account. An
Investment Fund's average annual total return is the annual rate of growth of
the Investment Fund that would be necessary to achieve the ending value of a
contribution kept in the Investment Fund for the period specified.

Each calculation assumes that the $1,000 contribution was allocated to only one
Investment Fund, no transfers or subsequent contributions were made and no
amounts were allocated to any other Investment Option under the Certificate.

In order to calculate annualized rates of return, we divide the Cash Value of a
Certificate which is surrendered on December 31, 1996 by the $1,000
contribution made at the beginning of each period illustrated. The result of
that calculation is the total growth rate for the period. Then we annualize
that growth rate to obtain the average annual percentage increase (decrease)
during the period shown. When we "annualize," we assume that a single rate of
return applied each year during the period will produce the ending value,
taking into account the effect of compounding.

                                       50
<PAGE>

   
                        STANDARDIZED PERFORMANCE DATA
        AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN UNDER A CERTIFICATE SURRENDERED ON
                              DECEMBER 31, 1996*
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                LENGTH OF INVESTMENT PERIOD
                                      ----------------------------------------------
              INVESTMENT                 ONE     THREE   FIVE     TEN       SINCE
                 FUND                    YEAR    YEARS   YEARS   YEARS    INCEPTION*
- ------------------------------------- -------- ------- ------- -------- ------------
<S>                                   <C>      <C>     <C>     <C>      <C>
HR TRUST
- ----------
Alliance Conservative Investors         -3.01%    3.61%   5.20%     --       6.60%
Alliance Growth Investors                4.24     8.24    8.65      --      12.44
Alliance Growth & Income                11.70    11.01      --      --       8.04
Alliance Common Stock                   15.76    14.24   13.64   14.14%     13.57
Alliance Global                          6.20     9.72   11.42      --       9.26
Alliance International                   1.54       --      --      --      13.25
Alliance Aggressive Stock               13.71    12.66    9.70   16.91      18.36
Alliance Money Market                   -2.95     1.89    2.15    4.23       5.43
Alliance Intermediate Govt.
 Securities                             -4.43     0.85    3.47      --       4.85
Alliance High Yield                     14.39     9.69   12.59      --       9.69
Alliance Equity Index                   13.97       --      --      --      16.42
</TABLE>
    

   
The table below illustrates the growth of an assumed investment of $1,000, with
fees and charges deducted on the standardized basis described above for the
first method of calculation.

                        STANDARDIZED PERFORMANCE DATA
GROWTH OF $1,000 UNDER A CERTIFICATE SURRENDERED ON DECEMBER 31, 1996*
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 LENGTH OF INVESTMENT PERIOD
                                      -----------------------------------------------
              INVESTMENT                 ONE    THREE     FIVE     TEN       SINCE
                 FUND                   YEAR    YEARS    YEARS    YEARS    INCEPTION*
- ------------------------------------- ------- -------- -------- -------- ------------
<S>                                   <C>     <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
HR TRUST
- ----------
Alliance Conservative Investors        $  970   $1,112   $1,288       --    $ 1,668
Alliance Growth Investors               1,042    1,268    1,514       --      2,555
Alliance Growth & Income                1,117    1,368       --       --      1,362
Alliance Common Stock                   1,158    1,491    1,895   $3,752     14,485
Alliance Global                         1,062    1,321    1,717       --      2,424
Alliance International                  1,015       --       --       --      1,132
Alliance Aggressive Stock               1,137    1,430    1,589    4,770      6,388
Alliance Money Market                     971    1,058    1,112    1,514      2,332
Alliance Intermediate Govt.
 Securities                               956    1,026    1,186       --      1,328
Alliance High Yield                     1,144    1,320    1,809       --      2,522
Alliance Equity Index                   1,140       --       --       --      1,578
</TABLE>
    

   
- ------------
  * For all the Portfolios of HR Trust other than the Alliance Equity Index,
    the tables reflect the withdrawal charge and charges under a Certificate
    with the 0.45% Combined Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit and Guaranteed
    Minimum Income Benefit charge. The values shown for the Alliance Equity
    Index Portfolio reflect the withdrawal charge and charges under a
    Certificate with the 0.20% Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit Only Benefit
    charge.
 ** The "Since Inception" dates for the Portfolios of HR Trust are as follows:
    Alliance Conservative Investors (October 2, 1989); Alliance Growth
    Investors (October 2, 1989); Alliance Growth & Income (October 1, 1993);
    Alliance Common Stock (January 13, 1976); Alliance Global (August 27,
    1987); Alliance International (April 3, 1995); Alliance Aggressive Stock
    (January 27, 1986); Alliance Money Market (July 13, 1981); and Alliance
    Intermediate Government Securities (April 1, 1991); and Alliance High Yield
    (January 2, 1987).

<PAGE>

Additional investment performance information appears in the attached HR Trust
and EQ Trust prospectuses.

The Alliance Small Cap Growth Portfolio of HR Trust commenced operations on May
1, 1997. Therefore, no actual historical performance data are available.
However, historical performance of a composite of six other advisory accounts
managed by Alliance is described in the attached HR Trust prospectus. According
to that prospectus, these accounts have substantially the same investment
objectives and policies, and are managed in accordance with essentially the
same investment strategies and techniques, as those of the Alliance Small Cap
Growth Portfolio. It should be noted that these accounts are not subject to
certain of the requirements and restrictions to which the Alliance Small Cap
Growth Portfolio is subject and that they are managed for
    

                                       51
<PAGE>

   
tax exempt clients of Alliance, who may have different investment goals. The
investment performance information included in the HR Trust prospectus for all
Portfolios other than the Alliance Small Cap Portfolio is based on actual
historical performance.

The investment performance data for HR Trust's Alliance Small Cap Portfolio and
for each of the Portfolios of EQ Trust, contained in the HR Trust and the EQ
Trust prospectuses, are provided by those prospectuses to illustrate the past
performance of each respective Portfolio advisor in managing a substantially
similar investment vehicles as measured against specified market indices and do
not represent the past or future performance of any Portfolio. None of the
performance data contained in the HR Trust and EQ Trust prospectuses reflects
fees and charges imposed under your Certificate, which fees and charges would
reduce such performance figures. Therefore, the performance data for each of
the Portfolios described in the EQ Trust prospectus and for the Alliance Small
Cap Portfolio in the HR Trust propsectus may be of limited use and are not
intended to be a substitute for actual performance of the corresponding
Portfolios, nor are such results an estimate or guarantee of future performance
for these Portfolios.
    

RATE OF RETURN DATA FOR INVESTMENT FUNDS

The following tables (which reflect the second calculation method described
above) provide you with information on rates of return on an annualized,
cumulative and year-by-year basis.

All rates of return presented are time-weighted and include reinvestment of
investment income, including interest and dividends. Cumulative rates of return
reflect performance over a stated period of time. Annualized rates of return
represent the annual rate of growth that would have produced the same
cumulative return, if performance had been constant over the entire period.

BENCHMARKS

Market indices are not subject to any charges for investment advisory fees,
brokerage commission or other operating expenses typically associated with a
managed portfolio. Nor do they reflect other charges such as the mortality and
expense risks charge and the administration charge or any withdrawal charge
under the Certificates. Comparisons with these benchmarks, therefore, are of
limited use. We include them because they are widely known and may help you to
understand the universe of securities from which each Portfolio is likely to
select its holdings. Benchmark data reflect the reinvestment of dividend
income.

PORTFOLIO INCEPTION DATES AND COMPARATIVE BENCHMARKS:

   
ALLIANCE CONSERVATIVE INVESTORS: October 2, 1989; 70% Lehman Treasury Bond
Composite Index and 30% Standard & Poor's 500 Index.

ALLIANCE GROWTH INVESTORS: October 2, 1989; 30% Lehman Government/Corporate
Bond Index and 70% Standard & Poor's 500 Index.

ALLIANCE GROWTH & INCOME: October 1, 1993; 75% Standard & Poor's 500 Index
and 25% Value Line Convertible Index.

ALLIANCE COMMON STOCK: January 13, 1976; Standard & Poor's 500 Index.

ALLIANCE GLOBAL: August 27, 1987; Morgan Stanley Capital International World
Index.

ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL: April 3, 1995; Morgan Stanley Capital International
Europe, Australia, Far East Index.

ALLIANCE AGGRESSIVE STOCK: January 27, 1986; 50% Standard & Poor's Mid-Cap
Total Return Index and 50% Russell 2000 Small Stock Index.

ALLIANCE EQUITY INDEX: [to be inserted by amendment]

ALLIANCE MONEY MARKET: July 13, 1981; Salomon Brothers Three-Month T-Bill
Index.

ALLIANCE INTERMEDIATE GOVERNMENT SECURITIES: April 1, 1991; Lehman
Intermediate Government Bond Index.

ALLIANCE HIGH YIELD: January 2, 1987; Merrill Lynch Master High Yield.

ALLIANCE EQUITY INDEX FUND: March 1, 1994; Standard & Poor's 500 Index.
    

The Lipper Variable Insurance Products Performance Analysis Survey (Lipper)
records the performance of a large group of variable annuity products,
including managed separate accounts of insurance companies. According to Lipper
Analytical Services, Inc., the data are presented net of investment management
fees, direct operating expenses and asset-based charges applicable under
annuity contracts. Lipper data provide a more accurate picture than market
benchmarks of the Rollover IRA performance relative to other variable annuity
products.

                               52
<PAGE>

   
ANNUALIZED RATES OF RETURN FOR PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996:*
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            1 YEAR   3 YEARS   5 YEARS
                          -------- --------- ---------
<S>                       <C>      <C>       <C>
ALLIANCE CONSERVATIVE
 INVESTORS                   3.99%     5.47%     6.08%
 Lipper Income               8.95      8.91      9.55
 Benchmark                   8.78     10.14      9.64
ALLIANCE GROWTH INVESTORS   11.24      9.98      9.47
 Lipper Flexible
 Portfolio                  12.51      9.26      9.30
 Benchmark                  16.94     15.84     13.02
ALLIANCE GROWTH & INCOME    18.70     12.69       --
 Lipper Growth & Income     19.96     15.39       --
 Benchmark                  21.28     17.93       --
ALLIANCE COMMON STOCK       22.76     15.85     14.38
  Lipper Growth             18.78     14.80     12.39
  Benchmark                 22.96     19.66     15.20
ALLIANCE GLOBAL             13.20     11.42     12.18
 Lipper Global              17.89      8.49     10.29
 Benchmark                  13.48     12.91     10.82
ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL       8.54       --        --
 Lipper International       13.36       --        --
 Benchmark                   6.05       --        --
ALLIANCE AGGRESSIVE STOCK   20.71     14.31     10.53
 Lipper Small Company
   Growth                   16.55     12.70     17.53
 Benchmark                  17.85     14.14     14.80
ALLIANCE MONEY MARKET        4.05      3.80      3.11
 Lipper Money Market         3.82      3.60      2.93
 Benchmark                   5.25      5.07      4.37
ALLIANCE INTERMEDIATE
 GOVERNMENT  SECURITIES      2.57      2.80      4.38
  Lipper Gen. U.S.
    Government               1.57      3.99      5.21
  Benchmark                  4.06      5.37      6.23
ALLIANCE HIGH YIELD         21.39     11.41     13.32
  Lipper
   High Current Yield       12.46      7.93     11.47
  Benchmark                 11.06      9.59     12.76
ALLIANCE EQUITY INDEX       20.97       --        --
   Lipper S&P Index         21.10       --        --
                                                  --
   Benchmark                22.96       --        --
</TABLE>
    

   
                    (RESTUBBED TABLE CONTINUED FROM ABOVE)
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               SINCE
                            10 YEARS   15 YEARS   20 YEARS   INCEPTION
                          ---------- ---------- ---------- -----------
<S>                       <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
ALLIANCE CONSERVATIVE
 INVESTORS                     --         --         --         7.77%
 Lipper Income                 --         --         --         9.55
 Benchmark                     --         --         --        10.42
ALLIANCE GROWTH INVESTORS      --         --         --        14.22
 Lipper Flexible
 Portfolio                     --         --         --         9.99
 Benchmark                     --         --         --        12.73
ALLIANCE GROWTH & INCOME       --         --         --        11.47
 Lipper Growth & Income        --         --         --        14.78
 Benchmark                     --         --         --        17.24
ALLIANCE COMMON STOCK        14.48%     15.16%     14.16%      13.90
  Lipper Growth              13.08      14.04      13.60       13.42
  Benchmark                  15.28      16.79      14.55       14.63
ALLIANCE GLOBAL                --         --         --        10.42
 Lipper Global                 --         --         --         3.65
 Benchmark                     --         --         --         7.44
ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL         --         --         --        10.90
 Lipper International          --         --         --        14.33
 Benchmark                     --         --         --         8.74
ALLIANCE AGGRESSIVE STOCK    17.23        --         --        18.79
 Lipper Small Company
   Growth                    16.29        --         --        16.47
 Benchmark                   14.29        --         --        13.98
ALLIANCE MONEY MARKET         4.68       5.87        --         6.07
 Lipper Money Market          4.52       5.72        --         5.89
 Benchmark                    5.67       6.72        --         6.97
ALLIANCE INTERMEDIATE
 GOVERNMENT  SECURITIES        --         --         --         5.75
  Lipper Gen. U.S.
    Government                 --         --         --         6.76
  Benchmark                    --         --         --         7.43
ALLIANCE HIGH YIELD            --         --         --        10.13
  Lipper
   High Current Yield          --         --         --         9.13
  Benchmark                    --         --         --        11.24
                               --
ALLIANCE EQUITY INDEX          --         --         --        18.92
   Lipper S&P Index            --         --         --        18.87
   Benchmark                   --         --         --        20.90
</TABLE>
    
                                       53

<PAGE>

   
CUMULATIVE RATES OF RETURN FOR PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996:*
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            1 YEAR   3 YEARS   5 YEARS
                          -------- --------- ---------
<S>                       <C>      <C>       <C>
ALLIANCE CONSERVATIVE
 INVESTORS                   3.99%    17.34%    34.32%
 Lipper Income               8.95     29.47     58.37
 Benchmark                   8.78     33.60     58.40
ALLIANCE GROWTH INVESTORS   11.24     33.03     57.18
 Lipper Flexible
 Portfolio                  12.51     30.84     56.65
 Benchmark                  16.94     55.46     84.42
ALLIANCE GROWTH & INCOME    18.70     43.09      --
 Lipper Growth & Income     19.96     53.82      --
 Benchmark                  21.28     63.99      --
ALLIANCE COMMON STOCK       22.76     55.49     95.76
 Lipper Growth              18.78     51.65     80.51
 Benchmark                  22.96     71.34    102.85
ALLIANCE GLOBAL             13.20     38.31     77.66
 Lipper Global              17.89     28.45     63.87
 Benchmark                  13.48     43.95     67.12
ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL       8.54       --       --
 Lipper International       13.36       --       --
 Benchmark                   6.05       --       --
ALLIANCE AGGRESSIVE STOCK   20.71     49.35     64.99
 Lipper Small Company
  Growth                    16.55     43.42    142.70
 Benchmark                  17.85     48.69     99.38
ALLIANCE MONEY MARKET        4.05     11.83     16.52
  Lipper Money Market        3.82     11.18     15.58
  Benchmark                  5.25     15.99     23.86
ALLIANCE INTERMEDIATE
 GOVERNMENT
 SECURITIES                  2.57      8.63     23.89
  Lipper Gen. U.S.
    Government               1.57     12.45     28.92
  Benchmark                  4.06     16.98     35.30
ALLIANCE HIGH YIELD         21.39     38.28     86.89
  Lipper High
   Current Yield            12.46     25.77     72.39
  Benchmark                 11.06     31.63     82.29
ALLIANCE EQUITY INDEX       20.97       --       --
   Lipper S&P Index         21.10       --       --
   Benchmark                22.96       --       --
</TABLE>
    

   
                      (RESTUBBED TABLE CONTINUED FROM ABOVE)
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                SINCE
                            10 YEARS   15 YEARS   20 YEARS    INCEPTION
                          ---------- ---------- ----------- -----------
<S>                       <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>
ALLIANCE CONSERVATIVE
 INVESTORS                     --         --         --          72.02%
 Lipper Income                 --         --         --          94.21
 Benchmark                     --         --         --         105.23
ALLIANCE GROWTH INVESTORS      --         --         --         162.01
 Lipper Flexible
 Portfolio                     --         --         --         100.79
 Benchmark                     --         --         --         138.49
ALLIANCE GROWTH & INCOME       --         --         --          42.30
 Lipper Growth & Income        --         --         --          56.73
 Benchmark                     --         --         --          67.75
ALLIANCE COMMON STOCK        286.77%    731.08%   1,313.81%   1,429.67
 Lipper Growth               243.70     627.03    1,185.21    1,298.19
 Benchmark                   314.34     925.25    1,416.26    1,655.74
ALLIANCE GLOBAL                --         --         --         152.53
 Lipper Global                 --         --         --          39.73
 Benchmark                     --         --         --          95.62
ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL         --         --         --          19.76
 Lipper International          --         --         --          26.53
 Benchmark                     --         --         --          15.78
ALLIANCE AGGRESSIVE STOCK    390.16       --         --         556.01
 Lipper Small Company
  Growth                     352.31       --         --         428.32
 Benchmark                   280.32       --         --         318.19
ALLIANCE MONEY MARKET         57.94     135.33       --         148.77
  Lipper Money Market         55.73     130.46       --         141.99
  Benchmark                   73.61     165.31       --         184.26
ALLIANCE INTERMEDIATE
 GOVERNMENT
 SECURITIES                    --         --         --          37.89
  Lipper Gen. U.S.
    Government                 --         --         --          45.71
  Benchmark                    --         --         --          51.07
ALLIANCE HIGH YIELD            --         --         --         162.22
  Lipper High
   Current Yield               --         --         --         142.30
  Benchmark                    --         --         --         190.43
ALLIANCE EQUITY INDEX          --         --         --          63.39
   Lipper S&P Index            --         --         --          63.19
   Benchmark                   --         --         --          71.28
</TABLE>
    

                                       54

<PAGE>

   
YEAR-BY-YEAR RATES OF RETURN*
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   1984      1985     1986     1987      1988    1989
                --------- -------- -------- --------- -------- -------
<S>             <C>       <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>
ALLIANCE
 CONSERVATIVE
 INVESTORS            --       --       --        --       --     2.79%
ALLIANCE GROWTH
 INVESTORS            --       --       --        --       --     3.53
ALLIANCE GROWTH
 & INCOME             --       --       --        --       --       --
ALLIANCE COMMON
 STOCK**           (3.09)%  31.90%   16.02%     6.21%   21.03%   24.16
ALLIANCE GLOBAL       --       --       --    (13.62)    9.61    25.29
ALLIANCE
 INTERNATIONAL        --       --       --        --       --       --
ALLIANCE
 AGGRESSIVE
 STOCK                --       --    33.83      6.06    (0.03)   41.86
ALLIANCE MONEY
 MARKET**           9.59     7.22     5.39      5.41     6.09     7.93
ALLIANCE
 INTERMEDIATE
 GOVERNMENT
 SECURITIES           --       --       --        --       --       --
ALLIANCE HIGH
 YIELD                --       --       --      3.49     8.48     3.93
ALLIANCE EQUITY
 INDEX                --       --       --        --       --       --
</TABLE>
    

   
                    (RESTUBBED TABLE CONTINUED FROM ABOVE)
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   1990     1991     1992     1993     1994      1995    1996
                -------- -------- -------- -------- --------- -------- -------
<S>             <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>
ALLIANCE
 CONSERVATIVE
 INVESTORS         5.14%   18.51%    4.50%    9.54%    (5.20)%  19.02%    3.99%
ALLIANCE GROWTH
 INVESTORS         9.39    47.19     3.69    13.95     (4.27)   24.92    11.24
ALLIANCE GROWTH
 & INCOME            --       --       --    (0.55)    (1.72)   22.65    18.70
ALLIANCE COMMON
 STOCK**          (9.17)   36.30     2.03    23.29     (3.26)   30.93    22.76
ALLIANCE GLOBAL   (7.15)   29.06    (1.65)   30.60      4.02    17.45    13.20
ALLIANCE
 INTERNATIONAL       --       --       --       --        --    10.34     8.54
ALLIANCE
 AGGRESSIVE
 STOCK             6.92    84.73    (4.28)   15.41     (4.92)   30.13    20.71
ALLIANCE MONEY
 MARKET**          6.99     4.97     2.37     1.78      2.82     4.53     4.05
ALLIANCE
 INTERMEDIATE
 GOVERNMENT
 SECURITIES          --    11.30     4.38     9.27     (5.47)   12.03     2.57
ALLIANCE HIGH
 YIELD            (2.26)   23.03    11.02    21.74     (3.90)   18.54    21.39
ALLIANCE EQUITY
 INDEX               --       --       --       --      0.11    34.92    20.97
</TABLE>
    

   
- ------------
  *    Returns do not reflect the withdrawal charge, the Combined GMDB/GMIB
       Benefit charge and any charge for tax such as premium taxes.
 **    Prior to 1984 the Year-by-Year Rates of Return were: 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                       1976   1977    1978    1979   1980   1981   1982   1983
                       ----   ----    ----    ----   ----   ----   ----   ----
      <S>              <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>
     ALLIANCE 
      COMMON STOCK     9.20% (10.28)% 6.99%  28.35% 48.39% (6.94)% 16.22% 24.67%
     ALLIANCE MONEY
      MARKET              --     --      --      --     --   5.71   11.72   7.70
</TABLE>

COMMUNICATING PERFORMANCE DATA

In reports or other communications or in advertising material, we may describe
general economic and market conditions affecting the Separate Account and each
respective trust and may present the performance of the Investment Funds or
compare it (1) that of other insurance company separate accounts or mutual
funds included in the rankings prepared by Lipper Analytical Services, Inc.,
Morningstar, Inc., VARDS or similar investment services that monitor the
performance of insurance company separate accounts or mutual funds, (2) other
appropriate indices of investment securities and averages for peer universes of
funds which are shown under "Benchmarks" and "Portfolio Inception Dates and
Comparative Benchmarks" in this Part 2, or (3) data developed by us derived
from such indices or averages. The Morningstar Variable Annuity/Life Report
consists of nearly 700 variable life and annuity funds, all of which report
their data net of investment management fees, direct operating expenses and
separate account charges. VARDS is a monthly reporting service that monitors
approximately 760 variable life and variable annuity funds on performance and
account information. Advertisements or other communications furnished to
present or prospective Certificate Owners may also include evaluations of an
Investment Fund or Portfolio by financial publications that are nationally
recognized such as Barron's, Morningstar's Variable Annuity Sourcebook,
Business Week, Chicago Tribune, Forbes, Fortune, Institutional Investor,
Investment Adviser, Investment Dealer's Digest, Investment Management Weekly,
Los Angeles Times, Money, Money Management Letter, Kiplinger's Personal
Finance, Financial Planning, National Underwriter, Pension & Investments, USA
Today, Investor's Daily, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal.

ALLIANCE MONEY MARKET FUND AND ALLIANCE INTERMEDIATE GOVERNMENT SECURITIES
FUND YIELD INFORMATION

The current yield and effective yield of the Alliance Money Market Fund and
Alliance Intermediate Government Securities Fund may appear in reports and
promotional material to current or prospective Certificate Owners.

Alliance Money Market Fund

Current yield for the Alliance Money Market Fund will be based on net changes
in a hypothetical investment over a given seven-day period, exclusive of
capital changes, and then "annualized" (assuming that the same seven-day result
would occur each week for 52 weeks). "Effective yield" is calculated in
    

                                       55
<PAGE>

   
a manner similar to that used to calculate current yield, but when annualized,
any income earned by the investment is assumed to be reinvested. The "effective
yield" will be slightly higher than the "current yield" because any earnings
are compounded weekly. Alliance Money Market Fund yields and effective yields
assume the deduction of all Certificate charges and expenses other than the
withdrawal charge, combined Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit and Guaranteed
Minimum Income Benefit benefit charge and any charge for tax such as premium
tax. The effective yields for the Alliance Money Market Fund when used for
Special Dollar Cost Averaging program, assume no Certificate charges are
deducted. See "Part 5: Alliance Money Market Fund and Alliance Intermediate
Government Securities Fund Yield Information" in the SAI.

Alliance Intermediate Government Securities Fund

Current yield for the Alliance Intermediate Government Securities Fund will be
based on net changes in a hypothetical investment over a given 30-day period,
exclusive of capital changes, and then "annualized" (assuming that the 30-day
result would occur each month for 12 months). "Effective yield" is calculated
in a manner similar to that used to calculate current yield, but when
annualized, any income earned by the investment is assumed to be reinvested.
The "effective yield" will be higher than the "current yield" because any
earnings are compounded monthly.

Alliance Intermediate Government Securities Fund yields and effective yields
assume the deduction of all Certificate charges and expenses other than the
withdrawal charge, combined Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit/Guaranteed Minimum
Income Benefit benefit charge and any charge for tax such as premium tax. See
"Part 5: Alliance Money Market Fund and Alliance Intermediate Government
Securities Fund Yield Information" in the SAI.
    

                               56
<PAGE>
                 APPENDIX I: MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT EXAMPLE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

The example below shows how the market value adjustment would be determined and
how it would be applied to a withdrawal, assuming that $100,000 were allocated
on February 15, 1998 to a Guarantee Period with an Expiration Date of February
15, 2007 at a Guaranteed Rate of 7.00% resulting in a Maturity Value at the
Expiration Date of $183,846, and further assuming that a withdrawal of $50,000
were made on February 15, 2002.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   ASSUMED
                                              GUARANTEED RATE ON
                                              FEBRUARY 15, 2002
                                            ---------------------
                                               5.00%      9.00%
                                            ---------- ----------
<S>                                         <C>        <C>
As of February 15, 2002 (Before Withdrawal)
- -------------------------------------------
(1) Present Value of Maturity Value, also
    Annuity Account Value...................  $144,048   $119,487
(2) Guaranteed Period Amount................   131,080    131,080
(3) Market Value Adjustment: (1)-(2) .......    12,968    (11,593)

On February 15, 2002 (After Withdrawal)
- -------------------------------------------
(4) Portion of (3) Associated
    with Withdrawal: (3) x [$50,000 / (1)] .  $  4,501   $ (4,851)
(5) Reduction in Guaranteed
    Period Amount: [$50,000-(4)]............    45,499     54,851
(6) Guaranteed Period Amount: (2)-(5) ......    85,581     76,229
(7) Maturity Value..........................   120,032    106,915
(8) Present Value of (7), also
    Annuity Account Value...................    94,048     69,487
</TABLE>

You should note that under this example if a withdrawal is made when rates have
increased (from 7.00% to 9.00% in the example), a portion of a negative market
value adjustment is realized. On the other hand, if a withdrawal is made when
rates have decreased (from 7.00% to 5.00% in the example), a portion of a
positive market value adjustment is realized.

                                       57
<PAGE>

   
            APPENDIX II: GUARANTEED MINIMUM DEATH BENEFIT EXAMPLE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Under the Certificates the death benefit is equal to the sum of:
 (1)      the Annuity Account Value in the Investment Funds, or, if greater,
          the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit (see "Guaranteed Minimum Death
          Benefit" in Part 4); and
    

 (2)      the death benefit provided with respect to the Guaranteed Period
          Account (see "Death Benefit Amount" in Part 3).

   
The following is an example illustrating the calculation of the Guaranteed
Minimum Death Benefit. Assuming $100,000 is allocated to the Investment Funds
(with no allocation to the Fixed Income Series), no subsequent contributions,
no transfers and no withdrawals, the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit for an
Annuitant age 45 would be calculated as follows: 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              NON-NEW YORK        NEW YORK
   END OF                      GUARANTEED        GUARANTEED
 CONTRACT       ANNUITY          MINIMUM           MINIMUM
    YEAR     ACCOUNT VALUE  DEATH BENEFIT(1)    DEATH BENEFIT
- ---------- --------------- ----------------- -----------------
<S>        <C>             <C>               <C>
     1         $105,000         $106,000         $105,000(2)
     2         $115,500         $112,360         $115,500(2)
     3         $132,825         $119,102         $132,825(2)
     4         $106,260         $126,248         $132,825(3)
     5         $116,886         $133,823         $132,825(3)
     6         $140,263         $141,852         $140,263(2)
     7         $140,263         $150,363         $140,263(3)
</TABLE>
    

The Annuity Account Values for Contract Years 1 through 8 are determined based
on hypothetical rates of return of 5.00%, 10.00%, 15.00%, 20.00%, 10.00%,
20.00% and 0.00%, respectively.

   
6% TO AGE 80 BENEFIT
(1)   For Contract Years 1 through 7, the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit
      equals the initial contribution increased by 6%.

NEW YORK
(2)   At the end of Contract Years 1, 2, and 3 again at the end of Contract
      Year 6, the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit is equal to the current
      Annuity Account Value.
(3)   At the end of Contract Years 4, 5 and 7, the Guaranteed Minimum Death
      Benefit is equal to the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit at the end of
      the prior year since it is equal to or higher than the current Annuity 
      Account Value.
    

                                       58
<PAGE>

   
APPENDIX III: EXAMPLE OF PAYMENTS UNDER THE ASSURED PAYMENT
OPTION AND APO PLUS
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

The second column in the chart below illustrates the payments for a male age 70
who purchased the Assured Payment Option on April 15, 1997 with a single
contribution of $100,000, with increasing annual payments. The payments are to
commence on February 15, 1998. It assumes that the fixed period is 15 years and
that the Life Contingent Annuity will provide payments on a Single Life basis.
Based on Guaranteed Rates for the Guarantee Periods and the current purchase
rate for the Life Contingent Annuity, on April 15, 1997, the initial payment
would be $7,178.53 and would increase in each three year period to a final
payment of $10,510.08. The first payment under the Life Contingent Annuity
would be $11,561.09.

Alternatively as shown in the third and fourth columns, this individual could
purchase APO Plus with the same $100,000 contribution, with the same fixed
period and the Life Contingent Annuity on a Single Life basis. Assuming
election of the Alliance Common Stock Fund based on Guaranteed Rates for the
Guarantee Periods and the current purchase rate for the Life Contingent
Annuity, on April 15, 1997, the same initial payment of $7,178.53 would be
purchased under APO Plus. However, unlike the payment under the Assured Payment
Option that will increase every three years, this initial payment under APO
Plus is not guaranteed to increase. Therefore, only $79,640.00 is needed to
purchase the initial payment stream, and the remaining $20,360.00 is invested
in the Investment Funds. Any future increase in payments under APO Plus will
depend on the investment performance in the Alliance Common Stock Fund.

Assuming hypothetical average annual rates of return of 0% and 8% (after
deduction of charges) for the Investment Fund, the Annuity Account Value in the
Investment Fund would grow to $20,360.00 and $25,647.73 respectively after
three years. A portion of this amount is used to purchase the increase in the
payments at the beginning of the fourth year. The remainder will stay in the
Investment Fund to be drawn upon for the purchase of increases in payments at
the end of each third year thereafter during the fixed period and at the end of
the fixed period under the Life Contingent Annuity. Based on Guaranteed Rates
for the Guarantee Periods and purchase rates for the Life Contingent Annuity as
of April 15, 1997, the third and fourth columns illustrate the increasing
payments that would be purchased under APO Plus assuming 0% and 8% rates of
return respectively. 
    

Under both options, while the Certificate Owner is living payments increase
annually after the 16th year under the Life Contingent Annuity based on the
increase, if any, in the Consumer Price Index, but in no event greater than 3%
per year.

                               ANNUAL PAYMENTS

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         ILLUSTRATIVE   ILLUSTRATIVE
         GUARANTEED INCREASING PAYMENTS    PAYMENTS       PAYMENTS
                   UNDER THE                UNDER          UNDER
 YEARS       ASSURED PAYMENT OPTION     APO PLUS AT 0% APO PLUS AT 8%
- ------- ------------------------------ -------------- --------------
<S>     <C>                            <C>            <C>
1-3                $ 7,178.53             $7,178.53      $ 7,178.53
4-6                  7,896.38              7,380.16        7,754.69
7-9                  8,686.02              7,732.40        8,553.00
10-12                9,554.62              8,084.63        9,367.45
13-15               10,510.08              8,399.11       10,151.22
 16                 11,561.09              8,626.70       10,839.98
</TABLE>
    

   
As described above, a portion of the illustrated contribution is applied to the
Life Contingent Annuity. This amount will generally be larger under the Assured
Payment Option than under APO Plus, and conversely a smaller portion of the
contribution will be allocated to Guarantee Periods under the former than the
latter. In this illustration, $81,843.99 is allocated under the Assured Payment
Option to the Guarantee Periods and under APO Plus, $89,778.56 is allocated to
the Guarantee Periods and the Investment Fund. The balance of the $100,000
($18,156.01 and $10,221.44, respectively) is applied to the Life Contingent
Annuity. 
    

The rates of return of 0% and 8% are for illustrative purposes only and are not
intended to represent an expected or guaranteed rate of return. Your investment
results will vary. Payments will also depend on the Guaranteed Rates and Life
Contingent Annuity purchase rates in effect as of the Transaction Date. It is
assumed that no Lump Sum Withdrawals are taken.

                                       59
<PAGE>

                     APPENDIX IV: IRS TAX DEDUCTION TABLE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

If your Maximum Permissible Dollar Deduction is $2,000, use this table to
estimate the amount of your contribution which will be deductible.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 EXCESS AGI    DEDUCTION   EXCESS AGI   DEDUCTION   EXCESS AGI   DEDUCTION   EXCESS AGI   DEDUCTION
- ------------ ----------- ------------ ----------- ------------ ----------- ------------ -----------
<S>          <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>
    $    0      $2,000       $2,550      $1,490       $5,050       $990       $ 7,550       $490
        50       1,990        2,600       1,480        5,100        980         7,600        480
       100       1,980        2,650       1,470        5,150        970         7,650        470
       150       1,970        2,700       1,460        5,200        960         7,700        460
       200       1,960        2,750       1,450        5,250        950         7,750        450
       250       1,950        2,800       1,440        5,300        940         7,800        440
       300       1,940        2,850       1,430        5,350        930         7,850        430
       350       1,930        2,900       1,420        5,400        920         7,900        420
       400       1,920        2,950       1,410        5,450        910         7,950        410
       450       1,910        3,000       1,400        5,500        900         8,000        400
       500       1,900        3,050       1,390        5,550        890         8,050        390
       550       1,890        3,100       1,380        5,600        880         8,100        380
       600       1,880        3,150       1,370        5,650        870         8,150        370
       650       1,870        3,200       1,360        5,700        860         8,200        360
       700       1,860        3,250       1,350        5,750        850         8,250        350
       750       1,850        3,300       1,340        5,800        840         8,300        340
       800       1,840        3,350       1,330        5,850        830         8,350        330
       850       1,830        3,400       1,320        5,900        820         8,400        320
       900       1,820        3,450       1,310        5,950        810         8,450        310
       950       1,810        3,500       1,300        6,000        800         8,500        300
     1,000       1,800        3,550       1,290        6,050        790         8,550        290
     1,050       1,790        3,600       1,280        6,100        780         8,600        280
     1,100       1,780        3,650       1,270        6,150        770         8,650        270
     1,150       1,770        3,700       1,260        6,200        760         8,700        260
     1,200       1,760        3,750       1,250        6,250        750         8,750        250
     1,250       1,750        3,800       1,240        6,300        740         8,800        240
     1,300       1,740        3,850       1,230        6,350        730         8,850        230
     1,350       1,730        3,900       1,220        6,400        720         8,900        220
     1,400       1,720        3,950       1,210        6,450        710         8,950        210
     1,450       1,710        4,000       1,200        6,500        700         9,000        200
     1,500       1,700        4,050       1,190        6,550        690         9,050        200
     1,550       1,690        4,100       1,180        6,600        680         9,100        200
     1,600       1,680        4,150       1,170        6,650        670         9,150        200
     1,650       1,670        4,200       1,160        6,700        660         9,200        200
     1,700       1,660        4,250       1,150        6,750        650         9,250        200
     1,750       1,650        4,300       1,140        6,800        640         9,300        200
     1,800       1,640        4,350       1,130        6,850        630         9,350        200
     1,850       1,630        4,400       1,120        6,900        620         9,400        200
     1,900       1,620        4,450       1,110        6,950        610         9,450        200
     1,950       1,610        4,500       1,100        7,000        600         9,500        200
     2,000       1,600        4,550       1,090        7,050        590         9,550        200
     2,050       1,590        4,600       1,080        7,100        580         9,600        200
     2,100       1,580        4,650       1,070        7,150        570         9,650        200
     2,150       1,570        4,700       1,060        7,200        560         9,700        200
     2,200       1,560        4,750       1,050        7,250        550         9,750        200
     2,250       1,550        4,800       1,040        7,300        540         9,800        200
     2,300       1,540        4,850       1,030        7,350        530         9,850        200
     2,350       1,530        4,900       1,020        7,400        520         9,900        200
     2,400       1,520        4,950       1,010        7,450        510         9,950        200
     2,450       1,510        5,000       1,000        7,500        500        10,000          0
     2,500       1,500
</TABLE>

- ------------
Excess       AGI = Your AGI minus your THRESHOLD LEVEL: 
             If you are single, your Threshold Level is $25,000. 
             If you are married, your Threshold Level is $40,000. 
             If you are married and file a separate tax return, your 
              Excess AGI = your AGI.

                                       60
<PAGE>

                     STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
                              TABLE OF CONTENTS

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 PAGE
                                                              --------
<S>         <C>                                               <C>
Part 1:     Minimum Distribution Withdrawals                      2
Part 2:     Accumulation Unit Values                              2
Part 3:     Annuity Unit Values                                   2
Part 4:     Custodian and Independent Accountants                 3
Part 5:     Alliance Money Market Fund and Alliance
            Intermediate Government Securities Fund Yield
            Information                                           3
Part 6:     Long-Term Market Trends                               5
Part 7:     Financial Statements                                  7
</TABLE>
    

                     HOW TO OBTAIN A ROLLOVER IRA STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL
                     INFORMATION FOR SEPARATE ACCOUNT NO. 45

                     Send this request form to:
                               Equitable Life
                               Income Management Group
                               P.O. Box 1547
                               Secaucus, NJ 07096-1547

                     Please send me an INCOME MANAGER Rollover IRA SAI:

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

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

                     ---------------------------------------------------------
                     City                    State                    Zip


                               61

<PAGE>

                                 SUPPLEMENT TO
                          INCOME MANAGERSM ACCUMULATOR
                          PROSPECTUS DATED MAY 1, 1997

          COMBINATION VARIABLE AND FIXED DEFERRED ANNUITY CERTIFICATES

                                   Issued By:
           The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States

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


This prospectus supplement describes the Combined Guaranteed Minimum Death
Benefit and Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit (Plan A) offered to Annuitant
election ages 76 or older under the INCOME MANAGER Accumulator Prospectus.
Capitalized terms in this supplement have the same meaning as in the
prospectus.

The Combined Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit and Guaranteed Minimum Income
Benefit (Plan A) discussed on page 18 of the prospectus under baseBUILDER
Benefits is available for Annuitant issue ages 76 or older at a charge of
0.45%. The benefit is as discussed below:

The Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit applicable to the combined benefit is as
follows:

         4% to Age 85 Benefit - On the Contract Date, the Guaranteed Minimum
         Death Benefit is equal to the portion of the initial contribution
         allocated to the Investment Funds. Thereafter, the Guaranteed Minimum
         Death Benefit is credited with interest at 4% (3% for amounts in the
         Alliance Money Market and Alliance Intermediate Government Securities
         Funds) on each Contract Date anniversary through the Annuitant's age
         85 (or on the date of the Annuitant's death if earlier), and 0%
         thereafter, and is adjusted for any subsequent contributions and
         transfers into the Investment Funds and transfers and withdrawals from
         such Funds.

In the Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit discussed on page 20 of the prospectus
may be exercised only within 30 days following the 7th or later Contract Date
anniversary, but in no event later than the Annuitant's age 90.

The period certain will be 90 less the Annuitant's age at election.

The Guaranteed Minimum Income benefit benefit base described on page 22 of the
prospectus is as follows:

         The Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit benefit base is equal to the
         initial contribution on the Contract Date. Thereafter, the Guaranteed
         Minimum Income Benefit benefit base is credited with interest at 4%
         (3% for amounts in the Alliance Money Market and Alliance Intermediate
         Government Securities Funds) on each Contract Date anniversary through
         the Annuitant's age 85 (or on the date of the Annuitant's death if
         earlier), and 0% thereafter, and is adjusted for any subsequent
         contributions and transfers into the Investment Funds and transfers
         and withdrawals from such Funds.

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUPPLEMENT DATED MAY 1, 1997


<PAGE>

                                                                    May 1, 1997



THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES

                    PROFILE OF INCOME MANAGER(SM) ACCUMULATOR
          COMBINATION VARIABLE AND FIXED DEFERRED ANNUITY CERTIFICATES


This Profile is a summary of some of the more important points that you should
know and consider before purchasing a Certificate. The Certificate is more
fully described in the prospectus which accompanies this Profile. Please read
the prospectus carefully.

   
1. THE ANNUITY CERTIFICATE. The Accumulator Certificate is a combination
variable and fixed deferred annuity issued by Equitable Life. It is designed to
provide for the accumulation of savings and for retirement income through the
investment of after-tax money during an accumulation phase. You may invest in
Investment Funds where your Certificate's value may vary up or down depending
upon the investment performance. You may also invest in Guarantee Periods, or
"GIROs" that when held to maturity provide guaranteed interest rates that we
have set and a guarantee of principal. If you make any transfers or withdrawals
from a GIRO before maturity, its investment value may increase or decrease 
due to interest rate changes. Earnings under your Certificate accumulate on a 
tax-deferred basis until amounts are distributed. Amounts distributed may be 
subject to income tax.

The Investment Funds offer a potential for better returns than the interest 
rates guaranteed when GIROs are held to maturity, but the Investment Funds 
involve risk and you can lose money. You may make transfers among the 
Investment Funds and GIROs. The value of GIROs prior to their maturity 
fluctuates and you can lose money on premature transfers or withdrawals.
    

The Certificate provides a number of distribution methods during the
accumulation phase and for converting to annuity income. The amount accumulated
under your Certificate during the accumulation phase will affect the amount of
distribution or annuity benefits you receive.

2. ANNUITY PAYMENTS. When you are ready to start receiving income, annuity
income is available by applying your Certificate's value to the Income Manager
(Life Annuity with a Period Certain). You can also have your Certificate's
value applied to any of the following five ANNUITY BENEFITS: (1) Life Annuity -
payments for your life (assuming you are the annuitant), (2) Life Annuity -
Period Certain - payments for your life, but with payments continuing to the
beneficiary for the balance of the 5, 10, 15 or 20 years (as you select) if you
die before the end of the selected period; (3) Life Annuity - Refund Certain -
payments for your life, with payments continuing to the beneficiary after your
death until any remaining amount applied to this option runs out; and (4)
Period Certain Annuity - payments for a specified period of time, usually 5,
10, 15 or 20 years, with no life contingencies. Options (2) and (3) are also
available as a Joint and Survivor Annuity - payments for your life, and after
your death, continuation of payments to the survivor for life. Annuity Benefits
(other than the Refund Certain only available on a fixed basis) are available
as a fixed annuity, or as a variable annuity, where the dollar amount of your
payments will depend upon the investment performance of the Investment Funds.
Once you begin receiving annuity payments, you cannot change your annuity
benefit.


                              --------------------
                        baseBUILDER is a service mark of
           The Equitable Life Assurance Socity of the United States.

                                       1


<PAGE>




   
3. PURCHASE. You can purchase a Certificate with $5,000 or more. You may add
additional amounts of $1,000 or more at any time (subject to certain 
restrictions). Subject to certain age restrictions, you may purchase the 
baseBUILDERSM guaranteed benefits, in the form of a Combined Guaranteed Minimum
Death Benefit and Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit (Plan A). If you do not 
elect the combined benefit, the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit is provided 
under the Certificate at a lower charge (Plan B). Both benefits are discussed 
below. You choose the one that best suits your needs.
    

4. INVESTMENT OPTIONS. You may invest in any or all of the following Investment
Funds, which invest in shares of corresponding portfolios of The Hudson River
Trust (HR Trust) and EQ Advisors Trust, (EQ Trust). The portfolios are
described in the prospectuses for HR Trust and EQ Trust.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

HR TRUST INVESTMENT FUNDS                 EQ TRUST INVESTMENT FUNDS
- -------------------------                 --------------------------
<S>                              <C>                     <C>
Alliance Conservative Investors  EQ/Putnam Balanced    Morgan Stanley Emerging
Alliance Growth Investors        EQ/Putnam Growth &      Markets Equity*
Alliance Growth & Income           Income Value        T. Rowe Price Equity   
Alliance Common Stock            MFS Emerging Growth     Income
Alliance Global                    Companies           T. Rowe Price        
Alliance International           MFS Research            International Stock  
Alliance Aggressive Stock        Merrill Lynch Basic   Warburg Pincus Small
Alliance Small Cap Growth          Value Equity          Company Value       
Alliance Money Market            Merrill Lynch World
Alliance Intermediate              Strategy    
  Government Securities              
Alliance High Yield       
   
</TABLE>


* The Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Equity Fund will be available on or about
September 2, 1997.

   
You may also invest in one or more GIROs currently maturing in years 1998
through 2007.
    

5. EXPENSES. The Certificate has expenses as follows: For Plan A -- there is an
annual charge as a percentage of the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit. The
percentage is equal to 0.45%. For Plan B -- the percentage is equal to 0.20%.
As a percentage of assets in the Investment Funds, a daily charge is deducted
for mortality and expense risks at an annual rate of 0.90%; a daily charge is
deducted for administration expenses at an annual rate of 0.25%.

The charges for the portfolios of HR Trust range from 0.64% to 1.33% of the
average daily net assets of HR Trust portfolios, depending upon HR Trust
portfolios selected (based on 1996 other expenses). The charges for the
portfolios of EQ Trust range from 0.85% to 1.75% of the average daily assets of
EQ Trust portfolio. These amounts are based on restated values during 1996 and,
for EQ Trust, a current expense cap. The 12b-1 fees for the portfolios of HR
Trust and EQ Trust are 0.25% of the average daily net assets of HR Trust and EQ
Trust, respectively. Charges for state premium and other applicable taxes may
also apply at the time you elect to start receiving annuity payments.


                                       2


<PAGE>

A withdrawal charge is imposed as a percentage of each contribution withdrawn
in excess of a free corridor amount, or if the Certificate is surrendered. The
free corridor amount for withdrawals (other than surrender) is 15% of the
Certificate's value at the beginning of the year. When applicable, the
withdrawal charge is determined in accordance with the table below, based on
the year a contribution is withdrawn. The year in which we receive your
contribution is "Year 1."

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                Year of Contribution Withdrawal

                      1      2      3      4      5      6      7      8+
                     ------------------------------------------------------
<S>                 <C>     <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>     <C>
Percentage of
Contribution         7.0%  6.0%    5.0%   4.0%   3.0%   2.0%   1.0%   0.0%
</TABLE>
   
The following chart is designed to help you understand the charges in the
Certificate. The "Total Annual Charges" column shows the combined total of the
Certificate charges deducted as a percentage of assets in the Investment Funds 
and the portfolio charges, as shown in the first two columns. The last two 
columns show you two examples of the charges, in dollars, that you would pay 
under a Certificate and include the benefit based charge for the baseBUILDER
combined Guaranteed Minimum Death and Income Benefits equal to 0.45% of the
Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit in effect on each Contract Date anniversary.
The examples assume that you invested $1,000 in a Certificate which earns 5%
annually and that you withdraw your money: (1) at the end of year 1, and (2)
at the end of year 10. For year 1, the Total Annual Charges are assessed as
well as the withdrawal charge. For year 10, the example shows the aggregate
of all the annual charges assessed for the 10 years, but there is no withdrawal
charge. No charges for state premium and other applicable taxes are assumed
in the examples.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             EXAMPLES
                               TOTAL ANNUAL     TOTAL ANNUAL    TOTAL        Total Annual
                               CERTIFICATE      PORTFOLIO      ANNUAL      Expenses at End of:
INVESTMENT FUND                  CHARGES         CHARGES       CHARGES      (1)        (2)
                                                                           1 Year    10 Years
<S>                             <C>            <C>             <C>         <C>        <C>
EQ TRUST
- --------
EQ/Putnam Balanced                1.15%           0.90%         2.05%      $90.74    $293.88
EQ/Putnam Growth & Income Value   1.15            0.85          2.00        90.24     288.87
MFS Emerging Growth Companies     1.15            0.85          2.00        90.24     288.87
MFS Research                      1.15            0.85          2.00        90.24     288.87
Merrill Lynch Basic Value Equity  1.15            0.85          2.00        90.24     288.87
Merrill Lynch World Strategy      1.15            1.20          2.35        93.72     323.50
Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets
  Equity                          1.15            1.75          2.90        99.19     375.62
T. Rowe Price Equity Income       1.15            0.85          2.00        90.24     288.87
T. Rowe Price International 
  Stock                           1.15            1.20          2.35        93.72     323.50
Warburg Pincus Small
  Company Value                   1.15            1.00          2.15        91.73     303.84

HR TRUST
- --------
Alliance Conservative 
 Investors                        1.15%           0.80%         1.95%      $89.74     $275.75
Alliance Growth Investors         1.15            0.84          1.99        90.14      279.80
Alliance Growth & Income          1.15            0.85          2.00        90.24      280.80
Alliance Common Stock             1.15            0.66          1.81        88.35      261.52
Alliance Global                   1.15            0.98          2.13        91.53      293.80
Alliance International            1.15            1.33          2.48        95.01      328.00
Alliance Aggressive Stock         1.15            0.83          1.98        90.04      278.79
Alliance Small Cap Growth         1.15            1.25          2.40        94.22        ---
Alliance Money Market             1.15            0.64          1.79        88.15      259.45
Alliance Intermediate 
 Government Securities            1.15            0.84          1.99        90.14      279.80
Alliance High Yield               1.15            0.91          2.06        90.84      286.83
</TABLE>

For Investment Funds investing in portfolios with less than 10 years of
operations, charges have been estimated. The charges reflect any expense waiver
or limitation. For more detailed information, see the Fee Table in the
prospectus.
    

6. TAXES. In most cases, your earnings are not taxed until distributions are
made from your Certificate. If you are younger than age 59 1/2 when you receive
any distributions, you may be charged an additional 10% Federal tax penalty on
the amount received.
                                      3
<PAGE>


   
7. ACCESS TO YOUR MONEY. During the accumulation phase, you may receive
distributions under your Certificate through the following WITHDRAWAL OPTIONS:
(1) Lump Sum Withdrawals of at least $1,000 may be taken at any time, and (2)
Systematic Withdrawals, paid monthly, quarterly or annually, subject to certain
restrictions, including a maximum percentage of your Certificate's value. You
also have access to your Certificate's value by surrendering the Certificate.
All or a portion of a withdrawal may be subject to a withdrawal charge to the
extent that the withdrawal exceeds the free corridor amount. A free corridor
amount does not apply to a surrender. Withdrawals and surrenders may be subject
to income tax and may be subject to a tax penalty. Withdrawals from GIROs
prior to their maturity may result in a market value adjustment.

8. PERFORMANCE. During the accumulation phase, your Certificate's value in the
Investment Funds may vary up or down depending upon the investment performance
of the Investment Funds you have selected. The following chart shows total
returns for certain Investment Funds for the time periods shown. The results
indicated reflect all of the charges, except for the Combined Guaranteed
Minimum Death Benefit and Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit Charge for the
optional combined guaranteed benefits and the withdrawal charge. If included,
these two charges would reduce the performance numbers shown below. Past
performance is not a guarantee of future results.

The performance data for the Alliance Growth & Income, Alliance International,
Alliance Conservative Investors, Alliance Intermediate Government Securities
(under which portfolios of HR Trust with a 12b-l fee were not previously
available) and the for other Investment Funds prior to October 16, 1996, do not
reflect the 12b-1 fee. There is no performance data for the Alliance Small Cap
Growth Fund and the Investment Funds investing in EQ Trust portfolios as such
Investment Funds were not available prior to May 1, 1997.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                      CALENDAR YEAR

INVESTMENT FUND                1996      1995      1994      1993      1992     1991    1990     1989     1988     1987
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                           <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>      <C>     <C>      <C>      <C>     <C>

HR TRUST
- --------
Alliance Conservative
   Investors                    3.99%    19.02%    (5.20)%   9.54%     4.50%   18.51%   5.14%    2.79%     --       --  
Alliance Growth Investors      11.24     24.92     (4.27)   13.95      3.69    47.19    9.39     3.53      --       --
Alliance Growth & Income       18.70     22.65     (1.72)   (0.55)      --      --       --       --       --       --
Alliance Common Stock          22.76     30.93     (3.26)   23.29      2.03    36.30   (9.17)   24.16    21.03%     6.21%
Alliance Global                13.20     17.45      4.02    30.60     (1.65)   29.06   (7.15)   25.29     9.61    (13.62)
Alliance International          8.54     10.34      ----     ---        ---     ---      --       --       --       --
Alliance Aggressive Stock      20.71     30.13     (4.92)   15.41     (4.28)   84.73    6.92    41.86    (0.03)     6.06
Alliance Money Market           4.05      4.53      2.82     1.78      2.37     4.97    6.99     7.93     6.09      5.41
Alliance Intermediate
   Government Securities        5.27     12.03     (5.47)    9.27      4.38    11.30     --       --       --       --
Alliance High Yield            21.39     18.54     (3.90)   21.74     11.02    23.03   (2.26)    3.93     8.48      3.49

</TABLE>
    

9. DEATH BENEFIT. If you die (assuming you are the annuitant) before amounts
are applied under an annuity benefit, the named beneficiary will be paid a
death benefit. The death benefit is equal to (1) your Certificate's value in
the Investment Funds, or if greater, the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit, and
(2) the amount of the death benefit provided with respect to GIRO's.

   
     The Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit is equal to a "6% to Age 80
     Benefit for ages 20 to 79." For ages 80 to 83 a return of the 
     money you have invested in the Investment Funds will apply.
    

                                       4


<PAGE>



     We add interest to the initial amount at 6% (3% for amounts in the 
     Alliance Money Market and Intermediate Government Securities Fund) through
     the annuitant's age 80.

     Annual Ratchet to Age 80 (Available in New York only) -- This is the
     amount reset each year through the annuitant's age 80 to your
     Certificate's value, if it is higher than the prior year's Guaranteed
     Minimum Death Benefit.
     -----------------------------------------------------


10. OTHER INFORMATION.

   
GUARANTEED MINIMUM INCOME BENEFIT. The Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit,
as part of the baseBUILDER, is an optional benefit that provides a minimum
amount of guaranteed lifetime income for your future. When you are ready to
convert (during specified periods of time) your Certificate's value to the
Income Manager (Life Annuity with a Period Certain) the minimum amount of
lifetime income that will be provided will be the greater of (i) your
Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit or (ii) your Certificate's current value
in the Investment Funds, applied at current annuity factors.

Investment performance is not guaranteed. The Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit 
provides a safety net for your future income.

QUALIFIED PLANS. If the Certificates will be purchased by certain types of
plans qualified under Section 401(a), or 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code,
please consult your tax adviser first. Any discussion of taxes in this profile
does not apply.

FREE LOOK. You can examine the Certificate for a period of 10 days after you
receive it, and return it to us for a refund. The free look period is longer in
some states.

Your refund will equal your Certificate's value, reflecting any investment gain
or loss, in the Investment Funds, and any increase or decrease in the value of
any amounts held in the GIRO's, through the date we receive your Certificate.
Some states may require that we calculate the refund differently.

PRINCIPAL ASSURANCE. This option is designed to assure the return of your
original amount invested on a GIRO maturity date, by putting a portion of your
money in a particular GIRO, and the balance in the Investment Funds in any way
you choose. Assuming that you make no transfers or withdrawals of the portion
in the GIRO, such amount will grow to your original investment upon maturity.

DOLLAR COST AVERAGING. Special Dollar Cost Averaging - You can elect when you
apply for your Certificate to put your money into the Alliance Money Market
Fund and have a it transferred from the Alliance Money Market Fund into the
other Investment Funds on a monthly basis over the first twelve months in which
case
    

                                       5

<PAGE>


Certificate charges will not be deducted. General Dollar Cost Averaging - You
can elect at any time to put money into the Alliance Money Market Funds and
have a dollar amount or percentage transferred from the Alliance Money Market
Fund into the other Investment Funds on a periodic basis over a longer period
of time, and all applicable charges deducted from the value in the Alliance
Money Market Fund will apply. Dollar cost averaging does not assure a profit
or protect against a loss should market prices decline.

REPORTS. We will provide you with an annual statement of your Certificate's
values as of the last day of each year, and three additional reports of your
Certificate's values each year. You also will be provided with written
confirmations of each financial transaction, and copies of annual and
semi-annual statements of HR Trust and EQ Trust.

You may call toll-free at 1-800-789-7771 for a recording of daily Investment
Fund values and guaranteed rates applicable to GIRO's.


11. INQUIRIES. If you need more information, please contact your agent. You may
also contact us, at:

The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States
Income Management Group
P.O. Box 1547
Secaucus, NJ  07096-1547
Telephone 1-800-789-7771 and Fax 1-201-583-2224


                                       6


<PAGE>
   
                        INCOME MANAGER(SM) ACCUMULATOR
                         PROSPECTUS DATED MAY 1, 1997 
                                  ---------
         COMBINATION VARIABLE AND FIXED DEFERRED ANNUITY CERTIFICATES 
                                  Issued By: 
          The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This prospectus describes certificates The Equitable Life Assurance Society 
of the United States (EQUITABLE LIFE, WE, OUR and US) offers under a 
combination variable and fixed deferred annuity contract (ACCUMULATOR) issued 
on a group basis or as individual contracts. Enrollment under a group 
contract will be evidenced by issuance of a certificate. Certificates and 
individual contracts each will be referred to as "Certificates." Accumulator 
Certificates are issued as non-qualified annuities for after-tax 
contributions. A minimum initial contribution of $5,000 is required to put 
the Certificate into effect. 

The Accumulator is designed to provide for the accumulation of retirement 
savings and for income. Contributions accumulate on a tax-deferred basis and 
can be later distributed under a number of different methods which are 
designed to be responsive to the owner's (CERTIFICATE OWNER, YOU and YOUR) 
objectives. 

The Accumulator offers investment options (INVESTMENT OPTIONS) that permit 
you to create your own strategies. These Investment Options include 21 
variable investment funds (INVESTMENT FUNDS) and each GUARANTEE PERIOD in the 
GUARANTEED PERIOD ACCOUNT. 

We invest each Investment Fund in Class IB shares of a corresponding 
portfolio (PORTFOLIO) of The Hudson River Trust (HR TRUST) or EQ Advisors 
Trust (EQ TRUST), mutual funds whose shares are purchased by separate 
accounts of insurance companies. The prospectuses for HR Trust and EQ Trust, 
both of which accompany this prospectus, describe the investment objectives, 
policies and risks of the Portfolios. 

                               INVESTMENT FUNDS 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  EQUITY SERIES: 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
DOMESTIC EQUITY                     INTERNATIONAL EQUITY                      AGGRESSIVE EQUITY 
<S>                                 <C>                                       <C>
 Alliance Common Stock               Alliance Global                           Alliance Aggressive Stock 
 Alliance Growth & Income            Alliance International                    Alliance Small Cap Growth 
 EQ/Putnam Growth & Income Value     Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Equity    MFS Emerging Growth Companies 
 MFS Research                        T. Rowe Price International Stock         Warburg Pincus Small Company Value 
 Merrill Lynch Basic Value Equity 
 T. Rowe Price Equity Income 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
</TABLE>
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      ASSET ALLOCATION SERIES                                       FIXED INCOME SERIES 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
<S>                                     <C>                         <C>
 Alliance Conservative Investors        AGGRESSIVE FIXED INCOME     DOMESTIC FIXED INCOME 
 Alliance Growth Investors               Alliance High Yield         Alliance Intermediate Government Securities 
 EQ/Putnam Balanced                                                  Alliance Money Market 
 Merrill Lynch World Strategy 
 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
</TABLE>
    

   
Amounts allocated to a Guarantee Period accumulate on a fixed basis and are 
credited with interest at a rate we set (GUARANTEED RATE) for the entire 
period. On each business day (BUSINESS DAY) we will determine the Guaranteed 
Rates available for amounts newly allocated to Guarantee Periods. A market 
value adjustment (positive or negative) will be made for withdrawals, 
transfers, surrender and certain other transactions from a Guarantee Period 
before its expiration date (EXPIRATION DATE). Each Guarantee Period has its 
own Guaranteed Rates. The Guarantee Periods currently available have 
Expiration Dates of February 15, in years 1998 through 2007. 

You may choose from a variety of payout options, including Income Manager 
payout annuity options and our other variable annuities and fixed annuities. 
    

This prospectus provides information about the Accumulator that prospective 
investors should know before investing. You should read it carefully and 
retain it for future reference. The prospectus is not valid unless 
accompanied by current prospectuses for HR Trust and EQ Trust, both of which 
you should also read carefully. 

Registration statements relating to Separate Account No. 45 (SEPARATE 
ACCOUNT) and interests under the Guarantee Periods have been filed with the 
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The statement of additional 
information (SAI), dated May 1, 1997, which is part of the registration 
statement for the Separate Account, is available free of charge upon request 
by writing to our Processing Office or calling 1-800-789-7771, our toll-free 
number. The SAI has been incorporated by reference into this prospectus. The 
Table of Contents for the SAI appears at the back of this prospectus. 

THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND 
EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR 
ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL 
OFFENSE. 

THE CERTIFICATES ARE NOT INSURED BY THE FDIC OR ANY OTHER AGENCY. THEY ARE 
NOT DEPOSITS OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF ANY BANK AND ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED. 
THEY ARE SUBJECT TO INVESTMENT RISKS AND POSSIBLE LOSS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTED. 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
  Copyright 1997 The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States,
                          New York, New York 10104.

   All rights reserved. baseBUILDER is a service mark of The Equitable Life
                    Assurance Society of the United States.
    

<PAGE>
               INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE 

   Equitable Life's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 
31, 1996 is incorporated herein by reference. 

   
   All documents or reports filed by Equitable Life pursuant to Section 
13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended 
(EXCHANGE ACT) after the date hereof and prior to the termination of the 
offering of the securities offered hereby shall be deemed to be incorporated 
by reference in this prospectus and to be a part hereof from the date of 
filing of such documents. Any statement contained in a document incorporated 
or deemed to be incorporated herein by reference shall be deemed to be 
modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus to the extent that a 
statement contained herein or in any other 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 and superseded, to constitute a part of 
this prospectus. Equitable Life files its Exchange Act documents and reports, 
including its annual and quarterly reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q, 
electronically pursuant to EDGAR under CIK No. 0000727920. The SEC maintains 
a web site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other 
information regarding registrants that file electronically with the SEC. The 
address of the site is http://www.sec.gov. 

   Equitable Life will provide without charge to each person to whom this 
prospectus is delivered, upon the written or oral request of such person, a 
copy of any or all of the foregoing documents incorporated herein by 
reference (other than exhibits not specifically incorporated by reference 
into the text of such documents). Requests for such documents should be 
directed to The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States, 1290 
Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10104. Attention: Corporate 
Secretary (telephone: (212) 557-1234). 
    

                                2           
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS TABLE OF CONTENTS 

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                          <C>
GENERAL TERMS                                 PAGE 4 
FEE TABLE                                     PAGE 5 
PART 1: EQUITABLE LIFE, THE SEPARATE 
        ACCOUNT AND THE 
        INVESTMENT FUNDS                      PAGE 9 
Equitable Life                                  9 
Separate Account No. 45                         9 
HR Trust                                        10 
HR Trust's Manager and Adviser                  10 
EQ Trust                                        10 
EQ Trust's Manager and Advisers                 10 
Investment Policies and Objectives of HR 
  Trust's and EQ Trust's Portfolios             11 
PART 2: THE GUARANTEED PERIOD 
        ACCOUNT                              PAGE 13 
Guarantee Periods                               13 
Market Value Adjustment for Transfers, 
  Withdrawals or Surrender Prior to the 
  Expiration Date                               14 
Investments                                     15 
PART 3: PROVISIONS OF THE 
        CERTIFICATES AND SERVICES 
        WE PROVIDE                           PAGE 16 
What is the Accumulator?                        16 
Availability of the Certificates                16 
Contributions Under the Certificates            16 
Methods of Payment                              16 
Allocation of Contributions                     16 
Free Look Period                                17 
Annuity Account Value                           17 
Transfers Among Investment Options              17 
Dollar Cost Averaging                           18 
baseBUILDER Benefits                            18 
Death Benefit                                   19 
How Death Benefit Payment is Made               19 
When the Certificate Owner Dies 
  Before the Annuitant                          20 
Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit               20 
Withdrawal Options                              21 
Cash Value                                      23 
Surrendering the Certificates to 
  Receive the Cash Value                        23 
When Payments are Made                          23 
Annuity Benefits and Payout Annuity Options     23 
Assignment                                      25 
Services We Provide                             25 
Distribution of the Certificates                25 
PART 4: DEDUCTIONS AND CHARGES               PAGE 27 
Charges Deducted from the Annuity 
  Account Value                                 27 
Charges Deducted from the Investment 
  Funds                                         28 
HR Trust Charges to Portfolios                  28 
EQ Trust Charges to Portfolios                  28 
Group or Sponsored Arrangements                 29 
Other Distribution Arrangements                 29 
PART 5: VOTING RIGHTS                        PAGE 30 
HR Trust and EQ Trust Voting Rights             30 
Voting Rights of Others                         30 
Separate Account Voting Rights                  30 
Changes in Applicable Law                       30 
PART 6: TAX ASPECTS OF THE CERTIFICATES      PAGE 31 
Tax Changes                                     31 
Taxation of Non-Qualified Annuities             31 
Federal and State Income Tax 
  Withholding                                   32 
Other Withholding                               33 
Special Rules for Certificates Issued in 
  Puerto Rico                                   33 
Impact of Taxes to Equitable Life               33 
Transfers Among Investment Options              33 
PART 7: INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS              PAGE 34 
PART 8: INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE               PAGE 35 
Standardized Performance Data                   35 
Rate of Return Data for Investment 
  Funds                                         37 
Communicating Performance Data                  40 
Alliance Money Market Fund and Alliance 
  Intermediate Government Securities Fund 
  Yield Information                             40 
APPENDIX I: MARKET VALUE 
  ADJUSTMENT EXAMPLE                         PAGE 42 
APPENDIX II: QUALIFIED PLAN CERTIFICATES     PAGE 43 
APPENDIX III: GUARANTEED MINIMUM 
  DEATH BENEFIT EXAMPLE                      PAGE 44 
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 
  TABLE OF CONTENTS                          PAGE 45 
</TABLE>
    

                                3           
<PAGE>
                                GENERAL TERMS 

   
ACCUMULATION UNIT--Contributions that are invested in an Investment Fund 
purchase Accumulation Units in that Investment Fund. 

ACCUMULATION UNIT VALUE--The dollar value of each Accumulation Unit in an 
Investment Fund on a given date. 

ANNUITANT--The individual who is the measuring life for determining benefits 
under the Certificates. 

ANNUITY ACCOUNT VALUE--The sum of the amounts in the Investment Options under 
the Accumulator Certificate. See "Annuity Account Value" in Part 3. 

ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE--The date on which Annuity Benefit payments 
automatically commence. 

BASEBUILDER (SERVICE MARK) --Protection benefits, consisting of the 
Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit and the Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit. 

BUSINESS DAY--Generally, any day on which the New York Stock Exchange is open 
for trading. For the purpose of determining the Transaction Date, our 
Business Day ends at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time or the closing of the New York 
Stock Exchange, if earlier. 

CASH VALUE--The Annuity Account Value minus any applicable charges. 

CERTIFICATE--The Certificate issued under the terms of a group annuity 
contract and any individual contract, including any endorsements. 

CERTIFICATE OWNER--The person who owns an Accumulator Certificate and has the 
right to exercise all rights under the Certificate. 

CODE--The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. 

CONTRACT DATE--The effective date of the Certificates. This is usually the 
Business Day we receive the initial contribution at our Processing Office. 

CONTRACT YEAR--The 12-month period beginning on your Contract Date and each 
anniversary of that date. 

EQ TRUST--EQ Advisors Trust, a mutual fund in which the assets of separate 
accounts of insurance companies are invested. EQ Financial Consultants, Inc. 
(EQ Financial) is the manager of EQ Trust and has appointed advisers for each 
of the Portfolios. 

EXPIRATION DATE--The date on which a Guarantee Period ends. 

GUARANTEED MINIMUM DEATH BENEFIT--The minimum amount payable with respect to 
the Investment Funds, upon the death of the Annuitant. 

GUARANTEED MINIMUM INCOME BENEFIT--The minimum amount of future guaranteed 
lifetime income provided with respect to the Investment Funds. 

GUARANTEE PERIOD--Any of the periods of time ending on an Expiration Date 
that are available for investment under the Certificates. Guarantee Periods 
may also be referred to as Guaranteed Interest Rate Options (GIROs). 

GUARANTEED PERIOD ACCOUNT--The Account that contains the Guarantee Periods. 

GUARANTEED RATE--The annual interest rate established for each allocation to 
a Guarantee Period. 

HR TRUST--The Hudson River Trust, a mutual fund in which the assets of 
separate accounts of insurance companies are invested. Alliance Capital 
Management L.P. (Alliance) is the manager and adviser to HR Trust. 

INVESTMENT FUNDS--The funds of the Separate Account that are available under 
the Certificates. 

INVESTMENT OPTIONS--The choices for investment: the Investment Funds and each 
available Guarantee Period. 

MATURITY VALUE--The amount in a Guarantee Period on its Expiration Date. 

PORTFOLIOS--The portfolios of HR Trust and EQ Trust that correspond to the 
Investment Funds of the Separate Account. 

PROCESSING DATE--The day when we deduct certain charges from the Annuity 
Account Value. If the Processing Date is not a Business Day, it will be on 
the next succeeding Business Day. The Processing Date will be once each year 
on each anniversary of the Contract Date. 


PROCESSING OFFICE--The address to which all contributions, written requests 
(e.g., transfers, withdrawals, etc.) or other written communications must be 
sent. See "Services We Provide" in Part 3. 

SAI--The statement of additional information for the Separate Account under 
the Certificates. 
<PAGE>
SEPARATE ACCOUNT--Equitable Life's Separate Account No. 45. 

TRANSACTION DATE--The Business Day we receive a contribution or a transaction 
request providing all the information we need at our Processing Office. If 
your contribution or request reaches our Processing Office on a non-Business 
Day, or after the close of the Business Day, the Transaction Date will be the 
next following Business Day. Transaction requests must be made in a form 
acceptable to us. 

VALUATION PERIOD--Each Business Day together with any preceding non-business 
days. 
    
                                4           
<PAGE>
                                  FEE TABLE

   
The purpose of this fee table is to assist you in understanding the various 
costs and expenses you may bear directly or indirectly under the Certificate 
so that you may compare them on the same basis with other similar products. 
The table reflects both the charges of the Separate Account and the expenses 
of HR Trust and EQ Trust. Charges for applicable taxes such as state or local 
premium taxes may also apply. For a complete description of the charges under 
the Certificate, see "Part 4: Deductions and Charges." For a complete 
description of each Trust's charges and expenses, see the prospectuses for HR 
Trust and EQ Trust. 

As explained in Part 2, the Guarantee Periods are not a part of the Separate 
Account and are not covered by the fee table and examples. The only charge 
shown in the Table which will be deducted from amounts allocated to the 
Guarantee Periods is the withdrawal charge. See "Part 4: Deductions and 
Charges." A market value adjustment (either positive or negative) also may be 
applicable as a result of a withdrawal, transfer or surrender of amounts from 
a Guarantee Period. See "Part 2: The Guaranteed Period Account." 
    

OWNER TRANSACTION EXPENSES (DEDUCTED FROM ANNUITY ACCOUNT VALUE) 

WITHDRAWAL CHARGE AS A PERCENTAGE OF CONTRIBUTIONS (deducted upon surrender 
  or for certain withdrawals. The applicable withdrawal charge percentage is 
  determined by the Contract Year in which the withdrawal is made or the 
  Certificate is surrendered beginning with "Contract Year 1" with respect to 
  each contribution withdrawn or surrendered. For each contribution, the 
  Contract Year in which we receive that contribution is "Contract 
  Year 1")(1) 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 CONTRACT 
   YEAR 
- ---------- 
<S>                  <C>
   1................  7.00% 
   2................  6.00 
   3................  5.00 
   4................  4.00 
   5................  3.00 
   6................  2.00 
   7................  1.00 
   8+...............  0.00 
</TABLE>         

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                               <C>
GUARANTEED BENEFIT EXPENSE (DEDUCTED FROM ANNUITY ACCOUNT VALUE)(2) 
COMBINED GUARANTEED MINIMUM DEATH BENEFIT AND GUARANTEED MINIMUM INCOME BENEFIT 
 BENEFIT (PLAN A).................................................................  0.45% 
GUARANTEED MINIMUM DEATH BENEFIT ONLY BENEFIT (PLAN B) ...........................  0.20% 
THESE CHARGES ARE CALCULATED AS A PERCENTAGE OF THE GUARANTEED MINIMUM DEATH 
 BENEFIT. 

SEPARATE ACCOUNT ANNUAL EXPENSES (AS A PERCENTAGE OF ASSETS IN EACH INVESTMENT FUND) 
MORTALITY AND EXPENSE RISKS.......................................................  0.90% 
ADMINISTRATION(3).................................................................  0.25% 
                                                                                  ------- 
 TOTAL SEPARATE ACCOUNT ANNUAL EXPENSES...........................................  1.15% 
                                                                                  ======= 
</TABLE>
    

- ------------ 
See footnotes on next page. 

                                5           
<PAGE>
   
HR TRUST AND EQ TRUST ANNUAL EXPENSES (AS A PERCENTAGE OF AVERAGE DAILY NET 
ASSETS IN EACH PORTFOLIO) 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             INVESTMENT PORTFOLIOS 
                            -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                               ALLIANCE       ALLIANCE      ALLIANCE       ALLIANCE 
                             CONSERVATIVE      GROWTH       GROWTH &        COMMON       ALLIANCE      ALLIANCE 
HR TRUST                       INVESTORS     INVESTORS       INCOME         STOCK         GLOBAL     INTERNATIONAL 
- --------                    --------------  -----------    ----------     ----------    ----------   ------------- 
<S>                         <C>           <C>            <C>           <C>            <C>           <C>
Investment Advisory Fee          0.48%         0.53%          0.55%         0.38%          0.65%         0.90% 
12b-1 Fee(4)                     0.25%         0.25%          0.25%         0.25%          0.25%         0.25% 
Other Expenses                   0.07%         0.06%          0.05%         0.03%          0.08%         0.18% 
                            --------------  -----------    -----------    ----------    ----------   ------------- 
 TOTAL HR TRUST ANNUAL 
  EXPENSES(5)                    0.80%         0.84%          0.85%         0.66%          0.98%         1.33% 
                            ==============  ===========    ===========    ==========    ==========   ============= 
                                                                                         ALLIANCE 
                                              ALLIANCE      ALLIANCE       ALLIANCE    INTERMEDIATE    ALLIANCE 
                                             AGGRESSIVE       SMALL         MONEY          GOVT.         HIGH 
HR TRUST                                       STOCK       CAP GROWTH       MARKET      SECURITIES       YIELD 
- --------                                  --------------  ------------   -----------  --------------  ------------ 
Investment Advisory Fee                        0.55%          0.90%         0.35%          0.50%         0.60% 
12-b Fee(4)                                    0.25%          0.25%         0.25%          0.25%         0.25% 
Other Expenses                                 0.03%          0.10%         0.04%          0.09%         0.06% 
                                          --------------  ------------   -----------  --------------  ------------ 
 TOTAL HR TRUST ANNUAL 
  EXPENSES(5)                                  0.83%          1.25%         0.64%          0.84%         0.91% 
                                          ==============  ============   ===========  ==============  ============ 
                                                                             MFS                        MERRILL     
                                                           EQ/PUTNAM      EMERGING                       LYNCH 
                                            EQ/PUTNAM       GROWTH &       GROWTH          MFS        BASIC VALUE 
EQ TRUST                                     BALANCED     INCOME VALUE    COMPANIES      RESEARCH       EQUITY 
- --------                                  -------------   ------------   -----------    ----------   ------------- 
Investment Advisory Fee                        0.55%          0.55%         0.55%          0.55%         0.55% 
12b-1 Fee(4)                                   0.25%          0.25%         0.25%          0.25%         0.25% 
Other Expenses                                 0.10%          0.05%         0.05%          0.05%         0.05% 
                                          -------------   ------------   -----------    ----------   ------------- 
 TOTAL EQ TRUST ANNUAL 
  EXPENSES(6)                                  0.90%          0.85%         0.85%          0.85%         0.85% 
                                          =============   ============   ===========    ==========   ============= 
                                                             MORGAN 
                                              MERRILL        STANLEY                      T. ROWE       WARBURG 
                                               LYNCH        EMERGING       T. ROWE         PRICE     PINCUS SMALL 
                                               WORLD         MARKETS     PRICE EQUITY  INTERNATIONAL    COMPANY 
EQ TRUST                                      STRATEGY       EQUITY         INOME          STOCK         VALUE 
- --------                                  -------------- -------------  -------------  ------------- ------------- 
Investment Advisory Fee                        0.70%          1.15%         0.55%          0.75%         0.65% 
12b-1 Fee(4)                                   0.25%          0.25%         0.25%          0.25%         0.25% 
Other Expenses                                 0.25%          0.35%         0.05%          0.20%         0.10% 
                                          -------------- -------------  -------------  ------------- ------------- 
 TOTAL EQ TRUST ANNUAL 
  EXPENSES(6)                                  1.20%          1.75%         0.85%          1.20%         1.00% 
                                          ============== =============  =============  ============= ============= 
</TABLE>
    

   
Notes: 
(1)   Deducted upon a withdrawal with respect to amounts in excess of the 15% 
      free corridor amount, and upon surrender of a Certificate. See "Part 5: 
      Deductions and Charges," "Withdrawal Charge." 

(2)   The Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit is applicable to the Investment 
      Funds. This charge is deducted annually on each Processing Date. See 
      "Combined Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit and Guaranteed Minimum Income 
      Benefit Benefit Charge (Plan A)" and "Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit 
      Only Charge (Plan B)" in Part 4. 

(3)   We reserve the right to increase this charge to an annual rate of 0.35%, 
      the maximum permitted under the Certificates. 

(4)   The Class IB shares of HR Trust and EQ Trust are subject to fees imposed 
      under distribution plans (herein, the "Rule 12b-1 Plans") adopted by HR 
      Trust and EQ Trust pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company 
      Act of 1940, as amended. The Rule 12b-1 Plans provide that HR Trust and 
      EQ Trust, on behalf of each Portfolio, may pay annually up to 0.25% of 
      the average daily net assets of a Portfolio attributable to its Class IB 
      shares in respect of activities primarily intended to result in the sale 
      of the Class IB shares. 

(5)   The amounts shown for the Portfolios of HR Trust (other than Alliance 
      Small Cap Growth) have been restated to reflect advisory fees which went 
      into effect as of May 1, 1997. "Other Expenses" are based on average 
      daily net assets in each Portfolio during 1996. The amounts shown for 
      the Alliance Small Cap Growth Portfolio are estimated for the current 
      fiscal year as this Portfolio commenced operations on May 1, 1997. The 
      investment advisory fee for each Portfolio may vary from year to year 
      depending upon the average daily net assets of the respective Portfolio 
      of HR Trust. The maximum investment advisory fees, however, cannot be 
      increased without a vote of that Portfolio's shareholders. The other 
      direct operating expenses will also fluctuate from year to year 
      depending on actual expenses. See "HR Trust Charges to Portfolios" in 
      Part 4. 
<PAGE>
(6)   "Other Expenses" shown are based on estimated amounts (after expense 
      waiver or limitation) for the current fiscal year, as EQ Trust commenced 
      operations on May 1, 1997. The maximum investment advisory fees cannot 
      be increased without a vote of that Portfolio's shareholders. The other 
      direct operating expenses will fluctuate from year to year depending on 
      actual expenses, but pursuant to agreement, cannot together with other 
      fees specified exceed the total annual expenses specified. See "EQ Trust 
      Charges to Portfolios" in Part 4. 
    

                                6           
<PAGE>
EXAMPLES 
- --------
   
The examples below show the expenses that a hypothetical Certificate Owner 
would pay under the Combined Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit and Guaranteed 
Minimum Income Benefit Benefit (Plan A) and under the Guaranteed Minimum 
Death Benefit Only Benefit (Plan B) in the two situations noted below 
assuming a $1,000 contribution invested in one of the Investment Funds 
listed, and a 5% annual return on assets.(1) 
    

These examples should not be considered a representation of past or future 
expenses for each Investment Fund or Portfolio. Actual expenses may be 
greater or less than those shown. Similarly, the annual rate of return 
assumed in the examples is not an estimate or guarantee of future investment 
performance. 

   
                COMBINED GUARANTEED MINIMUM DEATH BENEFIT AND 
         GUARANTEED MINIMUM INCOME BENEFIT BENEFIT (PLAN A) ELECTION 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               IF YOU DO NOT SURRENDER YOUR 
IF YOU SURRENDER YOUR CERTIFICATE AT THE END OF EACH PERIOD    CERTIFICATE AT THE END OF EACH PERIOD 
SHOWN, THE EXPENSES WOULD BE:                                  SHOWN, THE EXPENSES WOULD BE: 
                       1 YEAR   3 YEARS   5 YEARS   10 YEARS   1 YEAR   3 YEARS   5 YEARS   10 YEARS 
                       -------- --------- --------- ---------- -------- --------- --------- --------- 
<S>                    <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>
HR TRUST 
- --------               
Alliance Conservative 
 Investors               $89.74   $120.55   $154.64   $275.75    $24.51   $ 75.92   $130.68   $283.83 
Alliance Growth 
 Investors                90.14    121.76    156.67    279.80     24.91     77.12    132.69    287.85 
Alliance Growth & 
 Income                   90.24    122.06    157.17    280.80     25.01     77.42    133.19    288.87 
Alliance Common Stock     88.35    116.35    147.61    261.52     23.12     71.71    123.63    269.57 
Alliance Global           91.53    125.95    163.66    293.80     26.30     81.30    139.67    301.85 
Alliance International    95.01    136.36    180.97    328.00     29.78     91.73    157.01    336.07 
Alliance Aggressive 
 Stock                    90.04    121.46    156.17    278.79     24.81     76.82    132.19    286.85 
Small Cap Growth          94.22    134.00        --        --     28.99     89.36        --        -- 
Alliance Money Market     88.15    115.75    146.59    259.45     22.92     71.11    122.61    267.51 
Alliance Intermediate 
 Gov't Securities         90.14    121.76    156.67    279.80     24.91     77.12    132.69    287.85 
Alliance High Yield       90.84    123.86    160.17    286.83     25.61     79.22    136.19    294.89 

EQ TRUST 
- --------                 
EQ/Putnam Balanced       $90.74   $123.56        --        --    $25.51   $ 78.91        --        -- 
EQ/Putnam Growth & 
 Income Value             90.24    122.06        --        --     25.01     77.42        --        -- 
MFS Emerging Growth 
 Companies                90.24    122.06        --        --     25.01     77.42        --        -- 
MFS Research              90.24    122.06        --        --     25.01     77.42        --        -- 
Merrill Lynch Basic 
 Value Equity             90.24    122.06        --        --     25.01     77.42        --        -- 
Merrill Lynch World 
 Strategy                 93.72    132.50        --        --     28.49     87.87        --        -- 
Morgan Stanley 
 Emerging Market 
 Equity                   99.19    148.78        --        --     33.96    104.14        --        -- 
T. Rowe Price Equity 
 Income                   90.24    122.06        --        --     25.01     77.42        --        -- 
T. Rowe Price 
 International Stock      93.72    132.50        --        --     28.49     87.87        --        -- 
Warburg Pincus Small 
 Company Value            91.73    126.55        --        --     26.50     81.90        --        -- 
</TABLE>
    
   
- ------------ 
See footnote on next page. 
    

                                7           
<PAGE>
   
       GUARANTEED MINIMUM DEATH BENEFIT ONLY BENEFIT (PLAN B) ELECTION 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               IF YOU DO NOT SURRENDER YOUR 
IF YOU SURRENDER YOUR CERTIFICATE AT THE END OF EACH PERIOD    CERTIFICATE AT THE END OF EACH PERIOD 
SHOWN, THE EXPENSES WOULD BE:                                  SHOWN, THE EXPENSES WOULD BE: 
                       1 YEAR   3 YEARS   5 YEARS   10 YEARS   1 YEAR   3 YEARS   5 YEARS   10 YEARS 
                       -------- --------- --------- ---------- -------- --------- --------- --------- 
<S>                    <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>
HR TRUST 
- --------                
Alliance Conservative 
 Investors               $89.74   $115.25   $143.62   $248.28    $21.86   $67.64    $116.31   $251.89 
Alliance Growth 
 Investors                90.14    116.46    145.64    252.38     22.26    68.84     118.33    255.98 
Alliance Growth & 
 Income                   90.24    116.76    146.16    253.43     22.36    69.14     118.83    257.01 
Alliance Common Stock     88.35    111.05    136.55    233.84     20.47    63.42     109.21    237.42 
Alliance Global           91.53    120.66    152.69    266.60     23.65    73.04     125.36    270.18 
Alliance International    95.01    131.11    170.11    301.30     27.13    83.49     142.78    304.87 
Alliance Aggressive 
 Stock                    90.04    116.16    145.14    251.37     22.16    68.54     117.82    254.95 
Small Cap Growth          94.22    128.73        --        --     26.34    81.12         --        -- 
Alliance Money Market     88.15    110.44    135.53    231.77     20.27    62.82     108.21    235.35 
Alliance Intermediate 
 Gov't Securities         90.14    116.46    145.64    252.38     22.26    68.84     118.33    255.98 
Alliance High Yield       90.84    118.56    149.17    259.51     22.96    70.95     121.86    263.11 

EQ TRUST 
- --------                
EQ/Putnam Balanced       $90.74   $118.26        --        --    $22.86   $70.65         --        -- 
EQ/Putnam Growth & 
 Income Value             90.24    116.76        --        --     22.36    69.14         --        -- 
MFS Emerging Growth 
 Companies                90.24    116.76        --        --     22.36    69.14         --        -- 
MFS Research              90.24    116.76        --        --     22.36    69.14         --        -- 
Merrill Lynch Basic 
 Value Equity             90.24    116.76        --        --     22.36    69.14         --        -- 
Merrill Lynch World 
 Strategy                 93.72    127.24        --        --     25.84    79.62         --        -- 
Morgan Stanley 
 Emerging Market 
 Equity                   99.19    143.56        --        --     31.31    95.94         --        -- 
T. Rowe Price Equity 
 Income                   90.24    116.76        --        --     22.36    69.14         --        -- 
T. Rowe Price 
 International Stock      93.72    127.24        --        --     25.84    79.62         --        -- 
Warburg Pincus Small 
 Company Value            91.73    121.26        --        --     23.85    73.64         --        -- 
</TABLE>

- ------------ 
Note: 
(1)   The amount accumulated from the $1,000 contribution could not be paid in 
      the form of an annuity at the end of any of the periods shown in the 
      examples. If the amount applied to purchase an annuity is less than 
      $2,000, or the initial payment is less than $20 we may pay the amount to 
      the payee in a single sum instead of as payments under an annuity form. 
      See "Income Annuity Options" in Part 4. The examples do not reflect 
      charges for applicable taxes such as state or local premium taxes that 
      may also be deducted in certain jurisdictions. 

    

                                8           
<PAGE>
                 PART 1: EQUITABLE LIFE, THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT
                         AND THE INVESTMENT FUNDS 

EQUITABLE LIFE 

Equitable Life is a New York stock life insurance company that has been in 
business since 1859. For more than 100 years we have been among the largest 
life insurance companies in the United States. Our home office is located at 
1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10104. We are authorized to 
sell life insurance and annuities in all fifty states, the District of 
Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. We maintain local offices 
throughout the United States. 

   
Equitable Life is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Equitable Companies 
Incorporated (the Holding Company). The largest shareholder of the Holding 
Company is AXA-UAP (AXA). As of December 31, 1996 AXA, beneficially owned 
63.8% of the outstanding common stock of the Holding Company (assuming 
conversion of convertible preferred stock held by AXA). Under its investment 
arrangements with Equitable Life and the Holding Company, AXA is able to 
exercise significant influence over the operations and capital structure of 
the Holding Company and its subsidiaries, including Equitable Life. AXA, a 
French company, is the holding company for an international group of 
insurance and related financial service companies. 
    

Equitable Life, the Holding Company and their subsidiaries managed 
approximately $239.8 billion of assets as of December 31, 1996. 

SEPARATE ACCOUNT NO. 45 

Separate Account No. 45 is organized as a unit investment trust, a type of 
investment company, and is registered with the SEC under the Investment 
Company Act of 1940, as amended (1940 Act). This registration does not 
involve any supervision by the SEC of the management or investment policies 
of the Separate Account. The Separate Account has several Investment Funds, 
each of which invests in shares of a corresponding Portfolio of HR Trust and 
EQ Trust. Because amounts allocated to the Investment Funds are invested in a 
mutual fund, investment return and principal will fluctuate and the 
Certificate Owner's Accumulation Units may be worth more or less than the 
original cost when redeemed. 

   
Under the New York Insurance Law, the portion of the Separate Account's 
assets equal to the reserves and other liabilities relating to the 
Certificates are not chargeable with liabilities arising out of any other 
business we may conduct. Income, gains or losses, whether or not realized, 
from assets of the Separate Account are credited to or charged against the 
Separate Account without regard to our other income gains or losses. We are 
the issuer of the Certificates, and the obligations set forth in the 
Certificates (other than those of Annuitants or Certificate Owners) are our 
obligations. 
    

In addition to contributions made under the Accumulator Certificates, we may 
allocate to the Separate Account monies received under other contracts, 
certificates, or agreements. Owners of all such contracts, certificates or 
agreements will participate in the Separate Account in proportion to the 
amounts they have in the Investment Funds that relate to their contracts, 
certificates or agreements. We may retain in the Separate Account assets that 
are in excess of the reserves and other liabilities relating to the 
Accumulator Certificates or to other contracts, certificates or agreements, 
or we may transfer the excess to our General Account. 

   
We reserve the right, subject to compliance with applicable law; (1) to add 
Investment Funds (or sub-funds of Investment Funds) to, or to remove 
Investment Funds (or sub-funds) from, the Separate Account, or to add other 
separate accounts; (2) to combine any two or more Investment Funds or 
sub-funds thereof; (3) to transfer the assets we determine to be the share of 
the class of contracts to which the Certificates belong from any Investment 
Fund to another Investment Fund; (4) to operate the Separate Account or any 
Investment Fund as a management investment company under the 1940 Act, in 
which case charges and expenses that otherwise would be assessed against an 
underlying mutual fund would be assessed against the Separate Account; (5) to 
deregister the Separate Account under the 1940 Act, provided that such action 
conforms with the requirements of applicable law; (6) to restrict or 
eliminate any voting rights as to the Separate Account; and (7) to cause one 
or more Investment Funds to invest some or all of their assets in one or more 
other trusts or investment companies. If any changes are made that result in 
a material change in the underlying investment policy of an Investment Fund, 
you will be notified as required by law. 
    

                                9           
<PAGE>
HR TRUST 

   
HR Trust is an open-end diversified management investment company, more 
commonly called a mutual fund. As a "series" type of mutual fund, it issues 
several different series of stock, each of which relates to a different 
Portfolio of HR Trust. HR Trust commenced operations in January 1976 with a 
predecessor of its Alliance Common Stock Portfolio. HR Trust does not impose 
a sales charge or "load" for buying and selling its shares. All dividend 
distributions to HR Trust are reinvested in full and fractional shares of the 
Portfolio to which they relate. Investment Funds that invest in Portfolios of 
HR Trust purchase Class IB shares of a corresponding Portfolio of HR Trust. 
More detailed information about HR Trust, its investment objectives, 
policies, restrictions, risks, expenses, the Rule 12b-1 Plan relating to 
Class IB shares, and all other aspects of its operations appears in its 
prospectus which accompanies this prospectus or in its statement of 
additional information. 
    

HR TRUST'S MANAGER AND ADVISER 

   
HR Trust is managed and advised by Alliance Capital Management L.P. 
(Alliance), which is registered with the SEC as an investment adviser under 
the 1940 Act. Alliance, a publicly-traded limited partnership, is indirectly 
majority-owned by Equitable Life. On December 31, 1996, Alliance was managing 
approximately $182.8 billion in assets. Alliance acts as an investment 
adviser to various separate accounts and general accounts of Equitable Life 
and other affiliated insurance companies. Alliance also provides management 
and consulting services to mutual funds, endowment funds, insurance 
companies, foreign entities, qualified and non-tax qualified corporate funds, 
public and private pension and profit-sharing plans, foundations and 
tax-exempt organizations. 

Alliance's main office is located at 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, 
New York 10105. 
    

EQ TRUST 

   
EQ Trust is an open-end management investment company. As a "series type" of 
mutual fund, EQ Trust issues different series of stock, each of which relates 
to a different Portfolio of EQ Trust. EQ Trust commenced operations on May 1, 
1997. EQ Trust does not impose a sales charge or "load" for buying and 
selling its shares. All dividend distributions to EQ Trust are reinvested in 
full and fractional shares of the Portfolio to which they relate. Investment 
Funds that invest in Portfolios of EQ Trust purchase Class IB shares of a 
corresponding Portfolio of EQ Trust. More detailed information about EQ 
Trust, its investment objectives, policies and restrictions, risks, expenses, 
the Rule 12b-1 Plan relating to the Class IB shares, and all other aspects of 
its operations appears in its prospectus which accompanies this prospectus 
and in its statement of additional information. 
    

EQ TRUST'S MANAGER AND ADVISERS 

   
EQ Trust is managed by EQ Financial Consultants, Inc. (EQ Financial) which, 
subject to supervision and direction of the Trustees of EQ Trust, has overall 
responsibility for the general management of EQ Trust. EQ Financial is an 
investment adviser registered under the 1940 Act, and a broker-dealer 
registered under the Exchange Act. EQ Financial is a Delaware corporation and 
an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Equitable Life. 

EQ Financial's main office is located at 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New 
York, New York 10104. 

EQ Financial has entered into investment advisory agreements with Putnam 
Investments, Massachusetts Financial Services Company, Merrill Lynch Asset 
Management, L.P., Morgan Stanley Asset Management Inc., T. Rowe Price 
Associates, Inc. and Rowe Price-Fleming International, Inc., and Warburg, 
Pincus Counsellors, Inc., which serve as advisers to EQ/Putnam, MFS, Merrill 
Lynch, Morgan Stanley, T. Rowe Price, and Warburg Pincus Portfolios, 
respectively, of EQ Trust. 
    

                               10           
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT POLICIES AND OBJECTIVES OF HR TRUST'S PORTFOLIOS AND EQ TRUST'S 
PORTFOLIOS 

   
Each Portfolio has a different investment objective which it tries to achieve 
by following separate investment policies. The policies and objectives of 
each Portfolio will affect its return and its risks. There is no guarantee 
that these objectives will be achieved. Set forth below is a summary of the 
investment policies and objectives of each Portfolio. This summary is 
qualified in its entirety by reference to the prospectuses for HR Trust and 
EQ Trust, both of which accompany this prospectus. Please read the 
prospectuses for each of the trusts carefully before investing. 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 PORTFOLIO                                        INVESTMENT POLICY                     OBJECTIVE 
- -----------                                      -------------------                    ---------                     
<S>                          <C>                                                       <C>
HR TRUST 
Alliance Conservative          Diversified mix of publicly-traded, fixed-income and     High total return without, in 
 Investors                     equity securities; asset mix and security selection      the adviser's opinion, undue 
                               are primarily based upon factors expected to reduce      risk to principal 
                               risk. The Portfolio is generally expected to hold 
                               approximately 70% of its assets in fixed income 
                               securities and 30% in equity securities.
 
Alliance Growth Investors      Diversified mix of publicly-traded, fixed-income and     High total return consistent 
                               equity securities; asset mix and security selection      with the adviser's 
                               based upon factors expected to increase possibility of   determination of reasonable 
                               high long-term return. The Portfolio is generally        risk 
                               expected to hold approximately 70% of its assets in 
                               equity securities and 30% in fixed income securities.
 
Alliance Growth & Income       Primarily income producing common stocks and             High total return through a 
                               securities convertible into common stocks.               combination of current income 
                                                                                        and capital appreciation
 
Alliance Common Stock          Primarily common stock and other equity-type             Long-term growth of capital 
                               instruments.                                             and increasing income
 
Alliance Global                Primarily equity securities of non-United States as      Long-term growth of capital 
                               well as United States companies.
 
Alliance International         Primarily equity securities selected principally to      Long-term growth of capital 
                               permit participation in non-United States companies 
                               with prospects for growth.
 
Alliance Aggressive Stock      Primarily common stocks and other equity-type            Long-term growth of capital 
                               securities issued by quality small and intermediate 
                               sized companies with strong growth prospects and in 
                               covered options on those securities.
 
Alliance Small Cap  Growth     Primarily U.S. common stocks and other equity type       Long-term growth of capital 
                               securities issued by smaller companies with favorable 
                               growth prospects.
 
Alliance Money Market          Primarily high quality U.S. dollar denominated money     High level of current income 
                               market instruments.                                      while preserving assets and 
                                                                                        maintaining liquidity
 
Alliance Intermediate          Primarily debt securities issued or guaranteed by the    High current income 
 Government Securities         U.S. government, its agencies and instrumentalities.     consistent with relative 
                               Each investment will have a final maturity of not more   stability of principal 
                               than 10 years or a duration not exceeding that of a 
                               10-year Treasury note. 

                               11           
<PAGE>
PORTFOLIO                                         INVESTMENT POLICY                     OBJECTIVE 
- ---------                                        -------------------                    ---------                     
Alliance High Yield            Primarily a diversified mix of high yield,               High return by maximizing 
                               fixed-income securities involving greater volatility     current income and, to the 
                               of price and risk of principal and income than high      extent consistent with that 
                               quality fixed-income securities. The medium and lower    objective, capital 
                               quality debt securities in which the Portfolio may       appreciation 
                               invest are known as "junk bonds." 

EQ TRUST
- -------- 
EQ/Putnam Balanced             A well-diversified portfolio of stocks and bonds that    Balanced investment 
                               will produce both capital growth and current income.
 
EQ/Putnam Growth &             Primarily common stocks that offer potential for         Capital growth and, 
 Income Value                  capital growth, consistent with the Portfolio's          secondarily, current income 
                               investment objective, common stocks that offer 
                               potential for current income.
 
MFS Emerging Growth            Primarily (i.e., at least 80% of its assets under        Long-term growth of capital 
 Companies                     normal circumstances) in common stocks of emerging 
                               growth companies that the Portfolio adviser believes 
                               are early in their life cycle but which have the 
                               potential to become major enterprises.
 
MFS Research                   A substantial portion of assets invested in common       Long-term growth of capital 
                               stock or securities convertible into common stock of     and future income 
                               companies believed by the Portfolio adviser to possess 
                               better than average prospects for long-term growth.
 
Merrill Lynch Basic Value      Investment in securities, primarily equities, that the   Capital appreciation and, 
 Equity                        Portfolio adviser believes are undervalued and           secondarily, income 
                               therefore represent basic investment value.
 
Merrill Lynch World            Investment primarily in a portfolio of equity and        High total investment return 
 Strategy                      fixed income securities, including convertible 
                               securities, of U.S. and foreign issuers.
 
Morgan Stanley Emerging        Primarily equity securities of emerging market country   Long-term capital 
 Markets Equity*               (i.e., foreign) issuers.                                 appreciation
 
T. Rowe Price Equity           Primarily dividend paying common stocks of established   Substantial dividend income 
 Income                        companies.                                               and also capital appreciation
 
T. Rowe Price International    Primarily common stocks of established non-United        Long-term growth of capital 
 Stock                         States companies.
 
Warburg Pincus Small           Primarily in a portfolio of equity securities of small   Long-term capital 
 Company Value                 capitalization companies (i.e., companies having         appreciation 
                               market capitalizations of $1 billion or less at the 
                               time of initial purchase) that the Portfolio adviser 
                               considers to be relatively undervalued. 
</TABLE>
    
- ------------ 
* Will be available on or about September 2, 1997. 

                               12           

<PAGE>
   
                    PART 2: THE GUARANTEED PERIOD ACCOUNT
    

GUARANTEE PERIODS 

   
Each amount allocated to a Guarantee Period and held to the Period's 
Expiration Date accumulates interest at a Guaranteed Rate. The Guaranteed 
Rate for each allocation is the annual interest rate applicable to new 
allocations to that Guarantee Period, which was in effect on the Transaction 
Date for the allocation. We may establish different Guaranteed Rates under 
different classes of Certificates. We use the term GUARANTEED PERIOD AMOUNT 
to refer to the amount allocated to and accumulated in each Guarantee Period. 
The Guaranteed Period Amount is reduced or increased by any market value 
adjustment as a result of withdrawals, transfers or charges (see below). 
    

Your Guaranteed Period Account contains the Guarantee Periods to which you 
have allocated Annuity Account Value. On the Expiration Date of a Guarantee 
Period, its Guaranteed Period Amount and its value in the Guaranteed Period 
Account are equal. We call the Guaranteed Period Amount on an Expiration Date 
the Guarantee Period's Maturity Value. We report the Annuity Account Value in 
your Guaranteed Period Account to reflect any market value adjustment that 
would apply if all Guaranteed Period Amounts were withdrawn as of the 
calculation date. The Annuity Account Value in the Guaranteed Period Account 
on any Business Day, therefore, will be the sum of the present value of the 
Maturity Value in each Guarantee Period, using the Guaranteed Rate in effect 
for new allocations to each such Guarantee Period on such date. 

Guarantee Periods and Expiration Dates 

   
We currently offer Guarantee Periods ending on February 15th for each of the 
maturity years 1998 through 2007. Not all Guarantee Periods will be available 
for Annuitants ages 76 and above. See "Allocation of Contributions" in Part 
4. Also, the Guarantee Periods may not be available for investment in all 
states. As Guarantee Periods expire we expect to add maturity years so that 
generally 10 are available at any time. 
    

We will not accept allocations to a Guarantee Period if, on the Transaction 
Date: 

o  Such Transaction Date and the Expiration Date for such Guarantee Period 
   fall within the same calendar year. 
o  The Guaranteed Rate is 3%. 
o  The Guarantee Period has an Expiration Date beyond the February 15th 
   immediately following the Annuity Commencement Date. 

Guaranteed Rates and Price Per $100 of Maturity Value 

Because the Maturity Value of a contribution allocated to a Guarantee Period 
can be determined at the time it is made, you can determine the amount 
required to be allocated to a Guarantee Period in order to produce a target 
Maturity Value (assuming no transfers or withdrawals are made and no charges 
are allocated to the Guarantee Period). The required amount is the present 
value of that Maturity Value at the Guaranteed Rate on the Transaction Date 
for the contribution, which may also be expressed as the price per $100 of 
Maturity Value on such Transaction Date. 

   
Guaranteed Rates for new allocations as of April 15, 1997 and the related 
price per $100 of Maturity Value for each currently available Guarantee 
Period were as follows: 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    GUARANTEE 
  PERIODS WITH     GUARANTEED 
 EXPIRATION DATE   RATE AS OF      PRICE 
FEBRUARY 15TH OF   APRIL 15,    PER $100 OF 
  MATURITY YEAR       1997     MATURITY VALUE 
- ---------------- ------------- -------------- 
      <S>            <C>          <C>
       1998           4.93%        $96.05 
       1999           5.40          90.78 
       2000           5.64          85.58 
       2001           5.76          80.65 
       2002           5.86          75.91 
       2003           5.94          71.39 
       2004           6.03          66.99 
       2005           6.09          62.89 
       2006           6.17          58.89 
       2007           6.23          55.16 
</TABLE>
    

Allocation Among Guarantee Periods 

The same approach as described above may also be used to determine the amount 
which you would need to allocate to each Guarantee Period in order to create 
a series of constant Maturity Values for two or more years. 

   
For example, if you wish to have $100 mature on February 15th of each of 
years 1998 through 2002, then according to the above table the lump sum 
contribution you would have to make as of April 15, 1997 would be $428.97 
(i.e., the sum of the price per $100 of Maturity Value for each maturity year 
from 1998 through 2002). 
    

                               13           
<PAGE>
   
The above example is provided to illustrate the use of present value 
calculations. It does not take into account the potential for charges to be 
deducted, withdrawals or transfers to be made from Guarantee Periods or the 
market value adjustment that would apply to such transactions. Actual 
calculations will be based on Guaranteed Rates on each actual Transaction 
Date, which may differ. 
    

Options at Expiration Date 

   
We will notify you on or before December 31st prior to the Expiration Date of 
each Guarantee Period in which you have any Guaranteed Period Amount. You may 
elect one of the following options to be effective at the Expiration Date, 
subject to the restrictions set forth on the prior page and under "Allocation 
of Contributions" in Part 3: 
    

  (a)    to transfer the Maturity Value into any Guarantee Period we are then 
         offering, or into any of our Investment Funds; or 

  (b)    to withdraw the Maturity Value (subject to any withdrawal charges 
         which may apply). 

If we have not received your election as of the Expiration Date, the Maturity 
Value in the expired Guarantee Period will be transferred into the Guarantee 
Period with the earliest Expiration Date. 

MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT FOR 
TRANSFERS, WITHDRAWALS OR SURRENDER 
PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION DATE 

Any withdrawal (including transfers, surrender and deductions) from a 
Guarantee Period prior to its Expiration Date will cause any remaining 
Guaranteed Period Amount for that Guarantee Period to be increased or 
decreased by a market value adjustment. The amount of the adjustment will 
depend on two factors: (a) the difference between the Guaranteed Rate 
applicable to the amount being withdrawn and the Guaranteed Rate on the 
Transaction Date for new allocations to a Guarantee Period with the same 
Expiration Date, and (b) the length of time remaining until the Expiration 
Date. In general, if interest rates have risen between the time when an 
amount was originally allocated to a Guarantee Period and the time it is 
withdrawn, the market value adjustment will be negative, and vice versa; and 
the longer the period of time remaining until the Expiration Date, the 
greater the impact of the interest rate difference. Therefore, it is possible 
that a significant rise in interest rates could result in a substantial 
reduction in your Annuity Account Value in the Guaranteed Period Account 
related to longer term Guarantee Periods. 

The market value adjustment (positive or negative) resulting from a 
withdrawal of all funds from a Guarantee Period will be determined for each 
contribution allocated to that Guarantee Period as follows: 

(1)    We determine the present value of the Maturity Value on the Transaction 
       Date as follows: 

  (a)    We determine the Guaranteed Period Amount that would be payable on 
         the Expiration Date, using the applicable Guaranteed Rate. 

  (b)    We determine the period remaining in your Guarantee Period (based on 
         the Transaction Date) and convert it to fractional years based on a 
         365 day year. For example three years and 12 days becomes 3.0329. 

  (c)    We determine the current Guaranteed Rate which applies on the 
         Transaction Date to new allocations to the same Guarantee Period. 

  (d)    We determine the present value of the Guaranteed Period Amount 
         payable at the Expiration Date, using the period determined in (b) 
         and the rate determined in (c). 

(2)    We determine the Guaranteed Period Amount as of the current date. 

(3)    We subtract (2) from the result in (1)(d). The result is the market 
       value adjustment applicable to such Guarantee Period, which may be 
       positive or negative. 

The market value adjustment (positive or negative) resulting from a 
withdrawal (including any withdrawal charges) of a portion of the amount in a 
Guarantee Period will be a percentage of the market value adjustment that 
would be applicable upon a withdrawal of all funds from a Guarantee Period. 
This percentage is determined by (i) dividing the amount of the withdrawal or 
transfer from the Guarantee Period by (ii) the Annuity Account Value in such 
Guarantee Period prior to the withdrawal or transfer. See Appendix I for an 
example. 

The Guaranteed Rate for new allocations to a Guarantee Period is the rate we 
have in effect for this purpose even if new allocations to that Guarantee 
Period would not be accepted at the time. This rate will not be less than 3%. 
If we do not have a Guaranteed Rate in effect for a Guarantee Period to which 
the "current Guaranteed Rate" in (1)(c) would apply, we will use the rate at 
the next closest Expiration Date. If we are no longer offering new Guarantee 
Periods, the "current Guaranteed Rate" will be determined in accordance with 
our procedures then in effect. For purposes of calculating the market value 
adjustment only, we reserve the right to add up to 0.25% to the current rate 
in (1)(c) above. 

                               14           
<PAGE>
INVESTMENTS 

Amounts allocated to Guarantee Periods will be held in a "nonunitized" 
separate account established by Equitable Life under the laws of New York. 
This separate account provides an additional measure of assurance that full 
payment of amounts due under the Guarantee Periods will be made. Under the 
New York Insurance Law, the portion of the separate account's assets equal to 
the reserves and other contract liabilities relating to the Certificates are 
not chargeable with liabilities arising out of any other business we may 
conduct. 

Investments purchased with amounts allocated to the Guaranteed Period Account 
are the property of Equitable Life. Any favorable investment performance on 
the assets held in the separate account accrues solely to Equitable Life's 
benefit. Certificate Owners do not participate in the performance of the 
assets held in this separate account. Equitable Life may, subject to 
applicable state law, transfer all assets allocated to the separate account 
to its general account. Regardless of whether assets supporting Guaranteed 
Period Accounts are held in a separate account or our general account, all 
benefits relating to the Annuity Account Value in the Guaranteed Period 
Account are guaranteed by Equitable Life. 

Equitable Life has no specific formula for establishing the Guaranteed Rates 
for the Guarantee Periods. Equitable Life expects the rates to be influenced 
by, but not necessarily correspond to, among other things, the yields on the 
fixed income securities to be acquired with amounts that are allocated to the 
Guarantee Periods at the time that the Guaranteed Rates are established. Our 
current plans are to invest such amounts in fixed income obligations, 
including corporate bonds, mortgage backed and asset backed securities and 
government and agency issues having durations in the aggregate consistent 
with those of the Guarantee Periods. 

Although the foregoing generally describes Equitable Life's plans for 
investing the assets supporting Equitable Life's obligations under the fixed 
portion of the Certificates, Equitable Life is not obligated to invest those 
assets according to any particular plan except as may be required by state 
insurance laws, nor will the Guaranteed Rates Equitable Life establishes be 
determined by the performance of the nonunitized separate account. 

General Account 

   
Our general account supports all of our policy and contract guarantees, 
including those applicable to the Guaranteed Period Account, as well as our 
general obligations. 

The general account is subject to regulation and supervision by the Insurance 
Department of the State of New York and to the insurance laws and regulations 
of all jurisdictions where we are authorized to do business. Because of 
applicable exemptions and exclusionary provisions, interests in the general 
account have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended 
(1933 Act), nor is the general account an investment company under the 1940 
Act. Accordingly, the general account is not subject to regulation under the 
1933 Act or the 1940 Act. However, the market value adjustment interests 
under the Certificates are registered under the 1933 Act. 

We have been advised that the staff of the SEC has not made a review of the 
disclosure that is included in this prospectus for your information that 
relates to the general account (other than market value adjustment 
interests). The disclosure, however, may be subject to certain generally 
applicable provisions of the Federal securities laws relating to the accuracy 
and completeness of statements made in prospectuses. 
    

                               15           
<PAGE>
   
        PART 3: PROVISIONS OF THE CERTIFICATES AND SERVICES WE PROVIDE 
    

WHAT IS THE ACCUMULATOR? 

   
The Accumulator Certificate is a deferred annuity designed to provide for the 
accumulation of retirement savings, and for income at a future date. 
Investment Options available are Investment Funds providing variable returns 
and Guarantee Periods providing guaranteed interest when held to maturity. 
Accumulator Certificates are issued as non-qualified annuities for after-tax 
contributions. The provisions of your Certificate may be restricted by 
applicable laws or regulations. The Certificates may not be available in all 
states. 

Earnings generally accumulate on a tax-deferred basis until withdrawn or when 
distributions become payable. Withdrawals made prior to age 59 1/2 may be 
subject to tax penalty. 

When issued with the appropriate endorsement, an Accumulator Certificate may 
be purchased by a plan qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code. Such 
purchases may not be available in all states. Plan fiduciaries considering 
purchase of a Certificate should read the important information in Appendix 
II. 
    

AVAILABILITY OF THE CERTIFICATES 

   
The Certificates are available for Annuitant issue ages 20 through 83. 
    

CONTRIBUTIONS UNDER THE CERTIFICATES 

Your initial contribution must be at least $5,000. Subsequent contributions 
may be made in an amount of at least $1,000 at any time up until the 
Annuitant attains age 84. We may refuse to accept any contributions if the 
sum of all contributions under all accumulation Certificates with the same 
Annuitant would then total more than $1,500,000. We reserve the right to 
limit aggregate contributions made after the first Contract Year to 150% of 
first year contributions. We may also refuse to accept any contribution if 
the sum of all contributions under all Equitable Life annuity accumulation 
certificates/contracts that you own would then total more than $2,500,000. 

Contributions are credited as of the Transaction Date. 

METHODS OF PAYMENT 

   
Except as indicated below, all contributions must be made by check drawn on a 
bank or credit union in the U.S., in U.S. dollars and made payable to 
Equitable Life. All checks are accepted subject to collection. Contributions 
must be sent to Equitable Life at our Processing Office address designated 
for contributions. Your initial contribution must be accompanied by a 
completed application which is acceptable to us. In the event the application 
information or the application is otherwise not acceptable, we may retain 
your contribution for a period not exceeding five Business Days while an 
attempt is made to obtain the required information. If the required 
information cannot be obtained within those five Business Days, the 
Processing Office will inform the agent, on behalf of the applicant, of the 
reasons for the delay and return the contribution immediately to the 
applicant, unless the applicant specifically consents to our retaining the 
contribution until the required information is received by the Processing 
Office. 
    

ALLOCATION OF CONTRIBUTIONS 

   
You may choose Self-Directed, Principal Assurance or Dollar Cost Averaging 
allocations.

A contribution allocated to an Investment Fund purchases Accumulation Units 
in that Investment Fund based on the Accumulation Unit Value for that 
Investment Fund computed on the Transaction Date. A contribution allocated to 
the Guaranteed Period Account will have the Guaranteed Rate for the specified 
Guarantee Period offered on the Transaction Date. 

Self-Directed Allocation 

You allocate your contributions to one or up to all of the available 
Investment Options. Allocations among the Investment Options must be in whole 
percentages. Allocation percentages can be changed at any time by writing to 
our Processing Office, or by telephone. The change will be effective on the 
Transaction Date and will remain in effect for future contributions unless 
another change is requested. 
<PAGE>
At Annuitant ages 76 and above, allocations to Guarantee Periods must be 
limited to those with maturities of five years or less and with maturity 
dates no later than the February 15th immediately following the Annuity 
Commencement Date. 
    

Principal Assurance 

   
This option (for Annuitant issue ages 20 through 75) assures that your 
Maturity Value in a specified 
    

                               16           
<PAGE>
   
Guarantee Period will equal your initial contribution on the Guarantee 
Period's Expiration Date, while at the same time allowing you to invest in 
the Investment Funds. It may be elected only at issue of your Certificate and 
assumes no withdrawals or transfers from the Guarantee Period. The maturity 
year generally may not be later than 10 years nor earlier than seven years 
from the Contract Date. In order to accomplish this strategy, we will 
allocate a portion of your initial contribution to the selected Guarantee 
Period. See "Guaranteed Rates and Price Per $100 of Maturity Value" in Part 
2. The balance of your initial contribution and all subsequent contributions 
must be allocated under "Self-Directed Allocation" as described above. 
    

FREE LOOK PERIOD 

   
You have the right to examine the Accumulator Certificate for a period of 10 
days after you receive it, and to return it to us for a refund. You cancel it 
by sending it to our Processing Office. The free look is extended if your 
state requires a refund period of longer than 10 days. 

Your refund will equal the Annuity Account Value reflecting any investment 
gain or loss, and any positive or negative market value adjustment, through 
the date we receive your Certificate at our Processing Office. Some states 
may require that we calculate the refund differently. If you cancel your 
Certificate during the free look period, we may require that you wait six 
months before you may apply for a Certificate with us again. 

We follow these same procedures if you change your mind before you receive 
your Certificate, but after a contribution has been made. See "Part 6: Tax 
Aspects of the Certificates" for possible consequences of cancelling your 
Certificate during the free look period. 
    

ANNUITY ACCOUNT VALUE 

Your Annuity Account Value is the sum of the amounts in the Investment 
Options. 

Annuity Account Value in Investment Funds 

The Annuity Account Value in an Investment Fund on any Business Day is equal 
to the number of Accumulation Units in that Investment Fund times the 
Accumulation Unit Value for the Investment Fund for that date. The number of 
Accumulation Units in an Investment Fund at any time is equal to the sum of 
Accumulation Units purchased by contributions and transfers less the sum of 
Accumulation Units redeemed for withdrawals, transfers or deductions for 
charges. 

The number of Accumulation Units purchased or sold in any Investment Fund 
equals the dollar amount of the transaction divided by the Accumulation Unit 
Value for that Investment Fund for the applicable Transaction Date. 

   
The number of Accumulation Units will not vary because of any later change in 
the Accumulation Unit Value. The Accumulation Unit Value varies with the 
investment performance of the corresponding Portfolios of each respective 
trust, which in turn reflects the investment income and realized and 
unrealized capital gains and losses of the Portfolios, as well as each 
trust's fees and expenses. The Accumulation Unit Value is also stated after 
deduction of the Separate Account asset charges relating to the Certificates. 
A description of the computation of the Accumulation Unit Value is found in 
the SAI. 

Annuity Account Value in Guaranteed Period 
Account 

The Annuity Account Value in the Guaranteed Period Account on any Business 
Day will be the sum of the present value of the Maturity Value in each 
Guarantee Period, using the Guaranteed Rate in effect for new allocations to 
such Guarantee Period on such date. (This is equivalent to the Guaranteed 
Period Amount increased or decreased by the full market value adjustment.) 
The Annuity Account Value, therefore, may be higher or lower than the 
contributions (less withdrawals) accumulated at the Guaranteed Rate. At the 
Expiration Date the Annuity Account Value in the Guaranteed Period Account 
will equal the Maturity Value. See "Part 2: The Guaranteed Period Account." 
    

TRANSFERS AMONG INVESTMENT OPTIONS 

At any time prior to the Annuity Commencement Date, you may transfer all or 
portions of your Annuity Account Value among the Investment Options, subject 
to the following restrictions. 

   
  o     Transfers out of a Guarantee Period other than at the Expiration Date 
        will result in a market value adjustment. See "Part 2: The Guaranteed 
        Period Account." 
  o     At Annuitant ages 76 and above, transfers to Guarantee Periods must 
        be limited to those with maturities of five years or less and with 
        maturity dates no later than the February 15th immediately following 
        the Annuity Commencement Date. 
  o     Transfers may not be made to a Guarantee Period with an Expiration 
        Date in the current calendar year, or if the Guaranteed Rate is 3%. 
    

                               17           
<PAGE>
Transfer requests must be made directly to our Processing Office. Your 
request for a transfer should specify your Certificate number, the amounts or 
percentages to be transferred and the Investment Options to and from which 
the amounts are to be transferred. Your transfer request may be in writing or 
by telephone. 

For telephone transfer requests, procedures have been established by 
Equitable Life that are considered to be reasonable and are designed to 
confirm that instructions communicated by telephone are genuine. Such 
procedures include requiring certain personal identification information 
prior to acting on telephone instructions and providing written confirmation. 
In light of the procedures established, Equitable Life will not be liable for 
following telephone instructions that it reasonably believes to be genuine. 

We may restrict, in our sole discretion, the use of an agent acting under a 
power of attorney, such as a market timer, on behalf of more than one 
Certificate Owner to effect transfers. Any agreements to use market timing 
services to effect transfers are subject to our rules then in effect and must 
be on a form satisfactory to us. 

A transfer request will be effective on the Transaction Date and the transfer 
to or from Investment Funds will be made at the Accumulation Unit Value next 
computed after the Transaction Date. All transfers will be confirmed in 
writing. 

   
DOLLAR COST AVERAGING 

We offer two Dollar Cost Averaging programs as described below. The main 
objective of dollar cost after averaging is to attempt to shield your 
investment from short term price fluctuations. Since the same dollar amounts 
are transferred to other Investment Funds periodically, more Accumulation Units
are purchased in an Investment Fund if the value per Accumulation Unit is low 
and fewer Accumulation Units are purchased if the value per Accumulation Unit 
is high. Therefore, a lower average value per Accumulation Unit may be 
achieved over the long term. This plan of investing allows you to take 
advantage of market fluctuations but does not assure a profit or protect 
against a loss in declining markets. 

Special Dollar Cost Averaging 

For Certificate Owners who (at issue of the Certificate) want to dollar cost 
average their entire initial contribution from the Alliance Money Market Fund 
into the other Investment Funds monthly over a period of twelve months, we 
offer a Special Dollar Cost Averaging program under which the mortality and 
expense risks and administration charges normally deducted from the Alliance 
Money Market Fund will not be deducted. See "Charges Deducted from the 
Investment Funds" in Part 4. 

General Dollar Cost Averaging 

If you have at least $5,000 of Annuity Account Value in the Alliance Money 
Market Fund, you may choose to have a specified dollar amount or percentage 
of your Annuity Account Value transferred from the Alliance Money Market Fund 
to other Investment Funds on a monthly, quarterly or annual basis. This 
program may be elected at any time. 

The minimum amount that may be transferred on each Transaction Date is $250. 
The maximum amount which may be transferred is equal to the Annuity Account 
Value in the Alliance Money Market Fund at the time the option is elected, 
divided by the number of transfers scheduled to be made each Contract Year. 
Dollar cost averaging may not be elected while the systematic withdrawal 
option is in effect. 

The transfer date will be the same calendar day of the month as the Contract 
Date. If, on any transfer date, the Annuity Account Value in the Alliance 
Money Market Fund is equal to or less than the amount you have elected to 
have transferred, the entire amount will be transferred and the dollar cost 
averaging option will end. You may change the transfer amount once each 
Contract Year, or cancel this option by sending us satisfactory notice to our 
Processing Office at least seven calendar days before the next transfer date. 

BASEBUILDER BENEFITS 

The baseBUILDER option provides guaranteed benefits in the form of a Combined 
Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit and Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit. The 
combined benefit (Plan A) is available for Annuitant issue ages 20 through 75 
for which there is a charge. See "Combined Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit 
and Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit Charge" in Part 5). If you do not elect 
the combined benefit, the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit is still provided 
under the Certificate at a lower charge. 

If the Annuitant is age 76 or older and you are interested in the Combined 
Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit and Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit, ask 
your agent for a copy of the prospectus supplement describing this benefit. 
The combined benefit (Plan A) is not currently available in New York. 
    

                               18           
<PAGE>
DEATH BENEFIT 

When the Annuitant Dies 

Generally, upon receipt of proof satisfactory to us of the Annuitant's death 
prior to the Annuity Commencement Date, we will pay the death benefit to the 
beneficiary named in your Certificate. You designate the beneficiary at the 
time you apply for the Certificate. While the Certificate is in effect, you 
may change your beneficiary by writing to our Processing Office. The change 
will be effective on the date the written submission was signed. The death 
benefit payable will be determined as of the date we receive such proof of 
death and any required instructions as to the method of payment. 

The death benefit is equal to the sum of: 

   
 (1)      the Annuity Account Value in the Investment Funds, or, if greater, 
          the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit defined below; and 

 (2)      the death benefit provided with respect to the Guaranteed Period 
          Account which is equal to the Annuity Account Value in the 
          Guaranteed Period Account or, if greater, the sum of the Guaranteed 
          Period Amounts in each Guarantee Period. See "Part 2: The 
          Guaranteed Period Account." 

Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit 

Your Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit is the minimum amount payable with 
respect to the Investment Funds upon the death of the Annuitant. 

Applicable to Certificate issued in all states except New York for Annuitant 
issue ages 20 through 79. 

6% to Age 80 Benefit--On the Contract Date, the Guaranteed Minimum Death 
Benefit is equal to the portion of the initial contribution allocated to the 
Investment Funds. Thereafter, the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit is 
credited with interest at 6% (3% for amounts in the Alliance Money Market and 
Alliance Intermediate Government Securities Funds) on each Contract Date 
anniversary through the Annuitant's age 80 (or on the date of the Annuitant's 
death, if earlier), and 0% thereafter, and is adjusted for any subsequent 
contributions and transfers into the Investment Funds and transfers and 
withdrawals from such Funds. 

Applicable to Certificates issued in New York Annuitant issue age 20 through 
79 

Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit--On the Contract Date, the Guaranteed 
Minimum Death Benefit is equal to the initial contribution. Thereafter, the 
Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit is reset through the Annuitant's age 80 to 
the Annuity Account Value on a Contract Date anniversary if higher than the 
current Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit, and is adjusted for any subsequent 
contributions and withdrawals. 

Upon your death, the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit will be reset to the 
Annuity Account Value in the Investment Funds, plus the sum of the Guaranteed 
Period Amounts in each Guarantee Period, if greater than the Guaranteed 
Minimum Death Benefit determined above. 

Applicable to Certificates issued in all states for Annuitant issue ages 80 
through 83 

On the Contract Date, the GMDB is equal to the portion of the initial 
contribution allocated to the Investment Funds. Thereafter, the GMDB is equal 
to such portion of the initial contribution plus (a) any subsequent 
contributions an transfers into the Investment Funds, less (b) any transfers 
and withdrawals from such Funds. 

Withdrawals will reduce your Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit, see "How 
Withdrawals and Transfer Affect Your Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit and 
Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit" below. 

HOW DEATH BENEFIT PAYMENT IS MADE 

We will pay the death benefit to the beneficiary in the form of the annuity 
benefit you have chosen under your Certificate. If no annuity benefit has 
been chosen at the time of the Annuitant's death, the beneficiary will 
receive the death benefit in a lump sum. However, subject to any exceptions 
in the Certificate, Equitable Life's rules then in effect and any other 
applicable requirements under the Code, the beneficiary may elect to apply 
the death benefit to one or more annuity benefit offered by Equitable Life. 
See "Annuity Benefits and Distribution Options" below. Note that if you are 
both the Certificate Owner and the Annuitant, only a life annuity or an 
annuity that does not extend beyond the life expectancy of the beneficiary 
may be elected. 
    
<PAGE>
Successor Annuitant 

If you are both the Certificate Owner and the Annuitant and you elect your 
spouse to be both the sole primary beneficiary and the successor Annuitant/ 
Certificate Owner, then no death benefit is payable until your surviving 
spouse's death. 

   
On the Processing Date following your death, if the successor 
Annuitant/Certificate Owner election was elected at issue of your Certificate 
and is in effect at your death, the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit will be 
reset at the greater of the current Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit and the 
cur- 
    

                               19           
<PAGE>
   
rent Annuity Account Value in the Investment Funds. In determining whether 
the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit will continue to grow, we can use the 
age (as of the Processing Date) of the successor Annuitant/Certificate Owner. 

WHEN THE CERTIFICATE OWNER DIES 
BEFORE THE ANNUITANT 

When you are not the Annuitant and you die before the Annuity Commencement 
Date, the beneficiary named to receive the death benefit upon the Annuitant's 
death will automatically succeed as Certificate Owner (unless you name a 
different person as a successor Owner in a written form acceptable to us and 
send it to our Processing Office). The Certificate provides that the original 
Certificate Owner's entire interest in the Certificate be completely 
distributed to the named beneficiary by the fifth anniversary of such Owner's 
death (unless an annuity benefit is elected and payments begin within one 
year after the Certificate Owner's death and are made over the beneficiary's 
life or over a period not to exceed the beneficiary's life expectancy). If an 
annuity benefit has not been elected, as described above, on the fifth 
anniversary of your death, we will pay any Annuity Account Value remaining on 
such date, less any applicable withdrawal charge. If the successor 
Certificate Owner is your surviving spouse, no distributions are required as 
long as both the surviving spouse and the Annuitant are living. 

GUARANTEED MINIMUM INCOME BENEFIT 

The Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit provides a minimum amount of guaranteed 
lifetime income with respect to the Investment Funds when you exchange your 
Accumulator Certificate for an Income Manager (Life Annuity with a Period 
Certain) certificate. The Income Manager provides payments during a period 
certain with payments continuing for life thereafter. 

On the Transaction Date that you exercise your Guaranteed Minimum Income 
Benefit, the annual lifetime income that will be provided under the Income 
Manager (Life Annuity with a Period Certain) will be the greater of (i) your 
Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit, and (ii) the income provided by 
application of your Annuity Account Value in the Investment Funds at our then 
current annuity factors. The Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit does not 
provide an Annuity Account Value or guarantee performance of your Investment 
Funds. Because it is based on conservative actuarial factors, the level of 
lifetime income that it guarantees may often be less than the level that 
would be provided by application of your Annuity Account Value at current 
annuity factors. It should therefore be regarded as a safety net. 

If you have any Annuity Account Value in the Guaranteed Period Account under 
your Accumulator Certificate as of the Transaction Date that you exercise 
your Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit, such Annuity Account Value will also 
be applied (at current annuity factors) toward the purchase of payments under 
the Income Manager (Life Annuity with a Period Certain). Such Annuity Account 
Value will increase the payments provided by the Guaranteed Minimum Income 
Benefit. A market value adjustment may apply. 

Illustrated below are Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit amounts per $100,000 
of initial contribution, for a male age 60 (at issue) on Contract Date 
anniversaries as indicated below, assuming allocation only to the Investment 
Funds (excluding the Alliance Money Market and Alliance Intermediate 
Government Securities Funds), no subsequent contributions, transfers or 
withdrawals. 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                 GUARANTEED MINIMUM 
                INCOME BENEFIT ANNUAL 
 CONTRACT DATE     INCOME PAYABLE 
ANNIVERSARY AT      FOR LIFE WITH 
    ELECTION       10 YEAR CERTAIN 
- -------------- --------------------- 
      <S>            <C>
        7             $ 8,992 
       10              12,160 
       15              18,358 
</TABLE>
    

   
Withdrawals and transfers will reduce your Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit, 
see "How Withdrawals and Transfers Affect Your Guaranteed Minimum Death 
Benefit and Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit" below. 

The Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit may be exercised only within 30 days 
following the 7th or later Contract Date anniversary under your Accumulator 
Certificate. However, it may not be exercised earlier than the Annuitant's 
age 60, nor later than the Annuitant's age 83; except that for Annuitant's 
issue ages 20 to 44, it may be exercised following the 15th or later Contract 
Date anniversary. 

When you exercise your Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit, you will receive an 
Income Manager (Life Annuity with a Period Certain) certificate in exchange, 
with at least the minimum annual income specified and a period certain based 
on the Annuitant's age at the time the benefit is exercised as follows: 
    

                               20           
<PAGE>
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
               LEVEL PAYMENTS* 
              -----------------                 
   ANNUITANT'S AGE 
     AT ELECTION       PERIOD CERTAIN YEARS 
  -----------------   ---------------------- 
     <S>                       <C>
      60 to 75                  10 
         76                     10 
         77                     10 
         78                     10 
         79                     10 
         80                     10 
         81                      9 
         82                      8 
         83                      7 
</TABLE>
    

   
- ------------ 
* Other forms and period certains may also be available. 

Payments will start one payment mode from the Contract Date of the Income 
Manager certificate. 

Each year on your Contract Date anniversary, if you are eligible to exercise 
your Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit, we will send you an eligibility notice 
illustrating how much income could be provided on the Contract Date 
anniversary. You may then notify us within 30 days following the Contract 
Date anniversary if you want to exercise Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit by 
submitting the proper form and returning your Accumulator Certificate. The 
amount of income you actually receive will be determined on the Transaction 
Date that we receive your properly completed exercise notice. 

You may also apply your Cash Value at any time to an Income Manager (Life 
Annuity with a Period Certain) payout annuity or, you may always apply your 
Annuity Account Value to any of our other life annuity benefits. The annuity 
benefits are discussed below. These benefits differ from the Income Manager 
and may provide higher or lower income levels, but do not have all the 
features of the Income Manager. You may request an illustration from your 
agent. 

The Income Manager (Life Annuity with a Period Certain) is offered through 
our prospectus for the Income Manager, a copy of which may be obtained from 
your agent. We will also provide a prospectus with the eligibility notice. 
You should read it carefully before you decide to exercise your Guaranteed 
Minimum Income Benefit. 
    

Successor Annuitant/Certificate Owner 

   
If the successor Annuitant/Certificate Owner election (discussed above) was 
elected at issue of the Certificate and is in effect at your death, 
the Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit will continue to be available on Contract
Date anniversaries seven and later based on the Contract Date of the 
Accumulator Certificate, provided the Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit is 
exercised as specified above based on the age of the successor 
Annuitant/Certificate Owner. 

WITHDRAWAL OPTIONS 

The Accumulator is an annuity contracts, even though you may elect to receive 
your benefits in a non-annuity form. You may take withdrawals from your 
Certificate before the Annuity Commencement Date and while the Annuitant is 
alive. Two withdrawal options are available: Lump Sum Withdrawals and 
Systematic Withdrawals. Withdrawals in excess of the 15% free corridor amount 
may result in withdrawal charges. See "Part 4: Deductions and Charges." 
Withdrawals may also be taxable and subject to tax penalty. See "Part 6: Tax 
Aspects of the Certificates." 

Amounts withdrawn from the Guaranteed Period Account, other than at the 
Expiration Date, will result in a market value adjustment. See "Market Value 
Adjustment for Transfers, Withdrawals or Surrender Prior to the Expiration 
Date" in Part 2. 

As a deterrent to early withdrawal (generally prior to age 59 1/2) the Code 
provides certain penalties. We may also be required to withhold income taxes 
from the amount distributed. These rules are outlined in "Part 7: Tax Aspects 
of the Certificates." 

LUMP SUM WITHDRAWALS 

You may take Lump Sum Withdrawals at any time subject to a minimum withdrawal 
amount of $1,000. A request to withdraw more than 90% of the Cash Value as of 
the Transaction Date will result in the termination of the Certificate and 
will be treated as a surrender of the Certificate for its Cash Value. See 
"Surrendering the Certificates to Receive the Cash Value," below. 

To make a Lump Sum Withdrawal, you must submit a request satisfactory to us 
which specifies the Investment Options from which the Lump Sum Withdrawal 
will be taken. If we have received the information we require, the requested 
withdrawal will become effective on the Transaction Date and proceeds will 
usually be mailed within seven calendar days thereafter, but we may delay 
payment as described in "When Payments Are Made" below. If we receive only 
partially completed information, our Processing Office will contact you for 
specific instructions before your request can be processed. 

SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWALS 

Systematic Withdrawals provide level percentage or level amount payouts. You 
may choose to receive Systematic Withdrawals on a monthly, quarterly or 
    

                               21           
<PAGE>
   
annual basis. You select a dollar amount or percentage of the Annuity Account 
Value to be withdrawn, subject to a maximum of 1.2% monthly, 3.6% quarterly 
and 15.0% annually, but in no event may any payment be less than $250. If at 
the time a Systematic Withdrawal is to be made, the withdrawal amount would 
be less than $250, no payment will be made and your Systematic Withdrawal 
election will terminate. 

You select the date of the month when the withdrawals will be made, but you 
may not choose a date later than the 28th day of the month. If no date is 
selected, withdrawals will be made on the same calendar day of the month as 
the Contract Date. The commencement of payments under the Systematic 
Withdrawal option may not be elected to start sooner than 28 days after issue 
of the Certificate. 

You may elect Systematic Withdrawals at any time by completing the proper 
form and sending it to our Processing Office. You may change the payment 
frequency of your Systematic Withdrawals once each Contract Year or cancel 
this withdrawal option at any time by sending notice in a form satisfactory 
to us. The notice must be received at our Processing Office at least seven 
calendar days prior to the next scheduled withdrawal date. You may also 
change the amount or percentage of your Systematic Withdrawals once in each 
Contract Year. However, you may not change the amount or percentage in any 
Contract Year where you have previously taken another withdrawal under the 
Lump Sum Withdrawals option described above. 

Unless you specify otherwise, Systematic Withdrawals will be withdrawn on a 
pro rata basis from your Annuity Account Value in the Investment Funds. If 
there is insufficient value or no value in the Investment Funds, any 
additional amount of the withdrawal required or the total amount of the 
withdrawal, as applicable, will be withdrawn from the Guarantee Periods in 
order of the earliest Expiration Date(s) first. 

HOW WITHDRAWALS AND TRANSFERS AFFECT YOUR GUARANTEED MINIMUM DEATH BENEFIT 
AND GUARANTEED MINIMUM INCOME BENEFIT 

Except as described in the next sentence, each withdrawal and transfer will 
cause a reduction in your current Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit and 
Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit benefit base (described below) on a pro 
rata basis. Your current Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit and Guaranteed 
Minimum Income Benefit benefit base will be reduced on a dollar-for-dollar 
basis as long as the sum of your withdrawals and transfers from the 
Investment Funds in any Contract Year is 6% or less of the beginning of 
Contract Year Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit. Once a withdrawal or transfer 
is made that causes cumulative withdrawals and transfers from the Investment 
Funds in a Contract Year to exceed 6% of the beginning of Contract Year 
Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit, that withdrawal or transfer and any 
subsequent withdrawals and transfers in that Contract Year will cause a pro 
rata reduction to occur. 

Reduction on a dollar-for-dollar basis means your current Guaranteed Minimum 
Death Benefit and Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit benefit base will be 
reduced by the dollar amount of the withdrawal. Reduction on a pro rata basis 
means that we calculate the percentage of the Annuity Account Value as of the 
Transaction Date that is being withdrawn and we reduce your current 
Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit and Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit 
benefit base by that same percentage. For example, if your Annuity Account 
Value is $10,000 and you withdraw $4,000 you have withdrawn 40% 
($4,000/$10,000) of your Annuity Account Value. If your Guaranteed Minimum 
Death Benefit was $20,000 prior to the withdrawal, it would be reduced by 
$8,000 ($20,000 x .40) and your new Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit after 
the withdrawal would be $12,000 ($20,000 -$8,000). 

The timing of your withdrawals and whether they exceed the 6% threshold 
described above can have a significant impact on your Guaranteed Minimum 
Death Benefit or Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit. 

GUARANTEED MINIMUM INCOME BENEFIT BENEFIT BASE 

The Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit benefit base is equal to the portion of 
the initial contribution allocated to the Investment Funds on the Contract 
Date. Thereafter, the Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit benefit base is 
credited with interest at 6% (3% for amounts in the Alliance Money Market and 
Alliance Intermediate Government Securities Funds) on each Contract Date 
anniversary through the Annuitant's age 80, and 0% thereafter, and is 
adjusted for any subsequent contributions and transfers into the Investment 
Funds and transfers and withdrawals from such Funds. The Guaranteed Minimum 
Income Benefit benefit base will also be reduced by any withdrawal charge 
remaining on the Transaction Date that you exercise the Guaranteed Minimum 
Income Benefit. 

Your Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit benefit base is applied to guaranteed 
minimum annuity factors to determine the Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit. 
The guaranteed minimum annuity 
    

                               22           
<PAGE>
   
factors are based on (i) interest at 2.5% if the Guaranteed Minimum Income 
Benefit is exercised within 30 days following a Contract Date anniversary in 
years 7 through 9 and at 3% if exercised within 30 days following the 10th or 
later Contract Date anniversary, and (ii) mortality tables that assume 
increasing longevity. These interest and mortality factors are generally more 
conservative than the basis underlying current annuity factors, which means 
that they would produce less periodic income for an equal amount applied. 

Your Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit benefit base does not create an 
Annuity Account Value or a Cash Value and is used solely for purposes of 
calculating your Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit. 

CASH VALUE 

The Cash Value under the Certificate fluctuates daily with the investment 
performance of the Investment Funds you have selected and reflects any upward 
or downward market value adjustment. See "Part 2: The Guaranteed Period 
Account." We do not guarantee any minimum Cash Value except for amounts in a 
Guarantee Period held to the Expiration Date. On any date before the Annuity 
Commencement Date while the Certificate is in effect, the Cash Value is equal 
to the Annuity Account Value less any withdrawal charge. The free corridor 
amount will not apply when calculating the withdrawal charge applicable upon 
a surrender. See "Part 4: Deductions and Charges." 

SURRENDERING THE CERTIFICATES TO 
RECEIVE THE CASH VALUE 

You may surrender a Certificate to receive the Cash Value at any time while 
the Annuitant is living and before the Annuity Commencement Date. For a 
surrender to be effective, we must receive your written request and the 
Certificate at our Processing Office. The Cash Value will be determined on 
the Transaction Date. All benefits under the Certificate will be terminated 
as of that date. 

You may receive the Cash Value in a single sum payment or apply it under one 
or more of the annuity benefits described below. We will usually pay the Cash 
Value within seven calendar days, but we may delay payment as described in 
"When Payments are Made" below. 

For the tax consequences of surrenders, see "Part 6: Tax Aspects of the 
Certificates." 

WHEN PAYMENTS ARE MADE 

Under applicable law, application of proceeds from the Investment Funds to a 
variable annuity, payment of a death benefit from the Investment Funds, 
payment of any portion of the Annuity Account Value (less any applicable 
withdrawal charge) from the Investment Funds, and, upon surrender, payment of 
the Cash Value from the Investment Funds will be made within seven calendar 
days after the Transaction Date. Payments or application of proceeds from the 
Investment Funds can be deferred for any period during which (1) the New York 
Stock Exchange is closed or trading on it is restricted, (2) sales of 
securities or determination of the fair value of an Investment Fund's assets 
is not reasonably practicable because of an emergency, or (3) the SEC, by 
order, permits us to defer payment in order to protect persons with interest 
in the Investment Funds. 

We can defer payment of any portion of the Annuity Account Value in the 
Guaranteed Period Account (other than for death benefits) for up to six 
months while you are living. We may also defer payments for any amount 
attributable to a contribution made in the form of a check for a reasonable 
amount of time (not to exceed 15 days) to permit the check to clear. 

ANNUITY BENEFITS AND PAYOUT ANNUITY 
OPTIONS 

The Accumulator Certificates offer annuity benefits and Income Manager payout 
annuity options, described below, for providing retirement income. 

ANNUITY BENEFITS 

Annuity benefits under the Accumulator provide periodic payments over a 
specified period of time which may be fixed or may be based on the 
Annuitant's life. Annuity forms of payment are calculated as of the Annuity 
Commencement Date, which is on file with our Processing Office. You can 
change the Annuity Commencement Date by writing to our Processing Office any 
time before the Annuity Commencement Date. However, you may not choose a date 
later than the 28th day of any month. Also, based on the issue age of the 
Annuitant, the Annuity Commencement Date may not be later than the Processing 
Date which follows the Annuitant's 90th birthday (may be different in some 
states). 

Before the Annuity Commencement Date, we will send a letter advising that 
annuity benefits are available. Unless you otherwise elect, we will pay fixed 
annuity benefits on the "normal form" indicated for your Certificate as of 
the Annuity Commencement Date. The amount applied to provide the annuity 
benefit will be (1) the Annuity Account Value for any life annuity form or 
(2) the Cash Value 
    

                               23           
<PAGE>
for any period certain only annuity form except that if the period certain is 
more than five years, the amount applied will be no less than 95% of the 
Annuity Account Value. 

   
Amounts in the Guarantee Periods that are applied to an annuity benefit prior 
to an Expiration Date will result in a market value adjustment. See "Market 
Value Adjustment for Transfers, Withdrawals or Surrender Prior to the 
Expiration Date" in Part 2. 

Annuity Forms 
    

o     Life Annuity: An annuity which guarantees payments for the rest of the 
      Annuitant's life. Payments end with the last monthly payment before the 
      Annuitant's death. Because there is no death benefit associated with 
      this annuity form, it provides the highest monthly payment of any of the 
      life income annuity options, so long as the Annuitant is living. 

o     Life Annuity-Period Certain: This annuity form also guarantees payments 
      for the rest of the Annuitant's life. In addition, if the Annuitant dies 
      before a specified period of time (the "certain period") has ended, 
      payments will continue to the beneficiary for the balance of the certain 
      period. Certain periods may be 5, 10, 15 or 20 years. A life annuity 
      with a certain period of 10 years is the normal form of annuity under 
      the Certificates. 

o     Life Annuity-Refund Certain: This annuity form guarantees payments to 
      you for the rest of your life. In addition, if you die before the amount 
      applied to purchase this annuity option has been recovered, payments 
      will continue to your beneficiary until that amount has been recovered. 
      This option is available only as a fixed annuity. 

   
o     Period Certain Annuity: This annuity form guarantees payments for a 
      specific period of time, usually 5, 10, 15 or 20 years, and does not 
      involve life contingencies. 

o     Joint and Survivor Life Annuity: This annuity form guarantees life 
      income to you and, after your death, continuation of income to the 
      survivor. 
    

The life annuity-period certain and the life annuity-refund certain are 
available on either a single life or joint and survivor life basis. 

   
The annuity forms outlined above are available in both fixed and variable 
form, unless otherwise indicated. Fixed annuity payments are guaranteed by us 
and will be based either on the tables of guaranteed annuity payments in your 
Certificate or on our then current annuity rates, whichever is more favorable 
for the Annuitant. Variable income annuities may be funded through the 
Investment Funds through the purchase of annuity units. The amount of each 
variable annuity payment may fluctuate, depending upon the performance of the 
Investment Funds. That is because the annuity unit value rises and falls 
depending on whether the actual rate of net investment return (after 
deduction of charges) is higher or lower than the assumed base rate. See 
"Annuity Unit Values" in the SAI. Variable income annuities may also be 
available by separate prospectus through Investment Funds of other separate 
accounts we offer. 
    

For all Annuitants, the normal form of annuity provides for fixed payments. 
We may offer other forms not outlined here. Your registered representative 
can provide details. 

   
For each annuity benefit, we will issue a separate written agreement putting 
the benefit into effect. Before we pay any annuity benefit, we require the 
return of the Certificate. 

The amount of the annuity payments will depend on the amount applied to 
purchase the annuity, the type of annuity chosen and, in the case of a life 
annuity form, the Annuitant's age (or the Annuitant's and joint Annuitant's 
ages) and in certain instances, the sex of the Annuitant(s). Once an annuity 
form is chosen and payments have commenced, no change can be made. 

If, at the time you elect an annuity form, the amount to be applied is less 
than $2,000 or the initial payment under the form elected is less than $20 
monthly, we reserve the right to pay the Annuity Account Value in a single 
sum rather than as payments under the annuity form chosen. 
<PAGE>
INCOME MANAGER PAYOUT ANNUITY OPTIONS 

You may apply your Annuity Account Value to an Income Manager (Life Annuity 
with a Period Certain) certificate. The Income Manager is designed to provide 
guaranteed level or increasing annual payments for the Annuitant's life or 
for the Annuitant's life and the life of a joint Annuitant. 

If you apply a part of the Annuity Account Value under an Income Manager 
payout annuity, it will be considered a withdrawal and may be subject to 
withdrawal charges. See "Withdrawal Options" above. If 100% of the Annuity 
Account Value is applied from an Accumulator Certificate at a time when the 
dollar amount of the withdrawal charge is greater than 2% of remaining 
contributions (after withdrawals), such withdrawal charge will not be 
deducted. However, a new withdrawal charge schedule will apply under the new 
certificate. For purposes of the new certificate withdrawal charge schedule, 
the year in which your Annuity Account Value is applied under the new 
certificate will be "Contract 
    

                               24           
<PAGE>
   
Year 1." If 100% of the Annuity Account Value is applied from the Accumulator 
when the dollar amount of the withdrawal charge is 2% or less, such 
withdrawal charge will not be deducted and there will be no withdrawal charge 
schedule under the new certificate. You should consider the timing of your 
purchase as it relates to the potential for withdrawal charges under the new 
certificate. No subsequent contributions will be permitted under the Income 
Manager certificate. 

You may also apply your Annuity Account Value to purchase the Income Manager 
(Period Certain) once withdrawal charges are no longer in effect. This 
version of the Income Manager provides for annual payments for a specified 
period. No withdrawal charges will apply under this Income Manager 
certificate. 

The Income Manager payout annuities are described in our prospectus for the 
Income Manager. Copies of the most current version are available from your 
agent. To purchase an Income Manager Payout Annuity, we also require the 
return of your Certificate. An Income Manager payout annuities certificate 
will be issued to put one of these options into effect. Depending upon your 
circumstances, this may be accomplished on a tax-free basis. Consult your tax 
adviser. 

ASSIGNMENT 

The Certificates may be assigned at any time before the Annuity Commencement 
Date and for any purpose other than as collateral or security for a loan. 
Equitable Life will not be bound by an assignment unless it is in writing and 
we have received it at our Processing Office. In some cases, an assignment 
may have adverse tax consequences. See "Part 6: Tax Aspects of the 
Certificates." 

SERVICES WE PROVIDE 

O     REGULAR REPORTS 
    

 o      Statement of your Certificate values as of the last day of the 
        calendar year; 

 o      Three additional reports of your Certificate values each year; 

 o      Annual and semi-annual statements of each trust; and 

 o      Written confirmation of financial transactions. 

O     TOLL-FREE TELEPHONE SERVICES 

 o      Call 1-800-789-7771 for arecording of daily Accumulation Unit Values 
        and Guaranteed Rates applicable to the Guarantee Periods. Also call 
        during our regular business hours to speak to one of our customer 
        service representatives. 

O     PROCESSING OFFICE 
   
 O      FOR CONTRIBUTIONS SENT BY REGULAR MAIL: 

    Equitable Life 
    Income Management Group 
    Post Office Box 13014 
    Newark, NJ 07188-0014 

 O      FOR CONTRIBUTIONS SENT BY EXPRESS MAIL: 

    Equitable Life 
    c/o First Chicago National Processing Center 
    300 Harmon Meadow Boulevard, 3rd Floor 
    Attn: Box 13014 
    Secaucus, NJ 07094 

 O      FOR ALL OTHER COMMUNICATIONS (E.G., REQUESTS FOR TRANSFERS, 
        WITHDRAWALS) SENT BY REGULAR MAIL: 

    Equitable Life 
    Income Management Group 
    P.O. Box 1547 
    Secaucus, NJ 07096-1547 

 O      FOR ALL OTHER COMMUNICATIONS (E.G., REQUESTS FOR TRANSFERS, 
        WITHDRAWALS) SENT BY 
        EXPRESS MAIL: 

    Equitable Life 
    Income Management Group 
    200 Plaza Drive, 4th Floor 
    Secaucus, NJ 07096 













DISTRIBUTION OF THE CERTIFICATES 

As the distributor of the Certificates, Equitable Distributors, Inc. (EDI), 
an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Equitable Life, has responsibility for 
sales and marketing functions for the Certificates. EDI also serves as the 
principal underwriter of the Separate Account under the 1940 Act. EDI is 
registered with the SEC as a broker-dealer under the Exchange Act and is a 
member of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. EDI's 
principal business address is 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 
10104. EDI was paid a fee of $1,204,370 for 1996 and $126,914 for 1995 for 
its services under its "Distribution Agreement" with Equitable Life and the 
Separate Account. 
    

The Certificates will be sold by registered representatives of EDI and its 
affiliates, who are also our licensed insurance agents. Broker-dealer sales 
compensation for EDI and its affiliates will generally not 

                               25           
<PAGE>
   
exceed six percent of total contributions made under a Certificate. EDI may 
also receive compensation and reimbursement for its marketing services under 
the terms of its distribution agreement with Equitable Life. Broker-dealers 
receiving sales compensation will generally pay a portion thereof to their 
registered representatives as commission related to sales of the 
Certificates. The offering of the Certificates is intended to be continuous. 
    

                               26           
<PAGE>
   
                        PART 4: DEDUCTIONS AND CHARGES
    

CHARGES DEDUCTED FROM THE 
ANNUITY ACCOUNT VALUE 

   
We allocate the entire amount of each contribution to the Investment Options 
you select, subject to certain restrictions. We then periodically deduct 
certain amounts from your Annuity Account Value. Unless otherwise indicated, 
the charges described below and under "Charges Deducted from the Investment 
Funds" below will not be increased by us for the life of the Certificates. We 
may reduce certain charges under group or sponsored arrangements. See "Group 
or Sponsored Arrangements" below. Charges are deducted proportionately from 
all the Investment Funds in which your Annuity Account Value is invested on a 
pro rata basis, except as noted below. 
    

Withdrawal Charge 

A withdrawal charge will be imposed as a percentage of each contribution made 
to the extent that a withdrawal exceeds the free corridor amount, or if the 
Certificate is surrendered to receive its Cash Value. We determine the 
withdrawal charge separately for each contribution in accordance with the 
table below. 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               CONTRACT YEAR 
                   1      2      3      4      5      6      7     8+ 
                ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ----- 
<S>             <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>
Percentage of 
 Contribution     7.0%   6.0%   5.0%   4.0%   3.0%   2.0%   1.0%   0.0% 
</TABLE>

The applicable withdrawal charge percentage is determined by the Contract 
Year in which the withdrawal is made or the Certificate is surrendered, 
beginning with "Contract Year 1" with respect to each contribution withdrawn 
or surrendered. For each contribution, the Contract Year in which we receive 
that contribution is "Contract Year 1." 

The withdrawal charge is deducted from the Investment Options from which each 
such withdrawal is made in proportion to the amount being withdrawn from each 
Investment Option. 

    Free Corridor Amount 

    The free corridor amount is 15% of the Annuity Account Value at the 
    beginning of the Contract Year minus any amount previously withdrawn 
    during that Contract Year. 

Any withdrawal requested that exceeds the free corridor amount will be 
subject to the withdrawal charge. The 15% free corridor amount is not 
applicable to a surrender. 

   
For purposes of calculating the withdrawal charge, (1) we treat contributions 
as being withdrawn on a first-in first-out basis, and (2) amounts withdrawn 
up to the free corridor amount are not considered a withdrawal of any 
contributions. Although we treat contributions as withdrawn before earnings 
for purposes of calculating the withdrawal charge, the Federal income tax law 
treats earnings as withdrawn first. See "Part 6: Tax Aspects of the 
Certificates." 
    

The withdrawal charge is to help cover sales expenses. 

   
For Certificates issued to a charitable remainder trust, the free corridor 
amount will be changed to be the greater of (1) the current Annuity Account 
Value, less contributions that have not been withdrawn (earnings in the 
Certificate) and (2) the free corridor amount defined above. 

Combined Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit and Guaranteed Minimum Income 
Benefit Charge (Plan A) 

We deduct a charge annually on each Processing Date for providing the 
Combined Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit and Guaranteed Minimum Income 
Benefit (Plan A). The charge is equal to a percentage of the Guaranteed 
Minimum Death Benefit in effect on the Processing Date. The percentage is 
equal to 0.45%. 

Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit Only Benefit Charge (Plan B) 

We deduct a charge annually on each Processing Date for providing the 
Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit Only Benefit (Plan B). The charge is equal 
to a percentage of the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit in effect on the 
Processing Date. The percentage is equal to 0.20%. 
    
<PAGE>
Charges for State Premium and Other Applicable Taxes 

   
We deduct a charge for applicable taxes, such as state or local premium 
taxes, that might be imposed in your state. Generally we deduct this charge 
from the amount applied to provide an annuity benefit. In certain states, 
however, we may deduct the charge for taxes from contributions. The current 
tax charge 
    

                               27           
<PAGE>
   
that might be imposed varies by state and ranges from 0% to 3.5% (the rate is 
1% in Puerto Rico and 5% in the Virgin Islands). 
    

CHARGES DEDUCTED FROM THE 
INVESTMENT FUNDS 

Mortality and Expense Risks Charge 

   
We will deduct a daily charge from the assets in each Investment Fund to 
compensate us for mortality and expense risks. The daily charge is at the 
rate of 0.002477%, which is equivalent to an annual rate of 0.90%, on the 
assets in each Investment Fund. 

The mortality risk assumed is the risk that Annuitants as a group will live 
for a longer time than our actuarial tables predict. As a result, we would be 
paying more in annuity income than we planned. We also assume a risk that the 
mortality assumptions reflected in our guaranteed annuity payment tables, 
shown in each Certificate, will differ from actual mortality experience. 
Lastly, we assume a mortality risk to the extent that at the time of death, 
the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit exceeds the Cash Value of the 
Certificate. The expense risk assumed is the risk that it will cost us more 
to issue and administer the Certificates than we expect. 
    

Administration Charge 

We will deduct a daily charge from the assets in each Investment Fund, to 
compensate us for a portion of the administration expenses under the 
Certificates. The daily charge is at a rate of 0.000692% (equivalent to an 
annual rate of 0.25%) on the assets in each Investment Fund. We reserve the 
right to increase the charge to an annual rate of 0.35% the maximum permitted 
under the Certificates. 

   
HR TRUST CHARGES TO PORTFOLIOS 

Investment advisory fees charged daily against HR Trust's assets, the 12b-1 
fee, direct operating expenses of HR Trust (such as trustees' fees, expenses 
of independent auditors and legal counsel, bank and custodian charges and 
liability insurance), and certain investment-related expenses of HR Trust 
(such as brokerage commissions and other expenses related to the purchase and 
sale of securities), are reflected in each Portfolio's daily share price. The 
maximum investment advisory fees paid annually by the Portfolios cannot be 
changed without a vote by shareholders. They are as follows: 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   FIRST     NEXT      NEXT      NEXT 
                   $750      $750       $1       $2.5 
                  MILLION   MILLION   BILLION   BILLION   THEREAFTER 
                --------- --------- --------- --------- ------------ 
<S>               <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>
 Alliance 
  Conservative 
  Investors.....   0.475%    0.425%    0.375%    0.350%     0.325% 
 Alliance 
  Growth 
  Investors ....   0.550%    0.500%    0.450%    0.425%     0.400% 
 Alliance 
  Growth & 
  Income .......   0.550%    0.525%    0.500%    0.480%     0.470% 
 Alliance 
  Common Stock     0.475%    0.425%    0.375%    0.355%     0.345%* 
 Alliance 
  Global........   0.675%    0.600%    0.550%    0.530%     0.520% 
 Alliance 
  International    0.900%    0.825%    0.800%    0.780%     0.770% 
 Alliance 
  Aggressive 
  Stock ........   0.625%    0.575%    0.525%    0.500%     0.475% 
 Alliance Small 
  Cap Growth....   0.900%    0.850%    0.825%    0.800%     0.775% 
 Alliance Money 
  Market .......   0.350%    0.325%    0.300%    0.280%     0.270% 
 Alliance 
  Intermediate 
  Gov't 
  Securities  ..   0.500%    0.475%    0.450%    0.430%     0.420% 
 Alliance High 
  Yield ........   0.600%    0.575%    0.550%    0.530%     0.520% 
</TABLE>
    

   
- ------------ 
*      On assets in excess of $10 billion, the management feee for the 
       Alliance Common Stock Portfolio is reduced to 0.335% of average daily 
       net assets. 
    
<PAGE>
Investment advisory fees are established under HR Trust's investment advisory 
agreements between HR Trust and its investment adviser, Alliance. 

   
The Rule 12b-1 Plan provides that the HR Trust, on behalf of each Portfolio 
may pay annually up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of a Portfolio 
attributable to its Class IB shares in respect of activities primarily 
intended to result in the sale of the Class IB shares. The 12b-1 fee, which 
may be waived in the discretion of EDI may be increased only by action of the 
Board of Trustees of HR Trust up to a maximum of 0.50% per annum. All of 
these fees and expenses are described more fully in the HR Trust prospectus. 
    

EQ TRUST CHARGES TO PORTFOLIOS 

   
Investment management fees charged daily against EQ Trust's assets, the 12b-1 
fee, other direct operating expenses of EQ Trust (such as trustees' fees, 
expenses of independent auditors and legal counsel, administrative service 
fees, custodian fees, and liability insurance), and certain 
investment-related expenses of EQ Trust (such as brokerage commissions and 
other expenses related to the purchase and sale of securities), are reflected 
in each Portfolio's daily share price. The investment management 
    

                               28           
<PAGE>
   
fees paid annually by the Portfolios cannot be changed without a vote by 
shareholders. They are as follows: 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         AVERAGE DAILY NET 
                                              ASSETS 
                                       --------------------- 
<S>                                           <C>
EQ/Putnam Balanced...................          0.55% 
EQ/Putnam Growth and Income Value ...          0.55% 
MFS Emerging Growth Companies .......          0.55% 
MFS Research.........................          0.55% 
Merrill Lynch Basic Value Equity  ...          0.55% 
Merrill Lynch World Strategy  .......          0.70% 
Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets 
 Equity..............................          1.15% 
T. Rowe Price Equity Income..........          0.55% 
T. Rowe Price International Stock ...          0.75% 
Warburg Pincus Small Company Value ..          0.75% 
</TABLE>
    

   
Investment management fees are established under EQ Trust's Investment 
Management Agreement between EQ Trust and its investment manager, EQ 
Financial. EQ Financial has entered into expense limitation agreements with 
EQ Trust, with respect to each Portfolio, pursuant to which EQ Financial has 
agreed to waive or limit its fees and total annual operating expenses 
(expressed as a percentage of the Portfolios' average daily net assets) to 
0.85% each for the EQ/Putnam Growth & Income Value, MFS Research, Merrill 
Lynch Basic Value Equity, T. Rowe Price Equity, and MFS Emerging Growth 
Companies Portfolios; 0.90% for the EQ/Putnam Balanced Portfolio; 1.00% for 
Warburg Pincus Small Company Value Portfolio; 1.20% each for T. Rowe Price 
International Stock and Merrill Lynch World Strategy Portfolios; and 1.75% 
for Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio. See the prospectus for 
EQ Trust for more information. 

The Rule 12b-1 Plan provides that EQ Trust, on behalf of each Portfolio, may 
pay annually up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of a Portfolio 
attributable to its Class IB shares in respect of activities primarily 
intended to result in the sale of the Class IB shares. The 12b-1 fees, which 
may be waived in the discretion of EDI, may be increased only by action of 
the Board of Trustees of EQ Trust up to a maximum of 0.50% per annum. All of 
these fees and expenses are described more fully in the EQ Trust prospectus. 
    

GROUP OR SPONSORED ARRANGEMENTS 

   
For certain group or sponsored arrangements, we may reduce the withdrawal 
charge or change the minimum initial contribution requirements. We may also 
change the guaranteed minimum death benefit and the guaranteed minimum income 
benefit. We may offer Investment Funds investing in Class IA shares of HR 
Trust and EQ Trust, which are not subject to 12b-1 Plan fees. Group 
arrangements include those in which a trustee or an employer, for example, 
purchases contracts covering a group of individuals on a group basis. 
Sponsored arrangements include those in which an employer allows us to sell 
Certificates to its employees or retirees on an individual basis. 
    

Our costs for sales, administration, and mortality generally vary with the 
size and stability of the group among other factors. We take all these 
factors into account when reducing charges. To qualify for reduced charges, a 
group or sponsored arrangement must meet certain requirements, including our 
requirements for size and number of years in existence. Group or sponsored 
arrangements that have been set up solely to buy Certificates or that have 
been in existence less than six months will not qualify for reduced charges. 

We may also establish different Guaranteed Rates for the Guarantee Periods 
under different classes of Certificates for group or sponsored arrangements. 

We will make these and any similar reductions according to our rules in 
effect when a Certificate is approved for issue. We may change these rules 
from time to time. Any variation in the withdrawal charge will reflect 
differences in costs or services and will not be unfairly discriminatory. 

Group and sponsored arrangements may be governed by the Code, the Employee 
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), or both. We make no 
representations as to the impact of those and other applicable laws on such 
programs. WE RECOMMEND THAT EMPLOYERS, TRUSTEES, AND OTHERS PURCHASING OR 
MAKING CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE UNDER SUCH PROGRAMS SEEK THE 
ADVICE OF THEIR OWN LEGAL AND BENEFITS ADVISERS. 

OTHER DISTRIBUTION ARRANGEMENTS 

Charges may be reduced or eliminated when sales are made in a manner that 
results in savings of sales and administrative expenses, such as sales 
through persons who are compensated by clients for recommending investments 
and receive no commission or reduced commissions in connection with the sale 
of the Certificates. In no event will a reduction or elimination charges be 
permitted where it would be unfairly discriminatory. 

                               29           
<PAGE>
   
                            PART 5: VOTING RIGHTS
    

HR TRUST AND EQ TRUST VOTING RIGHTS 

As explained previously, contributions allocated to the Investment Funds are 
invested in shares of the corresponding Portfolios of HR Trust and EQ Trust. 
Since we own the assets of the Separate Account, we are the legal owner of 
the shares and, as such, have the right to vote on certain matters. Among 
other things, we may vote: 

o  to elect each trust's Board of Trustees, 
o  to ratify the selection of independent auditors for each trust, and 
o  on any other matters described in each trust's current prospectus or 
   requiring a vote by shareholders under the 1940 Act. 

Because HR Trust is a Massachusetts business trust and EQ Trust is a Delaware 
business trust, annual meetings are not required. Whenever a shareholder vote 
is taken, we will give Certificate Owners the opportunity to instruct us how 
to vote the number of shares attributable to their Certificates. If we do not 
receive instructions in time from all Certificate Owners, we will vote the 
shares of a Portfolio for which no instructions have been received in the 
same proportion as we vote shares of that Portfolio for which we have 
received instructions. We will also vote any shares that we are entitled to 
vote directly because of amounts we have in an Investment Fund in the same 
proportions that Certificate Owners vote. 

Each share of each trust is entitled to one vote. Fractional shares will be 
counted. Voting generally is on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis except that 
shares will be voted on an aggregate basis when universal matters, such as 
election of Trustees and ratification of independent auditors, are voted 
upon. However, if the Trustees determine that shareholders in a Portfolio are 
not affected by a particular matter, then such shareholders generally would 
not be entitled to vote on that matter. 

VOTING RIGHTS OF OTHERS 

Currently, we control each trust. EQ Trust shares currently are sold only to 
our separate accounts. HR Trust shares are held by other separate accounts of 
ours and by separate accounts of insurance companies affiliated and 
unaffiliated with us. Shares held by these separate accounts will probably be 
voted according to the instructions of the owners of insurance policies and 
contracts issued by those insurance companies. While this will dilute the 
effect of the voting instructions of the Accumulator Certificate Owners, we 
currently do not foresee any disadvantages arising out of this. HR Trust's 
Board of Trustees intends to monitor events in order to identify any material 
irreconcilable conflicts that possibly may arise and to determine what 
action, if any, should be taken in response. If we believe that HR Trust's 
response to any of those events insufficiently protects our Certificate 
Owners, we will see to it that appropriate action is taken to protect our 
Certificate Owners. 

SEPARATE ACCOUNT VOTING RIGHTS 

If actions relating to the Separate Account require Certificate Owner 
approval, Certificate Owners will be entitled to one vote for each 
Accumulation Unit they have in the Investment Funds. Each Certificate Owner 
who has elected a variable annuity payout may cast the number of votes equal 
to the dollar amount of reserves we are holding for that annuity in an 
Investment Fund divided by the Accumulation Unit Value for that Investment 
Fund. We will cast votes attributable to any amounts we have in the 
Investment Funds in the same proportion as votes cast by Certificate Owners. 

CHANGES IN APPLICABLE LAW 

The voting rights we describe in this prospectus are created under applicable 
Federal securities laws. To the extent that those laws or the regulations 
promulgated under those laws eliminate the necessity to submit matters for 
approval by persons having voting rights in separate accounts of insurance 
companies, we reserve the right to proceed in accordance with those laws or 
regulations. 

                               30           
<PAGE>
   
                   PART 6: TAX ASPECTS OF THE CERTIFICATES

This prospectus generally covers our understanding of the current Federal 
income tax rules that apply to a non-qualified annuity purchased with only 
after-tax dollars. This part does not apply to Qualified Plan Certificates 
discussed in Appendix II. 
    

This prospectus does not provide detailed tax information and does not 
address issues such as state income and other taxes or Federal gift and 
estate taxes. Please consult a tax adviser when considering the tax aspects 
of the Accumulator Certificates. 

TAX CHANGES 

The United States Congress has in the past considered and may in the future 
consider proposals for legislation that, if enacted, could change the tax 
treatment of annuities. In addition, the Treasury Department may amend 
existing regulations, issue new regulations, or adopt new interpretations of 
existing laws. State tax laws or, if you are not a United States resident, 
foreign tax laws, may affect the tax consequences to you or the beneficiary. 
These laws may change from time to time without notice and, as a result, the 
tax consequences may be altered. There is no way of predicting whether, when 
or in what form any such change would be adopted. 

Any such change could have retroactive effects regardless of the date of 
enactment. We suggest you consult your legal or tax adviser. 

TAXATION OF NON-QUALIFIED ANNUITIES 

Equitable Life has designed the Accumulator Certificate to qualify as an 
"annuity" for purposes of Federal income tax law. Gains in the Annuity 
Account Value of the Certificate generally will not be taxable to an 
individual until a distribution occurs, either by a withdrawal of part or all 
of its value or as a series of periodic payments. However, there are some 
exceptions to this rule: (1) if a Certificate fails the investment 
diversification requirements; (2) if an individual transfers a Certificate as 
a gift to someone other than a spouse (or divorced spouse), any gain in its 
Annuity Account Value will be taxed at the time of transfer; (3) the 
assignment or pledge of any portion of the value of a Certificate will be 
treated as a distribution of that portion of the Certificate; and (4) when an 
insurance company (or its affiliate) issues more than one non-qualified 
deferred annuity certificate or contract during any calendar year to the same 
taxpayer, the certificates or contracts are required to be aggregated in 
computing the taxable amount of any distribution. 

Corporations, partnerships, trusts and other non-natural persons generally 
cannot defer the taxation of current income credited to the Certificate 
unless an exception under the Code applies. 

   
Withdrawals 

Prior to the Annuity Commencement Date, any withdrawals which do not 
terminate your total interest in the Certificate are taxable to you as 
ordinary income to the extent there has been a gain in the Annuity Account 
Value and is subject to income tax withholding. See "Federal and State Income 
Tax Withholding" below. The balance of the distribution is treated as a 
return of the "investment" or "basis" in the Certificate and is not taxable. 
Generally, the investment or basis in the Certificate equals the 
contributions made, less any amounts previously withdrawn which were not 
taxable. Special rules may apply if contributions made to another annuity 
certificate or contract prior to August 14, 1982 are transferred to a 
Certificate in a tax-free exchange. To take advantage of these rules, you 
must notify us prior to such an exchange. 
    

If you surrender or cancel the Certificate, the distribution is taxable to 
the extent it exceeds the investment in the Certificate. 

   
Annuity Payments 
    

Once annuity payments begin, a portion of each payment is considered to be a 
tax-free recovery of investment based on the ratio of the investment to the 
expected return under the Certificate. The remainder of each payment will be 
taxable. In the case of a variable annuity, special rules apply if the 
payments received in a year are less than the amount permitted to be 
recovered tax-free. In the case of a life annuity, after the total investment 
has been recovered, future payments are fully taxable. If payments cease as a 
result of death, a deduction for any unrecovered investment will be allowed. 

   
Early Distribution Penalty Tax 

In addition to income tax, a penalty tax of 10% applies to the taxable 
portion of a distribution unless the distribution is (1) made on or after the 
date the taxpayer attains age 59 1/2, (2) made on or after the taxpayer's 
death, (3) attributable to the disabil- 
    

                               31           
<PAGE>
ity of the taxpayer, (4) part of a series of substantially equal installments 
as an annuity for the life (or life expectancy) of the taxpayer or the joint 
lives (or joint life expectancies) of the taxpayer and a beneficiary, or (5) 
with respect to income allocable to amounts contributed to an annuity 
certificate or contract prior to August 14, 1982 which are transferred to the 
Certificate in a tax-free exchange. 

   
Payments as a Result of Death 

If, as a result of the Annuitant's death, the beneficiary is entitled to 
receive the death benefit described in Part 3, the beneficiary is generally 
subject to the same tax treatment as would apply to you, had you surrendered 
the Certificate (discussed above). 
    

If the beneficiary elects to take the death benefit in the form of a life 
income or installment option, the election should be made within 60 days 
after the day on which a lump sum death benefit first becomes payable and 
before any benefit is actually paid. The tax computation will reflect your 
investment in the Certificate. 

The Certificate provides a minimum guaranteed death benefit that in certain 
circumstances may be greater than either the contributions made or the 
Annuity Account Value. This provision provides investment protection against 
an untimely termination of a Certificate on the death of an Annuitant at a 
time when the Certificate's Annuity Account Value might otherwise have 
provided a lower benefit. Although we do not believe that the provision of 
this benefit should have any adverse tax effect, it is possible that the IRS 
could take a contrary position and could assert that some portion of the 
charges for the minimum guaranteed death benefit should be treated for 
Federal income tax purposes as a partial withdrawal from the Certificate. If 
this were so, such a deemed withdrawal could be taxable, and for Certificate 
Owners under age 59 1/2, also subject to tax penalty. 

   
Special distribution requirements apply upon the death of the owner of a 
non-qualified annuity. That is, in the case of a contract where the owner and 
annuitant are different, even though the annuity contract could continue 
because the annuitant has not died, Federal tax law requires that the person 
who succeeds as owner of the contract take distribution of the contract 
within a specified period of time. 
    

FEDERAL AND STATE INCOME TAX 
WITHHOLDING 

Equitable Life is required to withhold Federal income tax on the taxable 
portion of annuity payments, unless the recipient elects not to be subject to 
income tax withholding. The rate of withholding will depend on the type of 
distribution and, in certain cases, the amount of the distribution. Special 
withholding rules apply to foreign recipients and United States citizens 
residing outside the United States. If a recipient does not have sufficient 
income tax withheld or does not make sufficient estimated income tax 
payments, however, the recipient may incur penalties under the estimated 
income tax rules. Recipients should consult their tax advisers to determine 
whether they should elect out of withholding. Requests not to withhold 
Federal income tax must be made in writing prior to receiving benefits under 
the Certificate. Our Processing Office will provide forms for this purpose. 
No election out of withholding is valid unless the recipient provides us with 
the correct taxpayer identification number and a United States residence 
address. 

   
Certain states have indicated that income tax withholding will apply to 
payments from the Certificates made to residents. In some states, a recipient 
may elect out of state withholding. Generally, an election out of Federal 
withholding will also be considered an election out of state withholding. If 
you need more information concerning a particular state or any required 
forms, call our Processing Office at the toll-free number and consult your 
tax adviser. 
    

Periodic payments are generally subject to wage-bracket type withholding (as 
if such payments were payments of wages by an employer to an employee) unless 
the recipient elects no withholding. If a recipient does not elect out of 
withholding or does not specify the number of withholding exemptions, 
withholding will generally be made as if the recipient is married and 
claiming three withholding exemptions. There is an annual threshold of 
taxable income from periodic annuity payments which is exempt from 
withholding based on this assumption. For 1997, a recipient of periodic 
payments (e.g., monthly or annual payments) which total less than a $14,400 
taxable amount will generally be exempt from Federal income tax withholding, 
unless the recipient specifies a different choice of withholding exemption. A 
withholding election may be revoked at any time and remains effective until 
revoked. If a recipient fails to provide a correct taxpayer identification 
number, withholding is made as if the recipient is single with no exemptions. 

A recipient of a non-periodic distribution (total or partial) will generally 
be subject to withholding at a flat 10% rate. A recipient who provides a 
United States residence address and a correct taxpayer identification number 
will generally be permitted to elect not to have tax withheld. 

                               32           
<PAGE>
All recipients receiving periodic and non-periodic payments will be further 
notified of the withholding requirements and of their right to make 
withholding elections. 

OTHER WITHHOLDING 

As a general rule, if death benefits are payable to a person two or more 
generations younger than you, a Federal generation skipping tax may be 
payable with respect to the benefit at rates similar to the maximum estate 
tax rate in effect at the time. The generation skipping tax provisions 
generally apply to transfers which would also be subject to the gift and 
estate tax rules. Individuals are generally allowed an aggregate generation 
skipping tax exemption of $1 million. Because these rules are complex, you 
should consult with your tax adviser for specific information, especially 
where benefits are passing to younger generations, as opposed to a spouse or 
child. 

If we believe a benefit may be subject to generation skipping tax we may be 
required to withhold for such tax unless we receive acceptable written 
confirmation that no such tax is payable. 

SPECIAL RULES FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED IN PUERTO RICO 

Under current law Equitable Life treats income from Accumulator Certificates 
as U.S.-source. A Puerto Rico resident is subject to U.S. taxation on such 
U.S.-source income. Only Puerto Rico-source income of Puerto Rico residents 
is excludable from U.S. taxation. Income from Accumulator Certificates is 
also subject to Puerto Rico tax. The computation of the taxable portion of 
amounts distributed from a Certificate may differ in the two jurisdictions. 
Therefore, an individual might have to file both U.S. and Puerto Rico tax 
returns, showing different amounts of income for each. Puerto Rico generally 
provides a credit against Puerto Rico tax for U.S. tax paid. Depending on an 
individual's personal situation and the timing of the different tax 
liabilities, an individual may not be able to take full advantage of this 
credit. 

Please consult your tax adviser to determine the applicability of these rules 
to your own tax situation. 

IMPACT OF TAXES TO EQUITABLE LIFE 

The Certificates provide that Equitable Life may charge the Separate Account 
for taxes. Equitable Life can set up reserves for such taxes. 

TRANSFERS AMONG INVESTMENT OPTIONS 

Transfers among the Investment Funds or between the Guaranteed Period Account 
and one or more Investment Funds are not taxable. 

                               33           
<PAGE>
   
                       PART 7: INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
    

The consolidated financial statements and consolidated financial statement 
schedules of Equitable Life at December 31, 1996 and 1995 and for each of the 
three years in the period ended December 31, 1996 included in Equitable 
Life's Annual Report on Form 10-K, incorporated by reference in the 
prospectus, have been examined by Price Waterhouse LLP, independent 
accountants, whose reports thereon are incorporated herein by reference. Such 
consolidated financial statements and consolidated financial statement 
schedules have been incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon the 
reports of Price Waterhouse LLP given upon their authority as experts in 
accounting and auditing. 

                               34           
<PAGE>
   
                        PART 8: INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE

This Part presents performance data for each of the Investment Funds included 
in the tables below. The performance data are calculated by two methods. The 
first method presented in the tables under "Standardized Performance Data," 
reflects all applicable fees and charges, including the combined Guaranteed 
Minimum Death Benefit/Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit Benefit charge, but 
not the charge for tax such as premium taxes. 

The second method, presented in the tables under "Rate of Return Data for 
Investment Funds," also reflects all applicable fees and charges, but does 
not reflect the withdrawal charge, the Combined Guaranteed Minimum Death 
Benefit and Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit Benefit charge, or the charge 
for tax such as premium taxes. These additional charges would effectively 
reduce the rates of return credited to a particular Certificate. 
    

HR Trust Portfolios 

   
The performance data shown for the Investment Funds investing in Class IB 
shares of HR Trust Portfolios are based on the actual investment results of 
the Portfolios (other than the Alliance Small Cap Growth Portfolio which 
commenced operations on May 1, 1997), and have been adjusted for the fees and 
charges applicable under the Certificates. However, the investment results 
for the Alliance Growth & Income, Alliance International, Alliance 
Conservative Investors and Alliance Intermediate Government Securities 
Portfolios (under which Class IB shares were not available prior to the date 
of this prospectus) and for the other Portfolios prior to October 1996, when 
Class IB shares were not available for under such Portfolios, do not reflect 
12b-1 fees, which would effectively reduce such investment performance. 

The performance data for the Alliance Money Market and Common Stock 
Investment Funds that invest in corresponding HR Trust Portfolios, for 
periods prior to March 22, 1985, reflect the investment results of two 
open-end management separate accounts (the "predecessor separate accounts") 
which were reorganized in unit investment trust form. The "Since Inception" 
figures for these Investment Funds are based on the date of inception of the 
predecessor separate accounts. These performance data have been adjusted to 
reflect the maximum investment advisory fee payable for the corresponding 
Portfolio of HR Trust, as well as an assumed charge of 0.06% for direct 
operating expenses. 
    

EQ Trust Portfolios 

   
The Investment Funds of the Separate Account that invest in Class IB shares 
of Portfolios of EQ Trust have only recently been established and no 
Certificates funded by those Investment Funds have been issued as of the date 
of this Prospectus. EQ Trust commenced operations on May 1, 1997. Therefore, 
no actual historical performance data for any of these Portfolios are 
available. In this connection, see the discussion immediately following the 
tables below. 

See "Part 2: The Guaranteed Period Account" for information on the Guaranteed 
Period Account. 

STANDARDIZED PERFORMANCE DATA 
    

The standardized performance data in the following tables illustrate the 
average annual total return of the Investment Funds over the periods shown, 
assuming a single initial contribution of $1,000 and the surrender of the 
Certificate at the end of each period. These tables (which reflect the first 
calcu lation method described above) are prepared in a manner prescribed by 
the SEC for use when we advertise the performance of the Separate Account. An 
Investment Fund's average annual total return is the annual rate of growth of 
the Investment Fund that would be necessary to achieve the ending value of a 
contribution kept in the Investment Fund for the period specified. 

Each calculation assumes that the $1,000 contribution was allocated to only 
one Investment Fund, no transfers or subsequent contributions were made and 
no amounts were allocated to any other Investment Option under the 
Certificate. 

   
In order to calculate annualized rates of return, we divide the Cash Value of 
a Certificate which is surrendered on December 31, 1996 by the $1,000 
contribution made at the beginning of each period illustrated. The result of 
that calculation is the total growth rate for the period. Then we annualize 
that growth rate to obtain the average annual percentage increase (decrease) 
during the period shown. When we "annualize," we assume that a single rate of 
return applied each year during the period will produce the ending value, 
taking into account the effect of compounding. 
    

                               35           
<PAGE>
   
                        STANDARDIZED PERFORMANCE DATA 
        AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN UNDER A CERTIFICATE SURRENDERED ON 
                              DECEMBER 31, 1996* 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         LENGTH OF INVESTMENT PERIOD 
                               ---------------------------------------------- 
           INVESTMENT             ONE     THREE   FIVE     TEN       SINCE 
              FUND                YEAR    YEARS   YEARS   YEARS    INCEPTION* 
           ----------          -------- ------- ------- -------- ------------ 
<S>                             <C>      <C>     <C>     <C>        <C>
HR TRUST 
- --------                        
Alliance Conservative 
 Investors                       -3.01%    3.61%   5.20%    --        6.60% 
Alliance Growth Investors         4.24     8.24    8.65     --       12.44 
Alliance Growth & Income         11.70    11.01     --      --        8.04 
Alliance Common Stock            15.76    14.24   13.64   14.14%     13.57 
Alliance Global                   6.20     9.72   11.42     --        9.26 
Alliance International            1.54      --      --      --       13.25 
Alliance Aggressive Stock        13.71    12.66    9.70   16.91      18.36 
Alliance Money Market            -2.95     1.89    2.15    4.23       5.43 
Alliance Intermediate Govt. 
 Securities                      -4.43     0.85    3.47     --        4.85 
Alliance High Yield              14.39     9.69   12.59     --        9.69 
</TABLE>
    

   
The table below illustrates the growth of an assumed investment of $1,000, 
with fees and charges deducted on the standardized basis described above for 
the first method of calculation. 

                        STANDARDIZED PERFORMANCE DATA 
GROWTH OF $1,000 UNDER A CERTIFICATE SURRENDERED ON DECEMBER 31, 1996* 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          LENGTH OF INVESTMENT PERIOD 
                               ----------------------------------------------- 
           INVESTMENT             ONE    THREE     FIVE     TEN       SINCE 
              FUND               YEAR    YEARS    YEARS    YEARS    INCEPTION* 
           ----------          ------- -------- -------- -------- ------------ 
<S>                            <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>
HR TRUST 
- --------                        
Alliance Conservative 
 Investors                      $  970   $1,112   $1,288      --     $ 1,668 
Alliance Growth Investors        1,042    1,268    1,514      --       2,555 
Alliance Growth & Income         1,117    1,368      --       --       1,362 
Alliance Common Stock            1,158    1,491    1,895   $3,752     14,485 
Alliance Global                  1,062    1,321    1,717      --       2,424 
Alliance International           1,015     --       --        --       1,132 
Alliance Aggressive Stock        1,137    1,430    1,589    4,770      6,388 
Alliance Money Market              971    1,058    1,112    1,514      2,332 
Alliance Intermediate Govt. 
 Securities                        956    1,026    1,186      --       1,328 
Alliance High Yield              1,144    1,320    1,809      --       2,522 
</TABLE>
    

   
- ------------ 
  * The tables reflect the withdrawal charge and charges under a Certificate 
    with the 0.45% Combined Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit and Guaranteed 
    Minimum Income Benefit charge. 
 ** The "Since Inception" dates for the Portfolios of HR Trust are as 
    follows: Alliance Conservative Investors (October 2, 1989); Alliance 
    Growth Investors (October 2, 1989); Alliance Growth & Income (October 1, 
    1993); Alliance Common Stock (January 13, 1976); Alliance Global (August 
    27, 1987); Alliance International (April 3, 1995); Alliance Aggressive 
    Stock (January 27, 1986); Alliance Money Market (July 13, 1981); and 
    Alliance Intermediate Government Securities (April 1, 1991); and Alliance 
    High Yield (January 2, 1987). 

Additional investment performance information appears in the attached HR 
Trust and EQ Trust prospectuses. 

The Alliance Small Cap Growth Portfolio of HR Trust commenced operations on 
May 1, 1997. Therefore, no actual historical performance data are available. 
However, historical performance a composite of six other advisory accounts 
managed by Alliance is described in the attached HR Trust prospectus. 
According to that prospectus, these accounts have substantially the same 
investment objectives and policies, and are managed in accordance with 
essentially the same investment strategies and techniques, as those of the 
Alliance Small Cap Growth Portfolio. It should be noted that these accounts 
are not subject to certain of the requirements and restrictions to which the 
Alliance Small Cap Growth Portfolio is subject and that they are managed for 
tax exempt clients of Alliance, who may have different investment goals. The 
investment performance 

                               36           
    
<PAGE>
   
information included in the HR Trust prospectus for all Portfolios other than 
the Alliance Small Cap Portfolio is based on actual historical performance. 

The investment performance date for HR Trust's Alliance Small Cap Portfolio 
and for each of the Portfolios of EQ Trust, contained in the HR Trust and the 
EQ Trust prospectuses, are provided by those prospectuses to illustrate the 
past performance of each respective Portfolio advisor in managing a 
substantially similar investment vehicles as measured against specified 
market indices and do not represent the past or future performance of any 
Portfolio. None of the performance data contained in the HR Trust and EQ 
Trust prospectuses reflects fees and charges imposed under your Certificate, 
which fees and charges would reduce such performance figures. Therefore, the 
performance data for each of the Portfolios described in the EQ Trust 
prospectus and for the Alliance Small Cap Portfolio in the HR Trust 
prospectus may be of limited use and are not intended to be a substitute for 
actual performance of the corresponding Portfolios, nor are such results an 
estimate or guarantee of future performance for these Portfolios. 

RATE OF RETURN DATA FOR INVESTMENT FUNDS 
    

The following tables (which reflect the second calculation method described 
above) provide you with information on rates of return on an annualized, 
cumulative and year-by-year basis. 

All rates of return presented are time-weighted and include reinvestment of 
investment income, including interest and dividends. Cumulative rates of 
return reflect performance over a stated period of time. Annualized rates of 
return represent the annual rate of growth that would have produced the same 
cumulative return, if performance had been constant over the entire period. 

BENCHMARKS 

Market indices are not subject to any charges for investment advisory fees, 
brokerage commission or other operating expenses typically associated with a 
managed portfolio. Nor do they reflect other charges such as the mortality 
and expense risks charge and the administration charge, or any withdrawal 
charge under the Certificates. Comparisons with these benchmarks, therefore, 
are of limited use. We include them because they are widely known and may 
help you to understand the universe of securities from which each Portfolio 
is likely to select its holdings. Benchmark data reflect the reinvestment of 
dividend income. 

PORTFOLIO INCEPTION DATES AND COMPARATIVE BENCHMARKS: 

   
ALLIANCE CONSERVATIVE INVESTORS: October 2, 1989; 70% Lehman Treasury Bond 
Composite Index and 30% Standard & Poor's 500 Index. 

ALLIANCE GROWTH INVESTORS: October 2, 1989; 30% Lehman Government/Corporate 
Bond Index and 70% Standard & Poor's 500 Index. 

ALLIANCE GROWTH & INCOME: October 1, 1993; 75% Standard & Poor's 500 Index 
and 25% Value Line Convertible Index. 

ALLIANCE COMMON STOCK: January 13, 1976; Standard & Poor's 500 Index. 

ALLIANCE GLOBAL: August 27, 1987; Morgan Stanley Capital International World 
Index. 

ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL: April 3, 1995; Morgan Stanley Capital International 
Europe, Australia, Far East Index. 

ALLIANCE AGGRESSIVE STOCK: January 27, 1986; 50% Standard & Poor's Mid-Cap 
Total Return Index and 50% Russell 2000 Small Stock Index. 

ALLIANCE MONEY MARKET: July 13, 1981; Salomon Brothers Three-Month T-Bill 
Index. 

ALLIANCE INTERMEDIATE GOVERNMENT SECURITIES: April 1, 1991; Lehman 
Intermediate Government Bond Index. 

ALLIANCE HIGH YIELD: January 2, 1987; Merrill Lynch Master High Yield. 

The Lipper Variable Insurance Products Performance Analysis Survey (Lipper) 
records the performance of a large group of variable annuity products, 
including managed separate accounts of insurance companies. According to 
Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., the data are presented net of investment 
management fees, direct operating expenses and asset-based charges applicable 
under annuity contracts. Lipper data provide a more accurate picture than 
market benchmarks of the Accumulator performance relative to other variable 
annuity products. 
    

                               37           
<PAGE>
   
ANNUALIZED RATES OF RETURN FOR PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996:* 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             1 YEAR   3 YEARS   5 YEARS 
                            -------- --------- --------- 
<S>                         <C>       <C>       <C>
ALLIANCE CONSERVATIVE 
 INVESTORS                    3.99%     5.47%     6.08% 
 Lipper Income                8.95      8.91      9.55 
 Benchmark                    8.78     10.14      9.64 
ALLIANCE GROWTH INVESTORS    11.24      9.98      9.47 
 Lipper Flexible Portfolio   12.51      9.26      9.30 
 Benchmark                   16.94     15.84     13.02 
ALLIANCE GROWTH & INCOME     18.70     12.69       -- 
 Lipper Growth & Income      19.96     15.39       -- 
 Benchmark                   21.28     17.93       -- 
ALLIANCE COMMON STOCK        22.76     15.85     14.38 
  Lipper Growth              18.78     14.80     12.39 
  Benchmark                  22.96     19.66     15.20 
ALLIANCE GLOBAL              13.20     11.42     12.18 
 Lipper Global               17.89      8.49     10.29 
 Benchmark                   13.48     12.91     10.82 
ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL        8.54       --        -- 
 Lipper International        13.36       --        -- 
 Benchmark                    6.05       --        -- 
ALLIANCE AGGRESSIVE STOCK    20.71     14.31     10.53 
 Lipper Small Company 
   Growth                    16.55     12.70     17.53 
 Benchmark                   17.85     14.14     14.80 
ALLIANCE MONEY MARKET         4.05      3.80      3.11 
 Lipper Money Market          3.82      3.60      2.93 
 Benchmark                    5.25      5.07      4.37 
ALLIANCE INTERMEDIATE 
 GOVERNMENT  SECURITIES       2.57      2.80      4.38 
  Lipper Gen. U.S. 
    Government                1.57      3.99      5.21 
  Benchmark                   4.06      5.37      6.23 
ALLIANCE HIGH YIELD          21.39     11.41     13.32 
  Lipper Var. Ann. 
   High Current Yield        12.46      7.93     11.47 
  Benchmark                  11.06      9.59     12.76 
</TABLE>
    

                    (RESTUBBED TABLE CONTINUED FROM ABOVE) 

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                SINCE 
                             10 YEARS   15 YEARS   20 YEARS   INCEPTION 
                            ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------- 
<S>                          <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>
ALLIANCE CONSERVATIVE 
 INVESTORS                      --         --         --         7.77% 
 Lipper Income                  --         --         --         9.55 
 Benchmark                      --         --         --        10.42 
ALLIANCE GROWTH INVESTORS       --         --         --        14.22 
 Lipper Flexible Portfolio      --         --         --         9.99 
 Benchmark                      --         --         --        12.73 
ALLIANCE GROWTH & INCOME        --         --         --        11.47 
 Lipper Growth & Income         --         --         --        14.78 
 Benchmark                      --         --         --        17.24 
ALLIANCE COMMON STOCK         14.48%     15.16%     14.16%      13.90 
  Lipper Growth               13.08      14.04      13.60       13.42 
  Benchmark                   15.28      16.79      14.55       14.63 
ALLIANCE GLOBAL                 --         --         --        10.42 
 Lipper Global                  --         --         --         3.65 
 Benchmark                      --         --         --         7.44 
ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL          --         --         --        10.90 
 Lipper International           --         --         --        14.33 
 Benchmark                      --         --         --         8.74 
ALLIANCE AGGRESSIVE STOCK     17.23        --         --        18.79 
 Lipper Small Company 
   Growth                     16.29        --         --        16.47 
 Benchmark                    14.29        --         --        13.98 
ALLIANCE MONEY MARKET          4.68       5.87        --         6.07 
 Lipper Money Market           4.52       5.72        --         5.89 
 Benchmark                     5.67       6.72        --         6.97 
ALLIANCE INTERMEDIATE 
 GOVERNMENT  SECURITIES         --         --         --         5.75 
  Lipper Gen. U.S. 
    Government                  --         --         --         6.76 
  Benchmark                     --         --         --         7.43 
ALLIANCE HIGH YIELD             --         --         --        10.13 
  Lipper Var. Ann. 
   High Current Yield           --         --         --         9.13 
  Benchmark                     --         --         --        11.24 
</TABLE>
    

                               38           
<PAGE>
   
CUMULATIVE RATES OF RETURN FOR PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996:* 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             1 YEAR   3 YEARS   5 YEARS 
                            -------- --------- --------- 
<S>                         <C>       <C>       <C>
ALLIANCE CONSERVATIVE 
 INVESTORS                    3.99%    17.34%    34.32% 
 Lipper Income                8.95     29.47     58.37 
 Benchmark                    8.78     33.60     58.40 
ALLIANCE GROWTH INVESTORS    11.24     33.03     57.18 
 Lipper Flexible Portfolio   12.51     30.84     56.65 
 Benchmark                   16.94     55.46     84.42 
ALLIANCE GROWTH & INCOME     18.70     43.09      -- 
 Lipper Growth & Income      19.96     53.82      -- 
 Benchmark                   21.28     63.99      -- 
ALLIANCE COMMON STOCK        22.76     55.49     95.76 
 Lipper Growth               18.78     51.65     80.51 
 Benchmark                   22.96     71.34    102.85 
ALLIANCE GLOBAL              13.20     38.31     77.66 
 Lipper Global               17.89     28.45     63.87 
 Benchmark                   13.48     43.95     67.12 
ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL        8.54       --       -- 
 Lipper International        13.36       --       -- 
 Benchmark                    6.05       --       -- 
ALLIANCE AGGRESSIVE STOCK    20.71     49.35     64.99 
 Lipper Small Company 
  Growth                     16.55     43.42    142.70 
 Benchmark                   17.85     48.69     99.38 
ALLIANCE MONEY MARKET         4.05     11.83     16.52 
  Lipper Money Market         3.82     11.18     15.58 
  Benchmark                   5.25     15.99     23.86 
ALLIANCE INTERMEDIATE 
 GOVERNMENT 
 SECURITIES                   2.57      8.63     23.89 
 Lipper Gen. U.S. 
   Government                 1.57     12.45     28.92 
 Benchmark                    4.06     16.98     35.30 
ALLIANCE HIGH YIELD          21.39     38.28     86.89 
  Lipper Var. Ann. High 
   Current Yield             12.46     25.77     72.39 
  Benchmark                  11.06     31.63     82.29 
</TABLE>
    

                    (RESTUBBED TABLE CONTINUED FROM ABOVE) 

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 SINCE 
                             10 YEARS   15 YEARS   20 YEARS    INCEPTION 
                            ---------- ---------- ----------- ----------- 
<S>                          <C>        <C>       <C>         <C>
ALLIANCE CONSERVATIVE 
 INVESTORS                      --         --         --          72.02% 
 Lipper Income                  --         --         --          94.21 
 Benchmark                      --         --         --         105.23 
ALLIANCE GROWTH INVESTORS       --         --         --         162.01 
 Lipper Flexible Portfolio      --         --         --         100.79 
 Benchmark                      --         --         --         138.49 
ALLIANCE GROWTH & INCOME        --         --         --          42.30 
 Lipper Growth & Income         --         --         --          56.73 
 Benchmark                      --         --         --          67.75 
ALLIANCE COMMON STOCK         286.77%    731.08%   1,313.81%   1,429.67 
 Lipper Growth                243.70     627.03    1,185.21    1,298.19 
 Benchmark                    314.34     925.25    1,416.26    1,655.74 
ALLIANCE GLOBAL                 --         --         --         152.53 
 Lipper Global                  --         --         --          39.73 
 Benchmark                      --         --         --          95.62 
ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL          --         --         --          19.76 
 Lipper International           --         --         --          26.53 
 Benchmark                      --         --         --          15.78 
ALLIANCE AGGRESSIVE STOCK     390.16       --         --         556.01 
 Lipper Small Company 
  Growth                      352.31       --         --         428.32 
 Benchmark                    280.32       --         --         318.19 
ALLIANCE MONEY MARKET          57.94     135.33       --         148.77 
  Lipper Money Market          55.73     130.46       --         141.99 
  Benchmark                    73.61     165.31       --         184.26 
ALLIANCE INTERMEDIATE 
 GOVERNMENT 
 SECURITIES                     --         --         --          37.89 
  Lipper Gen. U.S. 
    Government                  --         --         --          45.71 
  Benchmark                     --         --         --          51.07 
ALLIANCE HIGH YIELD             --         --         --         162.22 
  Lipper Var. Ann. High 
   Current Yield                --         --         --         142.30 
  Benchmark                     --         --         --         190.43 
</TABLE>
    

                               39           
<PAGE>
YEAR-BY-YEAR RATES OF RETURN* 

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  1984      1985     1986     1987      1988    1989 
               --------- -------- -------- --------- -------- ------- 
<S>              <C>       <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>
ALLIANCE 
 CONSERVATIVE 
 INVESTORS           --       --       --        --       --     2.79% 
ALLIANCE 
 GROWTH 
 INVESTORS           --       --       --        --       --     3.53 
ALLIANCE 
 GROWTH & 
 INCOME              --       --       --        --       --       -- 
ALLIANCE 
 COMMON 
 STOCK**          (3.09)%  31.90%   16.02%     6.21%   21.03%   24.16 
ALLIANCE 
 GLOBAL              --       --       --    (13.62)    9.61    25.29 
ALLIANCE 
 INTERNATIONAL       --       --       --        --       --       -- 
ALLIANCE 
 AGGRESSIVE 
 STOCK               --       --    33.83      6.06    (0.03)   41.86 
ALLIANCE MONEY 
 MARKET**          9.59     7.22     5.39      5.41     6.09     7.93 
ALLIANCE 
 INTERMEDIATE 
 GOVERNMENT 
 SECURITIES          --       --       --        --       --       -- 
ALLIANCE HIGH 
 YIELD               --       --       --      3.49     8.48     3.93 
</TABLE>
    

                    (RESTUBBED TABLE CONTINUED FROM ABOVE) 

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  1990     1991     1992     1993     1994      1995    1996 
                -------- -------- -------- -------- --------- -------- ------- 
<S>              <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>
ALLIANCE 
 CONSERVATIVE 
 INVESTORS        5.14%   18.51%    4.50%    9.54%    (5.20)%  19.02%    3.99% 
ALLIANCE 
 GROWTH 
 INVESTORS        9.39    47.19     3.69    13.95     (4.27)   24.92    11.24 
ALLIANCE 
 GROWTH & 
 INCOME             --       --       --    (0.55)    (1.72)   22.65    18.70 
ALLIANCE 
 COMMON 
 STOCK**         (9.17)   36.30     2.03    23.29     (3.26)   30.93    22.76 
ALLIANCE 
 GLOBAL          (7.15)   29.06    (1.65)   30.60      4.02    17.45    13.20 
ALLIANCE 
 INTERNATIONAL      --       --       --       --        --    10.34     8.54 
ALLIANCE 
 AGGRESSIVE 
 STOCK            6.92    84.73    (4.28)   15.41     (4.92)   30.13    20.71 
ALLIANCE MONEY 
 MARKET**         6.99     4.97     2.37     1.78      2.82     4.53     4.05 
ALLIANCE 
 INTERMEDIATE 
 GOVERNMENT 
 SECURITIES         --    11.30     4.38     9.27     (5.47)   12.03     5.27 
ALLIANCE HIGH 
 YIELD           (2.26)   23.03    11.02    21.74     (3.90)   18.54    21.39 
</TABLE>
    
   
- ------------ 
  *    Returns do not reflect the withdrawal charge, the Combined Guaranteed 
       Minimum Death Benefit/Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit charge and any 
       charge for tax such as premium taxes. 
 **    Prior to 1984 the Year-by-Year Rates of Return were:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  1976     1977    1978    1979    1980    1981     1982    1983 
       <S>                       <C>     <C>      <C>    <C>     <C>      <C>     <C>     <C>    
        ALLIANCE COMMON STOCK     8.20%  (10.28)%  6.99%  28.35%  48.39%  (6.94)%  16.22%  24.67% 
        ALLIANCE MONEY MARKET       --       --      --      --      --    5.71    11.72    7.70 
    
</TABLE>

COMMUNICATING PERFORMANCE DATA 

   
In reports or other communications or in advertising material, we may 
describe general economic and market conditions affecting the Separate 
Account and, each respective trust and may present the performance of the 
Investment Funds or compare it (1) that of other insurance company separate 
accounts or mutual funds included in the rankings prepared by Lipper 
Analytical Services, Inc., Morningstar, Inc., VARDS or similar investment 
services that monitor the performance of insurance company separate accounts 
or mutual funds, (2) other appropriate indices of investment securities and 
averages for peer universes of funds which are shown under "Benchmarks" and 
"Portfolio Inception Dates and Comparative Benchmarks" in this Part 2 or (3) 
data developed by us derived from such indices or averages. The Morningstar 
Variable Annuity/Life Report consists of nearly 700 variable life and annuity 
funds, all of which report their data net of investment management fees, 
direct operating expenses and separate account charges. VARDS is a monthly 
reporting service that monitors approximately 760 variable life and variable 
annuity funds on performance and account information. Advertisements or other 
communications furnished to present or prospective Certificate Owners may 
also include evaluations of an Investment Fund or Portfolio by financial 
publications that are nationally recognized such as Barron's, Morningstar's 
Variable Annuity Sourcebook, Business Week, Chicago Tribune, Forbes, Fortune, 
Institutional Investor, Investment Adviser, Investment Dealer's Digest, 
Investment Management Weekly, Los Angeles Times, Money, Money Management 
Letter, Kiplinger's Personal Finance, Financial Planning, National 
Underwriter, Pension & Investments, USA Today, Investor's Daily, The New York 
Times, and The Wall Street Journal. 

ALLIANCE MONEY MARKET FUND AND ALLIANCE INTERMEDIATE GOVERNMENT SECURITIES 
FUND YIELD INFORMATION 

The current yield and effective yield of the Money Market Fund and 
Intermediate Government Securities Fund may appear in reports and promotional 
material to current or prospective Certificate Owners. 

Alliance Money Market Fund 

Current yield for the Alliance Money Market Fund will be based on net changes 
in a hypothetical investment over a given seven-day period, exclusive of 
capital changes, and then "annualized" (assuming that the same seven-day 
result would occur each week for 52 weeks). "Effective yield" is calculated 
in 
    

                               40           
<PAGE>
   
a manner similar to that used to calculate current yield, but when 
annualized, any income earned by the investment is assumed to be reinvested. 
The "effective yield" will be slightly higher than the "current yield" 
because any earnings are compounded weekly. Alliance Money Market Fund yields 
and effective yields assume the deduction of all Certificate charges and 
expenses other than the withdrawal charge, Combined Guaranteed Minimum Death 
Benefit/Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit charge and any charge for tax such 
as premium tax. See "Part 4: Alliance Money Market Fund and Alliance 
Intermediate Government Securities Fund Yield Information" in the SAI. 

Alliance Intermediate Government Securities Fund 

Current yield for the Alliance Intermediate Government Securities Fund will 
be based on net changes in a hypothetical investment over a given 30-day 
period, exclusive of capital changes, and then "annualized" (assuming that 
the same 30-day result would occur each month for 12 months). "Effective 
yield" is calculated in a manner similar to that used to calculate current 
yield, but when annualized, any income earned by the investment is assumed to 
be reinvested. The "effective yield" will be slightly higher than the 
"current yield" because any earnings are compounded monthly. 

Alliance Intermediate Government Securities Fund yields and effective yields 
assume the deduction of all Certificate charges and expenses other than the 
withdrawal charge, Combined Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit/Guaranteed 
Minimum Income Benefit Charge and any charge for tax such as premium tax. The 
yields and effective yields for the Alliance Money Market Fund when used for 
the Special Dollar Cost Averaging program, assume no Certificate charges are 
deducted. See "Part 4: Alliance Money Market Fund and Alliance Intermediate 
Government Securities Fund Yield Information" in the SAI. 
    

                               41           
<PAGE>
                 APPENDIX I: MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT EXAMPLE 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

The example below shows how the market value adjustment would be determined 
and how it would be applied to a withdrawal, assuming that $100,000 were 
allocated on February 15, 1998 to a Guarantee Period with an Expiration Date 
of February 15, 2007 at a Guaranteed Rate of 7.00% resulting in a Maturity 
Value at the Expiration Date of $183,846, and further assuming that a 
withdrawal of $50,000 were made on February 15, 2002. 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    ASSUMED 
                                              GUARANTEED RATE ON 
                                               FEBRUARY 15, 2002 
                                            --------------------- 
                                               5.00%      9.00% 
                                            ---------- ---------- 
<S>                                          <C>        <C>
As of February 15, 2002 (Before Withdrawal) 
- ------------------------------------------- 
(1) Present Value of Maturity Value, also 
    Annuity Account Value...................  $144,048   $119,487 
(2) Guaranteed Period Amount................   131,080    131,080 
(3) Market Value Adjustment: (1)-(2) .......    12,968    (11,593) 

February 15, 2002 (After Withdrawal) 
- ------------------------------------------- 
(4) Portion of (3) Associated 
    with Withdrawal: (3) x [$50,000
    (divided by) (1)] ......................  $  4,501   $ (4,851) 
(5) Reduction in Guaranteed 
    Period Amount: [$50,000-(4)]............    45,499     54,851 
(6) Guaranteed Period Amount: (2)-(5) ......    85,581     76,229 
(7) Maturity Value..........................   120,032    106,915 
(8) Present Value of (7), also 
    Annuity Account Value...................    94,048     69,487 
</TABLE>

You should note that under this example if a withdrawal is made when rates 
have increased (from 7.00% to 9.00% in the example), a portion of a negative 
market value adjustment is realized. On the other hand, if a withdrawal is 
made when rates have decreased (from 7.00% to 5.00% in the example), a 
portion of a positive market value adjustment is realized. 

                               42           
<PAGE>
                   APPENDIX II: QUALIFIED PLAN CERTIFICATES 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

CONTRIBUTIONS 

When issued with the appropriate endorsement, Accumulator Certificates may be 
used as an investment vehicle for a defined contribution plan maintained by 
an employer and which is a tax qualified plan within the meaning of Section 
401(a) for the Code. 

When issued in connection with such a qualified plan, we will only accept 
employer contributions from a trust under a plan qualified under Section 
401(a) of the Code. If the plan contains a cash or deferred arrangement 
within the meaning of Section 401(k) of the Code, contributions may include 
employee pre-tax and employer matching or other employer contributions, but 
not employee after-tax contributions to the plan. 

CERTIFICATE OWNER, ANNUITANT AND BENEFICIARY 

The Certificate Owner must be the trustee of a trust for a qualified plan 
maintained by the employer. The Annuitant must be the participant/employee 
and the beneficiary under the Certificate must be the Certificate Owner. 

PURCHASE CONSIDERATIONS 

Any trustee considering a purchase of the Accumulator should discuss with its 
tax adviser whether this is an appropriate investment vehicle for the 
employer's plan. The form of Certificate and this prospectus should be 
reviewed in full, and the following factors, among others, should be noted. 
This Certificate accepts transfer contributions only and not regular, ongoing 
payroll contributions. For 401(k) plans, no employee after-tax contributions 
are accepted. Further, Equitable will not perform or provide any plan record 
keeping services with respect to this Certificate. The plan's administrator 
will be solely responsible for performing or providing for all such services. 
There is no loan feature offered under the Certificates, so if the plan 
provides for loans and a participant takes a loan from the plan, other plan 
assets must be used as the source of the loan and any loan repayments must be 
credited to other investment vehicles and/or accounts available under the 
plan. 

Finally, because the method of purchasing the Certificates and the features 
of the Certificates may appeal more to plan participants who are older and 
tend to be highly paid, and because certain features of the Certificates are 
available only to plan participants who meet certain minimum and/or maximum 
age requirements, plan trustees should discuss with their advisers whether 
the purchase of the Certificates would cause the plan to engage in prohibited 
discrimination in contributions, benefits or otherwise. 

                               43           
<PAGE>
   
            APPENDIX III: GUARANTEED MINIMUM DEATH BENEFIT EXAMPLE 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Under the Certificates the death benefit is equal to the sum of: 

 (1)      the Annuity Account Value in the Investment Funds, or, if greater, 
          the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit (see "Guaranteed Minimum Death 
          Benefit" in Part 4); and 
    
 (2)      the death benefit provided with respect to the Guaranteed Period 
          Account (see "Death Benefit Amount" in Part 3). 

   
The following is an example illustrating the calculation of the Guaranteed 
Minimum Death Benefit. Assuming $100,000 is allocated to the Investment Funds 
(with no allocation to the Fixed Income Series), no subsequent contributions, 
no transfers and no withdrawals, the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit for an 
Annuitant age 45 would be calculated as follows: 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              NON-NEW YORK        NEW YORK 
   END OF                      GUARANTEED        GUARANTEED 
  CONTRACT      ANNUITY          MINIMUM           MINIMUM 
    YEAR     ACCOUNT VALUE  DEATH BENEFIT(1)    DEATH BENEFIT 
 ---------- --------------- ----------------  ----------------- 
    <S>       <C>              <C>              <C>
     1         $105,000         $106,000         $105,000(2) 
     2         $115,500         $112,360          115,500(2) 
     3         $132,825         $119,102          132,825(2) 
     4         $106,260         $126,248          132,825(3) 
     5         $116,886         $133,823          132,825(3) 
     6         $140,263         $141,852          140,263(2) 
     7         $140,263         $150,363          140,263(3) 
</TABLE>
    

The Annuity Account Values for Contract Years 1 through 8 are determined 
based on hypothetical rates of return of 5.00%, 10.00%, 15.00%, (20.00)%, 
10.00%, 20.00% and 0.00%, respectively. 

   
6% TO AGE 80 BENEFIT 
(1)    For Contract Years 1 through 7, the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit 
       equals the initial contribution increased by 6%. 

NEW YORK 
(2)    At the end of Contract Years 1, 2, and 3 and again at the end of 
       Contract Year 6, the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit is equal to the 
       current Annuity Account Value. 
(3)    At the end of Contract Years 4, 5, and 7, the Guaranteed Minimum Death 
       Benefit at the end of the prior year since it is equal to or higher than
       the current Annuity Account Value. 
    

                               44           
<PAGE>
                     STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 
                              TABLE OF CONTENTS 

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             PAGE 
                                                             ----     
<S>        <C>                                              <C>
Part 1:     Accumulation Unit Values                         2 
Part 2:     Annuity Unit Values                              2 
Part 3:     Custodian and Independent Accountants            3 
Part 4:     Money Market Fund and Intermediate               3 
            Government Securities Fund Yield Information 
Part 5:     Long-Term Market Trends                          4 
Part 6:     Key Factors in Retirement Planning 
Part 7:     Financial Statements                             6 
</TABLE>
    

                     HOW TO OBTAIN AN ACCUMULATOR STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL 
                     INFORMATION FOR SEPARATE ACCOUNT NO. 45
 
                     Send this request form to: 
                               Equitable Life 
                               Income Management Group 
                               P.O. Box 1547 
                               Secaucus, NJ 07096-1547
 
                     Please send me an Accumulator SAI:
 
                     --------------------------------------------------------- 
                     Name
 
                     --------------------------------------------------------- 
                     Address
 
                     --------------------------------------------------------- 
                     City                    State                    Zip 



                               45           


<PAGE>
   
               SUPPLEMENT DATED MAY 1, 1997 TO ROLLOVER IRA AND
             CHOICE INCOME PLAN PROSPECTUS, DATED OCTOBER 17, 1996
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

This supplement dated May 1, 1997, updates certain information in the 
Rollover IRA and Choice Income Plan prospectus of The Equitable Life 
Assurance Society of the United States (EQUITABLE LIFE), dated October 17, 
1996. You should read this supplement in conjunction with the prospectus. You 
should keep the supplement and the prospectus for future reference. We have 
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) our statement of 
additional information (SAI) dated May 1, 1997. If you have previously 
received, but do not presently have, a copy of the prospectus, you may obtain 
an additional copy of the prospectus, as well as a copy of the SAI, from us, 
free of charge, if you write to Equitable Life, Income Management Group, P.O. 
Box 1547, Secaucus, NJ 07096-1547, call (800) 789-7771 or if you only need a 
copy of the SAI, you may mail in the SAI request form located at the end of 
the supplement. The SAI has been incorporated by reference into this 
supplement. 
    

In the supplement, each section of the prospectus in which a change has been 
made is identified and the number of each prospectus page on which a change 
occurs is also noted. Special terms used in the prospectus have the same 
meaning in the supplement unless otherwise noted. 

   
ON THE COVER PAGE OF THE PROSPECTUS THE THIRD (INCLUDING THE CHART OF 
INVESTMENT OPTIONS) AND FOURTH PARAGRAPHS ARE REPLACED BY THE FOLLOWING 
PARAGRAPHS: 

  The Rollover IRA offers investment options (INVESTMENT OPTIONS) that permit 
  you to create your own strategies. These Investment Options include 21 
  variable investment funds (INVESTMENT FUNDS) and each GUARANTEE PERIOD in 
  the GUARANTEED PERIOD ACCOUNT. 

  We invest each Investment Fund in Class IA shares of a corresponding 
  portfolio (PORTFOLIO) of The Hudson River Trust (HR TRUST) or Class IB 
  shares of a corresponding Portfolio of EQ Advisors Trust (EQ TRUST), mutual 
  funds whose shares are purchased by separate accounts of insurance 
  companies. The prospectuses for HR Trust and EQ Trust, both of which 
  accompany this supplement, describe the investment objectives, policies and 
  risks of the Portfolios. 

                               INVESTMENT FUNDS 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  EQUITY SERIES 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
DOMESTIC EQUITY                     INTERNATIONAL EQUITY                   AGGRESSIVE EQUITY 
<S>                                 <C>                                    <C>
 Alliance Common Stock               Alliance Global                        Alliance Aggressive Stock 
 Alliance Growth & Income            Alliance International                 Alliance Small Cap Growth 
 EQ/Putnam Growth & Income Value     Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets        MFS Emerging Growth Companies
 MFS Research                         Equity                                Warburg Pincus Small Company Value
 Merrill Lynch Basic Value Equity    T. Rowe Price International Stock      
 T. Rowe Price Equity Income 
 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
</TABLE>
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
       ASSET ALLOCATION SERIES                          FIXED INCOME SERIES 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
<S>                                      <C>                         <C>
 Alliance Conservative Investors         AGGRESSIVE FIXED INCOME     DOMESTIC FIXED INCOME 
 Alliance Growth Investors                Alliance High Yield         Alliance Intermediate Government Securities 
 EQ/Putnam Balanced                                                   Alliance Money Market 
 Merrill Lynch World Strategy 

 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    

   
   THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE IS ADDED AT THE END OF THE FIFTH PARAGRAPH: 
   The Guarantee Periods currently available have Expiration Dates of 
   February 15 in years 1998 through 2007 under the Rollover IRA and 1998 
   through 2012 under the Choice Income Plan. 

THROUGHOUT THE PROSPECTUS ANY REFERENCE TO THE INVESTMENT FUNDS AND GUARANTEE 
PERIODS REFER TO THE INVESTMENT FUNDS AND GUARANTEE PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE. 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
    
                                Copyright 1997
          The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States,
                           New York, New York 10104.
                             All rights reserved.


<PAGE>
   
THROUGHOUT THE PROSPECTUS (EXCEPT WHERE OTHERWISE NOTED) THE REFERENCE TO 
"TRUST" IS REPLACED BY "HR TRUST AND EQ TRUST." 
    

ON PAGE 2, UNDER THE HEADING "INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY 
REFERENCE" REPLACE THE ENTIRE SECTION WITH THE FOLLOWING SECTION: 

   
                INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
    

    Equitable Life's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 
  31, 1996 is incorporated herein by reference. 

   
    All documents or reports filed by Equitable Life pursuant to Section 
  13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as 
  amended (EXCHANGE ACT) after the date hereof and prior to the termination 
  of the offering of the securities offered hereby shall be deemed to be 
  incorporated by reference in the prospectus and the supplement and to be a 
  part hereof from the date of filing of such documents. Any statement 
  contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated herein by 
  reference shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of the 
  prospectus and the supplement to the extent that a statement contained 
  herein or in any other 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 and superseded, to constitute a part of the 
  prospectus and the supplement. Equitable Life files its Exchange Act 
  documents and reports, including its annual and quarterly reports on Form 
  10-K and Form 10-Q, electronically pursuant to EDGAR under CIK No. 
  0000727920. The SEC maintains a web site that contains reports, proxy and 
  information statements and other information regarding registrants that 
  file electronically with the SEC. The address of the site is 
  http://www.sec.gov. 

    Equitable Life will provide without charge to each person to whom a 
  prospectus is delivered, upon the written or oral request of such person, a 
  copy of any or all of the foregoing documents incorporated herein by 
  reference (other than exhibits not specifically incorporated by reference 
  into the text of such documents). Requests for such documents should be 
  directed to The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States, 1290 
  Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10104. Attention: Corporate 
  Secretary (telephone: (212) 554-1234). 
    

ON PAGE 4, UNDER THE HEADING "GENERAL TERMS" 

  ADD THE FOLLOWING DEFINITIONS: 

  EQ TRUST--EQ Advisors Trust, a mutual fund in which the assets of separate 
  accounts of insurance companies are invested. EQ Financial Consultants, 
  Inc. (EQ Financial) is the manager of EQ Trust and has appointed advisers 
  for each of the Portfolios. 

  HR TRUST--The Hudson River Trust, a mutual fund in which the assets of 
  separate accounts of insurance companies are invested. Alliance Capital 
  Management L.P. (Alliance) is the adviser to HR Trust. 

   
  DELETE THE DEFINITION FOR "TRUST." 
    

                                       2


<PAGE>
   
ON PAGES 6, 7 AND 8 REPLACE THE "FEE TABLE" SECTION WITH THE FOLLOWING 
SECTION: 

                                   FEE TABLE

The purpose of this fee table is to assist you in understanding the various 
costs and expenses you may bear directly or indirectly under the Certificate 
so that you may compare them with other similar products. The table reflects 
both the charges of the Separate Account and the expenses of HR Trust and EQ 
Trust. Charges for applicable taxes such as state or local premium taxes may 
also apply. For a complete description of each trust's charges and expenses, 
see the prospectuses for the HR Trust and EQ Trust. 

As explained in Part 4, the Guarantee Periods are not a part of the Separate 
Account and are not covered by the fee table and examples. The only charge 
shown in the Table which will be deducted from amounts allocated to the 
Guarantee Periods is the withdrawal charge. However, if there is insufficient 
value in the Investment Funds, all or a portion of the distribution fee and 
the annual contract fee, if any, may be deducted from your Annuity Account 
Value in the Guaranteed Period Account rather than from the Investment Funds. 
See "Part 7: Deductions and Charges." A market value adjustment (either 
positive or negative) also may be applicable as a result of a withdrawal, 
transfer or surrender of amounts from a Guarantee Period. See "Part 4: The 
Guaranteed Period Account." 

OWNER TRANSACTION EXPENSES (DEDUCTED FROM ANNUITY ACCOUNT VALUE) 

DISTRIBUTION FEE (SALES LOAD) AS A PERCENTAGE OF EACH CONTRIBUTION 
RECEIVED DURING THE FIRST CONTRACT YEAR (deducted annually on 
each of the first seven Processing Dates)(1) ............................. 0.20%

WITHDRAWAL CHARGE AS A PERCENTAGE OF CONTRIBUTIONS (percentage deducted upon 
surrender or for certain withdrawals. The applicable withdrawal charge 
percentage is determined by the Contract Year in which the withdrawal is made 
or the Certificate is surrendered beginning with "Contract Year 1" with 
respect to each contribution withdrawn or surrendered. For each contribution, 
the Contract Year in which we receive that contribution is "Contract Year 
1")(2) 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 CONTRACT 
 YEAR 
 <S>        <C>
  1 .......  7.00% 
  2 .......  6.00 
  3 .......  5.00 
  4 .......  4.00 
  5 .......  3.00 
  6 .......  2.00 
  7 .......  1.00 
  8+ ......  0.00 
</TABLE>
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             Combined    GMDB 
                                                                             GMDB/GMIB   Only 
                                                                             Benefit     Benefit 
                                                                             (Plan A)    (Plan B) 
                                                                             ----------- --------- 
<S>                                                                          <C>         <C>
GMDB/GMIB CHARGES (percentage deducted annually on each Processing Date 
 as a percentage of the guaranteed minimum death benefit then in effect)(3) .    0.45%      0.20% 
ANNUAL CONTRACT FEE (DEDUCTED FROM ANNUITY ACCOUNT VALUE ON EACH PROCESSING 
 DATE)(4) 
 If the initial contribution is less than $25,000 ...........................            $30 
 If the initial contribution is $25,000 or more .............................            $0 
SEPARATE ACCOUNT ANNUAL EXPENSES (AS A PERCENTAGE OF ASSETS IN EACH 
 INVESTMENT FUND) 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Mortality and Expense Risk Charge ...........................................           0.90% 
Asset Based Administrative Charge ...........................................           0.25% 
                                                                                       ------ 
 Total Separate Account Annual Expenses .....................................           1.15% 
                                                                                       ====== 
</TABLE>
    

                                       3

<PAGE>
   
TRUST ANNUAL EXPENSES (AS A PERCENTAGE OF AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS IN EACH 
PORTFOLIO) 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  INVESTMENT PORTFOLIOS 
                              ----------------------------------------------------------- 
                                  ALLIANCE     ALLIANCE    ALLIANCE   ALLIANCE 
                                CONSERVATIVE    GROWTH     GROWTH &    COMMON    ALLIANCE 
HR TRUST                         INVESTORS     INVESTORS    INCOME     STOCK      GLOBAL 
- ----------------------------- -------------- ----------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 
<S>                           <C>            <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>
Investment Advisory Fee             0.48%        0.53%       0.55%      0.38%      0.65% 
Other Expenses                      0.07%        0.06%       0.05%      0.03%      0.08% 
                              -------------- ----------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 
 TOTAL TRUST ANNUAL 
  EXPENSES(5)                       0.55%        0.59%       0.60%      0.41%      0.73% 
                              ============== =========== ========== ========== ========== 
</TABLE>
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      ALLIANCE 
                                                 ALLIANCE    ALLIANCE    ALLIANCE   INTERMEDIATE   ALLIANCE 
                                  ALLIANCE      AGGRESSIVE   SMALL CAP    MONEY        GOVT.         HIGH 
HR TRUST                        INTERNATIONAL     STOCK       GROWTH      MARKET     SECURITIES     YIELD 
- ----------------------------- --------------- ------------ ----------- ---------- -------------- ---------- 
<S>                           <C>             <C>          <C>         <C>        <C>            <C>
Investment Advisory Fee             0.90%          0.55%       0.90%       0.35%        0.50%        0.60% 
Other Expenses                      0.18%          0.03%       0.10%       0.04%        0.09%        0.06% 
                              --------------- ------------ ----------- ---------- -------------- ---------- 
 TOTAL TRUST ANNUAL 
  EXPENSES(5)                       1.08%          0.58%       1.00%       0.39%        0.59%        0.66% 
                              =============== ============ =========== ========== ============== ========== 
</TABLE>
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               EQ/PUTNAM      MFS                   MERRILL 
                                               GROWTH &    EMERGING                  LYNCH 
                                   EQ/PUTNAM    INCOME      GROWTH       MFS      BASIC VALUE 
EQ TRUST                           BALANCED      VALUE     COMPANIES   RESEARCH     EQUITY 
- -------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ------------- 
<S>                              <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>
Investment Advisory Fee              0.55%       0.55%       0.55%       0.55%       0.55% 
12b-1 Fee(6)                         0.25%       0.25%       0.25%       0.25%       0.25% 
Other Expenses                       0.10%       0.05%       0.05%       0.05%       0.05% 
                                 ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ------------- 
 TOTAL EQ TRUST ANNUAL 
  EXPENSES(7)                        0.90%       0.85%       0.85%       0.85%       0.85% 
                                 =========== =========== =========== ========== ============= 
</TABLE>
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               MORGAN              T. ROWE    WARBURG 
                                   MERRILL    STANLEY    T. ROWE    PRICE     PINCUS 
                                    LYNCH     EMERGING    PRICE    INTERNA-    SMALL 
                                    WORLD     MARKETS    EQUITY     TIONAL    COMPANY 
EQ TRUST                           STRATEGY    EQUITY    INCOME     STOCK      VALUE 
- -------------------------------- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- --------- 
<S>                              <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>
Investment Advisory Fee              0.70%      1.15%     0.55%      0.75%     0.65% 
12b-1 Fee(6)                         0.25%      0.25%     0.25%      0.25%     0.25% 
Other Expenses                       0.25%      0.35%     0.05%      0.20%     0.10% 
                                 ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- --------- 
 TOTAL EQ TRUST ANNUAL 
  EXPENSES(7)                        1.20%      1.75%     0.85%      1.20%     1.00% 
                                 ========== ========== ========= ========== ========= 
</TABLE>
    

   
- ------------ 
Notes: 
  (1)    The amount deducted is based on contributions that have not been 
         withdrawn. The distribution fee will not apply while the IRA Assured 
         Payment Option or IRA APO Plus is in effect. See "Part 7: Deductions 
         and Charges," "Distribution Fee." 
  (2)    Deducted upon a withdrawal with respect to amounts in excess of the 
         15% (10% under the IRA Assured Payment Option and IRA APO Plus) free 
         corridor amount, and upon a surrender. See "Part 7: Deductions and 
         Charges," "Withdrawal Charge." We reserve the right to impose an 
         administrative charge of the lesser of $25 and 2.0% of the amount 
         withdrawn for each Lump Sum Withdrawal after the fifth in a Contract 
         Year. See "Withdrawal Processing Charge" also in Part 7. 
  (3)    The guaranteed minimum death benefit (GMDB) is described under 
         "Death Benefit," "GMDB" and the guaranteed minimum income benefit 
         (GMIB) is described under "GMIB" both of which are in Part 5. The 
         0.45% charge covers a 6% to Age 80 Benefit or, if a combined 6% to 
         Age 70 Benefit is elected, the charge is 0.30%. See "Part 7: 
         Deductions and Charges," "Charges for Combined GMDB/GMIB Benefit 
         (Plan A)" and "Charges for GMDB Only Benefit (Plan B)." 
  (4)    This charge is incurred at the beginning of the Contract Year and 
         deducted on the Processing Date. See "Part 7: Deductions and 
         Charges," "Annual Contract Fee." 
  (5)    The amounts shown for the Portfolios of HR Trust (other than 
         Alliance Small Cap Growth) have been restated to reflect advisory 
         fees which went into effect as of May 1, 1997. "Other Expenses" are 
         based on the average daily net assets in each Portfolio for the year 
         ended December 31, 1996. The amounts shown for the Alliance Small 
         Cap Growth Portfolio are estimated for the current fiscal year as 
         this Portfolio commenced operations on May 1, 1997. The investment 
         advisory fee for each Portfolio may vary from year to year depending 
         upon the average daily net assets of the respective Portfolio of HR 
         Trust. The maximum investment advisory fees, however, cannot be 
         increased without a vote of that Portfolio's shareholders. The other 
         direct operating expenses will also fluctuate from year to year 
         depending on actual expenses. See "HR Trust Charges to Portfolios" 
         in Part 7. 
  (6)    The Class IB shares of EQ Trust are subject to fees imposed under a 
         distribution plan (herein, the "Rule 12b-1 Plan") adopted by EQ 
         Trust pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 
         1940, as amended. The Rule 12b-1 Plan provides that EQ Trust, on 
         behalf of each Portfolio, may pay annually up to 0.25% of the 
         average daily net assets of a Portfolio attributable to its Class IB 
         shares in respect of activities primarily intended to result in the 
         sale of the Class IB shares. The 12b-1 fee may be increased only by 
         action of the Board of Trustees of EQ Trust up to a maximum of 0.50% 
         per annum. 
  (7)    "Other Expenses" shown are based on estimated amounts (after expense 
         waiver or limitation) for the current fiscal year, as EQ Trust 
         commenced operations on May 1, 1997. The maximum investment advisory 
         fees cannot be increased without a vote of that Portfolio's 
         shareholders. The other direct operating expenses will fluctuate 
         from year to year depending on actual expenses, but pursuant to 
         agreement, cannot together with other fees specified exceed the 
         total annual expenses specified. See "EQ Trust Charges to 
         Portfolios" in Part 7. 
    

                                       4
<PAGE>
   
EXAMPLES 

The examples below show the expenses that a hypothetical Certificate Owner 
would pay under the Combined GMDB/GMIB Benefit (Plan A) with a 6% to Age 80 
Benefit and under the GMDB Only Benefit (Plan B) in the two situations noted 
below assuming a $1,000 contribution invested in one of the Investment Funds 
listed, and a 5% annual return on assets.(1) The annual contract fee was 
computed based on an initial contribution of $10,000. 

These examples should not be considered a representation of past or future 
expenses for each Investment Fund or Portfolio. Actual expenses may be 
greater or less than those shown. Similarly, the annual rate of return 
assumed in the examples is not an estimate or guarantee of future investment 
performance. 

                 COMBINED GMDB/GMIB BENEFIT (PLAN A) ELECTION 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 IF YOU SURRENDER YOUR CERTIFICATE AT THE END OF EACH PERIOD 
SHOWN, THE EXPENSES WOULD BE: 
                          1 YEAR   3 YEARS   5 YEARS   10 YEARS 
                          -------- --------- --------- ---------- 
<S>                       <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>
HR TRUST 
- --------                  
Alliance Conservative 
 Investors                 $ 90.26   $125.78   $164.15   $290.05 
Alliance Growth Investors    90.65    126.98    166.16    294.09 
Alliance Growth & Income     90.75    127.28    166.66    295.10 
Alliance Common Stock        88.86    121.57    157.10    275.76 
Alliance Global              92.05    131.17    173.15    308.12 
Alliance International       95.53    141.59    190.48    342.39 
Alliance Aggressive Stock    90.55    126.68    165.66    293.08 
Alliance Small Cap Growth    94.73    139.22        --        -- 
Alliance Money Market        88.67    120.98    156.09    273.71 
Alliance Intermediate 
 Government Securities       90.65    126.98    166.16    294.09 
Alliance High Yield          91.35    129.08    169.66    301.13 

EQ TRUST 
- --------
EQ Putnam Balanced         $ 93.74   $136.25        --        -- 
EQ/Putnam Growth & Income 
 Value                       93.24    134.75        --        -- 
MFS Emerging Growth 
 Companies                   93.24    134.75        --        -- 
MFS Research                 93.24    134.75        --        -- 
Merrill Lynch Basic Value 
 Equity                      93.24    134.75        --        -- 
Merrill Lynch World 
 Strategy                    96.72    145.15        --        -- 
Morgan Stanley Emerging 
 Markets Equity             102.19    161.34        --        -- 
T. Rowe Price Equity 
 Income                      93.24    134.75        --        -- 
T. Rowe Price 
 International Stock         96.72    145.15        --        -- 
Warburg Pincus Small 
 Company Value               94.73    139.22        --        -- 
</TABLE>
    

                    (RESTUBBED TABLE CONTINUED FROM ABOVE) 

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
IF YOU DO NOT SURRENDER YOUR CERTIFICATE AT THE END OF EACH 
PERIOD SHOWN, THE EXPENSES WOULD BE: 

                          1 YEAR   3 YEARS   5 YEARS   10 YEARS 
                          -------- --------- --------- ---------- 
<S>                       <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>
HR TRUST 
- -------- 
Alliance Conservative 
 Investors                  $27.03   $ 83.14   $142.17   $298.10 
Alliance Growth Investors    27.42     84.33    144.17    302.14 
Alliance Growth & Income     27.52     84.63    144.67    303.14 
Alliance Common Stock        25.63     78.93    135.12    283.82 
Alliance Global              28.82     88.53    151.17    316.17 
Alliance International       32.30     98.96    168.51    350.45 
Alliance Aggressive Stock    27.32     84.03    143.67    301.14 
Alliance Small Cap Growth    31.50     96.57        --        -- 
Alliance Money Market        25.44     78.34    134.11    281.77 
Alliance Intermediate 
 Government Securities       27.42     84.33    144.17    302.14 
Alliance High Yield          28.12     86.43    147.67    309.17 

EQ TRUST 
- -------- 
EQ/Putnam Balanced          $30.51   $ 93.60        --        -- 
EQ/Putnam Growth & Income 
 Value                       30.01     92.10        --        -- 
MFS Emerging Growth 
 Companies                   30.01     92.10        --        -- 
MFS Research                 30.01     92.10        --        -- 
Merrill Lynch Basic Value 
 Equity                      30.01     92.10        --        -- 
Merrill Lynch World 
 Strategy                    33.49    102.51        --        -- 
Morgan Stanley Emerging 
 Markets Equity              38.96    118.70        --        -- 
T. Rowe Price Equity 
 Income                      30.01     92.10        --        -- 
T. Rowe Price 
 International Stock         33.49    102.51        --        -- 
Warburg Pincus Small 
 Company Value               31.50     96.57        --        -- 
</TABLE>
    
   
- ------------ 
*       See footnote on next page. 
    

                                5           
<PAGE>
   
                     GMDB ONLY BENEFIT (PLAN B) ELECTION 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 IF YOU SURRENDER YOUR CERTIFICATE AT THE END OF EACH PERIOD 
SHOWN, THE EXPENSES WOULD BE: 
                          1 YEAR   3 YEARS   5 YEARS   10 YEARS 
                          -------- --------- --------- ---------- 
<S>                       <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>
HR TRUST 
- --------                  
Alliance Conservative 
 Investors                 $ 90.26   $120.46   $153.06   $262.23 
Alliance Growth Investors    90.65    121.66    155.07    266.33 
Alliance Growth & Income     90.75    121.96    155.58    267.36 
Alliance Common Stock        88.86    116.24    145.96    247.74 
Alliance Global              92.05    125.87    162.12    280.56 
Alliance International       95.53    136.32    179.54    315.32 
Alliance Aggressive Stock    90.55    121.35    154.55    265.29 
Alliance Small Cap Growth    94.73    133.93        --        -- 
Alliance Money Market        88.67    115.65    144.95    245.67 
Alliance Intermediate 
 Government Securities       90.65    121.66    155.07    266.33 
Alliance High Yield          91.35    123.77    158.60    273.47 

EQ TRUST 
- --------                
EQ/Putnam Balanced         $ 93.74   $130.95        --        -- 
EQ/Putnam Growth & Income 
 Value                       93.24    129.45        --        -- 
MFS Emerging Growth 
 Companies                   93.24    129.45        --        -- 
MFS Research                 93.24    129.45        --        -- 
Merrill Lynch Basic Value 
 Equity                      93.24    129.45        --        -- 
Merrill Lynch World 
 Strategy                    96.72    139.88        --        -- 
Morgan Stanley Emerging 
 Markets Equity             102.19    156.12        --        -- 
T. Rowe Price Equity 
 Income                      93.24    129.45        --        -- 
T. Rowe Price 
 International Stock         96.72    139.88        --        -- 
Warburg Pincus Small 
 Company Value               94.73    133.93        --        -- 
</TABLE>
    

   
                    (RESTUBBED TABLE CONTINUED FROM ABOVE) 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 IF YOU DO NOT SURRENDER YOUR CERTIFICATE AT THE END OF EACH 
PERIOD SHOWN, THE EXPENSES WOULD BE: 
                          1 YEAR   3 YEARS   5 YEARS   10 YEARS 
                          -------- --------- --------- ---------- 
<S>                       <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>
HR TRUST 
- --------
Alliance Conservative 
 Investors                  $24.38   $ 74.85   $127.74   $265.82 
Alliance Growth Investors    24.77     76.04    129.75    269.91 
Alliance Growth & Income     24.87     76.34    130.25    270.93 
Alliance Common Stock        22.98     70.63    120.64    251.32 
Alliance Global              26.17     80.25    136.79    284.15 
Alliance International       29.65     90.70    154.21    318.91 
Alliance Aggressive Stock    24.67     75.74    129.24    268.88 
Alliance Small Cap Growth    28.85     88.31        --        -- 
Alliance Money Market        22.79     70.02    119.62    249.24 
Alliance Intermediate 
 Government Securities       24.77     76.04    129.75    269.91 
Alliance High Yield          25.47     78.15    133.28    277.06 

EQ TRUST 
- -------- 
EQ/Putnam Balanced          $27.86   $ 85.34        --        -- 
EQ/Putnam Growth & Income 
 Value                       27.36     83.84        --        -- 
MFS Emerging Growth 
 Companies                   27.36     83.84        --        -- 
MFS Research                 27.36     83.84        --        -- 
Merrill Lynch Basic Value 
 Equity                      27.36     83.84        --        -- 
Merrill Lynch World 
 Strategy                    30.84     94.26        --        -- 
Morgan Stanley Emerging 
 Markets Equity              36.31    110.50        --        -- 
T. Rowe Price Equity 
 Income                      27.36     83.84        --        -- 
T. Rowe Price 
 International Stock         30.84     94.26        --        -- 
Warburg Pincus Small 
 Company Value               28.85     88.31        --        -- 
</TABLE>
    

   
- ------------ 
Notes: 
  (1)    The amount accumulated from the $1,000 contribution could not be 
         paid in the form of an annuity at the end of any of the periods 
         shown in the examples. If the amount applied to purchase an annuity 
         is less than $2,000, or the initial payment is less than $20 we may 
         pay the amount to the payee in a single sum instead of as payments 
         under an annuity form. See "Income Annuity Options" in Part 6. The 
         examples do not reflect charges for applicable taxes such as state 
         or local premium taxes that may also be deducted in certain 
         jurisdictions. 
    

                                       6


<PAGE>
   
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION 
    

  ACCUMULATION UNIT VALUES 

   
  Equitable Life commenced the offering of the Certificates on May 1, 1995. 
  The following table shows the Accumulation Unit Values, as of May 1, 1995 
  and the last Business Day for the periods shown. There are no Accumulation 
  Unit Values for Alliance Small Cap Growth, Alliance High Yield and the 
  Investment Funds investing in Class IB shares of EQ Trust Portfolios as 
  such Investment Funds were not available prior to the date of this 
  supplement. 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            LAST BUSINESS DAY OF 
                                      ------------------------------- 
                          MAY 1, 1995   DECEMBER 1995   DECEMBER 1996   MARCH 1997 
                        ------------- --------------- --------------- ------------ 
 <S>                    <C>           <C>             <C>             <C>
 Alliance Conservative 
  Investors               $ 14.647383    $ 16.549050     $ 17.209382   $ 17.209382 
 Alliance Growth 
  Investors                 20.073331      23.593613       26.260729   $ 26.260729 
 Alliance Growth & 
  Income                    10.376155      11.989601       14.231408     14.231408 
 Alliance Common 
  Stock                    102.335691     124.519251      152.955877    152.955877 
 Alliance Global            19.478146      22.293921       25.253539     25.253538 
 Alliance International     10.125278      11.033925       11.976127     11.976127 
 Alliance Aggressive 
  Stock                     44.025496      54.591448       65.938687     65.938687 
 Alliance Money Market      23.150932      23.830754       24.810781     24.810781 
 Alliance Intermediate 
  Govt. Securities          12.498213      13.424767       13.770322     13.770322 
 Alliance High Yield        19.578616      21.602062       13.770322     26.238452 
</TABLE>
    

ON PAGE 9, UNDER THE HEADING "TRANSFERS," DELETE THE SECOND SENTENCE. 

   
ON PAGE 10, UNDER THE HEADING "IRA ASSURED PAYMENT OPTION," DELETE THE THIRD 
PARAGRAPH. 

ON PAGE 12, UNDER THE HEADING "EQUITABLE LIFE," 

  REPLACE THE THIRD SENTENCE OF THE FIRST PARAGRAPH WITH THE FOLLOWING 
  SENTENCE: 

  Our home office is located at 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New 
  York 10104. 

  REPLACE THE SECOND AND THIRD PARAGRAPHS WITH THE FOLLOWING PARAGRAPHS: 

  Equitable Life is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Equitable Companies 
  Incorporated (the Holding Company). The largest shareholder of the Holding 
  Company is AXA-UAP (AXA). As of December 31, 1996, AXA beneficially owned 
  63.8% of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Holding Company 
  (assuming conversion of convertible preferred stock held by AXA). Under its 
  investment arrangements with Equitable Life and the Holding Company, AXA is 
  able to exercise significant influence over the operations and capital 
  structure of the Holding Company and its subsidiaries, including Equitable 
  Life. AXA, a French company, is the holding company for an international 
  group of insurance and related financial service companies. 
    

  Equitable Life, the Holding Company and their subsidiaries managed 
  approximately $239.8 billion of assets as of December 31, 1996. 

   
ON PAGES 12 AND 13, REPLACE THE HEADING "THE TRUST" WITH "HR TRUST" AND ADD 
THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE AFTER THE FIFTH SENTENCE OF THE FIRST PARAGRAPH: 

  Investment Funds that invest in Portfolios of HR Trust purchase Class IA 
  shares of a corresponding Portfolio of HR Trust. 
    

                                       7


<PAGE>
   
ON PAGE 13, UNDER THE HEADING "THE TRUST'S INVESTMENT ADVISER" AND IN THE 
FIRST SENTENCE OF THE PARAGRAPH UNDER THE HEADING REPLACE "THE TRUST" WITH 
"HR TRUST." 

  IN THE FIRST PARAGRAPH OF THIS SECTION REPLACE THE THIRD SENTENCE WITH THE 
  FOLLOWING SENTENCE: 

  On December 31, 1996, Alliance was managing approximately $182.8 billion in 
  assets. 

  DELETE THE SECOND PARAGRAPH. 

ON PAGE 13, INSERT THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS AFTER THE LAST PARAGRAPH: 
    

  EQ TRUST 

   
  EQ Trust is an open-end management investment company. As a "series type" 
  of mutual fund, EQ Trust issues different series of stock, each of which 
  relates to a different Portfolio of EQ Trust. EQ Trust commenced operations 
  on May 1, 1997. EQ Trust does not impose a sales charge or "load" for 
  buying and selling it shares. All dividend distributions to EQ Trust are 
  reinvested in full and fractional shares of the Portfolio to which they 
  relate. Investment Funds that invest in Portfolios of EQ Trust purchase 
  Class IB shares of a corresponding Portfolio of EQ Trust. More detailed 
  information about EQ Trust, its investment objectives, policies and 
  restrictions, risks, expenses, the Rule 12b-1 Plan relating to the Class IB 
  shares, and all other aspects of its operations appears in its prospectus 
  which accompanies this supplement and in its statement of additional 
  information. 
    

  EQ TRUST'S MANAGER AND ADVISERS 

   
  EQ Trust is managed by EQ Financial Consultants, Inc. (EQ Financial) which, 
  subject to supervision and direction of the Trustees of EQ Trust, has 
  overall responsibility for the general management of EQ Trust. EQ Financial 
  is an investment adviser registered under the 1940 Act, and a broker-dealer 
  registered under the Exchange Act. EQ Financial is a Delaware corporation 
  and an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Equitable Life. 

  EQ Financial's main office is located at 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New 
  York, NY 10104. 

  EQ Financial has entered into investment advisory agreements with Putnam 
  Investments, Massachusetts Financial Services Company, Merrill Lynch Asset 
  Management, L.P, Morgan Stanley Asset Management, Inc., T. Rowe Price 
  Associates, Inc. and T. Rowe Price-Fleming International, Inc., and 
  Warburg, Pincus Counsellors, Inc., each of which serve as advisers to 
  EQ/Putnam, MFS, Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, T. Rowe Price, and Warburg 
  Pincus Portfolios respectively of EQ Trust. 

ON PAGE 14, UNDER THE HEADING "INVESTMENT POLICIES AND OBJECTIVES OF THE 
TRUST'S PORTFOLIOS" 

  ADD THE FOLLOWING SENTENCES TO THE END OF THE FIRST PARAGRAPH: 

  Set forth below is a summary of the investment policies and objectives of 
  each Portfolio. This summary is qualified in its entirely by reference to 
  the prospectus for HR Trust and EQ Trust both of which accompany this 
  supplement. Please read the prospectuses for each of the trusts carefully 
  before investing. 
    

  DELETE THE DESCRIPTION OF "AGGRESSIVE STOCK" AND INSERT THE FOLLOWING 
  DESCRIPTIONS: 

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                     <C>                                                      <C>
Alliance Aggressive      Primarily common stocks and other equity-type securities   Long-term growth of 
 Stock                   issued by quality small and intermediate sized companies   capital 
                         with strong growth prospects and in covered options on 
                         those securities.

 
Alliance Small Cap       Primarily U.S. common stocks and other equity type         Long-term growth of 
 Growth                  securities issued by smaller companies with favorable      capital 
                         growth prospects. 

                                       8



<PAGE>
Alliance High Yield     Primarily a diversified mix of high yield, fixed-income  High return by 
                        securities involving greater volatility of price and     maximizing current 
                        risk of principal and income than high quality           income and, to the 
                        fixed-income securities. The medium and lower quality    extent consistent with 
                        debt securities in which the Portfolio may invest are    that objective, capital 
                        known as "junk bonds."                                   appreciation 
</TABLE>
    

   
  INSERT THE FOLLOWING DESCRIPTIONS AFTER THE DESCRIPTION OF "INTERMEDIATE 
  GOVERNMENT SECURITIES:" 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                     <C>                                                     <C>
 EQ/Putnam Balanced     A well-diversified portfolio of stocks and bonds that   Balanced investment 
                        will produce both capital growth and current income. 

EQ/Putnam Growth &      Primarily common stocks that offer potential for        Capital growth and, 
 Income Value           capital growth, consistent with the Portfolios'         secondarily, current 
                        investment objective, common stocks that offer          income 
                        potential for current income.
 
MFS Emerging Growth     Primarily (i.e., at lest 80% of its assets uder normal  Long-term growth of 
 Companies              circumstances) in common stocks of emerging growth      capital 
                        companies that the Portfolio adviser believes are early 
                        in their life cycle but which have the potential to 
                        become major enterprises. 

MFS Research            A substantial portion of assets invested in common      Long-term growth of 
                        stock or securities convertible into common stock of    capital and future 
                        companies believed by the Portfolio adviser to possess  income 
                        better than average prospects for long-term growth. 

Merrill Lynch Basic     Investment in securities, primarily equities, that the  Capital appreciation 
 Value Equity           Portfolio adviser believes are undervalued and          and, secondarily, income 
                        therefore represent basic investment value. 

Merrill Lynch World     Investment primarily in a portfolio of equity and fixed High total investment 
 Strategy               income securities, including convertible securities of  return 
                        U.S. and foreign issuers. 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Primarily equity securities of emerging market country  Long-term capital 
 Markets Equity*        (i.e. foreign) issuers.                                 appreciation
 
T. Rowe Price Equity    Primarily dividend paying common stocks of established  Substantial dividend 
 Income                 companies.                                              income and also capital 
                                                                                appreciation 
T. Rowe Price           Primarily common stocks of established non-United       Long-term growth of 
 International Stock    States companies.                                       capital 

Warburg Pincus Small    Primarily in a portfolio of equity securities of small  Long-term capital 
 Company Value          capitalization companies (i.e., companies having market appreciation 
                        capitalizations of $1 billion or less at the time of 
                        initial purchase) that the Portfolio adviser considers 
                        to be relatively undervlaued. 
</TABLE>
    

   
- ------------ 
*      Will be available on or about September 2, 1997. 
    

                                       9

<PAGE>
   
ON PAGE 15, REPLACE THE FIRST AND SECOND PARAGRAPHS WITH THE FOLLOWING 
PARAGRAPHS: 

  This Part presents performance data for each of the Investment Funds 
  included in the tables below. The performance data were calculated by two 
  methods. The first method presented in the tables under "SEC Standardized 
  Performance Data," reflects all applicable fees and charges, including the 
  Combined GMDB/GMIB Benefit charge, but not the charges for any applicable 
  taxes such as premium taxes. 

  The second method presented in the tables under "Rate of Return Data for 
  Investment Funds," also reflects all applicable fees and charges, but does 
  not reflect the distribution fee, the withdrawal charge, the Combined 
  GMDB/GMIB Benefit charge, the annual contract fee or the charge for tax 
  such as premium taxes. These additional charges would effectively reduce 
  the rates of return credited to a particular Certificate. 
    

  HR Trust Portfolios 

   
  The performance data shown for the Investment Funds investing in Class IA 
  shares of HR Trust Portfolios (other than the Alliance Small Cap Growth 
  Portfolio which commenced operations on May 1, 1997) are based on the 
  actual investment results of the Portfolios, and have been adjusted for the 
  fees and charges applicable under the Certificates. 

  The performance data for the Alliance Money Market and Alliance Common 
  Stock Investment Funds that invest in corresponding HR Trust Portfolios, 
  for periods prior to March 22, 1985, reflect the investment results of two 
  open-end management separate accounts (the "predecessor separate accounts") 
  which were reorganized in unit investment trust form. The "Since inception" 
  figures for these Investment Funds are based on the date of inception of 
  the predecessor separate accounts. These performance data have been 
  adjusted to reflect the maximum investment advisory fee payable for the 
  corresponding Portfolio of HR Trust, as well as an assumed charge of 0.06% 
  for direct operating expenses. 
    

  EQ Trust Portfolios 

   
  The Investment Funds of the Separate Account that invest in Class IB shares 
  of Portfolios of EQ Trust have only recently been established and no 
  Certificates funded by those Investment Funds have been issued as of the 
  date of this supplement. EQ Trust commenced operations on May 1, 1997. 
  Therefore, no actual historical performance data for any of these 
  Portfolios are available. In this connection, see the discussion 
  immediately following the tables below. 

REPLACE THE HEADING "PERFORMANCE DATA FOR A CERTIFICATE" WITH "STANDARDIZED 
PERFORMANCE DATA." 

  IN THE FIRST SENTENCE OF THE THIRD PARAGRAPH UNDER THIS HEADING CHANGE THE 
  DATE FROM "DECEMBER 31, 1995" TO "DECEMBER 31, 1996." 
    

                                      10
<PAGE>
   
ON PAGES 15 AND 16, REPLACE THE TABLES AND FOOTNOTES WITH THE FOLLOWING 
TABLES AND FOOTNOTES: 

                         STANDARDIZED PERFORMANCE DATA
        AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN UNDER A CERTIFICATE SURRENDERED ON
                              DECEMBER 31, 1996*
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          LENGTH OF INVESTMENT PERIOD 
                               ------------------------------------------------ 
INVESTMENT                        ONE      THREE   FIVE     TEN        SINCE 
   FUND                           YEAR     YEARS   YEARS   YEARS    INCEPTION** 
- -----------                    --------- ------- ------- -------- ------------- 
<S>                            <C>       <C>     <C>     <C>      <C>
Alliance Conservative 
 Investors                        (3.31)%   3.16%   4.76%     --        6.20% 
Alliance Growth Investors          4.00     7.81    8.23      --       12.10 
Alliance Growth & Income          11.40    10.57      --      --        7.57 
Alliance Common Stock             15.54    13.83   13.23   13.84%      13.38 
Alliance Global                    5.98     9.32   11.03      --        8.87 
Alliance International             1.24       --      --      --        6.02 
Alliance Aggressive Stock         13.49    12.24    9.26   16.64       18.14 
Alliance Money Market             (3.19)    1.47    1.70    3.86        5.14 
Alliance Intermediate Govt. 
 Securities                       (4.73)    0.39    3.02      --        4.43 
Alliance High Yield               14.16     9.26   12.21      --        9.33 
</TABLE>
    

   
                         STANDARDIZED PERFORMANCE DATA
    GROWTH OF $1,000 UNDER A CERTIFICATE SURRENDERED ON DECEMBER 31, 1996*
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          LENGTH OF INVESTMENT PERIOD 
                               ------------------------------------------------ 
INVESTMENT                       ONE    THREE     FIVE     TEN        SINCE 
   FUND                          YEAR   YEARS    YEARS    YEARS    INCEPTION** 
- -----------                    ------- -------- -------- -------- ------------- 
<S>                            <C>     <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
Alliance Conservative 
 Investors                      $  967   $1,098   $1,262       --     $ 1,618 
Alliance Growth Investors        1,040    1,253    1,485       --       2,494 
Alliance Growth & Income         1,114    1,352       --       --       1,339 
Alliance Common Stock            1,155    1,475    1,862   $3,657      13,975 
Alliance Global                  1,060    1,307    1,687       --       2,340 
Alliance International           1,012       --       --       --       1,124 
Alliance Aggressive Stock        1,135    1,414    1,557    4,660       6,257 
Alliance Money Market              968    1,045    1,088    1,461       2,230 
Alliance Intermediate Govt. 
 Securities                        953    1,012    1,161       --       1,297 
Alliance High Yield              1,142    1,304    1,779       --       2,441 
</TABLE>
    

   
- ------------ 
  * The tables reflect charges under a Certificate with the 0.45% GMDB/GMIB 
    charge. 
 ** The "Since Inception" dates for the Portfolios of HR Trust are as 
    follows: Alliance Conservative Investors (October 2, 1989); Alliance 
    Growth Investors (October 2, 1989); Alliance Growth & Income (October 1, 
    1993); Alliance Common Stock (January 13, 1976); Alliance Global (August 
    27, 1987); Alliance International (April 3, 1995); Alliance Aggressive 
    Stock (January 27, 1986); Alliance Small Cap Growth (May 1, 1997); 
    Alliance Money Market (July 13, 1981); Alliance Intermediate Government 
    Securities (April 1, 1991); an Alliance High Yield (January 2, 1987). 

ON PAGE 16, INSERT THE FOLLOWING PARAGRAPH BEFORE THE "RATE OF RETURN DATA 
FOR INVESTMENT FUNDS" SECTION: 

    Additional investment performance information appears in the attached HR 
    Trust and EQ Trust prospectuses. 

    The Alliance Small Cap Growth Portfolio of HR Trust commenced operations 
    on May 1, 1997. Therefore, no actual historical performance data are 
    available. However, historical performance of a composite of six other 
    advisory accounts managed by Alliance is described in the attached HR 
    Trust prospectus. According to that prospectus, these accounts have 
    substantially the same investment objectives and policies, and are 
    managed in accordance with essentially the same investment strategies and 
    techniques, as those of the 

                                      11
    
<PAGE>
   
    Alliance Small Cap Growth Portfolio. It should be noted that these 
    accounts are not subject to certain of the requirements and restrictions 
    to which the Alliance Small Cap Growth Portfolio is subject and that they 
    are managed for tax exempt clients of Alliance, who may have different 
    investment goals. The investment performance information included in the 
    HR Trust prospectus for all Portfolios other than the Alliance Small Cap 
    Portfolio is based on actual historical performance. 

    The investment performance data for HR Trust's Alliance Small Cap 
    Portfolio and for each of the Portfolios of EQ Trust, contained in the HR 
    Trust and the EQ Trust prospectuses, are provided by those prospectuses 
    to illustrate the past performance of each respective Portfolio adviser 
    in managing a substantially similar investment vehicles as measured 
    against specified market indices and do not represent the past or future 
    performance of any Portfolio. None of the performance data contained in 
    the HR Trust and EQ Trust prospectuses reflects fees and charges imposed 
    under your Certificate, which fees and charges would reduce such 
    performance figures. Therefore, the performance data for each of the 
    Portfolios described in the EQ Trust prospectus and for the Alliance 
    Small Cap Portfolio in the HR Trust prospectus may be of limited use and 
    are not intended to be a substitute for actual performance of the 
    corresponding Portfolios, nor are such results an estimate or guarantee 
    of future performance for these Portfolios. 

ON PAGE 17, INSERT THE FOLLOWING SECTION UNDER THE HEADING "PORTFOLIO 
INCEPTION DATES AND COMPARATIVE BENCHMARKS:" 

    ALLIANCE HIGH YIELD: January 2, 1987; Merrill Lynch High Yield Master 
    Index. 
    

                                      12


<PAGE>
   
ON PAGES 17, 18 AND 19, REPLACE THE TABLES AND FOOTNOTES WITH THE FOLLOWING 
TABLES AND FOOTNOTES: 

ANNUALIZED RATES OF RETURN FOR PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996:* 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             SINCE 
                             1 YEAR   3 YEARS   5 YEARS   10 YEARS   15 YEARS   20 YEARS   INCEPTION 
                           -------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------- 
<S>                        <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
ALLIANCE CONSERVATIVE 
 INVESTORS                    3.99%     5.47%     6.08%       --         --         --        7.77% 
 Lipper Income                8.95      8.91      9.55        --         --         --        9.55 
 Benchmark                    8.78     10.14      9.64        --         --         --       10.42 
ALLIANCE GROWTH 
 INVESTORS                   11.30     10.00      9.48        --         --         --       14.23 
 Lipper Flexible Portfolio   12.51      9.26      9.30        --         --         --        9.99 
 Benchmark                   16.94     15.84     13.02        --         --         --       12.73 
ALLIANCE GROWTH & 
 INCOME                      18.70     12.69        --        --         --         --       11.47 
 Lipper Growth & Income      19.96     15.39        --        --         --         --       14.78 
 Benchmark                   21.28     17.93        --        --         --         --       17.24 
ALLIANCE COMMON STOCK        22.84     15.87     14.39     14.49%     15.17%     14.17%      13.90 
  Lipper Growth              18.78     14.80     12.39     13.08      14.04      13.60       13.42 
  Benchmark                  22.96     19.66     15.20     15.28      16.79      14.55       14.63 
ALLIANCE GLOBAL              13.28     11.44     12.19        --         --         --       10.43 
  Lipper Global              17.89      8.49     10.29        --         --         --        3.65 
  Benchmark                  13.48     12.91     10.82        --         --         --        7.44 
ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL        8.54        --        --        --         --         --       10.90 
  Lipper International       13.36        --        --        --         --         --       14.33 
  Benchmark                   6.05        --        --        --         --         --        8.74 
ALLIANCE AGGRESSIVE STOCK    20.79     14.33     10.55     17.24         --         --       18.79 
  Lipper Small Company 
    Growth                   16.55     12.70     17.53     16.29         --         --       16.47 
  Benchmark                  17.85     14.14     14.80     14.29         --         --       13.98 
ALLIANCE MONEY MARKET         4.11      3.82      3.12      4.68       5.85         --        6.05 
  Lipper Money Market         3.82      3.60      2.93      4.52       5.72         --        5.89 
  Benchmark                   5.25      5.07      4.37      5.67       6.72         --        6.97 
ALLIANCE INTERMEDIATE 
 GOVERNMENT 
 SECURITIES                   2.57%     2.80%     4.38%       --         --         --        5.75% 
  Lipper Gen. U.S. 
    Government                1.57      3.99      5.21        --         --         --        6.76 
  Benchmark                   4.06      5.37      6.23        --         --         --        7.43 
ALLIANCE HIGH YIELD          21.46     11.43     13.34        --         --         --       10.13 
  Lipper High Yield          12.46      7.93     11.47        --         --         --        9.13 
  Benchmark                  11.06      9.59     12.76        --         --         --       11.24 
</TABLE>
    

                                      13
<PAGE>
   
CUMULATIVE RATES OF RETURN FOR PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996:* 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              SINCE 
                             1 YEAR   3 YEARS   5 YEARS   10 YEARS   15 YEARS   20 YEARS    INCEPTION 
                           -------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------- ----------- ----------- 
<S>                        <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>
ALLIANCE CONSERVATIVE 
 INVESTORS                    3.99%    17.34%    34.32%        --         --          --       72.02% 
 Lipper Income                8.95     29.47     58.37         --         --          --       94.21 
 Benchmark                    8.78     33.60     58.40         --         --          --      105.23 

ALLIANCE GROWTH 
 INVESTORS                   11.30     33.11     57.28         --         --          --      162.18 
 Lipper Flexible Portfolio   12.51     30.84     56.65         --         --          --      100.79 
 Benchmark                   16.94     55.46     84.42         --         --          --      138.49 

ALLIANCE GROWTH & 
 INCOME                      18.70     43.09        --         --         --          --       42.30 
 Lipper Growth & Income      19.96     53.82        --         --         --          --       56.73 
 Benchmark                   21.28     63.99        --         --         --          --       67.75 

ALLIANCE COMMON STOCK        22.84     55.58     95.88     287.01%    731.70%   1,314.86%   1,430.82 
  Lipper Growth              18.78     51.65     80.51     243.70     627.03    1,185.21    1,298.19 
  Benchmark                  22.96     71.34    102.85     314.34     925.25    1,416.26    1,655.74 

ALLIANCE GLOBAL              13.28     38.40     77.77         --         --          --      152.69 
  Lipper Global              17.89     28.45     63.87         --         --          --       39.73 
  Benchmark                  13.48     43.95     67.12          -         --          --       95.62 

ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL        8.54        --        --         --         --          --       19.76 
  Lipper International       13.36        --        --         --         --          --       26.53 
  Benchmark                   6.05        --        --         --         --          --       15.78 

ALLIANCE AGGRESSIVE STOCK    20.79     49.45     65.10     390.47         --          --      556.42 
  Lipper Small Company 
    Growth                   16.55     43.42    142.70     352.31         --          --      428.32 
  Benchmark                  17.85     46.89     99.38     280.32         --          --      318.19 

ALLIANCE MONEY MARKET         4.11     11.90     16.59      58.03     134.78          --      148.19 
  Lipper Money Market         3.82     11.18     15.58      55.73     130.46          --      141.99 
  Benchmark                   5.25     15.99     23.86      73.61     165.31          --      184.26 

ALLIANCE INTERMEDIATE 
 GOVERNMENT 
 SECURITIES                   2.57      8.63     23.89         --         --          --       37.89 
  Lipper Gen. U.S. 
    Government                1.57     12.45     28.92         --         --          --       45.71 
  Benchmark                   4.06     16.98     35.30         --         --          --       51.07 

ALLIANCE HIGH YIELD          21.46     38.37     87.00         --         --          --      162.38 
  Lipper High Yield          12.46     25.77     72.39         --         --          --      142.30 
  Benchmark                  11.06     31.63     82.29         --         --          --      190.43 
</TABLE>
    

   
- ------------ 
 *    See footnotes on next page. 
    

                                      14
<PAGE>
YEAR-BY-YEAR RATES OF RETURN* 

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   1984      1985     1986     1987      1988    1989 
                --------- -------- -------- --------- -------- ------- 
<S>             <C>       <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>
ALLIANCE 
 CONSERVATIVE 
 INVESTORS           --       --       --       --        --      2.79% 
ALLIANCE GROWTH 
 INVESTORS           --       --       --       --        --      3.53 
ALLIANCE GROWTH 
 & INCOME            --       --       --       --        --       -- 
ALLIANCE COMMON 
 STOCK**           (3.09)%  31.91%   16.02%     6.21%   21.03%   24.16 
ALLIANCE GLOBAL      --       --       --     (13.62)    9.61    25.29 
ALLIANCE 
 INTERNATIONAL        --       --       --        --       --       -- 
ALLIANCE 
 AGGRESSIVE 
 STOCK               --       --     33.83      6.06    (0.03)   41.86 
ALLIANCE MONEY 
 MARKET**           9.59     6.91     5.39      5.41     6.09     7.93 
ALLIANCE 
 INTERMEDIATE 
 GOVERNMENT 
 SECURITIES          --       --       --       --        --       -- 
ALLIANCE HIGH 
 YIELD               --       --       --       3.49     8.48     3.93 
</TABLE>
    

                    (RESTUBBED TABLE CONTINUED FROM ABOVE) 

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   1990     1991     1992     1993     1994      1995    1996 
                -------- -------- -------- -------- --------- -------- ------- 
<S>             <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>
ALLIANCE 
 CONSERVATIVE 
 INVESTORS         5.14%   18.51%    4.50%    9.54%    (5.20)%  19.02%    3.99% 
ALLIANCE GROWTH 
 INVESTORS         9.39    47.19     3.69    13.95     (4.27)   24.92    11.30 
ALLIANCE GROWTH 
 & INCOME           --       --       --     (0.55)    (1.72)   22.65    18.70 
ALLIANCE COMMON 
 STOCK**          (9.17)   36.30     2.03    23.39     (3.26)   30.93    22.84 
ALLIANCE GLOBAL   (7.15)   29.06    (1.65)   30.60      4.02    17.45    13.28 
ALLIANCE 
 INTERNATIONAL       --       --       --       --        --    10.34     8.54 
ALLIANCE 
 AGGRESSIVE 
 STOCK             6.92    84.73    (4.28)   15.41     (4.92)   30.13    20.79 
ALLIANCE MONEY 
 MARKET**          6.99     4.97     2.37     1.78      2.82     4.53     4.11 
ALLIANCE 
 INTERMEDIATE 
 GOVERNMENT 
 SECURITIES         --     11.30     4.38     9.27     (5.47)   12.03     2.57 
ALLIANCE HIGH 
 YIELD            (2.26)   23.03    11.02    21.74     (3.90)   18.54    21.46 
</TABLE>
    
   
- ------------ 
 *     Returns do not reflect the distribution fee, the withdrawal charge, the 
       Combined GMDB/GMIB Benefit charge, the annual contract fee and any 
       charge for tax such as premium taxes.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION> 
**     Prior to 1984 the Year-by-Year Rates of Return were:   1976    1977     1978    1979    1980   1981    1982    1983
                                                              ----    ----     ----    ----    ----   ----    ----    ---- 
<S>                                                          <C>     <C>      <C>     <C>     <C>    <C>      <C>    <C>
          ALLIANCE COMMON STOCK                               8.20% (10.28)%   6.99%  28.35%  48.39% (6.94)%  16.22%  24.67% 
          ALLIANCE MONEY MARKET                                 --      --       --      --      --   5.71    11.72    7.70% 
</TABLE>
    

                                      15
<PAGE>
   
ON PAGE 27, UNDER THE HEADING "TRANSFERS AMONG INVESTMENT OPTIONS," DELETE 
THE FIRST BULLETED PARAGRAPH. 

ON PAGE 28, UNDER THE HEADING "DOLLAR COST AVERAGING." 
    

  REPLACE THE FIRST SENTENCE IN THE FIRST PARAGRAPH WITH THE FOLLOWING 
  SENTENCE. 

   
  If you have at least $10,000 of Annuity Account Value in the Alliance Money 
  Market Fund, you may choose to have a specified dollar amount or percentage 
  of your Annuity Account Value transferred from the Alliance Money Market 
  Fund to other Investment Funds on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis. 
    

  REPLACE THE SECOND AND THIRD SENTENCES IN THE SECOND PARAGRAPH WITH THE 
  FOLLOWING SENTENCES. 

   
  The minimum amount that may be transferred on each Transaction Date is 
  $250. The maximum amount which may be transferred is equal to the Annuity 
  Account Value in the Alliance Money Market Fund at the time the option is 
  elected, divided by the number of transfers scheduled to made each Contract 
  Year. 

ON PAGE 31, UNDER THE HEADING, "DISTRIBUTION OF THE CERTIFICATES," REPLACE 
THE FOURTH AND FIFTH SENTENCES OF THE FIRST PARAGRAPH WITH THE FOLLOWING TWO 
SENTENCES. 

  EDI's principal business address is 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, 
  New York 10104. EDI was paid a fee of $1,204,370 for 1996 and $126,914 for 
  1995 for its services under its "Distribution Agreement" with Equitable 
  Life and the Separate Account. 

ON PAGE 33, UNDER THE SUB-HEADING "PAYMENTS," DELETE THE SECOND PARAGRAPH. 

ON PAGE 43, DELETE THE SECTION WITH THE HEADING "TRUST CHARGES TO 
PORTFOLIOS," AND REPLACE WITH THE FOLLOWING SECTION. 
    

  HR TRUST CHARGES TO PORTFOLIOS 

  Investment advisory fees charged daily against HR Trust's assets, direct 
  operating expenses of HR Trust (such as trustees' fees, expenses of 
  independent auditors and legal counsel, bank and custodian charges and 
  liability insurance), and certain investment-related expenses of HR Trust 
  (such as brokerage commissions and other expenses related to the purchase 
  and sale of securities), are reflected in each Portfolio's daily share 
  price. The maximum investment advisory fees paid annually by the Portfolios 
  cannot be changed without a vote by shareholders. They are as follows: 

   
                           AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          FIRST           NEXT          NEXT          NEXT 
                                       $750 MILLION   $750 MILLION   $1 BILLION   $2.5 BILLION   THEREAFTER 
                                       ------------ -------------- ------------ -------------- ------------ 
<S>                                    <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>            <C>
Alliance Conservative Investors .....     0.475%         0.425%        0.375%        0.350%        0.325% 
Alliance Growth Investors............     0.550%         0.500%        0.450%        0.425%        0.400% 
Alliance Growth & Income.............     0.550%         0.525%        0.500%        0.480%        0.470% 
Alliance Common Stock................     0.475%         0.425%        0.375%        0.355%        0.345%* 
Alliance Global......................     0.675%         0.600%        0.550%        0.530%        0.520% 
Alliance International...............     0.900%         0.825%        0.800%        0.780%        0.770% 
Alliance Aggressive Stock............     0.625%         0.575%        0.525%        0.500%        0.475% 
Alliance Small Cap Growth............     0.900%         0.850%        0.825%        0.800%        0.775% 
Alliance Money Market................     0.350%         0.325%        0.300%        0.280%        0.270% 
Alliance Intermediate Govt 
 Securities .........................     0.500%         0.475%        0.450%        0.430%        0.420% 
Alliance High Yield..................     0.600%         0.575%        0.550%        0.530%        0.520% 
</TABLE>
    
   
- ------------ 
* On assets in excess of $10 billion, the management fee for the Alliance 
  Common Stock Portfolio is reduced to 0.335% of average daily net assets. 
    

Investment advisory fees are established under HR Trust's investment advisory 
agreements between HR Trust and its investment adviser, Alliance. All of 
these fees and expenses are described more fully in the HR Trust prospectus. 

EQ TRUST CHARGES TO PORTFOLIOS 

   
Investment management fees charged daily against EQ Trust's assets, the 12b-1 
fee, other direct operating expenses of EQ Trust (such as trustees' fees, 
expenses of independent auditors and legal counsel, administrative service 
fees, custodian fees, and liability insurance), and certain 
investment-related expenses of EQ 
    

                                      16
<PAGE>
Trust (such as brokerage commissions and other expenses related to the 
purchase and sale of securities), are reflected in each Portfolio's daily 
share price. The investment management fees paid annually by the Portfolios 
cannot be changed without a vote by shareholders. They are as follows: 

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS 
                                       ------------------------ 
<S>                                    <C>
EQ/Putnam Balanced.....................           0.55% 
EQ/Putnam Growth & Income Value .......           0.55% 
MFS Emerging Growth Companies..........           0.55% 
MFS Research...........................           0.55% 
Merrill Lynch Basic Value Equity ......           0.55% 
Merrill Lynch World Strategy...........           0.70% 
Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets 
 Equity................................           1.15% 
T. Rowe Price Equity Income ...........           0.55% 
T. Rowe Price International Stock  ....           0.75% 
Warburg Pincus Small Company Value  ...           0.75% 
</TABLE>
    

   
Investment management fees are established under EQ Trust's Investment 
Management Agreement between EQ Trust and its investment manager, EQ 
Financial. EQ Financial has entered into expense limitation agreements with 
EQ Trust, with respect to each Portfolio, pursuant to which EQ Financial has 
agreed to waive or limit its fees and total annual operating expenses 
(expressed as a percentage of the Portfolios' average daily net assets) to 
0.85% each for the EQ/Putnam Growth & Income Value, MFS Research, Merrill 
Lynch Basic Value Equity, T. Rowe Price Equity, and MFS Emerging Growth 
Companies Portfolios; 0.90% for the EQ/Putnam Balanced Portfolio; 1.00% for 
Warburg Pincus Small Company Value Portfolio; 1.20% each for T. Rowe Price 
International Stock and Merrill Lynch World Strategy Portfolios; and 1.75% 
for Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio. See the prospectus for 
EQ Trust for more information. 

The Rule 12b-1 Plan provides that EQ Trust, on behalf of each Portfolio, may 
pay annually up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of a Portfolio 
attributable to its Class IB shares in respect of activities primarily 
intended to result in the sale of the Class IB shares. The 12b-1 fees, which 
may be waived in the discretion of EDI, may be increased only by action of 
the Board of Trustees of EQ Trust up to a maximum of 0.50% per annum. All of 
these fees and expenses are described more fully in the EQ Trust prospectus. 

ON PAGE 44, UNDER THE HEADING "TRUST VOTING RIGHTS" 

 REPLACE THE FIRST SENTENCE OF THE SECOND PARAGRAPH WITH THE FOLLOWING 
  SENTENCE: 

  Because HR Trust is a Massachusetts business trust and EQ Trust is a 
  Delaware business trust, annual meetings are not required. 

ON PAGE 44, UNDER THE HEADING "VOTING RIGHTS OF OTHERS," REPLACE THE FIRST 
TWO SENTENCES OF THE PARAGRAPH WITH THE FOLLOWING SENTENCES: 

  Currently we control each trust. EQ Trust shares currently are sold only to 
  our separate accounts. HR Trust shares are hold by other separate accounts 
  of insurance companies affiliated and unaffiliated with us. 

ON PAGE 45, UNDER THE SUB-HEADING "CONTRIBUTIONS TO IRAS," REPLACE THE SECOND 
SENTENCE OF THE FOURTH PARAGRAPH WITH THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE: 

  If the individual's spouse does not work or elects to be treated as having 
  no compensation, the individual and the individual's spouse may contribute 
  up to $2,000 to individual retirement arrangements (but no more than $2,000 
  to any one individual retirement arrangement). 

ON PAGE 46, REPLACE THE SECOND SENTENCE OF THE FIFTH PARAGRAPH WITH THE 
FOLLOWING SENTENCE: 

  The deductible and nondeductible contributions to the individual's IRA (or 
  the nonworking spouse's IRA) may not, however, together exceed the maximum 
  $2,000 per person limit. 

ON PAGE 46, UNDER THE SUB-HEADING "EXCESS CONTRIBUTIONS," REPLACE THE LAST 
SENTENCE ON THIS PAGE WITH THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE: 

  If excess contributions are not withdrawn before the time for filing the 
  individual's Federal income tax return for the year (including extensions), 
  "regular" contributions may still be withdrawn after that time if 

    
                                      17


<PAGE>
   
  the IRA contribution for the tax year did not exceed $2,000 and no tax 
  deduction was taken for the excess contribution; in that event, the excess 
  contribution would not be includable in gross income and would not be 
  subject to the 10% penalty tax. 

ON PAGE 50, UNDER THE HEADING "PENALTY TAX ON EARLY DISTRIBUTIONS," ADD THE 
FOLLOWING SENTENCE AT THE END OF THE FIRST PARAGRAPH: 

  Also not subject to penalty tax are IRA distributions used to pay certain 
  extraordinary medical expenses or medical insurance premiums for defined 
  unemployed individuals. 

ON PAGE 50, UNDER THE HEADING "TAX PENALTY FOR EXCESS DISTRIBUTIONS OR 
ACCUMULATION," REPLACE THE TWO PARAGRAPHS WITH THE FOLLOWING PARAGRAPH: 

  A 15% excise tax is imposed on an individual's aggregate excess 
  distributions from all tax-favored retirement plans, including IRAs. The 
  excise tax is in addition to the ordinary income tax due, but is reduced by 
  the amount (if any) of the early distribution penalty tax imposed by the 
  Code. This tax is temporarily suspended for distributions to the individual 
  for the years 1997, 1998 and 1999. However, the excise tax continues to 
  apply for estate tax purposes. In certain cases the estate tax imposed on a 
  deceased individual's estate will be increased if the accumulated value of 
  the individual's interest in tax-favored retirement plans is excessive. The 
  aggregate accumulations will be subject to excise tax in 1997 if they 
  exceed the present value of a hypothetical life annuity paying $160,000 a 
  year. 

ON PAGE 51, UNDER THE HEADING "FEDERAL AND STATE INCOME TAX WITHHOLDING," 
REPLACE THE FOURTH SENTENCE OF THE THIRD PARAGRAPH WITH THE FOLLOWING 
SENTENCE: 

  For 1997, a recipient of periodic payments (e.g., monthly or annual 
  payments) which total less than a $14,400 taxable amount will generally be 
  exempt from Federal income tax withholding, unless the recipient specifies 
  a different choice of withholding exemptions. 
    

                                      18


<PAGE>

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                      STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>         <C>                                                     <C>
                                                                    PAGE 
                                                                    ---- 
Part 1:     Minimum Distribution Withdrawals 
Part 2:     Accumulation Unit Values                                 2 
Part 3:     Annuity Unit Values                                      2 
Part 4:     Custodian and Independent Accountants                    3 
Part 5:     Alliance Money Market Fund and Alliance Intermediate     3 
            Government Securities Fund Yield Information 
Part 6:     Long-Term Market Trends                                  4 
Part 7:     Financial Statements                                     6 
</TABLE>
    

   
                     HOW TO OBTAIN AN ACCUMULATOR STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL 
                     INFORMATION FOR SEPARATE ACCOUNT NO. 45 

                     Send this request form to: 
                               Equitable Life 
                               Income Management Group 
                               P.O. Box 1547 
                               Secaucus, NJ 07096-1547 

                     Please send me a Rollover IRA SAI: 
                     (Supplement dated May 1, 1997 to Rollover IRA and Choice 
                     Income Plan Prospectus dated October 17, 1996) 


                     --------------------------------------------------------- 
                     Name
 
                     --------------------------------------------------------- 
                     Address 

                     --------------------------------------------------------- 
                     City                    State                    Zip 


<PAGE>


                        SUPPLEMENT DATED MAY 1, 1997 TO
                 ACCUMULATOR PROSPECTUS, DATED OCTOBER 17, 1996
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------


    
   
This supplement dated May 1, 1997, updates certain information in the 
Accumulator prospectus of The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United 
States (EQUITABLE LIFE), dated October 17, 1996. You should read this 
supplement in conjunction with the prospectus. You should keep the supplement 
and the prospectus for future reference. We have filed with the Securities 
and Exchange Commission (SEC) our statement of additional information (SAI) 
dated May 1, 1997. If you have previously received, but do not presently 
have, a copy of the prospectus, you may obtain an additional copy of the 
prospectus, as well as a copy of the SAI, from us, free of charge, if you 
write to Equitable Life, Income Management Group, P.O. Box 1547, Secaucus, NJ 
07096-1547, call (800) 789-7771 or if you only need a copy of the SAI, you 
may mail in the SAI request form located at the end of the supplement. The 
SAI has been incorporated by reference into this supplement. 
    

In the supplement, each section of the prospectus in which a change has been 
made is identified and the number of each prospectus page on which a change 
occurs is also noted. Special terms used in the prospectus have the same 
meaning in the supplement unless otherwise noted. 

   
ON THE COVER PAGE OF THE PROSPECTUS, THE THIRD (INCLUDING THE CHART OF 
INVESTMENT OPTIONS) AND FOURTH PARAGRAPHS ARE REPLACED BY THE FOLLOWING 
PARAGRAPHS: 

  The Accumulator offers investment options (INVESTMENT OPTIONS) that permit 
  you to create your own strategies. These Investment Options include 21 
  variable investment funds (INVESTMENT FUNDS) and each GUARANTEE PERIOD in 
  the GUARANTEED PERIOD ACCOUNT. 

  We invest each Investment Fund in Class IA shares of a corresponding 
  portfolio (PORTFOLIO) of The Hudson River Trust (HR TRUST) or Class IB 
  shares of a corresponding Portfolio of EQ Advisors Trust (EQ TRUST), mutual 
  funds whose shares are purchased by separate accounts of insurance 
  companies. The prospectuses for HR Trust and EQ Trust, both of which 
  accompany this supplement, describe the investment objectives, policies and 
  risks of the Portfolios. 

                               INVESTMENT FUNDS 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  EQUITY SERIES 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
DOMESTIC EQUITY                     INTERNATIONAL EQUITY                     AGGRESSIVE EQUITY 
<S>                                 <C>                                      <C>
 Alliance Common Stock               Alliance Global                          Alliance Aggressive Stock 
 Alliance Growth & Income            Alliance International                   Alliance Small Cap Growth 
 EQ/Putnam Growth & Income Value     Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Equity   MFS Emerging Growth Companies 
 MFS Research                        T. Rowe Price International Stock        Warburg Pincus Small Company Value 
 Merrill Lynch Basic Value Equity 
 T. Rowe Price Equity Income 
 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
</TABLE>
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      ASSET ALLOCATION SERIES                                   FIXED INCOME SERIES 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
                                    AGGRESSIVE FIXED INCOME      DOMESTIC FIXED INCOME 
<S>                                 <C>                          <C>
 Alliance Conservative Investors     Alliance High Yield         Alliance Intermediate Government Securities 
 Alliance Growth Investors                                       Alliance Money Market 
 EQ/Putnam Balanced 
 Merrill Lynch World Strategy 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
</TABLE>
    

   
   THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE IS ADDED AT THE END OF THE FIFTH PARAGRAPH. 

   The Guarantee Periods currently available have Expiration Dates of 
February 15 in years 1998 through 2007. 

THROUGHOUT THE PROSPECTUS ANY REFERENCE TO THE INVESTMENT FUNDS AND GUARANTEE 
PERIODS REFER TO THE INVESTMENT FUNDS AND GUARANTEE PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE. 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
    

                                Copyright 1997 
          The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States,
                           New York, New York 10104.
                             All rights reserved. 



<PAGE>


   
THROUGHOUT THE PROSPECTUS (EXCEPT WHERE OTHERWISE NOTED) THE REFERENCE TO 
"TRUST" IS REPLACED BY "HR TRUST AND EQ TRUST." 

ON PAGE 2, UNDER THE HEADING "INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY 
REFERENCE" REPLACE THE ENTIRE SECTION WITH THE FOLLOWING SECTION: 

    Equitable Life's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 
  31, 1996 is incorporated herein by reference. 

    All documents or reports filed by Equitable Life pursuant to Section 
  13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as 
  amended (EXCHANGE ACT) after the date hereof and prior to the termination 
  of the offering of the securities offered hereby shall be deemed to be 
  incorporated by reference in the prospectus and the supplement and to be a 
  part hereof from the date of filing of such documents. Any statement 
  contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated herein by 
  reference shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of the 
  prospectus and the supplement to the extent that a statement contained 
  herein or in any other 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 and superseded, to constitute a part of the 
  prospectus and the supplement. Equitable Life files its Exchange Act 
  documents and reports, including its annual and quarterly reports on Form 
  10-K and Form 10-Q, electronically pursuant to EDGAR under CIK No. 
  0000727920. The SEC maintains a web site that contains reports, proxy and 
  information statements and other information regarding registrants that 
  file electronically with the SEC. The address of the site is 
  http://www.sec.gov. 

    Equitable Life will provide without charge to each person to whom a 
  prospectus is delivered, upon the written or oral request of such person, a 
  copy of any or all of the foregoing documents incorporated herein by 
  reference (other than exhibits not specifically incorporated by reference 
  into the text of such documents). Requests for such documents should be 
  directed to The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States, 1290 
  Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10104. Attention: Corporate 
  Secretary (telephone: (212) 554-1234). 
    

ON PAGE 4, UNDER THE HEADING "GENERAL TERMS" 

  ADD THE FOLLOWING DEFINITIONS: 

  EQ TRUST--EQ Advisors Trust, a mutual fund in which the assets of separate 
  accounts of insurance companies are invested. EQ Financial Consultants, 
  Inc. (EQ Financial) is the manager of EQ Trust and has appointed advisers 
  for each of the Portfolios. 

   
  HR TRUST--The Hudson River Trust, a mutual fund in which the assets of 
  separate accounts of insurance companies are invested. Alliance Capital 
  Management L.P. (Alliance) is the adviser to HR Trust. 

  DELETE THE DEFINITION FOR "TRUST." 
    

                                       2


<PAGE>


   
ON PAGES 5, 6 AND 7, REPLACE THE "FEE TABLE" SECTION WITH THE FOLLOWING 
SECTION: 

                                  FEE TABLE 

The purpose of this fee table is to assist you in understanding the various 
costs and expenses you may bear directly or indirectly under the Certificate 
so that you may compare them on the same basis with other similar products. 
The table reflects both the charges of the Separate Account and the expenses 
of HR Trust and EQ Trust. Charges for applicable taxes such as state or local 
premium taxes may also apply. For a complete description of the charges under 
the Certificate, see "Part 6: Deductions and Charges." For a complete 
description of each trust's charges and expenses, see the prospectuses for 
the HR Trust and EQ Trust. 

As explained in Part 4, the Guarantee Periods are not a part of the Separate 
Account and are not covered by the fee table and examples. The only charge 
shown in the Table which will be deducted from amounts allocated to the 
Guarantee Periods is the withdrawal charge. However, if there is insufficient 
value in the Investment Funds all or a portion of the distribution fee and 
the annual contract fee, if any, will be deducted from your Annuity Account 
Value in the Guaranteed Period Account rather than from the Investment Funds. 
See "Part 6: Deductions and Charges." A market value adjustment (either 
positive or negative) also may be applicable as a result of a withdrawal, 
transfer or surrender of amounts from a Guarantee Period. See "Part 4: The 
Guaranteed Period Account." 

OWNER TRANSACTION EXPENSES (DEDUCTED FROM ANNUITY ACCOUNT VALUE) 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                  <C>
DISTRIBUTION FEE (SALES LOAD) AS A PERCENTAGE OF EACH 
 CONTRIBUTION RECEIVED DURING THE FIRST CONTRACT YEAR
 (deducted annually on each of the first seven 
 Processing Dates)(1) ............................................     0.20% 
</TABLE>
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            CONTRACT 
                                                              YEAR 
                                                            -------- 
<S>                                                           <C>
WITHDRAWAL CHARGE AS A PERCENTAGE OF CONTRIBUTIONS            1 ...    7.00%  
 (deducted upon surrender or for certain withdrawals.         2 ...    6.00 
 The applicable withdrawal charge percentage is               3 ...    5.00 
 determined by the Contract Year in which the withdrawal      4 ...    4.00 
 is made or the Certificate is surrendered beginning with     5 ...    3.00 
 "Contract Year 1" with respect to each contribution          6 ...    2.00 
 withdrawn or surrendered. For each contribution, the         7 ...    1.00 
 Contract Year in which we receive that contribution          8+ ..    0.00 
 is "Contract Year 1")(2)
</TABLE>
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          COMBINED     GMDB   
                                                          GMDB/GMIB    ONLY   
                                                           BENEFIT    BENEFIT 
                                                          (PLAN A)   (PLAN B) 
                                                        ----------- --------- 
<S>                                                      <C>        <C> 
GMDB/GMIB CHARGES (percentage deducted annually                               
 on each Processing Date as a percentage of the                               
 guaranteed minimum death benefit then in effect)(3) ..      0.45%     0.20%  
ANNUAL CONTRACT FEE (DEDUCTED FROM ANNUITY ACCOUNT                            
 VALUE ON EACH PROCESSING DATE)(4)                                            
 If the initial contribution is less than $25,000 .....          $  30        
 If the initial contribution is $25,000 or more .......          $   0        
SEPARATE ACCOUNT ANNUAL EXPENSES (AS A PERCENTAGE OF                          
 ASSETS IN EACH INVESTMENT FUND)                                              
MORTALITY AND EXPENSE RISK CHARGE .....................           0.90%       
ASSET BASED ADMINISTRATIVE CHARGE .....................           0.25%       
                                                                  ----- 
 TOTAL SEPARATE ACCOUNT ANNUAL EXPENSES ...............           1.15%       
                                                                  ===== 

</TABLE>
    

                                       3


<PAGE>


   
TRUST ANNUAL EXPENSES (AS A PERCENTAGE OF AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS IN EACH 
PORTFOLIO) 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          INVESTMENT PORTFOLIOS 
                        ------------------------------------------------------ 
                          ALLIANCE    ALLIANCE    ALLIANCE   ALLIANCE 
                        CONSERVATIVE   GROWTH     GROWTH &    COMMON   ALLIANCE
                         INVESTORS    INVESTORS   INCOME      STOCK     GLOBAL
                         ---------    ---------   ------      -----     ------
<S>                       <C>            <C>         <C>        <C>      <C>
HR TRUST
- --------
Investment Advisory Fee    0.48%        0.53%     0.55%        0.38%     0.65%
Other Expenses             0.07%        0.06%     0.05%        0.03%     0.08%
 TOTAL TRUST ANNUAL 
  EXPENSES(5)              0.55%        0.59%     0.60%        0.41%     0.73%
                           ====         ====      ====         ====      ==== 
</TABLE>
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       ALLIANCE 
                                                 ALLIANCE     ALLIANCE    ALLIANCE   INTERMEDIATE   ALLIANCE 
                                  ALLIANCE      AGGRESSIVE     SMALL       MONEY        GOVT.         HIGH 
                                INTERNATIONAL     STOCK      CAP GROWTH    MARKET     SECURITIES     YIELD 
                                -------------     -----      ----------    ------     ----------     ----- 
<S>                                <C>             <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>            <C>
HR TRUST
- --------
Investment Advisory Fee             0.90%          0.55%        0.90%       0.35%        0.50%        0.60% 
Other Expenses                      0.18%          0.03%        0.10%       0.04%        0.09%        0.06% 
 TOTAL TRUST ANNUAL 
  EXPENSES(5)                       1.08%          0.58%        1.00%       0.39%        0.59%        0.66% 
                                    ====           ====         ====        ====         ====         ====  
</TABLE>
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               EQ/PUTNAM      MFS                   MERRILL 
                                               GROWTH &    EMERGING                  LYNCH 
                                   EQ/PUTNAM    INCOME      GROWTH       MFS      BASIC VALUE 
                                   BALANCED      VALUE     COMPANIES   RESEARCH     EQUITY 
                                   --------      -----     ---------   --------     ------ 
<S>                              <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>
EQ TRUST
- --------
Investment Advisory Fee              0.55%       0.55%       0.55%       0.55%       0.55% 
12b-1 Fee(6)                         0.25%       0.25%       0.25%       0.25%       0.25% 
Other Expenses                       0.10%       0.05%       0.05%       0.05%       0.05% 
                                     ----        ----        ----        ----        ----  
 TOTAL EQ TRUST ANNUAL 
  EXPENSES(7)                        0.90%       0.85%       0.85%       0.85%       0.85% 
                                     ====        ====        ====        ====        ====  
</TABLE>
    


   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               MORGAN             T. ROWE    WARBURG 
                                   MERRILL    STANLEY   T. ROWE    PRICE     PINCUS 
                                    LYNCH     EMERGING   PRICE    INTERNA-    SMALL 
                                    WORLD     MARKETS    EQUITY    TIONAL    COMPANY 
                                  STRATEGY    EQUITY    INCOME    STOCK      VALUE 
                                  --------    ------    ------    -----      ----- 
<S>                              <C>        <C>        <C>      <C>        <C>
EQ TRUST
- --------
Investment Advisory Fee              0.70%      1.15%     0.55%     0.75%     0.65% 
12b-1 Fee(6)                         0.25%      0.25%     0.25%     0.25%     0.25% 
Other Expenses                       0.25%      0.35%     0.05%     0.20%     0.10% 
                                     ----       ----      ----      ----      ----  
 TOTAL EQ TRUST ANNUAL 
  EXPENSES(7)                        1.20%      1.75%     0.85%     1.20%     1.00% 
                                     ====       ====      ====      ====      ====
</TABLE>
    
<PAGE>
   
- ------------ 
Notes: 

  (1)    The amount deducted is based on contributions that have not been 
         withdrawn. See "Part 6: Deductions and Charges," "Distribution Fee." 

  (2)    Deducted upon a withdrawal with respect to amounts in excess of the 
         15% free corridor amount, and upon a surrender. See "Part 6: 
         Deductions and Charges," "Withdrawal Charge." We reserve the right 
         to impose an administrative charge of the lesser of $25 and 2.0% of 
         the amount withdrawn for each Lump Sum Withdrawal after the fifth in 
         a Contract Year. See "Withdrawal Processing Charge" also in Part 6. 

  (3)    The guaranteed minimum death benefit (GMDB) is described under 
         "Death Benefit," "GMDB" and the guaranteed minimum income benefit 
         (GMIB) is described under "GMIB" both of which are in Part 5. See 
         "Part 6: Deductions and Charges," "Charges for Combined GMDB/GMIB 
         Benefit (Plan A) and Charges for GMDB Only Benefit (Plan B)." 

  (4)    This charge is incurred at the beginning of the Contract Year and 
         deducted on the Processing Date. See "Part 6: Deductions and 
         Charges," "Annual Contract Fee." 

  (5)    The amounts shown for the Portfolios of HR Trust (other than 
         Alliance Small Cap Growth) have been restated to reflect advisory 
         fees which went into effect as of May 1, 1997. "Other Expenses" are 
         based on the average daily net assets in each Portfolio for the year 
         ended December 31, 1996. The amounts shown for the Alliance Small 
         Cap Growth Portfolio are estimated for the current fiscal year as 
         this Portfolio commenced operations on May 1, 1997. The investment 
         advisory fee for each Portfolio may vary from year to year depending 
         upon the average daily net assets of the respective Portfolio of HR 
         Trust. The maximum investment advisory fees, however, cannot be 
         increased without a vote of that Portfolio shareholders. The other 
         direct operating expenses will also fluctuate from year to year 
         depending on actual expenses. See "HR Trust Charges to Portfolios" 
         in Part 6. 

  (6)    The Class IB shares of EQ Trust are subject to fees imposed under a 
         distribution plan (herein, the "Rule 12b-1 Plan") adopted by EQ 
         Trust pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 
         1940, as amended. The Rule 12b-1 Plan provides that EQ Trust, on 
         behalf of each Portfolio, may pay annually up to 0.25% of the 
         average daily net assets of a Portfolio attributable to its Class IB 
         shares in respect of activities primarily intended to result in the 
         sale of the Class IB shares. The 12b-1 fee may be increased only by 
         action of the Board of Trustees of EQ Trust up to a maximum of 0.50% 
         per annum. 

  (7)    "Other Expenses" shown are based on estimated amounts (after expense 
         waiver or limitation) for the current fiscal year, as EQ Trust 
         commenced operations on May 1, 1997. The maximum investment advisory 
         fees cannot be increased without a vote of that Portfolio's 
         shareholders. The other direct operating expenses will fluctuate 
         from year to year depending on actual expenses, but pursuant to 
         agreement, cannot together with other fees specified exceed the 
         total annual expenses specified. See "EQ Trust Charges to 
         Portfolios" in Part 6. 
    

                                       4


<PAGE>


EXAMPLES 

   
The examples below show the expenses that a hypothetical Certificate Owner 
would pay under the Combined GMDB/GMIB Benefit (Plan A) and under the GMDB 
Only Benefit (Plan B) in the two situations noted below assuming a $1,000 
contribution invested in one of the Investment Funds listed, and a 5% annual 
return on assets.(1) The annual contract fee was computed based on an initial 
contribution of $10,000. 

These examples should not be considered a representation of past or future 
expenses for each Investment Fund or Portfolio. Actual expenses may be 
greater or less than those shown. Similarly, the annual rate of return 
assumed in the examples is not an estimate or guarantee of future investment 
performance. 

                 COMBINED GMDB/GMIB BENEFIT (PLAN A) ELECTION 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
IF YOU SURRENDER YOUR CERTIFICATE AT THE END OF EACH PERIOD 
SHOWN, THE EXPENSES WOULD BE: 

                                1 YEAR   3 YEARS   5 YEARS   10 YEARS 
                                -------- --------- --------- ---------- 
<S>                             <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>
HR TRUST                       
- --------                       
Alliance Conservative          
 Investors                       $ 90.26   $125.78   $164.15   $290.05 
Alliance Growth Investors          90.65    126.98    166.16    294.09 
Alliance Growth & Income           90.75    127.28    166.66    295.10 
Alliance Common Stock              88.86    121.57    157.10    275.76 
Alliance Global                    92.05    131.17    173.15    308.12 
Alliance International             95.53    141.59    190.48    342.39 
Alliance Aggressive Stock          90.55    126.68    165.66    293.08 
Alliance Small Cap Growth          94.73    139.22        --        -- 
Alliance Money Market              88.67    120.98    156.09    273.71 
Alliance Intermediate          
 Government Securities             90.65    126.98    166.16    294.09 
Alliance High Yield                91.35    129.08    169.66    301.13 
EQ TRUST                       
EQ/Putnam Balanced               $ 93.74   $136.25        --        -- 
EQ/Putnam Growth & Income       
 Value                             93.24    134.75        --        -- 
MFS Emerging Growth            
 Companies                         93.24    134.75        --        -- 
MFS Research                       93.24    134.75        --        -- 
Merrill Lynch Basic Value       
 Equity                            93.24    134.75        --        -- 
Merrill Lynch World            
 Strategy                          96.72    145.15        --        -- 
Morgan Stanley Emerging        
 Markets Equity                   102.19    161.34        --        -- 
T. Rowe Price Equity           
 Income                            93.24    134.75        --        -- 
T. Rowe Price                  
 International Stock               96.72    145.15        --        -- 
Warburg Pincus Small           
 Company Value                     94.73    139.22        --        -- 
</TABLE>                 
    
<PAGE>
                    (RESTUBBED TABLE CONTINUED FROM ABOVE) 

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
IF YOU DO NOT SURRENDER YOUR CERTIFICATE AT THE END OF EACH 
PERIOD SHOWN, THE EXPENSES WOULD BE: 

                                1 YEAR   3 YEARS   5 YEARS   10 YEARS 
                                -------- --------- --------- ---------- 
<S>                             <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>
HR TRUST                        
- -------------------------       
Alliance Conservative           
 Investors                        $27.03   $ 83.14   $142.17   $298.10 
Alliance Growth Investors          27.42     84.33    144.17    302.14 
Alliance Growth & Income           27.52     84.63    144.67    303.14 
Alliance Common Stock              25.63     78.93    135.12    283.82 
Alliance Global                    28.82     88.53    151.17    316.17 
Alliance International             32.30     98.96    168.51    350.45 
Alliance Aggressive Stock          27.32     84.03    143.67    301.14 
Alliance Small Cap Growth          31.50     96.57        --        -- 
Alliance Money Market              25.44     78.34    134.11    281.77 
Alliance Intermediate           
 Government Securities             27.42     84.33    144.17    302.14 
Alliance High Yield                28.12     86.43    147.67    309.17 
EQ TRUST                        
EQ/Putnam Balanced                $30.51   $ 93.60        --        -- 
EQ/Putnam Growth & Income       
 Value                             30.01     92.10        --        -- 
MFS Emerging Growth             
 Companies                         30.01     92.10        --        -- 
MFS Research                       30.01     92.10        --        -- 
Merrill Lynch Basic Value       
 Equity                            30.01     92.10        --        -- 
Merrill Lynch World             
 Strategy                          33.49    102.51        --        -- 
Morgan Stanley Emerging         
 Markets Equity                    38.96    118.70        --        -- 
T. Rowe Price Equity            
 Income                            30.01     92.10        --        -- 
T. Rowe Price                   
 International Stock               33.49    102.51        --        -- 
Warburg Pincus Small            
 Company Value                     31.50     96.57        --        -- 
</TABLE>                  
- ------------ 
*       See footnote on next page. 
    

                                       5


<PAGE>


   
                      GMDB ONLY BENEFIT (PLAN B) ELECTION
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
IF YOU SURRENDER YOUR CERTIFICATE AT THE END OF EACH PERIOD 
SHOWN, THE EXPENSES WOULD BE: 

                                1 YEAR   3 YEARS   5 YEARS   10 YEARS 
                                -------- --------- --------- ---------- 
<S>                             <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>
HR TRUST                        
- -------------------------       
Alliance Conservative           
 Investors                       $ 90.26   $120.46   $153.06   $262.23 
Alliance Growth Investors          90.65    121.66    155.07    266.33 
Alliance Growth & Income           90.75    121.96    155.58    267.36 
Alliance Common Stock              88.86    116.24    145.96    247.74 
Alliance Global                    92.05    125.87    162.12    280.56 
Alliance International             95.53    136.32    179.54    315.32 
Alliance Aggressive Stock          90.55    121.35    154.55    265.29 
Alliance Small Cap Growth          94.73    133.93        --        -- 
Alliance Money Market              88.67    115.65    144.95    245.67 
Alliance Intermediate           
 Government Securities             90.65    121.66    155.07    266.33 
Alliance High Yield                91.35    123.77    158.60    273.47 
EQ TRUST                        
EQ/Putnam Balanced               $ 93.74   $130.95        --        -- 
EQ/Putnam Growth & Income       
 Value                             93.24    129.45        --        -- 
MFS Emerging Growth             
 Companies                         93.24    129.45        --        -- 
MFS Research                       93.24    129.45        --        -- 
Merrill Lynch Basic Value       
 Equity                            93.24    129.45        --        -- 
Merrill Lynch World             
 Strategy                          96.72    139.88        --        -- 
Morgan Stanley Emerging         
 Markets Equity                   102.19    156.12        --        -- 
T. Rowe Price Equity            
 Income                            93.24    129.45        --        -- 
T. Rowe Price                   
 International Stock               96.72    139.88        --        -- 
Warburg Pincus Small            
 Company Value                     94.73    133.93        --        -- 
</TABLE>                  
    
<PAGE>
                     (RESTUBBED TABLE CONTINUED FROM ABOVE)

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
IF YOU DO NOT SURRENDER YOUR CERTIFICATE AT THE END OF EACH 
PERIOD SHOWN, THE EXPENSES WOULD BE: 

                                1 YEAR   3 YEARS   5 YEARS   10 YEARS 
                                -------- --------- --------- --------- 
<S>                             <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>
HR TRUST                        
- -------------------------       
Alliance Conservative           
 Investors                        $24.38   $ 74.85   $127.74   $265.82 
Alliance Growth Investors          24.77     76.04    129.75    269.91 
Alliance Growth & Income           24.87     76.34    130.25    270.93 
Alliance Common Stock              22.98     70.63    120.64    251.32 
Alliance Global                    26.17     80.25    136.79    284.15 
Alliance International             29.65     90.70    154.21    318.91 
Alliance Aggressive Stock          24.67     75.74    129.24    268.88 
Alliance Small Cap Growth          28.85     88.31        --        -- 
Alliance Money Market              22.79     70.02    119.62    249.24 
Alliance Intermediate           
 Government Securities             24.77     76.04    129.75    269.91 
Alliance High Yield                25.47     78.15    133.28    277.06 
EQ TRUST                        
EQ/Putnam Balanced                $27.86   $ 85.34        --        -- 
EQ/Putnam Growth & Income       
 Value                             27.36     83.84        --        -- 
MFS Emerging Growth             
 Companies                         27.36     83.84        --        -- 
MFS Research                       27.36     83.84        --        -- 
Merrill Lynch Basic Value       
 Equity                            27.36     83.84        --        -- 
Merrill Lynch World             
 Strategy                          30.84     94.26        --        -- 
Morgan Stanley Emerging         
 Markets Equity                    36.31    110.50        --        -- 
T. Rowe Price Equity            
 Income                            27.36     83.84        --        -- 
T. Rowe Price                   
 International Stock               30.84     94.26        --        -- 
Warburg Pincus Small            
 Company Value                     28.85     88.31        --        -- 
</TABLE>                  
- ------------ 
Notes: 
(1)    The amount accumulated from the $1,000 contribution could not be paid 
       in the form of an annuity at the end of any of the periods shown in the 
       examples. If the amount applied to purchase an annuity is less than 
       $2,000, or the initial payment is less than $20 we may pay the amount 
       to the payee in a single sum instead of as payments under an annuity 
       form. See "Income Annuity Options" in Part 5. The examples do not 
       reflect charges for applicable taxes such as state or local premium 
       taxes that may also be deducted in certain jurisdictions. 
    

                                       6


<PAGE>


   
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  ACCUMULATION UNIT VALUES 

  Equitable Life commenced the offering of the Certificates on May 1, 1995. 
  The following table shows the Accumulation Unit Values, as of May 1, 1995 
  and the last Business Day for the periods shown. There are no Accumulation 
  Unit Values for Alliance Small Cap Growth, Alliance High Yield, and the 
  Investment Funds investing in Class IB shares of EQ Trust Portfolios as 
  such Investment Funds were not available prior to the date of this 
  supplement. 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            LAST BUSINESS DAY OF 
                                      ------------------------------- 
                          MAY 1, 1995   DECEMBER 1995   DECEMBER 1996   MARCH 1997 
                        ------------- --------------- --------------- ------------ 
 <S>                    <C>           <C>             <C>             <C>
 Alliance Conservative 
   Investors              $ 14.647383    $ 16.549050     $ 17.209382   $ 17.209382 
 Alliance Growth 
  Investors                 20.073331      23.593613       26.260729     26.260729 
 Alliance Growth & 
  Income                    10.376155      11.989601       14.231408     14.231408 
 Alliance Common 
  Stock                    102.335691     124.519251      152.955877    152.955877 
 Alliance Global            19.478146      22.293921       25.253538     25.253538 
 Alliance International     10.125278      11.033925       11.976127     11.976127 
 Alliance Aggressive 
  Stock                     44.025496      54.591448       65.938687     65.938687 
 Alliance Money Market      23.150932      23.830754       24.810781     24.810781 
 Alliance Intermediate 
  Govt. Securities          12.498213      13.424767       13.770322     13.770322 
 Alliance High Yield        19.578616      21.602062                     26.238452 
</TABLE>
    

   
ON PAGE 8, UNDER THE HEADING "TRANSFERS," DELETE THE SECOND SENTENCE. 

ON PAGE 11 UNDER THE HEADING "EQUITABLE LIFE." 

  REPLACE THE THIRD SENTENCE OF THE FIRST PARAGRAPH WITH THE FOLLOWING 
  SENTENCE: 

 Our home office is located at 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New 
  York 10104. 

  REPLACE THE SECOND AND THIRD PARAGRAPHS WITH THE FOLLOWING PARAGRAPHS: 

  Equitable Life is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Equitable Companies 
  Incorporated (the Holding Company). The largest shareholder of the Holding 
  Company is AXA-UAP (AXA). As of December 31, 1996, AXA beneficially owned 
  63.8% of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Holding Company 
  (assuming conversion of convertible preferred stock held by AXA). Under its 
  investment arrangements with Equitable Life and the Holding Company, AXA is 
  able to exercise significant influence over the operations and capital 
  structure of the Holding Company and its subsidiaries, including Equitable 
  Life. AXA, a French company, is the holding company for an international 
  group of insurance and related financial service companies. 

  Equitable Life, the Holding Company and their subsidiaries managed 
  approximately $239.8 billion of assets as of December 31, 1996. 

ON PAGES 11 AND 12 REPLACE THE HEADING "THE TRUST" WITH "HR TRUST" AND ADD 
THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE AFTER THE FIFTH SENTENCE OF THE FIRST PARAGRAPH: 

  Investment Funds that invest in Portfolios of HR Trust purchase Class IA 
  shares of a corresponding Portfolio of HR Trust. 
    


                                       7


<PAGE>


   
ON PAGE 12 IN THE HEADING "THE TRUST'S INVESTMENT ADVISOR" AND IN THE FIRST 
SENTENCE OF THE PARAGRAPH UNDER THE HEADING REPLACE "THE TRUST" WITH "HR 
TRUST." 

  IN THE FIRST PARAGRAPH OF THIS SECTION, REPLACE THE THIRD SENTENCE WITH THE 
  FOLLOWING SENTENCE: 

  On December 31, 1996, Alliance was managing approximately $182.8 billion in 
  assets. 

  DELETE THE SECOND PARAGRAPH. 
    

ON PAGE 12, INSERT THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS AFTER THE LAST PARAGRAPH: 

   
  EQ TRUST 

  EQ Trust is an open-end management investment company. As a "series type" 
  of mutual fund, EQ Trust issues different series of stock, each of which 
  relates to a different Portfolio of EQ Trust. EQ Trust commenced operations 
  on May 1, 1997. EQ Trust does not impose a sales charge or "load" for 
  buying and selling it shares. All dividend distributions to EQ Trust are 
  reinvested in full and fractional shares of the Portfolio to which they 
  relate. Investment Funds that invest in Portfolios of EQ Trust purchase 
  Class IB shares of a corresponding Portfolio of EQ Trust. More detailed 
  information about EQ Trust, its investment objectives, policies and 
  restrictions, risks, expenses, the Rule 12b-1 Plan relating to the Class IB 
  shares, and all other aspects of its operations appears in its prospectus 
  which accompanies this supplement and in its statement of additional 
  information. 

  EQ TRUST'S MANAGER AND ADVISERS 

  EQ Trust is managed by EQ Financial Consultants, Inc. (EQ Financial) which, 
  subject to supervision and direction of the Trustees of EQ Trust, has 
  overall responsibility for the general management of EQ Trust. EQ Financial 
  is an investment adviser registered under the 1940 Act, and a broker-dealer 
  registered under the Exchange Act. EQ Financial is a Delaware corporation 
  and an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Equitable Life. 
  EQ Financial's main office is located at 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New 
  York, New York 10104. 
  EQ Financial has entered into investment advisory agreements with Putnam 
  Investments, Massachusetts Financial Services Company, Merrill Lynch Asset 
  Management, L.P., Morgan Stanley Asset Management, Inc., T. Rowe Price 
  Associates, Inc. and Rowe Price-Fleming International Inc., and Warburg, 
  Pincus Counsellors, Inc., each of which serve as advisers to EQ/Putnam, 
  MFS, Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, T. Rowe Price, and Warburg Pincus 
  Portfolios, respectively, of EQ Trust. 

ON PAGE 13, UNDER THE HEADING "INVESTMENT POLICIES AND OBJECTIVES OF THE 
TRUST'S PORTFOLIOS" 

  ADD THE FOLLOWING SENTENCES TO THE END OF THE FIRST PARAGRAPH: 

  Set forth below is a summary of the investment policies and objectives of 
  each Portfolio. This summary is qualified in its entirely by reference to 
  the prospectus for HR Trust and EQ Trust both of which accompany this 
  supplement. Please read the prospectuses for each of the trusts carefully 
  before investing. 

  DELETE THE DESCRIPTION OF "AGGRESSIVE STOCK" AND INSERT THE FOLLOWING 
  DESCRIPTIONS: 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                     <C>                                                        <C>
Alliance Aggressive    Primarily common stocks and other equity-type securities    Long-term growth of 
 Stock                 issued by quality small and intermediate sized companies    capital 
                       with strong growth prospects and in covered options on 
                       those securities. 

Alliance Small Cap     Primarily U.S. common stocks and other equity type          Long-term growth of 
 Growth                securities issued by smaller companies with favorable       capital 
                       growth prospects. 

Alliance High Yield    Primarily a diversified mix of high yield, fixed-income     High return by 
                       securities involving greater volatility of price and        maximizing current 
                       risk of principal and income than high quality              income and, to the 
                       fixed-income securities. The medium and lower quality       extent consistent with 
                       debt securities in which the Portfolio may invest are       that objective, capital 
                       known as "junk bonds."                                      appreciation 
</TABLE>
    


                                       8


<PAGE>


   
  INSERT THE FOLLOWING DESCRIPTIONS AFTER THE DESCRIPTION OF "INTERMEDIATE 
  GOVERNMENT SECURITIES:" 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                       <C>                                                       <C>
EQ/Putnam Balanced       A well-diversified portfolio of stocks and bonds that     Balanced investment 
                         will produce both capital growth and current income. 

EQ/Putnam Growth &       Primarily common stocks that offer potential for          Capital growth and, 
 Income Value            capital growth, consistent with the Portfolios'           secondarily, current 
                         investment objective, common stocks that offer            income 
                         potential for current income. 

MFS Emerging Growth      Primarily (i.e., at lest 80% of its assets uder normal    Long-term growth of 
 Companies               circumstances) in common stocks of emerging growth        capital 
                         companies that the Portfolio adviser believes are early 
                         in their life cycle but which have the potential to 
                         become major enterprises. 

MFS Research             A substantial portion of assets invested in common        Long-term growth of 
                         stock or securities convertible into common stock of      capital and future 
                         companies believed by the Portfolio adviser to possess    income 
                         better than average prospects for long-term growth. 

Merrill Lynch Basic      Investment in securities, primarily equities, that the    Capital appreciation 
 Value Equity            Portfolio adviser believes are undervalued and            and, secondarily, income 
                         therefore represent basic investment value. 

Merrill Lynch World      Investment primarily in a portfolio of equity and fixed   High total investment 
 Strategy                income securities, including convertible securities, of   return 
                         U.S. and foreign issuers. 

Morgan Stanley Emerging  Primarily equity securities of emerging market country    Long-term capital 
 Markets Equity*         (i.e. foreign) issuers.                                   appreciation 

T. Rowe Price Equity     Primarily dividend paying common stocks of established    Substantial dividend 
 Income                  companies.                                                income and also capital 
                                                                                    appreciation 

T. Rowe Price            Primarily common stocks of established non-United         Long-term growth of 
 International Stock     States companies.                                         capital 

Warburg Pincus Small     Primarily in a portfolio of equity securities of small    Long-term capital 
 Company Value           capitalization companies (i.e., companies having market   appreciation 
                         capitalizations of $1 billion or less at the time of 
                         initial purchase) that the Portfolio adviser considers 
                         to be relatively undervalued. 

</TABLE>   
- ------------ 
*      Will be available on or about September 2, 1997. 
    


                                       9


<PAGE>


   
ON PAGE 14, REPLACE THE FIRST AND SECOND PARAGRAPHS WITH THE FOLLOWING 
PARAGRAPHS: 

  This Part presents performance data for each of the Investment Funds 
  included in the tables below. The performance data were calculated by two 
  methods. The first method presented in the tables under "SEC Standardized 
  Performance Data," reflects all applicable fees and charges, including the 
  Combined GMDB/GMIB Benefit charge, but not the charges for any applicable 
  taxes such as premium taxes. 

  The second method presented in the tables under "Rate of Return Data for 
  Investment Funds," also reflects all applicable fees and charges, but does 
  not reflect the distribution fee, the withdrawal charge, the Combined 
  GMDB/GMIB Benefit charge, the annual contract fee or the charge for tax 
  such as premium taxes. These additional charges would effectively reduce 
  the rates of return credited to a particular Certificate. 

  HR Trust Portfolios 

  The performance data shown for the Investment Funds investing in Class IA 
  shares of HR Trust Portfolios (other than the Alliance Small Cap Growth 
  Portfolio which commenced operations on May 1, 1997) are based on the 
  actual investment results of the Portfolios, and have been adjusted for the 
  fees and charges applicable under the Certificates. 

  The performance data for the Alliance Money Market and Alliance Common 
  Stock Investment Funds that invest in corresponding HR Trust Portfolios, 
  for periods prior to March 22, 1985, reflect the investment results of two 
  open-end management separate accounts (the "predecessor separate accounts") 
  which were reorganized in unit investment trust form. The "Since inception" 
  figures for these Investment Funds are based on the date of inception of 
  the predecessor separate accounts. These performance data have been 
  adjusted to reflect the maximum investment advisory fee payable for the 
  corresponding Portfolio of HR Trust, as well as an assumed charge of 0.06% 
  for direct operating expenses. 

  EQ Trust Portfolios 

  The Investment Funds of the Separate Account that invest in Class IB shares 
  of Portfolios of EQ Trust have only recently been established and no 
  Certificates funded by those Investment Funds have been issued as of the 
  date of this Supplement. EQ Trust commenced operations on May 1, 1997. 
  Therefore, no actual historical performance data for any of these 
  Portfolios are available. In this connection, see the discussion 
  immediately following the tables below. 

ON PAGE 14, REPLACE THE HEADING "PERFORMANCE DATA FOR A CERTIFICATE" WITH 
"STANDARDIZED PERFORMANCE DATA." 

  IN THE FIRST SENTENCE OF THE THIRD PARAGRAPH UNDER THIS HEADING CHANGE THE 
  DATE FROM "DECEMBER 31, 1995" TO "DECEMBER 31, 1996." 
    


                                       10


<PAGE>

   
ON PAGES 14 AND 15, REPLACE THE TABLES AND FOOTNOTES WITH THE FOLLOWING 
TABLES AND FOOTNOTES: 

                         STANDARDIZED PERFORMANCE DATA
         AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN UNDER A CERTIFICATE SURRENDERED ON
                               DECEMBER 31, 1996*

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          LENGTH OF INVESTMENT PERIOD 
                               ------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT                         ONE     THREE   FIVE     TEN        SINCE 
FUND                              YEAR     YEARS   YEARS   YEARS    INCEPTION**
- ------------------------------ --------- ------- ------- -------- -------------
<S>                            <C>       <C>     <C>     <C>      <C>
Alliance Conservative 
 Investors                        (3.31)%   3.16%   4.76%     --        6.20% 
Alliance Growth Investors          4.00     7.81    8.23      --       12.10 
Alliance Growth & Income          11.40    10.57      --      --        7.57 
Alliance Common Stock             15.54    13.83   13.23   13.84%      13.38 
Alliance Global                    5.98     9.32   11.03      --        8.87 
Alliance International             1.24       --      --      --        6.02 
Alliance Aggressive Stock         13.49    12.24    9.26   16.64       18.14 
Alliance Money Market             (3.19)    1.47    1.70    3.86        5.14 
Alliance Intermediate Govt. 
 Securities                       (4.73)    0.39    3.02      --        4.43 
Alliance High Yield               14.16     9.26   12.21      --        9.33 
</TABLE>
    

   
                         STANDARDIZED PERFORMACE DATA 
    GROWTH OF $1,000 UNDER A CERTIFICATE SURRENDERED ON DECEMBER 31, 1996* 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          LENGTH OF INVESTMENT PERIOD 
                               ------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT                        ONE    THREE     FIVE     TEN        SINCE 
FUND                             YEAR    YEARS    YEARS    YEARS    INCEPTION**
- ------------------------------ ------- -------- -------- -------- -------------
<S>                            <C>     <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
Alliance Conservative 
 Investors                      $  967   $1,098   $1,262       --     $ 1,618 
Alliance Growth Investors        1,040    1,253    1,485       --       2,494 
Alliance Growth & Income         1,114    1,352       --       --       1,339 
Alliance Common Stock            1,155    1,475    1,862   $3,657      13,975 
Alliance Global                  1,060    1,307    1,687       --       2,340 
Alliance International           1,012       --       --       --       1,124 
Alliance Aggressive Stock        1,135    1,414    1,557    4,660       6,257 
Alliance Money Market              968    1,045    1,088    1,461       2,230 
Alliance Intermediate Govt. 
 Securities                        953    1,012    1,161       --       1,297 
Alliance High Yield              1,142    1,304    1,779       --       2,441 
</TABLE>
    

   
- ------------ 
  * The tables reflect charges under a Certificate with the 0.45% GMDB/GMIB 
    charge. 
 ** The "Since Inception" dates for the Portfolios of HR Trust are as 
    follows: Alliance Conservative Investors (October 2, 1989); Alliance 
    Growth Investors (October 2, 1989); Alliance Growth & Income (October 1, 
    1993); Alliance Common Stock (January 13, 1976); Alliance Global (August 
    27, 1987); Alliance International (April 3, 1995); Alliance Aggressive 
    Stock (January 27, 1986); Alliance Small Cap Growth (May 1, 1997); 
    Alliance Money Market (July 13, 1981); Alliance Intermediate Government 
    Securities (April 1, 1991); and Alliance High Yield (January 2, 1987). 

ON PAGE 15, INSERT THE FOLLOWING PARAGRAPHS BEFORE THE "RATE OF RETURN DATA 
FOR INVESTMENT FUNDS" SECTION: 

    Additional investment performance information appears in the attached HR 
    Trust and EQ Trust prospectuses. 

    The Alliance Small Cap Growth Portfolio of HR Trust commenced operations 
    on May 1, 1997. Therefore, no actual historical performance data are 
    available. However, historical performance of a composite of six other 
    advisory accounts managed by Alliance is described in the attached HR 
    Trust prospectus. According to that prospectus, these accounts have 
    substantially the same investment objectives and policies, and are 
    managed in accordance with essentially the same investment strategies and 
    techniques, as those of the Alliance Small Cap Growth Portfolio. It 
    should be noted that these accounts are not subject to certain of the 
    requirements and restrictions to which the Alliance Small Cap Growth 
    Portfolio is subject and that they are managed for tax exempt clients of 
    Alliance, who may have different investment goals. The investment 
    performance information included in the HR Trust prospectus for all 
    Portfolios other than the Alliance Small Cap Portfolio is based on actual 
    historical performance. 
    
                                       11


<PAGE>


   
    The investment performance data for HR Trust's Alliance Small Cap 
    Portfolio and for each of the Portfolios of EQ Trust, contained in the HR 
    Trust and the EQ Trust prospectuses, are provided by those prospectuses 
    to illustrate the past performance of each respective Portfolio adviser 
    in managing a substantially similar investment vehicles as measured 
    against specified market indices and do not represent the past or future 
    performance of any Portfolio. None of the performance data contained in 
    the HR Trust and EQ Trust prospectuses reflects fees and charges imposed 
    under your Certificate, which fees and charges would reduce such 
    performance figures. Therefore, the performance data for each of the 
    Portfolios described in the EQ Trust prospectus and for the Alliance 
    Small Cap Portfolio in the HR Trust prospectus may be of limited use and 
    are not intended to be a substitute for actual performance of the 
    corresponding Portfolios, nor are such results an estimate or guarantee 
    of future performance for these Portfolios. 

ON PAGE 16, INSERT THE FOLLOWING SECTION UNDER THE HEADING "PORTFOLIO 
INCEPTION DATES AND COMPARATIVE BENCHMARKS:" 

   ALLIANCE HIGH YIELD: January 2, 1997; Merrill Lynch High Yield Master 
Index. 

ON PAGES 16, 17 AND 18, REPLACE THE TABLES AND FOOTNOTES WITH THE FOLLOWING 
TABLES AND FOOTNOTES: 

ANNUALIZED RATES OF RETURN FOR PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996:* 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             SINCE 
                             1 YEAR   3 YEARS   5 YEARS   10 YEARS   15 YEARS   20 YEARS   INCEPTION 
                           -------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------- 
<S>                        <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
ALLIANCE CONSERVATIVE 
 INVESTORS                    3.99%     5.47%     6.08%       --         --         --        7.77% 
 Lipper Income                8.95      8.91      9.55        --         --         --        9.55 
 Benchmark                    8.78     10.14      9.64        --         --         --       10.42 
ALLIANCE GROWTH 
 INVESTORS                   11.30     10.00      9.48        --         --         --       14.23 
 Lipper Flexible Portfolio   12.51      9.26      9.30        --         --         --        9.99 
 Benchmark                   16.94     15.84     13.02        --         --         --       12.73 
ALLIANCE GROWTH & 
 INCOME                      18.70     12.69        --        --         --         --       11.47 
 Lipper Growth & Income      19.96     15.39        --        --         --         --       14.78 
 Benchmark                   21.28     17.93        --        --         --         --       17.24 
ALLIANCE COMMON STOCK        22.84     15.87     14.39     14.49%     15.17%     14.17%      13.90 
  Lipper Growth              18.78     14.80     12.39     13.08      14.04      13.60       13.42 
  Benchmark                  22.96     19.66     15.20     15.28      16.79      14.55       14.63 
ALLIANCE GLOBAL              13.28     11.44     12.19        --         --         --       10.43 
  Lipper Global              17.89      8.49     10.29        --         --         --        3.65 
  Benchmark                  13.48     12.91     10.82        --         --         --        7.44 
ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL        8.54        --        --        --         --         --       10.90 
  Lipper International       13.36        --        --        --         --         --       14.33 
  Benchmark                   6.05        --        --        --         --         --        8.74 
ALLIANCE Aggressive Stock    20.79     14.33     10.55     17.24         --         --       18.79 
  Lipper Small Company 
    Growth                   16.55     12.70     17.53     16.29         --         --       16.47 
  Benchmark                  17.85     14.14     14.80     14.29         --         --       13.98 
ALLIANCE MONEY MARKET         4.11      3.82      3.12      4.68       5.85         --        6.05 
  Lipper Money Market         3.82      3.60      2.93      4.52       5.72         --        5.89 
  Benchmark                   5.25      5.07      4.37      5.67       6.72         --        6.97 
ALLIANCE INTERMEDIATE 
 GOVERNMENT 
 SECURITIES                   2.57      2.80      4.38        --         --         --        5.75 
  Lipper Gen. U.S. 
    Government                1.57      3.99      5.21        --         --         --        6.76 
  Benchmark                   4.06      5.37      6.23        --         --         --        7.43 
ALLIANCE HIGH YIELD          21.46     11.43     13.34        --         --         --       10.13 
  Lipper High Yield          12.46      7.93     11.47        --         --         --        9.13 
  Benchmark                  11.06      9.59     12.76        --         --         --       11.24 
</TABLE>
    


                                       12

<PAGE>


   
CUMULATIVE RATES OF RETURN FOR PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996:* 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              SINCE 
                             1 YEAR   3 YEARS   5 YEARS   10 YEARS   15 YEARS   20 YEARS    INCEPTION 
                           -------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------- ----------- ----------- 
<S>                        <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>
ALLIANCE CONSERVATIVE 
 INVESTORS                    3.99%    17.34%    34.32%        --         --          --       72.02% 
 Lipper Income                8.95     29.47     58.37         --         --          --       94.21 
 Benchmark                    8.78     33.60     58.40         --         --          --      105.23 
ALLIANCE GROWTH 
 INVESTORS                   11.30     33.11     57.28         --         --          --      162.18 
 Lipper Flexible Portfolio   12.51     30.84     56.65         --         --          --      100.79 
 Benchmark                   16.94     55.46     84.42         --         --          --      138.49 
ALLIANCE GROWTH & 
 INCOME                      18.70     43.09        --         --         --          --       42.30 
 Lipper Growth & Income      19.96     53.82        --         --         --          --       56.73 
 Benchmark                   21.28     63.99        --         --         --          --       67.75 
ALLIANCE COMMON STOCK        22.84     55.58     95.88     287.01%    731.70%   1,314.86%   1,430.82 
  Lipper Growth              18.78     51.65     80.51     243.70     627.03    1,185.21    1,298.19 
  Benchmark                  22.96     71.34    102.85     314.34     925.25    1,416.26    1,655.74 
ALLIANCE GLOBAL              13.28     38.40     77.77         --         --          --      152.69 
  Lipper Global              17.89     28.45     63.87         --         --          --       39.73 
  Benchmark                  13.48     43.95     67.12          -         --          --       95.62 
ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL        8.54        --        --         --         --          --       19.76 
  Lipper International       13.36        --        --         --         --          --       26.53 
  Benchmark                   6.05        --        --         --         --          --       15.78 
ALLIANCE Aggressive Stock    20.79     49.45     65.10     390.47         --          --      556.42 
  Lipper Small Company 
    Growth                   16.55     43.42    142.70     352.31         --          --      428.32 
  Benchmark                  17.85     46.89     99.38     280.32         --          --      318.19 
ALLIANCE MONEY MARKET         4.11     11.90     16.59      58.03     134.78          --      148.19 
  Lipper Money Market         3.82     11.18     15.58      55.73     130.46          --      141.99 
  Benchmark                   5.25     15.99     23.86      73.61     165.31          --      184.26 
ALLIANCE INTERMEDIATE 
 GOVERNMENT 
 SECURITIES                   2.57      8.63     23.89         --         --          --       37.89 
  Lipper Gen. U.S. 
    Government                1.57     12.45     28.92         --         --          --       45.71 
  Benchmark                   4.06     16.98     35.30         --         --          --       51.07 
ALLIANCE HIGH YIELD          21.46     38.37     87.00         --         --          --      162.38 
  Lipper High Yield          12.46     25.77     72.39         --         --          --      142.30 
  Benchmark                  11.06     31.63     82.29         --         --          --      190.43 
</TABLE>
    

- ------------ 
 *    See footnotes on next page. 


                                       13


<PAGE>

YEAR-BY-YEAR RATES OF RETURN* 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                      1984      1985     1986     1987      1988    1989 
                      ----      ----     ----     ----      ----    ---- 
<S>                <C>       <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>
ALLIANCE 
 CONSERVATIVE 
 INVESTORS             --       --       --       --        --      2.79% 
ALLIANCE GROWTH 
 INVESTORS             --       --       --       --        --      3.53 
ALLIANCE GROWTH 
 & INCOME              --       --       --       --        --       -- 
ALLIANCE COMMON 
 STOCK**             (3.09)%  31.91%   16.02%     6.21%   21.03%   24.16 
ALLIANCE GLOBAL        --       --       --     (13.62)    9.61    25.29 
ALLIANCE 
 INTERNATIONAL          --       --       --        --       --       -- 
ALLIANCE 
 AGGRESSIVE 
 STOCK                 --       --     33.83      6.06    (0.03)   41.86 
ALLIANCE MONEY 
 MARKET**             9.59     6.91     5.39      5.41     6.09     7.93 
ALLIANCE 
 INTERMEDIATE 
 GOVERNMENT 
 SECURITIES            --       --       --       --        --       -- 
ALLIANCE HIGH 
 YIELD                 --       --       --       3.49     8.48     3.93 
</TABLE>
    
                    (RESTUBBED TABLE CONTINUED FROM ABOVE) 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   1990     1991     1992     1993     1994      1995    1996 
                -------- -------- -------- -------- --------- -------- ------- 
<S>             <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>
ALLIANCE 
 CONSERVATIVE 
 INVESTORS         5.14%   18.51%    4.50%    9.54%    (5.20)%  19.02%    3.99%
ALLIANCE GROWTH 
 INVESTORS         9.39    47.19     3.69    13.95     (4.27)   24.92    11.30 
ALLIANCE GROWTH 
 & INCOME           --       --       --     (0.55)    (1.72)   22.65    18.70 
ALLIANCE COMMON 
 STOCK**          (9.17)   36.30     2.03    23.39     (3.26)   30.93    22.84 
ALLIANCE GLOBAL   (7.15)   29.06    (1.65)   30.60      4.02    17.45    13.28 
ALLIANCE 
 INTERNATIONAL       --       --       --       --        --    10.34     8.54 
ALLIANCE 
 AGGRESSIVE 
 STOCK             6.92    84.73    (4.28)   15.41     (4.92)   30.13    20.79 
ALLIANCE MONEY 
 MARKET**          6.99     4.97     2.37     1.78      2.82     4.53     4.11 
ALLIANCE 
 INTERMEDIATE 
 GOVERNMENT 
 SECURITIES         --     11.30     4.38     9.27     (5.47)   12.03     2.57 
ALLIANCE HIGH 
 YIELD            (2.26)   23.03    11.02    21.74     (3.90)   18.54    21.46 
</TABLE>
    

   
- ------------ 
 * Returns do not reflect the distribution fee, the withdrawal charge, the 
   Combined GMDB/GMIB Benefit charge, the annual contract fee and any 
   charge for tax such as premium taxes. 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                     <C>       <C>   <C>     <C>    <C>    <C>     <C>     <C>
** Prior to 1984 the Year-by-Year Rates of Return were:   1976    1977   1978   1979   1980   1981    1982    1983 
                                                          ----    ----   ----   ----   ----   ----    ----    ----
    ALLIANCE COMMON STOCK                                 8.20% (10.28)% 6.99% 28.35% 48.39% (6.94)% 16.22%  24.67% 
    ALLIANCE MONEY MARKET                                  --     --      --    --      --    5.71   11.72    7.70% 
</TABLE>
    
                                       14


<PAGE>


   
ON PAGE 25, UNDER THE HEADING "TRANSFERS AMONG INVESTMENT OPTIONS," DELETE 
THE FIRST BULLETED PARAGRAPH. 

ON PAGE 25, UNDER THE HEADING "DOLLAR COST AVERAGING." 

  REPLACE THE FIRST SENTENCE IN THE FIRST PARAGRAPH WITH THE FOLLOWING 
  SENTENCE. 

  If you have at least $10,000 of Annuity Account Value in the Alliance Money 
  Market Fund, you may choose to have a specified dollar amount or percentage 
  of your Annuity Account Value transferred from the Alliance Money Market 
  Fund to other Investment Funds on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis. 

  REPLACE THE SECOND AND THIRD SENTENCES IN THE SECOND PARAGRAPH WITH THE 
  FOLLOWING SENTENCES. 

  The minimum amount that may be transferred on each Transaction Date is 
  $250. The maximum amount which may be transferred is equal to the Annuity 
  Account Value in the Alliance Money Market Fund at the time the option is 
  elected, divided by the number of transfers scheduled to made each Contract 
  Year. 

ON PAGE 33, UNDER THE HEADING, "DISTRIBUTION OF THE CERTIFICATES," REPLACE 
THE FOURTH AND FIFTH SENTENCES OF THE FIRST PARAGRAPH WITH THE FOLLOWING TWO 
SENTENCES. 

  EDI's principal business address is 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, 
  New York 10104. EDI was paid a fee of $1,204,370 for 1996 and $126,914 for 
  1995 for its services under its "Distribution Agreement" with Equitable 
  Life and the Separate Account. 

ON PAGE 36, DELETE THE SECTION WITH THE HEADING "TRUST CHARGES TO 
PORTFOLIOS," AND REPLACE WITH THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS. 

  HR TRUST CHARGES TO PORTFOLIOS 

  Investment advisory fees charged daily against HR Trust's assets, direct 
  operating expenses of HR Trust (such as trustees' fees, expenses of 
  independent auditors and legal counsel, bank and custodian charges and 
  liability insurance), and certain investment-related expenses of HR Trust 
  (such as brokerage commissions and other expenses related to the purchase 
  and sale of securities), are reflected in each Portfolio's daily share 
  price. The maximum investment advisory fees paid annually by the Portfolios 
  cannot be changed without a vote by shareholders. They are as follows: 

                           AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            FIRST           NEXT          NEXT          NEXT 
                                         $750 MILLION   $750 MILLION   $1 BILLION   $2.5 BILLION  THEREAFTER 
                                         ------------   ------------   ----------   ------------  ---------- 
<S>                                    <C>            <C>            <C>          <C>            <C>
Alliance Conservative Investors .......     0.475%         0.425%        0.375%        0.350%        0.325% 
Alliance Growth Investors..............     0.550%         0.500%        0.450%        0.425%        0.400% 
Alliance Growth & Income...............     0.550%         0.525%        0.500%        0.480%        0.470% 
Alliance Common Stock..................     0.475%         0.425%        0.375%        0.355%        0.345%* 
Alliance Global........................     0.675%         0.600%        0.550%        0.530%        0.520% 
Alliance International.................     0.900%         0.825%        0.800%        0.780%        0.770% 
Alliance Aggressive Stock..............     0.625%         0.575%        0.525%        0.500%        0.475% 
Alliance Small Cap Growth..............     0.900%         0.850%        0.825%        0.800%        0.775% 
Alliance Money Market..................     0.350%         0.325%        0.300%        0.280%        0.270% 
Alliance Intermediate Govt Securities       0.500%         0.475%        0.450%        0.430%        0.420% 
Alliance High Yield....................     0.600%         0.575%        0.550%        0.530%        0.520% 
</TABLE>
    

   
- ------------ 
* On assets in excess of $10 billion, the management fee for the Alliance 
  Common Stock Portfolio is reduced to 0.335% of average daily net assets. 

  Investment advisory fees are established under HR Trust's investment 
  advisory agreements between HR Trust and its investment adviser, Alliance. 
  All of these fees and expenses are described more fully in the HR Trust 
  prospectus. 

  EQ TRUST CHARGES TO PORTFOLIOS 

  Investment management fees charged daily against EQ Trust's assets, the 
  12b-1 fee, other direct operating expenses of EQ Trust (such as trustees' 
  fees, expenses of independent auditors and legal counsel, administrative 
  service fees, custodian fees, and liability insurance), and certain 
  investment-related 
    


                                       15


<PAGE>


   
  expenses of EQ Trust (such as brokerage commissions and other expenses 
  related to the purchase and sale of securities), are reflected in each 
  Portfolio's daily share price. The investment management fees paid annually 
  by the Portfolios cannot be changed without a vote by shareholders. They 
  are as follows: 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS 
                                       ------------------------ 
<S>                                    <C>
EQ/Putnam Balanced ....................          0.55% 
EQ/Putnam Growth & Income Value  ......          0.55% 
MFS Emerging Growth Companies .........          0.55% 
MFS Research ..........................          0.55% 
Merrill Lynch Basic Value Equity  .....          0.55% 
Merrill Lynch World Strategy ..........          0.70% 
Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Equity           1.15% 
T. Rowe Price Equity Income ...........          0.55% 
T. Rowe Price International Stock  ....          0.75% 
Warburg Pincus Small Company Value  ...          0.75% 
</TABLE>
    

   
  Investment management fees are established under EQ Trust's Investment 
  Management Agreement between EQ Trust and its investment manager, EQ 
  Financial. EQ Financial has entered into expense limitation agreements with 
  EQ Trust, with respect to each Portfolio, pursuant to which EQ Financial 
  has agreed to waive or limit its fees and total annual operating expenses 
  (expressed as a percentage of the Portfolios' average daily net assets) to 
  0.85% each for the EQ/Putnam Growth & Income Value, MFS Research, Merrill 
  Lynch Basic Value Equity, T. Rowe Price Equity, and MFS Emerging Growth 
  Companies Portfolios; 0.90% for the EQ/Putnam Balanced Portfolio; 1.00% for 
  Warburg Pincus Portfolio; 1.20% each for T. Rowe Price International Stock 
  and Merrill Lynch World Strategy Portfolios; and 1.75% for Morgan Stanley 
  Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio. See the prospectus for EQ Trust for more 
  information. 

  The Rule 12b-1 Plan provides that EQ Trust, on behalf of each Portfolio, 
  may pay annually up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of a Portfolio 
  attributable to its Class IB shares in respect of activities primarily 
  intended to result in the sale of the Class IB shares. The 12b-1 fees, 
  which may be waived in the discretion of EDI, may be increased only by 
  action of the Board of Trustees of EQ Trust up to a maximum of 0.50% per 
  annum. All of these fees and expenses are described more fully in the EQ 
  Trust prospectus. 

ON PAGE 37, UNDER THE HEADING "TRUST VOTING RIGHTS" 

  REPLACE THE FIRST SENTENCE OF THE SECOND PARAGRAPH WITH THE FOLLOWING 
  SENTENCE: 

  Because HR Trust is a Massachusetts business trust and EQ Trust is a 
  Delaware business trust, annual meetings are not required. 

ON PAGE 37, UNDER THE HEADING "VOTING RIGHTS OF OTHERS," REPLACE THE FIRST 
TWO SENTENCES OF THE PARAGRAPH WITH THE FOLLOWING SENTENCES: 

  Currently we control each trust. EQ Trust shares currently are sold only to 
  our separate accounts. HR Trust shares are held by other separate accounts 
  of ours and by separate accounts of insurance companies affiliated and 
  unaffiliated with us. 

ON PAGE 39, UNDER THE HEADING "FEDERAL AND STATE INCOME TAX WITHHOLDING," 
REPLACE THE FOURTH SENTENCE OF THE THIRD PARAGRAPH WITH THE FOLLOWING 
SENTENCE: 

  For 1997, a recipient of periodic payments (e.g., monthly or annual 
  payments) which total less than a $14,400 taxable amount will generally be 
  exempt from federal income tax withholding, unless the recipient specifies 
  a different choice of withholding exemption. 
    


                                       16


<PAGE>



- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                      STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   
                                                                    PAGE 
                                                                    -------- 
Part 1:     Accumulation Unit Values                                2 
Part 2:     Annuity Unit Values                                     2 
Part 3:     Custodian and Independent Accountants                   3 
Part 4:     Alliance Money Market Fund and Alliance Intermediate    3 
            Government Securities Fund Yield Information 
Part 5:     Long-Term Market Trends                                 4 
Part 6:     Financial Statements                                    6 
    

   
                     HOW TO OBTAIN AN ACCUMULATOR STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL 
                     INFORMATION FOR SEPARATE ACCOUNT NO. 45 

                     Send this request form to: 
                               Equitable Life 
                               Income Management Group 
                               P.O. Box 1547 
                               Secaucus, NJ 07096-1547 

                     Please send me an Accumulator SAI: 
                     (Supplement dated May 1, 1997 to Accumulator Prospectus, 
                     dated October 17, 1996) 

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

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

                     --------------------------------------------------------- 
                     City                    State                    Zip 


<PAGE>

    
   
               SUPPLEMENT DATED MAY 1, 1997 TO ROLLOVER IRA AND 
               CHOICE INCOME PLAN PROSPECTUS, DATED MAY 1, 1996 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

This supplement dated May 1, 1997, updates certain information in the 
Rollover IRA and Choice Income Plan prospectus of The Equitable Life 
Assurance Society of the United States (EQUITABLE LIFE), dated May 1, 1996. 
You should read this supplement in conjunction with the prospectus. You 
should keep the supplement and the prospectus for future reference. We have 
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) our statement of 
additional information (SAI) dated May 1, 1997. If you have previously 
received, but do not presently have, a copy of the prospectus, you may obtain 
an additional copy of the prospectus, as well as a copy of the SAI, from us, 
free of charge, if you write to Equitable Life, Income Management Group, P.O. 
Box 1547, Secaucus, NJ 07096-1547, call (800) 789-7771 or if you only need a 
copy of the SAI, you may mail in the SAI request form located at the end of 
the supplement. The SAI has been incorporated by reference into this 
supplement. 
    

In the supplement, each section of the prospectus in which a change has been 
made is identified and the number of each prospectus page on which a change 
occurs is also noted. Special terms used in the prospectus have the same 
meaning in the supplement unless otherwise noted. 

ON THE COVER PAGE OF THE PROSPECTUS THE THIRD (INCLUDING THE CHART OF 
INVESTMENT OPTIONS) AND FOURTH PARAGRAPHS ARE REPLACED BY THE FOLLOWING 
PARAGRAPHS: 

  The Rollover IRA offers investment options (INVESTMENT OPTIONS) that permit 
  you to create your own strategies. These Investment Options include 21 
  variable investment funds (INVESTMENT FUNDS) and each GUARANTEE PERIOD in 
  the GUARANTEED PERIOD ACCOUNT. 

  We invest each Investment Fund in Class IA shares of a corresponding 
  portfolio (PORTFOLIO) of The Hudson River Trust (HR TRUST) or Class IB 
  shares of a corresponding Portfolio of EQ Advisors Trust (EQ TRUST), mutual 
  funds whose shares are purchased by separate accounts of insurance 
  companies. The prospectuses for HR Trust and EQ Trust, both of which 
  accompany this supplement, describe the investment objectives, policies and 
  risks of the Portfolios. 

                               INVESTMENT FUNDS 

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  EQUITY SERIES 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
DOMESTIC EQUITY                      INTERNATIONAL EQUITY                   AGGRESSIVE EQUITY 
<S>                                  <C>                                    <C>
 Alliance Common Stock                Alliance Global                        Alliance Aggressive Stock 
 Alliance Growth & Income             Alliance International                 Alliance Small Cap Growth 
 EQ/Putnam Growth & Income Value      Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets        MFS Emerging Growth Companies
 MFS Research                          Equity                                Warburg Pincus Small Company Value
 Merrill Lynch Basic Value Equity     T. Rowe Price International Stock
 T. Rowe Price Equity Income 
 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
</TABLE>
    

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
       ASSET ALLOCATION SERIES                                       FIXED INCOME SERIES 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
<S>                                      <C>                         <C>
 Alliance Conservative Investors         AGGRESSIVE FIXED INCOME     DOMESTIC FIXED INCOME 
 Alliance Growth Investors                Alliance High Yield         Alliance Intermediate Government Securities 
 EQ/Putnam Balanced                                                   Alliance Money Market 
 Merrill Lynch World Strategy 

 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
</TABLE>

   
   THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE IS ADDED AT THE END OF THE FIFTH PARAGRAPH: 

   The Guarantee Periods currently available have Expiration Dates of 
   February 15 in years 1998 through 2007 under the Rollover IRA and 1998 
   through 2012 under the Choice Income Plan. 
    

THROUGHOUT THE PROSPECTUS ANY REFERENCE TO THE INVESTMENT FUNDS AND GUARANTEE 
PERIODS REFER TO THE INVESTMENT FUNDS AND GUARANTEE PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE. 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                Copyright 1997
     The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States, New York,
                               New York 10104.
                             All rights reserved.

<PAGE>
THROUGHOUT THE PROSPECTUS (EXCEPT WHERE OTHERWISE NOTED) THE REFERENCE TO 
"TRUST" IS REPLACED BY "HR TRUST AND EQ TRUST." 

ON PAGE 2, UNDER THE HEADING "INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY 
REFERENCE" REPLACE THE ENTIRE SECTION WITH THE FOLLOWING SECTION: 

               INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE 

    Equitable Life's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 
  1996 is incorporated herein by reference. 

    All documents or reports filed by Equitable Life pursuant to Section 
  13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as 
  amended (EXCHANGE ACT) after the date hereof and prior to the termination 
  of the offering of the securities offered hereby shall be deemed to be 
  incorporated by reference in the prospectus and the supplement and to be a 
  part hereof from the date of filing of such documents. Any statement 
  contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated herein by 
  reference shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of the 
  prospectus and the supplement to the extent that a statement contained 
  herein or in any other 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 and superseded, to constitute a part of the 
  prospectus and the supplement. Equitable Life files its Exchange Act 
  documents and reports, including its annual and quarterly reports on Form 
  10-K and Form 10-Q, electronically pursuant to EDGAR under CIK No. 
  0000727920. The SEC maintains a web site that contains reports, proxy and 
  information statements and other information regarding registrants that 
  file electronically with the SEC. The address of the site is 
  http://www.sec.gov. 

    Equitable Life will provide without charge to each person to whom a 
  prospectus is delivered, upon the written or oral request of such person, a 
  copy of any or all of the foregoing documents incorporated herein by 
  reference (other than exhibits not specifically incorporated by reference 
  into the text of such documents). Requests for such documents should be 
  directed to The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States, 1290 
  Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10104. Attention: Corporate 
  Secretary (telephone: (212) 554-1234). 

ON PAGE 4, UNDER THE HEADING "GENERAL TERMS" 

  ADD THE FOLLOWING DEFINITIONS: 

  EQ TRUST--EQ Advisors Trust, a mutual fund in which the assets of separate 
  accounts of insurance companies are invested. EQ Financial Consultants, 
  Inc. (EQ Financial) is the manager of EQ Trust and has appointed advisers 
  for each of the Portfolios. 

  HR TRUST--The Hudson River Trust, a mutual fund in which the assets of 
  separate accounts of insurance companies are invested. Alliance Capital 
  Management L.P. (Alliance) is the adviser to HR Trust. 

  DELETE THE DEFINITION FOR "TRUST." 

                                2           
<PAGE>
   
ON PAGES 6, 7 AND 8, REPLACE THE "FEE TABLE" SECTION WITH THE FOLLOWING 
SECTION: 

                                  FEE TABLE 

The purpose of this fee table is to assist you in understanding the various 
costs and expenses you may bear directly or indirectly under the Certificate 
so that you may compare them with other similar products. The table reflects 
both the charges of the Separate Account and the expenses of HR Trust and EQ 
Trust. Charges for applicable taxes such as state or local premium taxes may 
also apply. For a complete description of the charges under the Certificate, 
see "Part 7: Deductions and Charges." For a complete description of each 
trust's charges and expenses, see the prospectuses for the HR Trust and EQ 
Trust. 

As explained in Part 4, the Guarantee Periods are not a part of the Separate 
Account and are not covered by the fee table and examples. The only charge 
shown in the Table which will be deducted from amounts allocated to the 
Guarantee Periods is the withdrawal charge. However, if there is insufficient 
value in the Investment Funds, all or a portion of the distribution fee and 
the annual contract fee, if any, may be deducted from your Annuity Account 
Value in the Guaranteed Period Account rather than from the Investment Funds. 
See "Part 7: Deductions and Charges." A market value adjustment (either 
positive or negative) also may be applicable as a result of a withdrawal, 
transfer or surrender of amounts from a Guarantee Period. See "Part 4: The 
Guaranteed Period Account." 

OWNER TRANSACTION EXPENSES (DEDUCTED FROM ANNUITY ACCOUNT VALUE) 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                                         <C>
 DISTRIBUTION FEE (SALES LOAD) AS A PERCENTAGE OF EACH CONTRIBUTION RECEIVED DURING THE 
 FIRST CONTRACT YEAR (deducted annually on each of the first seven Processing Dates)(1) ...  0.20% 
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           CONTRACT 
                                                                             YEAR 
                                                                           --------- 
<S>                                                                        <C>               <C>
WITHDRAWAL CHARGE AS A PERCENTAGE OF CONTRIBUTIONS (percentage deducted     1................ 7.00% 
 upon surrender or for certain withdrawals. The applicable withdrawal       2................ 6.00                      
 charge percentage is determined by the Contract Year in which the          3................ 5.00
 withdrawal is made or the Certificate is surrendered beginning with        4................ 4.00
 "Contract Year 1" with respect to each contribution withdrawn or           5................ 3.00
 surrendered. For each contribution, the Contract Year in which we          6................ 2.00
 receive that contribution is "Contract Year 1")(2)                         7................ 1.00
                                                                            8+............... 0.00 
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                                        <C>
TRANSFER CHARGE(3)......................................................................    $ 0.00 
GUARANTEED MINIMUM DEATH BENEFIT CHARGE (percentage deducted annually on each Processing 
 Date as a percentage of the guaranteed minimum death benefit then in effect)(4) .......      0.20% 

ANNUAL CONTRACT FEE (DEDUCTED FROM ANNUITY ACCOUNT VALUE ON EACH PROCESSING DATE)(5) 
 If the initial contribution is less than $25,000 ......................................       $30 
 If the initial contribution is $25,000 or more ........................................       $ 0 
SEPARATE ACCOUNT ANNUAL EXPENSES (AS A PERCENTAGE OF ASSETS IN EACH INVESTMENT FUND) 

MORTALITY AND EXPENSE RISK CHARGE ......................................................     0.90% 
ASSET BASED ADMINISTRATIVE CHARGE ......................................................     0.25% 
                                                                                           ------- 
 TOTAL SEPARATE ACCOUNT ANNUAL EXPENSES ................................................     1.15% 
                                                                                           ======= 
</TABLE>
    
                                3           
<PAGE>

   
TRUST ANNUAL EXPENSES (AS A PERCENTAGE OF AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS IN EACH 
PORTFOLIO) 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  INVESTMENT PORTFOLIOS 
                              ----------------------------------------------------------- 
                                  ALLIANCE     ALLIANCE    ALLIANCE   ALLIANCE 
                                CONSERVATIVE    GROWTH     GROWTH &    COMMON    ALLIANCE 
HR TRUST                         INVESTORS     INVESTORS    INCOME     STOCK      GLOBAL 
- --------                      -------------- ----------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 
<S>                                <C>          <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>
Investment Advisory Fee             0.48%        0.53%       0.55%      0.38%      0.65% 
Other Expenses                      0.07%        0.06%       0.05%      0.03%      0.08% 
                              -------------- ----------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 
 TOTAL TRUST ANNUAL 
  EXPENSES(6)                       0.55%        0.59%       0.60%      0.41%      0.73% 
                              ============== =========== ========== ========== ========== 
</TABLE>
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      ALLIANCE 
                                                 ALLIANCE    ALLIANCE    ALLIANCE   INTERMEDIATE   ALLIANCE 
                                  ALLIANCE      AGGRESSIVE   SMALL CAP    MONEY        GOVT.         HIGH 
HR TRUST                        INTERNATIONAL     STOCK       GROWTH      MARKET     SECURITIES     YIELD 
- --------                      --------------- ------------ ----------- ---------- -------------- ---------- 
<S>                                <C>            <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>
Investment Advisory Fee             0.90%          0.55%       0.90%       0.35%        0.50%        0.60% 
Other Expenses                      0.18%          0.03%       0.10%       0.04%        0.09%        0.06% 
                              --------------- ------------ ----------- ---------- -------------- ---------- 
 TOTAL TRUST ANNUAL 
  EXPENSES(6)                       1.08%          0.58%       1.00%       0.39%        0.59%        0.66% 
                              =============== ============ =========== ========== ============== ========== 
</TABLE>
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               EQ/PUTNAM      MFS                   MERRILL 
                                               GROWTH &    EMERGING                  LYNCH 
                                   EQ/PUTNAM    INCOME      GROWTH       MFS      BASIC VALUE 
EQ TRUST                           BALANCED      VALUE     COMPANIES   RESEARCH     EQUITY 
- --------                          ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ------------- 
<S>                                 <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
Investment Advisory Fee              0.55%       0.55%       0.55%       0.55%       0.55% 
12b-1 Fee(7)                         0.25%       0.25%       0.25%       0.25%       0.25% 
Other Expenses                       0.10%       0.05%       0.05%       0.05%       0.05% 
                                 ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ------------- 
 TOTAL EQ TRUST ANNUAL 
  EXPENSES(8)                        0.90%       0.85%       0.85%       0.85%       0.85% 
                                 =========== =========== =========== ========== ============= 
</TABLE>
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               MORGAN              T. ROWE    WARBURG 
                                   MERRILL    STANLEY    T. ROWE    PRICE     PINCUS 
                                    LYNCH     EMERGING    PRICE    INTERNA-    SMALL 
                                    WORLD     MARKETS    EQUITY     TIONAL    COMPANY 
EQ TRUST                           STRATEGY    EQUITY    INCOME     STOCK      VALUE 
- --------                          ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- --------- 
<S>                                 <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>
Investment Advisory Fee              0.70%      1.15%     0.55%      0.75%     0.65% 
12b-1 Fee(7)                         0.25%      0.25%     0.25%      0.25%     0.25% 
Other Expenses                       0.25%      0.35%     0.05%      0.20%     0.10% 
                                 ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- --------- 
 TOTAL EQ TRUST ANNUAL 
  EXPENSES(8)                        1.20%      1.75%     0.85%      1.20%     1.00% 
                                 ========== ========== ========= ========== ========= 
</TABLE>
    

   
- ------------ 
Notes: 
  (1)    The amount deducted is based on contributions that have not been 
         withdrawn. The distribution fee will not apply while the IRA Assured 
         Payment Option or IRA APO Plus is in effect. See "Part 7: Deductions 
         and Charges," "Distribution Fee." Under Certificates issued prior to 
         May 1, 1996, the distribution fee is 0%. 
  (2)    Deducted upon a withdrawal with respect to amounts in excess of the 
         15% (10% under the IRA Assured Payment Option and IRA APO Plus) free 
         corridor amount, and upon a surrender. See "Part 7: Deductions and 
         Charges," "Withdrawal Charge." 
  (3)    We reserve the right to impose a charge in the future at a maximum 
         of $25 for each transfer among the Investment Options in excess of 
         five per Contract Year. 
  (4)    See "Part 7: Deductions and Charges," "Guaranteed Minimum Death 
         Benefit Charge." 
  (5)    This charge is incurred at the beginning of the Contract Year and 
         deducted on the Processing Date. See "Part 7: Deductions and 
         Charges," "Annual Contract Fee." 
  (6)    The amounts shown for the Portfolios of HR Trust (other than 
         Alliance Small Cap Growth) have been restated to reflect advisory 
         fees which went into effect as of May 1, 1997. "Other Expenses" are 
         based on the average daily net assets in each Portfolio for the year 
         ended December 31, 1996. The amounts shown for the Alliance Small 
         Cap Growth Portfolio are estimated for the current fiscal year as 
         this Portfolio commenced operations on May 1, 1997. The investment 
         advisory fee for each Portfolio may vary from year to year depending 
         upon the average daily net assets of the respective Portfolio of HR 
         Trust. The maximum investment advisory fees, however, cannot be 
         increased without a vote of that Portfolio's shareholders. The other 
         direct operating expenses will also fluctuate from year to year 
         depending on actual expenses. See "HR Trust Charges to Portfolios" 
         in Part 7. 
  (7)    The Class IB shares of EQ Trust are subject to fees imposed under a 
         distribution plan (herein, the "Rule 12b-1 Plan") adopted by EQ 
         Trust pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 
         1940, as amended. The Rule 12b-1 Plan provides that EQ Trust, on 
         behalf of each Portfolio, may pay annually up to 0.25% of the 
         average daily net assets of a Portfolio attributable to its Class IB 
         shares in respect of activities primarily intended to result in the 
         sale of the Class IB shares. The 12b-1 fee may be increased only by 
         action of the Board of Trustees of EQ Trust up to a maximum of 0.50% 
         per annum. 
  (8)    "Other Expenses" shown are based on estimated amounts (after expense 
         waiver or limitation) for the current fiscal year, as EQ Trust 
         commenced operations on May 1, 1997. The maximum investment advisory 
         fees cannot be increased without a vote of that Portfolio's 
         shareholders. The other direct operating expenses will fluctuate 
         from year to year depending on actual expenses, but pursuant to 
         agreement, cannot together with other fees specified exceed the 
         total annual expenses specified. See "EQ Trust Charges to 
         Portfolios" in Part 7. 
    

                                4           
<PAGE>
   
EXAMPLES 
- --------

The examples below show the expenses that a hypothetical Certificate Owner 
would pay in the two situations noted below assuming a $1,000 contribution 
invested in one of the Investment Funds listed, and a 5% annual return on 
assets.(1) The annual contract fee was computed based on an initial 
contribution of $10,000. 

These examples should not be considered a representation of past or future 
expenses for each Investment Fund or Portfolio. Actual expenses may be 
greater or less than those shown. Similarly, the annual rate of return 
assumed in the examples is not an estimate or guarantee of future investment 
performance. 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 IF YOU SURRENDER YOUR CERTIFICATE AT THE END OF EACH PERIOD SHOWN, THE EXPENSES 
WOULD BE: 
                                           1 YEAR   3 YEARS   5 YEARS   10 YEARS 
                                          -------- --------- --------- ---------- 
<S>                                        <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
  HR TRUST
  -------- 
  Alliance Conservative Investors           $ 90.26   $120.46   $153.06   $262.23 
  Alliance Growth Investors                   90.65    121.66    155.07    266.33 
  Alliance Growth Income                      90.75    121.96    155.58    267.36 
  Alliance Common Stock                       88.86    116.24    145.96    247.74 
  Alliance Global                             92.05    125.87    162.12    280.56 
  Alliance International                      95.53    136.32    179.54    315.32 
  Alliance Aggressive Stock                   90.55    121.35    154.55    265.29 
  Alliance Small Cap Growth                   94.73    133.93        --        -- 
  Alliance Money Market                       88.67    115.65    144.95    245.67 
  Alliance Intermediate Government Securities 90.65    121.66    155.07    266.33 
  Alliance High Yield                         91.35    123.77    158.60    273.47 
  EQ TRUST 
  --------                                 
  EQ/Putnam Balanced                        $ 93.74   $130.95        --        -- 
  EQ/Putnam Growth & Income Value             93.24    129.45        --        -- 
  MFS Emerging Growth Companies               93.24    129.45        --        -- 
  MFS Research                                93.24    129.45        --        -- 
  Merrill Lynch Basic Value Equity            93.24    129.45        --        -- 
  Merrill Lynch World Strategy                96.72    139.88        --        -- 
  Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Equity     102.19    156.12        --        -- 
  T. Rowe Price Equity Income                 93.24    129.45        --        -- 
  T. Rowe Price International Stock           96.72    139.88        --        -- 
  Warburg Pincus Small Company Value          94.73    133.93        --        -- 
</TABLE>
    
  ----------
  * See footnote on next page. 


                                5           

<PAGE>

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
IF YOU DO NOT SURRENDER YOUR CERTIFICATE AT THE END OF EACH PERIOD SHOWN, 
THE EXPENSES WOULD BE: 
                                   1 YEAR   3 YEARS   5 YEARS   10 YEARS 
                                  -------- --------- --------- ---------- 
<S>                                 <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>
HR TRUST 
- --------                            
Alliance Conservative Investors      $24.38   $ 74.85   $127.74   $265.82 
Alliance Growth 
 Investors                            24.77     76.04    129.75    269.91 
Alliance Growth & 
 Income                               24.87     76.34    130.25    270.93 
Alliance Common Stock                 22.98     70.63    120.64    251.32 
Alliance Global                       26.17     80.25    136.79    284.15 
Alliance International                29.65     90.70    154.21    318.91 
Alliance Aggressive Stock             24.67     75.74    129.24    268.88 
Alliance Small Cap Growth             28.85     88.31        --        -- 
Alliance Money Market                 22.79     70.02    119.62    249.24 
Alliance Intermediate Government 
 Securities                           24.77     76.04    129.75    269.91 
Alliance High Yield                   25.47     78.15    133.28    277.06 

EQ TRUST 
- --------                            
EQ/Putnam Balanced                   $27.86   $ 85.34        --        -- 
EQ/Putnam Growth & Income Value       27.36     83.84        --        -- 
MFS Emerging Growth Companies         27.36     83.84        --        -- 
MFS Research                          27.36     83.84        --        -- 
Merrill Lynch Basic 
 Value Equity                         27.36     83.84        --        -- 
Merrill Lynch World Strategy          30.84     94.26        --        -- 
Morgan Stanley 
 Emerging Markets Equity              36.31    110.50        --        -- 
T. Rowe Price Equity Income           27.36     83.84        --        -- 
T. Rowe Price International Stock     30.84     94.26        --        -- 
Warburg Pincus Small Company Value    28.85     88.31        --        -- 
</TABLE>
- ------------ 
Notes: 
(1)    The amount accumulated from the $1,000 contribution could not be paid 
       in the form of an annuity at the end of any of the periods shown in the 
       examples. If the amount applied to purchase an annuity is less than 
       $2,000, or the initial payment is less than $20 we may pay the amount 
       to the payee in a single sum instead of as payments under an annuity 
       form. See "Income Annuity Options" in Part 6. The examples do not 
       reflect charges for applciable taxes such as state or local premium 
       taxes that may also be deducted in certain jurisdictions. 
    

                                6           
<PAGE>
   
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION 
    

  ACCUMULATION UNIT VALUES 

  Equitable Life commenced the offering of the Certificates on May 1, 1995. 
  The following table shows the Accumulation Unit Values, as of May 1, 1995 
  and the last Business Day for the periods shown. There are no Accumulation 
  Unit Values for Alliance Small Cap Growth, Alliance High Yield and the 
  Investment Funds investing in Class IB shares of EQ Trust Portfolios as 
  such Investment Funds were not available prior to the date of this 
  supplement. 

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            LAST BUSINESS DAY OF 
                                      ------------------------------- 
                          MAY 1, 1995   DECEMBER 1995   DECEMBER 1996   MARCH 1997 
                        ------------- --------------- --------------- ------------ 
 <S>                     <C>            <C>             <C>            <C>
 Alliance Conservative 
  Investors               $ 14.647383    $ 16.549050     $ 17.209382     17.009080 
 Alliance Growth 
  Investors                 20.073331      23.593613       26.260729     25.712963 
 Alliance Growth & 
  Income                    10.376155      11.989601       14.231408     14.317214 
 Alliance Common 
  Stock                    102.335691     124.519251      152.955877    147.037726 
 Alliance Global            19.478146      22.293921       25.253538     24.366634 
 Alliance International     10.125278      11.033925       11.976127     11.827319 
 Alliance Aggressive 
  Stock                     44.025496      54.591448       65.938687     64.279288 
 Alliance Money Market      23.150932      23.830754       24.810781     25.046934 
 Alliance Intermediate 
  Govt. Securities          12.498213      13.424767       11.976127     13.741339 
 Alliance High Yield        19.578616      21.602062       26.238452     26.305394 
</TABLE>
    

ON PAGE 9, UNDER THE HEADING "TRANSFERS," DELETE THE SECOND SENTENCE. 

ON PAGE 10, UNDER THE HEADING "IRA ASSURED PAYMENT OPTION," DELETE THE THIRD 
PARAGRAPH. 

ON PAGE 12, UNDER THE HEADING "EQUITABLE LIFE," 

  REPLACE THE THIRD SENTENCE OF THE FIRST PARAGRAPH WITH THE FOLLOWING 
  SENTENCE: 

  Our home office is located at 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New 
  York 10104. 

  REPLACE THE SECOND AND THIRD PARAGRAPHS WITH THE FOLLOWING PARAGRAPHS: 

   
  Equitable Life is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Equitable Companies 
  Incorporated (the Holding Company). The largest shareholder of the Holding 
  Company is AXA-UAP (AXA). As of December 31, 1996, AXA beneficially owned 
  63.8% of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Holding Company 
  (assuming conversion of convertible preferred stock held by AXA). Under its 
  investment arrangements with Equitable Life and the Holding Company, AXA is 
  able to exercise significant influence over the operations and capital 
  structure of the Holding Company and its subsidiaries, including Equitable 
  Life. AXA, a French company, is the holding company for an international 
  group of insurance and related financial service companies. 
    

  Equitable Life, the Holding Company and their subsidiaries managed 
  approximately $239.8 billion of assets as of December 31, 1996. 

ON PAGES 12 AND 13, REPLACE THE HEADING "THE TRUST" WITH "HR TRUST" AND ADD 
THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE AFTER THE FIFTH SENTENCE OF THE FIRST PARAGRAPH: 

  Investment Funds that invest in Portfolios of HR Trust purchase Class IA 
  shares of a corresponding Portfolio of HR Trust. 

                                7           
<PAGE>


ON PAGE 13, UNDER THE HEADING "THE TRUST'S INVESTMENT ADVISER" AND IN THE 
FIRST SENTENCE OF THE PARAGRAPH UNDER THE HEADING REPLACE "THE TRUST" WITH 
"HR TRUST." 

  IN THE FIRST PARAGRAPH OF THIS SECTION REPLACE THE THIRD SENTENCE WITH THE 
  FOLLOWING SENTENCE: 

  On December 31, 1996, Alliance was managing approximately $182.8 billion in 
  assets. 

  DELETE THE SECOND PARAGRAPH. 

ON PAGE 13, INSERT THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS AFTER THE LAST PARAGRAPH: 

  EQ TRUST 

   
  EQ Trust is an open-end management investment company. As a "series type" 
  of mutual fund, EQ Trust issues different series of stock, each of which 
  relates to a different Portfolio of EQ Trust. EQ Trust commenced operations 
  on May 1, 1997. EQ Trust does not impose a sales charge or "load" for 
  buying and selling it shares. All dividend distributions to EQ Trust are 
  reinvested in full and fractional shares of the Portfolio to which they 
  relate. Investment Funds that invest in Portfolios of EQ Trust purchase 
  Class IB shares of a corresponding Portfolio of EQ Trust. More detailed 
  information about EQ Trust, its investment objectives, policies and 
  restrictions, risks, expenses, the Rule 12b-1 Plan relating to the Class IB 
  shares, and all other aspects of its operations appears in its prospectus 
  which accompanies this supplement and in its statement of additional 
  information. 
    

  EQ TRUST'S MANAGER AND ADVISERS 

   
  EQ Trust is managed by EQ Financial Consultants, Inc. (EQ Financial) which, 
  subject to supervision and direction of the Trustees of EQ Trust, has 
  overall responsibility for the general management of EQ Trust. EQ Financial 
  is an investment adviser registered under the 1940 Act, and a broker-dealer 
  registered under the Exchange Act. EQ Financial is a Delaware corporation 
  and an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Equitable Life. 
    

  EQ Financial's main office is located at 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New 
  York, NY 10104. 

   
  EQ Financial has entered into investment advisory agreements with Putnam 
  Investments, Massachusetts Financial Services Company, Merrill Lynch Asset 
  Management, L.P., Morgan Stanley Asset Management, Inc., T. Rowe Price 
  Associates, Inc. and Rowe Price-Fleming International, Inc. and Warburg, 
  Pincus Counsellors, Inc., each of which serve as advisers to EQ/Putnam, 
  MFS, Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, T. Rowe Price, and Warburg Pincus 
  Portfolios, respectively, of EQ Trust. 

ON PAGE 14, UNDER THE HEADING "INVESTMENT POLICIES AND OBJECTIVES OF THE 
TRUST'S PORTFOLIOS" 

  ADD THE FOLLOWING SENTENCES TO THE END OF THE FIRST PARAGRAPH: 
    

  Set forth below is a summary of the investment policies and objectives of 
  each Portfolio. This summary is qualified in its entirely by reference to 
  the prospectus for HR Trust and EQ Trust both of which accompany this 
  supplement. Please read the prospectuses for each of the trusts carefully 
  before investing. 

  DELETE THE DESCRIPTION OF "AGGRESSIVE STOCK" AND INSERT THE FOLLOWING 
  DESCRIPTIONS: 

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                    <C>                                                      <C>
 Alliance Aggressive    Primarily common stocks and other equity-type securities Long-term growth of 
 Stock                  issued by quality small and intermediate sized companies capital 
                        with strong growth prospects and in covered options on 
                        those securities.
 
Alliance Small Cap      Primarily U.S. common stocks and other equity type       Long-term growth of 
 Growth                 securities issued by smaller companies with favorable    capital 
                        growth prospects.
 
Alliance High Yield     Primarily a diversified mix of high yield, fixed-income  High return by 
                        securities involving greater volatility of price and     maximizing current 
                        risk of principal and income than high quality           income and, to the 
                        fixed-income securities. The medium and lower quality    extent consistent with 
                        debt securities in which the Portfolio may invest are    that objective, capital 
                        known as "junk bonds."                                   appreciation 
</TABLE>
    

                                8           
<PAGE>


  INSERT THE FOLLOWING DESCRIPTIONS AFTER THE DESCRIPTION OF "INTERMEDIATE 
  GOVERNMENT SECURITIES:" 

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                      <C>                                                       <C>
 EQ/Putnam Balanced       A well-diversified portfolio of stocks and bonds that     Balanced investment 
                          will produce both capital growth and current income.
 
EQ/Putnam Growth &        Primarily common stocks that offer potential for          Capital growth and, 
 Income Value             capital growth, consistent with the Portfolios'           secondarily, current 
                          investment objective, common stocks that offer            income 
                          potential for current income.
 
MFS Emerging Growth       Primarily (i.e., at lest 80% of its assets uder normal    Long-term growth of 
 Companies                circumstances) in common stocks of emerging growth        capital 
                          companies that the Portfolio adviser believes are early 
                          in their life cycle but which have the potential to 
                          become major enterprises.
 
MFS Research              A substantial portion of assets invested in common        Long-term growth of 
                          stock or securities convertible into common stock of      capital and future 
                          companies believed by the Portfolio adviser to possess    income 
                          better than average prospects for long-term growth.
 
Merrill Lynch Basic       Investment in securities, primarily equities, that the    Capital appreciation 
 Value Equity             Portfolio adviser believes are undervalued and            and, secondarily, income 
                          therefore represent basic investment value.
 
Merrill Lynch World       Investment primarily in a portfolio of equity and fixed   High total investment 
 Strategy                 income securities, including convertible securities of    return 
                          U.S. and foreign issuers.
 
Morgan Stanley Emerging   Primarily equity securities of emerging market country    Long-term capital 
 Markets Equity*          (i.e. foreign) issuers.                                   appreciation
                                                
T. Rowe Price Equity      Primarily dividend paying common stocks of established    Substantial dividend 
 Income                   companies.                                                income and also capital 
                                                                                    appreciation
 
T. Rowe Price             Primarily common stocks of established non-United         Long-term growth of 
 International Stock      States companies.                                         capital
 
Warburg Pincus Small      Primarily in a portfolio of equity securities of small    Long-term capital 
 Company Value            capitalization companies (i.e., companies having market   appreciation 
                          capitalizations of $1 billion or less at the time of 
                          initial purchase) that the Portfolio adviser considers 
                          to be relatively undervalued. 
</TABLE>
- ------------ 
* Will be available on or about September 2, 1997. 
    

                                9           
<PAGE>

ON PAGE 15, REPLACE THE FIRST AND SECOND PARAGRAPHS WITH THE FOLLOWING 
PARAGRAPHS: 

   
  This Part presents performance data for each of the Investment Funds 
  included in the tables below. The performance data were calculated by two 
  methods. The first method presented in the tables under "SEC Standardized 
  Performance Data," reflects all applicable fees and charges, including the 
  guaranteed minimum death benefit charge, but not the charges for any 
  applicable taxes such as premium taxes. 

  The second method presented in the tables under "Rate of Return Data for 
  Investment Funds," also reflects all applicable fees and charges, but does 
  not reflect the distribution fee, the withdrawal charge, the guaranteed 
  minimum death benefit charge, the annual contract fee or the charge for tax 
  such as premium taxes. These additional charges would effectively reduce 
  the rates of return credited to a particular Certificate. 
    

  HR Trust Portfolios 

   
  The performance data shown for the Investment Funds investing in Class IA 
  shares of HR Trust Portfolios (other than the Alliance Small Cap Growth 
  Portfolio which commenced operations on May 1, 1997), are based on the 
  actual investment results of the Portfolios and have been adjusted for the 
  fees and charges applicable under the Certificates. 
    

  The performance data for the Alliance Money Market and Alliance Common 
  Stock Investment Funds that invest in corresponding HR Trust Portfolios, 
  for periods prior to March 22, 1985, reflect the investment results of two 
  open-end management separate accounts (the "predecessor separate accounts") 
  which were reorganized in unit investment trust form. The "Since inception" 
  figures for these Investment Funds are based on the date of inception of 
  the predecessor separate accounts. These performance data have been 
  adjusted to reflect the maximum investment advisory fee payable for the 
  corresponding Portfolio of HR Trust, as well as an assumed charge of 0.06% 
  for direct operating expenses. 

  EQ Trust Portfolios 

   
  The Investment Funds of the Separate Account that invest in Class IB shares 
  of Portfolios of EQ Trust have only recently been established and no 
  Certificates funded by those Investment Funds have been issued as of the 
  date of this supplement. EQ Trust commenced operations on May 1, 1997. 
  Therefore, no actual historical performance data for any of these 
  Portfolios are available. In this connection, see the discussion 
  immediately following the tables below. 

REPLACE THE HEADING "PERFORMANCE DATA FOR A CERTIFICATE" WITH "STANDARDIZED 
PERFORMANCE DATA." 
    

  IN THE FIRST SENTENCE OF THE THIRD PARAGRAPH UNDER THIS HEADING CHANGE THE 
  DATE FROM "DECEMBER 31, 1995" TO "DECEMBER 31, 1996." 

                               10           
<PAGE>
   
ON PAGES 15 AND 16, REPLACE THE TABLES AND FOOTNOTES WITH THE FOLLOWING 
TABLES AND FOOTNOTES: 

                        STANDARDIZED PERFORMANCE DATA 
        AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN UNDER A CERTIFICATE SURRENDERED ON 
                              DECEMBER 31, 1996 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          LENGTH OF INVESTMENT PERIOD 
                               ----------------------------------------------- 
           INVESTMENT              ONE     THREE   FIVE     TEN       SINCE 
              FUND                YEAR     YEARS   YEARS   YEARS    INCEPTION* 
           ----------          --------- ------- ------- -------- ------------ 
<S>                              <C>      <C>     <C>     <C>        <C>
Alliance Conservative 
 Investors                        (3.31)%   3.35%   4.99%     --       6.44% 
Alliance Growth Investors          4.00     8.01    8.46      --      12.30 
Alliance Growth & Income          11.40    10.76      --      --       7.80 
Alliance Common Stock             15.54    14.03   13.45   14.02%     13.53 
Alliance Global                    5.98     9.51   11.24      --       9.12 
Alliance International             1.24       --      --      --       6.16 
Alliance Aggressive Stock         13.49    12.44    9.50   16.78      18.25 
Alliance Money Market             (3.19)    1.66    1.94    4.12       5.38 
Alliance Intermediate Govt. 
 Securities                       (4.73)    0.58    3.25      --       4.66 
Alliance High Yield               14.16     9.46   12.42      --       9.57 
</TABLE>
    

   
                        STANDARDIZED PERFORMANCE DATA 
    GROWTH OF $1,000 UNDER A CERTIFICATE SURRENDERED ON DECEMBER 31, 1996 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          LENGTH OF INVESTMENT PERIOD 
                               ----------------------------------------------- 
           INVESTMENT             ONE    THREE     FIVE     TEN       SINCE 
              FUND               YEAR    YEARS    YEARS    YEARS    INCEPTION* 
           ----------          ------- -------- -------- -------- ------------ 
<S>                            <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>
Alliance Conservative 
 Investors                      $  967   $1,104   $1,275       --    $ 1,647 
Alliance Growth Investors        1,040    1,260    1,501       --      2,529 
Alliance Growth & Income         1,114    1,359       --       --      1,350 
Alliance Common Stock            1,155    1,483    1,880   $3,713     14,359 
Alliance Global                  1,060    1,313    1,703       --      2,394 
Alliance International           1,012       --       --       --      1,127 
Alliance Aggressive Stock        1,135    1,422    1,574    4,718      6,319 
Alliance Money Market              968    1,051    1,101    1,497      2,314 
Alliance Intermediate Govt. 
 Securities                        953    1,018    1,173       --      1,314 
Alliance High Yield              1,142    1,312    1,795       --      2,494 
</TABLE>
- ------------ 
 * The "Since Inception" dates for the Portfolios of HR Trust are as follows: 
   Alliance Conservative Investors (October 2, 1989); Alliance Growth 
   Investors (October 2, 1989); Alliance Growth & Income (October 1, 1993); 
   Alliance Common Stock (January 13, 1976); Alliance Global (August 27, 
   1987); Alliance International (April 3, 1995); Alliance Aggressive Stock 
   (January 27, 1986); Alliance Small Cap Growth (May 1, 1997); Alliance 
   Money Market (July 13, 1981); Alliance Intermediate Government Securities 
   (April 1, 1991); an Alliance High Yield (January 2, 1987). 

ON PAGE 16, INSERT THE FOLLOWING PARAGRAPHS BEFORE THE "RATE OF RETURN DATA 
FOR INVESTMENT FUNDS" SECTION: 

     Additional investment performance information appears in the attached HR 
    Trust and EQ Trust prospectuses. 

     The Alliance Small Cap Growth Portfolio of HR Trust commenced operations 
    on May 1, 1997. Therefore, no actual historical performance data are 
    available. However, historical performance of a composite of six other 
    advisory accounts managed by Alliance is described in the attached HR 
    Trust prospectus. According to that prospectus, these accounts have 
    substantially the same investment objectives and policies, and are managed 
    in accordance with essentially the same investment strategies and 
    techniques, as those of the Alliance Small Cap Growth Portfolio. It should 
    be noted that these accounts are not subject to certain of the 
    requirements and restrictions to which the Alliance Small Cap 

                               11           
    
<PAGE>
   
    Growth Portfolio is subject and that they are managed for tax exempt 
    clients of Alliance, who may have different investment goals. The 
    investment performance information included in the HR Trust prospectus for 
    all Portfolios other than the Alliance Small Cap Portfolio is based on 
    actual historical performance. 

     The investment performance data for HR Trust's Alliance Small Cap 
    Portfolio and for each of the Portfolios of EQ Trust, contained in the HR 
    Trust and the EQ Trust prospectuses, are provided by those prospectuses to 
    illustrate the past performance of each respective Portfolio adviser in 
    managing a substantially similar investment vehicles as measured against 
    specified market indices and do not represent the past or future 
    performance of any Portfolio. None of the performance data contained in 
    the HR Trust and EQ Trust prospectuses reflects fees and charges imposed 
    under your Certificate, which fees and charges would reduce such 
    performance figures. Therefore, the performance data for each of the 
    Portfolios described in the EQ Trust prospectus and for the Alliance Small 
    Cap Portfolio in the HR Trust prospectus may be of limited use and are not 
    intended to be a substitute for actual performance of the corresponding 
    Portfolios, nor are such results an estimate or guarantee of future 
    performance for these Portfolios. 

ON PAGE 17, INSERT THE FOLLOWING SECTION UNDER THE HEADING "PORTFOLIO 
INCEPTION DATES AND COMPARATIVE BENCHMARKS:" 

   ALLIANCE HIGH YIELD: January 2, 1987; Merrill Lynch High Yield Master 
Index. 

ON PAGES 17, 18 AND 19, REPLACE THE TABLES AND FOOTNOTES WITH THE FOLLOWING 
TABLES AND FOOTNOTES: 

ANNUALIZED RATES OF RETURN FOR PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996:* 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             SINCE 
                             1 YEAR   3 YEARS   5 YEARS   10 YEARS   15 YEARS   20 YEARS   INCEPTION 
                            -------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------- 
<S>                         <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
ALLIANCE CONSERVATIVE 
 INVESTORS                    3.99%     5.47%     6.08%       --         --         --        7.77% 
 Lipper Income                8.95      8.91      9.55        --         --         --        9.55 
 Benchmark                    8.78     10.14      9.64        --         --         --       10.42 
ALLIANCE GROWTH 
 INVESTORS                   11.30     10.00      9.48        --         --         --       14.23 
 Lipper Flexible Portfolio   12.51      9.26      9.30        --         --         --        9.99 
 Benchmark                   16.94     15.84     13.02        --         --         --       12.73 
ALLIANCE GROWTH & 
 INCOME                      18.70     12.69        --        --         --         --       11.47 
 Lipper Growth & Income      19.96     15.39        --        --         --         --       14.78 
 Benchmark                   21.28     17.93        --        --         --         --       17.24 
ALLIANCE COMMON STOCK        22.84     15.87     14.39     14.49%     15.17%     14.17%      13.90 
  Lipper Growth              18.78     14.80     12.39     13.08      14.04      13.60       13.42 
  Benchmark                  22.96     19.66     15.20     15.28      16.79      14.55       14.63 
ALLIANCE GLOBAL              13.28     11.44     12.19        --         --         --       10.43 
  Lipper Global              17.89      8.49     10.29        --         --         --        3.65 
  Benchmark                  13.48     12.91     10.82        --         --         --        7.44 
ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL        8.54        --        --        --         --         --       10.90 
  Lipper International       13.36        --        --        --         --         --       14.33 
  Benchmark                   6.05        --        --        --         --         --        8.74 
ALLIANCE Aggressive Stock    20.79     14.33     10.55     17.24         --         --       18.79 
  Lipper Small Company 
    Growth                   16.55     12.70     17.53     16.29         --         --       16.47 
  Benchmark                  17.85     14.14     14.80     14.29         --         --       13.98 
ALLIANCE MONEY MARKET         4.11      3.82      3.12      4.68       5.85         --        6.05 
  Lipper Money Market         3.82      3.60      2.93      4.52       5.72         --        5.89 
  Benchmark                   5.25      5.07      4.37      5.67       6.72         --        6.97 
ALLIANCE INTERMEDIATE 
 GOVERNMENT 
 SECURITIES                   2.57      2.80      4.38        --         --         --        5.75 
  Lipper Gen. U.S. 
    Government                1.57      3.99      5.21        --         --         --        6.76 
  Benchmark                   4.06      5.37      6.23        --         --         --        7.43 
ALLIANCE HIGH YIELD          21.46     11.43     13.34        --         --         --       10.13 
  Lipper High Yield          12.46      7.93     11.47        --         --         --        9.13 
  Benchmark                  11.06      9.59     12.76        --         --         --       11.24 
</TABLE>
    

                               12           
<PAGE>
   
CUMULATIVE RATES OF RETURN FOR PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996:* 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              SINCE 
                             1 YEAR   3 YEARS   5 YEARS   10 YEARS   15 YEARS   20 YEARS    INCEPTION 
                            -------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------- ----------- ----------- 
<S>                         <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>         <C>
ALLIANCE CONSERVATIVE 
 INVESTORS                    3.99%    17.34%    34.32%        --         --          --       72.02% 
 Lipper Income                8.95     29.47     58.37         --         --          --       94.21 
 Benchmark                    8.78     33.60     58.40         --         --          --      105.23 
ALLIANCE GROWTH 
 INVESTORS                   11.30     33.11     57.28         --         --          --      162.18 
 Lipper Flexible Portfolio   12.51     30.84     56.65         --         --          --      100.79 
 Benchmark                   16.94     55.46     84.42         --         --          --      138.49 
ALLIANCE GROWTH & 
 INCOME                      18.70     43.09        --         --         --          --       42.30 
 Lipper Growth & Income      19.96     53.82        --         --         --          --       56.73 
 Benchmark                   21.28     63.99        --         --         --          --       67.75 
ALLIANCE COMMON STOCK        22.84     55.58     95.88     287.01%    731.70%   1,314.86%   1,430.82 
  Lipper Growth              18.78     51.65     80.51     243.70     627.03    1,185.21    1,298.19 
  Benchmark                  22.96     71.34    102.85     314.34     925.25    1,416.26    1,655.74 
ALLIANCE GLOBAL              13.28     38.40     77.77         --         --          --      152.69 
  Lipper Global              17.89     28.45     63.87         --         --          --       39.73 
  Benchmark                  13.48     43.95     67.12         --         --          --       95.62 
ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL        8.54        --        --         --         --          --       19.76 
  Lipper International       13.36        --        --         --         --          --       26.53 
  Benchmark                   6.05        --        --         --         --          --       15.78 
ALLIANCE Aggressive Stock    20.79     49.45     65.10     390.47         --          --      556.42 
  Lipper Small Company 
    Growth                   16.55     43.42    142.70     352.31         --          --      428.32 
  Benchmark                  17.85     46.89     99.38     280.32         --          --      318.19 
ALLIANCE MONEY MARKET         4.11     11.90     16.59      58.03     134.78          --      148.19 
  Lipper Money Market         3.82     11.18     15.58      55.73     130.46          --      141.99 
  Benchmark                   5.25     15.99     23.86      73.61     165.31          --      184.26 
ALLIANCE INTERMEDIATE 
 GOVERNMENT 
 SECURITIES                   2.57      8.63     23.89         --         --          --       37.89 
  Lipper Gen. U.S. 
    Government                1.57     12.45     28.92         --         --          --       45.71 
  Benchmark                   4.06     16.98     35.30         --         --          --       51.07 
ALLIANCE HIGH YIELD          21.46     38.37     87.00         --         --          --      162.38 
  Lipper High Yield          12.46     25.77     72.39         --         --          --      142.30 
  Benchmark                  11.06     31.63     82.29         --         --          --      190.43 
</TABLE>
    

 *    See footnotes on next page. 

                               13           
<PAGE>
YEAR-BY-YEAR RATES OF RETURN* 

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   1984      1985     1986     1987      1988    1989 
                 --------- -------- -------- --------- -------- ------- 
<S>             <C>       <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>
ALLIANCE 
 CONSERVATIVE 
 INVESTORS           --       --       --       --        --      2.79% 
ALLIANCE GROWTH 
 INVESTORS           --       --       --       --        --      3.53 
ALLIANCE GROWTH 
 & INCOME            --       --       --       --        --       -- 
ALLIANCE COMMON 
 STOCK**           (3.09)%  31.91%   16.02%     6.21%   21.03%   24.16 
ALLIANCE GLOBAL      --       --       --     (13.62)    9.61    25.29 
ALLIANCE 
 INTERNATIONAL       --       --       --       --        --       -- 
ALLIANCE 
 AGGRESSIVE 
 STOCK               --       --     33.83      6.06    (0.03)   41.86 
ALLIANCE MONEY 
 MARKET**           9.59     6.91     5.39      5.41     6.09     7.93 
ALLIANCE 
 INTERMEDIATE 
 GOVERNMENT 
 SECURITIES          --       --       --       --        --       -- 
ALLIANCE 
 HIGH YIELD          --       --       --       3.49     8.48     3.93 
</TABLE>
    

                    (RESTUBBED TABLE CONTINUED FROM ABOVE) 

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   1990     1991     1992     1993     1994      1995    1996 
                 -------- -------- -------- -------- --------- -------- ------- 
<S>             <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>
ALLIANCE 
 CONSERVATIVE 
 INVESTORS         5.14%   18.51%    4.50%    9.54%    (5.20)%  19.02%    3.99% 
ALLIANCE GROWTH 
 INVESTORS         9.39    47.19     3.69    13.95     (4.27)   24.92    11.30 
ALLIANCE GROWTH 
 & INCOME           --       --       --     (0.55)    (1.72)   22.65    18.70 
ALLIANCE COMMON 
 STOCK**          (9.17)   36.30     2.03    23.39     (3.26)   30.93    22.84 
ALLIANCE GLOBAL   (7.15)   29.06    (1.65)   30.60      4.02    17.45    13.28 
ALLIANCE 
 INTERNATIONAL      --       --       --       --        --     10.34     8.54 
ALLIANCE 
 AGGRESSIVE 
 STOCK             6.92    84.73    (4.28)   15.41     (4.92)   30.13    20.79 
ALLIANCE MONEY 
 MARKET**          6.99     4.97     2.37     1.78      2.82     4.53     4.11 
ALLIANCE 
 INTERMEDIATE 
 GOVERNMENT 
 SECURITIES         --     11.30     4.38     9.27     (5.47)   12.03     2.57 
ALLIANCE 
 HIGH YIELD       (2.26)   23.03    11.02    21.74     (3.90)   18.54    21.46 
</TABLE>
- ------------ 
 *     Returns do not reflect the distribution fee, the withdrawal charge, the 
       guaranteed minimum death benefit charge, the annual contract fee and 
       any charge for tax such as premium taxes. 
**     Prior to 1984 the Year-by-Year Rates of Return were:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                   1976   1977    1978   1979   1980   1981    1982   1983 
<S>                               <C>   <C>      <C>   <C>     <C>   <C>     <C>     <C>
        ALLIANCE COMMON STOCK      8.20% (10.28)% 6.99% 28.35% 48.39% (6.94)% 16.22% 24.67% 
        ALLIANCE MONEY MARKET        --      --     --     --     --   5.71   11.72   7.70% 
</TABLE>
    

                               14           
<PAGE>
ON PAGE 27, UNDER THE HEADING "TRANSFERS AMONG INVESTMENT OPTIONS," DELETE 
THE FIRST BULLETED PARAGRAPH. 

ON PAGE 28, UNDER THE HEADING "DOLLAR COST AVERAGING." 

  REPLACE THE FIRST SENTENCE IN THE FIRST PARAGRAPH WITH THE FOLLOWING 
  SENTENCE. 

  If you have at least $10,000 of Annuity Account Value in the Alliance Money 
  Market Fund, you may choose to have a specified dollar amount or percentage 
  of your Annuity Account Value transferred from the Alliance Money Market 
  Fund to other Investment Funds on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis. 

  REPLACE THE SECOND AND THIRD SENTENCES IN THE SECOND PARAGRAPH WITH THE 
  FOLLOWING SENTENCES. 

  The minimum amount that may be transferred on each Transaction Date is 
  $250. The maximum amount which may be transferred is equal to the Annuity 
  Account Value in the Alliance Money Market Fund at the time the option is 
  elected, divided by the number of transfers scheduled to made each Contract 
  Year. 

   
ON PAGE 29, INSERT THE FOLLOWING SECTION BEFORE THE "CASH VALUE" SECTION: 

  GUARANTEED MINIMUM INCOME BENEFIT (GMIB) 

  When you elect the IRA Assured Payment Option discussed in Part 6 of the 
  prospectus, the GMIB provides a minimum amount of guaranteed lifetime 
  income under such option. On the Transaction Date, the amount of the 
  periodic lifetime income to be provided will be based on the greater of (i) 
  the Annuity Account Value in the Investment Funds and (ii) an amount equal 
  to the GMDB (without regard to the seventh Contract Year reset) described 
  above, reduced by any remaining withdrawal charges; each divided by 
  "guaranteed maximum annuity purchase rates" under the Certificate. The 
  guaranteed maximum annuity purchase rates are based on (i) interest at 2.5% 
  if the GMIB is exercised within 30 days following a Contract Date 
  anniversary in years 7 through 9 and at 3% if exercised within 30 days 
  following the 10th or later Contract Date anniversary, and (ii) mortality 
  based on the 1983 Individual Annuity Mortality Table "a" projected with 
  modified Scale G. The mortality table used in determining such annuity 
  purchase rates assumes that mortality will improve in the future and is 
  more conservative than the basis underlying current annuity purchase rates. 
  Your Annuity Account Value in the Investment Funds will depend on the 
  performance of such Funds. The amount equal to the GMDB (as discussed 
  above) does not have an Annuity Account Value or a Cash Value and is used 
  solely for purposes of calculating the GMIB. 

  If you have any Annuity Account Value in the Guaranteed Period Account as 
  of the Transaction Date that you exercise the GMIB, such Annuity Account 
  Value will also be applied (at current annuity purchase rates) toward 
  providing payments under the IRA Assured Payment Option. Such Annuity 
  Account Value will increase the payments provided by the GMIB. A market 
  value adjustment may apply. 

  When you exercise the GMIB, we automatically determine whether the 
  application of your Annuity Account Value in the Investment Funds at 
  current purchase rates under the IRA Assured Payment Option (with a fixed 
  period as specified below) would produce higher lifetime income, and if so, 
  the higher income will be provided. 

  In addition, you can elect any of our income annuity options at any time. 
  See "Income Annuity Options" in Part 6 of the prospectus. 

  The GMIB applies only if your election of the IRA Assured Payment Option 
  meets the following conditions: 

     o  The IRA Assured Payment Option is elected within 30 days following the 
        7th or later Contract Date anniversary; provided it is not elected 
        earlier than your age 60, nor later than age 83. 

                               15           
    
<PAGE>
   
     o  The fixed period you select is as indicated below, based on your age 
        at the time of election and the type of payments selected: 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
               LEVEL PAYMENTS 
               --------------                 
          AGE               FIXED PERIOD 
         -----             --------------   
    <S>                      <C>
     60 through 75            10 years 
     76 through 78        85 less your age 
     79 through 83            7 years 

            INCREASING PAYMENTS
            ------------------- 
          AGE               FIXED PERIOD 
         -----             -------------- 
     60 through 70            15 years 
     71 through 75            12 years 
     76 through 80            9 years 
     81 through 83            6 years 
</TABLE>
    

   
     o  Payments start one payment mode after the IRA Assured Payment Option 
        goes into effect. 

  Each year on your Contract Date anniversary, if you are eligible to 
  exercise the GMIB, we will send you a notice of how much income could be 
  provided under such option on the Contract Date anniversary. You may then 
  notify us within 30 days following the Contract Date anniversary if you 
  want to exercise the GMIB by submitting the proper form. The income to be 
  provided under the IRA Assured Payment Option will be determined on the 
  Transaction Date that we receive your request and, therefore, may differ 
  from the notice. It will be based on the GMIB as of such Transaction Date. 

  The GMDB, which relates to the Investment Funds, will no longer be in 
  effect if you elect the IRA Assured Payment Option. If you subsequently 
  terminate the IRA Assured Payment Option and have your Certificate operate 
  under the Rollover IRA rules, then the GMDB will go back into effect based 
  on your Annuity Account Value in the Investment Funds as of the Transaction 
  Date that the Rollover IRA goes into effect. 

  GMIB Charge 

  If you elect to have GMIB added to your Certificate, an additional 0.10% 
  charge will be applied against the GMDB for providing the GMIB. The charge 
  will be added as of the Processing Date following election of this benefit. 
  The combined GMDB/GMIB charge will be 0.30% of the GMDB in effect on each 
  Processing Date. 

ON PAGE 30, UNDER THE HEADING, "DISTRIBUTION OF THE CERTIFICATES," REPLACE 
THE FOURTH AND FIFTH SENTENCES OF THE FIRST PARAGRAPH WITH THE FOLLOWING TWO 
SENTENCES. 
    

  EDI's principal business address is 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, 
  New York 10104. EDI was paid a fee of $1,204,370 for 1996 and $126,914 for 
  1995 for its services under its "Distribution Agreement" with Equitable 
  Life and the Separate Account. 

   
ON PAGE 32, UNDER THE SUB-HEADING "PAYMENTS," DELETE THE SECOND PARAGRAPH. 

ON PAGE 41, DELETE THE SECTION WITH THE HEADING "TRUST CHARGES TO 
PORTFOLIOS," AND REPLACE WITH THE FOLLOWING SECTION. 
    

  HR TRUST CHARGES TO PORTFOLIOS 

  Investment advisory fees charged daily against HR Trust's assets, direct 
  operating expenses of HR Trust (such as trustees' fees, expenses of 
  independent auditors and legal counsel, bank and custodian charges and 
  liability insurance), and certain investment-related expenses of HR Trust 
  (such as brokerage commissions and other expenses related to the purchase 
  and sale of securities), are reflected in each Portfolio's daily share 
  price. The maximum investment advisory fees paid annually by the Portfolios 
  cannot be changed without a vote by shareholders. They are as follows: 

                               16           
<PAGE>
                           AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            FIRST           NEXT          NEXT          NEXT 
                                         $750 MILLION   $750 MILLION   $1 BILLION   $2.5 BILLION   THEREAFTER 
                                        -------------- -------------- ------------ -------------- ------------ 
<S>                                        <C>            <C>           <C>           <C>          <C>
Alliance Conservative Investors .......     0.475%         0.425%        0.375%        0.350%       0.325% 
Alliance Growth Investors..............     0.550%         0.500%        0.450%        0.425%       0.400% 
Alliance Growth & Income...............     0.550%         0.525%        0.500%        0.480%       0.470% 
Alliance Common Stock..................     0.475%         0.425%        0.375%        0.355%       0.345%* 
Alliance Global........................     0.675%         0.600%        0.550%        0.530%       0.520% 
Alliance International.................     0.900%         0.825%        0.800%        0.780%       0.770% 
Alliance Aggressive Stock..............     0.625%         0.575%        0.525%        0.500%       0.475% 
Alliance Small Cap Growth..............     0.900%         0.850%        0.825%        0.800%       0.775% 
Alliance Money Market..................     0.350%         0.325%        0.300%        0.280%       0.270% 
Alliance Intermediate Govt Securities       0.500%         0.475%        0.450%        0.430%       0.420% 
Alliance High Yield....................     0.600%         0.575%        0.550%        0.530%       0.520% 
</TABLE>
- ------------ 
* On assets in excess of $10 billion, the management fee for the Alliance 
  Common Stock Portfolio is reduced to 0.335% of average daily net assets. 

Investment advisory fees are established under HR Trust's investment advisory 
agreements between HR Trust and its investment adviser, Alliance. All of 
these fees and expenses are described more fully in the HR Trust prospectus. 

EQ TRUST CHARGES TO PORTFOLIOS 

   
Investment management fees charged daily against EQ Trust's assets, the 12b-1 
fee, other direct operating expenses of EQ Trust (such as trustees' fees, 
expenses of independent auditors and legal counsel, administrative service 
fees, custodian fees, and liability insurance), and certain 
investment-related expenses of EQ Trust (such as brokerage commissions and 
other expenses related to the purchase and sale of securities), are reflected 
in each Portfolio's daily share price. The investment management fees paid 
annually by the Portfolios cannot be changed without a vote by shareholders. 
They are as follows: 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS 
                                        ------------------------ 
<S>                                              <C>
EQ/Putnam Balanced.....................           0.55% 
EQ/Putnam Growth and Income Value .....           0.55% 
MFS Emerging Growth Companies..........           0.55% 
MFS Research...........................           0.55% 
Merrill Lynch Basic Value Equity ......           0.55% 
Merrill Lynch World Strategy...........           0.70% 
Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets 
 Equity................................           1.15% 
T. Rowe Price Equity Income............           0.55% 
T. Rowe Price International Stock .....           0.75% 
Warburg Pincus Small Company Value ....           0.75% 
</TABLE>
    

   
Investment management fees are established under EQ Trust's Investment 
Management Agreement between EQ Trust and its investment manager, EQ 
Financial. EQ Financial has entered into expense limitation agreements with 
EQ Trust, with respect to each Portfolio, pursuant to which EQ Financial has 
agreed to waive or limit its fees and total annual operating expenses 
(expressed as a percentage of the Portfolios' average daily net assets) to 
0.85% each for the EQ/Putnam Growth & Income Value, MFS Research, Merrill 
Lynch Basic Value Equity, T. Rowe Price Equity, and MFS Emerging Growth 
Companies Portfolios; 0.90% for the EQ/Putnam Balanced Portfolio; 1.00% for 
Warburg Pincus Small Company Value Portfolio; 1.20% each for T. Rowe Price 
International Stock and Merrill Lynch World Strategy Portfolios; and 1.75% 
for Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio. See the prospectus for 
EQ Trust for more information. 
    

The Rule 12b-1 Plan provides that EQ Trust, on behalf of each Portfolio, may 
pay annually up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of a Portfolio 
attributable to its Class IB shares in respect of activities primarily 
intended to result in the sale of the Class IB shares. The 12b-1 fees, which 
may be waived in the discretion of EDI, may be increased only by action of 
the Board of Trustees of EQ Trust up to a maximum of 0.50% per annum. All of 
these fees and expenses are described more fully in the EQ Trust prospectus. 

   
ON PAGE 43, UNDER THE HEADING "TRUST VOTING RIGHTS" 
    

 REPLACE THE FIRST SENTENCE OF THE SECOND PARAGRAPH WITH THE FOLLOWING 
  SENTENCE: 

  Because HR Trust is a Massachusetts business trust and EQ Trust is a 
  Delaware business trust, annual meetings are not required. 

                               17           
<PAGE>
   
ON PAGE 43, UNDER THE HEADING "VOTING RIGHTS OF OTHERS," REPLACE THE FIRST 
TWO SENTENCES OF THE PARAGRAPH WITH THE FOLLOWING SENTENCES: 
    

  Currently we control each trust. EQ Trust shares currently are sold only to 
  our separate accounts. HR Trust shares are hold by other separate accounts 
  of insurance companies affiliated and unaffiliated with us. 

   
ON PAGE 44, UNDER THE SUB-HEADING "CONTRIBUTIONS TO IRAS," REPLACE THE SECOND 
SENTENCE OF THE FOURTH PARAGRAPH WITH THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE: 
    

  If the individual's spouse does not work or elects to be treated as having 
  no compensation, the individual and the individual's spouse may contribute 
  up to $2,000 to individual retirement arrangements (but no more than $2,000 
  to any one individual retirement arrangement). 

   
ON PAGE 45, REPLACE THE SECOND SENTENCE OF THE FIFTH PARAGRAPH WITH THE 
FOLLOWING SENTENCE: 
    

  The deductible and nondeductible contributions to the individual's IRA (or 
  the nonworking spouse's IRA) may not, however, together exceed the maximum 
  $2,000 per person limit. 

   
ON PAGE 45, UNDER THE SUB-HEADING "EXCESS CONTRIBUTIONS," REPLACE THE LAST 
SENTENCE ON THIS PAGE WITH THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE: 
    

  If excess contributions are not withdrawn before the time for filing the 
  individual's Federal income tax return for the year (including extensions), 
  "regular" contributions may still be withdrawn after that time if the IRA 
  contribution for the tax year did not exceed $2,000 and no tax deduction 
  was taken for the excess contribution; in that event, the excess 
  contribution would not be includable in gross income and would not be 
  subject to the 10% penalty tax. 

   
ON PAGE 49, UNDER THE HEADING "PENALTY TAX ON EARLY DISTRIBUTIONS," ADD THE 
FOLLOWING SENTENCE AT THE END OF THE FIRST PARAGRAPH: 
    

  Also not subject to penalty tax are IRA distributions used to pay certain 
  extraordinary medical expenses or medical insurance premiums for defined 
  unemployed individuals. 

   
ON PAGE 49, UNDER THE HEADING "TAX PENALTY FOR EXCESS DISTRIBUTIONS OR 
ACCUMULATION," REPLACE THE TWO PARAGRAPHS WITH THE FOLLOWING PARAGRAPH: 
    

  A 15% excise tax is imposed on an individual's aggregate excess 
  distributions from all tax-favored retirement plans, including IRAs. The 
  excise tax is in addition to the ordinary income tax due, but is reduced by 
  the amount (if any) of the early distribution penalty tax imposed by the 
  Code. This tax is temporarily suspended for distributions to the individual 
  for the years 1997, 1998 and 1999. However, the excise tax continues to 
  apply for estate tax purposes. In certain cases the estate tax imposed on a 
  deceased individual's estate will be increased if the accumulated value of 
  the individual's interest in tax-favored retirement plans is excessive. The 
  aggregate accumulations will be subject to excise tax in 1997 if they 
  exceed the present value of a hypothetical life annuity paying $160,000 a 
  year. 

   
ON PAGE 49, UNDER THE HEADING "FEDERAL AND STATE INCOME TAX WITHHOLDING," 
REPLACE THE FOURTH SENTENCE OF THE THIRD PARAGRAPH WITH THE FOLLOWING 
SENTENCE: 
    

  For 1997, a recipient of periodic payments (e.g., monthly or annual 
  payments) which total less than a $14,400 taxable amount will generally be 
  exempt from Federal income tax withholding, unless the recipient specifies 
  a different choice of withholding exemptions. 

   
INSERT THE FOLLOWING APPENDIX AFTER PAGE 56 "APPENDIX V:" 
                          APPENDIX VI: GMIB EXAMPLES 

    The GMIB is equal to: 

       (A) the greater of 
           (i)  the Annuity Account Value in the Investment Funds, and 
           (ii) an amount equal to the GMDB (without regard to the seventh 
                Contract Year reset), reduced by any remaining withdrawal 
                charges; 
                divided by 

       (B) the guaranteed maximum annuity purchase rates. 
    

                               18           
<PAGE>
   
    The examples below assume a male age 60 has purchased the Rollover IRA 
    with an initial contribution of $100,000 that is allocated 100% to the 
    Investment Funds (excluding the Fixed Income Series). The GMDB (without 
    regard to the seventh Contract Year reset) in the 10th Contract Year is 
    $179,085 at 6% interest. Assuming hypothetical rates of return (after 
    deduction of charges) in the Investment Funds of 0% in Example 1 and 8% 
    in Example 2 during the 10 Contract Years, the GMIB in the 10th Contract 
    Year (assuming level payments under the IRA Assured Payment Option) would 
    be as follows: 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    EXAMPLE 1   EXAMPLE 2 
                                                   ----------- ----------- 
<S>                                                <C>         <C>
(1) Hypothetical Rate of Return ..................     0%          8% 
(2) Annuity Account Value as of the Contract Date   $100,000    $100,000 
(3) The greater of (i) the GMDB (without regard 
    to the seventh Contract Year reset) and (ii) 
    the Annuity Account Value as of the 10th 
    Contract Date anniversary ....................  $179,085    $215,892 
(4) Guaranteed Maximum Annuity 
    Purchase Rates for level payments under 
    the IRA Assured Payment Option ...............   $14.73      $14.73 
(5) GMIB as of 10th Contract Date 
    anniversary ((3) / (4)) ......................   $12,160     $14,659 
</TABLE>
    

   
    In Example 1, the GMDB (without regard to the seventh Contract Year 
    reset) which is higher than the Annuity Account Value would provide a 
    GMIB of $12,160. In Example 2, the Annuity Account Value, which at this 
    point is higher than the GMDB (without regard to the seventh Contract 
    Year reset), would provide a GMIB of $14,659. 

    The rates of return discussed above are for illustrative purposes only 
    and are not intended to represent an expected or guaranteed rate of 
    return. Your investment results will vary. The level of GMIB under the 
    IRA Assured Payment Option will also depend on the guaranteed maximum 
    annuity purchase rates as of the Transaction Date and the type of 
    payments selected. The examples assume no transfers or withdrawals, which 
    would affect the GMDB and, thus, the GMIB. 
    

                               19           
<PAGE>
                     STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 
                              TABLE OF CONTENTS 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>         <C>                                                    <C>
                                                                    PAGE 
                                                                    ----     
Part 1:     Minimum Distribution Withdrawals 
Part 2:     Accumulation Unit Values                                2 
Part 3:     Annuity Unit Values                                     2 
Part 4:     Custodian and Independent Accountants                   3 
Part 5:     Alliance Money Market Fund and Alliance Intermediate    3 
            Government Securities Fund Yield Information 
Part 6:     Long-Term Market Trends                                 4 
Part 7:     Financial Statements                                    6 
</TABLE>

   
                     HOW TO OBTAIN AN ACCUMULATOR STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL 
                     INFORMATION FOR SEPARATE ACCOUNT NO. 45 

                     Send this request form to: 
                               Equitable Life 
                               Income Management Group 
                               P.O. Box 1547 
                               Secaucus, NJ 07096-1547
 
                     Please send me a Rollover IRA SAI: 
                     (Supplement dated May 1, 1997 to Rollover IRA and Choice 
                     Income Plan Prospectus dated May 1, 1996)
 
                     --------------------------------------------------------- 
                     Name
 
                     --------------------------------------------------------- 
                     Address
 
                     --------------------------------------------------------- 
                     City                    State                    Zip 

    

<PAGE>
   
                       SUPPLEMENT DATED MAY 1, 1997 TO
                  ACCUMULATOR PROSPECTUS, DATED MAY 1, 1996
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

This supplement dated May 1, 1997, updates certain information in the
Accumulator prospectus of The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United
States (EQUITABLE LIFE), dated May 1, 1996. You should read this supplement in
conjunction with the prospectus. You should keep the supplement and the
prospectus for future reference. We have filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC) our statement of additional information (SAI) dated May 1,
1997. If you have previously received, but do not presently have, a copy of the
prospectus, you may obtain an additional copy of the prospectus, as well as a
copy of the SAI, from us, free of charge, if you write to Equitable Life,
Income Management Group, P.O. Box 1547, Secaucus, NJ 07096-1547, call (800)
789-7771 or if you only need a copy of the SAI, you may mail in the SAI request
form located at the end of the supplement. The SAI has been incorporated by
reference into this supplement.
    

In the supplement, each section of the prospectus in which a change has been
made is identified and the number of each prospectus page on which a change
occurs is also noted. Special terms used in the prospectus have the same
meaning in the supplement unless otherwise noted.

ON THE COVER PAGE OF THE PROSPECTUS, THE THIRD (INCLUDING THE CHART OF
INVESTMENT OPTIONS) AND FOURTH PARAGRAPHS ARE REPLACED BY THE FOLLOWING
PARAGRAPHS:

  The Accumulator offers investment options (INVESTMENT OPTIONS) that permit
  you to create your own strategies. These Investment Options include 21
  variable investment funds (INVESTMENT FUNDS) and each GUARANTEE PERIOD in the
  GUARANTEED PERIOD ACCOUNT.

  We invest each Investment Fund in Class IA shares of a corresponding
  portfolio (PORTFOLIO) of The Hudson River Trust (HR TRUST) or Class IB shares
  of a corresponding Portfolio of EQ Advisors Trust (EQ TRUST), mutual funds
  whose shares are purchased by separate accounts of insurance companies. The
  prospectuses for HR Trust and EQ Trust, both of which accompany this
  supplement, describe the investment objectives, policies and risks of the
  Portfolios.

                               INVESTMENT FUNDS

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 EQUITY SERIES
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DOMESTIC EQUITY                      INTERNATIONAL EQUITY                       AGGRESSIVE EQUITY
<S>                                  <C>                                        <C>
 Alliance Common Stock                Alliance Global                            Alliance Aggressive Stock
 Alliance Growth & Income             Alliance International                     Alliance Small Cap Growth
 EQ/Putnam Growth & Income Value      Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Equity     MFS Emerging Growth Companies
 MFS Research                         T. Rowe Price International Stock          Warburg Pincus Small Company Value
 Merrill Lynch Basic Value Equity
 T. Rowe Price Equity Income
 -----------------------------------  -----------------------------------------  -------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      ASSET ALLOCATION SERIES                                    FIXED INCOME SERIES
- ----------------------------------  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    AGGRESSIVE FIXED INCOME      DOMESTIC FIXED INCOME
<S>                                 <C>                          <C>
 Alliance Conservative Investors     Alliance High Yield          Alliance Intermediate Government Securities
 Alliance Growth Investors                                        Alliance Money Market
 EQ/Putnam Balanced
 Merrill Lynch World Strategy
 ---------------------------------   ---------------------------  ---------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

   
   THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE IS ADDED AT THE END OF THE FIFTH PARAGRAPH.
    

   The Guarantee Periods currently available have Expiration Dates of February
15 in years 1998 through 2007.

THROUGHOUT THE PROSPECTUS ANY REFERENCE TO THE INVESTMENT FUNDS AND GUARANTEE
PERIODS REFER TO THE INVESTMENT FUNDS AND GUARANTEE PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE.
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                 Copyright 1997
                  The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the
                    United States, New York, New York 10104.
                              All rights reserved.

<PAGE>
   
THROUGHOUT THE PROSPECTUS (EXCEPT WHERE OTHERWISE NOTED) THE REFERENCE TO
"TRUST" IS REPLACED BY "HR TRUST AND EQ TRUST."

ON PAGE 2, UNDER THE HEADING "INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE"
REPLACE THE ENTIRE SECTION WITH THE FOLLOWING SECTION:

    Equitable Life's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
  1996 is incorporated herein by reference.

    All documents or reports filed by Equitable Life pursuant to Section 13(a),
  13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
  (EXCHANGE ACT) after the date hereof and prior to the termination of the
  offering of the securities offered hereby shall be deemed to be incorporated
  by reference in the prospectus and the supplement and to be a part hereof
  from the date of filing of such documents. Any statement contained in a
  document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated herein by reference shall
  be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of the prospectus and the
  supplement to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other
  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 and
  superseded, to constitute a part of the prospectus and the supplement.
  Equitable Life files its Exchange Act documents and reports, including its
  annual and quarterly reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q, electronically
  pursuant to EDGAR under CIK No. 0000727920. The SEC maintains a web site that
  contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information
  regarding registrants that file electronically with the SEC. The address of
  the site is http://www.sec.gov.

    Equitable Life will provide without charge to each person to whom a
  prospectus is delivered, upon the written or oral request of such person, a
  copy of any or all of the foregoing documents incorporated herein by
  reference (other than exhibits not specifically incorporated by reference
  into the text of such documents). Requests for such documents should be
  directed to The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States, 1290
  Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10104. Attention: Corporate
  Secretary (telephone: (212) 554-1234).
    

ON PAGE 4, UNDER THE HEADING "GENERAL TERMS"

  ADD THE FOLLOWING DEFINITIONS:

  EQ TRUST--EQ Advisors Trust, a mutual fund in which the assets of separate
  accounts of insurance companies are invested. EQ Financial Consultants, Inc.
  (EQ Financial) is the manager of EQ Trust and has appointed advisers for each
  of the Portfolios.

   
  HR TRUST--The Hudson River Trust, a mutual fund in which the assets of
  separate accounts of insurance companies are invested. Alliance Capital
  Management L.P. (Alliance) is the adviser to HR Trust.

  DELETE THE DEFINITION FOR "TRUST."
    

                                2
<PAGE>
   
ON PAGES 5, 6 AND 7, REPLACE THE "FEE TABLE" SECTION WITH THE FOLLOWING
SECTION:

                                  FEE TABLE

The purpose of this fee table is to assist you in understanding the various
costs and expenses you may bear directly or indirectly under the Certificate so
that you may compare them on the same basis with other similar products. The
table reflects both the charges of the Separate Account and the expenses of HR
Trust and EQ Trust. Charges for applicable taxes such as state or local premium
taxes may also apply. For a complete description of the charges under the
Certificate, see "Part 6: Deductions and Charges." For a complete description
of each trust's charges and expenses, see the prospectuses for the HR Trust and
EQ Trust.

As explained in Part 4, the Guarantee Periods are not a part of the Separate
Account and are not covered by the fee table and examples. The only charge
shown in the Table which will be deducted from amounts allocated to the
Guarantee Periods is the withdrawal charge. However, if there is insufficient
value in the Investment Funds all or a portion of the distribution fee and the
annual contract fee, if any, will be deducted from your Annuity Account Value
in the Guaranteed Period Account rather than from the Investment Funds. See
"Part 6: Deductions and Charges." A market value adjustment (either positive or
negative) also may be applicable as a result of a withdrawal, transfer or
surrender of amounts from a Guarantee Period. See "Part 4: The Guaranteed
Period Account."

OWNER TRANSACTION EXPENSES (DEDUCTED FROM ANNUITY ACCOUNT VALUE)
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 <S>                                                                                         <C>
 DISTRIBUTION FEE (SALES LOAD) AS A PERCENTAGE OF EACH CONTRIBUTION RECEIVED DURING THE
 FIRST CONTRACT YEAR (deducted annually on each of the first seven Processing Dates)(1) ...  0.20%
</TABLE>
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             CONTRACT
                                                                               YEAR
                                                                             ----------
<S>                                                                         <C>           <C>
WITHDRAWAL CHARGE AS A PERCENTAGE OF CONTRIBUTIONS (deducted upon               1 ...     7.00%
 surrender or for certain withdrawals. The applicable withdrawal charge         2 ...     6.00
 percentage is determined by the Contract Year in which the withdrawal is made  3 ...     5.00
 or the Certificate is surrendered beginning with "Contract Year 1" with        4 ...     4.00
 respect to each contribution withdrawn or surrendered. For each contribution,  5 ...     3.00
 the Contract Year in which we receive that contribution is "Contract Year      6 ...     2.00
 1")(2)                                                                         7 ...     1.00
                                                                                8+ ..     0.00

 TRANSFER CHARGE(3) ...............................................................      $0.00
</TABLE>                                                                        
                                                                                

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                                         <C>
 GUARANTEED MINIMUM DEATH BENEFIT CHARGE (percentage deducted annually on each Processing
 Date as a percentage of the guaranteed minimum death benefit then in effect)(4) ...........  0.35%
</TABLE>
    

   
ANNUAL CONTRACT FEE (DEDUCTED FROM ANNUITY ACCOUNT VALUE ON EACH PROCESSING
DATE)(5)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 <S>                                                                                       <C>
  If the initial contribution is less than $25,000......................................... $30
  If the initial contribution is $25,000 or more .......................................... $ 0
</TABLE>
    

   
SEPARATE ACCOUNT ANNUAL EXPENSES (AS A PERCENTAGE OF ASSETS IN EACH
INVESTMENT FUND)
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                     <C>
MORTALITY AND EXPENSE RISK CHARGE ........................................................  0.90%
ASSET BASED ADMINISTRATIVE CHARGE ........................................................  0.25%
                                                                                          -------
 TOTAL SEPARATE ACCOUNT ANNUAL EXPENSES...................................................  1.15%
                                                                                          =======
</TABLE>
    

                                       3
<PAGE>

   
TRUST ANNUAL EXPENSES (AS A PERCENTAGE OF AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS IN EACH
PORTFOLIO)
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  INVESTMENT PORTFOLIOS
                              -----------------------------------------------------------
                                  ALLIANCE     ALLIANCE    ALLIANCE   ALLIANCE
                                CONSERVATIVE    GROWTH     GROWTH &    COMMON    ALLIANCE
HR TRUST                         INVESTORS     INVESTORS    INCOME     STOCK      GLOBAL
- -----------                   -------------- ----------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S>                           <C>            <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>
Investment Advisory Fee             0.48%        0.53%       0.55%      0.38%      0.65%
Other Expenses                      0.07%        0.06%       0.05%      0.03%      0.08%
                              -------------- ----------- ---------- ---------- ----------
 TOTAL TRUST ANNUAL
  EXPENSES(6)                       0.55%        0.59%       0.60%      0.41%      0.73%
                              ============== =========== ========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       ALLIANCE
                                                 ALLIANCE     ALLIANCE    ALLIANCE   INTERMEDIATE   ALLIANCE
                                  ALLIANCE      AGGRESSIVE     SMALL       MONEY        GOVT.         HIGH
HR TRUST                        INTERNATIONAL     STOCK      CAP GROWTH    MARKET     SECURITIES     YIELD
- ----------------------------- --------------- ------------ ------------ ---------- -------------- ----------
<S>                           <C>             <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>            <C>
Investment Advisory Fee             0.90%          0.55%        0.90%       0.35%        0.50%        0.60%
Other Expenses                      0.18%          0.03%        0.10%       0.04%        0.09%        0.06%
                              --------------- ------------              ---------- -------------- ----------
 TOTAL TRUST ANNUAL
  EXPENSES(6)                       1.08%          0.58%        1.00%       0.39%        0.59%        0.66%
                              =============== ============ ============ ========== ============== ==========
</TABLE>
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               EQ/PUTNAM      MFS                   MERRILL
                                               GROWTH &    EMERGING                  LYNCH
                                   EQ/PUTNAM    INCOME      GROWTH       MFS      BASIC VALUE
EQ TRUST                           BALANCED      VALUE     COMPANIES   RESEARCH     EQUITY
- -------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------- -------------
<S>                              <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>
Investment Advisory Fee              0.55%       0.55%       0.55%       0.55%       0.55%
12b-1 Fee(7)                         0.25%       0.25%       0.25%       0.25%       0.25%
Other Expenses                       0.10%       0.05%       0.05%       0.05%       0.05%
                                 ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------- -------------
 TOTAL EQ TRUST ANNUAL
  EXPENSES(8)                        0.90%       0.85%       0.85%       0.85%       0.85%
                                 =========== =========== =========== ========== =============
</TABLE>
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               MORGAN              T. ROWE    WARBURG
                                   MERRILL    STANLEY    T. ROWE    PRICE     PINCUS
                                    LYNCH     EMERGING    PRICE    INTERNA-    SMALL
                                    WORLD     MARKETS    EQUITY     TIONAL    COMPANY
EQ TRUST                           STRATEGY    EQUITY    INCOME     STOCK      VALUE
- -------------------------------- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- ---------
<S>                              <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>
Investment Advisory Fee              0.70%      1.15%     0.55%      0.75%     0.65%
12b-1 Fee(7)                         0.25%      0.25%     0.25%      0.25%     0.25%
Other Expenses                       0.25%      0.35%     0.05%      0.20%     0.10%
                                 ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- ---------
 TOTAL EQ TRUST ANNUAL
  EXPENSES(8)                        1.20%      1.75%     0.85%      1.20%     1.00%
                                 ========== ========== ========= ========== =========
</TABLE>
    
<PAGE>
   
- ------------
Notes:
  (1)    The amount deducted is based on contributions that have not been
         withdrawn. See "Part 6: Deductions and Charges," "Distribution Fee."

  (2)    Deducted upon a withdrawal with respect to amounts in excess of the
         15% free corridor amount, and upon a surrender. See "Part 6:
         Deductions and Charges," "Withdrawal Charge."

  (3)    We reserve the right to impose a charge in the future at a maximum of
         $25 for each transfer among the Investment Options in excess of five
         per Contract Year.

  (4)    See "Part 6: Deductions and Charges," "Guaranteed Minimum Death
         Benefit Charge."

  (5)    This charge is incurred at the beginning of the Contract Year and
         deducted on the Processing Date. See "Part 6: Deductions and
         Charges," "Annual Contract Fee."

  (6)    The amounts shown for the Portfolios of HR Trust (other than Alliance
         Small Cap Growth) have been restated to reflect advisory fees which
         went into effect as of May 1, 1997. "Other Expenses" are based on the
         average daily net assets in each Portfolio for the year ended December
         31, 1996. The amounts shown for the Alliance Small Cap Growth
         Portfolio are estimated for the current fiscal year as this Portfolio
         commenced operations on May 1, 1997. The investment advisory fee for
         each Portfolio may vary from year to year depending upon the average
         daily net assets of the respective Portfolio of HR Trust. The maximum
         investment advisory fees, however, cannot be increased without a vote
         of that Portfolios shareholders. The other direct operating expenses
         will also fluctuate from year to year depending on actual expenses.
         See "HR Trust Charges to Portfolios" in Part 6.

  (7)    The Class IB shares of EQ Trust are subject to fees imposed under a
         distribution plan (herein, the "Rule 12b-1 Plan") adopted by EQ Trust
         pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
         amended. The Rule 12b-1 Plan provides that EQ Trust, on behalf of each
         Portfolio, may pay annually up to 0.25% of the average daily net
         assets of a Portfolio attributable to its Class IB shares in respect
         of activities primarily intended to result in the sale of the Class IB
         shares. The 12b-1 fee may be increased only by action of the Board of
         Trustees of EQ Trust up to a maximum of 0.50% per annum.

  (8)    "Other Expenses" shown are based on estimated amounts (after expense
         waiver or limitation) for the current fiscal year, as EQ Trust
         commenced operations on May 1, 1997. The maximum investment advisory
         fees cannot be increased without a vote of that Portfolio's
         shareholders. The other direct operating expenses will fluctuate from
         year to year depending on actual expenses, but pursuant to agreement,
         cannot together with other fees specified exceed the total annual
         expenses specified. See "EQ Trust Charges to Portfolios" in Part 6.
    

                                       4
<PAGE>

   
EXAMPLES

The examples below show the expenses that a hypothetical Certificate Owner
would pay in the two situations noted below assuming a $1,000 contribution
invested in one of the Investment Funds listed, and a 5% annual return on
assets.(1) The annual contract fee was computed based on an initial
contribution of $10.000.

These examples should not be considered a representation of past or future
expenses for each Investment Fund or Portfolio. Actual expenses may be greater
or less than those shown. Similarly, the annual rate of return assumed in the
examples is not an estimate or guarantee of future investment performance. 
    

   
 IF YOU SURRENDER YOUR CERTIFICATE AT THE END OF EACH PERIOD SHOWN, THE
EXPENSES WOULD BE:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             1 YEAR   3 YEARS   5 YEARS   10 YEARS
                            -------- --------- --------- ----------
<S>                         <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>
HR TRUST
Alliance Conservative
  Investors                 $ 90.26   $123.66   $159.71   $278.92
Alliance Growth Investors     90.65    124.85    161.72    282.98
Alliance Growth & Income      90.75    125.15    162.22    284.01
Alliance Common Stock         88.86    119.44    152.64    264.56
Alliance Global               92.05    129.06    168.75    297.11
Alliance International        95.53    139.48    186.10    331.55
Alliance Aggressive Stock     90.55    124.55    161.22    281.96
Alliance Small Cap Growth     94.73    137.10        --        --
Alliance Money Market         88.67    118.84    151.63    262.49
Alliance Intermediate
Government  Securities        90.65    124.85    161.72    282.98
Alliance High Yield           91.35    126.96    165.25    290.09

EQ TRUST
- ----------
EQ/Putnam Balanced          $ 93.74   $134.13        --        --
EQ/Putnam Growth & Income
  Value                       93.24    132.63        --        --
MFS Emerging Growth
Companies                     93.24    132.63        --        --
MFS Research                  93.24    132.63        --        --
Merrill Lynch Basic Value
  Equity                      93.24    132.63        --        --
Merrill Lynch World
  Strategy                    96.72    143.04        --        --
Morgan Stanley Emerging
Markets  Equity              102.19    159.26        --        --
T. Rowe Price Equity Income   93.24    132.63        --        --
T. Rowe Price International
  Stock                       96.72    143.04        --        --
Warburg Pincus Small
  Company Value               94.73    137.10        --        --
</TABLE>
    

   
- --------------
*  See footnote on next page.
    

                                       5
<PAGE>

   
 IF YOU DO NOT SURRENDER YOUR CERTIFICATE AT THE END OF EACH PERIOD SHOWN, THE
EXPENSES WOULD BE:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    1 YEAR   3 YEARS   5 YEARS   10 YEARS
                                  -------- --------- --------- ----------
<S>                               <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>
HR TRUST
- --------
Alliance Conservative Investors     $25.97   $ 79.83   $136.40   $285.19
Alliance Growth Investors            26.36     81.02    138.41    289.26
Alliance Growth & Income             26.46     81.32    138.91    290.27
Alliance Common Stock                24.57     75.61    129.33    270.83
Alliance Global                      27.76     85.22    145.43    303.37
Alliance International               31.24     95.66    162.80    337.84
Alliance Aggressive Stock            26.26     80.72    137.90    288.23
Alliance Small Cap Growth            30.44     93.27        --        --
Alliance Money Market                24.38     75.02    128.33    268.78
Alliance Intermediate Government
 Securities                          26.36     81.02    138.41    289.26
Alliance High Yield                  27.06     83.12    141.92    296.33
EQ TRUST
- --------
EQ/Putnam Balanced                  $29.45   $ 90.30        --        --
EQ/Putnam Growth & Income Value      28.95     88.80        --        --
MFS Emerging Growth Companies        28.95     88.80        --        --
MFS Research                         28.95     88.80        --        --
Merrill Lynch Basic Value Equity     28.95     88.80        --        --
Merrill Lynch World Strategy         32.43     99.21        --        --
Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets
 Equity                              37.90    115.42        --        --
T. Rowe Price Equity Income          28.95     88.80        --        --
T. Rowe Price International Stock    32.43     99.21        --        --
Warburg Pincus Small Company
 Value                               30.44     93.27        --        --
</TABLE>
    

IF YOU DO NOT SURRENDER YOUR CERTIFICATE AT THE END OF EACH PERIOD SHOWN, THE
EXPENSES WOULD BE:

   
- ------------
Notes:
(1)   The amount accumulated from the $1,000 contribution could not be paid in
      the form of an annuity at the end of any of the periods shown in the
      examples. If the amount applied to purchase an annuity is less than
      $2,000, or the initial payment is less than $20 we may pay the amount to
      the payee in a single sum instead of as payments under an annuity form.
      See "Income Annuity Options" in Part 5. The examples do not reflect
      charges for applicable taxes such as state or local premium taxes that
      may also be deducted in certain jurisdictions.

                                       6
<PAGE>


    
   
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
    

  ACCUMULATION UNIT VALUES

  Equitable Life commenced the offering of the Certificates on May 1, 1995. The
  following table shows the Accumulation Unit Values, as of May 1, 1995 and the
  last Business Day for the periods shown. There are no Accumulation Unit
  Values for Alliance Small Cap Growth, Alliance High Yield, and the Investment
  Funds investing in Class IB shares of EQ Trust Portfolios as such Investment
  Funds were not available prior to the date of this supplement.

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            LAST BUSINESS DAY OF
                                      -------------------------------
                          MAY 1, 1995   DECEMBER 1995   DECEMBER 1996   MARCH 1997
                        ------------- --------------- --------------- ------------
 <S>                    <C>           <C>             <C>             <C>
 Alliance Conservative
  Investors               $ 14.647383    $ 16.549050     $ 17.209382     17.009080
 Alliance Growth
  Investors                 20.073331      23.593613       26.260729     25.712963
 Alliance Growth &
  Income                    10.376155      11.989601       14.231408     14.317214
 Alliance Common
  Stock                    102.335691     124.519251      152.955877    147.037726
 Alliance Global            19.478146      22.293921       25.253538     24.366634
 Alliance International     10.125278      11.033925       11.976127     11.827319
 Alliance Aggressive
  Stock                     44.025496      54.591448       65.938687     64.279288
 Alliance Money Market      23.150932      23.830754       24.810781     25.046934
 Alliance Intermediate
  Govt. Securities          12.498213      13.424767       11.976127     13.741339
 Alliance High Yield        19.578616      21.602062       26.238452     26.305394
</TABLE>
    

ON PAGE 8, UNDER THE HEADING "TRANSFERS," DELETE THE SECOND SENTENCE.

ON PAGE 11 UNDER THE HEADING "EQUITABLE LIFE."

  REPLACE THE THIRD SENTENCE OF THE FIRST PARAGRAPH WITH THE FOLLOWING
  SENTENCE:

 Our home office is located at 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York
  10104.

  REPLACE THE SECOND AND THIRD PARAGRAPHS WITH THE FOLLOWING PARAGRAPHS:

   
  Equitable Life is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Equitable Companies
  Incorporated (the Holding Company). The largest shareholder of the Holding
  Company is AXA-UAP (AXA). As of December 31, 1996, AXA beneficially owned
  63.8% of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Holding Company
  (assuming conversion of convertible preferred stock held by AXA). Under its
  investment arrangements with Equitable Life and the Holding Company, AXA is
  able to exercise significant influence over the operations and capital
  structure of the Holding Company and its subsidiaries, including Equitable
  Life. AXA, a French company, is the holding company for an international
  group of insurance and related financial service companies.
    

  Equitable Life, the Holding Company and their subsidiaries managed
  approximately $239.8 billion of assets as of December 31, 1996.

ON PAGES 11 AND 12 REPLACE THE HEADING "THE TRUST" WITH "HR TRUST" AND ADD THE
FOLLOWING SENTENCE AFTER THE FIFTH SENTENCE OF THE FIRST PARAGRAPH:

  Investment Funds that invest in Portfolios of HR Trust purchase Class IA
  shares of a corresponding Portfolio of HR Trust.

                                       7
<PAGE>
   
ON PAGE 12 IN THE HEADING "THE TRUST'S INVESTMENT ADVISOR" AND IN THE FIRST
SENTENCE OF THE PARAGRAPH UNDER THE HEADING REPLACE "THE TRUST" WITH "HR
TRUST."
    

  IN THE FIRST PARAGRAPH OF THIS SECTION, REPLACE THE THIRD SENTENCE WITH THE
  FOLLOWING SENTENCE:

  On December 31, 1996, Alliance was managing approximately $182.8 billion in
  assets.

  DELETE THE SECOND PARAGRAPH.

ON PAGE 12, INSERT THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS AFTER THE LAST PARAGRAPH:

  EQ TRUST

   
  EQ Trust is an open-end management investment company. As a "series type" of
  mutual fund, EQ Trust issues different series of stock, each of which relates
  to a different Portfolio of EQ Trust. EQ Trust commenced operations on May 1,
  1997. EQ Trust does not impose a sales charge or "load" for buying and
  selling it shares. All dividend distributions to EQ Trust are reinvested in
  full and fractional shares of the Portfolio to which they relate. Investment
  Funds that invest in Portfolios of EQ Trust purchase Class IB shares of a
  corresponding Portfolio of EQ Trust. More detailed information about EQ
  Trust, its investment objectives, policies and restrictions, risks, expenses,
  the Rule 12b-1 Plan relating to the Class IB shares, and all other aspects of
  its operations appears in its prospectus which accompanies this supplement
  and in its statement of additional information.
    

  EQ TRUST'S MANAGER AND ADVISERS

   
  EQ Trust is managed by EQ Financial Consultants, Inc. (EQ Financial) which,
  subject to supervision and direction of the Trustees of EQ Trust, has overall
  responsibility for the general management of EQ Trust. EQ Financial is an
  investment adviser registered under the 1940 Act, and a broker-dealer
  registered under the Exchange Act. EQ Financial is a Delaware corporation and
  an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Equitable Life. EQ Financial's main
  office is located at 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10104.
  EQ Financial has entered into investment advisory agreements with Putnam
  Investments, Massachusetts Financial Services Company, Merrill Lynch Asset
  Management, L.P., Morgan Stanley Asset Management, Inc., T. Rowe Price
  Associates, Inc. and Rowe Price-Fleming International Inc., and Warburg,
  Pincus Counsellors, Inc., each of which serve as advisers to EQ/Putnam, MFS,
  Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, T. Rowe Price, and Warburg Pincus Portfolios,
  respectively, of EQ Trust.
    

ON PAGE 13, UNDER THE HEADING "INVESTMENT POLICIES AND OBJECTIVES OF THE
TRUST'S PORTFOLIOS"

   
  ADD THE FOLLOWING SENTENCES TO THE END OF THE FIRST PARAGRAPH:
    

  Set forth below is a summary of the investment policies and objectives of
  each Portfolio. This summary is qualified in its entirely by reference to the
  prospectus for HR Trust and EQ Trust both of which accompany this supplement.
  Please read the prospectuses for each of the trusts carefully before
  investing.

  DELETE THE DESCRIPTION OF "AGGRESSIVE STOCK" AND INSERT THE FOLLOWING
  DESCRIPTIONS:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                       <C>                                                        <C>
 Alliance Aggressive      Primarily common stocks and other equity-type securities   Long-term growth of
 Stock                    issued by quality small and intermediate sized companies   capital
                          with strong growth prospects and in covered options on
                          those securities.
Alliance Small Cap        Primarily U.S. common stocks and other equity type         Long-term growth of
 Growth                   securities issued by smaller companies with favorable      capital
                          growth prospects.

Alliance High Yield       Primarily a diversified mix of high yield,                 High return by
                          fixed-income securities involving greater volatility       maximizing current
                          of price and risk of principal and income than high        income and, to the
                          quality fixed-income securities. The medium and            extent consistent
                          lower quality debt securities in which the Portfolio       with that objective,
                          may invest are known as "junk bonds."                      capital appreciation
</TABLE>

                                       8
<PAGE>

  INSERT THE FOLLOWING DESCRIPTIONS AFTER THE DESCRIPTION OF "INTERMEDIATE
  GOVERNMENT SECURITIES:"

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                       <C>                                                       <C>
EQ/Putnam Balanced        A well-diversified portfolio of stocks and bonds that     Balanced investment
                          will produce both capital growth and current income.

EQ/Putnam Growth &        Primarily common stocks that offer potential for          Capital growth and,
 Income Value             capital growth, consistent with the Portfolios'           secondarily, current
                          investment objective, common stocks that offer            income
                          potential for current income.
MFS Emerging Growth       Primarily (i.e., at lest 80% of its assets uder normal    Long-term growth of
 Companies                circumstances) in common stocks of emerging growth        capital
                          companies that the Portfolio adviser believes are
                          early in their life cycle but which have the
                          potential to become major enterprises.

MFS Research              A substantial portion of assets invested in               Long-term growth of  
                          common stock or securities convertible into               capital and future income           
                          common stock of companies believed by the Portfolio       
                          adviser to possess better than average prospects for
                          long-term growth.

Merrill Lynch Basic       Investment in securities, primarily equities, that the    Capital appreciation
 Value Equity             Portfolio adviser believes are undervalued and            and, secondarily, income
                          therefore represent basic investment value.

Merrill Lynch World       Investment primarily in a portfolio of equity and         High total investment
Strategy                  fixed income securities, including convertible            return
                          securities, of U.S. and foreign issuers.

Morgan Stanley Emerging   Primarily equity securities of emerging market country    Long-term capital
 Markets Equity*          (i.e. foreign) issuers.                                   appreciation

T. Rowe Price Equity      Primarily dividend paying common stocks of established    Substantial dividend
 Income                   companies.                                                income and also capital
                                                                                    appreciation

T. Rowe Price             Primarily common stocks of established non-United         Long-term growth of
 International Stock      States companies.                                         capital

Warburg Pincus Small      Primarily in a portfolio of equity securities of small    Long-term capital
 Company Value            capitalization companies (i.e., companies having market   appreciation
                          capitalizations of $1 billion or less at the time of
                          initial purchase) that the Portfolio adviser
                          considers to be relatively undervlaued.
</TABLE>
    

   
- ------------
* Will be available on or about September 2, 1997.
    

                                       9
<PAGE>

ON PAGE 14, REPLACE THE FIRST AND SECOND PARAGRAPHS WITH THE FOLLOWING
PARAGRAPHS:

   
  This Part presents performance data for each of the Investment Funds included
  in the tables below. The performance data were calculated by two methods. The
  first method presented in the tables under "SEC Standardized Performance
  Data," reflects all applicable fees and charges, including the guaranteed
  minimum death benefit charge, but not the charges for any applicable taxes
  such as premium taxes.

  The second method presented in the tables under "Rate of Return Data for
  Investment Funds," also reflects all applicable fees and charges, but does
  not reflect the distribution fee, the withdrawal charge, the guaranteed
  minimum death benefit charge, the annual contract fee or the charge for tax
  such as premium taxes. These additional charges would effectively reduce the
  rates of return credited to a particular Certificate.
    

  HR Trust Portfolios

   
  The performance data shown for the Investment Funds investing in Class IA
  shares of HR Trust Portfolios (other than the Alliance Small Cap Growth
  Portfolio which commenced operations on May 1, 1997), are based on the actual
  investment results of the Portfolios and have been adjusted for the fees and
  charges applicable under the Certificates.
    

  The performance data for the Alliance Money Market and Alliance Common Stock
  Investment Funds that invest in corresponding HR Trust Portfolios, for
  periods prior to March 22, 1985, reflect the investment results of two
  open-end management separate accounts (the "predecessor separate accounts")
  which were reorganized in unit investment trust form. The "Since inception"
  figures for these Investment Funds are based on the date of inception of the
  predecessor separate accounts. These performance data have been adjusted to
  reflect the maximum investment advisory fee payable for the corresponding
  Portfolio of HR Trust, as well as an assumed charge of 0.06% for direct
  operating expenses.

  EQ Trust Portfolios

   
  The Investment Funds of the Separate Account that invest in Class IB shares
  of Portfolios of EQ Trust have only recently been established and no
  Certificates funded by those Investment Funds have been issued as of the date
  of this Supplement. EQ Trust commenced operations on May 1, 1997. Therefore,
  no actual historical performance data for any of these Portfolios are
  available. In this connection, see the discussion immediately following the
  tables below.

ON PAGE 14, REPLACE THE HEADING "PERFORMANCE DATA FOR A CERTIFICATE" WITH
"STANDARDIZED PERFORMANCE DATA."
    

  IN THE FIRST SENTENCE OF THE THIRD PARAGRAPH UNDER THIS HEADING CHANGE THE
  DATE FROM "DECEMBER 31, 1995" TO "DECEMBER 31, 1996."

                                       10
<PAGE>

   
ON PAGES 14 AND 15, REPLACE THE TABLES AND FOOTNOTES WITH THE FOLLOWING TABLES
AND FOOTNOTES:

                        STANDARDIZED PERFORMANCE DATA

        AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN UNDER A CERTIFICATE SURRENDERED ON
                              DECEMBER 31, 1996
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         LENGTH OF INVESTMENT PERIOD
                               ----------------------------------------------
           INVESTMENT              ONE     THREE   FIVE     TEN       SINCE
              FUND                YEAR     YEARS   YEARS   YEARS    INCEPTION
- ------------------------------ --------- ------- ------- -------- -----------
<S>                            <C>       <C>     <C>     <C>      <C>
Alliance Conservative
 Investors                        (3.31)%   3.24%   4.85%     --       6.29%
Alliance Growth Investors          4.00     7.89    8.32      --      12.17
Alliance Growth & Income          11.40    10.64      --      --       7.66
Alliance Common Stock             15.54    13.91   13.32   13.88%     13.41
Alliance Global                    5.98     9.40   11.11      --       8.96
Alliance International             1.24       --      --      --       6.07
Alliance Aggressive Stock         13.49    12.32    9.35   16.64      18.12
Alliance Money Market             (3.19)    1.55    1.80    3.97       5.23
Alliance Intermediate Govt.
 Securities                       (4.73)    0.47    3.11      --       4.52
Alliance High Yield               14.16     9.34   12.29      --       9.41
</TABLE>
    

   
                        STANDARDIZED PERFORMANCE DATA
    

    GROWTH OF $1,000 UNDER A CERTIFICATE SURRENDERED ON DECEMBER 31, 1996

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                          LENGTH OF INVESTMENT PERIOD
                               -----------------------------------------------
           INVESTMENT             ONE    THREE     FIVE     TEN       SINCE
              FUND               YEAR    YEARS    YEARS    YEARS    INCEPTION*
- ------------------------------ ------- -------- -------- -------- ------------
<S>                            <C>     <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
Alliance Conservative
 Investors                      $  967   $1,100   $1,267       --    $ 1,629
Alliance Growth Investors        1,040    1,256    1,491       --      2,506
Alliance Growth & Income         1,114    1,355       --       --      1,344
Alliance Common Stock            1,155    1,478    1,869   $3,668     14,040
Alliance Global                  1,060    1,309    1,694       --      2,359
Alliance International           1,012       --       --       --      1,125
Alliance Aggressive Stock        1,135    1,417    1,564    4,663      6,244
Alliance Money Market              968    1,047    1,093    1,475      2,261
Alliance Intermediate Govt.
 Securities                        953    1,014    1,166       --      1,304
Alliance High Yield              1,142    1,307    1,785       --      2,459
</TABLE>
    

   
- ------------
 * The "Since Inception" dates for the Portfolios of HR Trust are as follows:
   Alliance Conservative Investors (October 2, 1989); Alliance Growth Investors
   (October 2, 1989); Alliance Growth & Income (October 1, 1993); Alliance
   Common Stock (January 13, 1976); Alliance Global (August 27, 1987); Alliance
   International (April 3, 1995); Alliance Aggressive Stock (January 27, 1986);
   Alliance Small Cap Growth (May 1, 1997); Alliance Money Market (July 13,
   1981); Alliance Intermediate Government Securities (April 1, 1991); an
   Alliance High Yield (January 2, 1987).

ON PAGE 16, INSERT THE FOLLOWING PARAGRAPHS BEFORE THE "RATE OF RETURN DATA FOR
INVESTMENT FUNDS" SECTION:

     Additional investment performance information appears in the attached HR
    Trust and EQ Trust prospectuses.

     The Alliance Small Cap Growth Portfolio of HR Trust commenced operations
    on May 1, 1997. Therefore, no actual historical performance data are
    available. However, historical performance of a composite of six other
    advisory accounts managed by Alliance is described in the attached HR Trust
    prospectus. According to that prospectus, these accounts have substantially
    the same investment objectives and policies, and are managed in accordance
    with essentially the same investment strategies
    

                                       11
<PAGE>

   
    and techniques, as those of the Alliance Small Cap Growth Portfolio. It
    should be noted that these accounts are not subject to certain of the
    requirements and restrictions to which the Alliance Small Cap Growth
    Portfolio is subject and that they are managed for tax exempt clients of
    Alliance, who may have different investment goals. The investment
    performance information included in the HR Trust prospectus for all
    Portfolios other than the Alliance Small Cap Portfolio is based on actual
    historical performance.

     The investment performance data for HR Trust's Alliance Small Cap
    Portfolio and for each of the Portfolios of EQ Trust, contained in the HR
    Trust and the EQ Trust prospectuses, are provided by those prospectuses to
    illustrate the past performance of each respective Portfolio adviser in
    managing a substantially similar investment vehicles as measured against
    specified market indices and do not represent the past or future
    performance of any Portfolio. None of the performance data contained in the
    HR Trust and EQ Trust prospectuses reflects fees and charges imposed under
    your Certificate, which fees and charges would reduce such performance
    figures. Therefore, the performance data for each of the Portfolios
    described in the EQ Trust prospectus and for the Alliance Small Cap
    Portfolio in the HR Trust prospectus may be of limited use and are not
    intended to be a substitute for actual performance of the corresponding
    Portfolios, nor are such results an estimate or guarantee of future
    performance for these Portfolios.

ON PAGE 16, INSERT THE FOLLOWING SECTION UNDER THE HEADING "PORTFOLIO
INCEPTION DATES AND COMPARATIVE BENCHMARKS:"

  ALLIANCE HIGH YIELD: January 2, 1987; Merrill Lynch High Yield Master
  Index.

ON PAGES 16, 17 AND 18, REPLACE THE TABLES AND FOOTNOTES WITH THE FOLLOWING
TABLES AND FOOTNOTES:

ANNUALIZED RATES OF RETURN FOR PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996:*
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              SINCE
                              1 YEAR   3 YEARS   5 YEARS   10 YEARS   15 YEARS   20 YEARS   INCEPTION
                            -------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -----------
<S>                         <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
ALLIANCE CONSERVATIVE
 INVESTORS                     3.99%     5.47%     6.08%       --         --         --        7.77%
 Lipper Income                 8.95      8.91      9.55        --         --         --        9.55
 Benchmark                     8.78     10.14      9.64        --         --         --       10.42
ALLIANCE GROWTH
 INVESTORS                    11.30     10.00      9.48        --         --         --       14.23
 Lipper Flexible Portfolio    12.51      9.26      9.30        --         --         --        9.99
 Benchmark                    16.94     15.84     13.02        --         --         --       12.73
ALLIANCE GROWTH &
 INCOME                       18.70     12.69        --        --         --         --       11.47
 Lipper Growth & Income       19.96     15.39        --        --         --         --       14.78
 Benchmark                    21.28     17.93        --        --         --         --       17.24
ALLIANCE COMMON STOCK         22.84     15.87     14.39     14.49      15.17      14.17%      13.90
  Lipper Growth               18.78     14.80     12.39     13.08      14.04      13.60       13.42
  Benchmark                   22.96     19.66     15.20     15.28      16.79      14.55       14.63
ALLIANCE GLOBAL               13.28     11.44     12.19        --         --         --       10.43
  Lipper Global               17.89      8.49     10.29        --         --         --        3.65
  Benchmark                   13.48     12.91     10.82        --         --         --        7.44
ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL         8.54        --        --        --         --         --       10.90
  Lipper International        13.36        --        --        --         --         --       14.33
  Benchmark                    6.05        --        --        --         --         --        8.74
ALLIANCE Aggressive Stock     20.79     14.33     10.55     17.24         --         --       18.79
  Lipper Small Company
    Growth                    16.55     12.70     17.53     16.29         --         --       16.47
  Benchmark                   17.85     14.14     14.80     14.29         --         --       13.98
ALLIANCE MONEY MARKET          4.11      3.82      3.12      4.68       5.85         --        6.05
  Lipper Money Market          3.82      3.60      2.93      4.52       5.72         --        5.89
  Benchmark                    5.25      5.07      4.37      5.67       6.72         --        6.97

                                       12
<PAGE>
                                                                                              SINCE
                              1 YEAR   3 YEARS   5 YEARS   10 YEARS   15 YEARS   20 YEARS   INCEPTION
                            -------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -----------
ALLIANCE INTERMEDIATE
 GOVERNMENT
 SECURITIES                    2.57%     2.80%     4.38%      --         --         --         5.75%
  Lipper Gen. U.S.
    Government                 1.57      3.99      5.21       --         --         --         6.76
  Benchmark                    4.06      5.37      6.23       --         --         --         7.43
ALLIANCE HIGH YIELD           21.46     11.43     13.34       --         --         --        10.13
  Lipper High Yield           12.46      7.93     11.47       --         --         --         9.13
  Benchmark                   11.06      9.59     12.76       --         --         --        11.24
</TABLE>
    

   
CUMULATIVE RATES OF RETURN FOR PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996:*
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                               SINCE
                              1 YEAR   3 YEARS   5 YEARS   10 YEARS   15 YEARS   20 YEARS    INCEPTION
                            -------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------- ----------- -----------
<S>                         <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>
ALLIANCE CONSERVATIVE
 INVESTORS                     3.99%    17.34%    34.32%        --         --          --       72.02%
 Lipper Income                 8.95     29.47     58.37         --         --          --       94.21
 Benchmark                     8.78     33.60     58.40         --         --          --      105.23
ALLIANCE GROWTH
 INVESTORS                    11.30     33.11     57.28         --         --          --      162.18
 Lipper Flexible Portfolio    12.51     30.84     56.65         --         --          --      100.79
 Benchmark                    16.94     55.46     84.42         --         --          --      138.49
ALLIANCE GROWTH &
 INCOME                       18.70     43.09        --         --         --          --       42.30
 Lipper Growth & Income       19.96     53.82        --         --         --          --       56.73
 Benchmark                    21.28     63.99        --         --         --          --       67.75
ALLIANCE COMMON STOCK         22.84     55.58     95.88     287.01     731.70    1,314.86%   1,430.82
  Lipper Growth               18.78     51.65     80.51     243.70     627.03    1,185.21    1,298.19
  Benchmark                   22.96     71.34    102.85     314.34     925.25    1,416.26    1,655.74
ALLIANCE GLOBAL               13.28     38.40     77.77         --         --          --      152.69
  Lipper Global               17.89     28.45     63.87         --         --          --       39.73
  Benchmark                   13.48     43.95     67.12         --         --          --       95.62
ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL         8.54        --        --         --         --          --       19.76
  Lipper International        13.36        --        --         --         --          --       26.53
  Benchmark                    6.05        --        --         --         --          --       15.78
ALLIANCE Aggressive Stock     20.79     49.45     65.10     390.47         --          --      556.42
  Lipper Small Company
    Growth                    16.55     43.42    142.70     352.31         --          --      428.32
  Benchmark                   17.85     46.89     99.38     280.32         --          --      318.19
ALLIANCE MONEY MARKET          4.11     11.90     16.59      58.03     134.78          --      148.19
  Lipper Money Market          3.82     11.18     15.58      55.73     130.46          --      141.99
  Benchmark                    5.25     15.99     23.86      73.61     165.31          --      184.26
ALLIANCE INTERMEDIATE
 GOVERNMENT
 SECURITIES                    2.57      8.63     23.89         --         --          --       37.89
  Lipper Gen. U.S.
    Government                 1.57     12.45     28.92         --         --          --       45.71
  Benchmark                    4.06     16.98     35.30         --         --          --       51.07
ALLIANCE HIGH YIELD           21.46     38.37     87.00         --         --          --      162.38
  Lipper High Yield           12.46     25.77     72.39         --         --          --      142.30
  Benchmark                   11.06     31.63     82.29         --         --          --      190.43
</TABLE>
    

   
- ------------
 *    See footnotes on next page.
    

                                       13
<PAGE>

YEAR-BY-YEAR RATES OF RETURN*

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   1984      1985     1986     1987      1988    1989
                --------- -------- -------- --------- -------- -------
<S>             <C>       <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>
ALLIANCE
 CONSERVATIVE
 INVESTORS           --       --       --       --        --      2.79%
ALLIANCE GROWTH
 INVESTORS           --       --       --       --        --      3.53
ALLIANCE GROWTH
 & INCOME            --       --       --       --        --       --
ALLIANCE COMMON
 STOCK**           (3.09)%  31.91%   16.02%     6.21%   21.03%   24.16
ALLIANCE GLOBAL      --       --       --     (13.62)    9.61    25.29
ALLIANCE
 INTERNATIONAL        --       --       --        --       --       --
ALLIANCE
 AGGRESSIVE
 STOCK               --       --     33.83      6.06    (0.03)   41.86
ALLIANCE MONEY
 MARKET**           9.59     6.91     5.39      5.41     6.09     7.93
ALLIANCE
 INTERMEDIATE
 GOVERNMENT
 SECURITIES          --       --       --       --        --       --
ALLIANCE
 HIGH YIELD           --       --       --      3.49     8.48     3.93
</TABLE>
    

                    (RESTUBBED TABLE CONTINUED FROM ABOVE)

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   1990     1991     1992     1993     1994      1995    1996
                -------- -------- -------- -------- --------- -------- -------
<S>             <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>
ALLIANCE
 CONSERVATIVE
 INVESTORS         5.14%   18.51%    4.50%    9.54%    (5.20)%  19.02%    3.99%
ALLIANCE GROWTH
 INVESTORS         9.39    47.19     3.69    13.95     (4.27)   24.92    11.30
ALLIANCE GROWTH
 & INCOME           --       --       --     (0.55)    (1.72)   22.65    18.70
ALLIANCE COMMON
 STOCK**          (9.17)   36.30     2.03    23.39     (3.26)   30.93    22.84
ALLIANCE GLOBAL   (7.15)   29.06    (1.65)   30.60      4.02    17.45    13.28
ALLIANCE
 INTERNATIONAL       --       --       --       --        --    10.34     8.54
ALLIANCE
 AGGRESSIVE
 STOCK             6.92    84.73    (4.28)   15.41     (4.92)   30.13    20.79
ALLIANCE MONEY
 MARKET**          6.99     4.97     2.37     1.78      2.82     4.53     4.11
ALLIANCE
 INTERMEDIATE
 GOVERNMENT
 SECURITIES         --     11.30     4.38     9.27     (5.47)   12.03     2.57
ALLIANCE
 HIGH YIELD       (2.26)   23.03    11.02    21.74     (3.90)   18.54    21.46
</TABLE>
    

   
- ------------
 *  Returns do not reflect the distribution fee, the withdrawal charge, the
    guaranteed minimum death benefit charge, the annual contract fee and any
    charge for tax such as premium taxes.
**  Prior to 1984 the Year-by-Year Rates of Return were: 
<PAGE>
                        1976    1977   1978   1979   1980   1981    1982   1983
    ALLIANCE 
     COMMON STOCK       8.20% (10.28)% 6.99% 28.35% 48.39% (6.94)% 16.22% 24.67%
    ALLIANCE MONEY
     MARKET               --      --     --     --     --   5.71   11.72   7.70%
    

On page 25, under the heading "Transfers Among Investment Options," delete the
first bulleted paragraph.

ON PAGE 25, UNDER THE HEADING "DOLLAR COST AVERAGING."

  REPLACE THE FIRST SENTENCE IN THE FIRST PARAGRAPH WITH THE FOLLOWING
  SENTENCE.

  If you have at least $10,000 of Annuity Account Value in the Alliance Money
  Market Fund, you may choose to have a specified dollar amount or percentage
  of your Annuity Account Value transferred from the Alliance Money Market Fund
  to other Investment Funds on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis.

  REPLACE THE SECOND AND THIRD SENTENCES IN THE SECOND PARAGRAPH WITH THE
  FOLLOWING SENTENCES.

  The minimum amount that may be transferred on each Transaction Date is $250.
  The maximum amount which may be transferred is equal to the Annuity Account
  Value in the Alliance Money Market Fund at the time the option is elected,
  divided by the number of transfers scheduled to made each Contract Year.

   
ON PAGE 29, INSERT THE FOLLOWING SECTION BEFORE THE "CASH VALUE" SECTION:

 GUARANTEED MINIMUM INCOME BENEFIT (GMIB)

  The GMIB provides a minimum amount of guaranteed lifetime income upon the
  application of the Annuity Account Value in the Investment Funds to purchase
  the Assured Payment Plan (Life Annuity with a Period Certain). The Assured
  Payment Plan provides payments during a period certain with payments
  continuing for life thereafter. On the Transaction Date, the amount of the
  periodic lifetime income to be purchased under the Assured Payment Plan will
  be based on the greater of (i) the Annuity Account Value in the
    

                                       14
<PAGE>

   
  Investment Funds and (ii) an amount equal to the GMDB (without regard to the
  seventh Contract Year reset) described above, reduced by any remaining
  withdrawal charges; each divided by "guaranteed maximum annuity purchase
  rates" under the Certificate. The guaranteed maximum annuity purchase rates
  are based on (i) interest at 2.5% if the GMIB is exercised within 30 days
  following a Contract Date anniversary in years 7 through 9 and at 3% if
  exercised within 30 days following the 10th or later Contract Date
  anniversary, and (ii) mortality based on the 1983 Individual Annuity
  Mortality Table "a" projected with modified Scale G. The mortality table used
  in determining such annuity purchase rates assumes that mortality will
  improve in the future and is more conservative than the basis underlying
  current annuity purchase rates. Your Annuity Account Value in the Investment
  Funds will depend on the performance of such Funds. The amount equal to the
  GMDB (as discussed above) does not have an Annuity Account Value or a Cash
  Value and is used solely for purposes of calculating the GMIB.

  If you have any Annuity Account Value in the Guaranteed Period Account under
  your Accumulator Certificate as of the Transaction Date that you exercise the
  GMIB, such Annuity Account Value will also be applied (at current annuity
  purchase rates) toward the purchase of payments under the Assured Payment
  Plan. Such Annuity Account Value will increase the payments provided by the
  GMIB. A market value adjustment may apply.

  When you exercise the GMIB, we automatically determine whether the
  application of your Annuity Account Value in the Investment Funds at current
  purchase rates under the Assured Payment Plan (with a period certain as
  specified below) would produce higher lifetime income, and if so, the higher
  income will be provided.

  In addition, you can elect any of our income annuity options at any time.
  See "Income Annuity Options" below.

  The GMIB applies only if your election of the Assured Payment Plan meets the
  following conditions:

         o  The Assured Payment Plan is purchased within 30 days following the
            7th or later Contract Date anniversary under your Accumulator
            Certificate; provided it is not purchased earlier than the
            Annuitant's age 60, nor later than the Annuitant's age 83.

         o  The period certain you select is as indicated below, based on the
            Annuitant's issue age for the Assured Payment Plan Certificate and
            the type of payments selected;
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            LEVEL PAYMENTS
- -------------------------------------
     ANNUITANT
     ISSUE AGE       PERIOD CERTAIN
- ----------------- -------------------
<S>               <C>
  60 through 80         10 years
  81 through 83     90 less issue age
</TABLE>
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         INCREASING PAYMENTS
- -----------------------------------
     ANNUITANT
     ISSUE AGE      PERIOD CERTAIN
- ----------------- -----------------
<S>               <C>
  60 through 70        15 years
  71 through 75        12 years
  76 through 80         9 years
  81 through 83         6 years
</TABLE>
    

   
         o  Payments start one payment mode after the Contract Date of the
            Assured Payment Plan Certificate.

  Each year on your Contract Date anniversary, if you are eligible to exercise
  the GMIB, we will send you a notice of how much income could be provided
  under such option on the Contract Date anniversary. You may then notify us
  within 30 days following the Contract Date anniversary if you want to
  exercise the GMIB by submitting the proper form and returning your
  Accumulator Certificate. The income to be provided under the Assured Payment
  Plan Certificate will be determined on the Transaction Date that we receive
  your request and the Certificate and, therefore, may differ from the notice.
  It will be based on the GMIB as of such Transaction Date.

  The Assured Payment Plan (Life Annuity with a Period Certain) is offered
  through our Prospectus for the Assured Payment Plan, which may be obtained
  from your registered representative. You should read it carefully before you
  decide to purchase such Plan.
    

                                       15
<PAGE>

GMIB CHARGE

   
If you elect to have GMIB added to your Certificate, an additional 0.10% charge
will be applied against the GMDB for providing the GMIB. The charge will be
added as of the Processing Date following election of this benefit. The
combined GMDB/GMIB charge will be 0.45% of the GMDB in effect on each
Processing Date.

ON PAGE 31, UNDER THE HEADING, "DISTRIBUTION OF THE CERTIFICATES," REPLACE
THE FOURTH AND FIFTH SENTENCES OF THE FIRST PARAGRAPH WITH THE FOLLOWING TWO
SENTENCES.
    

  EDI's principal business address is 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York,
  New York 10104. EDI was paid a fee of $1,204,370 for 1996 and $126,914 for
  1995 for its services under its "Distribution Agreement" with Equitable Life
  and the Separate Account.

   
ON PAGE 33, DELETE THE SECTION WITH THE HEADING "TRUST CHARGES TO PORTFOLIOS,"
AND REPLACE WITH THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS.
    

  HR TRUST CHARGES TO PORTFOLIOS

   
  Investment advisory fees charged daily against HR Trust's assets, other
  direct operating expenses of HR Trust (such as trustees' fees, expenses of
  independent auditors and legal counsel, bank and custodian charges and
  liability insurance), and certain investment-related expenses of HR Trust
  (such as brokerage commissions and other expenses related to the purchase and
  sale of securities), are reflected in each Portfolio's daily share price. The
  maximum investment advisory fees paid annually by the Portfolios cannot be
  changed without a vote by shareholders. They are as follows:
    

                           AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            FIRST           NEXT          NEXT          NEXT
                                         $750 MILLION   $750 MILLION   $1 BILLION   $2.5 BILLION THEREAFTER
                                       -------------- -------------- ------------ -------------- ------------
<S>                                    <C>            <C>            <C>          <C>            <C>
Alliance Conservative Investors .......     0.475%         0.425%        0.375%        0.350%        0.325%
Alliance Growth Investors..............     0.550%         0.500%        0.450%        0.425%        0.400%
Alliance Growth & Income...............     0.550%         0.525%        0.500%        0.480%        0.470%
Alliance Common Stock..................     0.475%         0.425%        0.375%        0.355%        0.345%*
Alliance Global........................     0.675%         0.600%        0.550%        0.530%        0.520%
Alliance International.................     0.900%         0.825%        0.800%        0.780%        0.770%
Alliance Aggressive Stock..............     0.625%         0.575%        0.525%        0.500%        0.475%
Alliance Small Cap Growth..............     0.900%         0.850%        0.825%        0.800%        0.775%
Alliance Money Market..................     0.350%         0.325%        0.300%        0.280%        0.270%
Alliance Intermediate Govt Securities       0.500%         0.475%        0.450%        0.430%        0.420%
Alliance High Yield....................     0.600%         0.575%        0.550%        0.530%        0.520%
</TABLE>

- ------------
* On assets in excess of $10 billion, the management fee for the Alliance
  Common Stock Portfolio is reduced to 0.335% of average daily net assets.

  Investment advisory fees are established under HR Trust's investment advisory
  agreements between HR Trust and its investment adviser, Alliance. All of
  these fees and expenses are described more fully in the HR Trust prospectus.

  EQ TRUST CHARGES TO PORTFOLIOS

   
  Investment management fees charged daily against EQ Trust's assets, the 12b-1
  fee, other direct operating expenses of EQ Trust (such as trustees' fees,
  expenses of independent auditors and legal counsel, administrative service
  fees, custodian fees, and liability insurance), and certain
  investment-related expenses of EQ Trust (such as brokerage commissions and
  other expenses related to the purchase and sale of securities), are reflected
  in each Portfolio's daily share price. The investment management fees paid
  annually by the Portfolios cannot be changed without a vote by shareholders.
  They are as follows:
    

                               16
<PAGE>

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              AVERAGE DAILY NET
                                                   ASSETS
                                          -----------------------
 <S>                                      <C>
   EQ/Putnam Balanced.....................          0.55%
   EQ/Putnam Growth and Income Value .....          0.55%
   MFS Emerging Growth Companies  ........          0.55%
   MFS Research...........................          0.55%
   Merrill Lynch Basic Value Equity ......          0.55%
   Merrill Lynch World Strategy...........          0.55%
   Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets
 Equity...................................          0.55%
   T. Rowe Price Equity Income............          0.55%
   T. Rowe Price International Stock .....          0.55%
   Warburg Pincus Small Company Value ....          0.55%
</TABLE>
    

   
  Investment management fees are established under EQ Trust's Investment
  Management Agreement between EQ Trust and its investment manager, EQ
  Financial. EQ Financial has entered into expense limitation agreements with  
  EQ Trust, with respect to each Portfolio, pursuant to which EQ Financial has
  agreed to waive or limit its fees and total annual operating expenses
  (expressed as a percentage of the Portfolios' average daily net assets) to
  0.85% each for the EQ/Putnam Growth & Income Value, MFS Research, Merrill
  Lynch Basic Value Equity, T. Rowe Price Equity, and MFS Emerging Growth
  Companies Portfolios; 0.90% for the EQ/Putnam Balanced Portfolio; 1.00% for
  Warburg Pincus Small Company Value Portfolio; 1.20% each for T. Rowe Price
  International Stock and Merrill Lynch World Strategy Portfolios; and 1.75%
  for Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio. See the prospectus for
  EQ Trust for more information. 

  The Rule 12b-1 Plan provides that EQ Trust, on
  behalf of each Portfolio, may pay annually up to 0.25% of the average daily
  net assets of a Portfolio attributable to its Class IB shares in respect of
  activities primarily intended to result in the sale of the Class IB shares.
  The 12b-1 fees, which may be waived in the discretion of EDI, may be
  increased only by action of the Board of Trustees of EQ Trust up to a maximum
  of 0.50% per annum. All of these fees and expenses are described more fully
  in the EQ Trust Prospectus.

ON PAGE 35, UNDER THE HEADING "TRUST VOTING RIGHTS"
    

  REPLACE THE FIRST SENTENCE OF THE SECOND PARAGRAPH WITH THE FOLLOWING
  SENTENCE:

  Because HR TRUST is a Massachusetts Business Trust and EQ Trust is a Delaware
  business trust, annual meetings are not required.

   
ON PAGE 35, UNDER THE HEADING "VOTING RIGHTS OF OTHERS," REPLACE THE FIRST TWO
SENTENCES OF THE PARAGRAPH WITH THE FOLLOWING SENTENCES:
    

  Currently we control each trust. EQ Trust shares currently are sold only to 
  our separate accounts. HR Trust shares are held by other separate accounts
  of ours and by separate accounts of insurance companies affiliated and
  unaffiliated with us.

   
ON PAGE 37, UNDER THE HEADING "FEDERAL AND STATE INCOME TAX WITHHOLDING,"
REPLACE THE FOURTH SENTENCE OF THE THIRD PARAGRAPH WITH THE FOLLOWING
SENTENCE:
    

  For 1997, a recipient of periodic payments (e.g., monthly or annual payments)
  which total less than a $14,400 taxable amount will generally be exempt from 
  federal income tax withholding, unless the recipient specifies a different 
  choice of withholding exemption.


                                       17
<PAGE>

   
INSERT THE FOLLOWING APPENDIX AFTER PAGE 46 "APPENDIX III:"

                          APPENDIX IV: GMIB EXAMPLES

         The GMIB is equal to:

             (A) the greater of

                (i)  the Annuity Account Value in the Investment Funds, and

                (ii)  an amount equal to the GMDB (without regard to the
                      seventh Contract Year reset), reduced by any remaining
                      withdrawal charges; divided by

             (B) the guaranteed maximum annuity purchase rates.

         The examples below assume a male age 60 has purchased an Accumulator
         Certificate with an initial contribution of $100,000 that is allocated
         100% to the Investment Funds (excluding the Fixed Income Series). The
         GMDB (without regard to the seventh Contract Year reset) in the 10th
         Contract Year is $179,085 at 6% interest. Assuming hypothetical rates
         of return (after deduction of charges) in the Investment Funds of 0%
         in Example 1 and 8% in Example 2 during the 10 Contract Years, the
         GMIB in the 10th Contract Year (assuming level payments under the
         Assured Payment Plan) would be as follows:
    

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   EXAMPLE 1   EXAMPLE 2
                                                                  ----------- -----------
<S>                                                                <C>         <C>
(1) Hypothetical Rate of Return...................................     0%          8%
(2) Annuity Account Value as of the Contract Date ................  $100,000    $100,000
(3) The greater of (i) the GMDB (without regard to the seventh
    Contract Year reset) and (ii) the Annuity Account Value as of
    the 10th Contract Date anniversary ...........................  $179,085    $215,892
(4) Guaranteed Maximum Annuity Purchase Rates for level payments
    under the Assured Payment Plan ...............................   $14.73      $14.73
(5) GMIB as of 10th Contract Date anniversary ((3) / (4)) ........   $12,160     $14,659
</TABLE>

   
         In Example 1, the GMDB (without regard to the seventh Contract Year
         reset) which is higher than the Annuity Account Value would provide a
         GMIB of $12,160. In Example 2, the Annuity Account Value, which at
         this point is higher than the GMDB (without regard to the seventh
         Contract Year reset), would provide a GMIB of $14,659.

         The rates of return discussed above are for illustrative purposes only
         and are not intended to represent an expected or guaranteed rate of
         return. Your investment results will vary. The level of GMIB under the
         Assured Payment Plan will also depend on the guaranteed maximum
         annuity purchase rates as of the Transaction Date and the type of
         payments selected. The examples assume no transfers or withdrawals,
         which would affect the GMDB and, thus, the GMIB.
    

                                      18
<PAGE>

                     STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
                              TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>         <C>                                                     <C>
                                                                    PAGE
                                                                    --------
Part 1:     Accumulation Unit Values                                2
Part 2:     Annuity Unit Values                                     2
Part 3:     Custodian and Independent Accountants                   3
Part 4:     Alliance Money Market Fund and Alliance Intermediate    3
            Government Securities Fund Yield Information
Part 5:     Long-Term Market Trends                                 4
Part 6:     Financial Statements                                    6
</TABLE>

   
                     HOW TO OBTAIN AN ACCUMULATOR STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL
                     INFORMATION FOR SEPARATE ACCOUNT NO. 45

                     Send this request form to:
                               Equitable Life
                               Income Management Group
                               P.O. Box 1547
                               Secaucus, NJ 07096-1547

                     Please send me an Accumulator SAI:
                     (Supplement dated May 1, 1997 to Accumulator Prospectus,
                     dated May 1, 1996)

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

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

                     ---------------------------------------------------------
                     City                    State                    Zip
<PAGE>

    
   
                   INCOME MANAGER(SERVICE MARK) ROLLOVER IRA
                      STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

                                 MAY 1, 1997 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
    
                           COMBINATION VARIABLE AND 
                     FIXED DEFERRED ANNUITY CERTIFICATES 
                              FUNDED THROUGH THE 
                 INVESTMENT FUNDS OF SEPARATE ACCOUNT NO. 45 

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  EQUITY SERIES 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
<S>                                 <C>                                       <C>
DOMESTIC EQUITY                     INTERNATIONAL EQUITY                      AGGRESSIVE EQUITY 
 Alliance Common Stock               Alliance Global                           Alliance Aggressive Stock 
 Alliance Growth & Income            Alliance International                    Alliance Small Cap Growth 
 EQ/Putnam Growth & Income Value     Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Equity    MFS Emerging Growth Companies 
 MFS Research                        T. Rowe Price International Stock         Warburg Pincus Small Company Value 
 Merrill Lynch Basic Value Equity 
 T. Rowe Price Equity Income 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
</TABLE>
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
       ASSET ALLOCATION SERIES                                        FIXED INCOME SERIES 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
<S>                                      <C>                          <C>
 Alliance Conservative Investors          AGGRESSIVE FIXED INCOME     DOMESTIC FIXED INCOME 
 Alliance Growth Investors                Alliance High Yield         Alliance Intermediate Government Securities 
 EQ/Putnam Balanced                                                   Alliance Money Market 
 Merrill Lynch World Strategy 
- ----------------------------------- ----  --------------------------  ---------------------------------------------- 
</TABLE>
    
                                  ISSUED BY: 
          THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
   Home Office:              1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10104 
   Processing  Office:       Post Office Box 1547, Secaucus, NJ 07096-1547 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This statement of additional information (SAI) is not a prospectus. It should 
be read in conjunction with the Separate Account No. 45 prospectus for the 
Rollover IRA, dated May 1, 1997. Definitions of special terms used in the SAI 
are found in the prospectus. 
    

   A copy of the prospectus is available free of charge by writing the 
Processing Office, by calling 1-800-789-7771, toll-free, or by contacting 
your Registered Representative. 

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 
                              TABLE OF CONTENTS 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       PAGE 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------- 
<S>     <C>                                                                             <C>
Part 1   Minimum Distribution Withdrawals                                                2 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------- 
Part 2   Accumulation Unit Values                                                        2 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------- 
Part 3   Annuity Unit Values                                                             2 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------- 
Part 4   Custodian and Independent Accountants                                           3 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------- 
Part 5   Alliance Money Market Fund and Alliance Intermediate Government         
          Securities Fund  Yield Information                                             3 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------- 
Part 6   Long-Term Market Trends                                                         4 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------- 
Part 7   Key Factors in Retirement Planning                                              6 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------- 
Part 8   Financial Statements                                                           11 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------- 
</TABLE>
    
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
                                Copyright 1997
     The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States, New York,
                               New York 10104.
                             All rights reserved.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
<PAGE>

PART 1 -MINIMUM DISTRIBUTION
  WITHDRAWALS 

   
If you elect Minimum Distribution Withdrawals described in Part 5 of the 
prospectus, each year we calculate the Minimum Distribution Withdrawal amount 
by using the value of your IRA as of December 31 of the prior calendar year. 
We then calculate the minimum distribution amount based on the various 
choices you make. This calculation takes into account withdrawals made during 
the current calendar year but prior to the date we determine your Minimum 
Distribution Withdrawal amount, except that when Minimum Distribution 
Withdrawals are elected in the year in which you attain age 71 1/2, no 
adjustment will be made for any withdrawals made between January 1 and April 1 
in satisfaction of the minimum distribution requirement for the prior year. 
    

An election can also be made (1) to have us recalculate your life expectancy, 
or joint life expectancies, each year or (2) to have us determine your life 
expectancy, or joint life expectancies, once and then subtract one year, each 
year, from that amount. The joint life options are only available if the 
spouse is the beneficiary. However, if you first elect Minimum Distribution 
Withdrawals after April 1 of the year following the calendar year in which 
you attain age 70 1/2, option (1) will apply. 

PART 2 -ACCUMULATION 
 UNIT VALUES 

Accumulation Unit Values are determined at the end of each Valuation Period 
for each of the Investment Funds. Other annuity contracts and certificates 
which may be offered by us will have their own accumulation unit values for 
the Investment Funds which may be different from those for the Rollover IRA. 

The Accumulation Unit Value for an Investment Fund for any Valuation Period 
is equal to the Accumulation Unit Value for the preceding Valuation Period 
multiplied by the Net Investment Factor for that Investment Fund for that 
Valuation Period. The NET INVESTMENT FACTOR is (a)-c where: 
                                                b 

(a)    is the value of the Investment Fund's shares of the corresponding 
       Portfolio at the end of the Valuation Period before giving effect to 
       any amounts allocated to or withdrawn from the Investment Fund for the 
       Valuation Period. For this purpose, we use the share value reported to 
       us by the Trust. 

(b)    is the value of the Investment Fund's shares of the corresponding 
       Portfolio at the end of the preceding Valuation Period (after any 
       amounts allocated or withdrawn for that Valuation Period). 

(c)    is the daily Separate Account mortality and expense risk charge and 
       asset based administrative charge relating to the Certificates, times 
       the number of calendar days in the Valuation Period. These daily 
       charges are at an effective annual rate not to exceed a total of 1.15%. 

PART 3 -ANNUITY UNIT VALUES 

   
The annuity unit value was fixed at $1.00 on May 1, 1997 for Certificates 
with assumed base rates of net investment return of both 5% and 3 1/2% a 
year. For each Valuation Period after that date, it is the annuity unit value 
for the immediately preceding Valuation Period multiplied by the adjusted Net 
Investment Factor under the Certificate. For each Valuation Period, the 
adjusted Net Investment Factor is equal to the Net Investment Factor reduced 
for each day in the Valuation Period by: 
    

o      .00013366 of the Net Investment Factor if the assumed base rate of net 
       investment return is 5% a year; or 

o      .00009425 of the Net Investment Factor if the assumed base rate of net 
       investment return is 3 1/2%. 

Because of this adjustment, the annuity unit value rises and falls depending 
on whether the actual rate of net investment return (after deduction of 
charges) is higher or lower than the assumed base rate. 

All Certificates have a 5% assumed base rate of net investment return, except 
in states where that rate is not permitted. Annuity payments under 
Certificates with an assumed base rate of 3 1/2% will at first be smaller 
than those under Certificates with a 5% assumed base rate. Payments under the 
3 1/2% Certificates, however, will rise more rapidly when unit values are 
rising, and payments will fall more slowly when unit values are falling than 
those under 5% Certificates. 

                                2           
<PAGE>

The amounts of variable annuity payments are determined as follows: 

Payments normally start on the Business Day specified on your election form, 
or on such other future date as specified therein and are made on a monthly 
basis. The first three payments are of equal amounts. Each of the first three 
payments will be based on the amount specified in the Tables of Guaranteed 
Annuity Payments in the Certificate. 

The first three payments depend on the assumed base rate of net investment 
return and the form of annuity chosen (and any fixed period). If the annuity 
involved a life contingency, the risk class and the age of the annuitants 
will affect payments. 

   
The amount of the fourth and each later payment will vary according to the 
investment performance of the Investment Funds. Each monthly payment will be 
calculated by multiplying the number of annuity units credited by the average 
annuity unit value for the second calendar month immediately preceding the 
due date of the payment. The number of units is calculated by dividing the 
first monthly payment by the annuity unit value for the Valuation Period 
which includes the due date of the first monthly payment. The average annuity 
unit value is the average of the annuity unit values for the Valuation 
Periods ending in that month. Variable income annuities may also be available 
by separate prospectus through the Investment Funds of other separate 
accounts we offer. 
    

Illustration of Changes in Annuity Unit Values. To show how we determine 
variable annuity payments from month to month, assume that the Annuity 
Account Value on an Annuity Commencement Date is enough to fund an annuity 
with a monthly payment of $363 and that the annuity unit value for the 
Valuation Period that includes the due date of the first annuity payment is 
$1.05. The number of annuity units credited under the contract would be 
345.71 (363 divided by 1.05 = 345.71). 

If the fourth monthly payment is due in March, and the average annuity unit 
value for January was $1.10, the annuity payment for March would be the 
number of units (345.71) times the average annuity unit value ($1.10), or 
$380.28. If the average annuity unit value was $1 in February, the annuity 
payment for April would be 345.71 times $1, or $345.71. 

PART 4 -CUSTODIAN AND 
 INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS 

   
Equitable Life is the custodian for shares of each Trust owned by the 
Separate Account. 

The consolidated financial statements and consolidated financial statement 
schedules of Equitable Life at December 31, 1996 and 1995 and for each of the 
three years ended December 31, 1996 included in the SAI have been audited by 
Price Waterhouse LLP. 

The consolidated financial statements and consolidated financial statement 
schedules of Equitable Life at December 31, 1996 and 1995 and for each of the 
three years ended December 31, 1996 included in this SAI have been so 
included in reliance on the reports of Price Waterhouse LLP, independent 
accountants, given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and 
auditing. 

PART 5 -ALLIANCE MONEY 
 MARKET FUND AND ALLIANCE 
 INTERMEDIATE GOVERNMENT  SECURITIES FUND YIELD 
 INFORMATION 

Alliance Money Market Fund 

The Alliance Money Market Fund calculates yield information for seven-day 
periods. The seven-day current yield calculation is based on a hypothetical 
Certificate with one Accumulation Unit at the beginning of the period. To 
determine the seven-day rate of return, the net change in the Accumulation 
Unit Value is computed by subtracting the Accumulation Unit Value at the 
beginning of the period from an Accumulation Unit Value, exclusive of capital 
changes, at the end of the period. 

Accumulation Unit Values reflect all other accrued expenses of the Alliance 
Money Market Fund but do not reflect the withdrawal charge, the GMDB/GMIB 
charge or any charges for applicable taxes such as state or local premium 
taxes. 

The adjusted net change is divided by the Accumulation Unit Value at the 
beginning of the period to obtain the adjusted base period rate of return. 
This seven-day adjusted base period return is then multiplied by 365/7 to 
produce an annualized seven-day current yield figure carried to the nearest 
one-hundredth of one percent. 
    

                                3           
<PAGE>
   
The effective yield is obtained by modifying the current yield to give effect 
to the compounding nature of the Alliance Money Market Fund's investments, as 
follows: the unannualized adjusted base period return is compounded by adding 
one to the adjusted base period return, raising the sum to a power equal to 
365 divided by 7, and subtracting one from the result, i.e., effective yield 
= (base period return + 1 ) 365/7 -- 1. The Alliance Money Market Fund yields 
will fluctuate daily. Accordingly, yields for any given period are not 
necessarily representative of future results. In addition, the value of 
Accumulation Units of the Alliance Money Market Fund will fluctuate and not 
remain constant. 

Alliance Intermediate Government Securities Fund 

The Alliance Intermediate Government Securities Fund calculates yield 
information for 30-day periods. The 30-day current yield calculation is based 
on a hypothetical Certificate with one Accumulation Unit at the beginning of 
the period. To determine the 30-day rate of return, the net change in the 
Accumulation Unit Value is computed by subtracting the Accumulation Unit 
Value at the beginning of the period from an Accumulation Unit Value, 
exclusive of capital changes, at the end of the period. 

Accumulation Unit Values reflect all other accrued expenses of the Alliance 
Intermediate Government Securities Fund but do not reflect the withdrawal 
charge, the GMDB/GMIB charge or any charges for applicable taxes such as 
state or local premium taxes. 

The adjusted net change is divided by the Accumulation Unit Value at the 
beginning of the period to obtain the adjusted base period rate of return. 
This 30-day adjusted base period return is then multiplied by 365/30 to 
produce an annualized 30-day current yield figure carried to the nearest 
one-hundredth of one percent. 

The effective yield is obtained by modifying the current yield to give effect 
to the compounding nature of the Alliance Intermediate Government Securities 
Fund's investments, as follows: the unannualized adjusted base period return 
is compounded by adding one to the adjusted base period return, raising the 
sum to a power equal to 365 divided by 30, and subtracting one from the 
result, i.e., effective yield = (base period return + 1) 365/30 -- 1. 
Alliance Intermediate Government Securities Fund yields will fluctuate daily. 
Accordingly, yields for any given period are not necessarily representative 
of future results. In addition, the value of Accumulation Units of the 
Alliance Intermediate Government Securities Fund will fluctuate and not 
remain constant. 

Alliance Money Market Fund and Alliance Intermediate Government Securities 
Fund Yield Information 

The Alliance Money Market Fund and Alliance Intermediate Government 
Securities Fund yields reflect charges that are not normally reflected in the 
yields of other investments and therefore may be lower when compared with 
yields of other investments. Alliance Money Market Fund and Alliance 
Intermediate Government Securities Fund yields should not be compared to the 
return on fixed rate investments which guarantee rates of interest for 
specified periods, such as the Guarantee Periods. Nor should the yield be 
compared to the yield of money market funds or government securities funds 
made available to the general public. 

Because the Rollover IRA Certificates described in the prospectus are being 
offered for the first time in 1997, no yield information is presented. 
    

PART 6 -LONG-TERM MARKET 
 TRENDS 

As a tool for understanding how different investment strategies may affect 
long-term results, it may be useful to consider the historical returns on 
different types of assets. The following charts present historical return 
trends for various types of securities. The information presented, while not 
directly related to the performance of the Investment Funds, helps to provide 
a perspective on the potential returns of different asset classes over 
different periods of time. By combining this information with knowledge of 
your own financial needs (e.g., the length of time until you retire, your 
financial requirements at retirement), you may be able to better determine 
how you wish to allocate contributions among the Rollover IRA Investment 
Funds. 

Historically, the long-term investment performance of common stocks has 
generally been 

                                4           
<PAGE>
superior to that of long-or short-term debt securities. For those investors 
who have many years until retirement, or whose primary focus is on long-term 
growth potential and protection against inflation, there may be advantages to 
allocating some or all of their Annuity Account Value to those Investment 
Funds that invest in stocks. 
   
                   Growth of $1 Invested on January 1, 1956 
                     (Values are as of last business day) 
 
[THE FOLLOWING TABLE WAS REPRESENTED AS A STACKED
AREA GRAPH IN THE PROSPECTUS]


- ------------------------------------------
 	     S&P 500
  	     TOTAL	 U.S.
  	     RETURN      INFLATION
- ------------------------------------------
             INDEX       VALUE
- ------------------------------------------
Dec 1956      1.07        1.03
Dec 1957      0.95        1.06
Dec 1958      1.36        1.08
Dec 1959      1.53        1.09
Dec 1960      1.53        1.11
Dec 1961      1.95        1.12
Dec 1962      1.78        1.13
Dec 1963      2.18        1.15
Dec 1964      2.54        1.16
Dec 1965      2.86        1.19
Dec 1966      2.57	  1.23
Dec 1967      3.18	  1.26
Dec 1968      3.34        1.32
Dec 1969      3.24	  1.40
Dec 1970      3.37	  1.48
Dec 1971      3.85	  1.53
Dec 1972      4.58	  1.58
Dec 1973      3.91	  1.72
Dec 1974      2.87	  1.83
Dec 1975      3.94	  2.07
Dec 1976      4.88	  2.17
Dec 1977      4.53	  2.31
Dec 1978      4.83	  2.52
Dec 1979      5.72   	  2.86
Dec 1980      7.57	  3.21
Dec 1981      7.20	  3.50
Dec 1982      8.74	  3.64
Dec 1983     10.71	  3.77
Dec 1984     11.38	  3.92
Dec 1985     15.04	  4.07
Dec 1986     17.81	  4.12
Dec 1987     18.75	  4.30
Dec 1988     21.90	  4.49
Dec 1989     28.79	  4.70
Dec 1990     27.88 	  4.99
Dec 1991     36.40	  5.14
Dec 1992     39.19	  5.29
Dec 1993     43.10	  5.43
Dec 1994     43.67	  5.58
Dec 1995     60.01	  5.72
Dec 1996     73.86        5.92

- ------------------------------------------
[END OF GRAPHICALLY REPRESENTED DATA]

[BLACK] Common Stock   [WHITE] Inflation

Source: Ibbotson Associates, Inc. See discussion and information preceding 
and following chart. 

Over shorter periods of time, however, common stocks tend to be subject to 
more dramatic changes in value than fixed income (debt) securities. Investors 
who are nearing retirement age, or who have a need to limit short-term risk, 
may find it preferable to allocate a smaller percentage of their Annuity 
Account Value to those Investment Funds that invest in common stocks. The 
following graph illustrates the monthly fluctuations in value of $1 based on 
monthly returns of the Standard & Poor's 500 during 1990, a year that 
represents more typical volatility than 1996. 


                   Growth of $1 Invested on January 1, 1990 
                   (Values are as of the last business day) 

[THE FOLLOWING TABLE WAS REPRESENTED AS A SCATTER
GRAPH IN THE PROSPECTUS]

- ------------------------------------------
				S&P 500
		U.S. IT		TOTAL
		GVT TR		RETURN
- ------------------------------------------
		INDEX		INDEX
- ------------------------------------------
Jan 1990	0.99		0.93
Feb 1990	0.99		0.94
Mar 1990	0.99		0.97
Apr 1990	0.98		0.95
May 1990	1.01		1.04
Jun 1990	1.02		1.03
Jul 1990	1.04		1.03
Aug 1990	1.03		0.93
Sep 1990	1.04		0.89
Oct 1990	1.06		0.89
Nov 1990	1.08		0.94
Dec 1990	1.10		0.97

  Common Stock  Intermediate-Term Govt. Bonds

[END OF GRAPHICALLY REPRESENTED DATA]

Source: Ibbotson Associates, Inc. See discussion and information preceding 
        and following chart. 

The following chart illustrates average annual rates of return over selected 
time periods between December 31, 1926 and December 31, 1996 for different 
types of securities: common stocks, long-term government bonds, long-term 
corporate bonds, intermediate-term govern-ment bonds and U.S. Treasury Bills. 
For comparison purposes, the Consumer Price Index is shown as a measure of 
inflation. The average annual returns shown in the chart reflect capital 
appreciation and assume the reinvestment of dividends and interest. No 
investment management fees or expenses, and no charges typically associated 
with deferred annuity products, are reflected. 
    

The information presented is merely a summary of past experience for 
unmanaged groups of securities and is neither an estimate nor guarantee of 
future performance. Any invest ment in securities, whether equity or debt, 
involves varying degrees of potential risk, in addition to offering varying 
degrees of potential reward. 

                                5           
<PAGE>
The rates of return illustrated do not represent returns of the Separate 
Account. In addition, there is no assurance that the performance of the 
Investment Funds will correspond to rates of return such as those illustrated 
in the chart. 

   
For a comparative illustration of performance results of the Investment Funds 
(which reflect the Trust and Separate Account charges), see "Part 9: 
Investment Performance" in the prospectus. 

                                MARKET TRENDS: 
                     ILLUSTRATIVE ANNUAL RATES OF RETURN 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      LONG-TERM   INTERMEDIATE- 
  FOR THE FOLLOWING PERIODS    COMMON    LONG-TERM    CORPORATE       TERM        U.S. TREASURY    CONSUMER 
       ENDING 12/31/96         STOCKS   GOVT. BONDS     BONDS      GOVT. BONDS        BILLS       PRICE INDEX 
 ---------------------------  -------- ------------- ----------- --------------- --------------- ------------- 
<S>                           <C>          <C>         <C>           <C>             <C>            <C>
1 Year                         23.07%      (0.93)%      1.40%         2.10%           5.21%          3.58% 
3 Years                        19.66        6.36        6.72          4.19            4.90           2.93 
5 Years                        15.20        8.98        8.52          6.17            4.22           2.89 
10 Years                       15.28        9.39        9.48          7.77            5.46           3.70 
20 Years                       14.55        9.54        9.71          9.14            7.28           5.15 
30 Years                       11.85        7.75        8.24          8.27            6.73           5.39 
40 Years                       11.18        6.51        6.99          7.08            5.80           4.47 
50 Years                       12.59        5.33        5.76          5.89            4.89           4.08 
60 Years                       11.19        5.06        5.38          5.32            4.10           4.13 
Since 12/31/26                 10.71        5.08        5.64          5.21            3.74           3.12 
Inflation adjusted since 1926   7.36        1.90        2.44          2.02            0.60             -- 
</TABLE>
    

   
SOURCE: Ibbotson, Roger G., and Rex A. Sinquefield, Stocks, Bonds, Bills, and 
Inflation (SBBI), 1982, updated in Stocks, Bonds, Bills and Inflation 1997 
Yearbook(Trademark), Ibbotson Associates, Inc., Chicago. All rights reserved. 
    

COMMON STOCKS (S&P 500)--Standard and Poor's Composite Index, an unmanaged 
weighted index of the stock performance of 500 industrial, transportation, 
utility and financial companies. 

LONG-TERM GOVERNMENT BONDS--Measured using a one-bond portfolio constructed 
each year containing a bond with approximately a twenty year maturity and a 
reasonably current coupon. 

LONG-TERM CORPORATE BONDS--For the period 1969-1995, represented by the 
Salomon Brothers Long-term, High-Grade Corporate Bond Index; for the period 
1946-1968, the Salomon Brothers Index was backdated using Salomon Brothers 
monthly yield data and a methodology similar to that used by Salomon Brothers 
for 1969-1995; for the period 1927-1945, the Standard and Poor's monthly 
High-Grade Corporate Composite yield data were used, assuming a 4 percent 
coupon and a twenty year maturity. 

INTERMEDIATE-TERM GOVERNMENT BONDS--Measured by a one-bond portfolio 
constructed each year containing a bond with approximately a five year 
maturity. 

U. S. TREASURY BILLS--Measured by rolling over each month a one-bill 
portfolio containing, at the beginning of each month, the bill having the 
shortest maturity not less than one month. 

   
INFLATION--Measured by the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers 
(CPI-U), not seasonally adjusted. 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

PART 7: KEY FACTORS IN 
 RETIREMENT PLANNING 
    

INTRODUCTION 

The Accumulator is available to help meet the retirement income and 
investment needs of individuals. In assessing these retirement needs, some 
key factors need to be addressed: (1) the impact of inflation on fixed 
retirement incomes; (2) the importance of planning early for retirement; (3) 
the benefits of tax-deferral; (4) the selection of an appropriate investment 
strategy; and (5) the benefit of annuitization. Each of these factors is 
addressed below. 

Unless otherwise noted, all of the following presentations use an assumed 
annual rate of return of 7.5% compounded annually. This rate of return is for 
illustrative purposes only and is not intended to represent an expected or 
guaranteed rate of return for any investment vehicle, including the 
Accumulator. In addition, unless otherwise noted, none of the illustrations 
reflect any charges that may be applied under a particular investment 
vehicle, including the Accumulator. Such charges would effectively reduce the 
actual return under any investment vehicle. 

All earnings in these presentations are assumed to accumulate tax-deferred 
unless otherwise noted. Most programs designed for retirement savings offer 
tax-deferral. Monies are taxed upon withdrawal and a 10% penalty tax may 
apply to premature withdrawals. Certain retirement programs prohibit early 
withdrawals. See "Part 7: Tax Aspects of the Certificates." Where taxes are 
taken into consideration in these presentations, a 28% tax rate is assumed. 

The source of the data used by us to compile the charts which appear in this 
Part 8 (other than 

                                6           
<PAGE>
   
charts 1, 2, 3, 4 and 7) is Ibbotson Associates, Inc. Chicago. Stocks, Bonds, 
Bills and Inflation 1997 Yearbook (TM). All rights reserved. 
    

In reports or other communications or in advertising material we may make use 
of these or other graphic or numerical illustrations that we prepare showing 
the impact of inflation, planning early for retirement, tax-deferral, 
diversification and other concepts important to retirement planning. 

INFLATION 

   
Inflation erodes purchasing power. This means that, in an inflationary 
period, the dollar is worth less as time passes. Because many people live on 
a fixed income during retirement, inflation is of particular concern to them. 
The charts that follow illustrate the detrimental impact of inflation over an 
extended period of time. Between 1966 and 1996, the average annual inflation 
rate was 5.39%. As demonstrated in Chart 1, this 5.39% annual rate of 
inflation would cause the purchasing power of $35,000 to decrease to only 
$7,246 after 30 years. 

In Chart 2, the impact of inflation is examined from another perspective. 
Specifically, the chart illustrates the additional income needed to maintain 
the purchasing power of $35,000 over a thirty year period. Again, the 
1966-1996 historical inflation rate of 5.39% is used. In this case, an 
additional $134,064 would be required to maintain the purchasing power of 
$35,000 after 30 years. 


                            CHART 1

		 [THE FOLLOWING TABLE WAS REPRESENTED AS A 
		    3-D BAR GRAPH IN THE PROSPECTUS]

                      Today        --       $35,000
                      10 years     --       $20,705
                      20 years     --       $12,248
                      30 years     --       $ 7,246

		 [END OF GRAPHICALLY REPRESENTED DATA]

			       CHART 2
                        ANNUAL INCOME NEEDED

		 [THE FOLLOWING TABLE WAS REPRESENTED AS A 
		    3-D BAR GRAPH IN THE PROSPECTUS]

                      Today        --       $ 35,000
                      10 years     --       $ 59,165
                      20 years     --       $100,013
                      30 years     --       $169,064

              Increase Needed:  $24,165   $65,013   $134,064
                      
		 [END OF GRAPHICALLY REPRESENTED DATA]
	

STARTING EARLY 

The impact of inflation accentuates the need to begin a retirement program 
early. The value of starting early is illustrated in the following charts. 
    

As shown in Chart 3, if an individual makes annual contributions of $2,500 to 
his or her retirement program beginning at age 30, he or she would accumulate 
$414,551 by age 65 under the assumptions described earlier. If that 
individual waited until age 50, he or she would only accumulate $70,193 by 
age 65 under the same assumptions. 

                                    CHART 3

                  [THE FOLLOWING TABLE WAS REPRESENTED AS
                  A STACKED AREA GRAPH IN THE PROSPECTUS:]
 
                          30 .................  $414,551
                          40 .................  $182,691
                          50 .................  $ 70,193
             BLACK - Age 30    GRAY - Age 40     DOTTED - Age 50

                      [END OF GRAPHICALLY REPRESENTED DATA]


                                7           
<PAGE>
In Table 1, the impact of starting early is demonstrated in another format. 
For example, if an individual invests $300 monthly, he or she would 
accumulate $387,193 in thirty years under our assumptions. In contrast, if 
that individual invested the same $300 per month for 15 years, he or she 
would accumulate only $97,804 under our assumptions. 

                                   TABLE 1 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    MONTHLY       YEAR     YEAR     YEAR      YEAR      YEAR 
 CONTRIBUTION      10       15       20        25        30 
- -------------- -------- -------- --------- --------- --------- 
<S>            <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>
     $ 20       $ 3,532  $ 6,520  $ 10,811  $ 16,970  $ 25,813 
       50         8,829   16,301    27,027    42,425    64,532 
      100        17,659   32,601    54,053    84,851   129,064 
      200        35,317   65,202   108,107   169,701   258,129 
      300        52,969   97,804   162,160   254,552   387,193 

</TABLE>

   
Chart 4 presents an additional way to demonstrate the significant impact of 
starting to make contributions to a retirement program earlier rather than 
later. It assumes that an individual had a goal to accumulate $250,000 
(pre-tax) by age 65. If he or she starts at age 30, under our assumptions he 
or she could reach the goal by making a monthly pre-tax contribution of $130 
(equivalent to $93 after taxes). The total net cost for the 30 year old in 
this hypothetical example would be $39,265. If the individual in this 
hypothetical example waited until age 50, he or she would have to make a 
monthly pre-tax contribution of $767 (equivalent to $552 after taxes) to 
attain the goal, illustrating the importance of starting early. 

                                      CHART 4

                            GOAL: $250,000 BY AGE 65

                    [THE FOLLOWING TABLE WAS REPRESENTED
                     AS A BAR GRAPH IN THE PROSPECTUS:]
					
						B	     W
           $ 93 a Month ............. 30     $39,265     $210,735
           $212 a Month ............. 40     $63,641     $186,359
           $552 a Month ............. 50     $99,383     $150,617

                        BLACK - Net Cost
                        WHITE - Tax-Deferred Earnings at 7.5%

                      [END OF GRAPHICALLY REPRESENTED DATA]

TAX-DEFERRAL 
    

Contributing to a retirement plan early is part of an effective strategy for 
addressing the impact of inflation. Another part of such a strategy is to 
carefully select the types of retirement programs in which to invest. In 
deciding where to invest retirement contributions, there are three basic 
types of programs. 

   
The first type offers the most tax benefits, and therefore is potentially the 
most beneficial for accumulating funds for retirement. Contributions are made 
with pre-tax dollars or are tax-deductible and earnings grow income 
tax-deferred. An example of this type of program is the deductible Individual 
Retirement Annuity (IRA). 
    

The second type of program also provides for tax deferred earnings growth; 
however, contributions are made with after-tax dollars. Examples of this type 
of program are non-deductible IRAs and non-qualified annuities. 

The third approach to retirement savings is fully taxable. Contributions are 
made with after-tax dollars and earnings are taxed each year. Examples of 
this type of program include certificates of deposit, savings accounts, and 
taxable stock, bond or mutual fund investments. 

   
Consider an example. For the type of retirement program that offers both 
pre-tax contributions and tax-deferral, assume that a $2,000 annual pre-tax 
contribution is made for thirty years. In this example, the retirement funds 
would be $176,363 after thirty years (assuming a 7.5% rate of return, no 
withdrawals and assuming the deduction of the 1.15% Separate Account daily 
asset charge and the $30 annual contract fee--but no withdrawal charge or 
other charges under the Certificate, or Trust charges to Portfolios), and 
such funds would be $222,309 without the effect of any charges. Assuming a 
lump sum withdrawal was made in year thirty and a 28% tax bracket, these 
amounts would be $126,981 and $160,062, respectively. 
    

For the type of program that offers only tax-deferral, assume an after-tax 
annual contribution of $1,440 for thirty years and the same rate of return. 
The after-tax contribution is derived by taxing the $2,000 pre-tax 
contribution again assuming a 28% tax bracket. In this 

                                8           
<PAGE>
example, the retirement funds would be $126,275 after thirty years assuming 
the deduction of charges and no withdrawals, and $160,062 without the effect 
of charges. Assuming a lump sum withdrawal in year thirty, the total 
after-tax amount would be $103,014 with charges deducted and $127,341 without 
charges as described above. 

For the fully taxable investment, assume an after-tax contribution of $1,440 
for thirty years. Earnings are taxed annually. After thirty years, the amount 
of this fully taxable investment is $108,046. 

Keep in mind that taxable investments have fees and charges too (investment 
advisory fees, administrative charges, 12b-1 fees, sales loads, brokerage 
commissions, etc.). We have not attempted to apply these fees and charges to 
the fully taxable amounts since this is intended merely as an example of tax 
deferral. 

Again, it must be emphasized that the assumed rate of return of 7.5% 
compounded annually used in these examples is for illustrative purposes only 
and is not intended to represent a guaranteed or expected rate of return on 
any investment vehicle. Moreover, early withdrawals of tax-deferred 
investments are generally subject to a 10% penalty tax. 

INVESTMENT OPTIONS 

Selecting an appropriate retirement program is clearly an important part of 
an effective retirement planning strategy. Carefully choosing among 
Investment Options is another essential component. 

   
During the 1966-1997 period, common stock average annual returns outperformed 
the average annual returns of fixed investments such as long-term government 
bonds and Treasury Bills (T-Bills). See "Notes" below. Common stocks earned 
an average annual return of 11.85% over this period, in contrast to 7.75% and 
6.73% for the other two investment categories. Significantly, common stock 
returns also outpaced inflation which grew at 5.39% over this period. 
    

Although common stock returns have historically outpaced returns of fixed 
investments, people often allocate a significant percentage of their 
retirement funds to fixed return investments. Their primary concern is the 
preservation of principal. Given this concern, Chart 5 illustrates the impact 
of exposing only the interest generated by a fixed investment to the stock 
market. In this illustration, the fixed investment is represented by a 
Treasury Bill return and the stock investment is represented by the Standard 
& Poor's 500 ("S&P 500"). 

   
The chart assumes that a $20,000 fixed investment was made on January 1, 
1980. If the interest on that investment were to accumulate based upon the 
return of the S&P 500, the total investment would have been worth $157,783 in 
1996. Had the interest been reinvested in the fixed investment, the fixed 
investment would have grown to $65,623. As illustrated in Chart 5, 
significant opportunities for growth exist while preserving principal. See 
"Notes" below. 

                                   CHART 5 

$157,783 with Interest Exposed to Stock Market (S&P 500)

[THE FOLLOWING TABLE WAS REPRESENTED AS A LINE GRAPH IN THE PROSPECTUS]

          Market Value  Market Value
Month      of S&P 500    If 100% in
Ending    & Fixed Acct   3 Mo. T-Bill

  1980 J     20,160        20,160
       F     20,338        20,339
       M     20,547        20,586
       A     20,823        20,845
       M     21,031        21,014
       J     21,183        21,142
       J     21,369        21,254
       A     21,515        21,390
       S     21,708        21,550
       O     21,930        21,755
       N     22,333        21,964
       D     22,522        22,252
  1981 J     22,619        22,483
       F     22,888        22,724
       M     23,239        22,999
       A     23,386        23,247
       M     23,637        23,514
       J     23,878        23,832
       J     24,129        24,127
       A     24,156        24,436
       S     24,196        24,739
       O     24,659        25,039
       N     25,079        25,306
       D     25,118        25,527
  1982 J     25,195        25,731
       F     25,113        25,968
       M     25,278        26,222
       A     25,722        26,518
       M     25,770        26,799
       J     25,861        27,057
       J     25,945        27,341
       A     26,850        27,549
       S     27,028        27,689
       O     27,937        27,852
       D     25,118        25,527
  1982 J     25,195        25,731
       F     25,113        25,968
       M     25,278        26,222
       A     25,722        26,518
       M     25,770        26,799
       J     25,861        27,057
       J     25,945        27,341
       A     26,850        27,549
       S     27,028        27,689
       O     27,937        27,852
       N     28,411        28,028
       D     28,690        28,216
  1983 J     29,131        28,410
       F     29,492        28,587
       M     29,965        28,767
       A     30,862        28,971
       M     30,943        29,171
       J     31,495        29,366
       J     31,284        29,584
       A     31,627        29,808
       S     31,938        30,035
       O     31,930        30,263
       N     32,348        30,475
       D     32,418        30,698
  1984 J     32,490        30,931
       F     32,222        31,150
       M     32,577        31,378
       A     32,826        31,632
       M     32,297        31,879
       J     32,719        32,118
       J     32,701        32,381
       A     34,295        32,650
       S     34,470        32,931
       O     34,708        33,260
       N     34,705        33,503
       D     35,205        33,717
  1985 J     36,503        33,936
       F     36,845        34,133
       M     37,000        34,345
       A     37,809        34,592
       M     38,272        34,820
       J     38,673        35,012
       J     38,748        35,229
       A     38,744        35,423
       S     38,262        35,635
       O     39,208        35,867
       N     40,706        36,086
       D     41,803        36,320
  1986 J     42,011        36,524
       F     43,792        36,717
       M     45,203        36,938
       A     45,021        37,130
       M     46,493        37,312
       J     47,036        37,506
       J     45,602        37,701
       A     47,609        37,874
       S     45,430        38,045
       O     46,935        38,220
       N     47,703        38,369
       D     47,070        38,557
  1987 J     50,789        38,719
       F     52,147        38,885
       M     53,115        39,068
       A     52,912        39,240
       M     53,327        39,389
       J     55,086        39,578
       J     56,925        39,760
       A     58,441        39,947
       S     57,685        40,127
       O     49,695        40,367
       N     47,333        40,509
       D     49,428        40,667
  1988 J     50,743        40,785
       F     52,280        40,972
       M     51,393        41,152
       A     51,824        41,342
       M     52,174        41,553
       J     53,765        41,756
       J     53,732        41,969
       A     52,733        42,217
       S     54,245        42,478
       O     55,302        42,738
       N     54,915        42,981
       D     55,673        43,252
  1989 J     58,362        43,490
       F     57,529        43,755
       M     58,548        44,048
       A     60,672        44,343
       M     62,465        44,694
       J     62,377        45,011
       J     66,323        45,326
       A     67,365        45,662
       S     67,310        45,958
       O     66,344        46,271
       N     67,446        46,590
       D     68,687        46,874
  1990 J     65,533        47,142
       F     66,234        47,410
       M     67,578        47,714
       A     66,541        48,043
       M     71,214        48,370
       J     70,982        48,674
       J     70,955        49,005
       A     66,481        49,329
       S     64,314        49,625
       O     64,286        49,962
       N     67,252        50,247
       D     68,667        50,548
  1991 J     70,922        50,811
       F     74,664        51,055
       M     76,053        51,280
       A     76,316        51,552
       M     78,820        51,794
       J     76,216        52,011
       J     78,945        52,266
       A     80,422        52,507
       S     79,523        52,748
       O     80,405        52,970
       N     78,042        53,176
       D     84,753        53,378
  1992 J     83,616        53,560
       F     84,486        53,710
       M     83,290        53,892
       A     85,196        54,065
       M     85,604        54,216
       J     84,717        54,390
       J     87,387        54,558
       A     86,078        54,700
       S     86,890        54,842
       O     87,176        54,969
       N     89,486        55,095
       D     90,453        55,249
  1993 J     91,013        55,376
       F     92,016        55,498
       M     93,614        55,637
       A     91,858        55,770
       M     93,843        55,895
       J     94,136        56,033
       J     93,836        56,167
       A     96,699        56,308
       S     97,774        56,578
       O     97,093        56,720
       N     98,087        56,850
       D    100,753        56,992
  1994 J     98,615        57,112
       F     95,249        57,266
       M     96,281        57,421
       A     97,589        57,605
       M     95,734        57,783
       J     98,297        57,945
       J    101,558        58,159
       A     99,666        58,375
       S    101,566        58,596
       O     98,647        58,813
       N     99,883        59,072
       D    102,044        59,320
  1995 J    105,307        59,557
       F    107,925        59,831
       M    110,571        60,095
       A    114,257        60,419
       M    116,566        60,703
       J    119,871        60,976
       J    120,235        61,263
       A    124,521        61,526
       S    124,249        61,816
       O    128,920        62,075
       N    131,033        63,379
       D    157,783        63,623

$62,379 Without Interest Exposed to Stock Market
     (S&P 500)

[END OF GRAPHICALLY REPRESENTED DATA]

Another variation of the example in Chart 5 is to gradually transfer 
principal from a fixed investment into the stock market. Chart 6 assumes that 
a $20,000 fixed investment was made on January 1, 1980. For the next two 
years, $540 is transferred monthly into the stock market (represented by the 
S&P 500). The total investment, given this strategy, would have grown to 
$167,238 in 1996. In contrast, had the principal not been transferred, the 
fixed investment would have grown to $65,623. See "Notes" below. 
    

                                9           
<PAGE>

                                   CHART 6 

$139,695 with Principal Transfer

[THE FOLLOWING TABLE WAS REPRESENTED AS A LINE GRAPH IN THE PROSPECTUS]

          Market Value    Market Value
Month     of S&P 500      If 100% in
Ending    & Fixed Acct    3 Mo. T-Bill
   

1980 J      20540          20160
     F      20702          20339
     M      20770          20586
     A      21068          20845
     M      21425          21014
     J      22000          21142
     J      22149          21254
     A      22394          21390
     S      22623          21550
     O      23406          21755
     N      23372          21964
     D      23246          22252
1981 J      23569          22483
     F      24053          22724
     M      24031          22999
     A      24246          23247
     M      24324          23514
     J      24514          23832
     J      24051          24127
     A      23651          24436
     S      24397          24739
     O      25087          25039
     N      24857          25306
     D      24193          25527
1982 J      23594          25731
     F      23618          25968
     M      24248          26222
     A      23995          26518
     M      23892          26799
     J      23731          27057
     J      25407          27341
     A      25647          27549
     S      27281          27689
     O      28031          27852
     N      28386          28028
     D      29041          28216
1983 J      29568          28410
     F      30282          28587
     M      31737          28767
     A      31721          28971
     M      32549          29171
     J      32000          29366
     J      32424          29584
     A      32790          29808
     S      32616          30035
     O      33176          30263
     N      33142          30475
     D      33104          30698
1984 J      32544          30931
     F      32969          31150
     M      33202          31378
     A      32246          31632
     M      32767          31879
     J      32593          32118
     J      34841          32381
     A      34959          32650
     S      35133          32931
     O      35058          33260
     N      35692          33503
     D      37434          33717
1985 J      37844          33936
     F      37970          34133
     M      37984          34345
     A      39531          34592
     M      40023          34820
     J      40038          35012
     J      39976          35229
     A      39254          35423
     S      40428          35635
     O      42341          35867
     N      43701          36086
     D      43926          36320
1986 J      46184          36524
     F      47968          36717
     M      47659          36938
     A      49498          37130
     M      50136          37312
     J      48265          37506
     J      50769          37701
     A      47982          37874
     S      49830          38045
     O      50767          38220
     N      49918          38369
     D      54519          38557
1987 J      56165          38719
     F      57317          38885
     M      57035          39068
     A      57525          39240
     M      59630          39389
     J      61849          39578
     J      63662          39760
     A      62711          39947
     S      52932          40127
     O      50090          40367
     N      52585          40509
     D      54165          40667
1988 J      55951          40785
     F      54862          40972
     M      55344          41152
     A      55720          41342
     M      57582          41553
     J      57509          41756
     J      56280          41969
     A      58018          42217
     S      59225          42478
     O      58749          42738
     N      59588          42981
     D      62695          43252
1989 J      61691          43490
     F      62824          43755
     M      65234          44048
     A      67232          44343
     M      67118          44694
     J      71581          45011
     J      72728          45326
     A      72661          45662
     S      71544          45958
     O      72760          46271
     N      74150          46590
     D      70617          46874
1990 J      71385          47142
     F      72851          47410
     M      71676          47714
     A      76833          48043
     M      76576          48370
     J      76526          48674
     J      71611          49005
     A      69246          49329
     S      69192          49625
     O      72438          49962
     N      73964          50247
     D      76420          50548
1991 J      80470          50811
     F      81977          51055
     M      82241          51280
     A      84947          51552
     M      82165          51794
     J      85076          52011
     J      86666          52266
     A      85709          52507
     S      86662          52748
     O      84157          52970
     N      91300          53176
     D      90106          53378
1992 J      91047          53560
     F      89770          53710
     M      91798          53892
     A      92244          54065
     M      91302          54216
     J      94130          54390
     J      92765          54558
     A      93626          54700
     S      93940          54842
     O      96377          54969
     N      97388          55095
     D      97994          55249
1993 J      99055          55376
     F     100732          55498
     M      98899          55637
     A     100989          55770
     M     101297          55895
     J     100991          56033
     J     103992          56167
     A     103458          56308
     S     105136          56578
     O     104425          56720
     N     105474          56850
     D     108259          56992
1994 J     106046          57112
     F     102533          57266
     M     103617          57421
     A     104976          57605
     M     103062          57783
     J     105741          57945
     J     109118          58159
     A     107170          58375
     S     109151          58596
     O     106146          58813
     N     107426          59072
     D     109681          59320
1995 J     113071          59557
     F     115775          59831
     M     118526          60095
     A     122319          60419
     M     124733          60703
     J     128155          60967
     J     128547          61263
     A     132973          61526
     S     132710          61816
     O     137525          62075
     N     139695          62379
     D     167238          65623

$65,623 Without Principal Transfer
    

[END OF GRAPHICALLY REPRESENTED DATA]

NOTES 

1.     Common Stocks: Standard & Poor's (S&P) Composite Index is an unmanaged 
       weighted index of the stock performance of 500 industrial, 
       transportation, utility and financial companies. Results shown assume 
       reinvestment of dividends. Both market value and return on common stock 
       will vary. 

2.     U.S. Government Securities: Long-term Government Bonds are measured 
       using a one-bond portfolio constructed each year containing a bond with 
       approximately a 20-year maturity and a reasonably current coupon. U.S. 
       Treasury Bills are measured by rolling over each month a one-bill 
       portfolio containing, at the beginning of each month, the bill having 
       the shortest maturity not less than one month. U.S. Government 
       securities are guaranteed as to principal and interest, and if held to 
       maturity, offer a fixed rate of return. However, market value and 
       return on such securities will fluctuate prior to maturity. 

The Accumulator can be an effective program for diversifying ongoing 
investments between various asset categories. In addition, the Accumulator 
offers special features which help address the risk associated with timing 
the equity markets, such as dollar cost averaging. By transferring the same 
dollar amount each month from the Money Market Fund to other Investment 
Funds, dollar cost averaging attempts to shield your investment from short 
term price fluctuations. This, however, does not assure a profit or protect 
against a loss in declining markets. 

THE BENEFIT OF ANNUITIZATION 

An individual may shift the risk of outliving his or her principal by 
electing a lifetime income annuity. See "Income Annuity Options," in Part 5. 
Chart 7 below shows the monthly income that can be generated under various 
forms of life annuities, as compared to receiving level payments of interest 
only or principal and interest from the investment. Calculations in the Chart 
are based on the following assumption: a $100,000 contribution was made at 
one of the ages shown, annuity payments begin immediately, and a 5% 
annuitization interest rate is used. For purposes of this example, principal 
and interest are paid out on a level basis over 15 years. In the case of the 
interest only scenario, the principal is always available and may be left to 
other individuals at death. Under the principal and interest scenario, a 
portion of the principal will be left at death, assuming the individual dies 
within the 15 year period. In contrast, under the life annuity scenarios, 
there is no residual amount left. 

                                   CHART 7 
                                MONTHLY INCOME 
                           ($100,000 CONTRIBUTION) 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               
                                                
                          PRINCIPAL                    JOINT AND SURVIVOR*                                       
              INTEREST       AND               ---------------------------------
                ONLY     INTEREST FOR   SINGLE    50% TO    66.67% TO   100% TO 
 ANNUITANT    FOR LIFE     15 YEARS      LIFE    SURVIVOR   SURVIVOR    SURVIVOR 
- -----------  ---------- -------------- -------- ---------- ----------- --------- 
<S>            <C>          <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>
Male 65         $401         $785       $  617     $560       $544        $513 
Male 70          401          785          685      609        588         549 
Male 75          401          785          771      674        646         598 
Male 80          401          785          888      760        726         665 
Male 85          401          785        1,045      878        834         757 
</TABLE>
- ------------ 
The numbers are based on 5% interest compounded annually and the 1983 
Individual Annuity Mortality Table "a" projected with modified Scale G. 
Annuity purchase rates available at annuitization may vary, depending 
primarily on the annuitization interest rate, which may not be less than an 
annual rate of 2.5%. 

 *    The Joint and Survivor Annuity Forms are based on male and female 
      Annuitants of the same age. 

                               10           
<PAGE>
   
PART 8 -FINANCIAL 
 STATEMENTS 
    

The consolidated financial statements of The Equitable Life Assurance Society 
of the United States included herein should be considered only as bearing 
upon the ability of Equitable Life to meet its obligations under the 
Certificates. 

   
There are no financial statements for the Separate Account investing in Class 
IB shares of HR Trust and EQ Trust as the Separate Account did not invest in 
such shares prior to the date of the prospectus and SAI. 
    
                               11           

<PAGE>

February 10, 1997



                        REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


To the Board of Directors and Shareholder of
The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States

In our opinion,  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance sheets and the related
consolidated  statements of earnings,  of shareholder's equity and of cash flows
present  fairly,  in  all  material  respects,  the  financial  position  of The
Equitable  Life  Assurance  Society  of the United  States and its  subsidiaries
("Equitable  Life") at  December  31,  1996 and 1995,  and the  results of their
operations  and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting  principles.
These  financial   statements  are  the   responsibility   of  Equitable  Life's
management;  our  responsibility  is to express  an  opinion on these  financial
statements  based on our audits.  We conducted our audits of these statements in
accordance with generally accepted auditing standards which require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a
test basis,  evidence  supporting  the amounts and  disclosures in the financial
statements,  assessing the accounting  principles used and significant estimates
made by management and evaluating the overall financial statement  presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for the opinion  expressed
above.

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements,  Equitable Life
changed its methods of accounting for long-duration participating life insurance
contracts and long-lived  assets in 1996,  for loan  impairments in 1995 and for
postemployment benefits in 1994.


/s/ Price Waterhouse LLP

                                      F-1

<PAGE>

            THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                           DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        1996                 1995
                                                                  -----------------    -----------------
                                                                              (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                               <C>                  <C>          
ASSETS
Investments:
  Fixed maturities:
    Available for sale, at estimated fair value.................   $    18,077.0        $    15,899.9
  Mortgage loans on real estate.................................         3,133.0              3,638.3
  Equity real estate............................................         3,297.5              3,916.2
  Policy loans..................................................         2,196.1              1,976.4
  Investment in and loans to affiliates.........................           685.0                636.6
  Other equity investments......................................           597.3                621.1
  Other invested assets.........................................           288.7                706.1
                                                                  -----------------    -----------------
      Total investments.........................................        28,274.6             27,394.6
Cash and cash equivalents.......................................           538.8                774.7
Deferred policy acquisition costs...............................         3,104.9              3,075.8
Amounts due from discontinued GIC Segment.......................           996.2              2,097.1
Other assets....................................................         2,552.2              2,718.1
Closed Block assets.............................................         8,495.0              8,582.1
Separate Accounts assets........................................        29,646.1             24,566.6
                                                                  -----------------    -----------------
TOTAL ASSETS....................................................   $    73,607.8        $    69,209.0
                                                                  =================    =================

LIABILITIES
Policyholders' account balances.................................   $    21,865.6        $    21,911.2
Future policy benefits and other policyholders' liabilities.....         4,416.6              4,007.3
Short-term and long-term debt...................................         1,766.9              1,899.3
Other liabilities...............................................         2,785.1              3,380.7
Closed Block liabilities........................................         9,091.3              9,221.4
Separate Accounts liabilities...................................        29,598.3             24,531.0
                                                                  -----------------    -----------------
      Total liabilities.........................................        69,523.8             64,950.9
                                                                  -----------------    -----------------

Commitments and contingencies (Notes 10, 12, 13, 14 and 15)

SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
Common stock, $1.25 par value 2.0 million shares 
  authorized, issued and outstanding............................             2.5                  2.5
Capital in excess of par value..................................         3,105.8              3,105.8
Retained earnings...............................................           798.7                788.4
Net unrealized investment gains.................................           189.9                396.5
Minimum pension liability.......................................           (12.9)               (35.1)
                                                                  -----------------    -----------------
      Total shareholder's equity................................         4,084.0              4,258.1
                                                                  -----------------    -----------------

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY......................   $    73,607.8        $    69,209.0
                                                                  =================    =================
</TABLE>

                 See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

                                      F-2
<PAGE>

            THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                1996               1995               1994
                                                          -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
                                                                              (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                       <C>                <C>                <C>          
REVENUES
Universal life and investment-type product policy fee
  income................................................   $      874.0       $       788.2      $       715.0
Premiums................................................          597.6               606.8              625.6
Net investment income...................................        2,175.9             2,088.2            1,998.6
Investment (losses) gains, net..........................           (9.8)                5.3               91.8
Commissions, fees and other income......................        1,081.8               897.1              847.4
Contribution from the Closed Block......................          125.0               143.2              137.0
                                                          -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

      Total revenues....................................        4,844.5             4,528.8            4,415.4
                                                          -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

BENEFITS AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS
Interest credited to policyholders' account balances....        1,270.2             1,248.3            1,201.3
Policyholders' benefits.................................        1,317.7             1,008.6              914.9
Other operating costs and expenses......................        2,048.0             1,775.8            1,857.7
                                                          -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

      Total benefits and other deductions...............        4,635.9             4,032.7            3,973.9
                                                          -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Earnings from continuing operations before Federal
  income taxes, minority interest and cumulative
  effect of accounting change...........................          208.6               496.1              441.5
Federal income taxes....................................            9.7               120.5              100.2
Minority interest in net income of consolidated
  subsidiaries..........................................           81.7                62.8               50.4
                                                          -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
Earnings from continuing operations before
  cumulative effect of accounting change................          117.2               312.8              290.9
Discontinued operations, net of Federal income taxes....          (83.8)                -                  -
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of Federal
  income taxes..........................................          (23.1)                -                (27.1)
                                                          -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Net Earnings............................................   $       10.3       $       312.8      $       263.8
                                                          =================  =================  =================
</TABLE>


                 See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

                                      F-3
<PAGE>

            THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES
                 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      1996               1995               1994
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
                                                                                    (IN MILLIONS)

<S>                                                             <C>                <C>                <C>          
Common stock, at par value, beginning and end of year.........   $        2.5       $         2.5      $         2.5
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Capital in excess of par value, beginning of year as
  previously reported.........................................        2,913.6             2,913.6            2,613.6
Cumulative effect on prior years of retroactive restatement
  for accounting change.......................................          192.2               192.2              192.2
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
Capital in excess of par value, beginning of year as restated.        3,105.8             3,105.8            2,805.8
Additional capital in excess of par value.....................            -                   -                300.0
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
Capital in excess of par value, end of year...................        3,105.8             3,105.8            3,105.8
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Retained earnings, beginning of year as previously reported...          781.6               484.0              217.6
Cumulative effect on prior years of retroactive restatement
  for accounting change.......................................            6.8                (8.4)              (5.8)
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
Retained earnings, beginning of year as restated..............          788.4               475.6              211.8
Net earnings..................................................           10.3               312.8              263.8
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
Retained earnings, end of year................................          798.7               788.4              475.6
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Net unrealized investment gains (losses), beginning of year
  as previously reported......................................          338.2              (203.0)             131.9
Cumulative effect on prior years of retroactive restatement
  for accounting change.......................................           58.3               (17.5)              12.7
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
Net unrealized investment gains (losses), beginning of
  year as restated............................................          396.5              (220.5)             144.6
Change in unrealized investment (losses) gains................         (206.6)              617.0             (365.1)
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
Net unrealized investment gains (losses), end of year.........          189.9               396.5             (220.5)
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Minimum pension liability, beginning of year..................          (35.1)               (2.7)             (15.0)
Change in minimum pension liability...........................           22.2               (32.4)              12.3
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
Minimum pension liability, end of year........................          (12.9)              (35.1)              (2.7)
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

TOTAL SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY, END OF YEAR.......................   $    4,084.0       $     4,258.1      $     3,360.7
                                                                =================  =================  =================
</TABLE>


                 See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

                                      F-4
<PAGE>

            THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      1996               1995               1994
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
                                                                                    (IN MILLIONS)

<S>                                                             <C>                <C>                <C>          
Net earnings..................................................   $       10.3       $       312.8      $       263.8
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash
  provided by operating activities:
  Interest credited to policyholders' account balances........        1,270.2             1,248.3            1,201.3
  Universal life and investment-type policy fee income........         (874.0)             (788.2)            (715.0)
  Investment losses (gains)...................................            9.8                (5.3)             (91.8)
  Change in Federal income taxes payable......................         (197.1)              221.6               38.3
  Other, net..................................................          364.4               127.3              (19.4)
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Net cash provided by operating activities.....................          583.6             1,116.5              677.2
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Cash flows from investing activities:
  Maturities and repayments...................................        2,275.1             1,897.4            2,323.8
  Sales.......................................................        8,964.3             8,867.1            5,816.6
  Return of capital from joint ventures and limited
    partnerships..............................................           78.4                65.2               39.0
  Purchases...................................................      (12,559.6)          (11,675.5)          (7,564.7)
  Decrease (increase) in loans to discontinued GIC Segment....        1,017.0             1,226.9              (40.0)
  Other, net..................................................           56.7              (624.7)            (478.1)
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Net cash (used) provided by investing activities..............         (168.1)             (243.6)              96.6
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Cash flows from financing activities:
  Policyholders' account balances:
    Deposits..................................................        1,925.4             2,586.5            2,082.5
    Withdrawals...............................................       (2,385.2)           (2,657.1)          (2,864.4)
  Net decrease in short-term financings.......................            (.3)              (16.4)            (173.0)
  Additions to long-term debt.................................            -                 599.7               51.8
  Repayments of long-term debt................................         (124.8)              (40.7)            (199.8)
  Proceeds from issuance of Alliance units....................            -                   -                100.0
  Payment of obligation to fund accumulated deficit of
    discontinued GIC Segment..................................            -              (1,215.4)               -
  Capital contribution from the Holding Company...............            -                   -                300.0
  Other, net..................................................          (66.5)              (48.4)              26.5
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Net cash (used) by financing activities.......................         (651.4)             (791.8)            (676.4)
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Change in cash and cash equivalents...........................         (235.9)               81.1               97.4
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year..................          774.7               693.6              596.2
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Year........................   $      538.8       $       774.7      $       693.6
                                                                =================  =================  =================

Supplemental cash flow information
  Interest Paid...............................................   $      109.9       $        89.6      $        34.9
                                                                =================  =================  =================
  Income Taxes (Refunded) Paid................................   $      (10.0)      $       (82.7)     $        49.2
                                                                =================  =================  =================
</TABLE>


                 See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

                                      F-5
<PAGE>

            THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


 1)     ORGANIZATION

        The Equitable  Life Assurance  Society of the United States  ("Equitable
        Life") converted to a stock life insurance  company on July 22, 1992 and
        became a wholly owned subsidiary of The Equitable Companies Incorporated
        (the  "Holding   Company").   Equitable  Life's  insurance  business  is
        conducted  principally  by  Equitable  Life and its  wholly  owned  life
        insurance   subsidiary,   Equitable   Variable  Life  Insurance  Company
        ("EVLICO").  Effective January 1, 1997, EVLICO was merged into Equitable
        Life, which will continue to conduct the Company's  insurance  business.
        Equitable Life's  investment  management  business,  which comprises the
        Investment  Services  segment,  is  conducted  principally  by  Alliance
        Capital Management L.P.  ("Alliance"),  Equitable Real Estate Investment
        Management,  Inc.  ("EREIM")  and  Donaldson,  Lufkin &  Jenrette,  Inc.
        ("DLJ"), an investment banking and brokerage affiliate. AXA-UAP ("AXA"),
        a French  holding  company for an  international  group of insurance and
        related financial services  companies,  is the Holding Company's largest
        shareholder,  owning  approximately  60.8% at  December  31, 1996 (63.6%
        assuming conversion of Series E Convertible  Preferred Stock held by AXA
        and 54.4% if all  securities  convertible  into,  and options on, common
        stock were to be converted or exercised).

 2)     SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

        Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
        -----------------------------------------------------

        The  accompanying  consolidated  financial  statements  are  prepared in
        conformity with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP").

        The accompanying  consolidated financial statements include the accounts
        of  Equitable  Life and its  wholly  owned life  insurance  subsidiaries
        (collectively,   the  "Insurance  Group");  non-insurance  subsidiaries,
        principally  Alliance,  an investment advisory subsidiary,  and EREIM, a
        real estate investment management subsidiary; and those partnerships and
        joint ventures in which Equitable Life or its  subsidiaries  has control
        and  a  majority   economic   interest   (collectively,   including  its
        consolidated  subsidiaries,  the "Company"). The Company's investment in
        DLJ is reported on the equity basis of  accounting.  Closed Block assets
        and   liabilities  and  results  of  operations  are  presented  in  the
        consolidated  financial  statements  as single  line items (see Note 6).
        Unless specifically stated, all disclosures  contained herein supporting
        the consolidated  financial  statements exclude the Closed Block related
        amounts.

        The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires
        management to make  estimates and  assumptions  that affect the reported
        amounts of assets and  liabilities  and disclosure of contingent  assets
        and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported
        amounts of revenues and expenses  during the  reporting  period.  Actual
        results could differ from those estimates.

        All  significant  intercompany   transactions  and  balances  have  been
        eliminated in  consolidation  other than  intercompany  transactions and
        balances with the Closed Block and the discontinued  Guaranteed Interest
        Contract ("GIC") Segment (see Note 7).

        The years  "1996,"  "1995" and "1994" refer to the years ended  December
        31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

        Certain  reclassifications  have been made in the amounts  presented for
        prior periods to conform these periods with the 1996 presentation.

                                      F-6
<PAGE>

        Closed Block
        ------------

        As of July 22, 1992, Equitable Life established the Closed Block for the
        benefit of certain  classes of  individual  participating  policies  for
        which Equitable Life had a dividend scale payable in 1991 and which were
        in force on that date.  Assets were  allocated to the Closed Block in an
        amount which,  together with anticipated revenues from policies included
        in the Closed Block, was reasonably expected to be sufficient to support
        such  business,  including  provision  for  payment of  claims,  certain
        expenses and taxes,  and for  continuation of dividend scales payable in
        1991, assuming the experience underlying such scales continues.

        Assets  allocated to the Closed Block inure solely to the benefit of the
        holders of policies  included in the Closed Block and will not revert to
        the  benefit  of  the  Holding  Company.  The  plan  of  demutualization
        prohibits  the  reallocation,  transfer,  borrowing or lending of assets
        between the Closed Block and other portions of Equitable  Life's General
        Account,  any of its Separate  Accounts or to any affiliate of Equitable
        Life  without the approval of the New York  Superintendent  of Insurance
        (the "Superintendent").  Closed Block assets and liabilities are carried
        on the same basis as similar assets and liabilities  held in the General
        Account. The excess of Closed Block liabilities over Closed Block assets
        represents the expected  future  post-tax  contribution  from the Closed
        Block which would be  recognized  in income over the period the policies
        and contracts in the Closed Block remain in force.

        Discontinued Operations
        -----------------------

        In 1991,  the Company's  management  adopted a plan to  discontinue  the
        business  operations  of  the  GIC  Segment,  consisting  of  the  Group
        Non-Participating Wind-Up Annuities ("Wind-Up Annuities") and Guaranteed
        Interest Contract ("GIC") lines of business.  The Company  established a
        pre-tax  provision  for the  estimated  future losses of the GIC line of
        business  and a premium  deficiency  reserve for the Wind-Up  Annuities.
        Subsequent losses incurred have been charged to the two loss provisions.
        Management  reviews the  adequacy  of the  allowance  and  reserve  each
        quarter. During the fourth quarter 1996 review, management determined it
        was necessary to increase the  allowance  for expected  future losses of
        the  GIC  Segment.  Management  believes  the  loss  provisions  for GIC
        contracts  and Wind-Up  Annuities  at December  31, 1996 are adequate to
        provide  for all  future  losses;  however,  the  determination  of loss
        provisions  continues  to  involve  numerous  estimates  and  subjective
        judgments regarding the expected performance of discontinued  operations
        investment  assets.  There can be no assurance  the losses  provided for
        will not differ from the losses ultimately realized (See Note 7).

        Accounting Changes
        ------------------

        In 1996, the Company changed its method of accounting for  long-duration
        participating  life  insurance  contracts,  primarily  within the Closed
        Block,  in  accordance  with the  provisions  prescribed by Statement of
        Financial   Accounting  Standards  ("SFAS")  No.  120,  "Accounting  and
        Reporting  by  Mutual  Life  Insurance   Enterprises  and  by  Insurance
        Enterprises  for Certain  Long-Duration  Participating  Contracts".  The
        effect of this change,  including the impact on the Closed Block, was to
        increase earnings from continuing operations before cumulative effect of
        accounting change by $19.2 million, net of Federal income taxes of $10.3
        million for 1996.  The financial  statements for 1995 and 1994 have been
        retroactively  restated  for the change  which  resulted  in an increase
        (decrease) in earnings before  cumulative effect of accounting change of
        $15.2 million,  net of Federal income taxes of $8.2 million,  and $(2.6)
        million,   net  of  Federal   income  tax   benefit  of  $1.0   million,
        respectively.  Shareholder's  equity  increased  $199.1  million  as  of
        January 1, 1994 for the  effect of  retroactive  application  of the new
        method.  (See  "Deferred  Policy  Acquisition  Costs,"   "Policyholders'
        Account Balances and Future Policy Benefits" and Note 6.)

        The Company implemented SFAS No. 121,  "Accounting for the Impairment of
        Long-Lived  Assets and for  Long-Lived  Assets to be Disposed Of," as of
        January 1, 1996. The statement  requires  long-lived  assets and certain
        identifiable  intangibles be reviewed for impairment  whenever events or
        changes in circumstances

                                      F-7
<PAGE>

        indicate  the  carrying  value of such  assets  may not be  recoverable.
        Effective with SFAS No. 121's adoption,  impaired real estate is written
        down to fair value with the impairment loss being included in investment
        gains  (losses),  net.  Before  implementing  SFAS  No.  121,  valuation
        allowances  on real  estate  held  for the  production  of  income  were
        computed  using the forecasted  cash flows of the respective  properties
        discounted at a rate equal to the Company's cost of funds.  The adoption
        of the  statement  resulted in the release of  valuation  allowances  of
        $152.4 million and recognition of impairment losses of $144.0 million on
        real estate held and used. Real estate which management has committed to
        disposing of by sale or  abandonment  is classified as real estate to be
        disposed  of.  Valuation  allowances  on real  estate to be  disposed of
        continue  to be  computed  using the lower of  estimated  fair  value or
        depreciated cost, net of disposition  costs.  Implementation of the SFAS
        No. 121 impairment  requirements relative to other assets to be disposed
        of  resulted  in a charge  for the  cumulative  effect of an  accounting
        change of $23.1  million,  net of a Federal  income tax benefit of $12.4
        million,  due to the  writedown  to fair value of building  improvements
        relating to facilities being vacated beginning in 1996.

        In the  first  quarter  of 1995,  the  Company  adopted  SFAS  No.  114,
        "Accounting  by Creditors  for  Impairment  of a Loan".  This  statement
        applies to all loans,  including  loans  restructured in a troubled debt
        restructuring   involving  a  modification  of  terms.   This  statement
        addresses the  accounting  for  impairment  of a loan by specifying  how
        allowances for credit losses should be determined. Impaired loans within
        the scope of this  statement are measured  based on the present value of
        expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's  effective  interest
        rate,  at the loan's  observable  market  price or the fair value of the
        collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. The Company provides for
        impairment  of loans  through an  allowance  for  possible  losses.  The
        adoption of this  statement did not have a material  effect on the level
        of these  allowances  or on the  Company's  consolidated  statements  of
        earnings and shareholder's equity.

        Beginning  coincident  with  issuance of SFAS No. 115,  "Accounting  for
        Certain  Investments  in Debt  and  Equity  Securities,"  implementation
        guidance in November  1995,  the Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board
        ("FASB") permitted  companies a one-time  opportunity,  through December
        31, 1995, to reassess the  appropriateness  of the classification of all
        securities  held  at  that  time.  On  December  1,  1995,  the  Company
        transferred  $4,794.9  million  of  securities  classified  as  held  to
        maturity to the available for sale portfolio. As a result,  consolidated
        shareholder's equity increased by $149.4 million, net of deferred policy
        acquisition costs ("DAC"),  amounts  attributable to participating group
        annuity contracts and deferred Federal income taxes.

        In the fourth  quarter of 1994  (effective  as of January 1, 1994),  the
        Company adopted SFAS No. 112, "Employers'  Accounting for Postemployment
        Benefits,"  which  required  employers to recognize  the  obligation  to
        provide  postemployment  benefits.   Implementation  of  this  statement
        resulted in a charge for the cumulative  effect of accounting  change of
        $27.1 million, net of a Federal income tax benefit of $14.6 million.

        New Accounting Pronouncements
        -----------------------------

        The FASB issued SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,"
        which permits  entities to recognize as expense over the vesting  period
        the  fair  value of all  stock-based  awards  on the  date of grant  or,
        alternatively,  to  continue  to  apply  the  provisions  of  Accounting
        Principles Board ("APB") Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to
        Employees,"  and  related  interpretations.  Companies  which  elect  to
        continue to apply APB  Opinion No. 25 must  provide pro forma net income
        disclosures  for employee  stock  option  grants made in 1995 and future
        years as if the fair-value-based method defined in SFAS No. 123 had been
        applied.  The Company  accounts for stock option plans  sponsored by the
        Holding  Company,  DLJ and Alliance in accordance with the provisions of
        APB Opinion No. 25 (see Note 21).

                                      F-8
<PAGE>

        In June 1996,  the FASB issued SFAS No. 125,  "Accounting  for Transfers
        and Servicing of Financial Assets and  Extinguishments  of Liabilities".
        SFAS No. 125 specifies the  accounting  and reporting  requirements  for
        transfers  of financial  assets,  the  recognition  and  measurement  of
        servicing  assets and  liabilities and  extinguishments  of liabilities.
        SFAS No. 125 is effective for transactions  occurring after December 31,
        1996 and is to be applied  prospectively.  In  December  1996,  the FASB
        issued  SFAS  No.  127,  "Deferral  of the  Effective  Date  of  Certain
        Provisions  of FASB  Statement  No.  125," which defers for one year the
        effective  date  of  provisions   relating  to  secured  borrowings  and
        collateral and transfers of financial assets that are part of repurchase
        agreements,  dollar-roll,  securities lending and similar  transactions.
        Management has not yet determined  the effect of  implementing  SFAS No.
        125.

        Valuation of Investments
        ------------------------

        Fixed  maturities  identified  as  available  for sale are  reported  at
        estimated fair value. The amortized cost of fixed maturities is adjusted
        for impairments in value deemed to be other than temporary.

        Mortgage loans on real estate are stated at unpaid  principal  balances,
        net of unamortized  discounts and valuation  allowances.  Effective with
        the  adoption  of  SFAS  No.  114 on  January  1,  1995,  the  valuation
        allowances are based on the present value of expected  future cash flows
        discounted  at  the  loan's  original  effective  interest  rate  or the
        collateral  value  if the  loan is  collateral  dependent.  However,  if
        foreclosure  is or becomes  probable,  the  measurement  method  used is
        collateral  value.  Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 114, the valuation
        allowances were based on losses expected by management to be realized on
        transfers  of  mortgage  loans  to  real  estate  (upon  foreclosure  or
        in-substance foreclosure),  on the disposition or settlement of mortgage
        loans and on mortgage loans  management  believed may not be collectible
        in full. In establishing  valuation  allowances,  management  previously
        considered,   among  other  things  the  estimated  fair  value  of  the
        underlying collateral.

        Real estate,  including real estate acquired in satisfaction of debt, is
        stated at  depreciated  cost less valuation  allowances.  At the date of
        foreclosure (including in-substance  foreclosure),  real estate acquired
        in satisfaction of debt is valued at estimated fair value. Impaired real
        estate is  written  down to fair value  with the  impairment  loss being
        included in investment gains (losses) net. Valuation  allowances on real
        estate  available  for sale are  computed  using  the  lower of  current
        estimated  fair value or depreciated  cost,  net of  disposition  costs.
        Prior to the  adoption of SFAS No.  121,  valuation  allowances  on real
        estate  held for the  production  of  income  were  computed  using  the
        forecasted cash flows of the respective  properties discounted at a rate
        equal to the Company's cost of funds.

        Policy loans are stated at unpaid principal balances.

        Partnerships  and joint venture  interests in which the Company does not
        have control and a majority economic interest are reported on the equity
        basis of accounting  and are included  either with equity real estate or
        other equity investments, as appropriate.

        Common  stocks are carried at  estimated  fair value and are included in
        other equity investments.

        Short-term  investments are stated at amortized cost which  approximates
        fair value and are included with other invested assets.

        Cash and cash equivalents  includes cash on hand, amounts due from banks
        and highly liquid debt instruments  purchased with an original  maturity
        of three months or less.

        All securities are recorded in the consolidated  financial statements on
        a trade date basis.

        Investment Results and Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)
        -----------------------------------------------------------

        Net  investment   income  and  realized   investment  gains  and  losses
        (collectively,  "investment  results") related to certain  participating
        group annuity contracts which are passed through to the  contractholders
        are reflected as interest credited to policyholders' account balances.

                                      F-9
<PAGE>

        Realized   investment  gains  and  losses  are  determined  by  specific
        identification  and are  presented as a component of revenue.  Valuation
        allowances are netted  against the asset  categories to which they apply
        and changes in the valuation allowances are included in investment gains
        or losses.

        Unrealized investment gains and losses on fixed maturities available for
        sale and equity  securities  held by the Company are  accounted for as a
        separate  component of  shareholder's  equity,  net of related  deferred
        Federal  income taxes,  amounts  attributable  to the  discontinued  GIC
        Segment,  participating  group  annuity  contracts,  and DAC  related to
        universal   life  and   investment-type   products   and   participating
        traditional life contracts.

        Recognition of Insurance Income and Related Expenses
        ----------------------------------------------------

        Premiums from universal life and investment-type  contracts are reported
        as deposits to  policyholders'  account  balances.  Revenues  from these
        contracts   consist  of  amounts  assessed  during  the  period  against
        policyholders'   account   balances  for   mortality   charges,   policy
        administration charges and surrender charges. Policy benefits and claims
        that are  charged to expense  include  benefit  claims  incurred  in the
        period in excess of related policyholders' account balances.

        Premiums from participating and  non-participating  traditional life and
        annuity  policies with life  contingencies  generally are  recognized as
        income when due.  Benefits  and expenses are matched with such income so
        as to  result  in the  recognition  of  profits  over  the  life  of the
        contracts.  This match is  accomplished  by means of the  provision  for
        liabilities  for future policy  benefits and the deferral and subsequent
        amortization of policy acquisition costs.

        For  contracts  with a single  premium  or a limited  number of  premium
        payments due over a  significantly  shorter period than the total period
        over which  benefits are provided,  premiums are recorded as income when
        due with any  excess  profit  deferred  and  recognized  in  income in a
        constant  relationship  to  insurance  in force or, for  annuities,  the
        amount of expected future benefit payments.

        Premiums from individual  health contracts are recognized as income over
        the period to which the premiums  relate in  proportion to the amount of
        insurance protection provided.

        Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
        ---------------------------------

        The  costs  of  acquiring   new   business,   principally   commissions,
        underwriting,  agency and policy issue expenses,  all of which vary with
        and  are  primarily  related  to the  production  of new  business,  are
        deferred. DAC is subject to recoverability testing at the time of policy
        issue and loss recognition testing at the end of each accounting period.

        For  universal  life  products  and  investment-type  products,  DAC  is
        amortized  over the expected  total life of the contract  group (periods
        ranging  from  15 to 35  years  and 5 to 17  years,  respectively)  as a
        constant  percentage of estimated gross profits arising principally from
        investment results,  mortality and expense margins and surrender charges
        based on historical and anticipated  future  experience,  updated at the
        end of each accounting  period. The effect on the amortization of DAC of
        revisions  to  estimated  gross  profits is reflected in earnings in the
        period such estimated  gross profits are revised.  The effect on the DAC
        asset that would result from realization of unrealized gains (losses) is
        recognized  with an offset to unrealized  gains (losses) in consolidated
        shareholder's equity as of the balance sheet date.

        For participating  traditional life policies (substantially all of which
        are in the Closed Block),  DAC is amortized over the expected total life
        of the contract group (40 years) as a constant  percentage  based on the
        present  value of the  estimated  gross  margin  amounts  expected to be
        realized  over the life of the contracts  using the expected  investment
        yield. At December 31, 1996, the expected  investment  yield ranged from
        7.30% grading to 7.68% over 13 years.  Estimated  gross margin  includes
        anticipated   premiums   and   investment   results   less   claims  and
        administrative  expenses,  changes in the net level premium  reserve and
        expected  annual  policyholder  dividends.  Deviations of actual results
        from  estimated  experience are reflected in earnings in the period such
        deviations  occur.  The effect on the DAC asset that would  result  from
        realization of unrealized gains (losses) is recognized with an offset to
        unrealized gains (losses) in consolidated shareholder's equity as of the
        balance sheet date.

                                      F-10
<PAGE>

        For  non-participating  traditional  life and annuity policies with life
        contingencies,  DAC is amortized in proportion to anticipated  premiums.
        Assumptions  as to  anticipated  premiums  are  estimated at the date of
        policy  issue  and  are  consistently  applied  during  the  life of the
        contracts.   Deviations  from  estimated  experience  are  reflected  in
        earnings in the period such deviations  occur. For these contracts,  the
        amortization periods generally are for the total life of the policy.

        For  individual  health  benefit  insurance,  DAC is amortized  over the
        expected  average  life of the  contracts  (10 years  for major  medical
        policies  and  20  years  for  disability  income  ("DI")  products)  in
        proportion  to  anticipated  premium  revenue  at time of issue.  In the
        fourth quarter of 1996, the DAC related to DI contracts  issued prior to
        July 1993 was written off.

        Policyholders' Account Balances and Future Policy Benefits
        ----------------------------------------------------------

        Policyholders'  account balances for universal life and  investment-type
        contracts are equal to the policy  account  values.  The policy  account
        values represent an accumulation of gross premium payments plus credited
        interest less expense and mortality charges and withdrawals.

        For  participating  traditional  life  policies,  future policy  benefit
        liabilities are calculated using a net level premium method on the basis
        of actuarial assumptions equal to guaranteed mortality and dividend fund
        interest  rates.  The  liability  for annual  dividends  represents  the
        accrual of annual dividends  earned.  Terminal  dividends are accrued in
        proportion to gross margins over the life of the contract.

        For non-participating traditional life insurance policies, future policy
        benefit  liabilities  are estimated  using a net level premium method on
        the basis of actuarial  assumptions  as to  mortality,  persistency  and
        interest established at policy issue.  Assumptions established at policy
        issue as to mortality and persistency are based on the Insurance Group's
        experience  which,  together  with  interest  and  expense  assumptions,
        include a margin for adverse deviation.  When the liabilities for future
        policy benefits plus the present value of expected future gross premiums
        for a product are  insufficient  to provide for expected  future  policy
        benefits  and  expenses  for  that  product,  DAC  is  written  off  and
        thereafter,  if required, a premium deficiency reserve is established by
        a charge to earnings.  Benefit  liabilities  for  traditional  annuities
        during the accumulation period are equal to accumulated contractholders'
        fund balances and after  annuitization are equal to the present value of
        expected  future  payments.  Interest  rates used in  establishing  such
        liabilities range from 2.25% to 11.5% for life insurance liabilities and
        from 2.25% to 13.5% for annuity liabilities.

        During  the  fourth  quarter  of  1996,  a  loss  recognition  study  on
        participating group annuity contracts and conversion annuities ("Pension
        Par") was completed  which  included  management's  revised  estimate of
        assumptions, including expected mortality and future investment returns.
        The  study's  results   prompted   management  to  establish  a  premium
        deficiency reserve which decreased  earnings from continuing  operations
        and net earnings by $47.5 million ($73.0 million pre-tax).

        Individual  health  benefit  liabilities  for active lives are estimated
        using  the net  level  premium  method,  and  assumptions  as to  future
        morbidity,  withdrawals and interest.  Benefit  liabilities for disabled
        lives are  estimated  using the  present  value of  benefits  method and
        experience assumptions as to claim terminations, expenses and interest.

        During  the  fourth  quarter  of  1996,  the  Company  completed  a loss
        recognition  study of the DI business  which  incorporated  management's
        revised  estimates  of  future  experience  with  regard  to  morbidity,
        investment  returns,   claims  and  administration  expenses  and  other
        factors.  The study  indicated DAC was not  recoverable and the reserves
        were  not  sufficient.  Earnings  from  continuing  operations  and  net
        earnings  decreased  by $208.0  million  ($320.0  million  pre-tax) as a
        result of  strengthening  DI reserves by $175.0  million and writing off
        unamortized  DAC of $145.0  million.  The  determination  of DI reserves
        requires  making  assumptions  and  estimates  relating  to a variety of
        factors,  including  morbidity and interest rates, claims experience and
        lapse

                                      F-11
<PAGE>

        rates based on then known facts and circumstances. Such factors as claim
        incidence  and  termination  rates can be  affected  by  changes  in the
        economic,  legal  and  regulatory  environments  and work  ethic.  While
        management believes its DI reserves have been calculated on a reasonable
        basis and are  adequate,  there  can be no  assurance  reserves  will be
        sufficient to provide for future liabilities.

        Claim reserves and  associated  liabilities  for  individual  disability
        income and major medical policies were $711.8 million and $639.6 million
        at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively (excluding $175.0 million of
        reserve  strengthening in 1996).  Incurred benefits  (benefits paid plus
        changes in claim reserves) and benefits paid for individual DI and major
        medical policies  (excluding $175.0 million of reserve  strengthening in
        1996) are summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Incurred benefits related to current year..........  $       189.0       $      176.0       $      188.6
        Incurred benefits related to prior years...........           69.1               67.8               28.7
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total Incurred Benefits............................  $       258.1       $      243.8       $      217.3
                                                            =================   ================   =================
        Benefits paid related to current year..............  $        32.6       $       37.0       $       43.7
        Benefits paid related to prior years...............          153.3              137.8              132.3
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total Benefits Paid................................  $       185.9       $      174.8       $      176.0
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        Policyholders' Dividends
        ------------------------

        The amount of  policyholders'  dividends to be paid (including  those on
        policies  included  in the  Closed  Block)  is  determined  annually  by
        Equitable   Life's  Board  of  Directors.   The   aggregate   amount  of
        policyholders'  dividends  is  related  to actual  interest,  mortality,
        morbidity  and expense  experience  for the year and  judgment as to the
        appropriate level of statutory surplus to be retained by Equitable Life.

        Equitable  Life is subject  to  limitations  on the amount of  statutory
        profits  which can be  retained  with  respect  to  certain  classes  of
        individual  participating  policies  that were in force on July 22, 1992
        which  are  not  included  in the  Closed  Block  and  with  respect  to
        participating  policies  issued  subsequent  to July  22,  1992.  Excess
        statutory  profits,  if  any,  will  be  distributed  over  time to such
        policyholders and will not be available to Equitable Life's shareholder.
        Earnings  in  excess  of  limitations,  if  any,  would  be  accrued  as
        policyholders' dividends.

        At December 31, 1996,  participating  policies,  including  those in the
        Closed Block, represent  approximately 24.2% ($52.3 billion) of directly
        written life insurance in force, net of amounts ceded.

        Federal Income Taxes
        --------------------

        The  Company  files a  consolidated  Federal  income tax return with the
        Holding Company and its non-life insurance subsidiaries. Current Federal
        income taxes were charged or credited to  operations  based upon amounts
        estimated to be payable or recoverable as a result of taxable operations
        for the current year.  Deferred income tax assets and  liabilities  were
        recognized based on the difference between financial  statement carrying
        amounts  and income tax bases of assets and  liabilities  using  enacted
        income tax rates and laws.

        Separate Accounts
        -----------------

        Separate  Accounts are established in conformity with the New York State
        Insurance Law and generally are not  chargeable  with  liabilities  that
        arise from any other business of the Insurance Group.  Separate Accounts
        assets  are  subject to General  Account  claims  only to the extent the
        value of such assets exceeds the Separate Accounts liabilities.

                                      F-12
<PAGE>

        Assets  and  liabilities  of the  Separate  Accounts,  representing  net
        deposits  and  accumulated  net  investment  earnings  less  fees,  held
        primarily  for  the  benefit  of  contractholders,  and  for  which  the
        Insurance Group does not bear the investment risk, are shown as separate
        captions in the consolidated  balance sheets.  The Insurance Group bears
        the investment risk on assets held in one Separate  Account,  therefore,
        such assets are carried on the same basis as similar  assets held in the
        General Account  portfolio.  Assets held in the other Separate  Accounts
        are carried at quoted  market  values or,  where  quoted  values are not
        available,  at  estimated  fair values as  determined  by the  Insurance
        Group.

        The investment results of Separate Accounts on which the Insurance Group
        does not bear the  investment  risk are  reflected  directly in Separate
        Accounts  liabilities.  For 1996, 1995 and 1994,  investment  results of
        such  Separate  Accounts  were $2,970.6  million,  $1,963.2  million and
        $665.2 million, respectively.

        Deposits to Separate  Accounts  are  reported as  increases  in Separate
        Accounts liabilities and are not reported in revenues. Mortality, policy
        administration  and  surrender  charges  on all  Separate  Accounts  are
        included in revenues.

                                      F-13
<PAGE>

 3)     INVESTMENTS

        The following tables provide  additional  information  relating to fixed
maturities and equity securities:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        GROSS               GROSS
                                                   AMORTIZED          UNREALIZED         UNREALIZED         ESTIMATED
                                                      COST              GAINS              LOSSES           FAIR VALUE
                                                -----------------  -----------------   ----------------   ---------------
                                                                             (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                     <C>                <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        DECEMBER 31, 1996
        -----------------
        Fixed Maturities:
          Available for Sale:
            Corporate..........................  $    13,645.2      $       451.5       $      121.0       $   13,975.7
            Mortgage-backed....................        2,015.9               11.2               20.3            2,006.8
            U.S. Treasury securities and
              U.S. government and
              agency securities................        1,539.4               39.2               19.3            1,559.3
            States and political subdivisions..           77.0                4.5                -                 81.5
            Foreign governments................          302.6               18.0                2.2              318.4
            Redeemable preferred stock.........          139.1                3.3                7.1              135.3
                                                -----------------  -----------------   ----------------   ---------------
        Total Available for Sale...............  $    17,719.2      $       527.7       $      169.9       $   18,077.0
                                                =================  =================   ================   ===============
        Equity Securities:
          Common stock.........................  $        98.7      $        49.3       $       17.7       $      130.3
                                                =================  =================   ================   ===============

        December 31, 1995
        -----------------
        Fixed Maturities:
          Available for Sale:
            Corporate..........................  $    10,910.7      $       617.6       $      118.1       $   11,410.2
            Mortgage-backed....................        1,838.0               31.2                1.2            1,868.0
            U.S. Treasury securities and
              U.S. government and
              agency securities................        2,257.0               77.8                4.1            2,330.7
            States and political subdivisions..           45.7                5.2                -                 50.9
            Foreign governments................          124.5               11.0                 .2              135.3
            Redeemable preferred stock.........          108.1                5.3                8.6              104.8
                                                -----------------  -----------------   ----------------   ---------------
        Total Available for Sale...............  $    15,284.0      $       748.1       $      132.2       $   15,899.9
                                                =================  =================   ================   ===============
        Equity Securities:
          Common stock.........................  $        97.3      $        49.1       $       18.0       $      128.4
                                                =================  =================   ================   ===============
</TABLE>

        For publicly traded fixed  maturities and equity  securities,  estimated
        fair  value  is  determined  using  quoted  market  prices.   For  fixed
        maturities without a readily ascertainable market value, the Company has
        determined  an  estimated  fair  value  using  a  discounted  cash  flow
        approach, including provisions for credit risk, generally based upon the
        assumption  such  securities  will be held to maturity.  Estimated  fair
        value for equity  securities,  substantially  all of which do not have a
        readily  ascertainable market value, has been determined by the Company.
        Such estimated fair values do not  necessarily  represent the values for
        which  these  securities  could  have  been  sold  at the  dates  of the
        consolidated  balance sheets. At December 31, 1996 and 1995,  securities
        without a readily ascertainable market value having an amortized cost of
        $3,915.7 million and $3,748.9 million,  respectively, had estimated fair
        values of $4,024.6 million and $3,981.8 million, respectively.

                                      F-14
<PAGE>

        The contractual maturity of bonds at December 31, 1996 is shown below:

                                                   AVAILABLE FOR SALE
                                           ------------------------------------
                                              AMORTIZED          ESTIMATED
                                                COST             FAIR VALUE
                                           ----------------   -----------------
                                                      (IN MILLIONS)

        Due in one year or less...........  $      539.6       $      542.5
        Due in years two through five.....       2,776.2            2,804.0
        Due in years six through ten......       6,044.7            6,158.1
        Due after ten years...............       6,203.7            6,430.3
        Mortgage-backed securities........       2,015.9            2,006.8
                                           ----------------   -----------------
        Total.............................  $   17,580.1       $   17,941.7
                                           ================   =================

        Bonds not due at a single  maturity date have been included in the above
        table in the year of final maturity.  Actual maturities will differ from
        contractual  maturities  because borrowers may have the right to call or
        prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

        The  Insurance  Group's fixed  maturity  investment  portfolio  includes
        corporate high yield  securities  consisting of public high yield bonds,
        redeemable  preferred  stocks and directly  negotiated debt in leveraged
        buyout  transactions.  The Insurance  Group seeks to minimize the higher
        than normal credit risks  associated  with such securities by monitoring
        the total  investments  in any single  issuer or total  investment  in a
        particular  industry  group.  Certain  of  these  corporate  high  yield
        securities are classified as other than investment  grade by the various
        rating  agencies,  i.e., a rating below Baa or National  Association  of
        Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC") designation of 3 (medium grade), 4 or 5
        (below  investment  grade) or 6 (in or near  default).  At December  31,
        1996,  approximately 14.20% of the $17,563.7 million aggregate amortized
        cost of bonds held by the  Insurance  Group were  considered to be other
        than investment grade.

        In addition to its  holdings of  corporate  high yield  securities,  the
        Insurance Group is an equity investor in limited  partnership  interests
        which  primarily  invest  in  securities  considered  to be  other  than
        investment grade.

        The Company has  restructured  or  modified  the terms of certain  fixed
        maturity  investments.  The fixed maturity  portfolio includes amortized
        costs of $5.5  million and $15.9  million at December 31, 1996 and 1995,
        respectively,  of such  restructured  securities.  These amounts include
        fixed  maturities  which are in default as to principal  and/or interest
        payments,  are to be restructured pursuant to commenced  negotiations or
        where the  borrowers  went into  bankruptcy  subsequent  to  acquisition
        (collectively,  "problem  fixed  maturities")  of $2.2  million and $1.6
        million as of December 31, 1996 and 1995,  respectively.  Gross interest
        income that would have been  recorded in  accordance  with the  original
        terms of restructured  fixed maturities  amounted to $1.4 million,  $3.0
        million and $7.5  million in 1996,  1995 and 1994,  respectively.  Gross
        interest  income on these fixed  maturities  included in net  investment
        income  aggregated $1.3 million,  $2.9 million and $6.8 million in 1996,
        1995 and 1994, respectively.

                                      F-15
<PAGE>

        Investment valuation allowances and changes thereto are shown below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Balances, beginning of year........................  $       325.3       $      284.9       $      355.6
        SFAS No. 121 release...............................         (152.4)               -                  -
        Additions charged to income........................          125.0              136.0               51.0
        Deductions for writedowns and
          asset dispositions...............................         (160.8)             (95.6)            (121.7)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Balances, End of Year..............................  $       137.1       $      325.3       $      284.9
                                                            =================   ================   =================
        Balances, end of year comprise:
          Mortgage loans on real estate....................  $        50.4       $       65.5       $       64.2
          Equity real estate...............................           86.7              259.8              220.7
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total..............................................  $       137.1       $      325.3       $      284.9
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        At December 31, 1996, the carrying  values of  investments  held for the
        production  of income  which were  non-income  producing  for the twelve
        months preceding the consolidated  balance sheet date were $25.0 million
        of fixed maturities and $2.6 million of mortgage loans on real estate.

        At  December  31,  1996 and 1995,  mortgage  loans on real  estate  with
        scheduled payments 60 days (90 days for agricultural  mortgages) or more
        past due or in  foreclosure  (collectively,  "problem  mortgage loans on
        real  estate") had an  amortized  cost of $12.4  million  (0.4% of total
        mortgage loans on real estate) and $87.7 million (2.4% of total mortgage
        loans on real estate), respectively.

        The payment terms of mortgage loans on real estate may from time to time
        be  restructured or modified.  The investment in  restructured  mortgage
        loans on real  estate,  based on  amortized  cost,  amounted  to  $388.3
        million and $531.5 million at December 31, 1996 and 1995,  respectively.
        These amounts include $1.0 million and $3.8 million of problem  mortgage
        loans on real estate at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.  Gross
        interest income on restructured mortgage loans on real estate that would
        have been recorded in accordance  with the original  terms of such loans
        amounted to $35.5 million, $52.1 million and $44.9 million in 1996, 1995
        and 1994, respectively. Gross interest income on these loans included in
        net investment income aggregated $28.2 million,  $37.4 million and $32.8
        million in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

        Impaired  mortgage  loans (as defined under SFAS No. 114) along with the
        related provision for losses were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         DECEMBER 31,
                                                                            ----------------------------------------
                                                                                   1996                 1995
                                                                            -------------------  -------------------
                                                                                         (IN MILLIONS)

        <S>                                                                 <C>                  <C>           
        Impaired mortgage loans with provision for losses..................  $        340.0       $        310.1
        Impaired mortgage loans with no provision for losses...............           122.3                160.8
                                                                            -------------------  -------------------
        Recorded investment in impaired mortgage loans.....................           462.3                470.9
        Provision for losses...............................................            46.4                 62.7
                                                                            -------------------  -------------------
        Net Impaired Mortgage Loans........................................  $        415.9       $        408.2
                                                                            ===================  ===================
</TABLE>

        Impaired mortgage loans with no provision for losses are loans where the
        fair value of the  collateral  or the net present  value of the expected
        future cash flows  related to the loan  equals or exceeds  the  recorded
        investment.  Interest income earned on loans where the collateral  value
        is used to measure impairment is recorded on a

                                      F-16
<PAGE>

        cash basis.  Interest  income on loans where the present value method is
        used to measure  impairment is accrued on the net carrying  value amount
        of the loan at the  interest  rate  used to  discount  the  cash  flows.
        Changes in the present  value  attributable  to changes in the amount or
        timing of  expected  cash  flows are  reported  as  investment  gains or
        losses.

        During  1996 and 1995,  respectively,  the  Company's  average  recorded
        investment  in  impaired  mortgage  loans was $552.1  million and $429.0
        million.  Interest  income  recognized on these impaired  mortgage loans
        totaled $38.8 million and $27.9 million for 1996 and 1995, respectively,
        including $17.9 million and $13.4 million recognized on a cash basis.

        The Insurance Group's investment in equity real estate is through direct
        ownership  and through  investments  in real estate joint  ventures.  At
        December  31, 1996 and 1995,  the  carrying  value of equity real estate
        available  for sale  amounted  to $345.6  million  and  $255.5  million,
        respectively.  For 1996,  1995 and 1994,  respectively,  real  estate of
        $58.7  million,  $35.3  million  and  $189.8  million  was  acquired  in
        satisfaction  of debt. At December 31, 1996 and 1995,  the Company owned
        $771.7 million and $862.7 million, respectively, of real estate acquired
        in satisfaction of debt.

        Depreciation of real estate is computed using the  straight-line  method
        over the estimated useful lives of the properties, which generally range
        from 40 to 50 years.  Accumulated depreciation on real estate was $587.5
        million and $662.4 million at December 31, 1996 and 1995,  respectively.
        Depreciation  expense  on real  estate  totaled  $91.8  million,  $121.7
        million and $117.0 million for 1996, 1995 and 1994,  respectively.  As a
        result  of  the   implementation   of  SFAS  No.  121,  during  1996  no
        depreciation  expense has been  recorded on real  estate  available  for
        sale.

                                      F-17
<PAGE>

 4)     JOINT VENTURES AND PARTNERSHIPS

        Summarized combined financial  information of real estate joint ventures
        (34 and 38  individual  ventures  as of  December  31,  1996  and  1995,
        respectively) and of limited  partnership  interests accounted for under
        the equity  method,  in which the  Company  has an  investment  of $10.0
        million  or  greater  and an equity  interest  of 10% or  greater  is as
        follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                ------------------------------------
                                                                                     1996                1995
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                           (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                                     <C>                <C>         
        FINANCIAL POSITION
        Investments in real estate, at depreciated cost........................  $    1,883.7       $    2,684.1
        Investments in securities, generally at estimated fair value...........       2,430.6            2,459.8
        Cash and cash equivalents..............................................          98.0              489.1
        Other assets...........................................................         427.0              270.8
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Total assets...........................................................       4,839.3            5,903.8
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Borrowed funds - third party...........................................       1,574.3            1,782.3
        Borrowed funds - the Company...........................................         137.9              220.5
        Other liabilities......................................................         415.8              593.9
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Total liabilities......................................................       2,128.0            2,596.7
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------

        Partners' Capital......................................................  $    2,711.3       $    3,307.1
                                                                                ================   =================

        Equity in partners' capital included above.............................  $      806.8       $      902.2
        Equity in limited partnership interests not included above.............         201.8              212.8
        Other..................................................................           9.8                8.9
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Carrying Value.........................................................  $    1,018.4       $    1,123.9
                                                                                ================   =================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
        Revenues of real estate joint ventures.............  $       348.9       $      463.5       $      537.7
        Revenues of other limited partnership interests....          386.1              242.3              103.4
        Interest expense - third party.....................         (111.0)            (135.3)            (114.9)
        Interest expense - the Company.....................          (30.0)             (41.0)             (36.9)
        Other expenses.....................................         (282.5)            (397.7)            (430.9)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Net Earnings.......................................  $       311.5       $      131.8       $       58.4
                                                            =================   ================   =================
        Equity in net earnings included above..............  $        73.9       $       49.1       $       18.9
        Equity in net earnings of limited partnerships
          interests not included above.....................           35.8               44.8               25.3
        Other..............................................             .9                1.0                1.8
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total Equity in Net Earnings.......................  $       110.6       $       94.9       $       46.0
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

                                      F-18
<PAGE>

 5)     NET INVESTMENT INCOME AND INVESTMENT GAINS (LOSSES)

        The sources of net investment income are summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   1996               1995                1994
                                             -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                  (IN MILLIONS)

        <S>                                  <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Fixed maturities....................  $     1,307.4       $    1,151.1       $    1,036.5
        Mortgage loans on real estate.......          303.0              329.0              385.7
        Equity real estate..................          442.4              560.4              561.8
        Other equity investments............           94.3               76.9               36.1
        Policy loans........................          160.3              144.4              122.7
        Other investment income.............          217.4              273.0              322.4
                                             -----------------   ----------------   -----------------

          Gross investment income...........        2,524.8            2,534.8            2,465.2
                                             -----------------   ----------------   -----------------

          Investment expenses...............          348.9              446.6              466.6
                                             -----------------   ----------------   -----------------

        Net Investment Income...............  $     2,175.9       $    2,088.2       $    1,998.6
                                             =================   ================   =================

        Investment  gains  (losses),  net,  including  changes in the  valuation
        allowances, are summarized as follows:
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)

        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>          
        Fixed maturities...................................  $        60.5       $      119.9       $      (14.3)
        Mortgage loans on real estate......................          (27.3)             (40.2)             (43.1)
        Equity real estate.................................          (79.7)             (86.6)              20.6
        Other equity investments...........................           18.9               12.8               75.9
        Issuance and sales of Alliance Units...............           20.6                -                 52.4
        Other..............................................           (2.8)               (.6)                .3
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Investment (Losses) Gains, Net.....................  $        (9.8)      $        5.3       $       91.8
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        Writedowns of fixed maturities amounted to $29.9 million,  $46.7 million
        and $30.8 million for 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively,  and writedowns
        of  equity  real  estate  subsequent  to the  adoption  of SFAS No.  121
        amounted to $23.7 million for the year ended December 31, 1996.

        For 1996,  1995 and 1994,  respectively,  proceeds  received on sales of
        fixed  maturities  classified as available for sale amounted to $8,353.5
        million,  $8,206.0 million and $5,253.9  million.  Gross gains of $154.2
        million,  $211.4  million and $65.2  million  and gross  losses of $92.7
        million, $64.2 million and $50.8 million, respectively, were realized on
        these sales. The change in unrealized  investment (losses) gains related
        to fixed maturities  classified as available for sale for 1996, 1995 and
        1994  amounted  to  $(258.0)  million,  $1,077.2  million  and  $(742.2)
        million, respectively.

        During  each  of 1995  and  1994,  one  security  classified  as held to
        maturity was sold.  During the eleven months ended November 30, 1995 and
        the  year  ended  December  31,  1994,  respectively,   twelve  and  six
        securities  so  classified  were  transferred  to the available for sale
        portfolio.  All  actions  were  taken  as  a  result  of  a  significant
        deterioration in creditworthiness.  The aggregate amortized costs of the
        securities  sold were $1.0  million  and  $19.9  million  with a related
        investment  gain of $-0- million and $.8 million  recognized in 1995 and
        1994,  respectively;  the  aggregate  amortized  cost of the  securities
        transferred  was $116.0 million and $42.8 million with gross  unrealized
        investment   losses  of  $3.2  million  and  $3.1  million   charged  to
        consolidated  shareholder's  equity for the eleven months ended November
        30, 1995 and the year ended December 31,

                                      F-19
<PAGE>

        1994,  respectively.  On  December  1,  1995,  the  Company  transferred
        $4,794.9  million of  securities  classified  as held to maturity to the
        available for sale  portfolio.  As a result,  unrealized  gains on fixed
        maturities  increased  $395.6 million,  offset by DAC of $126.5 million,
        amounts  attributable to participating  group annuity contracts of $39.2
        million and deferred Federal income taxes of $80.5 million.

        For 1996,  1995 and 1994,  investment  results passed through to certain
        participating   group   annuity   contracts  as  interest   credited  to
        policyholders'  account  balances  amounted  to $136.7  million,  $131.2
        million and $175.8 million, respectively.

        In  1996,  Alliance  acquired  the  business  of  Cursitor-Eaton   Asset
        Management   Company  and  Cursitor   Holdings  Limited   (collectively,
        "Cursitor")  for  approximately   $159.0  million.  The  purchase  price
        consisted of $94.3 million in cash,  1.8 million of Alliance's  publicly
        traded units  ("Alliance  Units"),  6% notes  aggregating  $21.5 million
        payable   ratably   over  four   years,   and   substantial   additional
        consideration  which will be determined  at a later date.  The excess of
        the purchase price,  including  acquisition costs and minority interest,
        over the fair value of Cursitor's  net assets  acquired  resulted in the
        recognition  of  intangible  assets  consisting  of  costs  assigned  to
        contracts  acquired and  goodwill of  approximately  $122.8  million and
        $38.3  million,  respectively,   which  are  being  amortized  over  the
        estimated useful lives of 20 years. The Company recognized an investment
        gain of $20.6  million as a result of the issuance of Alliance  Units in
        this  transaction.  At December 31,  1996,  the  Company's  ownership of
        Alliance Units was approximately 57.3%.

        In 1994, Alliance sold 4.96 million newly issued Alliance Units to third
        parties at prevailing  market prices.  The Company continues to hold its
        1% general partnership  interest in Alliance.  The Company recognized an
        investment gain of $52.4 million as a result of these transactions.

        Net unrealized  investment gains (losses),  included in the consolidated
        balance  sheets  as a  component  of  equity  and  the  changes  for the
        corresponding years, are summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)

        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Balance, beginning of year as restated.............  $       396.5       $     (220.5)      $      144.6
        Changes in unrealized investment (losses) gains....         (297.6)           1,198.9             (856.7)
        Changes in unrealized investment losses
          (gains) attributable to:
            Participating group annuity contracts..........            -                (78.1)              40.8
            DAC............................................           42.3             (216.8)             273.6
            Deferred Federal income taxes..................           48.7             (287.0)             177.2
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Balance, End of Year...............................  $       189.9       $      396.5       $     (220.5)
                                                            =================   ================   =================
        Balance, end of year comprises:
          Unrealized investment gains (losses) on:
            Fixed maturities...............................  $       357.8       $      615.9       $     (461.3)
            Other equity investments.......................           31.6               31.1                7.7
            Other, principally Closed Block................           53.1               93.1               (5.1)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
              Total........................................          442.5              740.1             (458.7)
          Amounts of unrealized investment (gains)
            losses attributable to:
              Participating group annuity contracts........          (72.2)             (72.2)               5.9
              DAC..........................................          (52.0)             (94.3)             122.4
              Deferred Federal income taxes................         (128.4)            (177.1)             109.9
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total..............................................  $       189.9       $      396.5       $     (220.5)
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

                                      F-20
<PAGE>

 6)     CLOSED BLOCK

        Summarized financial information of the Closed Block follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     DECEMBER 31,
                                                                         --------------------------------------
                                                                               1996                 1995
                                                                         -----------------    -----------------
                                                                                     (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                              <C>                  <C>         
        Assets
        Fixed Maturities:
          Available for sale, at estimated fair value (amortized cost,
            $3,820.7 and $3,662.8)......................................  $    3,889.5         $    3,896.2
        Mortgage loans on real estate...................................       1,380.7              1,368.8
        Policy loans....................................................       1,765.9              1,797.2
        Cash and other invested assets..................................         336.1                440.9
        DAC.............................................................         876.5                792.6
        Other assets....................................................         246.3                286.4
                                                                         -----------------    -----------------
        Total Assets....................................................  $    8,495.0         $    8,582.1
                                                                         =================    =================

        Liabilities
        Future policy benefits and policyholders' account balances......  $    8,999.7         $    8,923.5
        Other liabilities...............................................          91.6                297.9
                                                                         -----------------    -----------------
        Total Liabilities...............................................  $    9,091.3         $    9,221.4
                                                                         =================    =================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Revenues
        Premiums and other revenue.........................  $       724.8       $      753.4       $      798.1
        Investment income (net of investment
          expenses of $27.3, $26.7 and $19.0)..............          546.6              538.9              523.0
        Investment losses, net.............................           (5.5)             (20.2)             (24.0)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
              Total revenues...............................        1,265.9            1,272.1            1,297.1
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Benefits and Other Deductions
        Policyholders' benefits and dividends..............        1,106.3            1,077.6            1,121.6
        Other operating costs and expenses.................           34.6               51.3               38.5
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
              Total benefits and other deductions..........        1,140.9            1,128.9            1,160.1
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Contribution from the Closed Block.................  $       125.0       $      143.2       $      137.0
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        In the fourth quarter of 1996,  the Company  adopted SFAS No. 120, which
        prescribes the accounting  for individual  participating  life insurance
        contracts,  most  of  which  are  included  in  the  Closed  Block.  The
        implementation of SFAS No. 120 resulted in an increase (decrease) in the
        contribution  from the Closed Block of $27.5 million,  $18.8 million and
        $(14.0) million in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

        The fixed  maturity  portfolio,  based on amortized  cost,  includes $.4
        million and $4.3 million at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively, of
        restructured  securities  which includes problem fixed maturities of $.3
        million and $1.9 million, respectively.

                                      F-21
<PAGE>

        During  the  eleven  months  ended   November  30,  1995,  one  security
        classified as held to maturity was sold and ten securities classified as
        held to maturity were  transferred to the available for sale  portfolio.
        All actions resulted from significant deterioration in creditworthiness.
        The amortized cost of the security sold was $4.2 million.  The aggregate
        amortized  cost of the  securities  transferred  was $81.3  million with
        gross unrealized investment losses of $.1 million transferred to equity.
        At December 1, 1995,  $1,750.7 million of securities  classified as held
        to maturity were  transferred to the available for sale portfolio.  As a
        result,  unrealized  gains of $88.5  million  on fixed  maturities  were
        recognized, offset by DAC amortization of $52.6 million.

        At December 31, 1996 and 1995, problem mortgage loans on real estate had
        an amortized cost of $4.3 million and $36.5 million,  respectively,  and
        mortgage  loans on real  estate  for which the  payment  terms have been
        restructured had an amortized cost of $114.2 million and $137.7 million,
        respectively.  At December 31, 1996 and 1995, the restructured  mortgage
        loans on real estate  amount  included  $.7  million  and $8.8  million,
        respectively, of problem mortgage loans on real estate.

        Impaired  mortgage  loans (as defined under SFAS No. 114) along with the
        related provision for losses were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              DECEMBER 31,
                                                                   ------------------------------------
                                                                        1996                1995
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                              (IN MILLIONS)

        <S>                                                        <C>                <C>
        Impaired mortgage loans with provision for losses.........  $       128.1      $       106.8
        Impaired mortgage loans with no provision for losses......             .6               10.1
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
        Recorded investment in impaired mortgages.................          128.7              116.9
        Provision for losses......................................           12.9               17.9
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
        Net Impaired Mortgage Loans...............................  $       115.8      $        99.0
                                                                   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        During 1996 and 1995, respectively,  the Closed Block's average recorded
        investment  in  impaired  mortgage  loans was $153.8  million and $146.9
        million,  respectively.  Interest  income  recognized on these  impaired
        mortgage loans totaled $10.9 million and $5.9 million for 1996 and 1995,
        respectively,  including  $4.7 million and $1.3 million  recognized on a
        cash basis.

        Valuation  allowances  amounted to $13.8  million  and $18.4  million on
        mortgage  loans on real  estate  and $3.7  million  and $4.3  million on
        equity  real  estate  at  December  31,  1996  and  1995,  respectively.
        Writedowns of fixed maturities amounted to $12.8 million,  $16.8 million
        and $15.9 million for 1996, 1995 and 1994,  respectively.  As of January
        1, 1996,  the  adoption of SFAS No. 121 resulted in the  recognition  of
        impairment losses of $5.6 million on real estate held and used.

        Many  expenses  related  to  Closed  Block  operations  are  charged  to
        operations  outside of the Closed Block;  accordingly,  the contribution
        from the Closed Block does not represent the actual profitability of the
        Closed Block  operations.  Operating  costs and expenses  outside of the
        Closed Block are, therefore, disproportionate to the business outside of
        the Closed Block.

                                      F-22
<PAGE>

 7)     DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

        Summarized financial information of the GIC Segment follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             DECEMBER 31,
                                                 --------------------------------------
                                                       1996                 1995
                                                 -----------------    -----------------
                                                             (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                      <C>                  <C>         
        Assets
        Mortgage loans on real estate...........  $    1,111.1         $    1,485.8
        Equity real estate......................         925.6              1,122.1
        Other invested assets...................         474.0                665.2
        Other assets............................         226.1                579.3
                                                 -----------------    -----------------
        Total Assets............................  $    2,736.8         $    3,852.4
                                                 =================    =================

        Liabilities
        Policyholders' liabilities..............  $    1,335.9         $    1,399.8
        Allowance for future losses.............         262.0                164.2
        Amounts due to continuing operations....         996.2              2,097.1
        Other liabilities.......................         142.7                191.3
                                                 -----------------    -----------------
        Total Liabilities.......................  $    2,736.8         $    3,852.4
                                                 =================    =================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>       
        Revenues
        Investment income (net of investment expenses
          of $127.5, $153.1 and $183.3)....................  $       245.4       $      323.6       $      394.3
        Investment (losses) gains, net.....................          (18.9)             (22.9)              26.8
        Policy fees, premiums and other income.............             .2                 .7                 .4
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total revenues.....................................          226.7              301.4              421.5
        Benefits and other deductions......................          250.4              326.5              443.2
        Losses charged to allowance for future losses......          (23.7)             (25.1)             (21.7)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Pre-tax loss from operations.......................            -                  -                  -
        Pre-tax loss from strengthening of the
          allowance for future losses......................         (129.0)               -                  -
        Federal income tax benefit.........................           45.2                -                  -
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Loss from Discontinued Operations..................  $       (83.8)      $        -         $        -
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        In  1991,   management  adopted  a  plan  to  discontinue  the  business
        operations  of the GIC  Segment  consisting  of group  non-participating
        Wind-Up Annuities and the GIC lines of business.  The loss allowance and
        premium  deficiency  reserve of $569.6 million provided for in 1991 were
        based on management's best judgment at that time.

        The  Company's  quarterly  process for  evaluating  the loss  provisions
        applies  the current  period's  results of the  discontinued  operations
        against  the  allowance,  re-estimates  future  losses,  and adjusts the
        provisions,  if  appropriate.  Additionally,  as part  of the  Company's
        annual planning  process which takes place in the fourth quarter of each
        year,  investment and benefit cash flow projections are prepared.  These
        updated assumptions and estimates resulted in the need to strengthen the
        loss  provisions by $129.0  million,  resulting in a post-tax  charge of
        $83.8 million to discontinued  operations' results in the fourth quarter
        of 1996.

                                      F-23
<PAGE>

        Management  believes the loss  provisions for Wind-Up  Annuities and GIC
        contracts  at December  31, 1996 are  adequate to provide for all future
        losses;  however,  the  determination  of loss  provisions  continues to
        involve  numerous  estimates  and  subjective  judgments  regarding  the
        expected performance of discontinued operations investment assets. There
        can be no  assurance  the losses  provided  for will not differ from the
        losses  ultimately  realized.  To the  extent  actual  results or future
        projections  of the  discontinued  operations  differ from  management's
        current best estimates and assumptions  underlying the loss  provisions,
        the  difference  would be reflected in the  consolidated  statements  of
        earnings  in  discontinued  operations.  In  particular,  to the  extent
        income, sales proceeds and holding periods for equity real estate differ
        from management's previous assumptions, periodic adjustments to the loss
        provisions are likely to result.

        In January 1995, continuing  operations  transferred $1,215.4 million in
        cash to the GIC  Segment  in  settlement  of its  obligation  to provide
        assets to fund the accumulated deficit of the GIC Segment. Subsequently,
        the  GIC  Segment  remitted  $1,155.4  million  in  cash  to  continuing
        operations in partial  repayment of  borrowings  by the GIC Segment.  No
        gains or losses were  recognized on these  transactions.  Amounts due to
        continuing  operations  at  December  31,  1996,  consisted  of $1,080.0
        million borrowed by the discontinued GIC Segment offset by $83.8 million
        representing an obligation of continuing operations to provide assets to
        fund the accumulated deficit of the GIC Segment.

        Investment  income included $88.2 million of interest income for 1994 on
        amounts due from continuing  operations.  Benefits and other  deductions
        include  $114.3  million,  $154.6 million and $219.7 million of interest
        expense related to amounts borrowed from continuing  operations in 1996,
        1995 and 1994, respectively.

        Valuation  allowances  amounted  to $9.0  million  and $19.2  million on
        mortgage  loans on real estate and $20.4  million  and $77.9  million on
        equity real estate at December  31, 1996 and 1995,  respectively.  As of
        January 1, 1996,  the  adoption of SFAS No. 121 resulted in a release of
        existing valuation allowances of $71.9 million on equity real estate and
        recognition  of  impairment  losses of $69.8 million on real estate held
        and used.  Writedowns of fixed maturities amounted to $1.6 million, $8.1
        million and $17.8  million  for 1996,  1995 and 1994,  respectively  and
        writedowns of equity real estate  subsequent to the adoption of SFAS No.
        121 amounted to $12.3 million for 1996.

        The fixed maturity  portfolio,  based on amortized  cost,  includes $6.2
        million and $15.1  million at December 31, 1996 and 1995,  respectively,
        of  restructured   securities.   These  amounts  include  problem  fixed
        maturities  of $.5  million and $6.1  million at  December  31, 1996 and
        1995, respectively.

        At December 31, 1996 and 1995, problem mortgage loans on real estate had
        amortized  costs of $7.9 million and $35.4  million,  respectively,  and
        mortgage  loans on real  estate  for which the  payment  terms have been
        restructured  had amortized  costs of $208.1 million and $289.3 million,
        respectively.

        Impaired  mortgage  loans (as defined under SFAS No. 114) along with the
        related provision for losses were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            DECEMBER 31,
                                                                 ------------------------------------
                                                                      1996                1995
                                                                 ----------------   -----------------
                                                                            (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                      <C>                <C>          
        Impaired mortgage loans with provision for losses.......  $        83.5      $       105.1
        Impaired mortgage loans with no provision for losses....           15.0               18.2
                                                                 ----------------   -----------------
        Recorded investment in impaired mortgages...............           98.5              123.3
        Provision for losses....................................            8.8               17.7
                                                                 ----------------   -----------------
        Net Impaired Mortgage Loans.............................  $        89.7      $       105.6
                                                                 ================   =================
</TABLE>

                                      F-24
<PAGE>

        During 1996 and 1995, the GIC Segment's  average recorded  investment in
        impaired   mortgage  loans  was  $134.8  million  and  $177.4   million,
        respectively.  Interest  income  recognized on these  impaired  mortgage
        loans  totaled  $10.1  million  and $4.5  million  for  1996  and  1995,
        respectively,  including  $7.5 million and $.4 million  recognized  on a
        cash basis.

        At December  31, 1996 and 1995,  the GIC Segment had $263.0  million and
        $310.9 million, respectively, of real estate acquired in satisfaction of
        debt.

8)      SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM DEBT

        Short-term and long-term debt consists of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        DECEMBER 31,
                                                            --------------------------------------
                                                                  1996                 1995
                                                            -----------------    -----------------
                                                                        (IN MILLIONS)

        <S>                                                 <C>                  <C>       
        Short-term debt....................................  $      174.1         $        -
                                                            -----------------    -----------------
        Long-term debt:
        Equitable Life:
          6.95% surplus notes scheduled to mature 2005.....         399.4                399.3
          7.70% surplus notes scheduled to mature 2015.....         199.6                199.6
          Eurodollar notes, 10.5% due 1997.................           -                   76.2
          Zero coupon note, 11.25% due 1997................           -                  120.1
          Other............................................            .5                 16.3
                                                            -----------------    -----------------
              Total Equitable Life.........................         599.5                811.5
                                                            -----------------    -----------------
        Wholly Owned and Joint Venture Real Estate:
          Mortgage notes, 4.92% - 12.50% due through 2006..         968.6              1,084.4
                                                            -----------------    -----------------
        Alliance:
          Other............................................          24.7                  3.4
                                                            -----------------    -----------------
        Total long-term debt...............................       1,592.8              1,899.3
                                                            -----------------    -----------------
        Total Short-term and Long-term Debt................  $    1,766.9         $    1,899.3
                                                            =================    =================
</TABLE>

        Short-term Debt
        ---------------

        Equitable  Life has a $350.0 million bank credit  facility  available to
        fund  short-term  working capital needs and to facilitate the securities
        settlement  process.  The  credit  facility  consists  of two  types  of
        borrowing  options with varying  interest rates.  The interest rates are
        based on external  indices  dependent  on the type of  borrowing  and at
        December 31, 1996 range from 5.73% (the London  Interbank  Offering Rate
        ("LIBOR") plus 22.5 basis points) to 8.25% (the prime rate).  There were
        no borrowings  outstanding  under this bank credit  facility at December
        31, 1996.

                                      F-25
<PAGE>

        Equitable  Life has a  commercial  paper  program with an issue limit of
        $500.0 million. This program is available for general corporate purposes
        used to support  Equitable  Life's  liquidity  needs and is supported by
        Equitable Life's existing $350.0 million five-year bank credit facility.
        There were no borrowings  outstanding under this program at December 31,
        1996.

        In February 1996,  Alliance entered into a new $250.0 million  five-year
        revolving  credit  facility  with a group of banks  which  replaced  its
        $100.0  million   revolving  credit  facility  and  its  $100.0  million
        commercial  paper  back-up  revolving  credit  facility.  Under  the new
        revolving credit facility, the interest rate, at the option of Alliance,
        is a floating  rate  generally  based upon a defined  prime rate, a rate
        related  to the LIBOR or the  Federal  Funds  rate.  A  facility  fee is
        payable on the total  facility.  The revolving  credit  facility will be
        used to provide back-up  liquidity for commercial paper to be used under
        Alliance's $100.0 million  commercial paper program,  to fund commission
        payments  to  financial  intermediaries  for the  sale of  Class B and C
        shares under Alliance's mutual fund distribution system, and for general
        working  capital  purposes.  As of December 31,  1996,  Alliance had not
        issued any commercial  paper under its $100.0 million  commercial  paper
        program  and  there  were no  borrowings  outstanding  under  Alliance's
        revolving credit facility.

        At December 31, 1996, long-term debt expected to mature in 1997 totaling
        $174.1 million was reclassified as short-term debt.

        Long-term Debt
        --------------

        Several of the long-term  debt  agreements  have  restrictive  covenants
        related  to the total  amount of debt,  net  tangible  assets  and other
        matters. The Company is in compliance with all debt covenants.

        On December 18, 1995,  Equitable Life issued, in accordance with Section
        1307 of the New York  Insurance  Law,  $400.0  million of surplus  notes
        having an interest rate of 6.95%  scheduled to mature in 2005 and $200.0
        million of surplus notes having an interest  rate of 7.70%  scheduled to
        mature  in 2015  (together,  the  "Surplus  Notes").  Proceeds  from the
        issuance  of the  Surplus  Notes  were  $596.6  million,  net of related
        issuance costs.  The unamortized  discount on the Surplus Notes was $1.0
        million at December  31,  1996.  Payments of interest on or principal of
        the Surplus Notes are subject to prior approval by the Superintendent.

        The Company has pledged real estate, mortgage loans, cash and securities
        amounting to $1,406.4  million and $1,629.7 million at December 31, 1996
        and 1995, respectively, as collateral for certain long-term debt.

        At December 31, 1996,  aggregate  maturities of the long-term debt based
        on required  principal  payments at maturity for 1997 and the succeeding
        four years are $494.9  million,  $316.7  million,  $19.7  million,  $5.4
        million, $0 million, respectively, and $946.7 million thereafter.

 9)     FEDERAL INCOME TAXES

        A  summary  of  the  Federal   income  tax  expense   (benefit)  in  the
        consolidated statements of earnings is shown below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       1996               1995                1994
                                                 -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                      (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                      <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Federal income tax expense (benefit):
          Current...............................  $        97.9       $      (11.7)      $        4.0
          Deferred..............................          (88.2)             132.2               96.2
                                                 -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total...................................  $         9.7       $      120.5       $      100.2
                                                 =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

                                      F-26
<PAGE>

        The Federal income taxes  attributable  to  consolidated  operations are
        different from the amounts determined by multiplying the earnings before
        Federal  income  taxes and  minority  interest by the  expected  Federal
        income  tax  rate of 35%.  The  sources  of the  difference  and the tax
        effects of each are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       1996               1995                1994
                                                 -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                      (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                      <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Expected Federal income tax expense.....  $        73.0       $      173.7       $      154.5
        Non-taxable minority interest...........          (28.6)             (22.0)             (17.6)
        Differential earnings amount............            -                  -                (16.8)
        Adjustment of tax audit reserves........            6.9                4.1               (4.6)
        Equity in unconsolidated subsidiaries...          (32.3)             (19.4)             (12.5)
        Other...................................           (9.3)             (15.9)              (2.8)
                                                 -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Federal Income Tax Expense..............  $         9.7       $      120.5       $      100.2
                                                 =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        Prior  to the  date  of  demutualization,  Equitable  Life  reduced  its
        deduction  for  policyholder  dividends  by  the  differential  earnings
        amount.  This amount was  computed,  for each tax year,  by  multiplying
        Equitable Life's average equity base, as determined for tax purposes, by
        an  estimate  of the excess of an imputed  earnings  rate for stock life
        insurance  companies over the average  mutual life insurance  companies'
        earnings rate. The  differential  earnings  amount for each tax year was
        subsequently recomputed when actual earnings rates were published by the
        Internal Revenue Service.  As a stock life insurance company,  Equitable
        Life no longer is required to reduce its policyholder dividend deduction
        by the differential  earnings amount, but differential  earnings amounts
        for pre-demutualization years were still being recomputed in 1994.

        The  components  of the net deferred  Federal  income tax account are as
        follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       DECEMBER 31, 1996                  December 31, 1995
                                                ---------------------------------  ---------------------------------
                                                    ASSETS         LIABILITIES         Assets         Liabilities
                                                ---------------  ----------------  ---------------   ---------------
                                                                           (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                     <C>              <C>               <C>               <C>        
        DAC, reserves and reinsurance..........  $       -        $      166.0      $        -        $     304.4
        Investments............................          -               328.6               -              326.9
        Compensation and related benefits......        259.2               -               293.0              -
        Other..................................          -                 1.8               -               32.3
                                                ---------------  ----------------  ---------------   ---------------
        Total..................................  $     259.2      $      496.4      $      293.0      $     663.6
                                                ===============  ================  ===============   ===============
</TABLE>

        The deferred Federal income taxes impacting  operations  reflect the net
        tax effects of temporary  differences  between the  carrying  amounts of
        assets and liabilities for financial  reporting purposes and the amounts
        used for income tax purposes. The sources of these temporary differences
        and the tax effects of each are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     1996               1995                1994
                                               -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                    (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                    <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        DAC, reserves and reinsurance.........  $      (156.2)      $       63.3       $       12.0
        Investments...........................           78.6               13.0               89.3
        Compensation and related benefits.....           22.3               30.8               10.0
        Other.................................          (32.9)              25.1              (15.1)
                                               -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Deferred Federal Income Tax
          (Benefit) Expense...................  $       (88.2)      $      132.2       $       96.2
                                               =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

                                      F-27
<PAGE>

        The Internal  Revenue Service is in the process of examining the Holding
        Company's  consolidated  Federal  income tax  returns for the years 1989
        through  1991.  Management  believes  these audits will have no material
        adverse effect on the Company's results of operations.

10)     REINSURANCE AGREEMENTS

        The Insurance Group assumes and cedes  reinsurance  with other insurance
        companies.  The Insurance Group evaluates the financial condition of its
        reinsurers to minimize its exposure to significant losses from reinsurer
        insolvencies.  The  effect  of  reinsurance  (excluding  group  life and
        health) is summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Direct premiums....................................  $       461.4       $      474.2       $      476.7
        Reinsurance assumed................................          177.5              171.3              180.5
        Reinsurance ceded..................................          (41.3)             (38.7)             (31.6)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Premiums...........................................  $       597.6       $      606.8       $      625.6
                                                            =================   ================   =================
        Universal Life and Investment-type Product
          Policy Fee Income Ceded..........................  $        48.2       $       44.0       $       27.5
                                                            =================   ================   =================
        Policyholders' Benefits Ceded......................  $        54.1       $       48.9       $       20.7
                                                            =================   ================   =================
        Interest Credited to Policyholders' Account
          Balances Ceded...................................  $        32.3       $       28.5       $       25.4
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        Effective  January 1, 1994, all in force business above $5.0 million was
        reinsured.   During  1996,  the  Company's   retention  limit  on  joint
        survivorship  policies was  increased to $15.0  million.  The  Insurance
        Group also reinsures the entire risk on certain substandard underwriting
        risks as well as in certain other cases.

        The Insurance  Group cedes 100% of its group life and health business to
        a third party  insurance  company.  Premiums ceded totaled $2.4 million,
        $260.6 million and $241.0 million for 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
        Ceded  death and  disability  benefits  totaled  $21.2  million,  $188.1
        million  and  $235.5  million  for 1996,  1995 and  1994,  respectively.
        Insurance liabilities ceded totaled $652.4 million and $724.2 million at
        December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

11)     EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

        The Company sponsors  qualified and non-qualified  defined benefit plans
        covering   substantially  all  employees  (including  certain  qualified
        part-time employees), managers and certain agents. The pension plans are
        non-contributory.  Equitable  Life's and EREIM's benefits are based on a
        cash balance formula or years of service and final average earnings,  if
        greater,  under certain  grandfathering  rules in the plans.  Alliance's
        benefits  are based on years of  credited  service,  average  final base
        salary and primary  social  security  benefits.  The  Company's  funding
        policy is to make the  minimum  contribution  required  by the  Employee
        Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.

        Components  of net periodic  pension cost (credit) for the qualified and
        non-qualified plans are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Service cost.......................................  $        33.8       $       30.0       $       30.3
        Interest cost on projected benefit obligations.....          120.8              122.0              111.0
        Actual return on assets............................         (181.4)            (309.2)              24.4
        Net amortization and deferrals.....................           43.4              155.6             (142.5)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Net Periodic Pension Cost (Credit).................  $        16.6       $       (1.6)      $       23.2
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

                                      F-28
<PAGE>

        The funded status of the qualified and non-qualified pension plans is as
        follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              DECEMBER 31,
                                                                   ------------------------------------
                                                                        1996                1995
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                              (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                        <C>                <C>         
        Actuarial present value of obligations:
          Vested..................................................  $    1,672.2       $    1,642.4
          Non-vested..............................................          10.1               10.9
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
        Accumulated Benefit Obligation............................  $    1,682.3       $    1,653.3
                                                                   ================   =================
        Plan assets at fair value.................................  $    1,626.0       $    1,503.8
        Projected benefit obligation..............................       1,765.5            1,743.0
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
        Projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets.....        (139.5)            (239.2)
        Unrecognized prior service cost...........................         (17.9)             (25.5)
        Unrecognized net loss from past experience different
          from that assumed.......................................         280.0              368.2
        Unrecognized net asset at transition......................           4.7               (7.3)
        Additional minimum liability..............................         (19.3)             (51.9)
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
        Prepaid Pension Cost......................................  $      108.0       $       44.3
                                                                   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        The  discount  rate and rate of increase in future  compensation  levels
        used in  determining  the actuarial  present value of projected  benefit
        obligations were 7.5% and 4.25%, respectively,  at December 31, 1996 and
        7.25% and 4.50%,  respectively,  at December 31, 1995.  As of January 1,
        1996 and 1995,  the expected  long-term rate of return on assets for the
        retirement plan was 10.25% and 11%, respectively.

        The  Company  recorded,  as a  reduction  of  shareholder's  equity,  an
        additional minimum pension liability of $12.9 million and $35.1 million,
        net  of  Federal   income   taxes,   at  December  31,  1996  and  1995,
        respectively,   representing  the  excess  of  the  accumulated  benefit
        obligation  over  the fair  value of plan  assets  and  accrued  pension
        liability.

        The  pension  plan's  assets  include   corporate  and  government  debt
        securities,  equity  securities,  equity real estate and shares of Group
        Trusts managed by Alliance.

        Prior to 1987, the qualified plan funded participants'  benefits through
        the purchase of non-participating annuity contracts from Equitable Life.
        Benefit payments under these contracts were approximately $34.7 million,
        $36.4 million and $38.1 million for 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

        The  Company  provides  certain  medical  and  life  insurance  benefits
        (collectively,  "postretirement  benefits")  for  qualifying  employees,
        managers and agents  retiring from the Company on or after attaining age
        55 who have at least 10 years of service.  The life  insurance  benefits
        are related to age and salary at retirement. The costs of postretirement
        benefits are  recognized in accordance  with the  provisions of SFAS No.
        106. The Company  continues to fund  postretirement  benefits costs on a
        pay-as-you-go  basis and,  for 1996,  1995 and 1994,  the  Company  made
        estimated  postretirement  benefits  payments  of $18.9  million,  $31.1
        million and $29.8 million, respectively.

                                      F-29
<PAGE>

        The  following  table  sets  forth the  postretirement  benefits  plan's
        status,  reconciled to amounts recognized in the Company's  consolidated
        financial statements:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Service cost.......................................  $         5.3       $        4.0       $        3.9
        Interest cost on accumulated postretirement
          benefits obligation..............................           34.6               34.7               28.6
        Net amortization and deferrals.....................            2.4               (2.3)              (3.9)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Net Periodic Postretirement Benefits Costs.........  $        42.3       $       36.4       $       28.6
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              DECEMBER 31,
                                                                   ------------------------------------
                                                                        1996                1995
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                              (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                        <C>                <C>         
        Accumulated postretirement benefits obligation:
          Retirees................................................  $      381.8       $      391.8
          Fully eligible active plan participants.................          50.7               50.4
          Other active plan participants..........................          60.7               64.2
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                           493.2              506.4
        Unrecognized prior service cost...........................          50.5               56.3
        Unrecognized net loss from past experience different
          from that assumed and from changes in assumptions.......        (150.5)            (181.3)
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
        Accrued Postretirement Benefits Cost......................  $      393.2       $      381.4
                                                                   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        At January 1, 1994,  medical benefits available to retirees under age 65
        are the same as those offered to active  employees and medical  benefits
        will be limited to 200% of 1993 costs for all participants.

        The  assumed   health  care  cost  trend  rate  used  in  measuring  the
        accumulated   postretirement  benefits  obligation  was  9.5%  in  1996,
        gradually  declining  to 3.5% in the  year  2009  and in 1995  was  10%,
        gradually  declining to 3.5% in the year 2008. The discount rate used in
        determining the accumulated postretirement benefits obligation was 7.50%
        and 7.25% at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

        If the health care cost trend rate assumptions were increased by 1%, the
        accumulated  postretirement  benefits obligation as of December 31, 1996
        would be  increased  7%.  The  effect  of this  change on the sum of the
        service cost and interest cost would be an increase of 8%.

12)     DERIVATIVES AND FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

        Derivatives
        -----------

        The Insurance Group primarily uses derivatives for asset/liability  risk
        management and for hedging individual securities. Derivatives mainly are
        utilized to reduce the  Insurance  Group's  exposure  to  interest  rate
        fluctuations.  Accounting for interest rate swap  transactions  is on an
        accrual   basis.   Gains  and  losses  related  to  interest  rate  swap
        transactions are amortized as yield  adjustments over the remaining life
        of the underlying  hedged  security.  Income and expense  resulting from
        interest rate swap  activities are reflected in net  investment  income.
        The  notional  amount of  matched  interest  rate swaps  outstanding  at
        December 31, 1996 was $649.9  million.  The average  unexpired  terms at
        December 31, 1996 range from 2.2 to 2.7 years. At December 31, 1996, the
        cost of  terminating  outstanding  matched  swaps in a loss position was
        $8.3 million and the unrealized  gain on outstanding  matched swaps in a
        gain  position  was $11.4  million.  The  Company  has no  intention  of
        terminating  these  contracts  prior to maturity.  During 1996, 1995 and
        1994, net gains (losses) of $.2 million, $1.4 million and $(.2) million,
        respectively, were recorded in connection with

                                      F-30
<PAGE>

        interest rate swap activity.  Equitable Life has implemented an interest
        rate cap program designed to hedge crediting rates on interest-sensitive
        individual  annuities  contracts.  The outstanding  notional  amounts at
        December 31, 1996 of contracts  purchased and sold were $5,050.0 million
        and $500.0 million, respectively. The net premium paid by Equitable Life
        on these contracts was $22.5 million and is being amortized ratably over
        the  contract  periods  ranging  from 3 to 5 years.  Income and  expense
        resulting  from this program are  reflected as an adjustment to interest
        credited to policyholders' account balances.

        Substantially  all of DLJ's  business  related to  derivatives is by its
        nature  trading  activities  which  are  primarily  for the  purpose  of
        customer  accommodations.  DLJ's derivative activities consist primarily
        of  option  writing  and  trading  in  forward  and  futures  contracts.
        Derivative  financial  instruments  have both  on-and-off  balance sheet
        implications depending on the nature of the contracts. DLJ's involvement
        in swap contracts is not significant.

        Fair Value of Financial Instruments
        -----------------------------------

        The Company  defines  fair value as the quoted  market  prices for those
        instruments  that are  actively  traded in financial  markets.  In cases
        where quoted market prices are not available,  fair values are estimated
        using  present  value  or other  valuation  techniques.  The fair  value
        estimates  are made at a  specific  point in  time,  based on  available
        market  information  and  judgments  about  the  financial   instrument,
        including estimates of timing,  amount of expected future cash flows and
        the credit standing of counterparties. Such estimates do not reflect any
        premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time
        the Company's entire holdings of a particular financial instrument,  nor
        do they consider the tax impact of the  realization of unrealized  gains
        or  losses.   In  many  cases,   the  fair  value  estimates  cannot  be
        substantiated  by  comparison  to  independent   markets,  nor  can  the
        disclosed value be realized in immediate settlement of the instrument.

        Certain  financial  instruments  are  excluded,  particularly  insurance
        liabilities  other than financial  guarantees and investment  contracts.
        Fair market  value of  off-balance-sheet  financial  instruments  of the
        Insurance Group was not material at December 31, 1996 and 1995.

        Fair  value  for  mortgage   loans  on  real  estate  are  estimated  by
        discounting  future contractual cash flows using interest rates at which
        loans with similar  characteristics  and credit  quality  would be made.
        Fair values for foreclosed mortgage loans and problem mortgage loans are
        limited to the  estimated  fair value of the  underlying  collateral  if
        lower.

        The estimated  fair values for the Company's  liabilities  under GIC and
        association  plan contracts are estimated using  contractual  cash flows
        discounted based on the T. Rowe Price GIC Index Rate for the appropriate
        duration.  For  durations  in excess of the  published  index rate,  the
        appropriate  Treasury  rate is used plus a spread  equal to the  longest
        duration GIC rate spread published.

        The estimated  fair values for those group annuity  contracts  which are
        classified  as  universal  life  type  contracts  are  measured  at  the
        estimated fair value of the underlying assets. The estimated fair values
        for single  premium  deferred  annuities  ("SPDA") are  estimated  using
        projected cash flows discounted at current offering rates. The estimated
        fair values for supplementary contracts not involving life contingencies
        ("SCNILC") and annuities certain are derived using discounted cash flows
        based upon the estimated current offering rate.

        Fair value for  long-term  debt is  determined  using  published  market
        values, where available,  or contractual cash flows discounted at market
        interest rates. The estimated fair values for non-recourse mortgage debt
        are  determined by  discounting  contractual  cash flows at a rate which
        takes  into  account  the level of  current  market  interest  rates and
        collateral  risk. The estimated  fair values for recourse  mortgage debt
        are  determined by  discounting  contractual  cash flows at a rate based
        upon  current  interest  rates of other  companies  with credit  ratings
        similar  to  the  Company.   The  Company's  fair  value  of  short-term
        borrowings approximates their carrying value.

                                      F-31
<PAGE>

        The following  table  discloses  carrying value and estimated fair value
        for financial instruments not otherwise disclosed in Notes 3, 6 and 7:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          DECEMBER 31,
                                                --------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              1996                               1995
                                                ---------------------------------  ---------------------------------
                                                   CARRYING         ESTIMATED         Carrying         Estimated
                                                    VALUE          FAIR VALUE          Value           Fair Value
                                                ---------------  ----------------  ---------------   ---------------
                                                                        (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                      <C>              <C>               <C>               <C>         
        Consolidated Financial Instruments:
        -----------------------------------
        Mortgage loans on real estate..........  $    3,133.0     $     3,394.6     $     3,638.3     $    3,973.6
        Other joint ventures...................         467.0             467.0             492.7            492.7
        Policy loans...........................       2,196.1           2,221.6           1,976.4          2,057.5
        Policyholders' account balances:
          Association plans....................          78.1              77.3             101.0            100.0
          Group annuity contracts..............       2,141.0           1,954.0           2,335.0          2,395.0
          SPDA.................................       1,062.7           1,065.7           1,265.8          1,272.0
          Annuities certain and SCNILC.........         654.9             736.2             646.4            716.7
        Long-term debt.........................       1,592.8           1,557.7           1,899.3          1,962.9

        Closed Block Financial Instruments:
        -----------------------------------
        Mortgage loans on real estate..........       1,380.7           1,425.6           1,368.8          1,461.4
        Other equity investments...............         105.0             105.0             151.6            151.6
        Policy loans...........................       1,765.9           1,798.0           1,797.2          1,891.4
        SCNILC liability.......................          30.6              34.9              34.8             39.6

        GIC Segment Financial Instruments:
        ----------------------------------
        Mortgage loans on real estate..........       1,111.1           1,220.3           1,485.8          1,666.1
        Fixed maturities.......................          42.5              42.5             107.4            107.4
        Other equity investments...............         300.5             300.5             455.9            455.9
        Guaranteed interest contracts..........         290.7             300.5             329.0            352.0
        Long-term debt.........................         102.1             102.2             135.1            136.0
</TABLE>

13)     COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

        The Company  has  provided,  from time to time,  certain  guarantees  or
        commitments  to  affiliates,  investors and others.  These  arrangements
        include commitments by the Company,  under certain  conditions:  to make
        capital  contributions of up to $244.9 million to affiliated real estate
        joint  ventures;   to  provide  equity   financing  to  certain  limited
        partnerships of $205.8 million at December 31, 1996, under existing loan
        or loan commitment agreements; and to provide short-term financing loans
        which at December 31, 1996 totaled $14.6  million.  Management  believes
        the  Company  will not  incur any  material  losses as a result of these
        commitments.

        Equitable  Life  is the  obligor  under  certain  structured  settlement
        agreements  which  it  had  entered  into  with  unaffiliated  insurance
        companies  and  beneficiaries.  To satisfy its  obligations  under these
        agreements,  Equitable  Life owns  single  premium  annuities  issued by
        previously wholly owned life insurance subsidiaries.  Equitable Life has
        directed  payment  under  these  annuities  to be made  directly  to the
        beneficiaries under the structured settlement  agreements.  A contingent
        liability exists with respect to these agreements  should the previously
        wholly  owned   subsidiaries  be  unable  to  meet  their   obligations.
        Management  believes the satisfaction of those  obligations by Equitable
        Life is remote.

        At December 31, 1996,  the Insurance  Group had $51.6 million of letters
        of credit outstanding.

                                      F-32
<PAGE>

14)     LITIGATION

        A number of lawsuits has been filed against life and health  insurers in
        the  jurisdictions  in  which  Equitable  Life and its  subsidiaries  do
        business involving insurers' sales practices,  alleged agent misconduct,
        failure to properly  supervise  agents,  and other matters.  Some of the
        lawsuits have  resulted in the award of  substantial  judgments  against
        other insurers,  including  material amounts of punitive damages,  or in
        substantial  settlements.   In  some  states,  juries  have  substantial
        discretion in awarding punitive damages.  Equitable Life, EVLICO and The
        Equitable  of  Colorado,  Inc.  ("EOC"),  like  other  life  and  health
        insurers, from time to time are involved in such litigation. To date, no
        such  lawsuit has  resulted in an award or  settlement  of any  material
        amount against the Company.  Among litigations pending against Equitable
        Life,  EVLICO and EOC of the type referred to in this  paragraph are the
        litigations described in the following eight paragraphs.

        An action entitled Golomb et al. v. The Equitable Life Assurance Society
        of the United  States was filed on January  20,  1995 in New York County
        Supreme Court. The action purports to be brought on behalf of a class of
        persons  insured after 1983 under Lifetime  Guaranteed  Renewable  Major
        Medical  Insurance  Policies issued by Equitable Life (the  "policies").
        The complaint  alleges that premium  increases for these  policies after
        1983,  all of which were filed with and  approved  by the New York State
        Insurance  Department  and certain  other state  insurance  departments,
        breached the terms of the policies,  and that statements in the policies
        and  elsewhere  concerning  premium  increases  constituted   fraudulent
        concealment,  misrepresentations  in violation of New York Insurance Law
        Section 4226 and deceptive practices under New York General Business Law
        Section 349. The  complaint  seeks a  declaratory  judgment,  injunctive
        relief  restricting  the  methods  by  which  Equitable  Life  increases
        premiums  on the  policies  in the  future,  a refund of  premiums,  and
        punitive  damages.  Plaintiffs  also have  indicated that they will seek
        damages in an  unspecified  amount.  Equitable Life moved to dismiss the
        complaint  in its entirety on the grounds that it fails to state a claim
        and that  uncontroverted  documentary  evidence  establishes  a complete
        defense to the claims.  On May 29,  1996,  the New York  County  Supreme
        Court  entered a  judgment  dismissing  the  complaint  with  prejudice.
        Plaintiffs have filed a notice of appeal of that judgment.

        In January 1996,  separate  actions were filed in Pennsylvania and Texas
        state courts  (entitled,  respectively,  Malvin et al. v. The  Equitable
        Life  Assurance  Society of the  United  States and Bowler et al. v. The
        Equitable Life Assurance  Society of the United  States),  making claims
        similar  to those in the New York  action  described  above.  The  Texas
        action  also  claims  that  Equitable  Life   misrepresented   to  Texas
        policyholders that the Texas Insurance Department had approved Equitable
        Life's rate increases.  These actions are asserted on behalf of proposed
        classes of Pennsylvania issued or renewed policyholders and Texas issued
        or renewed  policyholders,  insured under the policies. The Pennsylvania
        and Texas actions seek  compensatory and punitive damages and injunctive
        relief  restricting  the  methods  by  which  Equitable  Life  increases
        premiums  in the future  based on the common law and  statutes  of those
        states.  On February 9, 1996,  Equitable  Life removed the  Pennsylvania
        action,  Malvin,  to the  United  States  District  Court for the Middle
        District of  Pennsylvania.  Following  the decision  granting  Equitable
        Life's motion to dismiss the New York action (Golomb), on the consent of
        the  parties  the  District  Court  ordered  an  indefinite  stay of all
        proceedings in the Pennsylvania action,  pending either party's right to
        reinstate the proceeding,  and ordered that for administrative  purposes
        the  case be  deemed  administratively  closed.  On  February  2,  1996,
        Equitable  Life removed the Texas action,  Bowler,  to the United States
        District Court for the Northern  District of Texas. On May 20, 1996, the
        plaintiffs in Bowler  amended their  complaint by adding  allegations of
        misrepresentation   regarding   premium  increases  on  other  types  of
        guaranteed   renewable  major  medical  insurance   policies  issued  by
        Equitable Life up to and including 1983. On July 1, 1996, Equitable Life
        filed a  motion  for  summary  judgment  dismissing  the  first  amended
        complaint in its entirety. In August, 1996, the court granted plaintiffs
        leave to file a supplemental  complaint on behalf of a proposed class of
        Texas policyholders claiming unfair  discrimination,  breach of contract
        and other claims  arising out of alleged  differences  between  premiums
        charged  to  Texas  policyholders  and  premiums  charged  to  similarly
        situated policyholders in New York and certain other states.  Plaintiffs
        seek refunds of alleged  overcharges,  exemplary or  additional  damages
        citing

                                      F-33
<PAGE>

        Texas statutory  provisions  which among other things,  permit two times
        the  amount of  actual  damage  plus  additional  penalties  if the acts
        complained  of are  found  to be  knowingly  committed,  and  injunctive
        relief.  Equitable  Life has also  filed a motion for  summary  judgment
        dismissing the supplemental  complaint in its entirety.  Plaintiffs also
        obtained  permission  to add another  plaintiff to the first amended and
        supplemental  complaints.  Plaintiffs  have  opposed  both  motions  for
        summary  judgment and  requested  that certain  issues be found in their
        favor. Equitable Life is in the process of replying.

        On May 22, 1996, a separate  action  entitled  Bachman v. The  Equitable
        Life Assurance Society of the United States,  was filed in Florida state
        court making claims similar to those in the previously  reported  Golomb
        action.  The Florida action is asserted on behalf of a proposed class of
        Florida  issued  or  renewed  policyholders  insured  after  1983  under
        Lifetime Guaranteed Renewable Major Medical Insurance Policies issued by
        Equitable  Life.  The Florida  action  seeks  compensatory  and punitive
        damages and injunctive relief restricting the methods by which Equitable
        Life  increases  premiums  in the  future  based on  various  common law
        claims.  On June 20, 1996,  Equitable Life removed the Florida action to
        Federal court.  Equitable  Life has answered the complaint,  denying the
        material  allegations and asserting  certain  affirmative  defenses.  On
        December 6, 1996, Equitable Life filed a motion for summary judgment and
        plaintiff is expected to file its response to that motion shortly.

        On November 6, 1996, a proposed class action entitled  Fletcher,  et al.
        v. The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States,  was filed
        in California Superior Court for Fresno County, making substantially the
        same allegations  concerning premium rates and premium rate increases on
        guaranteed  renewable  policies made in the Bowler action. The complaint
        alleges,  among other things,  that differentials  between rates charged
        California policyholders and policyholders in New York and certain other
        states,  and the methods  used by Equitable  Life to  calculate  premium
        increases,  breached  the terms of its  policies,  that  Equitable  Life
        misrepresented  and concealed the facts pertaining to such differentials
        and methods in violation of California law, and that Equitable Life also
        misrepresented  that its rate  increases were approved by the California
        Insurance  Department.   Plaintiffs  seek  compensatory  damages  in  an
        unspecified amount,  rescission,  injunctive relief and attorneys' fees.
        Equitable Life removed the action to Federal court;  plaintiff has moved
        to  remand  the  case  to  state  court.  Although  the  outcome  of any
        litigation cannot be predicted with certainty, particularly in the early
        stages of an action, the Company's management believes that the ultimate
        resolution  of  the  Golomb,   Malvin,   Bowler,  Bachman  and  Fletcher
        litigations  should not have a material  adverse effect on the financial
        position of the Company. Due to the early stage of such litigations, the
        Company's management cannot make an estimate of loss, if any, or predict
        whether or not such  litigations  will have a material adverse effect on
        the Company's results of operations in any particular period.

        An action was instituted on April 6, 1995 against Equitable Life and its
        wholly owned subsidiary,  EOC, in New York state court,  entitled Sidney
        C. Cole et al. v. The  Equitable  Life  Assurance  Society of the United
        States  and The  Equitable  of  Colorado,  Inc.,  No.  95/108611  (N. Y.
        County).  The action is brought by the  holders of a joint  survivorship
        whole life policy issued by EOC. The action  purports to be on behalf of
        a class  consisting  of all persons who from  January 1, 1984  purchased
        life insurance  policies sold by Equitable Life and EOC based upon their
        allegedly  uniform sales  presentations  and policy  illustrations.  The
        complaint puts in issue various  alleged sales practices that plaintiffs
        assert,  among other things,  misrepresented  the stated number of years
        that the annual premium would need to be paid.  Plaintiffs  seek damages
        in an unspecified  amount,  imposition of a constructive trust, and seek
        to enjoin  Equitable Life and EOC from engaging in the challenged  sales
        practices.  On June 28,  1996,  the court  issued a  decision  and order
        dismissing  with  prejudice  plaintiff's  causes  of action  for  fraud,
        constructive  fraud,  breach of fiduciary duty,  negligence,  and unjust
        enrichment, and dismissing without prejudice plaintiff's cause of action
        under the New York State consumer protection statute. The only remaining
        causes   of  action   are  for   breach  of   contract   and   negligent
        misrepresentation.  Plaintiffs made a motion for reargument with respect
        to this order,  which was submitted to the court in October  1996.  This
        motion was denied by the court on December 16, 1996.

                                      F-34
<PAGE>

        On May 21,  1996,  an  action  entitled  Elton  F.  Duncan,  III v.  The
        Equitable  Life Assurance  Society of the United  States,  was commenced
        against  Equitable  Life in the Civil  District  Court for the Parish of
        Orleans, State of Louisiana.  The action is brought by an individual who
        purchased  a whole life  policy.  Plaintiff  alleges  misrepresentations
        concerning  the  extent to which  the  policy  was a proper  replacement
        policy and the number of years that the annual  premium would need to be
        paid.  Plaintiff purports to represent a class consisting of all persons
        who  purchased  whole life or universal  life  insurance  policies  from
        Equitable  Life from  January 1, 1982 to the  present.  Plaintiff  seeks
        damages,  including punitive damages,  in an unspecified amount. On July
        26, 1996, an action entitled Michael Bradley v. Equitable  Variable Life
        Insurance Company,  was commenced in New York state court. The action is
        brought by the  holder of a variable  life  insurance  policy  issued by
        EVLICO.  The plaintiff  purports to represent a class  consisting of all
        persons or entities who  purchased one or more life  insurance  policies
        issued by EVLICO  from  January 1,  1980.  The  complaint  puts at issue
        various   alleged  sales   practices   and  alleges   misrepresentations
        concerning  the  extent to which  the  policy  was a proper  replacement
        policy and the number of years that the annual  premium would need to be
        paid.  Plaintiff  seeks  damages,  including  punitive  damages,  in  an
        unspecified  amount and also seeks injunctive relief  prohibiting EVLICO
        from canceling  policies for failure to make premium payments beyond the
        alleged  stated number of years that the annual premium would need to be
        paid. On September 21, 1996 Equitable Life, EVLICO and EOC made a motion
        to have this  proceeding  moved from Kings County  Supreme  Court to New
        York County for joint trial or consolidation  with the Cole action.  The
        motion was denied by the court on January 9, 1997.  On January 10, 1997,
        plaintiffs  moved for  certification of a nationwide class consisting of
        all  persons  or  entities  who  were  sold one or more  life  insurance
        products on a "vanishing premium" basis and/or were allegedly induced to
        purchase  additional   policies  from  EVLICO,   using  the  cash  value
        accumulated  in  existing  policies,  from  January 1, 1980  through and
        including  December 31, 1996.  Plaintiffs  further moved to have Michael
        Bradley  designated  as the class  representative.  Discovery  regarding
        class certification is underway.

        On  December  12,  1996,  an action  entitled  Robert  E.  Dillon v. The
        Equitable Life Assurance  Society of the United States and The Equitable
        of Colorado,  was commenced in the United States  District Court for the
        Southern District of Florida. The action is brought by an individual who
        purchased  a joint whole life policy  from EOC.  The  complaint  puts at
        issue  various  alleged sales  practices and alleges  misrepresentations
        concerning the alleged  impropriety of  replacement  policies  issued by
        Equitable  Life and EOC and  alleged  misrepresentations  regarding  the
        number  of  years  premiums  would  have to be  paid on the  defendants'
        policies.  Plaintiff  brings  claims  for  breach  of  contract,  fraud,
        negligent  misrepresentation,  money had and received, unjust enrichment
        and imposition of a constructive trust.  Plaintiff purports to represent
        two classes of persons.  The first is a "contract class,"  consisting of
        all persons who purchased  whole or universal  life  insurance  policies
        from  Equitable  Life and EOC and from whom  Equitable Life and EOC have
        sought additional payments beyond the number of years allegedly promised
        by Equitable Life and EOC. The second is a "fraud class,"  consisting of
        all persons with an interest in policies  issued by  Equitable  Life and
        EOC at any time since  October 1, 1986.  Plaintiff  seeks  damages in an
        unspecified amount, and also seeks injunctive relief attaching Equitable
        Life's and EOC's profits from their alleged sales  practices.  Equitable
        Life's  and EOC's time to answer or move with  respect to the  complaint
        has been  extended  until  February  24,  1997.  Although the outcome of
        litigation cannot be predicted with certainty, particularly in the early
        stages of an action, the Company's management believes that the ultimate
        resolution of the Cole,  Duncan,  Bradley and Dillon  litigations should
        not have a material  adverse  effect on the  financial  position  of the
        Company.  Due to the early  stages of such  litigations,  the  Company's
        management  cannot make an estimate of loss, if any, or predict  whether
        or not any such  litigation  will have a material  adverse effect on the
        Company's results of operations in any particular period.

        On January 3, 1996, an amended complaint was filed in an action entitled
        Frank Franze Jr. and George  Busher,  individually  and on behalf of all
        others similarly situated v. The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the
        United  States,  and Equitable  Variable  Life  Insurance  Company,  No.
        94-2036 in the United States District Court for the Southern District of
        Florida.  The  action  was  brought  by two  individuals  who  purchased
        variable life insurance policies.  The plaintiffs purport to represent a
        nationwide class  consisting of all persons who purchased  variable life
        insurance  policies from Equitable  Life and EVLICO since  September 30,
        1991.  The basic  allegation of the amended  complaint is that Equitable
        Life's and EVLICO's agents were trained not to

                                      F-35
<PAGE>

        disclose  fully  that  the  product  being  sold  was  life   insurance.
        Plaintiffs  allege  violations of the Federal  securities  laws and seek
        rescission of the contracts or compensatory  damages and attorneys' fees
        and expenses.  The court denied  Equitable  Life and EVLICO's  motion to
        dismiss the amended complaint on September 24, 1996.  Equitable Life and
        EVLICO  have  answered  the  amended  complaint,  denying  the  material
        allegations and asserting certain affirmative defenses.  Currently,  the
        parties are conducting  discovery in connection with plaintiffs' attempt
        to certify a class.  On January 9, 1997,  an action  entitled  Rosemarie
        Chaviano, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated v.
        The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States, and Equitable
        Variable Life Insurance Company,  was filed in Massachusetts state court
        making  claims  similar  to  those in the  Franze  action  and  alleging
        violations of the Massachusetts  securities laws. The plaintiff purports
        to represent all persons in  Massachusetts  who purchased  variable life
        insurance  contracts from Equitable Life and EVLICO from January 9, 1993
        to  the  present.  The  Massachusetts  action  seeks  rescission  of the
        contracts  or  compensatory  damages,   attorneys'  fees,  expenses  and
        injunctive  relief.  Although  the outcome of any  litigation  cannot be
        predicted with certainty, particularly in the early stages of an action,
        the Company's  management  believes that the ultimate  resolution of the
        litigations  discussed  in this  paragraph  should  not have a  material
        adverse  effect on the  financial  position of the  Company.  Due to the
        early stages of such litigation, the Company's management cannot make an
        estimate of loss, if any, or predict  whether or not any such litigation
        will  have a  material  adverse  effect  on  the  Company's  results  of
        operations in any particular period.

        Equitable Life recently responded to a subpoena from the U.S. Department
        of Labor  ("DOL")  requesting  copies of any  third-party  appraisals in
        Equitable Life's possession  relating to the ten largest  properties (by
        value)  in  the  Prime  Property  Fund  ("PPF").  PPF  is  an  open-end,
        commingled  real estate  separate  account of Equitable Life for pension
        clients.  Equitable  Life  serves as  investment  manager in PPF and has
        retained  EREIM as advisor.  In early 1995, the DOL commenced a national
        investigation  of commingled  real estate funds with pension  investors,
        including PPF. The investigation  now appears to be focused  principally
        on appraisal and valuation procedures in respect of fund properties. The
        most recent request from the DOL seems to reflect,  at least in part, an
        interest in the relationship between the valuations for those properties
        reflected in appraisals  prepared for local property tax proceedings and
        the valuations  used by PPF for other  purposes.  At no time has the DOL
        made any  specific  allegation  that  Equitable  Life or EREIM has acted
        improperly and Equitable Life and EREIM believe that any such allegation
        would be without  foundation.  While the  outcome of this  investigation
        cannot be predicted with  certainty,  in the opinion of management,  the
        ultimate  resolution of this matter  should not have a material  adverse
        effect on the Company's  consolidated  financial  position or results of
        operations in any particular period.

        Equitable  Casualty Insurance Company  ("Casualty"),  an indirect wholly
        owned   subsidiary  of  Equitable  Life,  is  party  to  an  arbitration
        proceeding  that commenced in August 1995.  The proceeding  relates to a
        dispute among Casualty,  Houston  General  Insurance  Company  ("Houston
        General")  and  GEICO  General   Insurance   Company  ("GEICO  General")
        regarding the interpretation of a reinsurance agreement. The arbitration
        panel  issued a final  award in favor of Casualty  and GEICO  General on
        June 17, 1996.  Casualty and GEICO  General  moved in the pending  Texas
        state  court  action,  with  Houston  General's  consent,  for an  order
        confirming the arbitration  award and entering  judgment  dismissing the
        action.  The motion was granted on January 29,  1997.  The parties  have
        also  stipulated to the dismissal  without  prejudice of a related Texas
        Federal court action  brought by Houston  General  against GEICO General
        and Equitable Life. In connection  with  confirmation of the arbitration
        award,  Houston  General  paid to  Casualty  approximately  $839,600  in
        settlement of certain  reimbursement  claims by Casualty against Houston
        General.

        On July 25, 1995, a Consolidated and Supplemental Class Action Complaint
        ("Complaint")  was filed against the Alliance North American  Government
        Income Trust,  Inc. (the "Fund"),  Alliance and certain other defendants
        affiliated  with  Alliance,  including  the  Holding  Company,  alleging
        violations  of Federal  securities  laws,  fraud and breach of fiduciary
        duty in connection with the Fund's  investments in Mexican and Argentine
        securities.  The  Complaint,  which seeks  certification  of a plaintiff
        class of persons  who  purchased  or owned Class A, B or C shares of the
        Fund from March 27, 1992 through December 23, 1994, seeks an unspecified
        amount of damages,  costs,  attorneys'  fees and punitive  damages.  The
        principal  allegations of the Complaint are that the Fund purchased debt
        securities  issued by the Mexican and Argentine  governments  in amounts
        that

                                      F-36
<PAGE>

        were not permitted by the Fund's  investment  objective,  and that there
        was no  shareholder  vote to change the  investment  objective to permit
        purchases  in such  amounts.  The  Complaint  further  alleges  that the
        decline in the value of the Mexican and Argentine securities held by the
        Fund  caused the Fund's net asset value to decline to the  detriment  of
        the Fund's  shareholders.  On  September  26,  1996,  the United  States
        District  Court  for the  Southern  District  of New  York  granted  the
        defendants'  motion to dismiss all counts of the  complaint.  On October
        11, 1996,  plaintiffs filed a motion for  reconsideration of the court's
        decision  granting  defendants'  motion to  dismiss  the  Complaint.  On
        November   25,   1996,   the  court   denied   plaintiffs'   motion  for
        reconsideration.  On October  29,  1996,  plaintiffs  filed a motion for
        leave to file an amended  complaint.  The principal  allegations  of the
        proposed amended  complaint are that the Fund did not properly  disclose
        that it planned to invest in mortgage-backed  derivative  securities and
        that two  advertisements  used by the Fund  misrepresented  the risks of
        investing in the Fund.  Plaintiffs  also  reiterated  allegations in the
        Complaint  that the Fund failed to hedge  against the risks of investing
        in  foreign  securities  despite  representations  that it  would do so.
        Alliance  believes  that the  allegations  in the  Complaint are without
        merit and intends to vigorously  defend against these claims.  While the
        ultimate  outcome  of this  matter  cannot be  determined  at this time,
        management  of  Alliance  does not  expect  that it will have a material
        adverse  effect  on  Alliance's   results  of  operations  or  financial
        condition.

        On January 26, 1996, a purported purchaser of certain notes and warrants
        to  purchase  shares  of  common  stock of  Rickel  Home  Centers,  Inc.
        ("Rickel") filed a class action complaint  against  Donaldson,  Lufkin &
        Jenrette Securities  Corporation  ("DLJSC") and certain other defendants
        for unspecified  compensatory  and punitive damages in the United States
        District  Court for the  Southern  District  of New  York.  The suit was
        brought on behalf of the  purchasers  of  126,457  units  consisting  of
        $126,457,000 aggregate principal amount of 13 1/2% senior notes due 2001
        and 126,457 warrants to purchase shares of common stock of Rickel issued
        by Rickel in October 1994. The complaint  alleges  violations of Federal
        securities  laws and common law fraud against DLJSC,  as the underwriter
        of the units and as an owner of 7.3% of the common stock of Rickel,  Eos
        Partners, L.P., and General Electric Capital Corporation, each as owners
        of 44.2% of the  common  stock of  Rickel,  and  members of the Board of
        Directors of Rickel,  including a DLJSC Managing Director. The complaint
        seeks to hold  DLJSC  liable for  alleged  misstatements  and  omissions
        contained  in  the  prospectus  and  registration   statement  filed  in
        connection with the offering of the units,  alleging that the defendants
        knew of financial  losses and a decline in value of Rickel in the months
        prior  to the  offering  and  did not  disclose  such  information.  The
        complaint  also  alleges  that  Rickel  failed  to pay  its  semi-annual
        interest  payment due on the units on December  15, 1995 and that Rickel
        filed a voluntary petition for reorganization  pursuant to Chapter 11 of
        the United States  Bankruptcy Code on January 10, 1996. DLJSC intends to
        defend itself vigorously against all of the allegations contained in the
        complaint.  Although there can be no assurance, DLJ does not believe the
        outcome of this  litigation  will have a material  adverse effect on its
        financial condition. Due to the early stage of this litigation, based on
        the information  currently available to it, DLJ's management cannot make
        an estimate of loss, if any, or predict  whether or not such  litigation
        will have a material  adverse  effect on DLJ's  results of operations in
        any particular period.

        In October  1995,  DLJSC was named as a defendant  in a purported  class
        action  filed in a Texas  State Court on behalf of the holders of $550.0
        million principal amount of subordinated  redeemable discount debentures
        of National  Gypsum  Corporation  ("NGC")  canceled in connection with a
        Chapter 11 plan of reorganization  for NGC consummated in July 1993. The
        named  plaintiff  in the State  Court  action  also  filed an  adversary
        proceeding in the  Bankruptcy  Court for the Northern  District of Texas
        seeking  a   declaratory   judgment  that  the  confirmed  NGC  plan  of
        reorganization  does not bar the class action claims.  Subsequent to the
        consummation  of NGC's plan of  reorganization,  NGC's shares traded for
        values  substantially  in excess of, and in 1995 NGC was  acquired for a
        value  substantially  in excess of, the values  upon which NGC's plan of
        reorganization   was  based.  The  two  actions  arise  out  of  DLJSC's
        activities as financial advisor to NGC in the course of NGC's Chapter 11
        reorganization proceedings.  The class action complaint alleges that the
        plan of  reorganization  submitted by NGC was based upon  projections by
        NGC and DLJSC which intentionally  understated  forecasts,  and provided
        misleading  and incorrect  information in order to hide NGC's true value
        and that  defendants  breached  their  fiduciary  duties by, among other
        things,   providing  false,  misleading  or  incomplete  information  to
        deliberately  understate  the value of NGC. The class  action  complaint
        seeks  compensatory  and punitive damages  purportedly  sustained by the
        class. The Texas State Court action, which

                                      F-37
<PAGE>

        had been removed to the Bankruptcy  Court, has been remanded back to the
        state court,  which remand is being  opposed by DLJSC.  DLJSC intends to
        defend itself vigorously against all of the allegations contained in the
        complaint. Although there can be no assurance, DLJ does not believe that
        the ultimate  outcome of this  litigation  will have a material  adverse
        effect  on its  financial  condition.  Due to the  early  stage  of such
        litigation,  based upon the information currently available to it, DLJ's
        management  cannot make an estimate of loss, if any, or predict  whether
        or not such  litigation  will have a  material  adverse  effect on DLJ's
        results of operations in any particular period.

        In November and December 1995, DLJSC,  along with various other parties,
        was named as a defendant in a number of purported class actions filed in
        the U.S.  District  Court for the  Eastern  District of  Louisiana.  The
        complaints allege violations of the Federal  securities laws arising out
        of a public  offering in 1994 of $435.0  million of first mortgage notes
        of Harrah's Jazz Company and Harrah's Jazz Finance Corp.  The complaints
        seek  to  hold  DLJSC  liable  for  various  alleged  misstatements  and
        omissions  contained in the  prospectus  dated  November 9, 1994.  DLJSC
        intends  to defend  itself  vigorously  against  all of the  allegations
        contained in the  complaints.  Although  there can be no assurance,  DLJ
        does not believe that the ultimate  outcome of this litigation will have
        a material adverse effect on its financial  condition.  Due to the early
        stage of this litigation, based upon the information currently available
        to it,  DLJ's  management  cannot make an  estimate of loss,  if any, or
        predict  whether or not such  litigation  will have a  material  adverse
        effect on DLJ's results of operations in any particular period.

        In addition  to the  matters  described  above,  Equitable  Life and its
        subsidiaries  and DLJ and its subsidiaries are involved in various legal
        actions and proceedings in connection with their businesses. Some of the
        actions and  proceedings  have been brought on behalf of various alleged
        classes of  claimants  and certain of these  claimants  seek  damages of
        unspecified  amounts.  While the ultimate outcome of such matters cannot
        be predicted with certainty, in the opinion of management no such matter
        is  likely  to  have  a  material   adverse   effect  on  the  Company's
        consolidated financial position or results of operations.

15)     LEASES

        The Company  has  entered  into  operating  leases for office  space and
        certain other assets,  principally data processing  equipment and office
        furniture and  equipment.  Future minimum  payments under  noncancelable
        leases for 1997 and the succeeding four years are $113.7 million, $110.6
        million, $100.3 million, $72.3 million, $59.3 million and $427.3 million
        thereafter. Minimum future sublease rental income on these noncancelable
        leases for 1997 and the  succeeding  four years are $9.8  million,  $6.0
        million,  $4.5  million,  $2.4  million,  $.8  million  and $.1  million
        thereafter.

        At December 31, 1996, the minimum future rental income on  noncancelable
        operating  leases for wholly owned  investments  in real estate for 1997
        and the succeeding four years are $263.0 million, $242.1 million, $219.8
        million, $194.3 million, $174.6 million and $847.1 million thereafter.

                                      F-38
<PAGE>

16)     OTHER OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES

        Other operating costs and expenses consisted of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Compensation costs.................................  $       647.3       $      595.9       $      687.5
        Commissions........................................          329.5              314.3              313.0
        Short-term debt interest expense...................            8.0               11.4               19.0
        Long-term debt interest expense....................          137.3              108.1               98.3
        Amortization of policy acquisition costs...........          405.2              317.8              313.4
        Capitalization of policy acquisition costs.........         (391.9)            (391.0)            (410.9)
        Rent expense, net of sub-lease income..............          113.7              109.3              116.0
        Other..............................................          798.9              710.0              721.4
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total..............................................  $     2,048.0       $    1,775.8       $    1,857.7
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        During 1996, 1995 and 1994, the Company  restructured certain operations
        in  connection  with  cost  reduction   programs  and  recorded  pre-tax
        provisions  of  $24.4   million,   $32.0  million  and  $20.4   million,
        respectively.  The  amounts  paid  during  1996,  associated  with  cost
        reduction  programs,  totaled $17.7  million.  At December 31, 1996, the
        liabilities  associated with cost reduction  programs  amounted to $44.5
        million.  The 1996 cost reduction program included  restructuring  costs
        related to the consolidation of insurance  operations'  service centers.
        The 1995 cost reduction program included relocation expenses,  including
        the accelerated  amortization of building  improvements  associated with
        the  relocation  of the home  office.  The 1994 cost  reduction  program
        included costs  associated with the termination of operating  leases and
        employee  severance  benefits in connection with the consolidation of 16
        insurance agencies. Amortization of DAC included $145.0 million writeoff
        of DAC related to DI contracts in the fourth quarter of 1996.

17)     INSURANCE GROUP STATUTORY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

        Equitable  Life is  restricted as to the amounts it may pay as dividends
        to  the  Holding  Company.   Under  the  New  York  Insurance  Law,  the
        Superintendent  has broad discretion to determine  whether the financia1
        condition of a stock life insurance company would support the payment of
        dividends to its  shareholders.  For 1996, 1995 and 1994,  statutory net
        (loss) earnings  totaled  $(351.1)  million,  $(352.4) million and $67.5
        million,  respectively.  No amounts  are  expected to be  available  for
        dividends from Equitable Life to the Holding Company in 1997.

        At December 31, 1996, the Insurance  Group,  in accordance  with various
        government  and state  regulations,  had  $21.9  million  of  securities
        deposited with such government or state agencies.

                                      F-39
<PAGE>

        Accounting  practices used to prepare statutory financial statements for
        regulatory  filings of stock life insurance  companies differ in certain
        instances   from  GAAP.   The  New  York   Insurance   Department   (the
        "Department")   recognizes  only  statutory   accounting  practices  for
        determining  and  reporting  the  financial  condition  and  results  of
        operations of an insurance  company,  for determining its solvency under
        the New York  Insurance Law, and for  determining  whether its financial
        condition  warrants  the payment of a dividend to its  stockholders.  No
        consideration  is  given  by  the  Department  to  financial  statements
        prepared  in  accordance  with GAAP in making such  determinations.  The
        following  reconciles  the  Company's  statutory  change in surplus  and
        capital  stock and  statutory  surplus and capital  stock  determined in
        accordance with accounting  practices  prescribed by the Department with
        net earnings and equity on a GAAP basis.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Net change in statutory surplus and capital stock..  $        56.0       $       78.1       $      292.4
        Change in asset valuation reserves.................          (48.4)             365.7             (285.2)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Net change in statutory surplus, capital stock
          and asset valuation reserves.....................            7.6              443.8                7.2
        Adjustments:
          Future policy benefits and policyholders'
            account balances...............................         (298.5)             (66.0)              (5.3)
          DAC..............................................          (13.3)              73.2               97.5
          Deferred Federal income taxes....................          108.0             (158.1)             (58.7)
          Valuation of investments.........................          289.8              189.1               45.2
          Valuation of investment subsidiary...............         (117.7)            (188.6)             396.6
          Limited risk reinsurance.........................           92.5              416.9               74.9
          Contribution from the Holding Company............            -                  -               (300.0)
          Issuance of surplus notes........................            -               (538.9)               -
          Postretirement benefits..........................           28.9              (26.7)              17.1
          Other, net.......................................           12.4              115.1              (44.0)
          GAAP adjustments of Closed Block.................           (9.8)              15.7               (9.5)
          GAAP adjustments of discontinued GIC
            Segment........................................          (89.6)              37.3               42.8
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Net Earnings of the Insurance Group................  $        10.3       $      312.8       $      263.8
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 DECEMBER 31,
                                                            --------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Statutory surplus and capital stock................  $     2,258.9       $    2,202.9       $    2,124.8
        Asset valuation reserves...........................        1,297.5            1,345.9              980.2
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Statutory surplus, capital stock and asset
          valuation reserves...............................        3,556.4            3,548.8            3,105.0
        Adjustments:
          Future policy benefits and policyholders'
            account balances...............................       (1,305.0)          (1,006.5)            (940.5)
          DAC..............................................        3,104.9            3,075.8            3,219.4
          Deferred Federal income taxes....................         (306.1)            (452.0)             (29.4)
          Valuation of investments.........................          286.8              417.7             (794.1)
          Valuation of investment subsidiary...............         (782.8)            (665.1)            (476.5)
          Limited risk reinsurance.........................         (336.5)            (429.0)            (845.9)
          Issuance of surplus notes........................         (539.0)            (538.9)               -
          Postretirement benefits..........................         (314.4)            (343.3)            (316.6)
          Other, net.......................................          126.3                4.4              (79.2)
          GAAP adjustments of Closed Block.................          783.7              830.8              740.4
          GAAP adjustments of discontinued GIC
            Segment........................................         (190.3)            (184.6)            (221.9)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Equity of the Insurance Group......................  $     4,084.0       $    4,258.1       $    3,360.7
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

                                      F-40
<PAGE>

18)     BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION

        The Company has two major business  segments:  Insurance  Operations and
        Investment  Services.  Interest  expense related to debt not specific to
        either  business  segment is presented as  Corporate  interest  expense.
        Information for all periods is presented on a comparable basis.

        The  Insurance  Operations  segment  offers a  variety  of  traditional,
        variable and  interest-sensitive  life  insurance  products,  disability
        income,  annuity products,  mutual fund and other investment products to
        individuals and small groups and administers  traditional  participating
        group  annuity  contracts  with  conversion   features,   generally  for
        corporate  qualified  pension plans, and association plans which provide
        full  service  retirement  programs  for  individuals   affiliated  with
        professional  and trade  associations.  This segment  includes  Separate
        Accounts for individual insurance and annuity products.

        The Investment  Services  segment  provides  investment fund management,
        primarily to institutional  clients. This segment includes the Company's
        equity  interest in DLJ and  Separate  Accounts  which  provide  various
        investment  options for group  clients  through  pooled or single  group
        accounts.

        Intersegment  investment advisory and other fees of approximately $127.5
        million,  $124.1  million and $135.3  million  for 1996,  1995 and 1994,
        respectively,  are included in total revenues of the Investment Services
        segment.  These fees,  excluding amounts related to the discontinued GIC
        Segment of $15.7 million, $14.7 million and $27.4 million for 1996, 1995
        and 1994, respectively, are eliminated in consolidation.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Revenues
        Insurance operations...............................  $     3,742.9       $    3,614.6       $    3,507.4
        Investment services................................        1,126.1              949.1              935.2
        Consolidation/elimination..........................          (24.5)             (34.9)             (27.2)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total..............................................  $     4,844.5       $    4,528.8       $    4,415.4
                                                            =================   ================   =================
        Earnings (loss) from continuing  operations
          before Federal income taxes, minority interest
          and cumulative effect of accounting change
        Insurance operations...............................  $       (36.6)      $      303.1       $      327.5
        Investment services................................          311.9              224.0              227.9
        Consolidation/elimination..........................             .2               (3.1)                .3
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
              Subtotal.....................................          275.5              524.0              555.7
        Corporate interest expense.........................          (66.9)             (27.9)            (114.2)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total..............................................  $       208.6       $      496.1       $      441.5
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

                                                   DECEMBER 31,
                                        ------------------------------------
                                             1996                1995
                                        ----------------   -----------------
                                                   (IN MILLIONS)

        Assets
        Insurance operations...........  $    60,464.9      $    56,720.5
        Investment services............       13,542.5           12,842.9
        Consolidation/elimination......         (399.6)            (354.4)
                                        ----------------   -----------------
        Total..........................  $    73,607.8      $    69,209.0
                                        ================   =================

                                      F-41
<PAGE>

19)     QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

        The quarterly  results of operations  for 1996 and 1995,  are summarized
        below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                       ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           MARCH 31           JUNE 30           SEPTEMBER 30          DECEMBER 31
                                       -----------------  -----------------   ------------------   ------------------
                                                                        (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                            <C>                <C>                 <C>                  <C>         
        1996
        ----
        Total Revenues................  $     1,169.7      $     1,193.6       $    1,193.6         $    1,287.6
                                       =================  =================   ==================   ==================
        Earnings (Loss) from
          Continuing Operations
          before Cumulative Effect
          of Accounting Change........  $        94.8      $        87.1       $       93.2         $     (157.9)
                                       =================  =================   ==================   ==================
        Net Earnings (Loss)...........  $        71.7      $        87.1       $       93.2         $     (241.7)
                                       =================  =================   ==================   ==================
        1995
        ----
        Total Revenues................  $     1,079.1      $     1,164.0       $    1,138.8         $    1,146.9
                                       =================  =================   ==================   ==================
        Net Earnings..................  $        66.3      $       101.7       $      100.2         $       44.6
                                       =================  =================   ==================   ==================
</TABLE>

        The quarterly results of operations for 1996 and 1995 have been restated
        to reflect the Company's accounting change adopted in the fourth quarter
        of 1996 for  long-duration  participating  life  contracts in accordance
        with the  provisions  prescribed  by SFAS No. 120.  Net earnings for the
        three months ended December 31, 1996 includes a charge of $339.3 million
        related to writeoffs of DAC on DI  contracts of $94.3  million,  reserve
        strengthening  on DI  business of $113.7  million,  pension par of $47.5
        million and the discontinued GIC Segment of $83.8 million.

20)     INVESTMENT IN DLJ

        On December  15,  1993,  the Company  sold a 61%  interest in DLJ to the
        Holding Company for $800.0 million in cash and securities. The excess of
        the  proceeds  over the book  value in DLJ at the date of sale of $340.2
        million  has been  reflected  as a capital  contribution.  In 1995,  DLJ
        completed the initial public offering ("IPO") of 10.58 million shares of
        its common stock,  which included 7.28 million of the Holding  Company's
        shares in DLJ,  priced at $27 per share.  Concurrent  with the IPO,  the
        Company  contributed  equity  securities to DLJ having a market value of
        $21.2  million.  Upon  completion  of the IPO, the  Company's  ownership
        percentage was reduced to 36.1%. The Company's  ownership  interest will
        be further  reduced  upon the issuance of common stock after the vesting
        of forfeitable restricted stock units acquired by and/or the exercise of
        options  granted to certain DLJ employees.  DLJ  restricted  stock units
        represents  forfeitable  rights to  receive  approximately  5.2  million
        shares of DLJ common stock through February 2000.

        The results of  operations  of DLJ are accounted for on the equity basis
        and  are  included  in  commissions,   fees  and  other  income  in  the
        consolidated statements of earnings. The Company's carrying value of DLJ
        is included in investment in and loans to affiliates in the consolidated
        balance sheets.

                                      F-42
<PAGE>

        Summarized  balance  sheets  information  for  DLJ,  reconciled  to  the
        Company's carrying value of DLJ, are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                ------------------------------------
                                                                                     1996                1995
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                           (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                                     <C>                <C>         
        Assets:
        Trading account securities, at market value............................  $   15,728.1       $   10,821.3
        Securities purchased under resale agreements...........................      20,598.7           18,748.2
        Broker-dealer related receivables......................................      16,525.9           13,023.7
        Other assets...........................................................       2,651.0            1,983.3
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Total Assets...........................................................  $   55,503.7       $   44,576.5
                                                                                ================   =================
        Liabilities:
        Securities sold under repurchase agreements............................  $   29,378.3       $   26,744.8
        Broker-dealer related payables.........................................      19,409.7           12,915.5
        Short-term and long-term debt..........................................       2,704.5            1,742.0
        Other liabilities......................................................       2,164.0            1,750.5
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Total liabilities......................................................      53,656.5           43,152.8
        Cumulative exchangeable preferred stock................................           -                225.0
        DLJ's company-obligated mandatorily redeemed preferred
          securities of subsidiary trust holding solely debentures of DLJ......         200.0                -
        Total shareholders' equity.............................................       1,647.2            1,198.7
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Total Liabilities, Cumulative Exchangeable Preferred Stock and
          Shareholders' Equity.................................................  $   55,503.7       $   44,576.5
                                                                                ================   =================
        DLJ's equity as reported...............................................  $    1,647.2       $    1,198.7
        Unamortized cost in excess of net assets acquired in 1985
          and other adjustments................................................          23.9               40.5
        The Holding Company's equity ownership in DLJ..........................        (590.2)            (499.0)
        Minority interest in DLJ...............................................        (588.6)            (324.3)
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        The Company's Carrying Value of DLJ....................................  $      492.3       $      415.9
                                                                                ================   =================
</TABLE>

        Summarized  statements of earnings information for DLJ reconciled to the
        Company's equity in earnings of DLJ is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     1996                1995
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                           (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                                     <C>                <C>         
        Commission, fees and other income......................................  $    1,818.2       $    1,325.9
        Net investment income..................................................       1,074.2              904.1
        Dealer, trading and investment gains, net..............................         598.4              528.6
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Total revenues.........................................................       3,490.8            2,758.6
        Total expenses including income taxes..................................       3,199.5            2,579.5
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Net earnings...........................................................         291.3              179.1
        Dividends on preferred stock...........................................          18.7               19.9
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Earnings Applicable to Common Shares...................................  $      272.6       $      159.2
                                                                                ================   =================
        DLJ's earnings applicable to common shares as reported.................  $      272.6       $      159.2
        Amortization of cost in excess of net assets acquired in 1985..........          (3.1)              (3.9)
        The Holding Company's equity in DLJ's earnings.........................        (107.8)             (90.4)
        Minority interest in DLJ...............................................         (73.4)              (6.5)
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        The Company's Equity in DLJ's Earnings.................................  $       88.3       $       58.4
                                                                                ================   =================
</TABLE>

                                      F-43
<PAGE>

21)     ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

        The  Holding  Company  sponsors a stock  option  plan for  employees  of
        Equitable  Life.  DLJ and Alliance  each sponsor  their own stock option
        plans for certain employees.  The Company elected to continue to account
        for stock-based compensation using the intrinsic value method prescribed
        in APB Opinion No. 25. Had  compensation  expense of the Company's stock
        option  incentive plans for options granted after December 31, 1994 been
        determined  based on the  estimated  fair  value at the grant  dates for
        awards  under those  plans,  the  Company's  pro forma net  earnings and
        earnings per share for 1996 and 1995 would have been as follows:

                                    1996              1995
                               ---------------   ---------------
                                        (IN MILLIONS)
        Net Earnings
          As Reported.........  $       10.3      $     312.8
          Pro Forma...........  $        3.2      $     311.3

        The fair value of options and units  granted  after  December  31, 1994,
        used as a basis for the above pro forma disclosures, was estimated as of
        the date of grants using Black-Scholes option pricing models. The option
        and unit pricing assumptions for 1996 and 1995 are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      HOLDING COMPANY                    DLJ                        ALLIANCE
                                  -------------------------   --------------------------  -----------------------------
                                     1996          1995          1996          1995           1996            1995
                                  -----------   -----------   -----------   ------------  -------------   -------------
        <S>                        <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>          <C>             <C>       
        Dividend yield...........     0.80%         0.96%         1.54%         1.85%         8.0%            8.0%
        Expected volatility......    20.00%        20.00%        25.00%        25.00%        23.00%          23.00%
        Risk-free interest rate..     5.92%         6.83%         6.07%         5.86%         5.80%           6.00%

        Expected Life............  5 YEARS       5 years       5 YEARS        5 years      7.43 YEARS      7.43 years
        Weighted fair value
          per option granted.....    $6.94         $5.90         $9.35          -            $2.69           $2.24
</TABLE>

                                      F-44
<PAGE>

        A  summary  of the  Holding  Company  and DLJ  stock  option  plans  and
        Alliance's Unit option plans are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          HOLDING COMPANY                       DLJ                           ALLIANCE
                                    -----------------------------   -----------------------------   -----------------------------
                                                      Options                         Options                         Options
                                                    Outstanding                     Outstanding                     Outstanding
                                                      Weighted                        Weighted                        Weighted
                                                      Average                         Average                         Average
                                      Shares         Exercise          Shares        Exercise           Units         Exercise
                                    (In Millions)      Price        (In Millions)     Price         (In Millions)      Price
                                    -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
        <S>                         <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
        Balance as of
          January 1, 1994........         6.1                             -                               3.2
          Granted................          .7                             -                               1.2
          Exercised..............         -                               -                               (.5)
          Forfeited..............         -                               -                               (.1)
                                    -------------                   -------------                   -------------
        Balance as of
          December 31, 1994......         6.8                             -                               3.8
          Granted................          .4                             9.2                             1.8
          Exercised..............         (.1)                            -                               (.5)
          Expired................         (.1)                            -                               -
          Forfeited..............         (.3)                            -                               (.3)
                                    -------------                   -------------                   -------------
        Balance as of
          December 31, 1995......         6.7           $20.27            9.2          $27.00             4.8           $17.72
          Granted................          .7           $24.94            2.1          $32.54              .7           $25.12
          Exercised..............         (.1)          $19.91            -              -                (.4)          $13.64
          Expired................         (.6)          $20.21            -              -                -               -
          Forfeited..............         -               -               (.2)         $27.00             (.1)          $19.32
                                    -------------                   -------------                   -------------
        Balance as of
          December 31, 1996......         6.7           $20.79           11.1          $28.06             5.0           $19.07
                                    =============   =============   =============   =============   =============   =============
</TABLE>

                                      F-45
<PAGE>

        Information  with  respect  to stock and unit  options  outstanding  and
        exercisable at December 31, 1996 is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      Options Outstanding                                          Options Exercisable
        -------------------------------------------------------------------------------    --------------------------------------
                                                       Weighted
                                                        Average           Weighted                                 Weighted
              Range of               Number            Remaining           Average               Number             Average
              Exercise            Outstanding         Contractual         Exercise            Exercisable           Exercise
               Prices            (In Millions)        Life (Years)          Price            (In Millions)           Price
        ---------------------   -----------------   ---------------   -----------------    -------------------   ----------------
        <S>                     <C>                 <C>               <C>                  <C>                   <C>
               Holding
               Company
        ---------------------
        $18.125-$27.75                 6.7                 7.00             $20.79                3.4                $20.18
                                =================   ===============   =================    ===================   ================

                 DLJ
        ---------------------
        $27.00-$33.50                 11.1                 9.00             $28.06                -                    -
                                =================   ===============   =================    ===================   ================

              Alliance
        ---------------------
        $ 6.0625-$15.9375              1.3                 4.76             $12.97                1.2                $12.58
        $16.3125-$19.75                1.1                 8.19             $19.13                 .2                $18.69
        $19.875 -$19.875               1.0                 7.36             $19.88                 .4                $19.88
        $20.75  -$24.375                .9                 8.46             $22.05                 .3                $21.84
        $24.375 -$25.125                .7                 9.96             $25.13                -                    -
                                -----------------                                          -------------------  
        $ 6.0625-$25.125               5.0                 7.43             $19.07                2.1                $15.84
                                =================   ===============   =================    ===================   ================
</TABLE>

                                      F-46







<PAGE>
   
                   INCOME MANAGER (SERVICE MARK) ACCUMULATOR
                      STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

                                  MAY 1, 1997
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

                           COMBINATION VARIABLE AND
                      FIXED DEFERRED ANNUITY CERTIFICATES
                              FUNDED THROUGH THE
                  INVESTMENT FUNDS OF SEPARATE ACCOUNT NO. 45
    
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  EQUITY SERIES 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
DOMESTIC EQUITY                     INTERNATIONAL EQUITY                      AGGRESSIVE EQUITY 
<S>                                 <C>                                       <C>
 Alliance Common Stock               Alliance Global                           Alliance Aggressive Stock 
 Alliance Growth & Income            Alliance International                    Alliance Small Cap Growth 
 EQ/Putnam Growth & Income Value     Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Equity    MFS Emerging Growth Companies 
 MFS Research                        T. Rowe Price International Stock         Warburg Pincus Small Company Value 
 Merrill Lynch Basic Value Equity 
 T. Rowe Price Equity Income 
 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
</TABLE>
    
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      ASSET ALLOCATION SERIES                                       FIXED INCOME SERIES 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
 ALLIANCE CONSERVATIVE INVESTORS         AGGRESSIVE FIXED INCOME     DOMESTIC FIXED INCOME 
<S>                                    <C>                          <C>                           
 Alliance Growth Investors               Alliance High Yield         Alliance Intermediate Government Securities 
 EQ/Putnam Balanced                                                  Alliance Money Market 
 Merrill Lynch World Strategy 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
</TABLE>
    
   
                                  ISSUED BY:
           THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Home Office:            1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10104 
     Processing Office:      Post Office Box 1547, Secaucus, NJ 07096-1547 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               
This statement of additional information (SAI) is not a prospectus. It should 
be read in conjunction with the Separate Account No. 45 prospectus for the 
Accumulator, dated May 1, 1997. Definitions of special terms used in the SAI 
are found in the prospectus. 
    
   A copy of the prospectus is available free of charge by writing the 
Processing Office, by calling 1-800-789-7771, toll-free, or by contacting 
your Registered Representative. 
   

                     STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 
                              TABLE OF CONTENTS 
    
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          PAGE 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
<S>                                                                                      <C>
Part 1 Accumulation Unit Values                                                             2 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
Part 2 Annuity Unit Values                                                                  2 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
Part 3 Custodian and Independent Accountants                                                3 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
Part 4 Alliance Money Market Fund and Alliance Intermediate Government Securities Fund 
       Yield Information                                                                    3 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
Part 5 Long-Term Market Trends                                                              4 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
Part 6 Key Factors In Retirement Planning                                                   6 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
Part 7 Financial Statements                                                                11 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
</TABLE>
    
   
                                Copyright 1997
          The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States,
                           New York, New York 10104.
                             All rights reserved.
    


<PAGE>
PART 1 - ACCUMULATION 
 UNIT VALUES 

Accumulation Unit Values are determined at the end of each Valuation Period 
for each of the Investment Funds. Other annuity contracts and certificates 
which may be offered by us will have their own accumulation unit values for 
the Investment Funds which may be different from those for the Accumulator. 

The Accumulation Unit Value for an Investment Fund for any Valuation Period 
is equal to the Accumulation Unit Value for the preceding Valuation Period 
multiplied by the Net Investment Factor for that Investment Fund for that 
Valuation Period. The NET INVESTMENT FACTOR is (a) -c where: 
                                                b 

(a)    is the value of the Investment Fund's shares of the corresponding 
       Portfolio at the end of the Valuation Period before giving effect to 
       any amounts allocated to or withdrawn from the Investment Fund for the 
       Valuation Period. For this purpose, we use the share value reported to 
       us by HR Trust or EQ Trust, as applicable. 

(b)    is the value of the Investment Fund's shares of the corresponding 
       Portfolio at the end of the preceding Valuation Period (after any 
       amounts allocated or withdrawn for that Valuation Period). 

(c)    is the daily Separate Account mortality and expense risks charge and 
       administration charge relating to the Certificates, times the number of 
       calendar days in the Valuation Period. These daily charges are at an 
       effective annual rate not to exceed a total of 1.15%. 

PART 2 - ANNUITY UNIT VALUES 

   
The annuity unit value for each Investment Fund was fixed at $1.00 on May 1, 
1997 for Certificates with assumed base rates of net investment return of 
both 5% and 3 1/2% a year. For each Valuation Period after that date, it is 
the annuity unit value for the immediately preceding Valuation Period 
multiplied by the adjusted Net Investment Factor under the Certificate. For 
each Valuation Period, the adjusted Net Investment Factor is equal to the Net 
Investment Factor reduced for each day in the Valuation Period by: 
    

o      .00013366 of the Net Investment Factor if the assumed base rate of net 
       investment return is 5% a year; or 

o      .00009425 of the Net Investment Factor if the assumed base rate of net 
       investment return is 3 1/2%. 

Because of this adjustment, the annuity unit value rises and falls depending 
on whether the actual rate of net investment return (after deduction of 
charges) is higher or lower than the assumed base rate. 

All Certificates have a 5% assumed base rate of net investment return, except 
in states where that rate is not permitted. Annuity payments under 
Certificates with an assumed base rate of 3 1/2% will at first be smaller 
than those under Certificates with a 5% assumed base rate. Payments under the 
3 1/2% Certificates, however, will rise more rapidly when unit values are 
rising, and payments will fall more slowly when unit values are falling than 
those under 5% Certificates. 

The amounts of variable annuity payments are determined as follows: 

Payments normally start on the Business Day specified on your election form, 
or on such other future date as specified therein and are made on a monthly 
basis. The first three payments are of equal amounts. Each of the first three 
payments will be based on the amount specified in the Tables of Guaranteed 
Annuity Payments in the Certificate. 

The first three payments depend on the assumed base rate of net investment 
return and the form of annuity chosen (and any fixed period). If the annuity 
involved a life contingency, the risk class and the age of the annuitants 
will affect payments. 

The amount of the fourth and each later payment will vary according to the 
investment performance of the Investment Funds. Each monthly payment will be 
calculated by multiplying the number of annuity units credited by the average 
annuity unit value for the second calendar month immediately preceding the 
due date of the payment. The number of units is calculated by dividing the 
first monthly payment by the annuity unit value for the Valuation Period 
which includes the due date of the first monthly payment. The average annuity 
unit value is the average of the annuity unit values for the Valuation 
Periods ending in that month. Variable income annuities may also be available 
by separate prospectus through the Investment Funds of other separate 
accounts we offer. 

Illustration of Changes in Annuity Unit Values. 

To show how we determine variable annuity payments from month to month, 
assume that 

                                       2


<PAGE>
the Annuity Account Value on an Annuity Commencement Date is enough to fund 
an annuity with a monthly payment of $363 and that the annuity unit value for 
the Valuation Period that includes the due date of the first annuity payment 
is $1.05. The number of annuity units credited under the contract would be 
345.71 (363 divided by 1.05 = 345.71). 

If the fourth monthly payment is due in March, and the average annuity unit 
value for January was $1.10, the annuity payment for March would be the 
number of units (345.71) times the average annuity unit value ($1.10), or 
$380.28. If the average annuity unit value was $1 in February, the annuity 
payment for April would be 345.71 times $1, or $345.71. 

PART 3 - CUSTODIAN AND 
 INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS 

   
Equitable Life is the custodian for shares of each Trust owned by the 
Separate Account. 
    

The consolidated financial statements and consolidated financial statement 
schedules of Equitable Life at December 31, 1996 and 1995 and for each of the 
three years ended December 31, 1996 included in the SAI have been audited by 
Price Waterhouse LLP. 

The consolidated financial statements and consolidated financial statement 
schedules of Equitable Life at December 31, 1996 and 1995 and for each of the 
three years ended December 31, 1996 included in this SAI have been so 
included in reliance on the reports of Price Waterhouse LLP, independent 
accountants, given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and 
auditing. 

   
PART 4 -ALLIANCE MONEY 
 MARKET FUND AND 
 ALLIANCE INTERMEDIATE 
 GOVERNMENT SECURITIES 
 FUND YIELD INFORMATION 

Alliance Money Market Fund 

The Alliance Money Market Fund calculates yield information for seven-day 
periods. The seven-day current yield calculation is based on a hypothetical 
Certificate with one Accumulation Unit at the beginning of the period. To 
determine the seven-day rate of return, the net change in the Accumulation 
Unit Value is computed by subtracting the Accumulation Unit Value at the 
beginning of the period from an Accumulation Unit Value, exclusive of capital 
changes, at the end of the period. 

Accumulation Unit Values reflect all other accrued expenses of the Alliance 
Money Market Fund but do not reflect the withdrawal charge, the combined 
GMDB/GMIB charge or any charges for applicable taxes such as state or local 
premium taxes. 
    

The adjusted net change is divided by the Accumulation Unit Value at the 
beginning of the period to obtain the adjusted base period rate of return. 
This seven-day adjusted base period return is then multiplied by 365/7 to 
produce an annualized seven-day current yield figure carried to the nearest 
one-hundredth of one percent. 

   
The effective yield is obtained by modifying the current yield to give effect 
to the compounding nature of the Alliance Money Market Fund's investments, as 
follows: the unannualized adjusted base period return is compounded by adding 
one to the adjusted base period return, raising the sum to a power equal to 
365 divided by 7, and subtracting one from the result, i.e., effective yield 
= (base period return + 1 ) 365/7 -1. The Alliance Money Market Fund yields 
will fluctuate daily. Accordingly, yields for any given period are not 
necessarily representative of future results. In addition, the value of 
Accumulation Units of the Alliance Money Market Fund will fluctuate and not 
remain constant. 

Alliance Intermediate Government Securities Fund 

The Alliance Intermediate Government Securities Fund calculates yield 
information for 30-day periods. The 30-day current yield calculation is based 
on a hypothetical Certificate with one Accumulation Unit at the beginning of 
the period. To determine the 30-day rate of return, the net change in the 
Accumulation Unit Value is computed by subtracting the Accumulation Unit 
Value at the beginning of the period from an Accumulation Unit Value, 
exclusive of capital changes, at the end of the period. 

Accumulation Unit Values reflect all other accrued expenses of the Alliance 
Intermediate Government Securities Fund but do not reflect the withdrawal 
charge, the GMDB/GMIB charge or any charges for applicable taxes such as 
state or local premium taxes. 
    

The adjusted net change is divided by the Accumulation Unit Value at the 
beginning of 

                                       3

<PAGE>
the period to obtain the adjusted base period rate of return. This 30-day 
adjusted base period return is then multiplied by 365/30 to produce an 
annualized 30-day current yield figure carried to the nearest one-hundredth 
of one percent. 

   
The effective yield is obtained by modifying the current yield to give effect 
to the compounding nature of the Alliance Intermediate Government Securities 
Fund's investments, as follows: the unannualized adjusted base period return 
is compounded by adding one to the adjusted base period return, raising the 
sum to a power equal to 365 divided by 30, and subtracting one from the 
result, i.e., effective yield = (base period return + 1) 365/30 -1. Alliance 
Intermediate Government Securities Fund yields will fluctuate daily. 
Accordingly, yields for any given period are not necessarily representative 
of future results. In addition, the value of the Accumulation Units of the 
Alliance Intermediate Government Securities Fund will fluctuate and not 
remain constant. 

Alliance Money Market Fund and Alliance Intermediate Government Securities 
Fund Yield Information 

Alliance Money Market Fund and the Alliance Intermediate Government 
Securities Fund yields reflect charges that are not normally reflected in the 
yields of other investments and therefore may be lower when compared with 
yields of other investments. Alliance Money Market Fund and Alliance 
Intermediate Government Securities Fund yields should not be compared to the 
return on fixed rate investments which guarantee rates of interest for 
specified periods, such as the Guarantee Periods. Nor should the yield be 
compared to the yield of money market funds or government securities funds 
made available to the general public. 
    

Because the Accumulator Certificates described in the prospectus are being 
offered for the first time in 1997, no yield information is presented. 

PART 5 - LONG-TERM MARKET 
 TRENDS 

As a tool for understanding how different investment strategies may affect 
long-term results, it may be useful to consider the historical returns on 
different types of assets. The following charts present historical return 
trends for various types of securities. The information presented, while not 
directly related to the performance of the Investment Funds, helps to provide 
a perspective on the potential returns of different asset classes over 
different periods of time. By combining this information with knowledge of 
personal financial needs (e.g., the length of time until you retire, your 
financial requirements at retirement), you may be able to better determine 
how you wish to allocate contributions among the Accumulator Investment 
Funds. 

   
Historically, the long-term investment performance of common stocks has 
generally been superior to that of long-or short-term debt securities. For 
those investors who have many years until retirement, or whose primary focus 
is on long-term growth potential and protection against inflation, there may 
be advantages to allocating some or all of their Annuity Account Value to 
those Investment Funds that invest in stocks. 

                   Growth of $1 Invested on January 1, 1956 
                   (Values are as of the last business day) 

[THE FOLLOWING TABLE WAS REPRESENTED AS A STACKED
AREA GRAPH IN THE PROSPECTUS]


- ------------------------------------------
	     S&P 500
	     TOTAL	 U.S.
	     RETURN	 INFLATION
- ------------------------------------------
	     INDEX	 VALUE
- ------------------------------------------
Dec 1956      1.07        1.03
Dec 1957      0.95        1.06
Dec 1958      1.36        1.08
Dec 1959      1.53        1.09
Dec 1960      1.53        1.11
Dec 1961      1.95        1.12
Dec 1962      1.78        1.13
Dec 1963      2.18        1.15
Dec 1964      2.54        1.16
Dec 1965      2.86        1.19
Dec 1966      2.57	  1.23
Dec 1967      3.18	  1.26
Dec 1968      3.34        1.32
Dec 1969      3.24	  1.40
Dec 1970      3.37	  1.48
Dec 1971      3.85	  1.53
Dec 1972      4.58	  1.58
Dec 1973      3.91	  1.72
Dec 1974      2.87	  1.83
Dec 1975      3.94	  2.07
Dec 1976      4.88	  2.17
Dec 1977      4.53	  2.31
Dec 1978      4.83	  2.52
Dec 1979      5.72   	  2.86
Dec 1980      7.57	  3.21
Dec 1981      7.20	  3.50
Dec 1982      8.74	  3.64
Dec 1983     10.71	  3.77
Dec 1984     11.38	  3.92
Dec 1985     15.04	  4.07
Dec 1986     17.81	  4.12
Dec 1987     18.75	  4.30
Dec 1988     21.90	  4.49
Dec 1989     28.79	  4.70
Dec 1990     27.88 	  4.99
Dec 1991     36.40	  5.14
Dec 1992     39.19	  5.29
Dec 1993     43.10	  5.43
Dec 1994     43.67	  5.58
Dec 1995     60.01	  5.72
Dec 1996     73.86        5.92
- ------------------------------------------
[END OF GRAPHICALLY REPRESENTED DATA]

[BLACK] Common Stock   [WHITE] Inflation

Source: Ibbotson Associates, Inc. See discussion and information preceding 
and following chart. 

Over shorter periods of time, however, common stocks tend to be subject to 
more dramatic changes in value than fixed income (debt) securities. Investors 
who are nearing retirement age, or who have a need to limit short-term risk, 
may find it preferable to allocate a smaller percentage of their Annuity 
Account Value to those Investment Funds that invest in common stocks. The 
following graph illustrates the monthly fluctuations in value of $1 based on 
monthly returns of the Standard & Poor's 500 during 1990, a year that 
represents more typical volatility than 1996. 
    

                                       4
<PAGE>
                   Growth of $1 Invested on January 1, 1990 
                   (Values are as of the last business day) 

[THE FOLLOWING TABLE WAS REPRESENTED AS A SCATTER
GRAPH IN THE PROSPECTUS]

   
- ------------------------------------------
				S&P 500
		U.S. IT		TOTAL
		GVT TR		RETURN
- ------------------------------------------
		INDEX		INDEX
- ------------------------------------------
Jan 1990	0.99		0.93
Feb 1990	0.99		0.94
Mar 1990	0.99		0.97
Apr 1990	0.98		0.95
May 1990	1.01		1.04
Jun 1990	1.02		1.03
Jul 1990	1.04		1.03
Aug 1990	1.03		0.93
Sep 1990	1.04		0.89
Oct 1990	1.06		0.89
Nov 1990	1.08		0.94
Dec 1990	1.10		0.97
    

  Common Stock  Intermediate-Term Govt. Bonds

[END OF GRAPHICALLY REPRESENTED DATA]

Source: Ibbotson Associates, Inc. See discussion and information preceding 
        and following chart. 

   
The following chart illustrates average annual rates of return over selected 
time periods between December 31, 1926 and December 31, 1996 for different 
types of securities: common stocks, long-term government bonds, long-term 
corporate bonds, intermediate-term government bonds and U.S. Treasury Bills. 
For comparison purposes, the Consumer Price Index is shown as a measure of 
inflation. The average annual returns shown in the chart reflect capital 
appreciation and assume the reinvestment of dividends and interest. No 
investment management fees or expenses, and no charges typically associated 
with deferred annuity products, are reflected. 
    

The information presented is merely a summary of past experience for 
unmanaged groups of securities and is neither an estimate or guarantee of 
future performance. Any investment in securities, whether equity or debt, 
involves varying degrees of potential risk, in addition to offering varying 
degrees of potential reward. 

The rates of return illustrated do not represent returns of the Separate 
Account. In addition, there is no assurance that the performance of the 
Investment Funds will correspond to rates of return such as those illustrated 
in the chart. 

   
For a comparative illustration of performance results of the Investment Funds 
(which reflect the Trust and Separate Account charges), see "Part 8: 
Investment Performance" in the prospectus. 
    

                                       5


<PAGE>
                                MARKET TRENDS:
                      ILLUSTRATIVE ANNUAL RATES OF RETURN
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       LONG-TERM   INTERMEDIATE- 
  FOR THE FOLLOWING PERIODS     COMMON    LONG-TERM    CORPORATE       TERM        U.S. TREASURY    CONSUMER 
        ENDING 12/31/96         STOCKS   GOVT. BONDS     BONDS      GOVT. BONDS        BILLS       PRICE INDEX 
- ----------------------------- -------- ------------- ----------- --------------- --------------- ------------- 
<S>                           <C>         <C>          <C>           <C>              <C>            <C>
1 Year                          23.07%      (0.93)%      1.40%         2.10%           5.21%          3.58% 
3 Years                         19.66        6.36        6.72          4.19            4.90           2.93 
5 Years                         15.20        8.98        8.52          6.17            4.22           2.89 
10 Years                        15.28        9.39        9.48          7.77            5.46           3.70 
20 Years                        14.55        9.54        9.71          9.14            7.28           5.15 
30 Years                        11.85        7.75        8.24          8.27            6.73           5.39 
40 Years                        11.18        6.51        6.99          7.08            5.80           4.47 
50 Years                        12.59        5.33        5.76          5.89            4.89           4.08 
60 Years                        11.19        5.06        5.38          5.32            4.10           4.13 
Since 12/31/26                  10.71        5.08        5.64          5.21            3.74           3.12 
Inflation adjusted since 1926    7.36        1.90        2.44          2.02            0.60             -- 
</TABLE>
    
   
SOURCE: Ibbotson, Roger G., and Rex A. Sinquefield, Stocks, Bonds, Bills, and 
Inflation (SBBI), 1982, updated in Stocks, Bonds, Bills and Inflation 1997 
Yearbook(Trademark), Ibbotson Associates Inc., Chicago. All rights reserved. 
    

COMMON STOCKS (S&P 500)--Standard and Poor's Composite Index, an unmanaged 
weighted index of the stock performance of 500 industrial, transportation, 
utility and financial companies. 

LONG-TERM GOVERNMENT BONDS--Measured using a one-bond portfolio constructed 
each year containing a bond with approximately a twenty year maturity and a 
reasonably current coupon. 

LONG-TERM CORPORATE BONDS--For the period 1969-1995, represented by the 
Salomon Brothers Long-term, High-Grade Corporate Bond Index for the period 
1946-1968, the Salomon Brothers Index was backdated using Salomon Brothers 
monthly yield data and a methodology similar to that used by Salomon Brothers 
for 1969-1995; for the period 1927-1945, the Standard and Poor's monthly 
High-Grade Corporate Composite yield data were used, assuming a 4 percent 
coupon and a twenty year maturity. 

INTERMEDIATE-TERM GOVERNMENT BONDS--Measured by a one-bond portfolio 
constructed each year containing a bond with approximately a five year 
maturity. 

U. S. TREASURY BILLS--Measured by rolling over each month a one-bill 
portfolio containing, at the beginning of each month, the bill having the 
shortest maturity not less than one month. 

INFLATION--Measured by the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers 
(CPI-U), not seasonally adjusted. 

   
PART 6: KEY FACTORS IN 
 RETIREMENT PLANNING 
    
INTRODUCTION 

The Accumulator is available to help meet the retirement income and 
investment needs of individuals. In assessing these retirement needs, some 
key factors need to be addressed: (1) the impact of inflation on fixed 
retirement incomes; (2) the importance of planning early for retirement; (3) 
the benefits of tax-deferral; (4) the selection of an appropriate investment 
strategy; and (5) the benefit of annuitization. Each of these factors is 
addressed below. 

Unless otherwise noted, all of the following presentations use an assumed 
annual rate of return of 7.5% compounded annually. This rate of return is for 
illustrative purposes only and is not intended to represent an expected or 
guaranteed rate of return for any investment vehicle, including the 
Accumulator. In addition, unless otherwise noted, none of the illustrations 
reflect any charges that may be applied under a particular investment 
vehicle, including the Accumulator. Such charges would effectively reduce the 
actual return under any investment vehicle. 

All earnings in these presentations are assumed to accumulate tax-deferred 
unless otherwise noted. Most programs designed for retirement savings offer 
tax-deferral. Monies are taxed upon withdrawal and a 10% penalty tax may 
apply to premature withdrawals. Certain retirement programs prohibit early 
withdrawals. See "Part 7: Tax Aspects of the Certificates." Where taxes are 
taken into consideration in these presentations, a 28% tax rate is assumed. 

The source of the data used by us to compile the charts which appear in this 
Part 8 (other than 

                                       6

<PAGE>
   
charts 1, 2, 3, 4 and 7) is Ibbotson Associates, Inc. Chicago. Stocks, Bonds, 
Bills and Inflation 1997 Yearbook (TM). All rights reserved. 
    

In reports or other communications or in advertising material we may make use 
of these or other graphic or numerical illustrations that we prepare showing 
the impact of inflation, planning early for retirement, tax-deferral, 
diversification and other concepts important to retirement planning. 

INFLATION 

   
Inflation erodes purchasing power. This means that, in an inflationary 
period, the dollar is worth less as time passes. Because many people live on 
a fixed income during retirement, inflation is of particular concern to them. 
The charts that follow illustrate the detrimental impact of inflation over an 
extended period of time. Between 1966 and 1996, the average annual inflation 
rate was 5.39%. As demonstrated in Chart 1, this 5.39% annual rate of 
inflation would cause the purchasing power of $35,000 to decrease to only 
$7,246 after 30 years. 

In Chart 2, the impact of inflation is examined from another perspective. 
Specifically, the chart illustrates the additional income needed to maintain 
the purchasing power of $35,000 over a thirty year period. Again, the 
1966-1996 historical inflation rate of 5.39% is used. In this case, an 
additional $134,064 would be required to maintain the purchasing power of 
$35,000 after 30 years. 
    


                            CHART 1

		 [THE FOLLOWING TABLE WAS REPRESENTED AS A 
		    3-D BAR GRAPH IN THE PROSPECTUS]

                      Today        --       $35,000
                      10 years     --       $20,705
                      20 years     --       $12,248
                      30 years     --       $ 7,246

		 [END OF GRAPHICALLY REPRESENTED DATA]

			       CHART 2
                        ANNUAL INCOME NEEDED

		 [THE FOLLOWING TABLE WAS REPRESENTED AS A 
		    3-D BAR GRAPH IN THE PROSPECTUS]

                      Today        --       $ 35,000
                      10 years     --       $ 59,165
                      20 years     --       $100,013
                      30 years     --       $169,064

              Increase Needed:  $24,165   $65,013   $134,064
                      
		 [END OF GRAPHICALLY REPRESENTED DATA]
	



STARTING EARLY 

The impact of inflation accentuates the need to begin a retirement program 
early. The value of starting early is illustrated in the following charts. 

As shown in Chart 3, if an individual makes annual contributions of $2,500 to 
his or her retirement program beginning at age 30, he or she would accumulate 
$414,551 by age 65 under the assumptions described earlier. If that 
individual waited until age 50, he or she would only accumulate $70,193 by 
age 65 under the same assumptions. 

                                    CHART 3

                  [THE FOLLOWING TABLE WAS REPRESENTED AS
                  A STACKED AREA GRAPH IN THE PROSPECTUS:]
 
                          30 .................  $414,551
                          40 .................  $182,691
                          50 .................  $ 70,193
             BLACK - Age 30    GRAY - Age 40     DOTTED - Age 50

                      [END OF GRAPHICALLY REPRESENTED DATA]

                                      7


<PAGE>
In Table 1, the impact of starting early is demonstrated in another format. 
For example, if an individual invests $300 monthly, he or she would 
accumulate $387,193 in thirty years under our assumptions. In contrast, if 
that individual invested the same $300 per month for 15 years, he or she 
would accumulate only $97,804 under our assumptions. 

                                    TABLE 1

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    MONTHLY       YEAR     YEAR     YEAR      YEAR      YEAR 
 CONTRIBUTION      10       15       20        25        30 
- -------------- -------- -------- --------- --------- --------- 
<S>            <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>
     $ 20       $ 3,532  $ 6,520  $ 10,811  $ 16,970  $ 25,813 
       50         8,829   16,301    27,027    42,425    64,532 
      100        17,659   32,601    54,053    84,851   129,064 
      200        35,317   65,202   108,107   169,701   258,129 
      300        52,969   97,804   162,160   254,552   387,193 

</TABLE>

Chart 4 presents an additional way to demonstrate the significant impact of 
starting to make contributions to a retirement program earlier rather than 
later. It assumes that an individual had a goal to accumulate $250,000 
(pre-tax) by age 65. If he or she starts at age 30, under our assumptions he 
or she could reach the goal by making a monthly pre-tax contribution of $130 
(equivalent to $93 after taxes). The total net cost for the 30 year old in 
this hypothetical example would be $39,265. If the individual in this 
hypothetical example waited until age 50, he or she would have to make a 
monthly pre-tax contribution of $767 (equivalent to $552 after taxes) to 
attain the goal, illustrating the importance of starting early. 

                                      CHART 4

                            GOAL: $250,000 BY AGE 65

                    [THE FOLLOWING TABLE WAS REPRESENTED
                     AS A BAR GRAPH IN THE PROSPECTUS:]
					
						B	     W
           $ 93 a Month ............. 30     $39,265     $210,735
           $212 a Month ............. 40     $63,641     $186,359
           $552 a Month ............. 50     $99,383     $150,617

                        BLACK - Net Cost
                        WHITE - Tax-Deferred Earnings at 7.5%

                      [END OF GRAPHICALLY REPRESENTED DATA]

   
TAX-DEFERRAL 
    
Contributing to a retirement plan early is part of an effective strategy for 
addressing the impact of inflation. Another part of such a strategy is to 
carefully select the types of retirement programs in which to invest. In 
deciding where to invest retirement contributions, there are three basic 
types of programs. 

   
The first type offers the most tax benefits, and therefore is potentially the 
most beneficial for accumulating funds for retirement. Contributions are made 
with pre-tax dollars or are tax-deductible and earnings grow income 
tax-deferred. An example of this type of program is the deductible Individual 
Retirement Annuity (IRA). 
    

The second type of program also provides for tax deferred earnings growth; 
however, contributions are made with after-tax dollars. Examples of this type 
of program are non-deductible IRAs and non-qualified annuities. 

The third approach to retirement savings is fully taxable. Contributions are 
made with after-tax dollars and earnings are taxed each year. Examples of 
this type of program include certificates of deposit, savings accounts, and 
taxable stock, bond or mutual fund investments. 

   
Consider an example. For the type of retirement program that offers both 
pre-tax contributions and tax-deferral, assume that a $2,000 annual pre-tax 
contribution is made for thirty years. In this example, the retirement funds 
would be $176,363 after thirty years (assuming a 7.5% rate of return, no 
withdrawals and assuming the deduction of the 1.15% Separate Account daily 
asset charge and the $30 annual contract fee--but no withdrawal charge or 
other charges under the Certificate, or Trust charges to Portfolios), and 
such funds would be $222,309 without the effect of any charges. Assuming a 
lump sum withdrawal was made in year thirty and a 28% tax bracket, these 
amounts would be $126,981 and $160,062, respectively. 
    

For the type of program that offers only tax-deferral, assume an after-tax 
annual contribution of $1,440 for thirty years and the same rate of return. 
The after-tax contribution is derived by taxing the $2,000 pre-tax 
contribution again assuming a 28% tax bracket. In this 

                                       8


<PAGE>
example, the retirement funds would be $126,275 after thirty years assuming 
the deduction of charges and no withdrawals, and $160,062 without the effect 
of charges. Assuming a lump sum withdrawal in year thirty, the total 
after-tax amount would be $103,014 with charges deducted and $127,341 without 
charges as described above. 

For the fully taxable investment, assume an after-tax contribution of $1,440 
for thirty years. Earnings are taxed annually. After thirty years, the amount 
of this fully taxable investment is $108,046. 

Keep in mind that taxable investments have fees and charges too (investment 
advisory fees, administrative charges, 12b-1 fees, sales loads, brokerage 
commissions, etc.). We have not attempted to apply these fees and charges to 
the fully taxable amounts since this is intended merely as an example of tax 
deferral. 

Again, it must be emphasized that the assumed rate of return of 7.5% 
compounded annually used in these examples is for illustrative purposes only 
and is not intended to represent a guaranteed or expected rate of return on 
any investment vehicle. Moreover, early withdrawals of tax-deferred 
investments are generally subject to a 10% penalty tax. 

INVESTMENT OPTIONS 

Selecting an appropriate retirement program is clearly an important part of 
an effective retirement planning strategy. Carefully choosing among 
Investment Options is another essential component. 

   
During the 1966-1997 period, common stock average annual returns outperformed 
the average annual returns of fixed investments such as long-term government 
bonds and Treasury Bills (T-Bills). See "Notes" below. Common stocks earned 
an average annual return of 11.85% over this period, in contrast to 7.75% and 
6.73% for the other two investment categories. Significantly, common stock 
returns also outpaced inflation which grew at 5.39% over this period. 
    

Although common stock returns have historically outpaced returns of fixed 
investments, people often allocate a significant percentage of their 
retirement funds to fixed return investments. Their primary concern is the 
preservation of principal. Given this concern, Chart 5 illustrates the impact 
of exposing only the interest generated by a fixed investment to the stock 
market. In this illustration, the fixed investment is represented by a 
Treasury Bill return and the stock investment is represented by the Standard 
& Poor's 500 ("S&P 500"). 

   
The chart assumes that a $20,000 fixed investment was made on January 1, 
1980. If the interest on that investment were to accumulate based upon the 
return of the S&P 500, the total investment would have been worth $157,783 in 
1996. Had the interest been reinvested in the fixed investment, the fixed 
investment would have grown to $65,623. As illustrated in Chart 5, 
significant opportunities for growth exist while preserving principal. See 
"Notes" below. 

                                   CHART 5 

$157,783 with Interest Exposed to Stock Market (S&P 500)

[THE FOLLOWING TABLE WAS REPRESENTED AS A LINE GRAPH IN THE PROSPECTUS]

          Market Value  Market Value
Month      of S&P 500    If 100% in
Ending    & Fixed Acct   3 Mo. T-Bill

  1980 J     20,160        20,160
       F     20,338        20,339
       M     20,547        20,586
       A     20,823        20,845
       M     21,031        21,014
       J     21,183        21,142
       J     21,369        21,254
       A     21,515        21,390
       S     21,708        21,550
       O     21,930        21,755
       N     22,333        21,964
       D     22,522        22,252
  1981 J     22,619        22,483
       F     22,888        22,724
       M     23,239        22,999
       A     23,386        23,247
       M     23,637        23,514
       J     23,878        23,832
       J     24,129        24,127
       A     24,156        24,436
       S     24,196        24,739
       O     24,659        25,039
       N     25,079        25,306
       D     25,118        25,527
  1982 J     25,195        25,731
       F     25,113        25,968
       M     25,278        26,222
       A     25,722        26,518
       M     25,770        26,799
       J     25,861        27,057
       J     25,945        27,341
       A     26,850        27,549
       S     27,028        27,689
       O     27,937        27,852
       N     28,411        28,028
       D     28,690        28,216
  1983 J     29,131        28,410
       F     29,492        28,587
       M     29,965        28,767
       A     30,862        28,971
       M     30,943        29,171
       J     31,495        29,366
       J     31,284        29,584
       A     31,627        29,808
       S     31,938        30,035
       O     31,930        30,263
       N     32,348        30,475
       D     32,418        30,698
  1984 J     32,490        30,931
       F     32,222        31,150
       M     32,577        31,378
       A     32,826        31,632
       M     32,297        31,879
       J     32,719        32,118
       J     32,701        32,381
       A     34,295        32,650
       S     34,470        32,931
       O     34,708        33,260
       N     34,705        33,503
       D     35,205        33,717
  1985 J     36,503        33,936
       F     36,845        34,133
       M     37,000        34,345
       A     37,809        34,592
       M     38,272        34,820
       J     38,673        35,012
       J     38,748        35,229
       A     38,744        35,423
       S     38,262        35,635
       O     39,208        35,867
       N     40,706        36,086
       D     41,803        36,320
  1986 J     42,011        36,524
       F     43,792        36,717
       M     45,203        36,938
       A     45,021        37,130
       M     46,493        37,312
       J     47,036        37,506
       J     45,602        37,701
       A     47,609        37,874
       S     45,430        38,045
       O     46,935        38,220
       N     47,703        38,369
       D     47,070        38,557
  1987 J     50,789        38,719
       F     52,147        38,885
       M     53,115        39,068
       A     52,912        39,240
       M     53,327        39,389
       J     55,086        39,578
       J     56,925        39,760
       A     58,441        39,947
       S     57,685        40,127
       O     49,695        40,367
       N     47,333        40,509
       D     49,428        40,667
  1988 J     50,743        40,785
       F     52,280        40,972
       M     51,393        41,152
       A     51,824        41,342
       M     52,174        41,553
       J     53,765        41,756
       J     53,732        41,969
       A     52,733        42,217
       S     54,245        42,478
       O     55,302        42,738
       N     54,915        42,981
       D     55,673        43,252
  1989 J     58,362        43,490
       F     57,529        43,755
       M     58,548        44,048
       A     60,672        44,343
       M     62,465        44,694
       J     62,377        45,011
       J     66,323        45,326
       A     67,365        45,662
       S     67,310        45,958
       O     66,344        46,271
       N     67,446        46,590
       D     68,687        46,874
  1990 J     65,533        47,142
       F     66,234        47,410
       M     67,578        47,714
       A     66,541        48,043
       M     71,214        48,370
       J     70,982        48,674
       J     70,955        49,005
       A     66,481        49,329
       S     64,314        49,625
       O     64,286        49,962
       N     67,252        50,247
       D     68,667        50,548
  1991 J     70,922        50,811
       F     74,664        51,055
       M     76,053        51,280
       A     76,316        51,552
       M     78,820        51,794
       J     76,216        52,011
       J     78,945        52,266
       A     80,422        52,507
       S     79,523        52,748
       O     80,405        52,970
       N     78,042        53,176
       D     84,753        53,378
  1992 J     83,616        53,560
       F     84,486        53,710
       M     83,290        53,892
       A     85,196        54,065
       M     85,604        54,216
       J     84,717        54,390
       J     87,387        54,558
       A     86,078        54,700
       S     86,890        54,842
       O     87,176        54,969
       N     89,486        55,095
       D     90,453        55,249
  1993 J     91,013        55,376
       F     92,016        55,498
       M     93,614        55,637
       A     91,858        55,770
       M     93,843        55,895
       J     94,136        56,033
       J     93,836        56,167
       A     96,699        56,308
       S     97,774        56,578
       O     97,093        56,720
       N     98,087        56,850
       D    100,753        56,992
  1994 J     98,615        57,112
       F     95,249        57,266
       M     96,281        57,421
       A     97,589        57,605
       M     95,734        57,783
       J     98,297        57,945
       J    101,558        58,159
       A     99,666        58,375
       S    101,566        58,596
       O     98,647        58,813
       N     99,883        59,072
       D    102,044        59,320
  1995 J    105,307        59,557
       F    107,925        59,831
       M    110,571        60,095
       A    114,257        60,419
       M    116,566        60,703
       J    119,871        60,976
       J    120,235        61,263
       A    124,521        61,526
       S    124,249        61,816
       O    128,920        62,075
       N    131,033        63,379
       D    157,783        63,623

$65,623 Without Interest Exposed to Stock Market
     (S&P 500)

[END OF GRAPHICALLY REPRESENTED DATA]

Another variation of the example in Chart 5 is to gradually transfer 
principal from a fixed investment into the stock market. Chart 6 assumes that 
a $20,000 fixed investment was made on January 1, 1980. For the next two 
years, $540 is transferred monthly into the stock market (represented by the 
S&P 500). The total investment, given this strategy, would have grown to 
$167,238 in 1996. In contrast, had the principal not been transferred, the 
fixed investment would have grown to $65,623. See "Notes" below. 
    

                                       9


<PAGE>
   


                                   CHART 6 

$139,695 with Principal Transfer

[THE FOLLOWING TABLE WAS REPRESENTED AS A LINE GRAPH IN THE PROSPECTUS]

          Market Value    Market Value
Month     of S&P 500      If 100% in
Ending    & Fixed Acct    3 Mo. T-Bil

1980 J      20540          20160
     F      20702          20339
     M      20770          20586
     A      21068          20845
     M      21425          21014
     J      22000          21142
     J      22149          21254
     A      22394          21390
     S      22623          21550
     O      23406          21755
     N      23372          21964
     D      23246          22252
1981 J      23569          22483
     F      24053          22724
     M      24031          22999
     A      24246          23247
     M      24324          23514
     J      24514          23832
     J      24051          24127
     A      23651          24436
     S      24397          24739
     O      25087          25039
     N      24857          25306
     D      24193          25527
1982 J      23594          25731
     F      23618          25968
     M      24248          26222
     A      23995          26518
     M      23892          26799
     J      23731          27057
     J      25407          27341
     A      25647          27549
     S      27281          27689
     O      28031          27852
     N      28386          28028
     D      29041          28216
1983 J      29568          28410
     F      30282          28587
     M      31737          28767
     A      31721          28971
     M      32549          29171
     J      32000          29366
     J      32424          29584
     A      32790          29808
     S      32616          30035
     O      33176          30263
     N      33142          30475
     D      33104          30698
1984 J      32544          30931
     F      32969          31150
     M      33202          31378
     A      32246          31632
     M      32767          31879
     J      32593          32118
     J      34841          32381
     A      34959          32650
     S      35133          32931
     O      35058          33260
     N      35692          33503
     D      37434          33717
1985 J      37844          33936
     F      37970          34133
     M      37984          34345
     A      39531          34592
     M      40023          34820
     J      40038          35012
     J      39976          35229
     A      39254          35423
     S      40428          35635
     O      42341          35867
     N      43701          36086
     D      43926          36320
1986 J      46184          36524
     F      47968          36717
     M      47659          36938
     A      49498          37130
     M      50136          37312
     J      48265          37506
     J      50769          37701
     A      47982          37874
     S      49830          38045
     O      50767          38220
     N      49918          38369
     D      54519          38557
1987 J      56165          38719
     F      57317          38885
     M      57035          39068
     A      57525          39240
     M      59630          39389
     J      61849          39578
     J      63662          39760
     A      62711          39947
     S      52932          40127
     O      50090          40367
     N      52585          40509
     D      54165          40667
1988 J      55951          40785
     F      54862          40972
     M      55344          41152
     A      55720          41342
     M      57582          41553
     J      57509          41756
     J      56280          41969
     A      58018          42217
     S      59225          42478
     O      58749          42738
     N      59588          42981
     D      62695          43252
1989 J      61691          43490
     F      62824          43755
     M      65234          44048
     A      67232          44343
     M      67118          44694
     J      71581          45011
     J      72728          45326
     A      72661          45662
     S      71544          45958
     O      72760          46271
     N      74150          46590
     D      70617          46874
1990 J      71385          47142
     F      72851          47410
     M      71676          47714
     A      76833          48043
     M      76576          48370
     J      76526          48674
     J      71611          49005
     A      69246          49329
     S      69192          49625
     O      72438          49962
     N      73964          50247
     D      76420          50548
1991 J      80470          50811
     F      81977          51055
     M      82241          51280
     A      84947          51552
     M      82165          51794
     J      85076          52011
     J      86666          52266
     A      85709          52507
     S      86662          52748
     O      84157          52970
     N      91300          53176
     D      90106          53378
1992 J      91047          53560
     F      89770          53710
     M      91798          53892
     A      92244          54065
     M      91302          54216
     J      94130          54390
     J      92765          54558
     A      93626          54700
     S      93940          54842
     O      96377          54969
     N      97388          55095
     D      97994          55249
1993 J      99055          55376
     F     100732          55498
     M      98899          55637
     A     100989          55770
     M     101297          55895
     J     100991          56033
     J     103992          56167
     A     103458          56308
     S     105136          56578
     O     104425          56720
     N     105474          56850
     D     108259          56992
1994 J     106046          57112
     F     102533          57266
     M     103617          57421
     A     104976          57605
     M     103062          57783
     J     105741          57945
     J     109118          58159
     A     107170          58375
     S     109151          58596
     O     106146          58813
     N     107426          59072
     D     109681          59320
1995 J     113071          59557
     F     115775          59831
     M     118526          60095
     A     122319          60419
     M     124733          60703
     J     128155          60967
     J     128547          61263
     A     132973          61526
     S     132710          61816
     O     137525          62075
     N     139695          62379
     D     167238          65623

$65,623 Without Principal Transfer

[END OF GRAPHICALLY REPRESENTED DATA]

NOTES 
    

1.     Common Stocks: Standard & Poor's (S&P) Composite Index is an unmanaged 
       weighted index of the stock performance of 500 industrial, 
       transportation, utility and financial companies. Results shown assume 
       reinvestment of dividends. Both market value and return on common stock 
       will vary. 

2.     U.S. Government Securities: Long-term Government Bonds are measured 
       using a one-bond portfolio constructed each year containing a bond with 
       approximately a 20-year maturity and a reasonably current coupon. U.S. 
       Treasury Bills are measured by rolling over each month a one-bill 
       portfolio containing, at the beginning of each month, the bill having 
       the shortest maturity not less than one month. U.S. Government 
       securities are guaranteed as to principal and interest, and if held to 
       maturity, offer a fixed rate of return. However, market value and 
       return on such securities will fluctuate prior to maturity. 

The Accumulator can be an effective program for diversifying ongoing 
investments between various asset categories. In addition, the Accumulator 
offers special features which help address the risk associated with timing 
the equity markets, such as dollar cost averaging. By transferring the same 
dollar amount each month from the Money Market Fund to other Investment 
Funds, dollar cost averaging attempts to shield your investment from short 
term price fluctuations. This, however, does not assure a profit or protect 
against a loss in declining markets. 

THE BENEFIT OF ANNUITIZATION 

An individual may shift the risk of outliving his or her principal by 
electing a lifetime income annuity. See "Income Annuity Options," in Part 5. 
Chart 7 below shows the monthly income that can be generated under various 
forms of life annuities, as compared to receiving level payments of interest 
only or principal and interest from the investment. Calculations in the Chart 
are based on the following assumption: a $100,000 contribution was made at 
one of the ages shown, annuity payments begin immediately, and a 5% 
annuitization interest rate is used. For purposes of this example, principal 
and interest are paid out on a level basis over 15 years. In the case of the 
interest only scenario, the principal is always available and may be left to 
other individuals at death. Under the principal and interest scenario, a 
portion of the principal will be left at death, assuming the individual dies 
within the 15 year period. In contrast, under the life annuity scenarios, 
there is no residual amount left. 

                                    CHART 7
                                MONTHLY INCOME
                            ($100,000 CONTRIBUTION)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       JOINT AND SURVIVOR* 
                                               --------------------------------- 
                          PRINCIPAL 
              INTEREST       AND 
                ONLY     INTEREST FOR   SINGLE    50% TO    66.67% TO   100% TO 
 ANNUITANT    FOR LIFE     15 YEARS      LIFE    SURVIVOR   SURVIVOR    SURVIVOR 
- ----------- ---------- -------------- -------- ---------- ----------- ---------- 
<S>           <C>         <C>          <C>      <C>        <C>         <C>
Male 65         $401         $785       $  617     $560       $544        $513 
Male 70          401          785          685      609        588         549 
Male 75          401          785          771      674        646         598 
Male 80          401          785          888      760        726         665 
Male 85          401          785        1,045      878        834         757 
</TABLE>

- ------------ 
The numbers are based on 5% interest compounded annually and the 1983 
Individual Annuity Mortality Table "a" projected with modified Scale G. 
Annuity purchase rates available at annuitization may vary, depending 
primarily on the annuitization interest rate, which may not be less than an 
annual rate of 2.5%. 

 *    The Joint and Survivor Annuity Forms are based on male and female 
      Annuitants of the same age. 

                                      10


<PAGE>
   
PART 7 - FINANCIAL 
 STATEMENTS 

The consolidated financial statements of The Equitable Life Assurance Society 
of the United States included herein should be considered only as bearing 
upon the ability of Equitable Life to meet its obligations under the 
Certificates. 

There are no financial statements for the Separate Account investing in Class 
IB shares of HR Trust and EQ Trust as the Separate Account did not invest in 
such shares prior to the date of the prospectus and SAI. 

                                      11


<PAGE>

February 10, 1997



                        REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


To the Board of Directors and Shareholder of
The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States

In our opinion,  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance sheets and the related
consolidated  statements of earnings,  of shareholder's equity and of cash flows
present  fairly,  in  all  material  respects,  the  financial  position  of The
Equitable  Life  Assurance  Society  of the United  States and its  subsidiaries
("Equitable  Life") at  December  31,  1996 and 1995,  and the  results of their
operations  and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting  principles.
These  financial   statements  are  the   responsibility   of  Equitable  Life's
management;  our  responsibility  is to express  an  opinion on these  financial
statements  based on our audits.  We conducted our audits of these statements in
accordance with generally accepted auditing standards which require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a
test basis,  evidence  supporting  the amounts and  disclosures in the financial
statements,  assessing the accounting  principles used and significant estimates
made by management and evaluating the overall financial statement  presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for the opinion  expressed
above.

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements,  Equitable Life
changed its methods of accounting for long-duration participating life insurance
contracts and long-lived  assets in 1996,  for loan  impairments in 1995 and for
postemployment benefits in 1994.


/s/ Price Waterhouse LLP

                                      F-1

<PAGE>

            THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                           DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        1996                 1995
                                                                  -----------------    -----------------
                                                                              (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                               <C>                  <C>          
ASSETS
Investments:
  Fixed maturities:
    Available for sale, at estimated fair value.................   $    18,077.0        $    15,899.9
  Mortgage loans on real estate.................................         3,133.0              3,638.3
  Equity real estate............................................         3,297.5              3,916.2
  Policy loans..................................................         2,196.1              1,976.4
  Investment in and loans to affiliates.........................           685.0                636.6
  Other equity investments......................................           597.3                621.1
  Other invested assets.........................................           288.7                706.1
                                                                  -----------------    -----------------
      Total investments.........................................        28,274.6             27,394.6
Cash and cash equivalents.......................................           538.8                774.7
Deferred policy acquisition costs...............................         3,104.9              3,075.8
Amounts due from discontinued GIC Segment.......................           996.2              2,097.1
Other assets....................................................         2,552.2              2,718.1
Closed Block assets.............................................         8,495.0              8,582.1
Separate Accounts assets........................................        29,646.1             24,566.6
                                                                  -----------------    -----------------
TOTAL ASSETS....................................................   $    73,607.8        $    69,209.0
                                                                  =================    =================

LIABILITIES
Policyholders' account balances.................................   $    21,865.6        $    21,911.2
Future policy benefits and other policyholders' liabilities.....         4,416.6              4,007.3
Short-term and long-term debt...................................         1,766.9              1,899.3
Other liabilities...............................................         2,785.1              3,380.7
Closed Block liabilities........................................         9,091.3              9,221.4
Separate Accounts liabilities...................................        29,598.3             24,531.0
                                                                  -----------------    -----------------
      Total liabilities.........................................        69,523.8             64,950.9
                                                                  -----------------    -----------------

Commitments and contingencies (Notes 10, 12, 13, 14 and 15)

SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
Common stock, $1.25 par value 2.0 million shares 
  authorized, issued and outstanding............................             2.5                  2.5
Capital in excess of par value..................................         3,105.8              3,105.8
Retained earnings...............................................           798.7                788.4
Net unrealized investment gains.................................           189.9                396.5
Minimum pension liability.......................................           (12.9)               (35.1)
                                                                  -----------------    -----------------
      Total shareholder's equity................................         4,084.0              4,258.1
                                                                  -----------------    -----------------

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY......................   $    73,607.8        $    69,209.0
                                                                  =================    =================
</TABLE>

                 See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

                                      F-2
<PAGE>

            THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                1996               1995               1994
                                                          -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
                                                                              (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                       <C>                <C>                <C>          
REVENUES
Universal life and investment-type product policy fee
  income................................................   $      874.0       $       788.2      $       715.0
Premiums................................................          597.6               606.8              625.6
Net investment income...................................        2,175.9             2,088.2            1,998.6
Investment (losses) gains, net..........................           (9.8)                5.3               91.8
Commissions, fees and other income......................        1,081.8               897.1              847.4
Contribution from the Closed Block......................          125.0               143.2              137.0
                                                          -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

      Total revenues....................................        4,844.5             4,528.8            4,415.4
                                                          -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

BENEFITS AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS
Interest credited to policyholders' account balances....        1,270.2             1,248.3            1,201.3
Policyholders' benefits.................................        1,317.7             1,008.6              914.9
Other operating costs and expenses......................        2,048.0             1,775.8            1,857.7
                                                          -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

      Total benefits and other deductions...............        4,635.9             4,032.7            3,973.9
                                                          -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Earnings from continuing operations before Federal
  income taxes, minority interest and cumulative
  effect of accounting change...........................          208.6               496.1              441.5
Federal income taxes....................................            9.7               120.5              100.2
Minority interest in net income of consolidated
  subsidiaries..........................................           81.7                62.8               50.4
                                                          -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
Earnings from continuing operations before
  cumulative effect of accounting change................          117.2               312.8              290.9
Discontinued operations, net of Federal income taxes....          (83.8)                -                  -
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of Federal
  income taxes..........................................          (23.1)                -                (27.1)
                                                          -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Net Earnings............................................   $       10.3       $       312.8      $       263.8
                                                          =================  =================  =================
</TABLE>


                 See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

                                      F-3
<PAGE>

            THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES
                 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      1996               1995               1994
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
                                                                                    (IN MILLIONS)

<S>                                                             <C>                <C>                <C>          
Common stock, at par value, beginning and end of year.........   $        2.5       $         2.5      $         2.5
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Capital in excess of par value, beginning of year as
  previously reported.........................................        2,913.6             2,913.6            2,613.6
Cumulative effect on prior years of retroactive restatement
  for accounting change.......................................          192.2               192.2              192.2
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
Capital in excess of par value, beginning of year as restated.        3,105.8             3,105.8            2,805.8
Additional capital in excess of par value.....................            -                   -                300.0
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
Capital in excess of par value, end of year...................        3,105.8             3,105.8            3,105.8
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Retained earnings, beginning of year as previously reported...          781.6               484.0              217.6
Cumulative effect on prior years of retroactive restatement
  for accounting change.......................................            6.8                (8.4)              (5.8)
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
Retained earnings, beginning of year as restated..............          788.4               475.6              211.8
Net earnings..................................................           10.3               312.8              263.8
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
Retained earnings, end of year................................          798.7               788.4              475.6
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Net unrealized investment gains (losses), beginning of year
  as previously reported......................................          338.2              (203.0)             131.9
Cumulative effect on prior years of retroactive restatement
  for accounting change.......................................           58.3               (17.5)              12.7
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
Net unrealized investment gains (losses), beginning of
  year as restated............................................          396.5              (220.5)             144.6
Change in unrealized investment (losses) gains................         (206.6)              617.0             (365.1)
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
Net unrealized investment gains (losses), end of year.........          189.9               396.5             (220.5)
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Minimum pension liability, beginning of year..................          (35.1)               (2.7)             (15.0)
Change in minimum pension liability...........................           22.2               (32.4)              12.3
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
Minimum pension liability, end of year........................          (12.9)              (35.1)              (2.7)
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

TOTAL SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY, END OF YEAR.......................   $    4,084.0       $     4,258.1      $     3,360.7
                                                                =================  =================  =================
</TABLE>


                 See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

                                      F-4
<PAGE>

            THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      1996               1995               1994
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
                                                                                    (IN MILLIONS)

<S>                                                             <C>                <C>                <C>          
Net earnings..................................................   $       10.3       $       312.8      $       263.8
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash
  provided by operating activities:
  Interest credited to policyholders' account balances........        1,270.2             1,248.3            1,201.3
  Universal life and investment-type policy fee income........         (874.0)             (788.2)            (715.0)
  Investment losses (gains)...................................            9.8                (5.3)             (91.8)
  Change in Federal income taxes payable......................         (197.1)              221.6               38.3
  Other, net..................................................          364.4               127.3              (19.4)
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Net cash provided by operating activities.....................          583.6             1,116.5              677.2
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Cash flows from investing activities:
  Maturities and repayments...................................        2,275.1             1,897.4            2,323.8
  Sales.......................................................        8,964.3             8,867.1            5,816.6
  Return of capital from joint ventures and limited
    partnerships..............................................           78.4                65.2               39.0
  Purchases...................................................      (12,559.6)          (11,675.5)          (7,564.7)
  Decrease (increase) in loans to discontinued GIC Segment....        1,017.0             1,226.9              (40.0)
  Other, net..................................................           56.7              (624.7)            (478.1)
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Net cash (used) provided by investing activities..............         (168.1)             (243.6)              96.6
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Cash flows from financing activities:
  Policyholders' account balances:
    Deposits..................................................        1,925.4             2,586.5            2,082.5
    Withdrawals...............................................       (2,385.2)           (2,657.1)          (2,864.4)
  Net decrease in short-term financings.......................            (.3)              (16.4)            (173.0)
  Additions to long-term debt.................................            -                 599.7               51.8
  Repayments of long-term debt................................         (124.8)              (40.7)            (199.8)
  Proceeds from issuance of Alliance units....................            -                   -                100.0
  Payment of obligation to fund accumulated deficit of
    discontinued GIC Segment..................................            -              (1,215.4)               -
  Capital contribution from the Holding Company...............            -                   -                300.0
  Other, net..................................................          (66.5)              (48.4)              26.5
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Net cash (used) by financing activities.......................         (651.4)             (791.8)            (676.4)
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Change in cash and cash equivalents...........................         (235.9)               81.1               97.4
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year..................          774.7               693.6              596.2
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Year........................   $      538.8       $       774.7      $       693.6
                                                                =================  =================  =================

Supplemental cash flow information
  Interest Paid...............................................   $      109.9       $        89.6      $        34.9
                                                                =================  =================  =================
  Income Taxes (Refunded) Paid................................   $      (10.0)      $       (82.7)     $        49.2
                                                                =================  =================  =================
</TABLE>


                 See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

                                      F-5
<PAGE>

            THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


 1)     ORGANIZATION

        The Equitable  Life Assurance  Society of the United States  ("Equitable
        Life") converted to a stock life insurance  company on July 22, 1992 and
        became a wholly owned subsidiary of The Equitable Companies Incorporated
        (the  "Holding   Company").   Equitable  Life's  insurance  business  is
        conducted  principally  by  Equitable  Life and its  wholly  owned  life
        insurance   subsidiary,   Equitable   Variable  Life  Insurance  Company
        ("EVLICO").  Effective January 1, 1997, EVLICO was merged into Equitable
        Life, which will continue to conduct the Company's  insurance  business.
        Equitable Life's  investment  management  business,  which comprises the
        Investment  Services  segment,  is  conducted  principally  by  Alliance
        Capital Management L.P.  ("Alliance"),  Equitable Real Estate Investment
        Management,  Inc.  ("EREIM")  and  Donaldson,  Lufkin &  Jenrette,  Inc.
        ("DLJ"), an investment banking and brokerage affiliate. AXA-UAP ("AXA"),
        a French  holding  company for an  international  group of insurance and
        related financial services  companies,  is the Holding Company's largest
        shareholder,  owning  approximately  60.8% at  December  31, 1996 (63.6%
        assuming conversion of Series E Convertible  Preferred Stock held by AXA
        and 54.4% if all  securities  convertible  into,  and options on, common
        stock were to be converted or exercised).

 2)     SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

        Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
        -----------------------------------------------------

        The  accompanying  consolidated  financial  statements  are  prepared in
        conformity with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP").

        The accompanying  consolidated financial statements include the accounts
        of  Equitable  Life and its  wholly  owned life  insurance  subsidiaries
        (collectively,   the  "Insurance  Group");  non-insurance  subsidiaries,
        principally  Alliance,  an investment advisory subsidiary,  and EREIM, a
        real estate investment management subsidiary; and those partnerships and
        joint ventures in which Equitable Life or its  subsidiaries  has control
        and  a  majority   economic   interest   (collectively,   including  its
        consolidated  subsidiaries,  the "Company"). The Company's investment in
        DLJ is reported on the equity basis of  accounting.  Closed Block assets
        and   liabilities  and  results  of  operations  are  presented  in  the
        consolidated  financial  statements  as single  line items (see Note 6).
        Unless specifically stated, all disclosures  contained herein supporting
        the consolidated  financial  statements exclude the Closed Block related
        amounts.

        The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires
        management to make  estimates and  assumptions  that affect the reported
        amounts of assets and  liabilities  and disclosure of contingent  assets
        and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported
        amounts of revenues and expenses  during the  reporting  period.  Actual
        results could differ from those estimates.

        All  significant  intercompany   transactions  and  balances  have  been
        eliminated in  consolidation  other than  intercompany  transactions and
        balances with the Closed Block and the discontinued  Guaranteed Interest
        Contract ("GIC") Segment (see Note 7).

        The years  "1996,"  "1995" and "1994" refer to the years ended  December
        31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

        Certain  reclassifications  have been made in the amounts  presented for
        prior periods to conform these periods with the 1996 presentation.

                                      F-6
<PAGE>

        Closed Block
        ------------

        As of July 22, 1992, Equitable Life established the Closed Block for the
        benefit of certain  classes of  individual  participating  policies  for
        which Equitable Life had a dividend scale payable in 1991 and which were
        in force on that date.  Assets were  allocated to the Closed Block in an
        amount which,  together with anticipated revenues from policies included
        in the Closed Block, was reasonably expected to be sufficient to support
        such  business,  including  provision  for  payment of  claims,  certain
        expenses and taxes,  and for  continuation of dividend scales payable in
        1991, assuming the experience underlying such scales continues.

        Assets  allocated to the Closed Block inure solely to the benefit of the
        holders of policies  included in the Closed Block and will not revert to
        the  benefit  of  the  Holding  Company.  The  plan  of  demutualization
        prohibits  the  reallocation,  transfer,  borrowing or lending of assets
        between the Closed Block and other portions of Equitable  Life's General
        Account,  any of its Separate  Accounts or to any affiliate of Equitable
        Life  without the approval of the New York  Superintendent  of Insurance
        (the "Superintendent").  Closed Block assets and liabilities are carried
        on the same basis as similar assets and liabilities  held in the General
        Account. The excess of Closed Block liabilities over Closed Block assets
        represents the expected  future  post-tax  contribution  from the Closed
        Block which would be  recognized  in income over the period the policies
        and contracts in the Closed Block remain in force.

        Discontinued Operations
        -----------------------

        In 1991,  the Company's  management  adopted a plan to  discontinue  the
        business  operations  of  the  GIC  Segment,  consisting  of  the  Group
        Non-Participating Wind-Up Annuities ("Wind-Up Annuities") and Guaranteed
        Interest Contract ("GIC") lines of business.  The Company  established a
        pre-tax  provision  for the  estimated  future losses of the GIC line of
        business  and a premium  deficiency  reserve for the Wind-Up  Annuities.
        Subsequent losses incurred have been charged to the two loss provisions.
        Management  reviews the  adequacy  of the  allowance  and  reserve  each
        quarter. During the fourth quarter 1996 review, management determined it
        was necessary to increase the  allowance  for expected  future losses of
        the  GIC  Segment.  Management  believes  the  loss  provisions  for GIC
        contracts  and Wind-Up  Annuities  at December  31, 1996 are adequate to
        provide  for all  future  losses;  however,  the  determination  of loss
        provisions  continues  to  involve  numerous  estimates  and  subjective
        judgments regarding the expected performance of discontinued  operations
        investment  assets.  There can be no assurance  the losses  provided for
        will not differ from the losses ultimately realized (See Note 7).

        Accounting Changes
        ------------------

        In 1996, the Company changed its method of accounting for  long-duration
        participating  life  insurance  contracts,  primarily  within the Closed
        Block,  in  accordance  with the  provisions  prescribed by Statement of
        Financial   Accounting  Standards  ("SFAS")  No.  120,  "Accounting  and
        Reporting  by  Mutual  Life  Insurance   Enterprises  and  by  Insurance
        Enterprises  for Certain  Long-Duration  Participating  Contracts".  The
        effect of this change,  including the impact on the Closed Block, was to
        increase earnings from continuing operations before cumulative effect of
        accounting change by $19.2 million, net of Federal income taxes of $10.3
        million for 1996.  The financial  statements for 1995 and 1994 have been
        retroactively  restated  for the change  which  resulted  in an increase
        (decrease) in earnings before  cumulative effect of accounting change of
        $15.2 million,  net of Federal income taxes of $8.2 million,  and $(2.6)
        million,   net  of  Federal   income  tax   benefit  of  $1.0   million,
        respectively.  Shareholder's  equity  increased  $199.1  million  as  of
        January 1, 1994 for the  effect of  retroactive  application  of the new
        method.  (See  "Deferred  Policy  Acquisition  Costs,"   "Policyholders'
        Account Balances and Future Policy Benefits" and Note 6.)

        The Company implemented SFAS No. 121,  "Accounting for the Impairment of
        Long-Lived  Assets and for  Long-Lived  Assets to be Disposed Of," as of
        January 1, 1996. The statement  requires  long-lived  assets and certain
        identifiable  intangibles be reviewed for impairment  whenever events or
        changes in circumstances

                                      F-7
<PAGE>

        indicate  the  carrying  value of such  assets  may not be  recoverable.
        Effective with SFAS No. 121's adoption,  impaired real estate is written
        down to fair value with the impairment loss being included in investment
        gains  (losses),  net.  Before  implementing  SFAS  No.  121,  valuation
        allowances  on real  estate  held  for the  production  of  income  were
        computed  using the forecasted  cash flows of the respective  properties
        discounted at a rate equal to the Company's cost of funds.  The adoption
        of the  statement  resulted in the release of  valuation  allowances  of
        $152.4 million and recognition of impairment losses of $144.0 million on
        real estate held and used. Real estate which management has committed to
        disposing of by sale or  abandonment  is classified as real estate to be
        disposed  of.  Valuation  allowances  on real  estate to be  disposed of
        continue  to be  computed  using the lower of  estimated  fair  value or
        depreciated cost, net of disposition  costs.  Implementation of the SFAS
        No. 121 impairment  requirements relative to other assets to be disposed
        of  resulted  in a charge  for the  cumulative  effect of an  accounting
        change of $23.1  million,  net of a Federal  income tax benefit of $12.4
        million,  due to the  writedown  to fair value of building  improvements
        relating to facilities being vacated beginning in 1996.

        In the  first  quarter  of 1995,  the  Company  adopted  SFAS  No.  114,
        "Accounting  by Creditors  for  Impairment  of a Loan".  This  statement
        applies to all loans,  including  loans  restructured in a troubled debt
        restructuring   involving  a  modification  of  terms.   This  statement
        addresses the  accounting  for  impairment  of a loan by specifying  how
        allowances for credit losses should be determined. Impaired loans within
        the scope of this  statement are measured  based on the present value of
        expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's  effective  interest
        rate,  at the loan's  observable  market  price or the fair value of the
        collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. The Company provides for
        impairment  of loans  through an  allowance  for  possible  losses.  The
        adoption of this  statement did not have a material  effect on the level
        of these  allowances  or on the  Company's  consolidated  statements  of
        earnings and shareholder's equity.

        Beginning  coincident  with  issuance of SFAS No. 115,  "Accounting  for
        Certain  Investments  in Debt  and  Equity  Securities,"  implementation
        guidance in November  1995,  the Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board
        ("FASB") permitted  companies a one-time  opportunity,  through December
        31, 1995, to reassess the  appropriateness  of the classification of all
        securities  held  at  that  time.  On  December  1,  1995,  the  Company
        transferred  $4,794.9  million  of  securities  classified  as  held  to
        maturity to the available for sale portfolio. As a result,  consolidated
        shareholder's equity increased by $149.4 million, net of deferred policy
        acquisition costs ("DAC"),  amounts  attributable to participating group
        annuity contracts and deferred Federal income taxes.

        In the fourth  quarter of 1994  (effective  as of January 1, 1994),  the
        Company adopted SFAS No. 112, "Employers'  Accounting for Postemployment
        Benefits,"  which  required  employers to recognize  the  obligation  to
        provide  postemployment  benefits.   Implementation  of  this  statement
        resulted in a charge for the cumulative  effect of accounting  change of
        $27.1 million, net of a Federal income tax benefit of $14.6 million.

        New Accounting Pronouncements
        -----------------------------

        The FASB issued SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,"
        which permits  entities to recognize as expense over the vesting  period
        the  fair  value of all  stock-based  awards  on the  date of grant  or,
        alternatively,  to  continue  to  apply  the  provisions  of  Accounting
        Principles Board ("APB") Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to
        Employees,"  and  related  interpretations.  Companies  which  elect  to
        continue to apply APB  Opinion No. 25 must  provide pro forma net income
        disclosures  for employee  stock  option  grants made in 1995 and future
        years as if the fair-value-based method defined in SFAS No. 123 had been
        applied.  The Company  accounts for stock option plans  sponsored by the
        Holding  Company,  DLJ and Alliance in accordance with the provisions of
        APB Opinion No. 25 (see Note 21).

                                      F-8
<PAGE>

        In June 1996,  the FASB issued SFAS No. 125,  "Accounting  for Transfers
        and Servicing of Financial Assets and  Extinguishments  of Liabilities".
        SFAS No. 125 specifies the  accounting  and reporting  requirements  for
        transfers  of financial  assets,  the  recognition  and  measurement  of
        servicing  assets and  liabilities and  extinguishments  of liabilities.
        SFAS No. 125 is effective for transactions  occurring after December 31,
        1996 and is to be applied  prospectively.  In  December  1996,  the FASB
        issued  SFAS  No.  127,  "Deferral  of the  Effective  Date  of  Certain
        Provisions  of FASB  Statement  No.  125," which defers for one year the
        effective  date  of  provisions   relating  to  secured  borrowings  and
        collateral and transfers of financial assets that are part of repurchase
        agreements,  dollar-roll,  securities lending and similar  transactions.
        Management has not yet determined  the effect of  implementing  SFAS No.
        125.

        Valuation of Investments
        ------------------------

        Fixed  maturities  identified  as  available  for sale are  reported  at
        estimated fair value. The amortized cost of fixed maturities is adjusted
        for impairments in value deemed to be other than temporary.

        Mortgage loans on real estate are stated at unpaid  principal  balances,
        net of unamortized  discounts and valuation  allowances.  Effective with
        the  adoption  of  SFAS  No.  114 on  January  1,  1995,  the  valuation
        allowances are based on the present value of expected  future cash flows
        discounted  at  the  loan's  original  effective  interest  rate  or the
        collateral  value  if the  loan is  collateral  dependent.  However,  if
        foreclosure  is or becomes  probable,  the  measurement  method  used is
        collateral  value.  Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 114, the valuation
        allowances were based on losses expected by management to be realized on
        transfers  of  mortgage  loans  to  real  estate  (upon  foreclosure  or
        in-substance foreclosure),  on the disposition or settlement of mortgage
        loans and on mortgage loans  management  believed may not be collectible
        in full. In establishing  valuation  allowances,  management  previously
        considered,   among  other  things  the  estimated  fair  value  of  the
        underlying collateral.

        Real estate,  including real estate acquired in satisfaction of debt, is
        stated at  depreciated  cost less valuation  allowances.  At the date of
        foreclosure (including in-substance  foreclosure),  real estate acquired
        in satisfaction of debt is valued at estimated fair value. Impaired real
        estate is  written  down to fair value  with the  impairment  loss being
        included in investment gains (losses) net. Valuation  allowances on real
        estate  available  for sale are  computed  using  the  lower of  current
        estimated  fair value or depreciated  cost,  net of  disposition  costs.
        Prior to the  adoption of SFAS No.  121,  valuation  allowances  on real
        estate  held for the  production  of  income  were  computed  using  the
        forecasted cash flows of the respective  properties discounted at a rate
        equal to the Company's cost of funds.

        Policy loans are stated at unpaid principal balances.

        Partnerships  and joint venture  interests in which the Company does not
        have control and a majority economic interest are reported on the equity
        basis of accounting  and are included  either with equity real estate or
        other equity investments, as appropriate.

        Common  stocks are carried at  estimated  fair value and are included in
        other equity investments.

        Short-term  investments are stated at amortized cost which  approximates
        fair value and are included with other invested assets.

        Cash and cash equivalents  includes cash on hand, amounts due from banks
        and highly liquid debt instruments  purchased with an original  maturity
        of three months or less.

        All securities are recorded in the consolidated  financial statements on
        a trade date basis.

        Investment Results and Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)
        -----------------------------------------------------------

        Net  investment   income  and  realized   investment  gains  and  losses
        (collectively,  "investment  results") related to certain  participating
        group annuity contracts which are passed through to the  contractholders
        are reflected as interest credited to policyholders' account balances.

                                      F-9
<PAGE>

        Realized   investment  gains  and  losses  are  determined  by  specific
        identification  and are  presented as a component of revenue.  Valuation
        allowances are netted  against the asset  categories to which they apply
        and changes in the valuation allowances are included in investment gains
        or losses.

        Unrealized investment gains and losses on fixed maturities available for
        sale and equity  securities  held by the Company are  accounted for as a
        separate  component of  shareholder's  equity,  net of related  deferred
        Federal  income taxes,  amounts  attributable  to the  discontinued  GIC
        Segment,  participating  group  annuity  contracts,  and DAC  related to
        universal   life  and   investment-type   products   and   participating
        traditional life contracts.

        Recognition of Insurance Income and Related Expenses
        ----------------------------------------------------

        Premiums from universal life and investment-type  contracts are reported
        as deposits to  policyholders'  account  balances.  Revenues  from these
        contracts   consist  of  amounts  assessed  during  the  period  against
        policyholders'   account   balances  for   mortality   charges,   policy
        administration charges and surrender charges. Policy benefits and claims
        that are  charged to expense  include  benefit  claims  incurred  in the
        period in excess of related policyholders' account balances.

        Premiums from participating and  non-participating  traditional life and
        annuity  policies with life  contingencies  generally are  recognized as
        income when due.  Benefits  and expenses are matched with such income so
        as to  result  in the  recognition  of  profits  over  the  life  of the
        contracts.  This match is  accomplished  by means of the  provision  for
        liabilities  for future policy  benefits and the deferral and subsequent
        amortization of policy acquisition costs.

        For  contracts  with a single  premium  or a limited  number of  premium
        payments due over a  significantly  shorter period than the total period
        over which  benefits are provided,  premiums are recorded as income when
        due with any  excess  profit  deferred  and  recognized  in  income in a
        constant  relationship  to  insurance  in force or, for  annuities,  the
        amount of expected future benefit payments.

        Premiums from individual  health contracts are recognized as income over
        the period to which the premiums  relate in  proportion to the amount of
        insurance protection provided.

        Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
        ---------------------------------

        The  costs  of  acquiring   new   business,   principally   commissions,
        underwriting,  agency and policy issue expenses,  all of which vary with
        and  are  primarily  related  to the  production  of new  business,  are
        deferred. DAC is subject to recoverability testing at the time of policy
        issue and loss recognition testing at the end of each accounting period.

        For  universal  life  products  and  investment-type  products,  DAC  is
        amortized  over the expected  total life of the contract  group (periods
        ranging  from  15 to 35  years  and 5 to 17  years,  respectively)  as a
        constant  percentage of estimated gross profits arising principally from
        investment results,  mortality and expense margins and surrender charges
        based on historical and anticipated  future  experience,  updated at the
        end of each accounting  period. The effect on the amortization of DAC of
        revisions  to  estimated  gross  profits is reflected in earnings in the
        period such estimated  gross profits are revised.  The effect on the DAC
        asset that would result from realization of unrealized gains (losses) is
        recognized  with an offset to unrealized  gains (losses) in consolidated
        shareholder's equity as of the balance sheet date.

        For participating  traditional life policies (substantially all of which
        are in the Closed Block),  DAC is amortized over the expected total life
        of the contract group (40 years) as a constant  percentage  based on the
        present  value of the  estimated  gross  margin  amounts  expected to be
        realized  over the life of the contracts  using the expected  investment
        yield. At December 31, 1996, the expected  investment  yield ranged from
        7.30% grading to 7.68% over 13 years.  Estimated  gross margin  includes
        anticipated   premiums   and   investment   results   less   claims  and
        administrative  expenses,  changes in the net level premium  reserve and
        expected  annual  policyholder  dividends.  Deviations of actual results
        from  estimated  experience are reflected in earnings in the period such
        deviations  occur.  The effect on the DAC asset that would  result  from
        realization of unrealized gains (losses) is recognized with an offset to
        unrealized gains (losses) in consolidated shareholder's equity as of the
        balance sheet date.

                                      F-10
<PAGE>

        For  non-participating  traditional  life and annuity policies with life
        contingencies,  DAC is amortized in proportion to anticipated  premiums.
        Assumptions  as to  anticipated  premiums  are  estimated at the date of
        policy  issue  and  are  consistently  applied  during  the  life of the
        contracts.   Deviations  from  estimated  experience  are  reflected  in
        earnings in the period such deviations  occur. For these contracts,  the
        amortization periods generally are for the total life of the policy.

        For  individual  health  benefit  insurance,  DAC is amortized  over the
        expected  average  life of the  contracts  (10 years  for major  medical
        policies  and  20  years  for  disability  income  ("DI")  products)  in
        proportion  to  anticipated  premium  revenue  at time of issue.  In the
        fourth quarter of 1996, the DAC related to DI contracts  issued prior to
        July 1993 was written off.

        Policyholders' Account Balances and Future Policy Benefits
        ----------------------------------------------------------

        Policyholders'  account balances for universal life and  investment-type
        contracts are equal to the policy  account  values.  The policy  account
        values represent an accumulation of gross premium payments plus credited
        interest less expense and mortality charges and withdrawals.

        For  participating  traditional  life  policies,  future policy  benefit
        liabilities are calculated using a net level premium method on the basis
        of actuarial assumptions equal to guaranteed mortality and dividend fund
        interest  rates.  The  liability  for annual  dividends  represents  the
        accrual of annual dividends  earned.  Terminal  dividends are accrued in
        proportion to gross margins over the life of the contract.

        For non-participating traditional life insurance policies, future policy
        benefit  liabilities  are estimated  using a net level premium method on
        the basis of actuarial  assumptions  as to  mortality,  persistency  and
        interest established at policy issue.  Assumptions established at policy
        issue as to mortality and persistency are based on the Insurance Group's
        experience  which,  together  with  interest  and  expense  assumptions,
        include a margin for adverse deviation.  When the liabilities for future
        policy benefits plus the present value of expected future gross premiums
        for a product are  insufficient  to provide for expected  future  policy
        benefits  and  expenses  for  that  product,  DAC  is  written  off  and
        thereafter,  if required, a premium deficiency reserve is established by
        a charge to earnings.  Benefit  liabilities  for  traditional  annuities
        during the accumulation period are equal to accumulated contractholders'
        fund balances and after  annuitization are equal to the present value of
        expected  future  payments.  Interest  rates used in  establishing  such
        liabilities range from 2.25% to 11.5% for life insurance liabilities and
        from 2.25% to 13.5% for annuity liabilities.

        During  the  fourth  quarter  of  1996,  a  loss  recognition  study  on
        participating group annuity contracts and conversion annuities ("Pension
        Par") was completed  which  included  management's  revised  estimate of
        assumptions, including expected mortality and future investment returns.
        The  study's  results   prompted   management  to  establish  a  premium
        deficiency reserve which decreased  earnings from continuing  operations
        and net earnings by $47.5 million ($73.0 million pre-tax).

        Individual  health  benefit  liabilities  for active lives are estimated
        using  the net  level  premium  method,  and  assumptions  as to  future
        morbidity,  withdrawals and interest.  Benefit  liabilities for disabled
        lives are  estimated  using the  present  value of  benefits  method and
        experience assumptions as to claim terminations, expenses and interest.

        During  the  fourth  quarter  of  1996,  the  Company  completed  a loss
        recognition  study of the DI business  which  incorporated  management's
        revised  estimates  of  future  experience  with  regard  to  morbidity,
        investment  returns,   claims  and  administration  expenses  and  other
        factors.  The study  indicated DAC was not  recoverable and the reserves
        were  not  sufficient.  Earnings  from  continuing  operations  and  net
        earnings  decreased  by $208.0  million  ($320.0  million  pre-tax) as a
        result of  strengthening  DI reserves by $175.0  million and writing off
        unamortized  DAC of $145.0  million.  The  determination  of DI reserves
        requires  making  assumptions  and  estimates  relating  to a variety of
        factors,  including  morbidity and interest rates, claims experience and
        lapse

                                      F-11
<PAGE>

        rates based on then known facts and circumstances. Such factors as claim
        incidence  and  termination  rates can be  affected  by  changes  in the
        economic,  legal  and  regulatory  environments  and work  ethic.  While
        management believes its DI reserves have been calculated on a reasonable
        basis and are  adequate,  there  can be no  assurance  reserves  will be
        sufficient to provide for future liabilities.

        Claim reserves and  associated  liabilities  for  individual  disability
        income and major medical policies were $711.8 million and $639.6 million
        at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively (excluding $175.0 million of
        reserve  strengthening in 1996).  Incurred benefits  (benefits paid plus
        changes in claim reserves) and benefits paid for individual DI and major
        medical policies  (excluding $175.0 million of reserve  strengthening in
        1996) are summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Incurred benefits related to current year..........  $       189.0       $      176.0       $      188.6
        Incurred benefits related to prior years...........           69.1               67.8               28.7
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total Incurred Benefits............................  $       258.1       $      243.8       $      217.3
                                                            =================   ================   =================
        Benefits paid related to current year..............  $        32.6       $       37.0       $       43.7
        Benefits paid related to prior years...............          153.3              137.8              132.3
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total Benefits Paid................................  $       185.9       $      174.8       $      176.0
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        Policyholders' Dividends
        ------------------------

        The amount of  policyholders'  dividends to be paid (including  those on
        policies  included  in the  Closed  Block)  is  determined  annually  by
        Equitable   Life's  Board  of  Directors.   The   aggregate   amount  of
        policyholders'  dividends  is  related  to actual  interest,  mortality,
        morbidity  and expense  experience  for the year and  judgment as to the
        appropriate level of statutory surplus to be retained by Equitable Life.

        Equitable  Life is subject  to  limitations  on the amount of  statutory
        profits  which can be  retained  with  respect  to  certain  classes  of
        individual  participating  policies  that were in force on July 22, 1992
        which  are  not  included  in the  Closed  Block  and  with  respect  to
        participating  policies  issued  subsequent  to July  22,  1992.  Excess
        statutory  profits,  if  any,  will  be  distributed  over  time to such
        policyholders and will not be available to Equitable Life's shareholder.
        Earnings  in  excess  of  limitations,  if  any,  would  be  accrued  as
        policyholders' dividends.

        At December 31, 1996,  participating  policies,  including  those in the
        Closed Block, represent  approximately 24.2% ($52.3 billion) of directly
        written life insurance in force, net of amounts ceded.

        Federal Income Taxes
        --------------------

        The  Company  files a  consolidated  Federal  income tax return with the
        Holding Company and its non-life insurance subsidiaries. Current Federal
        income taxes were charged or credited to  operations  based upon amounts
        estimated to be payable or recoverable as a result of taxable operations
        for the current year.  Deferred income tax assets and  liabilities  were
        recognized based on the difference between financial  statement carrying
        amounts  and income tax bases of assets and  liabilities  using  enacted
        income tax rates and laws.

        Separate Accounts
        -----------------

        Separate  Accounts are established in conformity with the New York State
        Insurance Law and generally are not  chargeable  with  liabilities  that
        arise from any other business of the Insurance Group.  Separate Accounts
        assets  are  subject to General  Account  claims  only to the extent the
        value of such assets exceeds the Separate Accounts liabilities.

                                      F-12
<PAGE>

        Assets  and  liabilities  of the  Separate  Accounts,  representing  net
        deposits  and  accumulated  net  investment  earnings  less  fees,  held
        primarily  for  the  benefit  of  contractholders,  and  for  which  the
        Insurance Group does not bear the investment risk, are shown as separate
        captions in the consolidated  balance sheets.  The Insurance Group bears
        the investment risk on assets held in one Separate  Account,  therefore,
        such assets are carried on the same basis as similar  assets held in the
        General Account  portfolio.  Assets held in the other Separate  Accounts
        are carried at quoted  market  values or,  where  quoted  values are not
        available,  at  estimated  fair values as  determined  by the  Insurance
        Group.

        The investment results of Separate Accounts on which the Insurance Group
        does not bear the  investment  risk are  reflected  directly in Separate
        Accounts  liabilities.  For 1996, 1995 and 1994,  investment  results of
        such  Separate  Accounts  were $2,970.6  million,  $1,963.2  million and
        $665.2 million, respectively.

        Deposits to Separate  Accounts  are  reported as  increases  in Separate
        Accounts liabilities and are not reported in revenues. Mortality, policy
        administration  and  surrender  charges  on all  Separate  Accounts  are
        included in revenues.

                                      F-13
<PAGE>

 3)     INVESTMENTS

        The following tables provide  additional  information  relating to fixed
maturities and equity securities:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        GROSS               GROSS
                                                   AMORTIZED          UNREALIZED         UNREALIZED         ESTIMATED
                                                      COST              GAINS              LOSSES           FAIR VALUE
                                                -----------------  -----------------   ----------------   ---------------
                                                                             (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                     <C>                <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        DECEMBER 31, 1996
        -----------------
        Fixed Maturities:
          Available for Sale:
            Corporate..........................  $    13,645.2      $       451.5       $      121.0       $   13,975.7
            Mortgage-backed....................        2,015.9               11.2               20.3            2,006.8
            U.S. Treasury securities and
              U.S. government and
              agency securities................        1,539.4               39.2               19.3            1,559.3
            States and political subdivisions..           77.0                4.5                -                 81.5
            Foreign governments................          302.6               18.0                2.2              318.4
            Redeemable preferred stock.........          139.1                3.3                7.1              135.3
                                                -----------------  -----------------   ----------------   ---------------
        Total Available for Sale...............  $    17,719.2      $       527.7       $      169.9       $   18,077.0
                                                =================  =================   ================   ===============
        Equity Securities:
          Common stock.........................  $        98.7      $        49.3       $       17.7       $      130.3
                                                =================  =================   ================   ===============

        December 31, 1995
        -----------------
        Fixed Maturities:
          Available for Sale:
            Corporate..........................  $    10,910.7      $       617.6       $      118.1       $   11,410.2
            Mortgage-backed....................        1,838.0               31.2                1.2            1,868.0
            U.S. Treasury securities and
              U.S. government and
              agency securities................        2,257.0               77.8                4.1            2,330.7
            States and political subdivisions..           45.7                5.2                -                 50.9
            Foreign governments................          124.5               11.0                 .2              135.3
            Redeemable preferred stock.........          108.1                5.3                8.6              104.8
                                                -----------------  -----------------   ----------------   ---------------
        Total Available for Sale...............  $    15,284.0      $       748.1       $      132.2       $   15,899.9
                                                =================  =================   ================   ===============
        Equity Securities:
          Common stock.........................  $        97.3      $        49.1       $       18.0       $      128.4
                                                =================  =================   ================   ===============
</TABLE>

        For publicly traded fixed  maturities and equity  securities,  estimated
        fair  value  is  determined  using  quoted  market  prices.   For  fixed
        maturities without a readily ascertainable market value, the Company has
        determined  an  estimated  fair  value  using  a  discounted  cash  flow
        approach, including provisions for credit risk, generally based upon the
        assumption  such  securities  will be held to maturity.  Estimated  fair
        value for equity  securities,  substantially  all of which do not have a
        readily  ascertainable market value, has been determined by the Company.
        Such estimated fair values do not  necessarily  represent the values for
        which  these  securities  could  have  been  sold  at the  dates  of the
        consolidated  balance sheets. At December 31, 1996 and 1995,  securities
        without a readily ascertainable market value having an amortized cost of
        $3,915.7 million and $3,748.9 million,  respectively, had estimated fair
        values of $4,024.6 million and $3,981.8 million, respectively.

                                      F-14
<PAGE>

        The contractual maturity of bonds at December 31, 1996 is shown below:

                                                   AVAILABLE FOR SALE
                                           ------------------------------------
                                              AMORTIZED          ESTIMATED
                                                COST             FAIR VALUE
                                           ----------------   -----------------
                                                      (IN MILLIONS)

        Due in one year or less...........  $      539.6       $      542.5
        Due in years two through five.....       2,776.2            2,804.0
        Due in years six through ten......       6,044.7            6,158.1
        Due after ten years...............       6,203.7            6,430.3
        Mortgage-backed securities........       2,015.9            2,006.8
                                           ----------------   -----------------
        Total.............................  $   17,580.1       $   17,941.7
                                           ================   =================

        Bonds not due at a single  maturity date have been included in the above
        table in the year of final maturity.  Actual maturities will differ from
        contractual  maturities  because borrowers may have the right to call or
        prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

        The  Insurance  Group's fixed  maturity  investment  portfolio  includes
        corporate high yield  securities  consisting of public high yield bonds,
        redeemable  preferred  stocks and directly  negotiated debt in leveraged
        buyout  transactions.  The Insurance  Group seeks to minimize the higher
        than normal credit risks  associated  with such securities by monitoring
        the total  investments  in any single  issuer or total  investment  in a
        particular  industry  group.  Certain  of  these  corporate  high  yield
        securities are classified as other than investment  grade by the various
        rating  agencies,  i.e., a rating below Baa or National  Association  of
        Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC") designation of 3 (medium grade), 4 or 5
        (below  investment  grade) or 6 (in or near  default).  At December  31,
        1996,  approximately 14.20% of the $17,563.7 million aggregate amortized
        cost of bonds held by the  Insurance  Group were  considered to be other
        than investment grade.

        In addition to its  holdings of  corporate  high yield  securities,  the
        Insurance Group is an equity investor in limited  partnership  interests
        which  primarily  invest  in  securities  considered  to be  other  than
        investment grade.

        The Company has  restructured  or  modified  the terms of certain  fixed
        maturity  investments.  The fixed maturity  portfolio includes amortized
        costs of $5.5  million and $15.9  million at December 31, 1996 and 1995,
        respectively,  of such  restructured  securities.  These amounts include
        fixed  maturities  which are in default as to principal  and/or interest
        payments,  are to be restructured pursuant to commenced  negotiations or
        where the  borrowers  went into  bankruptcy  subsequent  to  acquisition
        (collectively,  "problem  fixed  maturities")  of $2.2  million and $1.6
        million as of December 31, 1996 and 1995,  respectively.  Gross interest
        income that would have been  recorded in  accordance  with the  original
        terms of restructured  fixed maturities  amounted to $1.4 million,  $3.0
        million and $7.5  million in 1996,  1995 and 1994,  respectively.  Gross
        interest  income on these fixed  maturities  included in net  investment
        income  aggregated $1.3 million,  $2.9 million and $6.8 million in 1996,
        1995 and 1994, respectively.

                                      F-15
<PAGE>

        Investment valuation allowances and changes thereto are shown below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Balances, beginning of year........................  $       325.3       $      284.9       $      355.6
        SFAS No. 121 release...............................         (152.4)               -                  -
        Additions charged to income........................          125.0              136.0               51.0
        Deductions for writedowns and
          asset dispositions...............................         (160.8)             (95.6)            (121.7)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Balances, End of Year..............................  $       137.1       $      325.3       $      284.9
                                                            =================   ================   =================
        Balances, end of year comprise:
          Mortgage loans on real estate....................  $        50.4       $       65.5       $       64.2
          Equity real estate...............................           86.7              259.8              220.7
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total..............................................  $       137.1       $      325.3       $      284.9
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        At December 31, 1996, the carrying  values of  investments  held for the
        production  of income  which were  non-income  producing  for the twelve
        months preceding the consolidated  balance sheet date were $25.0 million
        of fixed maturities and $2.6 million of mortgage loans on real estate.

        At  December  31,  1996 and 1995,  mortgage  loans on real  estate  with
        scheduled payments 60 days (90 days for agricultural  mortgages) or more
        past due or in  foreclosure  (collectively,  "problem  mortgage loans on
        real  estate") had an  amortized  cost of $12.4  million  (0.4% of total
        mortgage loans on real estate) and $87.7 million (2.4% of total mortgage
        loans on real estate), respectively.

        The payment terms of mortgage loans on real estate may from time to time
        be  restructured or modified.  The investment in  restructured  mortgage
        loans on real  estate,  based on  amortized  cost,  amounted  to  $388.3
        million and $531.5 million at December 31, 1996 and 1995,  respectively.
        These amounts include $1.0 million and $3.8 million of problem  mortgage
        loans on real estate at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.  Gross
        interest income on restructured mortgage loans on real estate that would
        have been recorded in accordance  with the original  terms of such loans
        amounted to $35.5 million, $52.1 million and $44.9 million in 1996, 1995
        and 1994, respectively. Gross interest income on these loans included in
        net investment income aggregated $28.2 million,  $37.4 million and $32.8
        million in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

        Impaired  mortgage  loans (as defined under SFAS No. 114) along with the
        related provision for losses were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         DECEMBER 31,
                                                                            ----------------------------------------
                                                                                   1996                 1995
                                                                            -------------------  -------------------
                                                                                         (IN MILLIONS)

        <S>                                                                 <C>                  <C>           
        Impaired mortgage loans with provision for losses..................  $        340.0       $        310.1
        Impaired mortgage loans with no provision for losses...............           122.3                160.8
                                                                            -------------------  -------------------
        Recorded investment in impaired mortgage loans.....................           462.3                470.9
        Provision for losses...............................................            46.4                 62.7
                                                                            -------------------  -------------------
        Net Impaired Mortgage Loans........................................  $        415.9       $        408.2
                                                                            ===================  ===================
</TABLE>

        Impaired mortgage loans with no provision for losses are loans where the
        fair value of the  collateral  or the net present  value of the expected
        future cash flows  related to the loan  equals or exceeds  the  recorded
        investment.  Interest income earned on loans where the collateral  value
        is used to measure impairment is recorded on a

                                      F-16
<PAGE>

        cash basis.  Interest  income on loans where the present value method is
        used to measure  impairment is accrued on the net carrying  value amount
        of the loan at the  interest  rate  used to  discount  the  cash  flows.
        Changes in the present  value  attributable  to changes in the amount or
        timing of  expected  cash  flows are  reported  as  investment  gains or
        losses.

        During  1996 and 1995,  respectively,  the  Company's  average  recorded
        investment  in  impaired  mortgage  loans was $552.1  million and $429.0
        million.  Interest  income  recognized on these impaired  mortgage loans
        totaled $38.8 million and $27.9 million for 1996 and 1995, respectively,
        including $17.9 million and $13.4 million recognized on a cash basis.

        The Insurance Group's investment in equity real estate is through direct
        ownership  and through  investments  in real estate joint  ventures.  At
        December  31, 1996 and 1995,  the  carrying  value of equity real estate
        available  for sale  amounted  to $345.6  million  and  $255.5  million,
        respectively.  For 1996,  1995 and 1994,  respectively,  real  estate of
        $58.7  million,  $35.3  million  and  $189.8  million  was  acquired  in
        satisfaction  of debt. At December 31, 1996 and 1995,  the Company owned
        $771.7 million and $862.7 million, respectively, of real estate acquired
        in satisfaction of debt.

        Depreciation of real estate is computed using the  straight-line  method
        over the estimated useful lives of the properties, which generally range
        from 40 to 50 years.  Accumulated depreciation on real estate was $587.5
        million and $662.4 million at December 31, 1996 and 1995,  respectively.
        Depreciation  expense  on real  estate  totaled  $91.8  million,  $121.7
        million and $117.0 million for 1996, 1995 and 1994,  respectively.  As a
        result  of  the   implementation   of  SFAS  No.  121,  during  1996  no
        depreciation  expense has been  recorded on real  estate  available  for
        sale.

                                      F-17
<PAGE>

 4)     JOINT VENTURES AND PARTNERSHIPS

        Summarized combined financial  information of real estate joint ventures
        (34 and 38  individual  ventures  as of  December  31,  1996  and  1995,
        respectively) and of limited  partnership  interests accounted for under
        the equity  method,  in which the  Company  has an  investment  of $10.0
        million  or  greater  and an equity  interest  of 10% or  greater  is as
        follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                ------------------------------------
                                                                                     1996                1995
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                           (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                                     <C>                <C>         
        FINANCIAL POSITION
        Investments in real estate, at depreciated cost........................  $    1,883.7       $    2,684.1
        Investments in securities, generally at estimated fair value...........       2,430.6            2,459.8
        Cash and cash equivalents..............................................          98.0              489.1
        Other assets...........................................................         427.0              270.8
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Total assets...........................................................       4,839.3            5,903.8
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Borrowed funds - third party...........................................       1,574.3            1,782.3
        Borrowed funds - the Company...........................................         137.9              220.5
        Other liabilities......................................................         415.8              593.9
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Total liabilities......................................................       2,128.0            2,596.7
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------

        Partners' Capital......................................................  $    2,711.3       $    3,307.1
                                                                                ================   =================

        Equity in partners' capital included above.............................  $      806.8       $      902.2
        Equity in limited partnership interests not included above.............         201.8              212.8
        Other..................................................................           9.8                8.9
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Carrying Value.........................................................  $    1,018.4       $    1,123.9
                                                                                ================   =================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
        Revenues of real estate joint ventures.............  $       348.9       $      463.5       $      537.7
        Revenues of other limited partnership interests....          386.1              242.3              103.4
        Interest expense - third party.....................         (111.0)            (135.3)            (114.9)
        Interest expense - the Company.....................          (30.0)             (41.0)             (36.9)
        Other expenses.....................................         (282.5)            (397.7)            (430.9)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Net Earnings.......................................  $       311.5       $      131.8       $       58.4
                                                            =================   ================   =================
        Equity in net earnings included above..............  $        73.9       $       49.1       $       18.9
        Equity in net earnings of limited partnerships
          interests not included above.....................           35.8               44.8               25.3
        Other..............................................             .9                1.0                1.8
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total Equity in Net Earnings.......................  $       110.6       $       94.9       $       46.0
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

                                      F-18
<PAGE>

 5)     NET INVESTMENT INCOME AND INVESTMENT GAINS (LOSSES)

        The sources of net investment income are summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   1996               1995                1994
                                             -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                  (IN MILLIONS)

        <S>                                  <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Fixed maturities....................  $     1,307.4       $    1,151.1       $    1,036.5
        Mortgage loans on real estate.......          303.0              329.0              385.7
        Equity real estate..................          442.4              560.4              561.8
        Other equity investments............           94.3               76.9               36.1
        Policy loans........................          160.3              144.4              122.7
        Other investment income.............          217.4              273.0              322.4
                                             -----------------   ----------------   -----------------

          Gross investment income...........        2,524.8            2,534.8            2,465.2
                                             -----------------   ----------------   -----------------

          Investment expenses...............          348.9              446.6              466.6
                                             -----------------   ----------------   -----------------

        Net Investment Income...............  $     2,175.9       $    2,088.2       $    1,998.6
                                             =================   ================   =================

        Investment  gains  (losses),  net,  including  changes in the  valuation
        allowances, are summarized as follows:
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)

        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>          
        Fixed maturities...................................  $        60.5       $      119.9       $      (14.3)
        Mortgage loans on real estate......................          (27.3)             (40.2)             (43.1)
        Equity real estate.................................          (79.7)             (86.6)              20.6
        Other equity investments...........................           18.9               12.8               75.9
        Issuance and sales of Alliance Units...............           20.6                -                 52.4
        Other..............................................           (2.8)               (.6)                .3
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Investment (Losses) Gains, Net.....................  $        (9.8)      $        5.3       $       91.8
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        Writedowns of fixed maturities amounted to $29.9 million,  $46.7 million
        and $30.8 million for 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively,  and writedowns
        of  equity  real  estate  subsequent  to the  adoption  of SFAS No.  121
        amounted to $23.7 million for the year ended December 31, 1996.

        For 1996,  1995 and 1994,  respectively,  proceeds  received on sales of
        fixed  maturities  classified as available for sale amounted to $8,353.5
        million,  $8,206.0 million and $5,253.9  million.  Gross gains of $154.2
        million,  $211.4  million and $65.2  million  and gross  losses of $92.7
        million, $64.2 million and $50.8 million, respectively, were realized on
        these sales. The change in unrealized  investment (losses) gains related
        to fixed maturities  classified as available for sale for 1996, 1995 and
        1994  amounted  to  $(258.0)  million,  $1,077.2  million  and  $(742.2)
        million, respectively.

        During  each  of 1995  and  1994,  one  security  classified  as held to
        maturity was sold.  During the eleven months ended November 30, 1995 and
        the  year  ended  December  31,  1994,  respectively,   twelve  and  six
        securities  so  classified  were  transferred  to the available for sale
        portfolio.  All  actions  were  taken  as  a  result  of  a  significant
        deterioration in creditworthiness.  The aggregate amortized costs of the
        securities  sold were $1.0  million  and  $19.9  million  with a related
        investment  gain of $-0- million and $.8 million  recognized in 1995 and
        1994,  respectively;  the  aggregate  amortized  cost of the  securities
        transferred  was $116.0 million and $42.8 million with gross  unrealized
        investment   losses  of  $3.2  million  and  $3.1  million   charged  to
        consolidated  shareholder's  equity for the eleven months ended November
        30, 1995 and the year ended December 31,

                                      F-19
<PAGE>

        1994,  respectively.  On  December  1,  1995,  the  Company  transferred
        $4,794.9  million of  securities  classified  as held to maturity to the
        available for sale  portfolio.  As a result,  unrealized  gains on fixed
        maturities  increased  $395.6 million,  offset by DAC of $126.5 million,
        amounts  attributable to participating  group annuity contracts of $39.2
        million and deferred Federal income taxes of $80.5 million.

        For 1996,  1995 and 1994,  investment  results passed through to certain
        participating   group   annuity   contracts  as  interest   credited  to
        policyholders'  account  balances  amounted  to $136.7  million,  $131.2
        million and $175.8 million, respectively.

        In  1996,  Alliance  acquired  the  business  of  Cursitor-Eaton   Asset
        Management   Company  and  Cursitor   Holdings  Limited   (collectively,
        "Cursitor")  for  approximately   $159.0  million.  The  purchase  price
        consisted of $94.3 million in cash,  1.8 million of Alliance's  publicly
        traded units  ("Alliance  Units"),  6% notes  aggregating  $21.5 million
        payable   ratably   over  four   years,   and   substantial   additional
        consideration  which will be determined  at a later date.  The excess of
        the purchase price,  including  acquisition costs and minority interest,
        over the fair value of Cursitor's  net assets  acquired  resulted in the
        recognition  of  intangible  assets  consisting  of  costs  assigned  to
        contracts  acquired and  goodwill of  approximately  $122.8  million and
        $38.3  million,  respectively,   which  are  being  amortized  over  the
        estimated useful lives of 20 years. The Company recognized an investment
        gain of $20.6  million as a result of the issuance of Alliance  Units in
        this  transaction.  At December 31,  1996,  the  Company's  ownership of
        Alliance Units was approximately 57.3%.

        In 1994, Alliance sold 4.96 million newly issued Alliance Units to third
        parties at prevailing  market prices.  The Company continues to hold its
        1% general partnership  interest in Alliance.  The Company recognized an
        investment gain of $52.4 million as a result of these transactions.

        Net unrealized  investment gains (losses),  included in the consolidated
        balance  sheets  as a  component  of  equity  and  the  changes  for the
        corresponding years, are summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)

        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Balance, beginning of year as restated.............  $       396.5       $     (220.5)      $      144.6
        Changes in unrealized investment (losses) gains....         (297.6)           1,198.9             (856.7)
        Changes in unrealized investment losses
          (gains) attributable to:
            Participating group annuity contracts..........            -                (78.1)              40.8
            DAC............................................           42.3             (216.8)             273.6
            Deferred Federal income taxes..................           48.7             (287.0)             177.2
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Balance, End of Year...............................  $       189.9       $      396.5       $     (220.5)
                                                            =================   ================   =================
        Balance, end of year comprises:
          Unrealized investment gains (losses) on:
            Fixed maturities...............................  $       357.8       $      615.9       $     (461.3)
            Other equity investments.......................           31.6               31.1                7.7
            Other, principally Closed Block................           53.1               93.1               (5.1)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
              Total........................................          442.5              740.1             (458.7)
          Amounts of unrealized investment (gains)
            losses attributable to:
              Participating group annuity contracts........          (72.2)             (72.2)               5.9
              DAC..........................................          (52.0)             (94.3)             122.4
              Deferred Federal income taxes................         (128.4)            (177.1)             109.9
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total..............................................  $       189.9       $      396.5       $     (220.5)
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

                                      F-20
<PAGE>

 6)     CLOSED BLOCK

        Summarized financial information of the Closed Block follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     DECEMBER 31,
                                                                         --------------------------------------
                                                                               1996                 1995
                                                                         -----------------    -----------------
                                                                                     (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                              <C>                  <C>         
        Assets
        Fixed Maturities:
          Available for sale, at estimated fair value (amortized cost,
            $3,820.7 and $3,662.8)......................................  $    3,889.5         $    3,896.2
        Mortgage loans on real estate...................................       1,380.7              1,368.8
        Policy loans....................................................       1,765.9              1,797.2
        Cash and other invested assets..................................         336.1                440.9
        DAC.............................................................         876.5                792.6
        Other assets....................................................         246.3                286.4
                                                                         -----------------    -----------------
        Total Assets....................................................  $    8,495.0         $    8,582.1
                                                                         =================    =================

        Liabilities
        Future policy benefits and policyholders' account balances......  $    8,999.7         $    8,923.5
        Other liabilities...............................................          91.6                297.9
                                                                         -----------------    -----------------
        Total Liabilities...............................................  $    9,091.3         $    9,221.4
                                                                         =================    =================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Revenues
        Premiums and other revenue.........................  $       724.8       $      753.4       $      798.1
        Investment income (net of investment
          expenses of $27.3, $26.7 and $19.0)..............          546.6              538.9              523.0
        Investment losses, net.............................           (5.5)             (20.2)             (24.0)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
              Total revenues...............................        1,265.9            1,272.1            1,297.1
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Benefits and Other Deductions
        Policyholders' benefits and dividends..............        1,106.3            1,077.6            1,121.6
        Other operating costs and expenses.................           34.6               51.3               38.5
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
              Total benefits and other deductions..........        1,140.9            1,128.9            1,160.1
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Contribution from the Closed Block.................  $       125.0       $      143.2       $      137.0
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        In the fourth quarter of 1996,  the Company  adopted SFAS No. 120, which
        prescribes the accounting  for individual  participating  life insurance
        contracts,  most  of  which  are  included  in  the  Closed  Block.  The
        implementation of SFAS No. 120 resulted in an increase (decrease) in the
        contribution  from the Closed Block of $27.5 million,  $18.8 million and
        $(14.0) million in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

        The fixed  maturity  portfolio,  based on amortized  cost,  includes $.4
        million and $4.3 million at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively, of
        restructured  securities  which includes problem fixed maturities of $.3
        million and $1.9 million, respectively.

                                      F-21
<PAGE>

        During  the  eleven  months  ended   November  30,  1995,  one  security
        classified as held to maturity was sold and ten securities classified as
        held to maturity were  transferred to the available for sale  portfolio.
        All actions resulted from significant deterioration in creditworthiness.
        The amortized cost of the security sold was $4.2 million.  The aggregate
        amortized  cost of the  securities  transferred  was $81.3  million with
        gross unrealized investment losses of $.1 million transferred to equity.
        At December 1, 1995,  $1,750.7 million of securities  classified as held
        to maturity were  transferred to the available for sale portfolio.  As a
        result,  unrealized  gains of $88.5  million  on fixed  maturities  were
        recognized, offset by DAC amortization of $52.6 million.

        At December 31, 1996 and 1995, problem mortgage loans on real estate had
        an amortized cost of $4.3 million and $36.5 million,  respectively,  and
        mortgage  loans on real  estate  for which the  payment  terms have been
        restructured had an amortized cost of $114.2 million and $137.7 million,
        respectively.  At December 31, 1996 and 1995, the restructured  mortgage
        loans on real estate  amount  included  $.7  million  and $8.8  million,
        respectively, of problem mortgage loans on real estate.

        Impaired  mortgage  loans (as defined under SFAS No. 114) along with the
        related provision for losses were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              DECEMBER 31,
                                                                   ------------------------------------
                                                                        1996                1995
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                              (IN MILLIONS)

        <S>                                                        <C>                <C>
        Impaired mortgage loans with provision for losses.........  $       128.1      $       106.8
        Impaired mortgage loans with no provision for losses......             .6               10.1
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
        Recorded investment in impaired mortgages.................          128.7              116.9
        Provision for losses......................................           12.9               17.9
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
        Net Impaired Mortgage Loans...............................  $       115.8      $        99.0
                                                                   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        During 1996 and 1995, respectively,  the Closed Block's average recorded
        investment  in  impaired  mortgage  loans was $153.8  million and $146.9
        million,  respectively.  Interest  income  recognized on these  impaired
        mortgage loans totaled $10.9 million and $5.9 million for 1996 and 1995,
        respectively,  including  $4.7 million and $1.3 million  recognized on a
        cash basis.

        Valuation  allowances  amounted to $13.8  million  and $18.4  million on
        mortgage  loans on real  estate  and $3.7  million  and $4.3  million on
        equity  real  estate  at  December  31,  1996  and  1995,  respectively.
        Writedowns of fixed maturities amounted to $12.8 million,  $16.8 million
        and $15.9 million for 1996, 1995 and 1994,  respectively.  As of January
        1, 1996,  the  adoption of SFAS No. 121 resulted in the  recognition  of
        impairment losses of $5.6 million on real estate held and used.

        Many  expenses  related  to  Closed  Block  operations  are  charged  to
        operations  outside of the Closed Block;  accordingly,  the contribution
        from the Closed Block does not represent the actual profitability of the
        Closed Block  operations.  Operating  costs and expenses  outside of the
        Closed Block are, therefore, disproportionate to the business outside of
        the Closed Block.

                                      F-22
<PAGE>

 7)     DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

        Summarized financial information of the GIC Segment follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             DECEMBER 31,
                                                 --------------------------------------
                                                       1996                 1995
                                                 -----------------    -----------------
                                                             (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                      <C>                  <C>         
        Assets
        Mortgage loans on real estate...........  $    1,111.1         $    1,485.8
        Equity real estate......................         925.6              1,122.1
        Other invested assets...................         474.0                665.2
        Other assets............................         226.1                579.3
                                                 -----------------    -----------------
        Total Assets............................  $    2,736.8         $    3,852.4
                                                 =================    =================

        Liabilities
        Policyholders' liabilities..............  $    1,335.9         $    1,399.8
        Allowance for future losses.............         262.0                164.2
        Amounts due to continuing operations....         996.2              2,097.1
        Other liabilities.......................         142.7                191.3
                                                 -----------------    -----------------
        Total Liabilities.......................  $    2,736.8         $    3,852.4
                                                 =================    =================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>       
        Revenues
        Investment income (net of investment expenses
          of $127.5, $153.1 and $183.3)....................  $       245.4       $      323.6       $      394.3
        Investment (losses) gains, net.....................          (18.9)             (22.9)              26.8
        Policy fees, premiums and other income.............             .2                 .7                 .4
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total revenues.....................................          226.7              301.4              421.5
        Benefits and other deductions......................          250.4              326.5              443.2
        Losses charged to allowance for future losses......          (23.7)             (25.1)             (21.7)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Pre-tax loss from operations.......................            -                  -                  -
        Pre-tax loss from strengthening of the
          allowance for future losses......................         (129.0)               -                  -
        Federal income tax benefit.........................           45.2                -                  -
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Loss from Discontinued Operations..................  $       (83.8)      $        -         $        -
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        In  1991,   management  adopted  a  plan  to  discontinue  the  business
        operations  of the GIC  Segment  consisting  of group  non-participating
        Wind-Up Annuities and the GIC lines of business.  The loss allowance and
        premium  deficiency  reserve of $569.6 million provided for in 1991 were
        based on management's best judgment at that time.

        The  Company's  quarterly  process for  evaluating  the loss  provisions
        applies  the current  period's  results of the  discontinued  operations
        against  the  allowance,  re-estimates  future  losses,  and adjusts the
        provisions,  if  appropriate.  Additionally,  as part  of the  Company's
        annual planning  process which takes place in the fourth quarter of each
        year,  investment and benefit cash flow projections are prepared.  These
        updated assumptions and estimates resulted in the need to strengthen the
        loss  provisions by $129.0  million,  resulting in a post-tax  charge of
        $83.8 million to discontinued  operations' results in the fourth quarter
        of 1996.

                                      F-23
<PAGE>

        Management  believes the loss  provisions for Wind-Up  Annuities and GIC
        contracts  at December  31, 1996 are  adequate to provide for all future
        losses;  however,  the  determination  of loss  provisions  continues to
        involve  numerous  estimates  and  subjective  judgments  regarding  the
        expected performance of discontinued operations investment assets. There
        can be no  assurance  the losses  provided  for will not differ from the
        losses  ultimately  realized.  To the  extent  actual  results or future
        projections  of the  discontinued  operations  differ from  management's
        current best estimates and assumptions  underlying the loss  provisions,
        the  difference  would be reflected in the  consolidated  statements  of
        earnings  in  discontinued  operations.  In  particular,  to the  extent
        income, sales proceeds and holding periods for equity real estate differ
        from management's previous assumptions, periodic adjustments to the loss
        provisions are likely to result.

        In January 1995, continuing  operations  transferred $1,215.4 million in
        cash to the GIC  Segment  in  settlement  of its  obligation  to provide
        assets to fund the accumulated deficit of the GIC Segment. Subsequently,
        the  GIC  Segment  remitted  $1,155.4  million  in  cash  to  continuing
        operations in partial  repayment of  borrowings  by the GIC Segment.  No
        gains or losses were  recognized on these  transactions.  Amounts due to
        continuing  operations  at  December  31,  1996,  consisted  of $1,080.0
        million borrowed by the discontinued GIC Segment offset by $83.8 million
        representing an obligation of continuing operations to provide assets to
        fund the accumulated deficit of the GIC Segment.

        Investment  income included $88.2 million of interest income for 1994 on
        amounts due from continuing  operations.  Benefits and other  deductions
        include  $114.3  million,  $154.6 million and $219.7 million of interest
        expense related to amounts borrowed from continuing  operations in 1996,
        1995 and 1994, respectively.

        Valuation  allowances  amounted  to $9.0  million  and $19.2  million on
        mortgage  loans on real estate and $20.4  million  and $77.9  million on
        equity real estate at December  31, 1996 and 1995,  respectively.  As of
        January 1, 1996,  the  adoption of SFAS No. 121 resulted in a release of
        existing valuation allowances of $71.9 million on equity real estate and
        recognition  of  impairment  losses of $69.8 million on real estate held
        and used.  Writedowns of fixed maturities amounted to $1.6 million, $8.1
        million and $17.8  million  for 1996,  1995 and 1994,  respectively  and
        writedowns of equity real estate  subsequent to the adoption of SFAS No.
        121 amounted to $12.3 million for 1996.

        The fixed maturity  portfolio,  based on amortized  cost,  includes $6.2
        million and $15.1  million at December 31, 1996 and 1995,  respectively,
        of  restructured   securities.   These  amounts  include  problem  fixed
        maturities  of $.5  million and $6.1  million at  December  31, 1996 and
        1995, respectively.

        At December 31, 1996 and 1995, problem mortgage loans on real estate had
        amortized  costs of $7.9 million and $35.4  million,  respectively,  and
        mortgage  loans on real  estate  for which the  payment  terms have been
        restructured  had amortized  costs of $208.1 million and $289.3 million,
        respectively.

        Impaired  mortgage  loans (as defined under SFAS No. 114) along with the
        related provision for losses were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            DECEMBER 31,
                                                                 ------------------------------------
                                                                      1996                1995
                                                                 ----------------   -----------------
                                                                            (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                      <C>                <C>          
        Impaired mortgage loans with provision for losses.......  $        83.5      $       105.1
        Impaired mortgage loans with no provision for losses....           15.0               18.2
                                                                 ----------------   -----------------
        Recorded investment in impaired mortgages...............           98.5              123.3
        Provision for losses....................................            8.8               17.7
                                                                 ----------------   -----------------
        Net Impaired Mortgage Loans.............................  $        89.7      $       105.6
                                                                 ================   =================
</TABLE>

                                      F-24
<PAGE>

        During 1996 and 1995, the GIC Segment's  average recorded  investment in
        impaired   mortgage  loans  was  $134.8  million  and  $177.4   million,
        respectively.  Interest  income  recognized on these  impaired  mortgage
        loans  totaled  $10.1  million  and $4.5  million  for  1996  and  1995,
        respectively,  including  $7.5 million and $.4 million  recognized  on a
        cash basis.

        At December  31, 1996 and 1995,  the GIC Segment had $263.0  million and
        $310.9 million, respectively, of real estate acquired in satisfaction of
        debt.

8)      SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM DEBT

        Short-term and long-term debt consists of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        DECEMBER 31,
                                                            --------------------------------------
                                                                  1996                 1995
                                                            -----------------    -----------------
                                                                        (IN MILLIONS)

        <S>                                                 <C>                  <C>       
        Short-term debt....................................  $      174.1         $        -
                                                            -----------------    -----------------
        Long-term debt:
        Equitable Life:
          6.95% surplus notes scheduled to mature 2005.....         399.4                399.3
          7.70% surplus notes scheduled to mature 2015.....         199.6                199.6
          Eurodollar notes, 10.5% due 1997.................           -                   76.2
          Zero coupon note, 11.25% due 1997................           -                  120.1
          Other............................................            .5                 16.3
                                                            -----------------    -----------------
              Total Equitable Life.........................         599.5                811.5
                                                            -----------------    -----------------
        Wholly Owned and Joint Venture Real Estate:
          Mortgage notes, 4.92% - 12.50% due through 2006..         968.6              1,084.4
                                                            -----------------    -----------------
        Alliance:
          Other............................................          24.7                  3.4
                                                            -----------------    -----------------
        Total long-term debt...............................       1,592.8              1,899.3
                                                            -----------------    -----------------
        Total Short-term and Long-term Debt................  $    1,766.9         $    1,899.3
                                                            =================    =================
</TABLE>

        Short-term Debt
        ---------------

        Equitable  Life has a $350.0 million bank credit  facility  available to
        fund  short-term  working capital needs and to facilitate the securities
        settlement  process.  The  credit  facility  consists  of two  types  of
        borrowing  options with varying  interest rates.  The interest rates are
        based on external  indices  dependent  on the type of  borrowing  and at
        December 31, 1996 range from 5.73% (the London  Interbank  Offering Rate
        ("LIBOR") plus 22.5 basis points) to 8.25% (the prime rate).  There were
        no borrowings  outstanding  under this bank credit  facility at December
        31, 1996.

                                      F-25
<PAGE>

        Equitable  Life has a  commercial  paper  program with an issue limit of
        $500.0 million. This program is available for general corporate purposes
        used to support  Equitable  Life's  liquidity  needs and is supported by
        Equitable Life's existing $350.0 million five-year bank credit facility.
        There were no borrowings  outstanding under this program at December 31,
        1996.

        In February 1996,  Alliance entered into a new $250.0 million  five-year
        revolving  credit  facility  with a group of banks  which  replaced  its
        $100.0  million   revolving  credit  facility  and  its  $100.0  million
        commercial  paper  back-up  revolving  credit  facility.  Under  the new
        revolving credit facility, the interest rate, at the option of Alliance,
        is a floating  rate  generally  based upon a defined  prime rate, a rate
        related  to the LIBOR or the  Federal  Funds  rate.  A  facility  fee is
        payable on the total  facility.  The revolving  credit  facility will be
        used to provide back-up  liquidity for commercial paper to be used under
        Alliance's $100.0 million  commercial paper program,  to fund commission
        payments  to  financial  intermediaries  for the  sale of  Class B and C
        shares under Alliance's mutual fund distribution system, and for general
        working  capital  purposes.  As of December 31,  1996,  Alliance had not
        issued any commercial  paper under its $100.0 million  commercial  paper
        program  and  there  were no  borrowings  outstanding  under  Alliance's
        revolving credit facility.

        At December 31, 1996, long-term debt expected to mature in 1997 totaling
        $174.1 million was reclassified as short-term debt.

        Long-term Debt
        --------------

        Several of the long-term  debt  agreements  have  restrictive  covenants
        related  to the total  amount of debt,  net  tangible  assets  and other
        matters. The Company is in compliance with all debt covenants.

        On December 18, 1995,  Equitable Life issued, in accordance with Section
        1307 of the New York  Insurance  Law,  $400.0  million of surplus  notes
        having an interest rate of 6.95%  scheduled to mature in 2005 and $200.0
        million of surplus notes having an interest  rate of 7.70%  scheduled to
        mature  in 2015  (together,  the  "Surplus  Notes").  Proceeds  from the
        issuance  of the  Surplus  Notes  were  $596.6  million,  net of related
        issuance costs.  The unamortized  discount on the Surplus Notes was $1.0
        million at December  31,  1996.  Payments of interest on or principal of
        the Surplus Notes are subject to prior approval by the Superintendent.

        The Company has pledged real estate, mortgage loans, cash and securities
        amounting to $1,406.4  million and $1,629.7 million at December 31, 1996
        and 1995, respectively, as collateral for certain long-term debt.

        At December 31, 1996,  aggregate  maturities of the long-term debt based
        on required  principal  payments at maturity for 1997 and the succeeding
        four years are $494.9  million,  $316.7  million,  $19.7  million,  $5.4
        million, $0 million, respectively, and $946.7 million thereafter.

 9)     FEDERAL INCOME TAXES

        A  summary  of  the  Federal   income  tax  expense   (benefit)  in  the
        consolidated statements of earnings is shown below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       1996               1995                1994
                                                 -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                      (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                      <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Federal income tax expense (benefit):
          Current...............................  $        97.9       $      (11.7)      $        4.0
          Deferred..............................          (88.2)             132.2               96.2
                                                 -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total...................................  $         9.7       $      120.5       $      100.2
                                                 =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

                                      F-26
<PAGE>

        The Federal income taxes  attributable  to  consolidated  operations are
        different from the amounts determined by multiplying the earnings before
        Federal  income  taxes and  minority  interest by the  expected  Federal
        income  tax  rate of 35%.  The  sources  of the  difference  and the tax
        effects of each are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       1996               1995                1994
                                                 -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                      (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                      <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Expected Federal income tax expense.....  $        73.0       $      173.7       $      154.5
        Non-taxable minority interest...........          (28.6)             (22.0)             (17.6)
        Differential earnings amount............            -                  -                (16.8)
        Adjustment of tax audit reserves........            6.9                4.1               (4.6)
        Equity in unconsolidated subsidiaries...          (32.3)             (19.4)             (12.5)
        Other...................................           (9.3)             (15.9)              (2.8)
                                                 -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Federal Income Tax Expense..............  $         9.7       $      120.5       $      100.2
                                                 =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        Prior  to the  date  of  demutualization,  Equitable  Life  reduced  its
        deduction  for  policyholder  dividends  by  the  differential  earnings
        amount.  This amount was  computed,  for each tax year,  by  multiplying
        Equitable Life's average equity base, as determined for tax purposes, by
        an  estimate  of the excess of an imputed  earnings  rate for stock life
        insurance  companies over the average  mutual life insurance  companies'
        earnings rate. The  differential  earnings  amount for each tax year was
        subsequently recomputed when actual earnings rates were published by the
        Internal Revenue Service.  As a stock life insurance company,  Equitable
        Life no longer is required to reduce its policyholder dividend deduction
        by the differential  earnings amount, but differential  earnings amounts
        for pre-demutualization years were still being recomputed in 1994.

        The  components  of the net deferred  Federal  income tax account are as
        follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       DECEMBER 31, 1996                  December 31, 1995
                                                ---------------------------------  ---------------------------------
                                                    ASSETS         LIABILITIES         Assets         Liabilities
                                                ---------------  ----------------  ---------------   ---------------
                                                                           (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                     <C>              <C>               <C>               <C>        
        DAC, reserves and reinsurance..........  $       -        $      166.0      $        -        $     304.4
        Investments............................          -               328.6               -              326.9
        Compensation and related benefits......        259.2               -               293.0              -
        Other..................................          -                 1.8               -               32.3
                                                ---------------  ----------------  ---------------   ---------------
        Total..................................  $     259.2      $      496.4      $      293.0      $     663.6
                                                ===============  ================  ===============   ===============
</TABLE>

        The deferred Federal income taxes impacting  operations  reflect the net
        tax effects of temporary  differences  between the  carrying  amounts of
        assets and liabilities for financial  reporting purposes and the amounts
        used for income tax purposes. The sources of these temporary differences
        and the tax effects of each are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     1996               1995                1994
                                               -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                    (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                    <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        DAC, reserves and reinsurance.........  $      (156.2)      $       63.3       $       12.0
        Investments...........................           78.6               13.0               89.3
        Compensation and related benefits.....           22.3               30.8               10.0
        Other.................................          (32.9)              25.1              (15.1)
                                               -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Deferred Federal Income Tax
          (Benefit) Expense...................  $       (88.2)      $      132.2       $       96.2
                                               =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

                                      F-27
<PAGE>

        The Internal  Revenue Service is in the process of examining the Holding
        Company's  consolidated  Federal  income tax  returns for the years 1989
        through  1991.  Management  believes  these audits will have no material
        adverse effect on the Company's results of operations.

10)     REINSURANCE AGREEMENTS

        The Insurance Group assumes and cedes  reinsurance  with other insurance
        companies.  The Insurance Group evaluates the financial condition of its
        reinsurers to minimize its exposure to significant losses from reinsurer
        insolvencies.  The  effect  of  reinsurance  (excluding  group  life and
        health) is summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Direct premiums....................................  $       461.4       $      474.2       $      476.7
        Reinsurance assumed................................          177.5              171.3              180.5
        Reinsurance ceded..................................          (41.3)             (38.7)             (31.6)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Premiums...........................................  $       597.6       $      606.8       $      625.6
                                                            =================   ================   =================
        Universal Life and Investment-type Product
          Policy Fee Income Ceded..........................  $        48.2       $       44.0       $       27.5
                                                            =================   ================   =================
        Policyholders' Benefits Ceded......................  $        54.1       $       48.9       $       20.7
                                                            =================   ================   =================
        Interest Credited to Policyholders' Account
          Balances Ceded...................................  $        32.3       $       28.5       $       25.4
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        Effective  January 1, 1994, all in force business above $5.0 million was
        reinsured.   During  1996,  the  Company's   retention  limit  on  joint
        survivorship  policies was  increased to $15.0  million.  The  Insurance
        Group also reinsures the entire risk on certain substandard underwriting
        risks as well as in certain other cases.

        The Insurance  Group cedes 100% of its group life and health business to
        a third party  insurance  company.  Premiums ceded totaled $2.4 million,
        $260.6 million and $241.0 million for 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
        Ceded  death and  disability  benefits  totaled  $21.2  million,  $188.1
        million  and  $235.5  million  for 1996,  1995 and  1994,  respectively.
        Insurance liabilities ceded totaled $652.4 million and $724.2 million at
        December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

11)     EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

        The Company sponsors  qualified and non-qualified  defined benefit plans
        covering   substantially  all  employees  (including  certain  qualified
        part-time employees), managers and certain agents. The pension plans are
        non-contributory.  Equitable  Life's and EREIM's benefits are based on a
        cash balance formula or years of service and final average earnings,  if
        greater,  under certain  grandfathering  rules in the plans.  Alliance's
        benefits  are based on years of  credited  service,  average  final base
        salary and primary  social  security  benefits.  The  Company's  funding
        policy is to make the  minimum  contribution  required  by the  Employee
        Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.

        Components  of net periodic  pension cost (credit) for the qualified and
        non-qualified plans are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Service cost.......................................  $        33.8       $       30.0       $       30.3
        Interest cost on projected benefit obligations.....          120.8              122.0              111.0
        Actual return on assets............................         (181.4)            (309.2)              24.4
        Net amortization and deferrals.....................           43.4              155.6             (142.5)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Net Periodic Pension Cost (Credit).................  $        16.6       $       (1.6)      $       23.2
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

                                      F-28
<PAGE>

        The funded status of the qualified and non-qualified pension plans is as
        follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              DECEMBER 31,
                                                                   ------------------------------------
                                                                        1996                1995
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                              (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                        <C>                <C>         
        Actuarial present value of obligations:
          Vested..................................................  $    1,672.2       $    1,642.4
          Non-vested..............................................          10.1               10.9
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
        Accumulated Benefit Obligation............................  $    1,682.3       $    1,653.3
                                                                   ================   =================
        Plan assets at fair value.................................  $    1,626.0       $    1,503.8
        Projected benefit obligation..............................       1,765.5            1,743.0
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
        Projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets.....        (139.5)            (239.2)
        Unrecognized prior service cost...........................         (17.9)             (25.5)
        Unrecognized net loss from past experience different
          from that assumed.......................................         280.0              368.2
        Unrecognized net asset at transition......................           4.7               (7.3)
        Additional minimum liability..............................         (19.3)             (51.9)
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
        Prepaid Pension Cost......................................  $      108.0       $       44.3
                                                                   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        The  discount  rate and rate of increase in future  compensation  levels
        used in  determining  the actuarial  present value of projected  benefit
        obligations were 7.5% and 4.25%, respectively,  at December 31, 1996 and
        7.25% and 4.50%,  respectively,  at December 31, 1995.  As of January 1,
        1996 and 1995,  the expected  long-term rate of return on assets for the
        retirement plan was 10.25% and 11%, respectively.

        The  Company  recorded,  as a  reduction  of  shareholder's  equity,  an
        additional minimum pension liability of $12.9 million and $35.1 million,
        net  of  Federal   income   taxes,   at  December  31,  1996  and  1995,
        respectively,   representing  the  excess  of  the  accumulated  benefit
        obligation  over  the fair  value of plan  assets  and  accrued  pension
        liability.

        The  pension  plan's  assets  include   corporate  and  government  debt
        securities,  equity  securities,  equity real estate and shares of Group
        Trusts managed by Alliance.

        Prior to 1987, the qualified plan funded participants'  benefits through
        the purchase of non-participating annuity contracts from Equitable Life.
        Benefit payments under these contracts were approximately $34.7 million,
        $36.4 million and $38.1 million for 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

        The  Company  provides  certain  medical  and  life  insurance  benefits
        (collectively,  "postretirement  benefits")  for  qualifying  employees,
        managers and agents  retiring from the Company on or after attaining age
        55 who have at least 10 years of service.  The life  insurance  benefits
        are related to age and salary at retirement. The costs of postretirement
        benefits are  recognized in accordance  with the  provisions of SFAS No.
        106. The Company  continues to fund  postretirement  benefits costs on a
        pay-as-you-go  basis and,  for 1996,  1995 and 1994,  the  Company  made
        estimated  postretirement  benefits  payments  of $18.9  million,  $31.1
        million and $29.8 million, respectively.

                                      F-29
<PAGE>

        The  following  table  sets  forth the  postretirement  benefits  plan's
        status,  reconciled to amounts recognized in the Company's  consolidated
        financial statements:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Service cost.......................................  $         5.3       $        4.0       $        3.9
        Interest cost on accumulated postretirement
          benefits obligation..............................           34.6               34.7               28.6
        Net amortization and deferrals.....................            2.4               (2.3)              (3.9)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Net Periodic Postretirement Benefits Costs.........  $        42.3       $       36.4       $       28.6
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              DECEMBER 31,
                                                                   ------------------------------------
                                                                        1996                1995
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                              (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                        <C>                <C>         
        Accumulated postretirement benefits obligation:
          Retirees................................................  $      381.8       $      391.8
          Fully eligible active plan participants.................          50.7               50.4
          Other active plan participants..........................          60.7               64.2
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                           493.2              506.4
        Unrecognized prior service cost...........................          50.5               56.3
        Unrecognized net loss from past experience different
          from that assumed and from changes in assumptions.......        (150.5)            (181.3)
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
        Accrued Postretirement Benefits Cost......................  $      393.2       $      381.4
                                                                   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        At January 1, 1994,  medical benefits available to retirees under age 65
        are the same as those offered to active  employees and medical  benefits
        will be limited to 200% of 1993 costs for all participants.

        The  assumed   health  care  cost  trend  rate  used  in  measuring  the
        accumulated   postretirement  benefits  obligation  was  9.5%  in  1996,
        gradually  declining  to 3.5% in the  year  2009  and in 1995  was  10%,
        gradually  declining to 3.5% in the year 2008. The discount rate used in
        determining the accumulated postretirement benefits obligation was 7.50%
        and 7.25% at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

        If the health care cost trend rate assumptions were increased by 1%, the
        accumulated  postretirement  benefits obligation as of December 31, 1996
        would be  increased  7%.  The  effect  of this  change on the sum of the
        service cost and interest cost would be an increase of 8%.

12)     DERIVATIVES AND FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

        Derivatives
        -----------

        The Insurance Group primarily uses derivatives for asset/liability  risk
        management and for hedging individual securities. Derivatives mainly are
        utilized to reduce the  Insurance  Group's  exposure  to  interest  rate
        fluctuations.  Accounting for interest rate swap  transactions  is on an
        accrual   basis.   Gains  and  losses  related  to  interest  rate  swap
        transactions are amortized as yield  adjustments over the remaining life
        of the underlying  hedged  security.  Income and expense  resulting from
        interest rate swap  activities are reflected in net  investment  income.
        The  notional  amount of  matched  interest  rate swaps  outstanding  at
        December 31, 1996 was $649.9  million.  The average  unexpired  terms at
        December 31, 1996 range from 2.2 to 2.7 years. At December 31, 1996, the
        cost of  terminating  outstanding  matched  swaps in a loss position was
        $8.3 million and the unrealized  gain on outstanding  matched swaps in a
        gain  position  was $11.4  million.  The  Company  has no  intention  of
        terminating  these  contracts  prior to maturity.  During 1996, 1995 and
        1994, net gains (losses) of $.2 million, $1.4 million and $(.2) million,
        respectively, were recorded in connection with

                                      F-30
<PAGE>

        interest rate swap activity.  Equitable Life has implemented an interest
        rate cap program designed to hedge crediting rates on interest-sensitive
        individual  annuities  contracts.  The outstanding  notional  amounts at
        December 31, 1996 of contracts  purchased and sold were $5,050.0 million
        and $500.0 million, respectively. The net premium paid by Equitable Life
        on these contracts was $22.5 million and is being amortized ratably over
        the  contract  periods  ranging  from 3 to 5 years.  Income and  expense
        resulting  from this program are  reflected as an adjustment to interest
        credited to policyholders' account balances.

        Substantially  all of DLJ's  business  related to  derivatives is by its
        nature  trading  activities  which  are  primarily  for the  purpose  of
        customer  accommodations.  DLJ's derivative activities consist primarily
        of  option  writing  and  trading  in  forward  and  futures  contracts.
        Derivative  financial  instruments  have both  on-and-off  balance sheet
        implications depending on the nature of the contracts. DLJ's involvement
        in swap contracts is not significant.

        Fair Value of Financial Instruments
        -----------------------------------

        The Company  defines  fair value as the quoted  market  prices for those
        instruments  that are  actively  traded in financial  markets.  In cases
        where quoted market prices are not available,  fair values are estimated
        using  present  value  or other  valuation  techniques.  The fair  value
        estimates  are made at a  specific  point in  time,  based on  available
        market  information  and  judgments  about  the  financial   instrument,
        including estimates of timing,  amount of expected future cash flows and
        the credit standing of counterparties. Such estimates do not reflect any
        premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time
        the Company's entire holdings of a particular financial instrument,  nor
        do they consider the tax impact of the  realization of unrealized  gains
        or  losses.   In  many  cases,   the  fair  value  estimates  cannot  be
        substantiated  by  comparison  to  independent   markets,  nor  can  the
        disclosed value be realized in immediate settlement of the instrument.

        Certain  financial  instruments  are  excluded,  particularly  insurance
        liabilities  other than financial  guarantees and investment  contracts.
        Fair market  value of  off-balance-sheet  financial  instruments  of the
        Insurance Group was not material at December 31, 1996 and 1995.

        Fair  value  for  mortgage   loans  on  real  estate  are  estimated  by
        discounting  future contractual cash flows using interest rates at which
        loans with similar  characteristics  and credit  quality  would be made.
        Fair values for foreclosed mortgage loans and problem mortgage loans are
        limited to the  estimated  fair value of the  underlying  collateral  if
        lower.

        The estimated  fair values for the Company's  liabilities  under GIC and
        association  plan contracts are estimated using  contractual  cash flows
        discounted based on the T. Rowe Price GIC Index Rate for the appropriate
        duration.  For  durations  in excess of the  published  index rate,  the
        appropriate  Treasury  rate is used plus a spread  equal to the  longest
        duration GIC rate spread published.

        The estimated  fair values for those group annuity  contracts  which are
        classified  as  universal  life  type  contracts  are  measured  at  the
        estimated fair value of the underlying assets. The estimated fair values
        for single  premium  deferred  annuities  ("SPDA") are  estimated  using
        projected cash flows discounted at current offering rates. The estimated
        fair values for supplementary contracts not involving life contingencies
        ("SCNILC") and annuities certain are derived using discounted cash flows
        based upon the estimated current offering rate.

        Fair value for  long-term  debt is  determined  using  published  market
        values, where available,  or contractual cash flows discounted at market
        interest rates. The estimated fair values for non-recourse mortgage debt
        are  determined by  discounting  contractual  cash flows at a rate which
        takes  into  account  the level of  current  market  interest  rates and
        collateral  risk. The estimated  fair values for recourse  mortgage debt
        are  determined by  discounting  contractual  cash flows at a rate based
        upon  current  interest  rates of other  companies  with credit  ratings
        similar  to  the  Company.   The  Company's  fair  value  of  short-term
        borrowings approximates their carrying value.

                                      F-31
<PAGE>

        The following  table  discloses  carrying value and estimated fair value
        for financial instruments not otherwise disclosed in Notes 3, 6 and 7:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          DECEMBER 31,
                                                --------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              1996                               1995
                                                ---------------------------------  ---------------------------------
                                                   CARRYING         ESTIMATED         Carrying         Estimated
                                                    VALUE          FAIR VALUE          Value           Fair Value
                                                ---------------  ----------------  ---------------   ---------------
                                                                        (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                      <C>              <C>               <C>               <C>         
        Consolidated Financial Instruments:
        -----------------------------------
        Mortgage loans on real estate..........  $    3,133.0     $     3,394.6     $     3,638.3     $    3,973.6
        Other joint ventures...................         467.0             467.0             492.7            492.7
        Policy loans...........................       2,196.1           2,221.6           1,976.4          2,057.5
        Policyholders' account balances:
          Association plans....................          78.1              77.3             101.0            100.0
          Group annuity contracts..............       2,141.0           1,954.0           2,335.0          2,395.0
          SPDA.................................       1,062.7           1,065.7           1,265.8          1,272.0
          Annuities certain and SCNILC.........         654.9             736.2             646.4            716.7
        Long-term debt.........................       1,592.8           1,557.7           1,899.3          1,962.9

        Closed Block Financial Instruments:
        -----------------------------------
        Mortgage loans on real estate..........       1,380.7           1,425.6           1,368.8          1,461.4
        Other equity investments...............         105.0             105.0             151.6            151.6
        Policy loans...........................       1,765.9           1,798.0           1,797.2          1,891.4
        SCNILC liability.......................          30.6              34.9              34.8             39.6

        GIC Segment Financial Instruments:
        ----------------------------------
        Mortgage loans on real estate..........       1,111.1           1,220.3           1,485.8          1,666.1
        Fixed maturities.......................          42.5              42.5             107.4            107.4
        Other equity investments...............         300.5             300.5             455.9            455.9
        Guaranteed interest contracts..........         290.7             300.5             329.0            352.0
        Long-term debt.........................         102.1             102.2             135.1            136.0
</TABLE>

13)     COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

        The Company  has  provided,  from time to time,  certain  guarantees  or
        commitments  to  affiliates,  investors and others.  These  arrangements
        include commitments by the Company,  under certain  conditions:  to make
        capital  contributions of up to $244.9 million to affiliated real estate
        joint  ventures;   to  provide  equity   financing  to  certain  limited
        partnerships of $205.8 million at December 31, 1996, under existing loan
        or loan commitment agreements; and to provide short-term financing loans
        which at December 31, 1996 totaled $14.6  million.  Management  believes
        the  Company  will not  incur any  material  losses as a result of these
        commitments.

        Equitable  Life  is the  obligor  under  certain  structured  settlement
        agreements  which  it  had  entered  into  with  unaffiliated  insurance
        companies  and  beneficiaries.  To satisfy its  obligations  under these
        agreements,  Equitable  Life owns  single  premium  annuities  issued by
        previously wholly owned life insurance subsidiaries.  Equitable Life has
        directed  payment  under  these  annuities  to be made  directly  to the
        beneficiaries under the structured settlement  agreements.  A contingent
        liability exists with respect to these agreements  should the previously
        wholly  owned   subsidiaries  be  unable  to  meet  their   obligations.
        Management  believes the satisfaction of those  obligations by Equitable
        Life is remote.

        At December 31, 1996,  the Insurance  Group had $51.6 million of letters
        of credit outstanding.

                                      F-32
<PAGE>

14)     LITIGATION

        A number of lawsuits has been filed against life and health  insurers in
        the  jurisdictions  in  which  Equitable  Life and its  subsidiaries  do
        business involving insurers' sales practices,  alleged agent misconduct,
        failure to properly  supervise  agents,  and other matters.  Some of the
        lawsuits have  resulted in the award of  substantial  judgments  against
        other insurers,  including  material amounts of punitive damages,  or in
        substantial  settlements.   In  some  states,  juries  have  substantial
        discretion in awarding punitive damages.  Equitable Life, EVLICO and The
        Equitable  of  Colorado,  Inc.  ("EOC"),  like  other  life  and  health
        insurers, from time to time are involved in such litigation. To date, no
        such  lawsuit has  resulted in an award or  settlement  of any  material
        amount against the Company.  Among litigations pending against Equitable
        Life,  EVLICO and EOC of the type referred to in this  paragraph are the
        litigations described in the following eight paragraphs.

        An action entitled Golomb et al. v. The Equitable Life Assurance Society
        of the United  States was filed on January  20,  1995 in New York County
        Supreme Court. The action purports to be brought on behalf of a class of
        persons  insured after 1983 under Lifetime  Guaranteed  Renewable  Major
        Medical  Insurance  Policies issued by Equitable Life (the  "policies").
        The complaint  alleges that premium  increases for these  policies after
        1983,  all of which were filed with and  approved  by the New York State
        Insurance  Department  and certain  other state  insurance  departments,
        breached the terms of the policies,  and that statements in the policies
        and  elsewhere  concerning  premium  increases  constituted   fraudulent
        concealment,  misrepresentations  in violation of New York Insurance Law
        Section 4226 and deceptive practices under New York General Business Law
        Section 349. The  complaint  seeks a  declaratory  judgment,  injunctive
        relief  restricting  the  methods  by  which  Equitable  Life  increases
        premiums  on the  policies  in the  future,  a refund of  premiums,  and
        punitive  damages.  Plaintiffs  also have  indicated that they will seek
        damages in an  unspecified  amount.  Equitable Life moved to dismiss the
        complaint  in its entirety on the grounds that it fails to state a claim
        and that  uncontroverted  documentary  evidence  establishes  a complete
        defense to the claims.  On May 29,  1996,  the New York  County  Supreme
        Court  entered a  judgment  dismissing  the  complaint  with  prejudice.
        Plaintiffs have filed a notice of appeal of that judgment.

        In January 1996,  separate  actions were filed in Pennsylvania and Texas
        state courts  (entitled,  respectively,  Malvin et al. v. The  Equitable
        Life  Assurance  Society of the  United  States and Bowler et al. v. The
        Equitable Life Assurance  Society of the United  States),  making claims
        similar  to those in the New York  action  described  above.  The  Texas
        action  also  claims  that  Equitable  Life   misrepresented   to  Texas
        policyholders that the Texas Insurance Department had approved Equitable
        Life's rate increases.  These actions are asserted on behalf of proposed
        classes of Pennsylvania issued or renewed policyholders and Texas issued
        or renewed  policyholders,  insured under the policies. The Pennsylvania
        and Texas actions seek  compensatory and punitive damages and injunctive
        relief  restricting  the  methods  by  which  Equitable  Life  increases
        premiums  in the future  based on the common law and  statutes  of those
        states.  On February 9, 1996,  Equitable  Life removed the  Pennsylvania
        action,  Malvin,  to the  United  States  District  Court for the Middle
        District of  Pennsylvania.  Following  the decision  granting  Equitable
        Life's motion to dismiss the New York action (Golomb), on the consent of
        the  parties  the  District  Court  ordered  an  indefinite  stay of all
        proceedings in the Pennsylvania action,  pending either party's right to
        reinstate the proceeding,  and ordered that for administrative  purposes
        the  case be  deemed  administratively  closed.  On  February  2,  1996,
        Equitable  Life removed the Texas action,  Bowler,  to the United States
        District Court for the Northern  District of Texas. On May 20, 1996, the
        plaintiffs in Bowler  amended their  complaint by adding  allegations of
        misrepresentation   regarding   premium  increases  on  other  types  of
        guaranteed   renewable  major  medical  insurance   policies  issued  by
        Equitable Life up to and including 1983. On July 1, 1996, Equitable Life
        filed a  motion  for  summary  judgment  dismissing  the  first  amended
        complaint in its entirety. In August, 1996, the court granted plaintiffs
        leave to file a supplemental  complaint on behalf of a proposed class of
        Texas policyholders claiming unfair  discrimination,  breach of contract
        and other claims  arising out of alleged  differences  between  premiums
        charged  to  Texas  policyholders  and  premiums  charged  to  similarly
        situated policyholders in New York and certain other states.  Plaintiffs
        seek refunds of alleged  overcharges,  exemplary or  additional  damages
        citing

                                      F-33
<PAGE>

        Texas statutory  provisions  which among other things,  permit two times
        the  amount of  actual  damage  plus  additional  penalties  if the acts
        complained  of are  found  to be  knowingly  committed,  and  injunctive
        relief.  Equitable  Life has also  filed a motion for  summary  judgment
        dismissing the supplemental  complaint in its entirety.  Plaintiffs also
        obtained  permission  to add another  plaintiff to the first amended and
        supplemental  complaints.  Plaintiffs  have  opposed  both  motions  for
        summary  judgment and  requested  that certain  issues be found in their
        favor. Equitable Life is in the process of replying.

        On May 22, 1996, a separate  action  entitled  Bachman v. The  Equitable
        Life Assurance Society of the United States,  was filed in Florida state
        court making claims similar to those in the previously  reported  Golomb
        action.  The Florida action is asserted on behalf of a proposed class of
        Florida  issued  or  renewed  policyholders  insured  after  1983  under
        Lifetime Guaranteed Renewable Major Medical Insurance Policies issued by
        Equitable  Life.  The Florida  action  seeks  compensatory  and punitive
        damages and injunctive relief restricting the methods by which Equitable
        Life  increases  premiums  in the  future  based on  various  common law
        claims.  On June 20, 1996,  Equitable Life removed the Florida action to
        Federal court.  Equitable  Life has answered the complaint,  denying the
        material  allegations and asserting  certain  affirmative  defenses.  On
        December 6, 1996, Equitable Life filed a motion for summary judgment and
        plaintiff is expected to file its response to that motion shortly.

        On November 6, 1996, a proposed class action entitled  Fletcher,  et al.
        v. The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States,  was filed
        in California Superior Court for Fresno County, making substantially the
        same allegations  concerning premium rates and premium rate increases on
        guaranteed  renewable  policies made in the Bowler action. The complaint
        alleges,  among other things,  that differentials  between rates charged
        California policyholders and policyholders in New York and certain other
        states,  and the methods  used by Equitable  Life to  calculate  premium
        increases,  breached  the terms of its  policies,  that  Equitable  Life
        misrepresented  and concealed the facts pertaining to such differentials
        and methods in violation of California law, and that Equitable Life also
        misrepresented  that its rate  increases were approved by the California
        Insurance  Department.   Plaintiffs  seek  compensatory  damages  in  an
        unspecified amount,  rescission,  injunctive relief and attorneys' fees.
        Equitable Life removed the action to Federal court;  plaintiff has moved
        to  remand  the  case  to  state  court.  Although  the  outcome  of any
        litigation cannot be predicted with certainty, particularly in the early
        stages of an action, the Company's management believes that the ultimate
        resolution  of  the  Golomb,   Malvin,   Bowler,  Bachman  and  Fletcher
        litigations  should not have a material  adverse effect on the financial
        position of the Company. Due to the early stage of such litigations, the
        Company's management cannot make an estimate of loss, if any, or predict
        whether or not such  litigations  will have a material adverse effect on
        the Company's results of operations in any particular period.

        An action was instituted on April 6, 1995 against Equitable Life and its
        wholly owned subsidiary,  EOC, in New York state court,  entitled Sidney
        C. Cole et al. v. The  Equitable  Life  Assurance  Society of the United
        States  and The  Equitable  of  Colorado,  Inc.,  No.  95/108611  (N. Y.
        County).  The action is brought by the  holders of a joint  survivorship
        whole life policy issued by EOC. The action  purports to be on behalf of
        a class  consisting  of all persons who from  January 1, 1984  purchased
        life insurance  policies sold by Equitable Life and EOC based upon their
        allegedly  uniform sales  presentations  and policy  illustrations.  The
        complaint puts in issue various  alleged sales practices that plaintiffs
        assert,  among other things,  misrepresented  the stated number of years
        that the annual premium would need to be paid.  Plaintiffs  seek damages
        in an unspecified  amount,  imposition of a constructive trust, and seek
        to enjoin  Equitable Life and EOC from engaging in the challenged  sales
        practices.  On June 28,  1996,  the court  issued a  decision  and order
        dismissing  with  prejudice  plaintiff's  causes  of action  for  fraud,
        constructive  fraud,  breach of fiduciary duty,  negligence,  and unjust
        enrichment, and dismissing without prejudice plaintiff's cause of action
        under the New York State consumer protection statute. The only remaining
        causes   of  action   are  for   breach  of   contract   and   negligent
        misrepresentation.  Plaintiffs made a motion for reargument with respect
        to this order,  which was submitted to the court in October  1996.  This
        motion was denied by the court on December 16, 1996.

                                      F-34
<PAGE>

        On May 21,  1996,  an  action  entitled  Elton  F.  Duncan,  III v.  The
        Equitable  Life Assurance  Society of the United  States,  was commenced
        against  Equitable  Life in the Civil  District  Court for the Parish of
        Orleans, State of Louisiana.  The action is brought by an individual who
        purchased  a whole life  policy.  Plaintiff  alleges  misrepresentations
        concerning  the  extent to which  the  policy  was a proper  replacement
        policy and the number of years that the annual  premium would need to be
        paid.  Plaintiff purports to represent a class consisting of all persons
        who  purchased  whole life or universal  life  insurance  policies  from
        Equitable  Life from  January 1, 1982 to the  present.  Plaintiff  seeks
        damages,  including punitive damages,  in an unspecified amount. On July
        26, 1996, an action entitled Michael Bradley v. Equitable  Variable Life
        Insurance Company,  was commenced in New York state court. The action is
        brought by the  holder of a variable  life  insurance  policy  issued by
        EVLICO.  The plaintiff  purports to represent a class  consisting of all
        persons or entities who  purchased one or more life  insurance  policies
        issued by EVLICO  from  January 1,  1980.  The  complaint  puts at issue
        various   alleged  sales   practices   and  alleges   misrepresentations
        concerning  the  extent to which  the  policy  was a proper  replacement
        policy and the number of years that the annual  premium would need to be
        paid.  Plaintiff  seeks  damages,  including  punitive  damages,  in  an
        unspecified  amount and also seeks injunctive relief  prohibiting EVLICO
        from canceling  policies for failure to make premium payments beyond the
        alleged  stated number of years that the annual premium would need to be
        paid. On September 21, 1996 Equitable Life, EVLICO and EOC made a motion
        to have this  proceeding  moved from Kings County  Supreme  Court to New
        York County for joint trial or consolidation  with the Cole action.  The
        motion was denied by the court on January 9, 1997.  On January 10, 1997,
        plaintiffs  moved for  certification of a nationwide class consisting of
        all  persons  or  entities  who  were  sold one or more  life  insurance
        products on a "vanishing premium" basis and/or were allegedly induced to
        purchase  additional   policies  from  EVLICO,   using  the  cash  value
        accumulated  in  existing  policies,  from  January 1, 1980  through and
        including  December 31, 1996.  Plaintiffs  further moved to have Michael
        Bradley  designated  as the class  representative.  Discovery  regarding
        class certification is underway.

        On  December  12,  1996,  an action  entitled  Robert  E.  Dillon v. The
        Equitable Life Assurance  Society of the United States and The Equitable
        of Colorado,  was commenced in the United States  District Court for the
        Southern District of Florida. The action is brought by an individual who
        purchased  a joint whole life policy  from EOC.  The  complaint  puts at
        issue  various  alleged sales  practices and alleges  misrepresentations
        concerning the alleged  impropriety of  replacement  policies  issued by
        Equitable  Life and EOC and  alleged  misrepresentations  regarding  the
        number  of  years  premiums  would  have to be  paid on the  defendants'
        policies.  Plaintiff  brings  claims  for  breach  of  contract,  fraud,
        negligent  misrepresentation,  money had and received, unjust enrichment
        and imposition of a constructive trust.  Plaintiff purports to represent
        two classes of persons.  The first is a "contract class,"  consisting of
        all persons who purchased  whole or universal  life  insurance  policies
        from  Equitable  Life and EOC and from whom  Equitable Life and EOC have
        sought additional payments beyond the number of years allegedly promised
        by Equitable Life and EOC. The second is a "fraud class,"  consisting of
        all persons with an interest in policies  issued by  Equitable  Life and
        EOC at any time since  October 1, 1986.  Plaintiff  seeks  damages in an
        unspecified amount, and also seeks injunctive relief attaching Equitable
        Life's and EOC's profits from their alleged sales  practices.  Equitable
        Life's  and EOC's time to answer or move with  respect to the  complaint
        has been  extended  until  February  24,  1997.  Although the outcome of
        litigation cannot be predicted with certainty, particularly in the early
        stages of an action, the Company's management believes that the ultimate
        resolution of the Cole,  Duncan,  Bradley and Dillon  litigations should
        not have a material  adverse  effect on the  financial  position  of the
        Company.  Due to the early  stages of such  litigations,  the  Company's
        management  cannot make an estimate of loss, if any, or predict  whether
        or not any such  litigation  will have a material  adverse effect on the
        Company's results of operations in any particular period.

        On January 3, 1996, an amended complaint was filed in an action entitled
        Frank Franze Jr. and George  Busher,  individually  and on behalf of all
        others similarly situated v. The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the
        United  States,  and Equitable  Variable  Life  Insurance  Company,  No.
        94-2036 in the United States District Court for the Southern District of
        Florida.  The  action  was  brought  by two  individuals  who  purchased
        variable life insurance policies.  The plaintiffs purport to represent a
        nationwide class  consisting of all persons who purchased  variable life
        insurance  policies from Equitable  Life and EVLICO since  September 30,
        1991.  The basic  allegation of the amended  complaint is that Equitable
        Life's and EVLICO's agents were trained not to

                                      F-35
<PAGE>

        disclose  fully  that  the  product  being  sold  was  life   insurance.
        Plaintiffs  allege  violations of the Federal  securities  laws and seek
        rescission of the contracts or compensatory  damages and attorneys' fees
        and expenses.  The court denied  Equitable  Life and EVLICO's  motion to
        dismiss the amended complaint on September 24, 1996.  Equitable Life and
        EVLICO  have  answered  the  amended  complaint,  denying  the  material
        allegations and asserting certain affirmative defenses.  Currently,  the
        parties are conducting  discovery in connection with plaintiffs' attempt
        to certify a class.  On January 9, 1997,  an action  entitled  Rosemarie
        Chaviano, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated v.
        The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States, and Equitable
        Variable Life Insurance Company,  was filed in Massachusetts state court
        making  claims  similar  to  those in the  Franze  action  and  alleging
        violations of the Massachusetts  securities laws. The plaintiff purports
        to represent all persons in  Massachusetts  who purchased  variable life
        insurance  contracts from Equitable Life and EVLICO from January 9, 1993
        to  the  present.  The  Massachusetts  action  seeks  rescission  of the
        contracts  or  compensatory  damages,   attorneys'  fees,  expenses  and
        injunctive  relief.  Although  the outcome of any  litigation  cannot be
        predicted with certainty, particularly in the early stages of an action,
        the Company's  management  believes that the ultimate  resolution of the
        litigations  discussed  in this  paragraph  should  not have a  material
        adverse  effect on the  financial  position of the  Company.  Due to the
        early stages of such litigation, the Company's management cannot make an
        estimate of loss, if any, or predict  whether or not any such litigation
        will  have a  material  adverse  effect  on  the  Company's  results  of
        operations in any particular period.

        Equitable Life recently responded to a subpoena from the U.S. Department
        of Labor  ("DOL")  requesting  copies of any  third-party  appraisals in
        Equitable Life's possession  relating to the ten largest  properties (by
        value)  in  the  Prime  Property  Fund  ("PPF").  PPF  is  an  open-end,
        commingled  real estate  separate  account of Equitable Life for pension
        clients.  Equitable  Life  serves as  investment  manager in PPF and has
        retained  EREIM as advisor.  In early 1995, the DOL commenced a national
        investigation  of commingled  real estate funds with pension  investors,
        including PPF. The investigation  now appears to be focused  principally
        on appraisal and valuation procedures in respect of fund properties. The
        most recent request from the DOL seems to reflect,  at least in part, an
        interest in the relationship between the valuations for those properties
        reflected in appraisals  prepared for local property tax proceedings and
        the valuations  used by PPF for other  purposes.  At no time has the DOL
        made any  specific  allegation  that  Equitable  Life or EREIM has acted
        improperly and Equitable Life and EREIM believe that any such allegation
        would be without  foundation.  While the  outcome of this  investigation
        cannot be predicted with  certainty,  in the opinion of management,  the
        ultimate  resolution of this matter  should not have a material  adverse
        effect on the Company's  consolidated  financial  position or results of
        operations in any particular period.

        Equitable  Casualty Insurance Company  ("Casualty"),  an indirect wholly
        owned   subsidiary  of  Equitable  Life,  is  party  to  an  arbitration
        proceeding  that commenced in August 1995.  The proceeding  relates to a
        dispute among Casualty,  Houston  General  Insurance  Company  ("Houston
        General")  and  GEICO  General   Insurance   Company  ("GEICO  General")
        regarding the interpretation of a reinsurance agreement. The arbitration
        panel  issued a final  award in favor of Casualty  and GEICO  General on
        June 17, 1996.  Casualty and GEICO  General  moved in the pending  Texas
        state  court  action,  with  Houston  General's  consent,  for an  order
        confirming the arbitration  award and entering  judgment  dismissing the
        action.  The motion was granted on January 29,  1997.  The parties  have
        also  stipulated to the dismissal  without  prejudice of a related Texas
        Federal court action  brought by Houston  General  against GEICO General
        and Equitable Life. In connection  with  confirmation of the arbitration
        award,  Houston  General  paid to  Casualty  approximately  $839,600  in
        settlement of certain  reimbursement  claims by Casualty against Houston
        General.

        On July 25, 1995, a Consolidated and Supplemental Class Action Complaint
        ("Complaint")  was filed against the Alliance North American  Government
        Income Trust,  Inc. (the "Fund"),  Alliance and certain other defendants
        affiliated  with  Alliance,  including  the  Holding  Company,  alleging
        violations  of Federal  securities  laws,  fraud and breach of fiduciary
        duty in connection with the Fund's  investments in Mexican and Argentine
        securities.  The  Complaint,  which seeks  certification  of a plaintiff
        class of persons  who  purchased  or owned Class A, B or C shares of the
        Fund from March 27, 1992 through December 23, 1994, seeks an unspecified
        amount of damages,  costs,  attorneys'  fees and punitive  damages.  The
        principal  allegations of the Complaint are that the Fund purchased debt
        securities  issued by the Mexican and Argentine  governments  in amounts
        that

                                      F-36
<PAGE>

        were not permitted by the Fund's  investment  objective,  and that there
        was no  shareholder  vote to change the  investment  objective to permit
        purchases  in such  amounts.  The  Complaint  further  alleges  that the
        decline in the value of the Mexican and Argentine securities held by the
        Fund  caused the Fund's net asset value to decline to the  detriment  of
        the Fund's  shareholders.  On  September  26,  1996,  the United  States
        District  Court  for the  Southern  District  of New  York  granted  the
        defendants'  motion to dismiss all counts of the  complaint.  On October
        11, 1996,  plaintiffs filed a motion for  reconsideration of the court's
        decision  granting  defendants'  motion to  dismiss  the  Complaint.  On
        November   25,   1996,   the  court   denied   plaintiffs'   motion  for
        reconsideration.  On October  29,  1996,  plaintiffs  filed a motion for
        leave to file an amended  complaint.  The principal  allegations  of the
        proposed amended  complaint are that the Fund did not properly  disclose
        that it planned to invest in mortgage-backed  derivative  securities and
        that two  advertisements  used by the Fund  misrepresented  the risks of
        investing in the Fund.  Plaintiffs  also  reiterated  allegations in the
        Complaint  that the Fund failed to hedge  against the risks of investing
        in  foreign  securities  despite  representations  that it  would do so.
        Alliance  believes  that the  allegations  in the  Complaint are without
        merit and intends to vigorously  defend against these claims.  While the
        ultimate  outcome  of this  matter  cannot be  determined  at this time,
        management  of  Alliance  does not  expect  that it will have a material
        adverse  effect  on  Alliance's   results  of  operations  or  financial
        condition.

        On January 26, 1996, a purported purchaser of certain notes and warrants
        to  purchase  shares  of  common  stock of  Rickel  Home  Centers,  Inc.
        ("Rickel") filed a class action complaint  against  Donaldson,  Lufkin &
        Jenrette Securities  Corporation  ("DLJSC") and certain other defendants
        for unspecified  compensatory  and punitive damages in the United States
        District  Court for the  Southern  District  of New  York.  The suit was
        brought on behalf of the  purchasers  of  126,457  units  consisting  of
        $126,457,000 aggregate principal amount of 13 1/2% senior notes due 2001
        and 126,457 warrants to purchase shares of common stock of Rickel issued
        by Rickel in October 1994. The complaint  alleges  violations of Federal
        securities  laws and common law fraud against DLJSC,  as the underwriter
        of the units and as an owner of 7.3% of the common stock of Rickel,  Eos
        Partners, L.P., and General Electric Capital Corporation, each as owners
        of 44.2% of the  common  stock of  Rickel,  and  members of the Board of
        Directors of Rickel,  including a DLJSC Managing Director. The complaint
        seeks to hold  DLJSC  liable for  alleged  misstatements  and  omissions
        contained  in  the  prospectus  and  registration   statement  filed  in
        connection with the offering of the units,  alleging that the defendants
        knew of financial  losses and a decline in value of Rickel in the months
        prior  to the  offering  and  did not  disclose  such  information.  The
        complaint  also  alleges  that  Rickel  failed  to pay  its  semi-annual
        interest  payment due on the units on December  15, 1995 and that Rickel
        filed a voluntary petition for reorganization  pursuant to Chapter 11 of
        the United States  Bankruptcy Code on January 10, 1996. DLJSC intends to
        defend itself vigorously against all of the allegations contained in the
        complaint.  Although there can be no assurance, DLJ does not believe the
        outcome of this  litigation  will have a material  adverse effect on its
        financial condition. Due to the early stage of this litigation, based on
        the information  currently available to it, DLJ's management cannot make
        an estimate of loss, if any, or predict  whether or not such  litigation
        will have a material  adverse  effect on DLJ's  results of operations in
        any particular period.

        In October  1995,  DLJSC was named as a defendant  in a purported  class
        action  filed in a Texas  State Court on behalf of the holders of $550.0
        million principal amount of subordinated  redeemable discount debentures
        of National  Gypsum  Corporation  ("NGC")  canceled in connection with a
        Chapter 11 plan of reorganization  for NGC consummated in July 1993. The
        named  plaintiff  in the State  Court  action  also  filed an  adversary
        proceeding in the  Bankruptcy  Court for the Northern  District of Texas
        seeking  a   declaratory   judgment  that  the  confirmed  NGC  plan  of
        reorganization  does not bar the class action claims.  Subsequent to the
        consummation  of NGC's plan of  reorganization,  NGC's shares traded for
        values  substantially  in excess of, and in 1995 NGC was  acquired for a
        value  substantially  in excess of, the values  upon which NGC's plan of
        reorganization   was  based.  The  two  actions  arise  out  of  DLJSC's
        activities as financial advisor to NGC in the course of NGC's Chapter 11
        reorganization proceedings.  The class action complaint alleges that the
        plan of  reorganization  submitted by NGC was based upon  projections by
        NGC and DLJSC which intentionally  understated  forecasts,  and provided
        misleading  and incorrect  information in order to hide NGC's true value
        and that  defendants  breached  their  fiduciary  duties by, among other
        things,   providing  false,  misleading  or  incomplete  information  to
        deliberately  understate  the value of NGC. The class  action  complaint
        seeks  compensatory  and punitive damages  purportedly  sustained by the
        class. The Texas State Court action, which

                                      F-37
<PAGE>

        had been removed to the Bankruptcy  Court, has been remanded back to the
        state court,  which remand is being  opposed by DLJSC.  DLJSC intends to
        defend itself vigorously against all of the allegations contained in the
        complaint. Although there can be no assurance, DLJ does not believe that
        the ultimate  outcome of this  litigation  will have a material  adverse
        effect  on its  financial  condition.  Due to the  early  stage  of such
        litigation,  based upon the information currently available to it, DLJ's
        management  cannot make an estimate of loss, if any, or predict  whether
        or not such  litigation  will have a  material  adverse  effect on DLJ's
        results of operations in any particular period.

        In November and December 1995, DLJSC,  along with various other parties,
        was named as a defendant in a number of purported class actions filed in
        the U.S.  District  Court for the  Eastern  District of  Louisiana.  The
        complaints allege violations of the Federal  securities laws arising out
        of a public  offering in 1994 of $435.0  million of first mortgage notes
        of Harrah's Jazz Company and Harrah's Jazz Finance Corp.  The complaints
        seek  to  hold  DLJSC  liable  for  various  alleged  misstatements  and
        omissions  contained in the  prospectus  dated  November 9, 1994.  DLJSC
        intends  to defend  itself  vigorously  against  all of the  allegations
        contained in the  complaints.  Although  there can be no assurance,  DLJ
        does not believe that the ultimate  outcome of this litigation will have
        a material adverse effect on its financial  condition.  Due to the early
        stage of this litigation, based upon the information currently available
        to it,  DLJ's  management  cannot make an  estimate of loss,  if any, or
        predict  whether or not such  litigation  will have a  material  adverse
        effect on DLJ's results of operations in any particular period.

        In addition  to the  matters  described  above,  Equitable  Life and its
        subsidiaries  and DLJ and its subsidiaries are involved in various legal
        actions and proceedings in connection with their businesses. Some of the
        actions and  proceedings  have been brought on behalf of various alleged
        classes of  claimants  and certain of these  claimants  seek  damages of
        unspecified  amounts.  While the ultimate outcome of such matters cannot
        be predicted with certainty, in the opinion of management no such matter
        is  likely  to  have  a  material   adverse   effect  on  the  Company's
        consolidated financial position or results of operations.

15)     LEASES

        The Company  has  entered  into  operating  leases for office  space and
        certain other assets,  principally data processing  equipment and office
        furniture and  equipment.  Future minimum  payments under  noncancelable
        leases for 1997 and the succeeding four years are $113.7 million, $110.6
        million, $100.3 million, $72.3 million, $59.3 million and $427.3 million
        thereafter. Minimum future sublease rental income on these noncancelable
        leases for 1997 and the  succeeding  four years are $9.8  million,  $6.0
        million,  $4.5  million,  $2.4  million,  $.8  million  and $.1  million
        thereafter.

        At December 31, 1996, the minimum future rental income on  noncancelable
        operating  leases for wholly owned  investments  in real estate for 1997
        and the succeeding four years are $263.0 million, $242.1 million, $219.8
        million, $194.3 million, $174.6 million and $847.1 million thereafter.

                                      F-38
<PAGE>

16)     OTHER OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES

        Other operating costs and expenses consisted of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Compensation costs.................................  $       647.3       $      595.9       $      687.5
        Commissions........................................          329.5              314.3              313.0
        Short-term debt interest expense...................            8.0               11.4               19.0
        Long-term debt interest expense....................          137.3              108.1               98.3
        Amortization of policy acquisition costs...........          405.2              317.8              313.4
        Capitalization of policy acquisition costs.........         (391.9)            (391.0)            (410.9)
        Rent expense, net of sub-lease income..............          113.7              109.3              116.0
        Other..............................................          798.9              710.0              721.4
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total..............................................  $     2,048.0       $    1,775.8       $    1,857.7
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        During 1996, 1995 and 1994, the Company  restructured certain operations
        in  connection  with  cost  reduction   programs  and  recorded  pre-tax
        provisions  of  $24.4   million,   $32.0  million  and  $20.4   million,
        respectively.  The  amounts  paid  during  1996,  associated  with  cost
        reduction  programs,  totaled $17.7  million.  At December 31, 1996, the
        liabilities  associated with cost reduction  programs  amounted to $44.5
        million.  The 1996 cost reduction program included  restructuring  costs
        related to the consolidation of insurance  operations'  service centers.
        The 1995 cost reduction program included relocation expenses,  including
        the accelerated  amortization of building  improvements  associated with
        the  relocation  of the home  office.  The 1994 cost  reduction  program
        included costs  associated with the termination of operating  leases and
        employee  severance  benefits in connection with the consolidation of 16
        insurance agencies. Amortization of DAC included $145.0 million writeoff
        of DAC related to DI contracts in the fourth quarter of 1996.

17)     INSURANCE GROUP STATUTORY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

        Equitable  Life is  restricted as to the amounts it may pay as dividends
        to  the  Holding  Company.   Under  the  New  York  Insurance  Law,  the
        Superintendent  has broad discretion to determine  whether the financia1
        condition of a stock life insurance company would support the payment of
        dividends to its  shareholders.  For 1996, 1995 and 1994,  statutory net
        (loss) earnings  totaled  $(351.1)  million,  $(352.4) million and $67.5
        million,  respectively.  No amounts  are  expected to be  available  for
        dividends from Equitable Life to the Holding Company in 1997.

        At December 31, 1996, the Insurance  Group,  in accordance  with various
        government  and state  regulations,  had  $21.9  million  of  securities
        deposited with such government or state agencies.

                                      F-39
<PAGE>

        Accounting  practices used to prepare statutory financial statements for
        regulatory  filings of stock life insurance  companies differ in certain
        instances   from  GAAP.   The  New  York   Insurance   Department   (the
        "Department")   recognizes  only  statutory   accounting  practices  for
        determining  and  reporting  the  financial  condition  and  results  of
        operations of an insurance  company,  for determining its solvency under
        the New York  Insurance Law, and for  determining  whether its financial
        condition  warrants  the payment of a dividend to its  stockholders.  No
        consideration  is  given  by  the  Department  to  financial  statements
        prepared  in  accordance  with GAAP in making such  determinations.  The
        following  reconciles  the  Company's  statutory  change in surplus  and
        capital  stock and  statutory  surplus and capital  stock  determined in
        accordance with accounting  practices  prescribed by the Department with
        net earnings and equity on a GAAP basis.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Net change in statutory surplus and capital stock..  $        56.0       $       78.1       $      292.4
        Change in asset valuation reserves.................          (48.4)             365.7             (285.2)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Net change in statutory surplus, capital stock
          and asset valuation reserves.....................            7.6              443.8                7.2
        Adjustments:
          Future policy benefits and policyholders'
            account balances...............................         (298.5)             (66.0)              (5.3)
          DAC..............................................          (13.3)              73.2               97.5
          Deferred Federal income taxes....................          108.0             (158.1)             (58.7)
          Valuation of investments.........................          289.8              189.1               45.2
          Valuation of investment subsidiary...............         (117.7)            (188.6)             396.6
          Limited risk reinsurance.........................           92.5              416.9               74.9
          Contribution from the Holding Company............            -                  -               (300.0)
          Issuance of surplus notes........................            -               (538.9)               -
          Postretirement benefits..........................           28.9              (26.7)              17.1
          Other, net.......................................           12.4              115.1              (44.0)
          GAAP adjustments of Closed Block.................           (9.8)              15.7               (9.5)
          GAAP adjustments of discontinued GIC
            Segment........................................          (89.6)              37.3               42.8
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Net Earnings of the Insurance Group................  $        10.3       $      312.8       $      263.8
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 DECEMBER 31,
                                                            --------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Statutory surplus and capital stock................  $     2,258.9       $    2,202.9       $    2,124.8
        Asset valuation reserves...........................        1,297.5            1,345.9              980.2
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Statutory surplus, capital stock and asset
          valuation reserves...............................        3,556.4            3,548.8            3,105.0
        Adjustments:
          Future policy benefits and policyholders'
            account balances...............................       (1,305.0)          (1,006.5)            (940.5)
          DAC..............................................        3,104.9            3,075.8            3,219.4
          Deferred Federal income taxes....................         (306.1)            (452.0)             (29.4)
          Valuation of investments.........................          286.8              417.7             (794.1)
          Valuation of investment subsidiary...............         (782.8)            (665.1)            (476.5)
          Limited risk reinsurance.........................         (336.5)            (429.0)            (845.9)
          Issuance of surplus notes........................         (539.0)            (538.9)               -
          Postretirement benefits..........................         (314.4)            (343.3)            (316.6)
          Other, net.......................................          126.3                4.4              (79.2)
          GAAP adjustments of Closed Block.................          783.7              830.8              740.4
          GAAP adjustments of discontinued GIC
            Segment........................................         (190.3)            (184.6)            (221.9)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Equity of the Insurance Group......................  $     4,084.0       $    4,258.1       $    3,360.7
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

                                      F-40
<PAGE>

18)     BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION

        The Company has two major business  segments:  Insurance  Operations and
        Investment  Services.  Interest  expense related to debt not specific to
        either  business  segment is presented as  Corporate  interest  expense.
        Information for all periods is presented on a comparable basis.

        The  Insurance  Operations  segment  offers a  variety  of  traditional,
        variable and  interest-sensitive  life  insurance  products,  disability
        income,  annuity products,  mutual fund and other investment products to
        individuals and small groups and administers  traditional  participating
        group  annuity  contracts  with  conversion   features,   generally  for
        corporate  qualified  pension plans, and association plans which provide
        full  service  retirement  programs  for  individuals   affiliated  with
        professional  and trade  associations.  This segment  includes  Separate
        Accounts for individual insurance and annuity products.

        The Investment  Services  segment  provides  investment fund management,
        primarily to institutional  clients. This segment includes the Company's
        equity  interest in DLJ and  Separate  Accounts  which  provide  various
        investment  options for group  clients  through  pooled or single  group
        accounts.

        Intersegment  investment advisory and other fees of approximately $127.5
        million,  $124.1  million and $135.3  million  for 1996,  1995 and 1994,
        respectively,  are included in total revenues of the Investment Services
        segment.  These fees,  excluding amounts related to the discontinued GIC
        Segment of $15.7 million, $14.7 million and $27.4 million for 1996, 1995
        and 1994, respectively, are eliminated in consolidation.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Revenues
        Insurance operations...............................  $     3,742.9       $    3,614.6       $    3,507.4
        Investment services................................        1,126.1              949.1              935.2
        Consolidation/elimination..........................          (24.5)             (34.9)             (27.2)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total..............................................  $     4,844.5       $    4,528.8       $    4,415.4
                                                            =================   ================   =================
        Earnings (loss) from continuing  operations
          before Federal income taxes, minority interest
          and cumulative effect of accounting change
        Insurance operations...............................  $       (36.6)      $      303.1       $      327.5
        Investment services................................          311.9              224.0              227.9
        Consolidation/elimination..........................             .2               (3.1)                .3
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
              Subtotal.....................................          275.5              524.0              555.7
        Corporate interest expense.........................          (66.9)             (27.9)            (114.2)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total..............................................  $       208.6       $      496.1       $      441.5
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

                                                   DECEMBER 31,
                                        ------------------------------------
                                             1996                1995
                                        ----------------   -----------------
                                                   (IN MILLIONS)

        Assets
        Insurance operations...........  $    60,464.9      $    56,720.5
        Investment services............       13,542.5           12,842.9
        Consolidation/elimination......         (399.6)            (354.4)
                                        ----------------   -----------------
        Total..........................  $    73,607.8      $    69,209.0
                                        ================   =================

                                      F-41
<PAGE>

19)     QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

        The quarterly  results of operations  for 1996 and 1995,  are summarized
        below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                       ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           MARCH 31           JUNE 30           SEPTEMBER 30          DECEMBER 31
                                       -----------------  -----------------   ------------------   ------------------
                                                                        (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                            <C>                <C>                 <C>                  <C>         
        1996
        ----
        Total Revenues................  $     1,169.7      $     1,193.6       $    1,193.6         $    1,287.6
                                       =================  =================   ==================   ==================
        Earnings (Loss) from
          Continuing Operations
          before Cumulative Effect
          of Accounting Change........  $        94.8      $        87.1       $       93.2         $     (157.9)
                                       =================  =================   ==================   ==================
        Net Earnings (Loss)...........  $        71.7      $        87.1       $       93.2         $     (241.7)
                                       =================  =================   ==================   ==================
        1995
        ----
        Total Revenues................  $     1,079.1      $     1,164.0       $    1,138.8         $    1,146.9
                                       =================  =================   ==================   ==================
        Net Earnings..................  $        66.3      $       101.7       $      100.2         $       44.6
                                       =================  =================   ==================   ==================
</TABLE>

        The quarterly results of operations for 1996 and 1995 have been restated
        to reflect the Company's accounting change adopted in the fourth quarter
        of 1996 for  long-duration  participating  life  contracts in accordance
        with the  provisions  prescribed  by SFAS No. 120.  Net earnings for the
        three months ended December 31, 1996 includes a charge of $339.3 million
        related to writeoffs of DAC on DI  contracts of $94.3  million,  reserve
        strengthening  on DI  business of $113.7  million,  pension par of $47.5
        million and the discontinued GIC Segment of $83.8 million.

20)     INVESTMENT IN DLJ

        On December  15,  1993,  the Company  sold a 61%  interest in DLJ to the
        Holding Company for $800.0 million in cash and securities. The excess of
        the  proceeds  over the book  value in DLJ at the date of sale of $340.2
        million  has been  reflected  as a capital  contribution.  In 1995,  DLJ
        completed the initial public offering ("IPO") of 10.58 million shares of
        its common stock,  which included 7.28 million of the Holding  Company's
        shares in DLJ,  priced at $27 per share.  Concurrent  with the IPO,  the
        Company  contributed  equity  securities to DLJ having a market value of
        $21.2  million.  Upon  completion  of the IPO, the  Company's  ownership
        percentage was reduced to 36.1%. The Company's  ownership  interest will
        be further  reduced  upon the issuance of common stock after the vesting
        of forfeitable restricted stock units acquired by and/or the exercise of
        options  granted to certain DLJ employees.  DLJ  restricted  stock units
        represents  forfeitable  rights to  receive  approximately  5.2  million
        shares of DLJ common stock through February 2000.

        The results of  operations  of DLJ are accounted for on the equity basis
        and  are  included  in  commissions,   fees  and  other  income  in  the
        consolidated statements of earnings. The Company's carrying value of DLJ
        is included in investment in and loans to affiliates in the consolidated
        balance sheets.

                                      F-42
<PAGE>

        Summarized  balance  sheets  information  for  DLJ,  reconciled  to  the
        Company's carrying value of DLJ, are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                ------------------------------------
                                                                                     1996                1995
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                           (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                                     <C>                <C>         
        Assets:
        Trading account securities, at market value............................  $   15,728.1       $   10,821.3
        Securities purchased under resale agreements...........................      20,598.7           18,748.2
        Broker-dealer related receivables......................................      16,525.9           13,023.7
        Other assets...........................................................       2,651.0            1,983.3
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Total Assets...........................................................  $   55,503.7       $   44,576.5
                                                                                ================   =================
        Liabilities:
        Securities sold under repurchase agreements............................  $   29,378.3       $   26,744.8
        Broker-dealer related payables.........................................      19,409.7           12,915.5
        Short-term and long-term debt..........................................       2,704.5            1,742.0
        Other liabilities......................................................       2,164.0            1,750.5
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Total liabilities......................................................      53,656.5           43,152.8
        Cumulative exchangeable preferred stock................................           -                225.0
        DLJ's company-obligated mandatorily redeemed preferred
          securities of subsidiary trust holding solely debentures of DLJ......         200.0                -
        Total shareholders' equity.............................................       1,647.2            1,198.7
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Total Liabilities, Cumulative Exchangeable Preferred Stock and
          Shareholders' Equity.................................................  $   55,503.7       $   44,576.5
                                                                                ================   =================
        DLJ's equity as reported...............................................  $    1,647.2       $    1,198.7
        Unamortized cost in excess of net assets acquired in 1985
          and other adjustments................................................          23.9               40.5
        The Holding Company's equity ownership in DLJ..........................        (590.2)            (499.0)
        Minority interest in DLJ...............................................        (588.6)            (324.3)
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        The Company's Carrying Value of DLJ....................................  $      492.3       $      415.9
                                                                                ================   =================
</TABLE>

        Summarized  statements of earnings information for DLJ reconciled to the
        Company's equity in earnings of DLJ is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     1996                1995
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                           (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                                     <C>                <C>         
        Commission, fees and other income......................................  $    1,818.2       $    1,325.9
        Net investment income..................................................       1,074.2              904.1
        Dealer, trading and investment gains, net..............................         598.4              528.6
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Total revenues.........................................................       3,490.8            2,758.6
        Total expenses including income taxes..................................       3,199.5            2,579.5
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Net earnings...........................................................         291.3              179.1
        Dividends on preferred stock...........................................          18.7               19.9
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Earnings Applicable to Common Shares...................................  $      272.6       $      159.2
                                                                                ================   =================
        DLJ's earnings applicable to common shares as reported.................  $      272.6       $      159.2
        Amortization of cost in excess of net assets acquired in 1985..........          (3.1)              (3.9)
        The Holding Company's equity in DLJ's earnings.........................        (107.8)             (90.4)
        Minority interest in DLJ...............................................         (73.4)              (6.5)
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        The Company's Equity in DLJ's Earnings.................................  $       88.3       $       58.4
                                                                                ================   =================
</TABLE>

                                      F-43
<PAGE>

21)     ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

        The  Holding  Company  sponsors a stock  option  plan for  employees  of
        Equitable  Life.  DLJ and Alliance  each sponsor  their own stock option
        plans for certain employees.  The Company elected to continue to account
        for stock-based compensation using the intrinsic value method prescribed
        in APB Opinion No. 25. Had  compensation  expense of the Company's stock
        option  incentive plans for options granted after December 31, 1994 been
        determined  based on the  estimated  fair  value at the grant  dates for
        awards  under those  plans,  the  Company's  pro forma net  earnings and
        earnings per share for 1996 and 1995 would have been as follows:

                                    1996              1995
                               ---------------   ---------------
                                        (IN MILLIONS)
        Net Earnings
          As Reported.........  $       10.3      $     312.8
          Pro Forma...........  $        3.2      $     311.3

        The fair value of options and units  granted  after  December  31, 1994,
        used as a basis for the above pro forma disclosures, was estimated as of
        the date of grants using Black-Scholes option pricing models. The option
        and unit pricing assumptions for 1996 and 1995 are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      HOLDING COMPANY                    DLJ                        ALLIANCE
                                  -------------------------   --------------------------  -----------------------------
                                     1996          1995          1996          1995           1996            1995
                                  -----------   -----------   -----------   ------------  -------------   -------------
        <S>                        <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>          <C>             <C>       
        Dividend yield...........     0.80%         0.96%         1.54%         1.85%         8.0%            8.0%
        Expected volatility......    20.00%        20.00%        25.00%        25.00%        23.00%          23.00%
        Risk-free interest rate..     5.92%         6.83%         6.07%         5.86%         5.80%           6.00%

        Expected Life............  5 YEARS       5 years       5 YEARS        5 years      7.43 YEARS      7.43 years
        Weighted fair value
          per option granted.....    $6.94         $5.90         $9.35          -            $2.69           $2.24
</TABLE>

                                      F-44
<PAGE>

        A  summary  of the  Holding  Company  and DLJ  stock  option  plans  and
        Alliance's Unit option plans are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          HOLDING COMPANY                       DLJ                           ALLIANCE
                                    -----------------------------   -----------------------------   -----------------------------
                                                      Options                         Options                         Options
                                                    Outstanding                     Outstanding                     Outstanding
                                                      Weighted                        Weighted                        Weighted
                                                      Average                         Average                         Average
                                      Shares         Exercise          Shares        Exercise           Units         Exercise
                                    (In Millions)      Price        (In Millions)     Price         (In Millions)      Price
                                    -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
        <S>                         <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
        Balance as of
          January 1, 1994........         6.1                             -                               3.2
          Granted................          .7                             -                               1.2
          Exercised..............         -                               -                               (.5)
          Forfeited..............         -                               -                               (.1)
                                    -------------                   -------------                   -------------
        Balance as of
          December 31, 1994......         6.8                             -                               3.8
          Granted................          .4                             9.2                             1.8
          Exercised..............         (.1)                            -                               (.5)
          Expired................         (.1)                            -                               -
          Forfeited..............         (.3)                            -                               (.3)
                                    -------------                   -------------                   -------------
        Balance as of
          December 31, 1995......         6.7           $20.27            9.2          $27.00             4.8           $17.72
          Granted................          .7           $24.94            2.1          $32.54              .7           $25.12
          Exercised..............         (.1)          $19.91            -              -                (.4)          $13.64
          Expired................         (.6)          $20.21            -              -                -               -
          Forfeited..............         -               -               (.2)         $27.00             (.1)          $19.32
                                    -------------                   -------------                   -------------
        Balance as of
          December 31, 1996......         6.7           $20.79           11.1          $28.06             5.0           $19.07
                                    =============   =============   =============   =============   =============   =============
</TABLE>

                                      F-45
<PAGE>

        Information  with  respect  to stock and unit  options  outstanding  and
        exercisable at December 31, 1996 is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      Options Outstanding                                          Options Exercisable
        -------------------------------------------------------------------------------    --------------------------------------
                                                       Weighted
                                                        Average           Weighted                                 Weighted
              Range of               Number            Remaining           Average               Number             Average
              Exercise            Outstanding         Contractual         Exercise            Exercisable           Exercise
               Prices            (In Millions)        Life (Years)          Price            (In Millions)           Price
        ---------------------   -----------------   ---------------   -----------------    -------------------   ----------------
        <S>                     <C>                 <C>               <C>                  <C>                   <C>
               Holding
               Company
        ---------------------
        $18.125-$27.75                 6.7                 7.00             $20.79                3.4                $20.18
                                =================   ===============   =================    ===================   ================

                 DLJ
        ---------------------
        $27.00-$33.50                 11.1                 9.00             $28.06                -                    -
                                =================   ===============   =================    ===================   ================

              Alliance
        ---------------------
        $ 6.0625-$15.9375              1.3                 4.76             $12.97                1.2                $12.58
        $16.3125-$19.75                1.1                 8.19             $19.13                 .2                $18.69
        $19.875 -$19.875               1.0                 7.36             $19.88                 .4                $19.88
        $20.75  -$24.375                .9                 8.46             $22.05                 .3                $21.84
        $24.375 -$25.125                .7                 9.96             $25.13                -                    -
                                -----------------                                          -------------------  
        $ 6.0625-$25.125               5.0                 7.43             $19.07                2.1                $15.84
                                =================   ===============   =================    ===================   ================
</TABLE>

                                      F-46

<PAGE>

    
   
                  INCOME MANAGER(SERVICE MARK) ROLLOVER IRA 
                     STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

                                 MAY 1, 1997 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

                           COMBINATION VARIABLE AND 
                     FIXED DEFERRED ANNUITY CERTIFICATES 
                              FUNDED THROUGH THE 
                               INVESTMENT FUNDS 
                          OF SEPARATE ACCOUNT NO. 45 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  EQUITY SERIES 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
DOMESTIC EQUITY                     INTERNATIONAL EQUITY                      AGGRESSIVE EQUITY 
<S>                                 <C>                                       <C>
 Alliance Common Stock               Alliance Global                           Alliance Aggressive Stock 
 Alliance Growth & Income            Alliance International                    Alliance Small Cap Growth 
 EQ/Putnam Growth & Income Value     Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Equity    MFS Emerging Growth Companies 
 MFS Research                        T. Rowe Price International Stock         Warburg Pincus Small Company Value 
 Merrill Lynch Basic Value Equity 
 T. Rowe Price Equity Income 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
</TABLE>
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
       ASSET ALLOCATION SERIES                         FIXED INCOME SERIES 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
<S>                                      <C>                         <C>
Alliance Conservative Investors          AGGRESSIVE FIXED INCOME     DOMESTIC FIXED INCOME 
Alliance Growth Investors                 Alliance High Yield         Alliance Intermediate Government Securities 
EQ/Putnam Balanced                                                    Alliance Money Market 
Merrill Lynch World Strategy 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
</TABLE>
    

                                  ISSUED BY: 
          THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
     Home Office:            1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10104 
     Processing Office:      Post Office Box 1547, Secaucus, NJ 07096-1547 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This statement of additional information (SAI) is not a prospectus. It should 
be read in conjunction with the Separate Account No. 45 prospectus supplement 
for the Rollover IRA, dated May 1, 1997 and the prospectus for the Rollover 
IRA, dated October 17, 1996. Definitions of special terms used in the SAI are 
found in the prospectus. 
    

   A copy of the prospectus is available free of charge by writing the 
Processing Office, by calling 1-800-789-7771, toll-free, or by contacting 
your Registered Representative. 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 
                              TABLE OF CONTENTS 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            PAGE 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------- 
<S>                                                                                      <C>
Part 1 Minimum Distribution Withdrawals                                                      2 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------- 
Part 2 Accumulation Unit Values                                                              2 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------- 
Part 3 Annuity Unit Values                                                                   2 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------- 
Part 4 Custodian and Independent Accountants                                                 3 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------- 
Part 5 Alliance Money Market Fund and Alliance Intermediate Government Securities Fund 
        Yield Information                                                                    3 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------- 
Part 6 Long-Term Market Trends                                                               5 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------- 
Part 7 Financial Statements                                                                  7 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------- 

</TABLE>
    

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
                                Copyright 1997
     The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States, New York,
                               New York 10104.
                             All rights reserved.
    
                            
<PAGE>
PART 1 - MINIMUM DISTRIBUTION
  WITHDRAWALS 

If you elect Minimum Distribution Withdrawals described in Part 6 of the 
prospectus, each year we calculate the Minimum Distribution Withdrawal amount 
by using the value of your IRA as of December 31 of the prior calendar year. 
We then calculate the minimum distribution amount based on the various 
choices you make. This calculation takes into account withdrawals made during 
the current calendar year but prior to the date we determine your Minimum 
Distribution Withdrawal amount, except that when Minimum Distribution 
Withdrawals are elected in the year in which you attain age 71 1/2, no 
adjustment will be made for any withdrawals made between January 1 and April 
1 in satisfaction of the minimum distribution requirement for the prior year. 

An election can also be made (1) to have us recalculate your life expectancy, 
or joint life expectancies, each year or (2) to have us determine your life 
expectancy, or joint life expectancies, once and then subtract one year, each 
year, from that amount. The joint life options are only available if the 
spouse is the beneficiary. However, if you first elect Minimum Distribution 
Withdrawals after April 1 of the year following the calendar year in which 
you attain age 70 1/2, option (1) will apply. 

PART 2 - ACCUMULATION 
 UNIT VALUES 

Accumulation Unit Values are determined at the end of each Valuation Period 
for each of the Investment Funds. Other annuity contracts and certificates 
which may be offered by us will have their own accumulation unit values for 
the Investment Funds which may be different from those for the Rollover IRA. 

The Accumulation Unit Value for an Investment Fund for any Valuation Period 
is equal to the Accumulation Unit Value for the preceding Valuation Period 
multiplied by the Net Investment Factor for that Investment Fund for that 
Valuation Period. The NET INVESTMENT FACTOR is (a)-c where: 
                                                b 

   
(a)    is the value of the Investment Fund's shares of the corresponding 
       Portfolio at the end of the Valuation Period before giving effect to 
       any amounts allocated to or withdrawn from the Investment Fund for the 
       Valuation Period. For this purpose, we use the share value reported to 
       us by HR Trust or EQ Trust, as applicable. 
    

(b)    is the value of the Investment Fund's shares of the corresponding 
       Portfolio at the end of the preceding Valuation Period (after any 
       amounts allocated or withdrawn for that Valuation Period). 

(c)    is the daily Separate Account mortality and expense risk charge and 
       asset based administrative charge relating to the Certificates, times 
       the number of calendar days in the Valuation Period. These daily 
       charges are at an effective annual rate not to exceed a total of 1.15%. 

PART 3 - ANNUITY UNIT VALUES 

The annuity unit value was fixed at $1.00 on May 1, 1995 for Certificates 
with assumed base rates of net investment return of both 5% and 3 1/2% a 
year. For each Valuation Period after that date, it is the annuity unit value 
for the immediately preceding Valuation Period multiplied by the adjusted Net 
Investment Factor under the Certificate. For each Valuation Period, the 
adjusted Net Investment Factor is equal to the Net Investment Factor reduced 
for each day in the Valuation Period by: 

o      .00013366 of the Net Investment Factor if the assumed base rate of net 
       investment return is 5% a year; or 

o      .00009425 of the Net Investment Factor if the assumed base rate of net 
       investment return is 3 1/2%. 

Because of this adjustment, the annuity unit value rises and falls depending 
on whether the actual rate of net investment return (after deduction of 
charges) is higher or lower than the assumed base rate. 

All Certificates have a 5% assumed base rate of net investment return, except 
in states where that rate is not permitted. Annuity payments under 
Certificates with an assumed base rate of 3 1/2% will at first be smaller 
than those under Certificates with a 5% assumed base rate. Payments under the 
3 1/2% Certificates, however, will rise more rapidly when unit values are 
rising, and payments will fall more slowly when unit values are falling than 
those under 5% Certificates. 

                                2           
<PAGE>
The amounts of variable annuity payments are determined as follows: 

Payments normally start on the Business Day specified on your election form, 
or on such other future date as specified therein and are made on a monthly 
basis. The first three payments are of equal amounts. Each of the first three 
payments will be based on the amount specified in the Tables of Guaranteed 
Annuity Payments in the Certificate. 

The first three payments depend on the assumed base rate of net investment 
return and the form of annuity chosen (and any fixed period). If the annuity 
involved a life contingency, the risk class and the age of the annuitants 
will affect payments. 

   
The amount of the fourth and each later payment will vary according to the 
investment performance of the Alliance Common Stock Fund. Each monthly 
payment will be calculated by multiplying the number of annuity units 
credited by the average annuity unit value for the second calendar month 
immediately preceding the due date of the payment. The number of units is 
calculated by dividing the first monthly payment by the annuity unit value 
for the Valuation Period which includes the due date of the first monthly 
payment. The average annuity unit value is the average of the annuity unit 
values for the Valuation Periods ending in that month. Variable income 
annuities may also be available by separate prospectus through the Alliance 
Common Stock or other Funds of other separate accounts we offer. 
    

Illustration of Changes in Annuity Unit Values. To show how we determine 
variable annuity payments from month to month, assume that the Annuity 
Account Value on an Annuity Commencement Date is enough to fund an annuity 
with a monthly payment of $363 and that the annuity unit value for the 
Valuation Period that includes the due date of the first annuity payment is 
$1.05. The number of annuity units credited under the contract would be 
345.71 (363 divided by 1.05 = 345.71). 

If the fourth monthly payment is due in March, and the average annuity unit 
value for January was $1.10, the annuity payment for March would be the 
number of units (345.71) times the average annuity unit value ($1.10), or 
$380.28. If the average annuity unit value was $1 in February, the annuity 
payment for April would be 345.71 times $1, or $345.71. 

PART 4 - CUSTODIAN AND 
 INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS 

   
Equitable Life is the custodian for shares of the HR Trust and EQ Trust owned 
by the Separate Account. 

The financial statements of the Separate Account for the period ended 
December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the consolidated financial statements and 
consolidated financial statement schedules of Equitable Life at December 31, 
1996 and 1995 and for each of the three years ended December 31, 1996 
included in the SAI have been audited by Price Waterhouse LLP. 

The financial statements of the Separate Account for the period ended 
December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the consolidated financial statements and 
consolidated financial statement schedules of Equitable Life at December 31, 
1996 and 1995 and for each of the three years ended December 31, 1996 
included in this SAI have been so included in reliance on the reports of 
Price Waterhouse LLP, independent accountants, given on the authority of such 
firm as experts in accounting and auditing. 

PART 5 - ALLIANCE MONEY 
 MARKET FUND AND 
 ALLIANCE INTERMEDIATE 
 GOVERNMENT SECURITIES 
 FUND YIELD INFORMATION 

Alliance Money Market Fund 

The Alliance Money Market Fund calculates yield information for seven-day 
periods. The seven-day current yield calculation is based on a hypothetical 
Certificate with one Accumulation Unit at the beginning of the period. To 
determine the seven-day rate of return, the net change in the Accumulation 
Unit Value is computed by subtracting the Accumulation Unit Value at the 
beginning of the period from an Accumulation Unit Value, exclusive of capital 
changes, at the end of the period. 
    

The net change is then reduced by the average contract fee factor (explained 
below). This reduction is made to recognize the deduction of the annual 
contract fee, which is not reflected in the unit value. See "Annual Contract 
Fee" in Part 7 of the prospectus. 

   
Accumulation Unit Values reflect all other accrued expenses of the Alliance 
Money Market Fund but do not reflect the distribution fee, the withdrawal 
charge, the GMDB/GMIB charge or any charges for applicable taxes such as 
state or local premium taxes. 
    

                                3           
<PAGE>
The adjusted net change is divided by the Accumulation Unit Value at the 
beginning of the period to obtain the adjusted base period rate of return. 
This seven-day adjusted base period return is then multiplied by 365/7 to 
produce an annualized seven-day current yield figure carried to the nearest 
one-hundredth of one percent. 

   
The actual dollar amount of the annual contract fee that is deducted from the 
Alliance Money Market Fund will vary for each Certificate depending upon the 
percentage of the Annuity Account Value allocated to the Alliance Money 
Market Fund. To determine the effect of the annual contract fee on the yield, 
we start with the total dollar amounts of the charges deducted from the Fund 
during the 12-month period ending on the last day of the prior year. The 
amount is multiplied by 7/365 to produce an average contract fee factor which 
is used in all weekly yield computations for the ensuing year. The average 
contract fee factor is then divided by the number of Rollover IRA Alliance 
Money Market Fund Accumulation Units as of the end of the prior calendar 
year, and the resulting quotient is deducted from the net change in 
Accumulation Unit Value for the seven-day period. 

The effective yield is obtained by modifying the current yield to give effect 
to the compounding nature of the Alliance Money Market Fund's investments, as 
follows: the unannualized adjusted base period return is compounded by adding 
one to the adjusted base period return, raising the sum to a power equal to 
365 divided by 7, and subtracting one from the result, i.e., effective yield 
= (base period return + 1) 365/7-1. The Alliance Money Market Fund yields 
will fluctuate daily. Accordingly, yields for any given period are not 
necessarily representative of future results. In addition, the value of 
Accumulation Units of the Alliance Money Market Fund will fluctuate and not 
remain constant. 

Alliance Intermediate Government Securities Fund 

The Alliance Intermediate Government Securities Fund calculates yield 
information for 30-day periods. The 30-day current yield calculation is based 
on a hypothetical Certificate with one Accumulation Unit at the beginning of 
the period. To determine the 30-day rate of return, the net change in the 
Accumulation Unit Value is computed by subtracting the Accumulation Unit 
Value at the beginning of the period from an Accumulation Unit Value, 
exclusive of capital changes, at the end of the period. 
    

The net change is then reduced by the average contract fee factor (explained 
below). This reduction is made to recognize the deduction of the annual 
contract fee, which is not reflected in the unit value. See "Annual Contract 
Fee" in Part 7 of the prospectus. 

   
Accumulation Unit Values reflect all other accrued expenses of the Alliance 
Intermediate Government Securities Fund but do not reflect the distribution 
fee, the withdrawal charge, the GMDB/GMIB charge or any charges for 
applicable taxes such as state or local premium taxes. 
    

The adjusted net change is divided by the Accumulation Unit Value at the 
beginning of the period to obtain the adjusted base period rate of return. 
This 30-day adjusted base period return is then multiplied by 365/30 to 
produce an annualized 30-day current yield figure carried to the nearest 
one-hundredth of one percent. 

   
The actual dollar amount of the annual contract fee that is deducted from the 
Alliance Intermediate Government Securities Fund will vary for each 
Certificate depending upon the percentage of the Annuity Account Value 
allocated to the Alliance Intermediate Government Securities Fund. To 
determine the effect of the annual contract fee on the yield, we start with 
the total dollar amounts of the charges deducted from the Fund during the 
12-month period ending on the last day of the prior year. The amount is 
multiplied by 30/365 to produce an average contract fee factor which is used 
in all 30-day yield computations for the ensuing year. The average contract 
fee is then divided by the number of Rollover IRA Alliance ntermediate 
Government Securities Fund Accumulation Units as of the end of the prior 
calendar year, and the resulting quotient is deducted from the net change in 
Accumulation Unit Value for the 30-day period. 

The effective yield is obtained by modifying the current yield to give effect 
to the compounding nature of the Alliance Intermediate Government Securities 
Fund's investments, as follows: the unannualized adjusted base period return 
is compounded by adding one to the adjusted base period return, raising the 
sum to a power equal to 365 divided by 30, and subtracting one from the 
result, i.e., effective yield = (base period return + 1) 365/30 - 1. 
Alliance Intermediate Government Securities Fund yields will fluctuate daily. 
Accordingly, yields for any given period are not necessarily representative 
of future results. In addition, the 
    

                                4           
<PAGE>
   
value of Accumulation Units of the Alliance Intermediate Government 
Securities Fund will fluctuate and not remain constant. 

Alliance Money Market Fund and Alliance Intermediate Government Securities 
Fund Yield Information 

The Alliance Money Market Fund and Alliance Intermediate Government 
Securities Fund yields reflect charges that are not normally reflected in the 
yields of other investments and therefore may be lower when compared with 
yields of other investments. Alliance Money Market Fund and Alliance 
Intermediate Government Securities Fund yields should not be compared to the 
return on fixed rate investments which guarantee rates of interest for 
specified periods, such as the Guarantee Periods. Nor should the yield be 
compared to the yield of money market funds or government securities funds 
made available to the general public. 

The seven-day current yield for the Alliance Money Market Fund was 4.03% for 
the period ended December 31, 1996. The effective yield for that period was 
4.11%. 

The 30-day current yield for the Alliance Intermediate Government Securities 
Fund was 4.45% for the period ended December 31, 1996. The effective yield 
for that period was 4.54%. 

Because the above yields reflect the deduction of Separate Account expenses, 
including the annual administrative charge, they are lower than the 
corresponding yield figures for the Alliance Money Market Portfolio and 
Alliance Intermediate Government Securities Portfolio which reflect only the 
deduction of HR Trust-level expenses. 
    

PART 6 - LONG-TERM MARKET 
 TRENDS 

As a tool for understanding how different investment strategies may affect 
long-term results, it may be useful to consider the historical returns on 
different types of assets. The following charts present historical return 
trends for various types of securities. The information presented, while not 
directly related to the performance of the Investment Funds, helps to provide 
a perspective on the potential returns of different asset classes over 
different periods of time. By combining this information with knowledge of 
your own financial needs (e.g., the length of time until you retire, your 
financial requirements at retirement), you may be able to better determine 
how you wish to allocate contributions among the Rollover IRA Investment 
Funds. 

Historically, the long-term investment performance of common stocks has 
generally been superior to that of long-or short-term debt securities. For 
those investors who have many years until retirement, or whose primary focus 
is on long-term growth potential and protection against inflation, there may 
be advantages to allocating some or all of their Annuity Account Value to 
those Investment Funds that invest in stocks. 

   
                   Growth of $1 Invested on January 1, 1956 
                     (Values are as of last business day) 
 
[THE FOLLOWING TABLE WAS REPRESENTED AS A STACKED
AREA GRAPH IN THE PROSPECTUS]


- ------------------------------------------
	      S&P 500
	      TOTAL	  U.S.
	      RETURN	  INFLATION
- ------------------------------------------
	      INDEX	  VALUE
- ------------------------------------------
Dec 1956      1.07        1.03
Dec 1957      0.95        1.06
Dec 1958      1.36        1.08
Dec 1959      1.53        1.09
Dec 1960      1.53        1.11
Dec 1961      1.95        1.12
Dec 1962      1.78        1.13
Dec 1963      2.18        1.15
Dec 1964      2.54        1.16
Dec 1965      2.86        1.19
Dec 1966      2.57	  1.23
Dec 1967      3.18	  1.26
Dec 1968      3.34        1.32
Dec 1969      3.24	  1.40
Dec 1970      3.37	  1.48
Dec 1971      3.85	  1.53
Dec 1972      4.58	  1.58
Dec 1973      3.91	  1.72
Dec 1974      2.87	  1.83
Dec 1975      3.94	  2.07
Dec 1976      4.88	  2.17
Dec 1977      4.53	  2.31
Dec 1978      4.83	  2.52
Dec 1979      5.72   	  2.86
Dec 1980      7.57	  3.21
Dec 1981      7.20	  3.50
Dec 1982      8.74	  3.64
Dec 1983     10.71	  3.77
Dec 1984     11.38	  3.92
Dec 1985     15.04	  4.07
Dec 1986     17.81	  4.12
Dec 1987     18.75	  4.30
Dec 1988     21.90	  4.49
Dec 1989     28.79	  4.70
Dec 1990     27.88 	  4.99
Dec 1991     36.40	  5.14
Dec 1992     39.19	  5.29
Dec 1993     43.10	  5.43
Dec 1994     43.67	  5.58
Dec 1995     60.01	  5.72
Dec 1996     73.86        5.92
- ------------------------------------------
[END OF GRAPHICALLY REPRESENTED DATA]

[BLACK] Common Stock   [WHITE] Inflation

Source: Ibbotson Associates, Inc. See discussion and information preceding 
and following chart. 


    
   
Over shorter periods of time, however, common stocks tend to be subject to 
more dramatic changes in value than fixed income (debt) securities. Investors 
who are nearing retirement age, or who have a need to limit short-term risk, 
may find it preferable to allocate a smaller percentage of their Annuity 
Account Value to those Investment Funds that invest in common stocks. The 
following graph illustrates the monthly fluctuations in value of $1 based on 
monthly returns of the Standard & Poor's 500 during 1990, a year that 
represents more typical volatility than 1996. 
    

                                5           
<PAGE>

                   Growth of $1 Invested on January 1, 1990 
                   (Values are as of the last business day) 

[THE FOLLOWING TABLE WAS REPRESENTED AS A SCATTER
GRAPH IN THE PROSPECTUS]

   
- ------------------------------------------
				S&P 500
		U.S. IT		TOTAL
		GVT TR		RETURN
- ------------------------------------------
		INDEX		INDEX
- ------------------------------------------
Jan 1990	0.99		0.93
Feb 1990	0.99		0.94
Mar 1990	0.99		0.97
Apr 1990	0.98		0.95
May 1990	1.01		1.04
Jun 1990	1.02		1.03
Jul 1990	1.04		1.03
Aug 1990	1.03		0.93
Sep 1990	1.04		0.89
Oct 1990	1.06		0.89
Nov 1990	1.08		0.94
Dec 1990	1.10		0.97
    

  Common Stock  Intermediate-Term Govt. Bonds

[END OF GRAPHICALLY REPRESENTED DATA]

Source: Ibbotson Associates, Inc. See discussion and information preceding 
        and following chart. 

   
The following chart illustrates average annual rates of return over selected 
time periods between December 31, 1926 and December 31, 1996 for different 
types of securities: common stocks, long-term government bonds, long-term 
corporate bonds, intermediate-term govern-ment bonds and U.S. Treasury Bills. 
For comparison purposes, the Consumer Price Index is shown as a measure of 
inflation. The average annual returns shown in the chart reflect capital 
appreciation and assume the reinvestment of dividends and interest. No 
investment management fees or expenses, and no charges typically associated 
with deferred annuity products, are reflected. 
    

The information presented is merely a summary of past experience for 
unmanaged groups of securities and is neither an estimate nor guarantee of 
future performance. Any invest ment in securities, whether equity or debt, 
involves varying degrees of potential risk, in addition to offering varying 
degrees of potential reward. 

The rates of return illustrated do not represent returns of the Separate 
Account. In addition, there is no assurance that the performance of the 
Investment Funds will correspond to rates of return such as those illustrated 
in the chart. 

For a comparative illustration of performance results of the Investment Funds 
(which reflect the Trust and Separate Account charges), see "Part 3: 
Investment Performance" in the prospectus. 

   
                                MARKET TRENDS: 
                     ILLUSTRATIVE ANNUAL RATES OF RETURN 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      LONG-TERM   INTERMEDIATE- 
  FOR THE FOLLOWING PERIODS    COMMON    LONG-TERM    CORPORATE       TERM        U.S. TREASURY    CONSUMER 
       ENDING 12/31/96         STOCKS   GOVT. BONDS     BONDS      GOVT. BONDS        BILLS       PRICE INDEX 
- ----------------------------  -------- ------------- ----------- --------------- --------------- ------------- 
<S>                           <C>          <C>         <C>           <C>             <C>            <C>
1 Year                         23.07%      (0.93)%      1.40%         2.10%           5.21%          3.58% 
3 Years                        19.66        6.36        6.72          4.19            4.90           2.93 
5 Years                        15.20        8.98        8.52          6.17            4.22           2.89 
10 Years                       15.28        9.39        9.48          7.77            5.46           3.70 
20 Years                       14.55        9.54        9.71          9.14            7.28           5.15 
30 Years                       11.85        7.75        8.24          8.27            6.73           5.39 
40 Years                       11.18        6.51        6.99          7.08            5.80           4.47 
50 Years                       12.59        5.33        5.76          5.89            4.89           4.08 
60 Years                       11.19        5.06        5.38          5.32            4.10           4.13 
Since 12/31/26                 10.71        5.08        5.64          5.21            3.74           3.12 
Inflation adjusted since 1926   7.36        1.90        2.44          2.02            0.60             -- 
</TABLE>
    

   
SOURCE: Ibbotson, Roger G., and Rex A. Sinquefield, Stocks, Bonds, Bills, and 
Inflation (SBBI), 1982, updated in Stocks, Bonds, Bills and Inflation 1997 
Yearbook(Trademark), Ibbotson Associates, Inc., Chicago. All rights reserved. 
    

COMMON STOCKS (S&P 500)--Standard and Poor's Composite Index, an unmanaged 
weighted index of the stock performance of 500 industrial, transportation, 
utility and financial companies. 

LONG-TERM GOVERNMENT BONDS--Measured using a one-bond portfolio constructed 
each year containing a bond with approximately a twenty year maturity and a 
reasonably current coupon. 

LONG-TERM CORPORATE BONDS--For the period 1969-1995, represented by the 
Salomon Brothers Long-term, High-Grade Corporate Bond Index; for the period 
1946-1968, the Salomon Brothers Index was backdated using Salomon Brothers 
monthly yield data and a methodology similar to that used by Salomon Brothers 
for 1969-1995; for the period 1927-1945, the Standard and Poor's monthly 
High-Grade Corporate Composite yield data were used, assuming a 4 percent 
coupon and a twenty year maturity. 

INTERMEDIATE-TERM GOVERNMENT BONDS--Measured by a one-bond portfolio 
constructed each year containing a bond with approximately a five year 
maturity. 

U. S. TREASURY BILLS--Measured by rolling over each month a one-bill 
portfolio containing, at the beginning of each month, the bill having the 
shortest maturity not less than one month. 

INFLATION--Measured by the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers 
(CPI-U), not seasonally adjusted. 

                                6           
<PAGE>
PART 7 - FINANCIAL 
 STATEMENTS 

   
The consolidated financial statements of The Equitable Life Assurance Society 
of the United States included herein should be considered only as bearing 
upon the ability of Equitable Life to meet its obligations under the
Certificates. There are no financial statements for the Investment Funds of
the Separate Account investing in Class IB shares of EQ Trust as the Separate
Account did not invest in such shares prior to the date of the prospectus and
SAI. 
    
                                7           


<PAGE>
                      REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS 

To the Board of Directors of 
The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States 
and Contractowners of Separate Account No. 45 
of The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States 

   
In our opinion, the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities and the 
related statements of operations and of changes in net assets present fairly, 
in all material respects, the financial position of the Money Market Fund, 
Intermediate Government Securities Fund, Growth & Income Fund, Common Stock 
Fund, Global Fund, International Fund, Aggressive Stock Fund, Conservative 
Investors Fund and Growth Investors Fund, separate investment funds of The 
Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States ("Equitable Life") 
Separate Account No. 45 at December 31, 1996, the results of each of their 
operations and changes in each of their net assets for the periods indicated, 
in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. These financial 
statements are the responsibility of Equitable Life's management; our 
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based 
on our audits. We conducted our audits of these financial statements in 
accordance with generally accepted auditing standards which require that we 
plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the 
financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes 
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures 
in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and 
significant estimates made by management and evaluating the overall financial 
statement presentation. We believe that our audits, which included 
confirmation of shares in The Hudson River Trust at December 31, 1996 with 
the transfer agent, provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed 
above. 
    

Price Waterhouse LLP 
New York, New York 
February 10, 1997 


<PAGE>
   
THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES 
SEPARATE ACCOUNT 45 

STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES 
DECEMBER 31, 1996 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             INTERMEDIATE 
                                    MONEY     GOVERNMENT   GROWTH &     COMMON 
                                   MARKET     SECURITIES    INCOME       STOCK 
                                    FUND         FUND        FUND        FUND 
                                ----------- ------------ ----------- ----------- 
<S>                             <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>
ASSETS 
Investments in shares of 
 The Hudson River Trust-- 
 at market value (Note 1) 
  Cost:    $32,590,855  ........ $32,392,955 
             3,570,593 .........              $3,533,879 
             14,345,718.........                          $15,109,954 
             74,352,777.........                                      $75,709,230 
             15,256,959......... 
             8,620,079.......... 
             43,176,986......... 
             7,918,815.......... 
             24,267,019......... 
Receivable for policy related 
 transactions ..................     919,631       2,352      217,813     812,700 
                                ----------- ------------ ----------- ----------- 
Total Assets ...................  33,312,586   3,536,231   15,327,767  76,521,930 
                                ----------- ------------ ----------- ----------- 
LIABILITIES 
Payable for The Hudson River 
 Trust shares purchased ........     934,835       4,273      224,654     853,808 
Amount retained by Equitable 
 Life in Separate Account 45 
 (Note 4) ......................      80,961      55,974       77,185     161,327 
                                ----------- ------------ ----------- ----------- 
Total Liabilities ..............   1,015,796      60,247      301,839   1,015,135 
                                ----------- ------------ ----------- ----------- 
NET ASSETS ATTRIBUTABLE TO 
 CONTRACT OWNERS................ $32,296,790  $3,475,984  $15,025,928 $75,506,795 
                                =========== ============ =========== =========== 
Units Outstanding at December 
 31, 1996 (Note 5) .............   1,301,724     252,426    1,055,829     493,651 
                                =========== ============ =========== =========== 
Unit Value at December 31, 
 1996........................... $     24.81  $    13.77  $     14.23 $    152.96 
                                =========== ============ =========== =========== 
</TABLE>
    

                    (RESTUBBED TABLE CONTINUED FROM ABOVE) 

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           AGGRESSIVE  CONSERVATIVE   GROWTH 
                                   GLOBAL    INTERNATIONAL    STOCK     INVESTORS    INVESTORS 
                                    FUND         FUND         FUND         FUND        FUND 
                                ----------- ------------- ----------- ------------ ----------- 
<S>                             <C>         <C>           <C>         <C>          <C>
ASSETS 
Investments in shares of 
 The Hudson River Trust-- 
 at market value (Note 1) 
  Cost:    $32,590,855  ........ 
             3,570,593 ......... 
             14,345,718 ........ 
             74,352,777 ........ 
             15,256,959......... $15,456,443 
             8,620,079..........              $8,651,467 
             43,176,986.........                           $41,011,800 
             7,918,815..........                                        $7,923,466 
             24,267,019.........                                                    $24,108,242 
Receivable for policy related 
 transactions ..................     206,778      39,027       528,494     190,991      255,852 
                                ----------- ------------- ----------- ------------ ----------- 
Total Assets ...................  15,663,221   8,690,494    41,540,294   8,114,457   24,364,094 
                                ----------- ------------- ----------- ------------ ----------- 
LIABILITIES 
Payable for The Hudson River 
 Trust shares purchased ........     213,416      43,221       549,556     195,199      269,698 
Amount retained by Equitable 
 Life in Separate Account 45 
 (Note 4) ......................      73,501      63,269       103,486      60,976       86,001 
                                ----------- ------------- ----------- ------------ ----------- 
Total Liabilities ..............     286,917     106,490       653,042     256,175      355,699 
                                ----------- ------------- ----------- ------------ ----------- 
NET ASSETS ATTRIBUTABLE TO 
 CONTRACT OWNERS................ $15,376,304  $8,584,004   $40,887,252  $7,858,282  $24,008,395 
                                =========== ============= =========== ============ =========== 
Units Outstanding at December 
 31, 1996 (Note 5) .............     608,877     716,759       620,080     456,627      914,232 
                                =========== ============= =========== ============ =========== 
Unit Value at December 31, 
 1996........................... $     25.25  $    11.98   $     65.94  $    17.21  $     26.26 
                                =========== ============= =========== ============ =========== 
</TABLE>
    

See Notes to Financial Statements. 

                                      F-2
<PAGE>

THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES 
SEPARATE ACCOUNT 45 

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           INTERMEDIATE 
                                                   MONEY    GOVERNMENT   GROWTH &    COMMON 
                                                  MARKET    SECURITIES    INCOME     STOCK 
                                                   FUND        FUND        FUND       FUND 
                                                --------- ------------ ---------- ---------- 
<S>                                             <C>       <C>          <C>        <C>
INCOME AND EXPENSES: 
 Investment Income (Note 2): 
  Dividends from The Hudson River Trust  ....... $ 973,287   $169,012   $  140,078 $  307,270 
 Expenses (Note 3): 
 Mortality and expense risk charges ............   182,124     30,204       75,795    350,135 
                                                --------- ------------ ---------- ---------- 
NET INVESTMENT INCOME ..........................   791,163    138,808       64,283    (42,865) 
                                                --------- ------------ ---------- ---------- 
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON 
 INVESTMENTS (NOTE 2): 
 Realized gain (loss) on investments ...........    19,803    (21,067)      30,281    249,329 
 Realized gain distribution from 
  The Hudson River Trust .......................        --         --      663,496  5,761,725 
                                                --------- ------------ ---------- ---------- 
  Net Realized Gain (Loss) .....................    19,803    (21,067)     693,777  6,011,054 
                                                --------- ------------ ---------- ---------- 
 Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on 
  investments: 
 Beginning of period ...........................   (32,003)     4,810       65,829   (147,558) 
 End of period .................................  (197,900)   (36,714)     764,236  1,356,453 
                                                --------- ------------ ---------- ---------- 
 Change in unrealized 
  appreciation/(depreciation) during the period   (165,897)   (41,524)     698,407  1,504,011 
                                                --------- ------------ ---------- ---------- 
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON 
 INVESTMENTS ...................................  (146,094)   (62,591)   1,392,184  7,515,065 
                                                --------- ------------ ---------- ---------- 
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS 
 RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS ..................... $ 645,069   $ 76,217   $1,456,467 $7,472,200 
                                                ========= ============ ========== ========== 
</TABLE>
    

                    (RESTUBBED TABLE CONTINUED FROM ABOVE) 

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        AGGRESSIVE  CONSERVATIVE  GROWTH 
                                                  GLOBAL  INTERNATIONAL    STOCK     INVESTORS   INVESTORS 
                                                   FUND       FUND         FUND         FUND       FUND 
                                                -------- ------------- ----------- ------------ --------- 
<S>                                             <C>      <C>           <C>         <C>          <C>
INCOME AND EXPENSES: 
 Investment Income (Note 2): 
  Dividends from The Hudson River Trust  ....... $159,750   $100,654    $    48,668   $249,730  $  364,945 
 Expenses (Note 3): 
 Mortality and expense risk charges ............   71,437     47,321        170,068     56,301     146,920 
                                                -------- ------------- ----------- ------------ --------- 
NET INVESTMENT INCOME ..........................   88,313     53,333       (121,400)   193,429     218,025 
                                                -------- ------------- ----------- ------------ --------- 
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON 
 INVESTMENTS (NOTE 2): 
 Realized gain (loss) on investments ...........   68,368    106,050        179,807      1,003      35,624 
 Realized gain distribution from 
  The Hudson River Trust .......................  474,848    128,244      3,900,528    153,963   1,566,277 
                                                -------- ------------- ----------- ------------ --------- 
  Net Realized Gain (Loss) .....................  543,216    234,294      4,080,335    154,966   1,601,901 
                                                -------- ------------- ----------- ------------ --------- 
 Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on 
  investments: 
 Beginning of period ...........................   15,112     15,034       (169,970)    16,872      39,211 
 End of period .................................  199,484     31,388     (2,165,186)     4,651    (158,777) 
                                                -------- ------------- ----------- ------------ --------- 
 Change in unrealized 
  appreciation/(depreciation) during the period   184,372     16,354     (1,995,216)   (12,221)   (197,988) 
                                                -------- ------------- ----------- ------------ --------- 
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON 
 INVESTMENTS ...................................  727,588    250,648      2,085,119    142,745   1,403,913 
                                                -------- ------------- ----------- ------------ --------- 
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS 
 RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS ..................... $815,901   $303,981    $ 1,963,719   $336,174  $1,621,938 
                                                ======== ============= =========== ============ ========= 
</TABLE>
    

- ------------ 
See Notes to Financial Statements. 

                               F-3           
<PAGE>
   
THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES 
SEPARATE ACCOUNT 45 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS 
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             INTERMEDIATE 
                                                              GOVERNMENT 
                                   MONEY MARKET FUND        SECURITIES FUND 
                                ------------------------ ---------------------- 
                                    1996        1995*        1996       1995* 
                                ------------ ----------- ----------- ---------- 
<S>                             <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET 
 ASSETS: 
FROM OPERATIONS: 
 Net investment income .........$    791,163 $    84,034 $   138,808 $   26,602 
 Net realized gain (loss)  .....      19,803      (9,249)    (21,067)       691 
 Change in unrealized 
  appreciation/depreciation on 
  investments ..................    (165,897)    (32,003)    (41,524)     4,810 
                                ------------ ----------- ----------- ---------- 
 Net increase in net assets 
  from operations ..............     645,069      42,782      76,217     32,103 
                                ------------ ----------- ----------- ---------- 
FROM CONTRACT OWNER 
 TRANSACTIONS: 
 Contributions and Transfers: 
  Contributions ................  95,681,367  11,156,359   1,798,660  1,629,203 
  Transfers from other Funds 
   and Guaranteed Interest Rate 
   Account (Note 1) ............  19,687,669      59,949   8,533,013    513,895 
                                ------------ ----------- ----------- ---------- 
   Total ....................... 115,369,036  11,216,308  10,331,673  2,143,098 
                                ------------ ----------- ----------- ---------- 
 Benefit & other policy 
  transaction...................     198,356          --      15,968         -- 
 Withdrawals and Transfers: 
  Withdrawal and administrative 
   charges          .  ..........    514,843          --      77,637         -- 
  Transfers to other Funds and 
   Guaranteed Interest Rate 
   Account (Note 1) ............  87,121,388   7,122,265   8,982,626     20,000 
                                ------------ ----------- ----------- ---------- 
   Total .......................  87,834,587   7,122,265   9,076,231     20,000 
                                ------------ ----------- ----------- ---------- 
 Net increase in net assets 
  from Contract Owner 
  transactions .................  27,534,449   4,094,043   1,255,442  2,123,098 
                                ------------ ----------- ----------- ---------- 
NET INCREASE IN AMOUNT RETAINED 
 BY EQUITABLE LIFE IN SEPARATE 
  ACCOUNT 45 (NOTE 4)...........     (17,582)     (1,971)     (6,709)    (4,167) 
                                ------------ ----------- ----------- ---------- 
INCREASE IN NET ASSETS 
 ATTRIBUTABLE TO CONTRACT 
 OWNERS ........................  28,161,936   4,134,854   1,324,950  2,151,034 
NET ASSETS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD 
 ATTRIBUTABLE TO CONTRACT 
 OWNERS ........................   4,134,854          --   2,151,034         -- 
                                ------------ ----------- ----------- ---------- 
NET ASSETS, END OF PERIOD 
 ATTRIBUTABLE TO CONTRACT 
 OWNERS ........................$ 32,296,790 $ 4,134,854 $ 3,475,984 $2,151,034 
                                ============ =========== =========== ========== 
</TABLE>
    

                    (RESTUBBED TABLE CONTINUED FROM ABOVE) 

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        GROWTH & 
                                      INCOME FUND         COMMON STOCK FUND         GLOBAL FUND 
                                 ---------------------- ----------------------- ----------------------
                                    1996       1995*       1996       1995*       1996       1995* 
                                 ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------
<S>                             <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET 
 ASSETS: 
FROM OPERATIONS: 
 Net investment income ......... $    64,283 $   13,604 $   (42,865) $   18,811 $    88,313 $    4,015 
 Net realized gain (loss)  .....     693,777         --   6,011,054     366,599     543,216     32,515 
 Change in unrealized 
  appreciation/depreciation on 
  investments ..................     698,407     65,829   1,504,011    (147,558)    184,372     15,112 
                                 ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------
 Net increase in net assets 
  from operations ..............   1,456,467     79,433   7,472,200     237,852     815,901     51,642 
                                 ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------
FROM CONTRACT OWNER 
 TRANSACTIONS: 
 Contributions and Transfers: 
  Contributions ................   6,251,620  1,306,253  36,558,323   3,944,181   9,199,245    818,158 
  Transfers from other Funds 
   and Guaranteed Interest Rate 
   Account (Note 1) ............   6,040,990    432,486  34,378,499   2,697,390   6,255,073    233,534 
                                 ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------
   Total .......................  12,292,610  1,738,739  70,936,822   6,641,571  15,454,318  1,051,692 
                                 ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------
 Benefit & other policy 
  transaction...................     130,199         --     427,323          --      70,774         -- 
 Withdrawals and Transfers: 
  Withdrawal and administrative 
   charges          .  ..........     31,991        703     290,642      14,649      36,757      1,379 
  Transfers to other Funds and 
   Guaranteed Interest Rate 
   Account (Note 1) ............     342,494         --   8,933,676      18,685   1,836,433     26,094 
                                 ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------
   Total .......................     504,684        703   9,651,641      33,334   1,943,964     27,473 
                                 ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------
 Net increase in net assets 
  from Contract Owner 
  transactions .................  11,787,926  1,738,036  61,285,181   6,608,237  13,510,354  1,024,219 
                                 ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------
NET INCREASE IN AMOUNT RETAINED 
 BY EQUITABLE LIFE IN SEPARATE 
  ACCOUNT 45 (NOTE 4)...........     (27,565)    (8,369)    (85,006)    (11,669)    (18,054)    (7,758) 
                                 ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------
INCREASE IN NET ASSETS 
 ATTRIBUTABLE TO CONTRACT 
 OWNERS ........................  13,216,828  1,809,100  68,672,375   6,834,420  14,308,201  1,068,103 
NET ASSETS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD 
 ATTRIBUTABLE TO CONTRACT 
 OWNERS ........................   1,809,100         --   6,834,420          --   1,068,103         -- 
                                 ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------
NET ASSETS, END OF PERIOD 
 ATTRIBUTABLE TO CONTRACT 
 OWNERS ........................ $15,025,928 $1,809,100 $75,506,795  $6,834,420 $15,376,304 $1,068,103 
                                 =========== ========== =========== =========== =========== ==========
</TABLE>
    

* Commencement of operations on May 1, 1995 for all funds. 
See Notes to Financial Statements. 

                                      F-4

 
<PAGE>

   
THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES 
SEPARATE ACCOUNT 45 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (CONTINUED) 
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 AGGRESSIVE 
                                                    INTERNATIONAL FUND           STOCK FUND 
                                                   ---------------------   ------------------------
                                                      1996        1995*       1996         1995*    
                                                   ----------   --------   -----------   ----------
<S>                                                <C>          <C>        <C>           <C>
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS:                                                             
FROM OPERATIONS:                                                                               
 Net investment income ........................... $   53,333   $  8,748   $  (121,400)  $   (3,345)
 Net realized gain ...............................    234,294      5,969     4,080,335      324,801 
 Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation                                                     
  on investments .................................     16,354     15,034    (1,995,216)    (169,970)
                                                   ----------   --------   -----------   ----------
 Net increase in net assets from operations  .....    303,981     29,751     1,963,719      151,486 
                                                   ----------   --------   -----------   ----------
FROM CONTRACT OWNER TRANSACTIONS:                                                                   
 Contributions and Transfers:                                                                       
  Contributions ..................................  3,782,377    549,641    22,776,845    2,114,597 
  Transfers from other Funds and Guaranteed                                                         
   Interest Rate Account (Note 1) ................  5,791,839    236,742    20,452,746      930,163 
                                                   ----------   --------   -----------   ----------
   Total .........................................  9,574,216    786,383    43,229,591    3,044,760 
                                                   ----------   --------   -----------   ----------
 Benefit & other policy transaction...............     38,451         --       245,070           -- 
 Withdrawals and Transfers:                                                                         
  Withdrawal and administrative charges  .........     75,353        691        90,356       14,649 
  Transfers to other Funds and Guaranteed                                                           
   Interest Rate Account (Note 1) ................  1,979,003         --     7,099,325        6,689 
                                                   ----------   --------   -----------   ----------
   Total .........................................  2,092,807        691     7,434,751       21,338 
                                                   ----------   --------   -----------   ----------
 Net increase in net assets from Contract Owner                                                     
  transactions ...................................  7,481,409    785,692    35,794,840    3,023,422 
                                                   ----------   --------   -----------   ----------
NET INCREASE IN AMOUNT RETAINED BY                                                                  
 EQUITABLE LIFE IN SEPARATE ACCOUNT 45 (NOTE 4) ..    (11,874)    (4,955)      (33,503)     (12,712)
                                                   ----------   --------   -----------   ----------
INCREASE IN NET ASSETS ATTRIBUTABLE TO CONTRACT                                                     
 OWNERS ..........................................  7,773,516    810,488    37,725,056    3,162,196 
NET ASSETS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD ATTRIBUTABLE TO                                                     
 CONTRACT OWNERS .................................    810,488         --     3,162,196           -- 
                                                   ----------   --------   -----------   ----------
NET ASSETS, END OF PERIOD ATTRIBUTABLE TO                                                           
 CONTRACT OWNERS ................................. $8,584,004   $810,488   $40,887,252   $3,162,196 
                                                   ==========   ========   ===========   ==========
</TABLE>
    

                    (RESTUBBED TABLE CONTINUED FROM ABOVE) 

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          CONSERVATIVE                GROWTH           
                                                         INVESTORS FUND            INVESTORS FUND 
                                                     -----------------------   ----------------------- 
                                                        1996         1995*        1996         1995* 
                                                     ----------   ----------   -----------  ----------
<S>                                                  <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS:                   
FROM OPERATIONS:                                     
 Net investment income ...........................   $  193,429   $   24,367   $   218,025  $   31,399 
 Net realized gain ...............................      154,966       11,297     1,601,901      54,116 
 Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation                                             
  on investments .................................      (12,221)      16,872      (197,988)     39,211 
                                                     ----------   ----------   -----------  ----------
 Net increase in net assets from operations  .....      336,174       52,536     1,621,938     124,726 
                                                     ----------   ----------   -----------  ----------
FROM CONTRACT OWNER TRANSACTIONS:                                                           
 Contributions and Transfers:                                                               
  Contributions ..................................    3,977,495      977,433    11,004,121   1,950,052 
  Transfers from other Funds and Guaranteed                                                 
   Interest Rate Account (Note 1) ................    2,837,790      698,465     9,331,901   1,712,951 
                                                     ----------   ----------   -----------  ----------
   Total .........................................    6,815,285    1,675,898    20,336,022   3,663,003 
                                                     ----------   ----------   -----------  ----------
 Benefit & other policy transaction...............       60,271           --       206,468          -- 
 Withdrawals and Transfers:                                                                 
  Withdrawal and administrative charges  .........      100,314           --       228,021      24,866 
  Transfers to other Funds and Guaranteed                                                   
   Interest Rate Account (Note 1) ................      814,338       27,054     1,177,040      59,290 
                                                     ----------   ----------   -----------  ----------
   Total .........................................      974,923       27,054     1,611,529      84,156 
                                                     ----------   ----------   -----------  ----------
 Net increase in net assets from Contract Owner                                             
  transactions ...................................    5,840,362    1,648,844    18,724,493   3,578,847 
                                                     ----------   ----------   -----------  ----------
NET INCREASE IN AMOUNT RETAINED BY                                                          
 EQUITABLE LIFE IN SEPARATE ACCOUNT 45 (NOTE 4) ..      (12,633)      (7,001)      (32,214)     (9,395) 
                                                     ----------   ----------   -----------  ----------
INCREASE IN NET ASSETS ATTRIBUTABLE TO CONTRACT                                             
 OWNERS ..........................................    6,163,903    1,694,379    20,314,217   3,694,178 
NET ASSETS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD ATTRIBUTABLE TO                                             
 CONTRACT OWNERS .................................    1,694,379           --     3,694,178          -- 
                                                     ----------   ----------   -----------  ----------
NET ASSETS, END OF PERIOD ATTRIBUTABLE TO                                                   
 CONTRACT OWNERS .................................   $7,858,282   $1,694,379   $24,008,395  $3,694,178 
                                                     ==========   ==========   ===========  ==========
</TABLE>                                         
    

- --------------------
* Commencement of operations on May 1, 1995 for all funds. 
See Notes to Financial Statements. 

                               F-5           
<PAGE>

THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES 
SEPARATE ACCOUNT NO. 45 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
DECEMBER 31, 1996 

   
1. General 

   The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States (Equitable Life) 
   Separate Account No. 45 (the Account) is organized as a unit investment 
   trust, a type of investment company, and is registered with the Securities 
   and Exchange Commission under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The 
   Account consists of nine investment funds (Funds): the Money Market Fund, 
   the Intermediate Government Securities Fund, the Growth & Income Fund, the 
   Common Stock Fund, the Global Fund, the International Fund, the Aggressive 
   Stock Fund, the Conservative Investors Fund and the Growth Investors Fund. 
   The assets in each Fund are invested in Class IA shares of a corresponding 
   portfolio (Portfolio) of a mutual fund, The Hudson River Trust (the 
   Trust). The Trust is an open-end, diversified, management investment 
   company that invests the assets of separate accounts of insurance 
   companies. Each Portfolio has separate investment objectives. 

   The Account is used to fund benefits for the Income Manager Accumulator, a 
   non-qualified deferred variable annuity, which combines the Portfolios in 
   the Account with guaranteed fixed rate options, and the Income Manager 
   Rollover IRA, which offers the same investment options as the Accumulator 
   for the qualified market. The Income Manager Accumulator and the Income 
   Manager Rollover IRA, collectively referred to as the Contracts, are 
   offered under group and individual variable deferred annuity forms. 

   All Contracts are issued by Equitable Life. The assets of the Account are 
   the property of Equitable Life. However, the portion of the Account's 
   assets attributable to the Contracts will not be chargeable with 
   liabilities arising out of any other business Equitable Life may conduct. 

   Contract owners may allocate amounts in their individual accounts to the 
   Funds of the Account, and/or to the guaranteed interest account of 
   Equitable Life's General Account, and/or to other Separate Accounts. The 
   net assets of any Fund of the Account may not be less than the aggregate 
   of the contract owners' accounts allocated to that Fund. Additional assets 
   are set aside in Equitable Life's General Account to provide for other 
   policy benefits, as required under the state insurance law. 

2. Significant Accounting Policies 

   The accompanying financial statements are prepared in conformity with 
   generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). The preparation of 
   financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make 
   estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and 
   liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the 
   date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and 
   expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from 
   those estimates. 

   Investments are made in shares of the Trust and are valued at the net 
   asset values per share of the respective Portfolios. The net asset value 
   is determined by the Trust using the market or fair value of the 
   underlying assets of the Portfolio. 

   Investment transactions are recorded on the trade date. Realized gains and 
   losses include gains and losses on redemptions of the Trust's shares 
   (determined on the identified cost basis) and Trust distributions 
   representing the net realized gains on Trust investment transactions. 

   Dividends are recorded at the end of each quarter on the ex-dividend date. 
   Capital gains are distributed by the Trust at the end of each year. 

   No Federal income tax based on net income or realized and unrealized 
   capital gains is currently applicable to Contracts participating in the 
   Account by reason of applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code 
   and no Federal income tax payable by Equitable Life is expected to affect 
   the unit value of Contracts participating in the Account. Accordingly, no 
   provision for income taxes is required. 
    

                                      F-6
<PAGE>

THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES 
SEPARATE ACCOUNT NO. 45 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED) 
DECEMBER 31, 1996 
 
3. Asset Charges 

   Charges are made directly against the net assets of the Account and are 
   reflected daily in the computation of the unit values of the Contracts. 
   Under the Contracts, Equitable Life deducts mortality and expense risks 
   at an annual rate of 0.90%. In addition, asset based administrative 
   charges are also deducted from the net assets at an annual rate of 0.25%. 
   The charges may be retained in the Account by Equitable Life and, to the 
   extent retained, participate in the net investment results of the trust 
   ratably with assets attributable to the Contracts. The aggregate of these 
   charges may not exceed a total effective annual rate of 1.15%. 

4. Amounts retained by Equitable Life in Separate Account No. 45 

   The amount retained by Equitable Life in the Account arises principally 
   from (1) contributions from Equitable Life, (2) mortality and expense 
   charges and asset based administrative charges accumulated in the account, 
   and (3) that portion, determined ratably, of the Account's investment 
   results applicable to those assets in the Account in excess of the net 
   assets for the Contracts. Amounts retained by Equitable Life are not 
   subject to charges for mortality and expense risks and asset based 
   administrative expenses. 

   Amounts retained by Equitable Life in the Account may be transferred at 
   any time by Equitable Life to its General Account. 

   The following table shows the net surplus contributions (withdrawals) by 
   Equitable Life by investment fund: 

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 
                                              31, 
                                    ---------------------- 
           INVESTMENT FUND               1996       1995* 
- ----------------------------------- ------------ --------- 
<S>                                 <C>          <C>
Money Market .......................  $(125,000)  $ 50,000 
Intermediate Government Securities      (25,000)    50,000 
Growth & Income ....................    (60,000)    50,000 
Common Stock .......................   (223,000)    50,000 
Global .............................    (52,000)    50,000 
International ......................    (35,000)    50,000 
Aggressive Stock ...................   (110,000)    50,000 
Conservative Investors .............    (45,000)    50,000 
Growth Investors ...................   (105,000)    50,000 
                                    ------------ --------- 
                                      $(780,000)  $450,000 
                                    ============ ========= 
</TABLE>


    
   
- ------------ 
*Commencement of operations on May 1, 1995 for all funds. 
    

                                      F-7
<PAGE>

THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES 
SEPARATE ACCOUNT NO. 45 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED) 
DECEMBER 31, 1996 
 (Continued) 
 5. Accumulation Unit Values 
    Shown below is accumulation unit value information for a unit outstanding 
    throughout the period shown. 

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            MAY 1(A)  
                                               TO     
                           DECEMBER 31,   DECEMBER 31,
                               1996           1995    
                         -------------- --------------
<S>                      <C>            <C>           
MONEY MARKET FUND                                     
- ------------------------                              
Unit value, beginning of                              
 period .................    $ 23.83        $ 23.15   
Unit value, end of                                    
 period .................    $ 24.81        $ 23.83   
Number of units                                       
 outstanding,                                         
 end of period (000's)  .      1,302            174   

INTERMEDIATE GOVERNMENT 
SECURITIES FUND                                       
- ------------------------                              
Unit value, beginning of                              
 period .................    $ 13.42        $ 12.50   
Unit value, end of                                    
 period .................    $ 13.77        $ 13.42   
Number of units                                       
 outstanding,                                         
 end of period (000's)  .        252            160   

GROWTH & INCOME                                       
- ------------------------                              
Unit value, beginning of                              
 period .................    $ 11.99        $ 10.38   
Unit value, end of                                    
 period .................    $ 14.23        $ 11.99   
Number of units                                       
 outstanding,                                         
 end of period (000's)  .      1,056            151   

COMMON STOCK FUND                                     
- ------------------------                              
Unit value, beginning of                              
 period .................    $124.52        $102.34   
Unit value, end of                                    
 period .................    $152.96        $124.52   
Number of units                                       
 outstanding,                                         
 end of period (000's)  .        494             55   

GLOBAL FUND 
- ------------------------ 
Unit value, beginning of 
 period .................    $ 22.29        $ 19.48 
Unit value, end of 
 period .................    $ 25.25        $ 22.29 
Number of units 
 outstanding, 
 end of period (000's)  .        609             48 

</TABLE>
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             MAY 1(A)         
                                                TO            
                            DECEMBER 31,   DECEMBER 31,       
                                1996           1995           
                          -------------- --------------       
 <C>                      <C>            <C>                  
 INTERNATIONAL FUND                                           
 ------------------------                                     
 Unit value, beginning of                                       
  period .................     $11.03         $10.13            
 Unit value, end of                                             
  period .................     $11.98         $11.03            
 Number of units                                                
  outstanding,                                                  
  end of period (000's)  .        717             73            
                                                                
 AGGRESSIVE STOCK FUND                                          
 ------------------------                                       
 Unit value, beginning of                                       
  period .................     $54.59         $44.03            
 Unit value, end of                                             
  period .................     $65.94         $54.59            
 Number of units                                                
  outstanding,                                                  
  end of period (000's)  .        620             58            

 CONSERVATIVE INVESTORS FUND                                    
 ------------------------                                       
 Unit value, beginning of                                       
  period .................     $16.55         $14.65            
 Unit value, end of                                             
  period .................     $17.21         $16.55            
 Number of units                                                
  outstanding,                                                  
  end of period (000's)  .        457            102            

 GROWTH INVESTORS FUND                                          
 ------------------------                                       
 Unit value, beginning of                                       
  period .................     $23.59         $20.07            
 Unit value, end of                                             
  period .................     $26.26         $23.59            
 Number of units                                                
  outstanding,                                                  
  end of period (000's)  .        914            157            
                                                                
</TABLE>
    
                                                                
                                                          
- ------------                                            
 (a) Date on which units were made available for sale.   

                                                          
                                      F-8
<PAGE>

February 10, 1997



                        REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


To the Board of Directors and Shareholder of
The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States

In our opinion,  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance sheets and the related
consolidated  statements of earnings,  of shareholder's equity and of cash flows
present  fairly,  in  all  material  respects,  the  financial  position  of The
Equitable  Life  Assurance  Society  of the United  States and its  subsidiaries
("Equitable  Life") at  December  31,  1996 and 1995,  and the  results of their
operations  and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting  principles.
These  financial   statements  are  the   responsibility   of  Equitable  Life's
management;  our  responsibility  is to express  an  opinion on these  financial
statements  based on our audits.  We conducted our audits of these statements in
accordance with generally accepted auditing standards which require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a
test basis,  evidence  supporting  the amounts and  disclosures in the financial
statements,  assessing the accounting  principles used and significant estimates
made by management and evaluating the overall financial statement  presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for the opinion  expressed
above.

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements,  Equitable Life
changed its methods of accounting for long-duration participating life insurance
contracts and long-lived  assets in 1996,  for loan  impairments in 1995 and for
postemployment benefits in 1994.


/s/ Price Waterhouse LLP

                                      F-1

<PAGE>

            THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                           DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        1996                 1995
                                                                  -----------------    -----------------
                                                                              (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                               <C>                  <C>          
ASSETS
Investments:
  Fixed maturities:
    Available for sale, at estimated fair value.................   $    18,077.0        $    15,899.9
  Mortgage loans on real estate.................................         3,133.0              3,638.3
  Equity real estate............................................         3,297.5              3,916.2
  Policy loans..................................................         2,196.1              1,976.4
  Investment in and loans to affiliates.........................           685.0                636.6
  Other equity investments......................................           597.3                621.1
  Other invested assets.........................................           288.7                706.1
                                                                  -----------------    -----------------
      Total investments.........................................        28,274.6             27,394.6
Cash and cash equivalents.......................................           538.8                774.7
Deferred policy acquisition costs...............................         3,104.9              3,075.8
Amounts due from discontinued GIC Segment.......................           996.2              2,097.1
Other assets....................................................         2,552.2              2,718.1
Closed Block assets.............................................         8,495.0              8,582.1
Separate Accounts assets........................................        29,646.1             24,566.6
                                                                  -----------------    -----------------
TOTAL ASSETS....................................................   $    73,607.8        $    69,209.0
                                                                  =================    =================

LIABILITIES
Policyholders' account balances.................................   $    21,865.6        $    21,911.2
Future policy benefits and other policyholders' liabilities.....         4,416.6              4,007.3
Short-term and long-term debt...................................         1,766.9              1,899.3
Other liabilities...............................................         2,785.1              3,380.7
Closed Block liabilities........................................         9,091.3              9,221.4
Separate Accounts liabilities...................................        29,598.3             24,531.0
                                                                  -----------------    -----------------
      Total liabilities.........................................        69,523.8             64,950.9
                                                                  -----------------    -----------------

Commitments and contingencies (Notes 10, 12, 13, 14 and 15)

SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
Common stock, $1.25 par value 2.0 million shares 
  authorized, issued and outstanding............................             2.5                  2.5
Capital in excess of par value..................................         3,105.8              3,105.8
Retained earnings...............................................           798.7                788.4
Net unrealized investment gains.................................           189.9                396.5
Minimum pension liability.......................................           (12.9)               (35.1)
                                                                  -----------------    -----------------
      Total shareholder's equity................................         4,084.0              4,258.1
                                                                  -----------------    -----------------

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY......................   $    73,607.8        $    69,209.0
                                                                  =================    =================
</TABLE>

                 See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

                                      F-2
<PAGE>

            THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                1996               1995               1994
                                                          -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
                                                                              (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                       <C>                <C>                <C>          
REVENUES
Universal life and investment-type product policy fee
  income................................................   $      874.0       $       788.2      $       715.0
Premiums................................................          597.6               606.8              625.6
Net investment income...................................        2,175.9             2,088.2            1,998.6
Investment (losses) gains, net..........................           (9.8)                5.3               91.8
Commissions, fees and other income......................        1,081.8               897.1              847.4
Contribution from the Closed Block......................          125.0               143.2              137.0
                                                          -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

      Total revenues....................................        4,844.5             4,528.8            4,415.4
                                                          -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

BENEFITS AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS
Interest credited to policyholders' account balances....        1,270.2             1,248.3            1,201.3
Policyholders' benefits.................................        1,317.7             1,008.6              914.9
Other operating costs and expenses......................        2,048.0             1,775.8            1,857.7
                                                          -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

      Total benefits and other deductions...............        4,635.9             4,032.7            3,973.9
                                                          -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Earnings from continuing operations before Federal
  income taxes, minority interest and cumulative
  effect of accounting change...........................          208.6               496.1              441.5
Federal income taxes....................................            9.7               120.5              100.2
Minority interest in net income of consolidated
  subsidiaries..........................................           81.7                62.8               50.4
                                                          -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
Earnings from continuing operations before
  cumulative effect of accounting change................          117.2               312.8              290.9
Discontinued operations, net of Federal income taxes....          (83.8)                -                  -
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of Federal
  income taxes..........................................          (23.1)                -                (27.1)
                                                          -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Net Earnings............................................   $       10.3       $       312.8      $       263.8
                                                          =================  =================  =================
</TABLE>


                 See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

                                      F-3
<PAGE>

            THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES
                 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      1996               1995               1994
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
                                                                                    (IN MILLIONS)

<S>                                                             <C>                <C>                <C>          
Common stock, at par value, beginning and end of year.........   $        2.5       $         2.5      $         2.5
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Capital in excess of par value, beginning of year as
  previously reported.........................................        2,913.6             2,913.6            2,613.6
Cumulative effect on prior years of retroactive restatement
  for accounting change.......................................          192.2               192.2              192.2
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
Capital in excess of par value, beginning of year as restated.        3,105.8             3,105.8            2,805.8
Additional capital in excess of par value.....................            -                   -                300.0
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
Capital in excess of par value, end of year...................        3,105.8             3,105.8            3,105.8
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Retained earnings, beginning of year as previously reported...          781.6               484.0              217.6
Cumulative effect on prior years of retroactive restatement
  for accounting change.......................................            6.8                (8.4)              (5.8)
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
Retained earnings, beginning of year as restated..............          788.4               475.6              211.8
Net earnings..................................................           10.3               312.8              263.8
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
Retained earnings, end of year................................          798.7               788.4              475.6
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Net unrealized investment gains (losses), beginning of year
  as previously reported......................................          338.2              (203.0)             131.9
Cumulative effect on prior years of retroactive restatement
  for accounting change.......................................           58.3               (17.5)              12.7
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
Net unrealized investment gains (losses), beginning of
  year as restated............................................          396.5              (220.5)             144.6
Change in unrealized investment (losses) gains................         (206.6)              617.0             (365.1)
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
Net unrealized investment gains (losses), end of year.........          189.9               396.5             (220.5)
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Minimum pension liability, beginning of year..................          (35.1)               (2.7)             (15.0)
Change in minimum pension liability...........................           22.2               (32.4)              12.3
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
Minimum pension liability, end of year........................          (12.9)              (35.1)              (2.7)
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

TOTAL SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY, END OF YEAR.......................   $    4,084.0       $     4,258.1      $     3,360.7
                                                                =================  =================  =================
</TABLE>


                 See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

                                      F-4
<PAGE>

            THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      1996               1995               1994
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
                                                                                    (IN MILLIONS)

<S>                                                             <C>                <C>                <C>          
Net earnings..................................................   $       10.3       $       312.8      $       263.8
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash
  provided by operating activities:
  Interest credited to policyholders' account balances........        1,270.2             1,248.3            1,201.3
  Universal life and investment-type policy fee income........         (874.0)             (788.2)            (715.0)
  Investment losses (gains)...................................            9.8                (5.3)             (91.8)
  Change in Federal income taxes payable......................         (197.1)              221.6               38.3
  Other, net..................................................          364.4               127.3              (19.4)
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Net cash provided by operating activities.....................          583.6             1,116.5              677.2
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Cash flows from investing activities:
  Maturities and repayments...................................        2,275.1             1,897.4            2,323.8
  Sales.......................................................        8,964.3             8,867.1            5,816.6
  Return of capital from joint ventures and limited
    partnerships..............................................           78.4                65.2               39.0
  Purchases...................................................      (12,559.6)          (11,675.5)          (7,564.7)
  Decrease (increase) in loans to discontinued GIC Segment....        1,017.0             1,226.9              (40.0)
  Other, net..................................................           56.7              (624.7)            (478.1)
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Net cash (used) provided by investing activities..............         (168.1)             (243.6)              96.6
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Cash flows from financing activities:
  Policyholders' account balances:
    Deposits..................................................        1,925.4             2,586.5            2,082.5
    Withdrawals...............................................       (2,385.2)           (2,657.1)          (2,864.4)
  Net decrease in short-term financings.......................            (.3)              (16.4)            (173.0)
  Additions to long-term debt.................................            -                 599.7               51.8
  Repayments of long-term debt................................         (124.8)              (40.7)            (199.8)
  Proceeds from issuance of Alliance units....................            -                   -                100.0
  Payment of obligation to fund accumulated deficit of
    discontinued GIC Segment..................................            -              (1,215.4)               -
  Capital contribution from the Holding Company...............            -                   -                300.0
  Other, net..................................................          (66.5)              (48.4)              26.5
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Net cash (used) by financing activities.......................         (651.4)             (791.8)            (676.4)
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Change in cash and cash equivalents...........................         (235.9)               81.1               97.4
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year..................          774.7               693.6              596.2
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Year........................   $      538.8       $       774.7      $       693.6
                                                                =================  =================  =================

Supplemental cash flow information
  Interest Paid...............................................   $      109.9       $        89.6      $        34.9
                                                                =================  =================  =================
  Income Taxes (Refunded) Paid................................   $      (10.0)      $       (82.7)     $        49.2
                                                                =================  =================  =================
</TABLE>


                 See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

                                      F-5
<PAGE>

            THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


 1)     ORGANIZATION

        The Equitable  Life Assurance  Society of the United States  ("Equitable
        Life") converted to a stock life insurance  company on July 22, 1992 and
        became a wholly owned subsidiary of The Equitable Companies Incorporated
        (the  "Holding   Company").   Equitable  Life's  insurance  business  is
        conducted  principally  by  Equitable  Life and its  wholly  owned  life
        insurance   subsidiary,   Equitable   Variable  Life  Insurance  Company
        ("EVLICO").  Effective January 1, 1997, EVLICO was merged into Equitable
        Life, which will continue to conduct the Company's  insurance  business.
        Equitable Life's  investment  management  business,  which comprises the
        Investment  Services  segment,  is  conducted  principally  by  Alliance
        Capital Management L.P.  ("Alliance"),  Equitable Real Estate Investment
        Management,  Inc.  ("EREIM")  and  Donaldson,  Lufkin &  Jenrette,  Inc.
        ("DLJ"), an investment banking and brokerage affiliate. AXA-UAP ("AXA"),
        a French  holding  company for an  international  group of insurance and
        related financial services  companies,  is the Holding Company's largest
        shareholder,  owning  approximately  60.8% at  December  31, 1996 (63.6%
        assuming conversion of Series E Convertible  Preferred Stock held by AXA
        and 54.4% if all  securities  convertible  into,  and options on, common
        stock were to be converted or exercised).

 2)     SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

        Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
        -----------------------------------------------------

        The  accompanying  consolidated  financial  statements  are  prepared in
        conformity with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP").

        The accompanying  consolidated financial statements include the accounts
        of  Equitable  Life and its  wholly  owned life  insurance  subsidiaries
        (collectively,   the  "Insurance  Group");  non-insurance  subsidiaries,
        principally  Alliance,  an investment advisory subsidiary,  and EREIM, a
        real estate investment management subsidiary; and those partnerships and
        joint ventures in which Equitable Life or its  subsidiaries  has control
        and  a  majority   economic   interest   (collectively,   including  its
        consolidated  subsidiaries,  the "Company"). The Company's investment in
        DLJ is reported on the equity basis of  accounting.  Closed Block assets
        and   liabilities  and  results  of  operations  are  presented  in  the
        consolidated  financial  statements  as single  line items (see Note 6).
        Unless specifically stated, all disclosures  contained herein supporting
        the consolidated  financial  statements exclude the Closed Block related
        amounts.

        The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires
        management to make  estimates and  assumptions  that affect the reported
        amounts of assets and  liabilities  and disclosure of contingent  assets
        and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported
        amounts of revenues and expenses  during the  reporting  period.  Actual
        results could differ from those estimates.

        All  significant  intercompany   transactions  and  balances  have  been
        eliminated in  consolidation  other than  intercompany  transactions and
        balances with the Closed Block and the discontinued  Guaranteed Interest
        Contract ("GIC") Segment (see Note 7).

        The years  "1996,"  "1995" and "1994" refer to the years ended  December
        31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

        Certain  reclassifications  have been made in the amounts  presented for
        prior periods to conform these periods with the 1996 presentation.

                                      F-6
<PAGE>

        Closed Block
        ------------

        As of July 22, 1992, Equitable Life established the Closed Block for the
        benefit of certain  classes of  individual  participating  policies  for
        which Equitable Life had a dividend scale payable in 1991 and which were
        in force on that date.  Assets were  allocated to the Closed Block in an
        amount which,  together with anticipated revenues from policies included
        in the Closed Block, was reasonably expected to be sufficient to support
        such  business,  including  provision  for  payment of  claims,  certain
        expenses and taxes,  and for  continuation of dividend scales payable in
        1991, assuming the experience underlying such scales continues.

        Assets  allocated to the Closed Block inure solely to the benefit of the
        holders of policies  included in the Closed Block and will not revert to
        the  benefit  of  the  Holding  Company.  The  plan  of  demutualization
        prohibits  the  reallocation,  transfer,  borrowing or lending of assets
        between the Closed Block and other portions of Equitable  Life's General
        Account,  any of its Separate  Accounts or to any affiliate of Equitable
        Life  without the approval of the New York  Superintendent  of Insurance
        (the "Superintendent").  Closed Block assets and liabilities are carried
        on the same basis as similar assets and liabilities  held in the General
        Account. The excess of Closed Block liabilities over Closed Block assets
        represents the expected  future  post-tax  contribution  from the Closed
        Block which would be  recognized  in income over the period the policies
        and contracts in the Closed Block remain in force.

        Discontinued Operations
        -----------------------

        In 1991,  the Company's  management  adopted a plan to  discontinue  the
        business  operations  of  the  GIC  Segment,  consisting  of  the  Group
        Non-Participating Wind-Up Annuities ("Wind-Up Annuities") and Guaranteed
        Interest Contract ("GIC") lines of business.  The Company  established a
        pre-tax  provision  for the  estimated  future losses of the GIC line of
        business  and a premium  deficiency  reserve for the Wind-Up  Annuities.
        Subsequent losses incurred have been charged to the two loss provisions.
        Management  reviews the  adequacy  of the  allowance  and  reserve  each
        quarter. During the fourth quarter 1996 review, management determined it
        was necessary to increase the  allowance  for expected  future losses of
        the  GIC  Segment.  Management  believes  the  loss  provisions  for GIC
        contracts  and Wind-Up  Annuities  at December  31, 1996 are adequate to
        provide  for all  future  losses;  however,  the  determination  of loss
        provisions  continues  to  involve  numerous  estimates  and  subjective
        judgments regarding the expected performance of discontinued  operations
        investment  assets.  There can be no assurance  the losses  provided for
        will not differ from the losses ultimately realized (See Note 7).

        Accounting Changes
        ------------------

        In 1996, the Company changed its method of accounting for  long-duration
        participating  life  insurance  contracts,  primarily  within the Closed
        Block,  in  accordance  with the  provisions  prescribed by Statement of
        Financial   Accounting  Standards  ("SFAS")  No.  120,  "Accounting  and
        Reporting  by  Mutual  Life  Insurance   Enterprises  and  by  Insurance
        Enterprises  for Certain  Long-Duration  Participating  Contracts".  The
        effect of this change,  including the impact on the Closed Block, was to
        increase earnings from continuing operations before cumulative effect of
        accounting change by $19.2 million, net of Federal income taxes of $10.3
        million for 1996.  The financial  statements for 1995 and 1994 have been
        retroactively  restated  for the change  which  resulted  in an increase
        (decrease) in earnings before  cumulative effect of accounting change of
        $15.2 million,  net of Federal income taxes of $8.2 million,  and $(2.6)
        million,   net  of  Federal   income  tax   benefit  of  $1.0   million,
        respectively.  Shareholder's  equity  increased  $199.1  million  as  of
        January 1, 1994 for the  effect of  retroactive  application  of the new
        method.  (See  "Deferred  Policy  Acquisition  Costs,"   "Policyholders'
        Account Balances and Future Policy Benefits" and Note 6.)

        The Company implemented SFAS No. 121,  "Accounting for the Impairment of
        Long-Lived  Assets and for  Long-Lived  Assets to be Disposed Of," as of
        January 1, 1996. The statement  requires  long-lived  assets and certain
        identifiable  intangibles be reviewed for impairment  whenever events or
        changes in circumstances

                                      F-7
<PAGE>

        indicate  the  carrying  value of such  assets  may not be  recoverable.
        Effective with SFAS No. 121's adoption,  impaired real estate is written
        down to fair value with the impairment loss being included in investment
        gains  (losses),  net.  Before  implementing  SFAS  No.  121,  valuation
        allowances  on real  estate  held  for the  production  of  income  were
        computed  using the forecasted  cash flows of the respective  properties
        discounted at a rate equal to the Company's cost of funds.  The adoption
        of the  statement  resulted in the release of  valuation  allowances  of
        $152.4 million and recognition of impairment losses of $144.0 million on
        real estate held and used. Real estate which management has committed to
        disposing of by sale or  abandonment  is classified as real estate to be
        disposed  of.  Valuation  allowances  on real  estate to be  disposed of
        continue  to be  computed  using the lower of  estimated  fair  value or
        depreciated cost, net of disposition  costs.  Implementation of the SFAS
        No. 121 impairment  requirements relative to other assets to be disposed
        of  resulted  in a charge  for the  cumulative  effect of an  accounting
        change of $23.1  million,  net of a Federal  income tax benefit of $12.4
        million,  due to the  writedown  to fair value of building  improvements
        relating to facilities being vacated beginning in 1996.

        In the  first  quarter  of 1995,  the  Company  adopted  SFAS  No.  114,
        "Accounting  by Creditors  for  Impairment  of a Loan".  This  statement
        applies to all loans,  including  loans  restructured in a troubled debt
        restructuring   involving  a  modification  of  terms.   This  statement
        addresses the  accounting  for  impairment  of a loan by specifying  how
        allowances for credit losses should be determined. Impaired loans within
        the scope of this  statement are measured  based on the present value of
        expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's  effective  interest
        rate,  at the loan's  observable  market  price or the fair value of the
        collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. The Company provides for
        impairment  of loans  through an  allowance  for  possible  losses.  The
        adoption of this  statement did not have a material  effect on the level
        of these  allowances  or on the  Company's  consolidated  statements  of
        earnings and shareholder's equity.

        Beginning  coincident  with  issuance of SFAS No. 115,  "Accounting  for
        Certain  Investments  in Debt  and  Equity  Securities,"  implementation
        guidance in November  1995,  the Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board
        ("FASB") permitted  companies a one-time  opportunity,  through December
        31, 1995, to reassess the  appropriateness  of the classification of all
        securities  held  at  that  time.  On  December  1,  1995,  the  Company
        transferred  $4,794.9  million  of  securities  classified  as  held  to
        maturity to the available for sale portfolio. As a result,  consolidated
        shareholder's equity increased by $149.4 million, net of deferred policy
        acquisition costs ("DAC"),  amounts  attributable to participating group
        annuity contracts and deferred Federal income taxes.

        In the fourth  quarter of 1994  (effective  as of January 1, 1994),  the
        Company adopted SFAS No. 112, "Employers'  Accounting for Postemployment
        Benefits,"  which  required  employers to recognize  the  obligation  to
        provide  postemployment  benefits.   Implementation  of  this  statement
        resulted in a charge for the cumulative  effect of accounting  change of
        $27.1 million, net of a Federal income tax benefit of $14.6 million.

        New Accounting Pronouncements
        -----------------------------

        The FASB issued SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,"
        which permits  entities to recognize as expense over the vesting  period
        the  fair  value of all  stock-based  awards  on the  date of grant  or,
        alternatively,  to  continue  to  apply  the  provisions  of  Accounting
        Principles Board ("APB") Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to
        Employees,"  and  related  interpretations.  Companies  which  elect  to
        continue to apply APB  Opinion No. 25 must  provide pro forma net income
        disclosures  for employee  stock  option  grants made in 1995 and future
        years as if the fair-value-based method defined in SFAS No. 123 had been
        applied.  The Company  accounts for stock option plans  sponsored by the
        Holding  Company,  DLJ and Alliance in accordance with the provisions of
        APB Opinion No. 25 (see Note 21).

                                      F-8
<PAGE>

        In June 1996,  the FASB issued SFAS No. 125,  "Accounting  for Transfers
        and Servicing of Financial Assets and  Extinguishments  of Liabilities".
        SFAS No. 125 specifies the  accounting  and reporting  requirements  for
        transfers  of financial  assets,  the  recognition  and  measurement  of
        servicing  assets and  liabilities and  extinguishments  of liabilities.
        SFAS No. 125 is effective for transactions  occurring after December 31,
        1996 and is to be applied  prospectively.  In  December  1996,  the FASB
        issued  SFAS  No.  127,  "Deferral  of the  Effective  Date  of  Certain
        Provisions  of FASB  Statement  No.  125," which defers for one year the
        effective  date  of  provisions   relating  to  secured  borrowings  and
        collateral and transfers of financial assets that are part of repurchase
        agreements,  dollar-roll,  securities lending and similar  transactions.
        Management has not yet determined  the effect of  implementing  SFAS No.
        125.

        Valuation of Investments
        ------------------------

        Fixed  maturities  identified  as  available  for sale are  reported  at
        estimated fair value. The amortized cost of fixed maturities is adjusted
        for impairments in value deemed to be other than temporary.

        Mortgage loans on real estate are stated at unpaid  principal  balances,
        net of unamortized  discounts and valuation  allowances.  Effective with
        the  adoption  of  SFAS  No.  114 on  January  1,  1995,  the  valuation
        allowances are based on the present value of expected  future cash flows
        discounted  at  the  loan's  original  effective  interest  rate  or the
        collateral  value  if the  loan is  collateral  dependent.  However,  if
        foreclosure  is or becomes  probable,  the  measurement  method  used is
        collateral  value.  Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 114, the valuation
        allowances were based on losses expected by management to be realized on
        transfers  of  mortgage  loans  to  real  estate  (upon  foreclosure  or
        in-substance foreclosure),  on the disposition or settlement of mortgage
        loans and on mortgage loans  management  believed may not be collectible
        in full. In establishing  valuation  allowances,  management  previously
        considered,   among  other  things  the  estimated  fair  value  of  the
        underlying collateral.

        Real estate,  including real estate acquired in satisfaction of debt, is
        stated at  depreciated  cost less valuation  allowances.  At the date of
        foreclosure (including in-substance  foreclosure),  real estate acquired
        in satisfaction of debt is valued at estimated fair value. Impaired real
        estate is  written  down to fair value  with the  impairment  loss being
        included in investment gains (losses) net. Valuation  allowances on real
        estate  available  for sale are  computed  using  the  lower of  current
        estimated  fair value or depreciated  cost,  net of  disposition  costs.
        Prior to the  adoption of SFAS No.  121,  valuation  allowances  on real
        estate  held for the  production  of  income  were  computed  using  the
        forecasted cash flows of the respective  properties discounted at a rate
        equal to the Company's cost of funds.

        Policy loans are stated at unpaid principal balances.

        Partnerships  and joint venture  interests in which the Company does not
        have control and a majority economic interest are reported on the equity
        basis of accounting  and are included  either with equity real estate or
        other equity investments, as appropriate.

        Common  stocks are carried at  estimated  fair value and are included in
        other equity investments.

        Short-term  investments are stated at amortized cost which  approximates
        fair value and are included with other invested assets.

        Cash and cash equivalents  includes cash on hand, amounts due from banks
        and highly liquid debt instruments  purchased with an original  maturity
        of three months or less.

        All securities are recorded in the consolidated  financial statements on
        a trade date basis.

        Investment Results and Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)
        -----------------------------------------------------------

        Net  investment   income  and  realized   investment  gains  and  losses
        (collectively,  "investment  results") related to certain  participating
        group annuity contracts which are passed through to the  contractholders
        are reflected as interest credited to policyholders' account balances.

                                      F-9
<PAGE>

        Realized   investment  gains  and  losses  are  determined  by  specific
        identification  and are  presented as a component of revenue.  Valuation
        allowances are netted  against the asset  categories to which they apply
        and changes in the valuation allowances are included in investment gains
        or losses.

        Unrealized investment gains and losses on fixed maturities available for
        sale and equity  securities  held by the Company are  accounted for as a
        separate  component of  shareholder's  equity,  net of related  deferred
        Federal  income taxes,  amounts  attributable  to the  discontinued  GIC
        Segment,  participating  group  annuity  contracts,  and DAC  related to
        universal   life  and   investment-type   products   and   participating
        traditional life contracts.

        Recognition of Insurance Income and Related Expenses
        ----------------------------------------------------

        Premiums from universal life and investment-type  contracts are reported
        as deposits to  policyholders'  account  balances.  Revenues  from these
        contracts   consist  of  amounts  assessed  during  the  period  against
        policyholders'   account   balances  for   mortality   charges,   policy
        administration charges and surrender charges. Policy benefits and claims
        that are  charged to expense  include  benefit  claims  incurred  in the
        period in excess of related policyholders' account balances.

        Premiums from participating and  non-participating  traditional life and
        annuity  policies with life  contingencies  generally are  recognized as
        income when due.  Benefits  and expenses are matched with such income so
        as to  result  in the  recognition  of  profits  over  the  life  of the
        contracts.  This match is  accomplished  by means of the  provision  for
        liabilities  for future policy  benefits and the deferral and subsequent
        amortization of policy acquisition costs.

        For  contracts  with a single  premium  or a limited  number of  premium
        payments due over a  significantly  shorter period than the total period
        over which  benefits are provided,  premiums are recorded as income when
        due with any  excess  profit  deferred  and  recognized  in  income in a
        constant  relationship  to  insurance  in force or, for  annuities,  the
        amount of expected future benefit payments.

        Premiums from individual  health contracts are recognized as income over
        the period to which the premiums  relate in  proportion to the amount of
        insurance protection provided.

        Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
        ---------------------------------

        The  costs  of  acquiring   new   business,   principally   commissions,
        underwriting,  agency and policy issue expenses,  all of which vary with
        and  are  primarily  related  to the  production  of new  business,  are
        deferred. DAC is subject to recoverability testing at the time of policy
        issue and loss recognition testing at the end of each accounting period.

        For  universal  life  products  and  investment-type  products,  DAC  is
        amortized  over the expected  total life of the contract  group (periods
        ranging  from  15 to 35  years  and 5 to 17  years,  respectively)  as a
        constant  percentage of estimated gross profits arising principally from
        investment results,  mortality and expense margins and surrender charges
        based on historical and anticipated  future  experience,  updated at the
        end of each accounting  period. The effect on the amortization of DAC of
        revisions  to  estimated  gross  profits is reflected in earnings in the
        period such estimated  gross profits are revised.  The effect on the DAC
        asset that would result from realization of unrealized gains (losses) is
        recognized  with an offset to unrealized  gains (losses) in consolidated
        shareholder's equity as of the balance sheet date.

        For participating  traditional life policies (substantially all of which
        are in the Closed Block),  DAC is amortized over the expected total life
        of the contract group (40 years) as a constant  percentage  based on the
        present  value of the  estimated  gross  margin  amounts  expected to be
        realized  over the life of the contracts  using the expected  investment
        yield. At December 31, 1996, the expected  investment  yield ranged from
        7.30% grading to 7.68% over 13 years.  Estimated  gross margin  includes
        anticipated   premiums   and   investment   results   less   claims  and
        administrative  expenses,  changes in the net level premium  reserve and
        expected  annual  policyholder  dividends.  Deviations of actual results
        from  estimated  experience are reflected in earnings in the period such
        deviations  occur.  The effect on the DAC asset that would  result  from
        realization of unrealized gains (losses) is recognized with an offset to
        unrealized gains (losses) in consolidated shareholder's equity as of the
        balance sheet date.

                                      F-10
<PAGE>

        For  non-participating  traditional  life and annuity policies with life
        contingencies,  DAC is amortized in proportion to anticipated  premiums.
        Assumptions  as to  anticipated  premiums  are  estimated at the date of
        policy  issue  and  are  consistently  applied  during  the  life of the
        contracts.   Deviations  from  estimated  experience  are  reflected  in
        earnings in the period such deviations  occur. For these contracts,  the
        amortization periods generally are for the total life of the policy.

        For  individual  health  benefit  insurance,  DAC is amortized  over the
        expected  average  life of the  contracts  (10 years  for major  medical
        policies  and  20  years  for  disability  income  ("DI")  products)  in
        proportion  to  anticipated  premium  revenue  at time of issue.  In the
        fourth quarter of 1996, the DAC related to DI contracts  issued prior to
        July 1993 was written off.

        Policyholders' Account Balances and Future Policy Benefits
        ----------------------------------------------------------

        Policyholders'  account balances for universal life and  investment-type
        contracts are equal to the policy  account  values.  The policy  account
        values represent an accumulation of gross premium payments plus credited
        interest less expense and mortality charges and withdrawals.

        For  participating  traditional  life  policies,  future policy  benefit
        liabilities are calculated using a net level premium method on the basis
        of actuarial assumptions equal to guaranteed mortality and dividend fund
        interest  rates.  The  liability  for annual  dividends  represents  the
        accrual of annual dividends  earned.  Terminal  dividends are accrued in
        proportion to gross margins over the life of the contract.

        For non-participating traditional life insurance policies, future policy
        benefit  liabilities  are estimated  using a net level premium method on
        the basis of actuarial  assumptions  as to  mortality,  persistency  and
        interest established at policy issue.  Assumptions established at policy
        issue as to mortality and persistency are based on the Insurance Group's
        experience  which,  together  with  interest  and  expense  assumptions,
        include a margin for adverse deviation.  When the liabilities for future
        policy benefits plus the present value of expected future gross premiums
        for a product are  insufficient  to provide for expected  future  policy
        benefits  and  expenses  for  that  product,  DAC  is  written  off  and
        thereafter,  if required, a premium deficiency reserve is established by
        a charge to earnings.  Benefit  liabilities  for  traditional  annuities
        during the accumulation period are equal to accumulated contractholders'
        fund balances and after  annuitization are equal to the present value of
        expected  future  payments.  Interest  rates used in  establishing  such
        liabilities range from 2.25% to 11.5% for life insurance liabilities and
        from 2.25% to 13.5% for annuity liabilities.

        During  the  fourth  quarter  of  1996,  a  loss  recognition  study  on
        participating group annuity contracts and conversion annuities ("Pension
        Par") was completed  which  included  management's  revised  estimate of
        assumptions, including expected mortality and future investment returns.
        The  study's  results   prompted   management  to  establish  a  premium
        deficiency reserve which decreased  earnings from continuing  operations
        and net earnings by $47.5 million ($73.0 million pre-tax).

        Individual  health  benefit  liabilities  for active lives are estimated
        using  the net  level  premium  method,  and  assumptions  as to  future
        morbidity,  withdrawals and interest.  Benefit  liabilities for disabled
        lives are  estimated  using the  present  value of  benefits  method and
        experience assumptions as to claim terminations, expenses and interest.

        During  the  fourth  quarter  of  1996,  the  Company  completed  a loss
        recognition  study of the DI business  which  incorporated  management's
        revised  estimates  of  future  experience  with  regard  to  morbidity,
        investment  returns,   claims  and  administration  expenses  and  other
        factors.  The study  indicated DAC was not  recoverable and the reserves
        were  not  sufficient.  Earnings  from  continuing  operations  and  net
        earnings  decreased  by $208.0  million  ($320.0  million  pre-tax) as a
        result of  strengthening  DI reserves by $175.0  million and writing off
        unamortized  DAC of $145.0  million.  The  determination  of DI reserves
        requires  making  assumptions  and  estimates  relating  to a variety of
        factors,  including  morbidity and interest rates, claims experience and
        lapse

                                      F-11
<PAGE>

        rates based on then known facts and circumstances. Such factors as claim
        incidence  and  termination  rates can be  affected  by  changes  in the
        economic,  legal  and  regulatory  environments  and work  ethic.  While
        management believes its DI reserves have been calculated on a reasonable
        basis and are  adequate,  there  can be no  assurance  reserves  will be
        sufficient to provide for future liabilities.

        Claim reserves and  associated  liabilities  for  individual  disability
        income and major medical policies were $711.8 million and $639.6 million
        at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively (excluding $175.0 million of
        reserve  strengthening in 1996).  Incurred benefits  (benefits paid plus
        changes in claim reserves) and benefits paid for individual DI and major
        medical policies  (excluding $175.0 million of reserve  strengthening in
        1996) are summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Incurred benefits related to current year..........  $       189.0       $      176.0       $      188.6
        Incurred benefits related to prior years...........           69.1               67.8               28.7
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total Incurred Benefits............................  $       258.1       $      243.8       $      217.3
                                                            =================   ================   =================
        Benefits paid related to current year..............  $        32.6       $       37.0       $       43.7
        Benefits paid related to prior years...............          153.3              137.8              132.3
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total Benefits Paid................................  $       185.9       $      174.8       $      176.0
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        Policyholders' Dividends
        ------------------------

        The amount of  policyholders'  dividends to be paid (including  those on
        policies  included  in the  Closed  Block)  is  determined  annually  by
        Equitable   Life's  Board  of  Directors.   The   aggregate   amount  of
        policyholders'  dividends  is  related  to actual  interest,  mortality,
        morbidity  and expense  experience  for the year and  judgment as to the
        appropriate level of statutory surplus to be retained by Equitable Life.

        Equitable  Life is subject  to  limitations  on the amount of  statutory
        profits  which can be  retained  with  respect  to  certain  classes  of
        individual  participating  policies  that were in force on July 22, 1992
        which  are  not  included  in the  Closed  Block  and  with  respect  to
        participating  policies  issued  subsequent  to July  22,  1992.  Excess
        statutory  profits,  if  any,  will  be  distributed  over  time to such
        policyholders and will not be available to Equitable Life's shareholder.
        Earnings  in  excess  of  limitations,  if  any,  would  be  accrued  as
        policyholders' dividends.

        At December 31, 1996,  participating  policies,  including  those in the
        Closed Block, represent  approximately 24.2% ($52.3 billion) of directly
        written life insurance in force, net of amounts ceded.

        Federal Income Taxes
        --------------------

        The  Company  files a  consolidated  Federal  income tax return with the
        Holding Company and its non-life insurance subsidiaries. Current Federal
        income taxes were charged or credited to  operations  based upon amounts
        estimated to be payable or recoverable as a result of taxable operations
        for the current year.  Deferred income tax assets and  liabilities  were
        recognized based on the difference between financial  statement carrying
        amounts  and income tax bases of assets and  liabilities  using  enacted
        income tax rates and laws.

        Separate Accounts
        -----------------

        Separate  Accounts are established in conformity with the New York State
        Insurance Law and generally are not  chargeable  with  liabilities  that
        arise from any other business of the Insurance Group.  Separate Accounts
        assets  are  subject to General  Account  claims  only to the extent the
        value of such assets exceeds the Separate Accounts liabilities.

                                      F-12
<PAGE>

        Assets  and  liabilities  of the  Separate  Accounts,  representing  net
        deposits  and  accumulated  net  investment  earnings  less  fees,  held
        primarily  for  the  benefit  of  contractholders,  and  for  which  the
        Insurance Group does not bear the investment risk, are shown as separate
        captions in the consolidated  balance sheets.  The Insurance Group bears
        the investment risk on assets held in one Separate  Account,  therefore,
        such assets are carried on the same basis as similar  assets held in the
        General Account  portfolio.  Assets held in the other Separate  Accounts
        are carried at quoted  market  values or,  where  quoted  values are not
        available,  at  estimated  fair values as  determined  by the  Insurance
        Group.

        The investment results of Separate Accounts on which the Insurance Group
        does not bear the  investment  risk are  reflected  directly in Separate
        Accounts  liabilities.  For 1996, 1995 and 1994,  investment  results of
        such  Separate  Accounts  were $2,970.6  million,  $1,963.2  million and
        $665.2 million, respectively.

        Deposits to Separate  Accounts  are  reported as  increases  in Separate
        Accounts liabilities and are not reported in revenues. Mortality, policy
        administration  and  surrender  charges  on all  Separate  Accounts  are
        included in revenues.

                                      F-13
<PAGE>

 3)     INVESTMENTS

        The following tables provide  additional  information  relating to fixed
maturities and equity securities:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        GROSS               GROSS
                                                   AMORTIZED          UNREALIZED         UNREALIZED         ESTIMATED
                                                      COST              GAINS              LOSSES           FAIR VALUE
                                                -----------------  -----------------   ----------------   ---------------
                                                                             (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                     <C>                <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        DECEMBER 31, 1996
        -----------------
        Fixed Maturities:
          Available for Sale:
            Corporate..........................  $    13,645.2      $       451.5       $      121.0       $   13,975.7
            Mortgage-backed....................        2,015.9               11.2               20.3            2,006.8
            U.S. Treasury securities and
              U.S. government and
              agency securities................        1,539.4               39.2               19.3            1,559.3
            States and political subdivisions..           77.0                4.5                -                 81.5
            Foreign governments................          302.6               18.0                2.2              318.4
            Redeemable preferred stock.........          139.1                3.3                7.1              135.3
                                                -----------------  -----------------   ----------------   ---------------
        Total Available for Sale...............  $    17,719.2      $       527.7       $      169.9       $   18,077.0
                                                =================  =================   ================   ===============
        Equity Securities:
          Common stock.........................  $        98.7      $        49.3       $       17.7       $      130.3
                                                =================  =================   ================   ===============

        December 31, 1995
        -----------------
        Fixed Maturities:
          Available for Sale:
            Corporate..........................  $    10,910.7      $       617.6       $      118.1       $   11,410.2
            Mortgage-backed....................        1,838.0               31.2                1.2            1,868.0
            U.S. Treasury securities and
              U.S. government and
              agency securities................        2,257.0               77.8                4.1            2,330.7
            States and political subdivisions..           45.7                5.2                -                 50.9
            Foreign governments................          124.5               11.0                 .2              135.3
            Redeemable preferred stock.........          108.1                5.3                8.6              104.8
                                                -----------------  -----------------   ----------------   ---------------
        Total Available for Sale...............  $    15,284.0      $       748.1       $      132.2       $   15,899.9
                                                =================  =================   ================   ===============
        Equity Securities:
          Common stock.........................  $        97.3      $        49.1       $       18.0       $      128.4
                                                =================  =================   ================   ===============
</TABLE>

        For publicly traded fixed  maturities and equity  securities,  estimated
        fair  value  is  determined  using  quoted  market  prices.   For  fixed
        maturities without a readily ascertainable market value, the Company has
        determined  an  estimated  fair  value  using  a  discounted  cash  flow
        approach, including provisions for credit risk, generally based upon the
        assumption  such  securities  will be held to maturity.  Estimated  fair
        value for equity  securities,  substantially  all of which do not have a
        readily  ascertainable market value, has been determined by the Company.
        Such estimated fair values do not  necessarily  represent the values for
        which  these  securities  could  have  been  sold  at the  dates  of the
        consolidated  balance sheets. At December 31, 1996 and 1995,  securities
        without a readily ascertainable market value having an amortized cost of
        $3,915.7 million and $3,748.9 million,  respectively, had estimated fair
        values of $4,024.6 million and $3,981.8 million, respectively.

                                      F-14
<PAGE>

        The contractual maturity of bonds at December 31, 1996 is shown below:

                                                   AVAILABLE FOR SALE
                                           ------------------------------------
                                              AMORTIZED          ESTIMATED
                                                COST             FAIR VALUE
                                           ----------------   -----------------
                                                      (IN MILLIONS)

        Due in one year or less...........  $      539.6       $      542.5
        Due in years two through five.....       2,776.2            2,804.0
        Due in years six through ten......       6,044.7            6,158.1
        Due after ten years...............       6,203.7            6,430.3
        Mortgage-backed securities........       2,015.9            2,006.8
                                           ----------------   -----------------
        Total.............................  $   17,580.1       $   17,941.7
                                           ================   =================

        Bonds not due at a single  maturity date have been included in the above
        table in the year of final maturity.  Actual maturities will differ from
        contractual  maturities  because borrowers may have the right to call or
        prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

        The  Insurance  Group's fixed  maturity  investment  portfolio  includes
        corporate high yield  securities  consisting of public high yield bonds,
        redeemable  preferred  stocks and directly  negotiated debt in leveraged
        buyout  transactions.  The Insurance  Group seeks to minimize the higher
        than normal credit risks  associated  with such securities by monitoring
        the total  investments  in any single  issuer or total  investment  in a
        particular  industry  group.  Certain  of  these  corporate  high  yield
        securities are classified as other than investment  grade by the various
        rating  agencies,  i.e., a rating below Baa or National  Association  of
        Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC") designation of 3 (medium grade), 4 or 5
        (below  investment  grade) or 6 (in or near  default).  At December  31,
        1996,  approximately 14.20% of the $17,563.7 million aggregate amortized
        cost of bonds held by the  Insurance  Group were  considered to be other
        than investment grade.

        In addition to its  holdings of  corporate  high yield  securities,  the
        Insurance Group is an equity investor in limited  partnership  interests
        which  primarily  invest  in  securities  considered  to be  other  than
        investment grade.

        The Company has  restructured  or  modified  the terms of certain  fixed
        maturity  investments.  The fixed maturity  portfolio includes amortized
        costs of $5.5  million and $15.9  million at December 31, 1996 and 1995,
        respectively,  of such  restructured  securities.  These amounts include
        fixed  maturities  which are in default as to principal  and/or interest
        payments,  are to be restructured pursuant to commenced  negotiations or
        where the  borrowers  went into  bankruptcy  subsequent  to  acquisition
        (collectively,  "problem  fixed  maturities")  of $2.2  million and $1.6
        million as of December 31, 1996 and 1995,  respectively.  Gross interest
        income that would have been  recorded in  accordance  with the  original
        terms of restructured  fixed maturities  amounted to $1.4 million,  $3.0
        million and $7.5  million in 1996,  1995 and 1994,  respectively.  Gross
        interest  income on these fixed  maturities  included in net  investment
        income  aggregated $1.3 million,  $2.9 million and $6.8 million in 1996,
        1995 and 1994, respectively.

                                      F-15
<PAGE>

        Investment valuation allowances and changes thereto are shown below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Balances, beginning of year........................  $       325.3       $      284.9       $      355.6
        SFAS No. 121 release...............................         (152.4)               -                  -
        Additions charged to income........................          125.0              136.0               51.0
        Deductions for writedowns and
          asset dispositions...............................         (160.8)             (95.6)            (121.7)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Balances, End of Year..............................  $       137.1       $      325.3       $      284.9
                                                            =================   ================   =================
        Balances, end of year comprise:
          Mortgage loans on real estate....................  $        50.4       $       65.5       $       64.2
          Equity real estate...............................           86.7              259.8              220.7
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total..............................................  $       137.1       $      325.3       $      284.9
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        At December 31, 1996, the carrying  values of  investments  held for the
        production  of income  which were  non-income  producing  for the twelve
        months preceding the consolidated  balance sheet date were $25.0 million
        of fixed maturities and $2.6 million of mortgage loans on real estate.

        At  December  31,  1996 and 1995,  mortgage  loans on real  estate  with
        scheduled payments 60 days (90 days for agricultural  mortgages) or more
        past due or in  foreclosure  (collectively,  "problem  mortgage loans on
        real  estate") had an  amortized  cost of $12.4  million  (0.4% of total
        mortgage loans on real estate) and $87.7 million (2.4% of total mortgage
        loans on real estate), respectively.

        The payment terms of mortgage loans on real estate may from time to time
        be  restructured or modified.  The investment in  restructured  mortgage
        loans on real  estate,  based on  amortized  cost,  amounted  to  $388.3
        million and $531.5 million at December 31, 1996 and 1995,  respectively.
        These amounts include $1.0 million and $3.8 million of problem  mortgage
        loans on real estate at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.  Gross
        interest income on restructured mortgage loans on real estate that would
        have been recorded in accordance  with the original  terms of such loans
        amounted to $35.5 million, $52.1 million and $44.9 million in 1996, 1995
        and 1994, respectively. Gross interest income on these loans included in
        net investment income aggregated $28.2 million,  $37.4 million and $32.8
        million in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

        Impaired  mortgage  loans (as defined under SFAS No. 114) along with the
        related provision for losses were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         DECEMBER 31,
                                                                            ----------------------------------------
                                                                                   1996                 1995
                                                                            -------------------  -------------------
                                                                                         (IN MILLIONS)

        <S>                                                                 <C>                  <C>           
        Impaired mortgage loans with provision for losses..................  $        340.0       $        310.1
        Impaired mortgage loans with no provision for losses...............           122.3                160.8
                                                                            -------------------  -------------------
        Recorded investment in impaired mortgage loans.....................           462.3                470.9
        Provision for losses...............................................            46.4                 62.7
                                                                            -------------------  -------------------
        Net Impaired Mortgage Loans........................................  $        415.9       $        408.2
                                                                            ===================  ===================
</TABLE>

        Impaired mortgage loans with no provision for losses are loans where the
        fair value of the  collateral  or the net present  value of the expected
        future cash flows  related to the loan  equals or exceeds  the  recorded
        investment.  Interest income earned on loans where the collateral  value
        is used to measure impairment is recorded on a

                                      F-16
<PAGE>

        cash basis.  Interest  income on loans where the present value method is
        used to measure  impairment is accrued on the net carrying  value amount
        of the loan at the  interest  rate  used to  discount  the  cash  flows.
        Changes in the present  value  attributable  to changes in the amount or
        timing of  expected  cash  flows are  reported  as  investment  gains or
        losses.

        During  1996 and 1995,  respectively,  the  Company's  average  recorded
        investment  in  impaired  mortgage  loans was $552.1  million and $429.0
        million.  Interest  income  recognized on these impaired  mortgage loans
        totaled $38.8 million and $27.9 million for 1996 and 1995, respectively,
        including $17.9 million and $13.4 million recognized on a cash basis.

        The Insurance Group's investment in equity real estate is through direct
        ownership  and through  investments  in real estate joint  ventures.  At
        December  31, 1996 and 1995,  the  carrying  value of equity real estate
        available  for sale  amounted  to $345.6  million  and  $255.5  million,
        respectively.  For 1996,  1995 and 1994,  respectively,  real  estate of
        $58.7  million,  $35.3  million  and  $189.8  million  was  acquired  in
        satisfaction  of debt. At December 31, 1996 and 1995,  the Company owned
        $771.7 million and $862.7 million, respectively, of real estate acquired
        in satisfaction of debt.

        Depreciation of real estate is computed using the  straight-line  method
        over the estimated useful lives of the properties, which generally range
        from 40 to 50 years.  Accumulated depreciation on real estate was $587.5
        million and $662.4 million at December 31, 1996 and 1995,  respectively.
        Depreciation  expense  on real  estate  totaled  $91.8  million,  $121.7
        million and $117.0 million for 1996, 1995 and 1994,  respectively.  As a
        result  of  the   implementation   of  SFAS  No.  121,  during  1996  no
        depreciation  expense has been  recorded on real  estate  available  for
        sale.

                                      F-17
<PAGE>

 4)     JOINT VENTURES AND PARTNERSHIPS

        Summarized combined financial  information of real estate joint ventures
        (34 and 38  individual  ventures  as of  December  31,  1996  and  1995,
        respectively) and of limited  partnership  interests accounted for under
        the equity  method,  in which the  Company  has an  investment  of $10.0
        million  or  greater  and an equity  interest  of 10% or  greater  is as
        follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                ------------------------------------
                                                                                     1996                1995
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                           (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                                     <C>                <C>         
        FINANCIAL POSITION
        Investments in real estate, at depreciated cost........................  $    1,883.7       $    2,684.1
        Investments in securities, generally at estimated fair value...........       2,430.6            2,459.8
        Cash and cash equivalents..............................................          98.0              489.1
        Other assets...........................................................         427.0              270.8
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Total assets...........................................................       4,839.3            5,903.8
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Borrowed funds - third party...........................................       1,574.3            1,782.3
        Borrowed funds - the Company...........................................         137.9              220.5
        Other liabilities......................................................         415.8              593.9
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Total liabilities......................................................       2,128.0            2,596.7
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------

        Partners' Capital......................................................  $    2,711.3       $    3,307.1
                                                                                ================   =================

        Equity in partners' capital included above.............................  $      806.8       $      902.2
        Equity in limited partnership interests not included above.............         201.8              212.8
        Other..................................................................           9.8                8.9
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Carrying Value.........................................................  $    1,018.4       $    1,123.9
                                                                                ================   =================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
        Revenues of real estate joint ventures.............  $       348.9       $      463.5       $      537.7
        Revenues of other limited partnership interests....          386.1              242.3              103.4
        Interest expense - third party.....................         (111.0)            (135.3)            (114.9)
        Interest expense - the Company.....................          (30.0)             (41.0)             (36.9)
        Other expenses.....................................         (282.5)            (397.7)            (430.9)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Net Earnings.......................................  $       311.5       $      131.8       $       58.4
                                                            =================   ================   =================
        Equity in net earnings included above..............  $        73.9       $       49.1       $       18.9
        Equity in net earnings of limited partnerships
          interests not included above.....................           35.8               44.8               25.3
        Other..............................................             .9                1.0                1.8
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total Equity in Net Earnings.......................  $       110.6       $       94.9       $       46.0
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

                                      F-18
<PAGE>

 5)     NET INVESTMENT INCOME AND INVESTMENT GAINS (LOSSES)

        The sources of net investment income are summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   1996               1995                1994
                                             -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                  (IN MILLIONS)

        <S>                                  <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Fixed maturities....................  $     1,307.4       $    1,151.1       $    1,036.5
        Mortgage loans on real estate.......          303.0              329.0              385.7
        Equity real estate..................          442.4              560.4              561.8
        Other equity investments............           94.3               76.9               36.1
        Policy loans........................          160.3              144.4              122.7
        Other investment income.............          217.4              273.0              322.4
                                             -----------------   ----------------   -----------------

          Gross investment income...........        2,524.8            2,534.8            2,465.2
                                             -----------------   ----------------   -----------------

          Investment expenses...............          348.9              446.6              466.6
                                             -----------------   ----------------   -----------------

        Net Investment Income...............  $     2,175.9       $    2,088.2       $    1,998.6
                                             =================   ================   =================

        Investment  gains  (losses),  net,  including  changes in the  valuation
        allowances, are summarized as follows:
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)

        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>          
        Fixed maturities...................................  $        60.5       $      119.9       $      (14.3)
        Mortgage loans on real estate......................          (27.3)             (40.2)             (43.1)
        Equity real estate.................................          (79.7)             (86.6)              20.6
        Other equity investments...........................           18.9               12.8               75.9
        Issuance and sales of Alliance Units...............           20.6                -                 52.4
        Other..............................................           (2.8)               (.6)                .3
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Investment (Losses) Gains, Net.....................  $        (9.8)      $        5.3       $       91.8
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        Writedowns of fixed maturities amounted to $29.9 million,  $46.7 million
        and $30.8 million for 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively,  and writedowns
        of  equity  real  estate  subsequent  to the  adoption  of SFAS No.  121
        amounted to $23.7 million for the year ended December 31, 1996.

        For 1996,  1995 and 1994,  respectively,  proceeds  received on sales of
        fixed  maturities  classified as available for sale amounted to $8,353.5
        million,  $8,206.0 million and $5,253.9  million.  Gross gains of $154.2
        million,  $211.4  million and $65.2  million  and gross  losses of $92.7
        million, $64.2 million and $50.8 million, respectively, were realized on
        these sales. The change in unrealized  investment (losses) gains related
        to fixed maturities  classified as available for sale for 1996, 1995 and
        1994  amounted  to  $(258.0)  million,  $1,077.2  million  and  $(742.2)
        million, respectively.

        During  each  of 1995  and  1994,  one  security  classified  as held to
        maturity was sold.  During the eleven months ended November 30, 1995 and
        the  year  ended  December  31,  1994,  respectively,   twelve  and  six
        securities  so  classified  were  transferred  to the available for sale
        portfolio.  All  actions  were  taken  as  a  result  of  a  significant
        deterioration in creditworthiness.  The aggregate amortized costs of the
        securities  sold were $1.0  million  and  $19.9  million  with a related
        investment  gain of $-0- million and $.8 million  recognized in 1995 and
        1994,  respectively;  the  aggregate  amortized  cost of the  securities
        transferred  was $116.0 million and $42.8 million with gross  unrealized
        investment   losses  of  $3.2  million  and  $3.1  million   charged  to
        consolidated  shareholder's  equity for the eleven months ended November
        30, 1995 and the year ended December 31,

                                      F-19
<PAGE>

        1994,  respectively.  On  December  1,  1995,  the  Company  transferred
        $4,794.9  million of  securities  classified  as held to maturity to the
        available for sale  portfolio.  As a result,  unrealized  gains on fixed
        maturities  increased  $395.6 million,  offset by DAC of $126.5 million,
        amounts  attributable to participating  group annuity contracts of $39.2
        million and deferred Federal income taxes of $80.5 million.

        For 1996,  1995 and 1994,  investment  results passed through to certain
        participating   group   annuity   contracts  as  interest   credited  to
        policyholders'  account  balances  amounted  to $136.7  million,  $131.2
        million and $175.8 million, respectively.

        In  1996,  Alliance  acquired  the  business  of  Cursitor-Eaton   Asset
        Management   Company  and  Cursitor   Holdings  Limited   (collectively,
        "Cursitor")  for  approximately   $159.0  million.  The  purchase  price
        consisted of $94.3 million in cash,  1.8 million of Alliance's  publicly
        traded units  ("Alliance  Units"),  6% notes  aggregating  $21.5 million
        payable   ratably   over  four   years,   and   substantial   additional
        consideration  which will be determined  at a later date.  The excess of
        the purchase price,  including  acquisition costs and minority interest,
        over the fair value of Cursitor's  net assets  acquired  resulted in the
        recognition  of  intangible  assets  consisting  of  costs  assigned  to
        contracts  acquired and  goodwill of  approximately  $122.8  million and
        $38.3  million,  respectively,   which  are  being  amortized  over  the
        estimated useful lives of 20 years. The Company recognized an investment
        gain of $20.6  million as a result of the issuance of Alliance  Units in
        this  transaction.  At December 31,  1996,  the  Company's  ownership of
        Alliance Units was approximately 57.3%.

        In 1994, Alliance sold 4.96 million newly issued Alliance Units to third
        parties at prevailing  market prices.  The Company continues to hold its
        1% general partnership  interest in Alliance.  The Company recognized an
        investment gain of $52.4 million as a result of these transactions.

        Net unrealized  investment gains (losses),  included in the consolidated
        balance  sheets  as a  component  of  equity  and  the  changes  for the
        corresponding years, are summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)

        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Balance, beginning of year as restated.............  $       396.5       $     (220.5)      $      144.6
        Changes in unrealized investment (losses) gains....         (297.6)           1,198.9             (856.7)
        Changes in unrealized investment losses
          (gains) attributable to:
            Participating group annuity contracts..........            -                (78.1)              40.8
            DAC............................................           42.3             (216.8)             273.6
            Deferred Federal income taxes..................           48.7             (287.0)             177.2
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Balance, End of Year...............................  $       189.9       $      396.5       $     (220.5)
                                                            =================   ================   =================
        Balance, end of year comprises:
          Unrealized investment gains (losses) on:
            Fixed maturities...............................  $       357.8       $      615.9       $     (461.3)
            Other equity investments.......................           31.6               31.1                7.7
            Other, principally Closed Block................           53.1               93.1               (5.1)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
              Total........................................          442.5              740.1             (458.7)
          Amounts of unrealized investment (gains)
            losses attributable to:
              Participating group annuity contracts........          (72.2)             (72.2)               5.9
              DAC..........................................          (52.0)             (94.3)             122.4
              Deferred Federal income taxes................         (128.4)            (177.1)             109.9
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total..............................................  $       189.9       $      396.5       $     (220.5)
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

                                      F-20
<PAGE>

 6)     CLOSED BLOCK

        Summarized financial information of the Closed Block follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     DECEMBER 31,
                                                                         --------------------------------------
                                                                               1996                 1995
                                                                         -----------------    -----------------
                                                                                     (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                              <C>                  <C>         
        Assets
        Fixed Maturities:
          Available for sale, at estimated fair value (amortized cost,
            $3,820.7 and $3,662.8)......................................  $    3,889.5         $    3,896.2
        Mortgage loans on real estate...................................       1,380.7              1,368.8
        Policy loans....................................................       1,765.9              1,797.2
        Cash and other invested assets..................................         336.1                440.9
        DAC.............................................................         876.5                792.6
        Other assets....................................................         246.3                286.4
                                                                         -----------------    -----------------
        Total Assets....................................................  $    8,495.0         $    8,582.1
                                                                         =================    =================

        Liabilities
        Future policy benefits and policyholders' account balances......  $    8,999.7         $    8,923.5
        Other liabilities...............................................          91.6                297.9
                                                                         -----------------    -----------------
        Total Liabilities...............................................  $    9,091.3         $    9,221.4
                                                                         =================    =================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Revenues
        Premiums and other revenue.........................  $       724.8       $      753.4       $      798.1
        Investment income (net of investment
          expenses of $27.3, $26.7 and $19.0)..............          546.6              538.9              523.0
        Investment losses, net.............................           (5.5)             (20.2)             (24.0)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
              Total revenues...............................        1,265.9            1,272.1            1,297.1
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Benefits and Other Deductions
        Policyholders' benefits and dividends..............        1,106.3            1,077.6            1,121.6
        Other operating costs and expenses.................           34.6               51.3               38.5
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
              Total benefits and other deductions..........        1,140.9            1,128.9            1,160.1
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Contribution from the Closed Block.................  $       125.0       $      143.2       $      137.0
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        In the fourth quarter of 1996,  the Company  adopted SFAS No. 120, which
        prescribes the accounting  for individual  participating  life insurance
        contracts,  most  of  which  are  included  in  the  Closed  Block.  The
        implementation of SFAS No. 120 resulted in an increase (decrease) in the
        contribution  from the Closed Block of $27.5 million,  $18.8 million and
        $(14.0) million in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

        The fixed  maturity  portfolio,  based on amortized  cost,  includes $.4
        million and $4.3 million at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively, of
        restructured  securities  which includes problem fixed maturities of $.3
        million and $1.9 million, respectively.

                                      F-21
<PAGE>

        During  the  eleven  months  ended   November  30,  1995,  one  security
        classified as held to maturity was sold and ten securities classified as
        held to maturity were  transferred to the available for sale  portfolio.
        All actions resulted from significant deterioration in creditworthiness.
        The amortized cost of the security sold was $4.2 million.  The aggregate
        amortized  cost of the  securities  transferred  was $81.3  million with
        gross unrealized investment losses of $.1 million transferred to equity.
        At December 1, 1995,  $1,750.7 million of securities  classified as held
        to maturity were  transferred to the available for sale portfolio.  As a
        result,  unrealized  gains of $88.5  million  on fixed  maturities  were
        recognized, offset by DAC amortization of $52.6 million.

        At December 31, 1996 and 1995, problem mortgage loans on real estate had
        an amortized cost of $4.3 million and $36.5 million,  respectively,  and
        mortgage  loans on real  estate  for which the  payment  terms have been
        restructured had an amortized cost of $114.2 million and $137.7 million,
        respectively.  At December 31, 1996 and 1995, the restructured  mortgage
        loans on real estate  amount  included  $.7  million  and $8.8  million,
        respectively, of problem mortgage loans on real estate.

        Impaired  mortgage  loans (as defined under SFAS No. 114) along with the
        related provision for losses were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              DECEMBER 31,
                                                                   ------------------------------------
                                                                        1996                1995
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                              (IN MILLIONS)

        <S>                                                        <C>                <C>
        Impaired mortgage loans with provision for losses.........  $       128.1      $       106.8
        Impaired mortgage loans with no provision for losses......             .6               10.1
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
        Recorded investment in impaired mortgages.................          128.7              116.9
        Provision for losses......................................           12.9               17.9
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
        Net Impaired Mortgage Loans...............................  $       115.8      $        99.0
                                                                   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        During 1996 and 1995, respectively,  the Closed Block's average recorded
        investment  in  impaired  mortgage  loans was $153.8  million and $146.9
        million,  respectively.  Interest  income  recognized on these  impaired
        mortgage loans totaled $10.9 million and $5.9 million for 1996 and 1995,
        respectively,  including  $4.7 million and $1.3 million  recognized on a
        cash basis.

        Valuation  allowances  amounted to $13.8  million  and $18.4  million on
        mortgage  loans on real  estate  and $3.7  million  and $4.3  million on
        equity  real  estate  at  December  31,  1996  and  1995,  respectively.
        Writedowns of fixed maturities amounted to $12.8 million,  $16.8 million
        and $15.9 million for 1996, 1995 and 1994,  respectively.  As of January
        1, 1996,  the  adoption of SFAS No. 121 resulted in the  recognition  of
        impairment losses of $5.6 million on real estate held and used.

        Many  expenses  related  to  Closed  Block  operations  are  charged  to
        operations  outside of the Closed Block;  accordingly,  the contribution
        from the Closed Block does not represent the actual profitability of the
        Closed Block  operations.  Operating  costs and expenses  outside of the
        Closed Block are, therefore, disproportionate to the business outside of
        the Closed Block.

                                      F-22
<PAGE>

 7)     DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

        Summarized financial information of the GIC Segment follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             DECEMBER 31,
                                                 --------------------------------------
                                                       1996                 1995
                                                 -----------------    -----------------
                                                             (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                      <C>                  <C>         
        Assets
        Mortgage loans on real estate...........  $    1,111.1         $    1,485.8
        Equity real estate......................         925.6              1,122.1
        Other invested assets...................         474.0                665.2
        Other assets............................         226.1                579.3
                                                 -----------------    -----------------
        Total Assets............................  $    2,736.8         $    3,852.4
                                                 =================    =================

        Liabilities
        Policyholders' liabilities..............  $    1,335.9         $    1,399.8
        Allowance for future losses.............         262.0                164.2
        Amounts due to continuing operations....         996.2              2,097.1
        Other liabilities.......................         142.7                191.3
                                                 -----------------    -----------------
        Total Liabilities.......................  $    2,736.8         $    3,852.4
                                                 =================    =================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>       
        Revenues
        Investment income (net of investment expenses
          of $127.5, $153.1 and $183.3)....................  $       245.4       $      323.6       $      394.3
        Investment (losses) gains, net.....................          (18.9)             (22.9)              26.8
        Policy fees, premiums and other income.............             .2                 .7                 .4
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total revenues.....................................          226.7              301.4              421.5
        Benefits and other deductions......................          250.4              326.5              443.2
        Losses charged to allowance for future losses......          (23.7)             (25.1)             (21.7)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Pre-tax loss from operations.......................            -                  -                  -
        Pre-tax loss from strengthening of the
          allowance for future losses......................         (129.0)               -                  -
        Federal income tax benefit.........................           45.2                -                  -
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Loss from Discontinued Operations..................  $       (83.8)      $        -         $        -
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        In  1991,   management  adopted  a  plan  to  discontinue  the  business
        operations  of the GIC  Segment  consisting  of group  non-participating
        Wind-Up Annuities and the GIC lines of business.  The loss allowance and
        premium  deficiency  reserve of $569.6 million provided for in 1991 were
        based on management's best judgment at that time.

        The  Company's  quarterly  process for  evaluating  the loss  provisions
        applies  the current  period's  results of the  discontinued  operations
        against  the  allowance,  re-estimates  future  losses,  and adjusts the
        provisions,  if  appropriate.  Additionally,  as part  of the  Company's
        annual planning  process which takes place in the fourth quarter of each
        year,  investment and benefit cash flow projections are prepared.  These
        updated assumptions and estimates resulted in the need to strengthen the
        loss  provisions by $129.0  million,  resulting in a post-tax  charge of
        $83.8 million to discontinued  operations' results in the fourth quarter
        of 1996.

                                      F-23
<PAGE>

        Management  believes the loss  provisions for Wind-Up  Annuities and GIC
        contracts  at December  31, 1996 are  adequate to provide for all future
        losses;  however,  the  determination  of loss  provisions  continues to
        involve  numerous  estimates  and  subjective  judgments  regarding  the
        expected performance of discontinued operations investment assets. There
        can be no  assurance  the losses  provided  for will not differ from the
        losses  ultimately  realized.  To the  extent  actual  results or future
        projections  of the  discontinued  operations  differ from  management's
        current best estimates and assumptions  underlying the loss  provisions,
        the  difference  would be reflected in the  consolidated  statements  of
        earnings  in  discontinued  operations.  In  particular,  to the  extent
        income, sales proceeds and holding periods for equity real estate differ
        from management's previous assumptions, periodic adjustments to the loss
        provisions are likely to result.

        In January 1995, continuing  operations  transferred $1,215.4 million in
        cash to the GIC  Segment  in  settlement  of its  obligation  to provide
        assets to fund the accumulated deficit of the GIC Segment. Subsequently,
        the  GIC  Segment  remitted  $1,155.4  million  in  cash  to  continuing
        operations in partial  repayment of  borrowings  by the GIC Segment.  No
        gains or losses were  recognized on these  transactions.  Amounts due to
        continuing  operations  at  December  31,  1996,  consisted  of $1,080.0
        million borrowed by the discontinued GIC Segment offset by $83.8 million
        representing an obligation of continuing operations to provide assets to
        fund the accumulated deficit of the GIC Segment.

        Investment  income included $88.2 million of interest income for 1994 on
        amounts due from continuing  operations.  Benefits and other  deductions
        include  $114.3  million,  $154.6 million and $219.7 million of interest
        expense related to amounts borrowed from continuing  operations in 1996,
        1995 and 1994, respectively.

        Valuation  allowances  amounted  to $9.0  million  and $19.2  million on
        mortgage  loans on real estate and $20.4  million  and $77.9  million on
        equity real estate at December  31, 1996 and 1995,  respectively.  As of
        January 1, 1996,  the  adoption of SFAS No. 121 resulted in a release of
        existing valuation allowances of $71.9 million on equity real estate and
        recognition  of  impairment  losses of $69.8 million on real estate held
        and used.  Writedowns of fixed maturities amounted to $1.6 million, $8.1
        million and $17.8  million  for 1996,  1995 and 1994,  respectively  and
        writedowns of equity real estate  subsequent to the adoption of SFAS No.
        121 amounted to $12.3 million for 1996.

        The fixed maturity  portfolio,  based on amortized  cost,  includes $6.2
        million and $15.1  million at December 31, 1996 and 1995,  respectively,
        of  restructured   securities.   These  amounts  include  problem  fixed
        maturities  of $.5  million and $6.1  million at  December  31, 1996 and
        1995, respectively.

        At December 31, 1996 and 1995, problem mortgage loans on real estate had
        amortized  costs of $7.9 million and $35.4  million,  respectively,  and
        mortgage  loans on real  estate  for which the  payment  terms have been
        restructured  had amortized  costs of $208.1 million and $289.3 million,
        respectively.

        Impaired  mortgage  loans (as defined under SFAS No. 114) along with the
        related provision for losses were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            DECEMBER 31,
                                                                 ------------------------------------
                                                                      1996                1995
                                                                 ----------------   -----------------
                                                                            (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                      <C>                <C>          
        Impaired mortgage loans with provision for losses.......  $        83.5      $       105.1
        Impaired mortgage loans with no provision for losses....           15.0               18.2
                                                                 ----------------   -----------------
        Recorded investment in impaired mortgages...............           98.5              123.3
        Provision for losses....................................            8.8               17.7
                                                                 ----------------   -----------------
        Net Impaired Mortgage Loans.............................  $        89.7      $       105.6
                                                                 ================   =================
</TABLE>

                                      F-24
<PAGE>

        During 1996 and 1995, the GIC Segment's  average recorded  investment in
        impaired   mortgage  loans  was  $134.8  million  and  $177.4   million,
        respectively.  Interest  income  recognized on these  impaired  mortgage
        loans  totaled  $10.1  million  and $4.5  million  for  1996  and  1995,
        respectively,  including  $7.5 million and $.4 million  recognized  on a
        cash basis.

        At December  31, 1996 and 1995,  the GIC Segment had $263.0  million and
        $310.9 million, respectively, of real estate acquired in satisfaction of
        debt.

8)      SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM DEBT

        Short-term and long-term debt consists of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        DECEMBER 31,
                                                            --------------------------------------
                                                                  1996                 1995
                                                            -----------------    -----------------
                                                                        (IN MILLIONS)

        <S>                                                 <C>                  <C>       
        Short-term debt....................................  $      174.1         $        -
                                                            -----------------    -----------------
        Long-term debt:
        Equitable Life:
          6.95% surplus notes scheduled to mature 2005.....         399.4                399.3
          7.70% surplus notes scheduled to mature 2015.....         199.6                199.6
          Eurodollar notes, 10.5% due 1997.................           -                   76.2
          Zero coupon note, 11.25% due 1997................           -                  120.1
          Other............................................            .5                 16.3
                                                            -----------------    -----------------
              Total Equitable Life.........................         599.5                811.5
                                                            -----------------    -----------------
        Wholly Owned and Joint Venture Real Estate:
          Mortgage notes, 4.92% - 12.50% due through 2006..         968.6              1,084.4
                                                            -----------------    -----------------
        Alliance:
          Other............................................          24.7                  3.4
                                                            -----------------    -----------------
        Total long-term debt...............................       1,592.8              1,899.3
                                                            -----------------    -----------------
        Total Short-term and Long-term Debt................  $    1,766.9         $    1,899.3
                                                            =================    =================
</TABLE>

        Short-term Debt
        ---------------

        Equitable  Life has a $350.0 million bank credit  facility  available to
        fund  short-term  working capital needs and to facilitate the securities
        settlement  process.  The  credit  facility  consists  of two  types  of
        borrowing  options with varying  interest rates.  The interest rates are
        based on external  indices  dependent  on the type of  borrowing  and at
        December 31, 1996 range from 5.73% (the London  Interbank  Offering Rate
        ("LIBOR") plus 22.5 basis points) to 8.25% (the prime rate).  There were
        no borrowings  outstanding  under this bank credit  facility at December
        31, 1996.

                                      F-25
<PAGE>

        Equitable  Life has a  commercial  paper  program with an issue limit of
        $500.0 million. This program is available for general corporate purposes
        used to support  Equitable  Life's  liquidity  needs and is supported by
        Equitable Life's existing $350.0 million five-year bank credit facility.
        There were no borrowings  outstanding under this program at December 31,
        1996.

        In February 1996,  Alliance entered into a new $250.0 million  five-year
        revolving  credit  facility  with a group of banks  which  replaced  its
        $100.0  million   revolving  credit  facility  and  its  $100.0  million
        commercial  paper  back-up  revolving  credit  facility.  Under  the new
        revolving credit facility, the interest rate, at the option of Alliance,
        is a floating  rate  generally  based upon a defined  prime rate, a rate
        related  to the LIBOR or the  Federal  Funds  rate.  A  facility  fee is
        payable on the total  facility.  The revolving  credit  facility will be
        used to provide back-up  liquidity for commercial paper to be used under
        Alliance's $100.0 million  commercial paper program,  to fund commission
        payments  to  financial  intermediaries  for the  sale of  Class B and C
        shares under Alliance's mutual fund distribution system, and for general
        working  capital  purposes.  As of December 31,  1996,  Alliance had not
        issued any commercial  paper under its $100.0 million  commercial  paper
        program  and  there  were no  borrowings  outstanding  under  Alliance's
        revolving credit facility.

        At December 31, 1996, long-term debt expected to mature in 1997 totaling
        $174.1 million was reclassified as short-term debt.

        Long-term Debt
        --------------

        Several of the long-term  debt  agreements  have  restrictive  covenants
        related  to the total  amount of debt,  net  tangible  assets  and other
        matters. The Company is in compliance with all debt covenants.

        On December 18, 1995,  Equitable Life issued, in accordance with Section
        1307 of the New York  Insurance  Law,  $400.0  million of surplus  notes
        having an interest rate of 6.95%  scheduled to mature in 2005 and $200.0
        million of surplus notes having an interest  rate of 7.70%  scheduled to
        mature  in 2015  (together,  the  "Surplus  Notes").  Proceeds  from the
        issuance  of the  Surplus  Notes  were  $596.6  million,  net of related
        issuance costs.  The unamortized  discount on the Surplus Notes was $1.0
        million at December  31,  1996.  Payments of interest on or principal of
        the Surplus Notes are subject to prior approval by the Superintendent.

        The Company has pledged real estate, mortgage loans, cash and securities
        amounting to $1,406.4  million and $1,629.7 million at December 31, 1996
        and 1995, respectively, as collateral for certain long-term debt.

        At December 31, 1996,  aggregate  maturities of the long-term debt based
        on required  principal  payments at maturity for 1997 and the succeeding
        four years are $494.9  million,  $316.7  million,  $19.7  million,  $5.4
        million, $0 million, respectively, and $946.7 million thereafter.

 9)     FEDERAL INCOME TAXES

        A  summary  of  the  Federal   income  tax  expense   (benefit)  in  the
        consolidated statements of earnings is shown below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       1996               1995                1994
                                                 -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                      (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                      <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Federal income tax expense (benefit):
          Current...............................  $        97.9       $      (11.7)      $        4.0
          Deferred..............................          (88.2)             132.2               96.2
                                                 -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total...................................  $         9.7       $      120.5       $      100.2
                                                 =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

                                      F-26
<PAGE>

        The Federal income taxes  attributable  to  consolidated  operations are
        different from the amounts determined by multiplying the earnings before
        Federal  income  taxes and  minority  interest by the  expected  Federal
        income  tax  rate of 35%.  The  sources  of the  difference  and the tax
        effects of each are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       1996               1995                1994
                                                 -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                      (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                      <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Expected Federal income tax expense.....  $        73.0       $      173.7       $      154.5
        Non-taxable minority interest...........          (28.6)             (22.0)             (17.6)
        Differential earnings amount............            -                  -                (16.8)
        Adjustment of tax audit reserves........            6.9                4.1               (4.6)
        Equity in unconsolidated subsidiaries...          (32.3)             (19.4)             (12.5)
        Other...................................           (9.3)             (15.9)              (2.8)
                                                 -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Federal Income Tax Expense..............  $         9.7       $      120.5       $      100.2
                                                 =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        Prior  to the  date  of  demutualization,  Equitable  Life  reduced  its
        deduction  for  policyholder  dividends  by  the  differential  earnings
        amount.  This amount was  computed,  for each tax year,  by  multiplying
        Equitable Life's average equity base, as determined for tax purposes, by
        an  estimate  of the excess of an imputed  earnings  rate for stock life
        insurance  companies over the average  mutual life insurance  companies'
        earnings rate. The  differential  earnings  amount for each tax year was
        subsequently recomputed when actual earnings rates were published by the
        Internal Revenue Service.  As a stock life insurance company,  Equitable
        Life no longer is required to reduce its policyholder dividend deduction
        by the differential  earnings amount, but differential  earnings amounts
        for pre-demutualization years were still being recomputed in 1994.

        The  components  of the net deferred  Federal  income tax account are as
        follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       DECEMBER 31, 1996                  December 31, 1995
                                                ---------------------------------  ---------------------------------
                                                    ASSETS         LIABILITIES         Assets         Liabilities
                                                ---------------  ----------------  ---------------   ---------------
                                                                           (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                     <C>              <C>               <C>               <C>        
        DAC, reserves and reinsurance..........  $       -        $      166.0      $        -        $     304.4
        Investments............................          -               328.6               -              326.9
        Compensation and related benefits......        259.2               -               293.0              -
        Other..................................          -                 1.8               -               32.3
                                                ---------------  ----------------  ---------------   ---------------
        Total..................................  $     259.2      $      496.4      $      293.0      $     663.6
                                                ===============  ================  ===============   ===============
</TABLE>

        The deferred Federal income taxes impacting  operations  reflect the net
        tax effects of temporary  differences  between the  carrying  amounts of
        assets and liabilities for financial  reporting purposes and the amounts
        used for income tax purposes. The sources of these temporary differences
        and the tax effects of each are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     1996               1995                1994
                                               -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                    (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                    <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        DAC, reserves and reinsurance.........  $      (156.2)      $       63.3       $       12.0
        Investments...........................           78.6               13.0               89.3
        Compensation and related benefits.....           22.3               30.8               10.0
        Other.................................          (32.9)              25.1              (15.1)
                                               -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Deferred Federal Income Tax
          (Benefit) Expense...................  $       (88.2)      $      132.2       $       96.2
                                               =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

                                      F-27
<PAGE>

        The Internal  Revenue Service is in the process of examining the Holding
        Company's  consolidated  Federal  income tax  returns for the years 1989
        through  1991.  Management  believes  these audits will have no material
        adverse effect on the Company's results of operations.

10)     REINSURANCE AGREEMENTS

        The Insurance Group assumes and cedes  reinsurance  with other insurance
        companies.  The Insurance Group evaluates the financial condition of its
        reinsurers to minimize its exposure to significant losses from reinsurer
        insolvencies.  The  effect  of  reinsurance  (excluding  group  life and
        health) is summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Direct premiums....................................  $       461.4       $      474.2       $      476.7
        Reinsurance assumed................................          177.5              171.3              180.5
        Reinsurance ceded..................................          (41.3)             (38.7)             (31.6)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Premiums...........................................  $       597.6       $      606.8       $      625.6
                                                            =================   ================   =================
        Universal Life and Investment-type Product
          Policy Fee Income Ceded..........................  $        48.2       $       44.0       $       27.5
                                                            =================   ================   =================
        Policyholders' Benefits Ceded......................  $        54.1       $       48.9       $       20.7
                                                            =================   ================   =================
        Interest Credited to Policyholders' Account
          Balances Ceded...................................  $        32.3       $       28.5       $       25.4
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        Effective  January 1, 1994, all in force business above $5.0 million was
        reinsured.   During  1996,  the  Company's   retention  limit  on  joint
        survivorship  policies was  increased to $15.0  million.  The  Insurance
        Group also reinsures the entire risk on certain substandard underwriting
        risks as well as in certain other cases.

        The Insurance  Group cedes 100% of its group life and health business to
        a third party  insurance  company.  Premiums ceded totaled $2.4 million,
        $260.6 million and $241.0 million for 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
        Ceded  death and  disability  benefits  totaled  $21.2  million,  $188.1
        million  and  $235.5  million  for 1996,  1995 and  1994,  respectively.
        Insurance liabilities ceded totaled $652.4 million and $724.2 million at
        December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

11)     EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

        The Company sponsors  qualified and non-qualified  defined benefit plans
        covering   substantially  all  employees  (including  certain  qualified
        part-time employees), managers and certain agents. The pension plans are
        non-contributory.  Equitable  Life's and EREIM's benefits are based on a
        cash balance formula or years of service and final average earnings,  if
        greater,  under certain  grandfathering  rules in the plans.  Alliance's
        benefits  are based on years of  credited  service,  average  final base
        salary and primary  social  security  benefits.  The  Company's  funding
        policy is to make the  minimum  contribution  required  by the  Employee
        Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.

        Components  of net periodic  pension cost (credit) for the qualified and
        non-qualified plans are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Service cost.......................................  $        33.8       $       30.0       $       30.3
        Interest cost on projected benefit obligations.....          120.8              122.0              111.0
        Actual return on assets............................         (181.4)            (309.2)              24.4
        Net amortization and deferrals.....................           43.4              155.6             (142.5)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Net Periodic Pension Cost (Credit).................  $        16.6       $       (1.6)      $       23.2
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

                                      F-28
<PAGE>

        The funded status of the qualified and non-qualified pension plans is as
        follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              DECEMBER 31,
                                                                   ------------------------------------
                                                                        1996                1995
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                              (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                        <C>                <C>         
        Actuarial present value of obligations:
          Vested..................................................  $    1,672.2       $    1,642.4
          Non-vested..............................................          10.1               10.9
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
        Accumulated Benefit Obligation............................  $    1,682.3       $    1,653.3
                                                                   ================   =================
        Plan assets at fair value.................................  $    1,626.0       $    1,503.8
        Projected benefit obligation..............................       1,765.5            1,743.0
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
        Projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets.....        (139.5)            (239.2)
        Unrecognized prior service cost...........................         (17.9)             (25.5)
        Unrecognized net loss from past experience different
          from that assumed.......................................         280.0              368.2
        Unrecognized net asset at transition......................           4.7               (7.3)
        Additional minimum liability..............................         (19.3)             (51.9)
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
        Prepaid Pension Cost......................................  $      108.0       $       44.3
                                                                   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        The  discount  rate and rate of increase in future  compensation  levels
        used in  determining  the actuarial  present value of projected  benefit
        obligations were 7.5% and 4.25%, respectively,  at December 31, 1996 and
        7.25% and 4.50%,  respectively,  at December 31, 1995.  As of January 1,
        1996 and 1995,  the expected  long-term rate of return on assets for the
        retirement plan was 10.25% and 11%, respectively.

        The  Company  recorded,  as a  reduction  of  shareholder's  equity,  an
        additional minimum pension liability of $12.9 million and $35.1 million,
        net  of  Federal   income   taxes,   at  December  31,  1996  and  1995,
        respectively,   representing  the  excess  of  the  accumulated  benefit
        obligation  over  the fair  value of plan  assets  and  accrued  pension
        liability.

        The  pension  plan's  assets  include   corporate  and  government  debt
        securities,  equity  securities,  equity real estate and shares of Group
        Trusts managed by Alliance.

        Prior to 1987, the qualified plan funded participants'  benefits through
        the purchase of non-participating annuity contracts from Equitable Life.
        Benefit payments under these contracts were approximately $34.7 million,
        $36.4 million and $38.1 million for 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

        The  Company  provides  certain  medical  and  life  insurance  benefits
        (collectively,  "postretirement  benefits")  for  qualifying  employees,
        managers and agents  retiring from the Company on or after attaining age
        55 who have at least 10 years of service.  The life  insurance  benefits
        are related to age and salary at retirement. The costs of postretirement
        benefits are  recognized in accordance  with the  provisions of SFAS No.
        106. The Company  continues to fund  postretirement  benefits costs on a
        pay-as-you-go  basis and,  for 1996,  1995 and 1994,  the  Company  made
        estimated  postretirement  benefits  payments  of $18.9  million,  $31.1
        million and $29.8 million, respectively.

                                      F-29
<PAGE>

        The  following  table  sets  forth the  postretirement  benefits  plan's
        status,  reconciled to amounts recognized in the Company's  consolidated
        financial statements:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Service cost.......................................  $         5.3       $        4.0       $        3.9
        Interest cost on accumulated postretirement
          benefits obligation..............................           34.6               34.7               28.6
        Net amortization and deferrals.....................            2.4               (2.3)              (3.9)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Net Periodic Postretirement Benefits Costs.........  $        42.3       $       36.4       $       28.6
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              DECEMBER 31,
                                                                   ------------------------------------
                                                                        1996                1995
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                              (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                        <C>                <C>         
        Accumulated postretirement benefits obligation:
          Retirees................................................  $      381.8       $      391.8
          Fully eligible active plan participants.................          50.7               50.4
          Other active plan participants..........................          60.7               64.2
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                           493.2              506.4
        Unrecognized prior service cost...........................          50.5               56.3
        Unrecognized net loss from past experience different
          from that assumed and from changes in assumptions.......        (150.5)            (181.3)
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
        Accrued Postretirement Benefits Cost......................  $      393.2       $      381.4
                                                                   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        At January 1, 1994,  medical benefits available to retirees under age 65
        are the same as those offered to active  employees and medical  benefits
        will be limited to 200% of 1993 costs for all participants.

        The  assumed   health  care  cost  trend  rate  used  in  measuring  the
        accumulated   postretirement  benefits  obligation  was  9.5%  in  1996,
        gradually  declining  to 3.5% in the  year  2009  and in 1995  was  10%,
        gradually  declining to 3.5% in the year 2008. The discount rate used in
        determining the accumulated postretirement benefits obligation was 7.50%
        and 7.25% at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

        If the health care cost trend rate assumptions were increased by 1%, the
        accumulated  postretirement  benefits obligation as of December 31, 1996
        would be  increased  7%.  The  effect  of this  change on the sum of the
        service cost and interest cost would be an increase of 8%.

12)     DERIVATIVES AND FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

        Derivatives
        -----------

        The Insurance Group primarily uses derivatives for asset/liability  risk
        management and for hedging individual securities. Derivatives mainly are
        utilized to reduce the  Insurance  Group's  exposure  to  interest  rate
        fluctuations.  Accounting for interest rate swap  transactions  is on an
        accrual   basis.   Gains  and  losses  related  to  interest  rate  swap
        transactions are amortized as yield  adjustments over the remaining life
        of the underlying  hedged  security.  Income and expense  resulting from
        interest rate swap  activities are reflected in net  investment  income.
        The  notional  amount of  matched  interest  rate swaps  outstanding  at
        December 31, 1996 was $649.9  million.  The average  unexpired  terms at
        December 31, 1996 range from 2.2 to 2.7 years. At December 31, 1996, the
        cost of  terminating  outstanding  matched  swaps in a loss position was
        $8.3 million and the unrealized  gain on outstanding  matched swaps in a
        gain  position  was $11.4  million.  The  Company  has no  intention  of
        terminating  these  contracts  prior to maturity.  During 1996, 1995 and
        1994, net gains (losses) of $.2 million, $1.4 million and $(.2) million,
        respectively, were recorded in connection with

                                      F-30
<PAGE>

        interest rate swap activity.  Equitable Life has implemented an interest
        rate cap program designed to hedge crediting rates on interest-sensitive
        individual  annuities  contracts.  The outstanding  notional  amounts at
        December 31, 1996 of contracts  purchased and sold were $5,050.0 million
        and $500.0 million, respectively. The net premium paid by Equitable Life
        on these contracts was $22.5 million and is being amortized ratably over
        the  contract  periods  ranging  from 3 to 5 years.  Income and  expense
        resulting  from this program are  reflected as an adjustment to interest
        credited to policyholders' account balances.

        Substantially  all of DLJ's  business  related to  derivatives is by its
        nature  trading  activities  which  are  primarily  for the  purpose  of
        customer  accommodations.  DLJ's derivative activities consist primarily
        of  option  writing  and  trading  in  forward  and  futures  contracts.
        Derivative  financial  instruments  have both  on-and-off  balance sheet
        implications depending on the nature of the contracts. DLJ's involvement
        in swap contracts is not significant.

        Fair Value of Financial Instruments
        -----------------------------------

        The Company  defines  fair value as the quoted  market  prices for those
        instruments  that are  actively  traded in financial  markets.  In cases
        where quoted market prices are not available,  fair values are estimated
        using  present  value  or other  valuation  techniques.  The fair  value
        estimates  are made at a  specific  point in  time,  based on  available
        market  information  and  judgments  about  the  financial   instrument,
        including estimates of timing,  amount of expected future cash flows and
        the credit standing of counterparties. Such estimates do not reflect any
        premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time
        the Company's entire holdings of a particular financial instrument,  nor
        do they consider the tax impact of the  realization of unrealized  gains
        or  losses.   In  many  cases,   the  fair  value  estimates  cannot  be
        substantiated  by  comparison  to  independent   markets,  nor  can  the
        disclosed value be realized in immediate settlement of the instrument.

        Certain  financial  instruments  are  excluded,  particularly  insurance
        liabilities  other than financial  guarantees and investment  contracts.
        Fair market  value of  off-balance-sheet  financial  instruments  of the
        Insurance Group was not material at December 31, 1996 and 1995.

        Fair  value  for  mortgage   loans  on  real  estate  are  estimated  by
        discounting  future contractual cash flows using interest rates at which
        loans with similar  characteristics  and credit  quality  would be made.
        Fair values for foreclosed mortgage loans and problem mortgage loans are
        limited to the  estimated  fair value of the  underlying  collateral  if
        lower.

        The estimated  fair values for the Company's  liabilities  under GIC and
        association  plan contracts are estimated using  contractual  cash flows
        discounted based on the T. Rowe Price GIC Index Rate for the appropriate
        duration.  For  durations  in excess of the  published  index rate,  the
        appropriate  Treasury  rate is used plus a spread  equal to the  longest
        duration GIC rate spread published.

        The estimated  fair values for those group annuity  contracts  which are
        classified  as  universal  life  type  contracts  are  measured  at  the
        estimated fair value of the underlying assets. The estimated fair values
        for single  premium  deferred  annuities  ("SPDA") are  estimated  using
        projected cash flows discounted at current offering rates. The estimated
        fair values for supplementary contracts not involving life contingencies
        ("SCNILC") and annuities certain are derived using discounted cash flows
        based upon the estimated current offering rate.

        Fair value for  long-term  debt is  determined  using  published  market
        values, where available,  or contractual cash flows discounted at market
        interest rates. The estimated fair values for non-recourse mortgage debt
        are  determined by  discounting  contractual  cash flows at a rate which
        takes  into  account  the level of  current  market  interest  rates and
        collateral  risk. The estimated  fair values for recourse  mortgage debt
        are  determined by  discounting  contractual  cash flows at a rate based
        upon  current  interest  rates of other  companies  with credit  ratings
        similar  to  the  Company.   The  Company's  fair  value  of  short-term
        borrowings approximates their carrying value.

                                      F-31
<PAGE>

        The following  table  discloses  carrying value and estimated fair value
        for financial instruments not otherwise disclosed in Notes 3, 6 and 7:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          DECEMBER 31,
                                                --------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              1996                               1995
                                                ---------------------------------  ---------------------------------
                                                   CARRYING         ESTIMATED         Carrying         Estimated
                                                    VALUE          FAIR VALUE          Value           Fair Value
                                                ---------------  ----------------  ---------------   ---------------
                                                                        (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                      <C>              <C>               <C>               <C>         
        Consolidated Financial Instruments:
        -----------------------------------
        Mortgage loans on real estate..........  $    3,133.0     $     3,394.6     $     3,638.3     $    3,973.6
        Other joint ventures...................         467.0             467.0             492.7            492.7
        Policy loans...........................       2,196.1           2,221.6           1,976.4          2,057.5
        Policyholders' account balances:
          Association plans....................          78.1              77.3             101.0            100.0
          Group annuity contracts..............       2,141.0           1,954.0           2,335.0          2,395.0
          SPDA.................................       1,062.7           1,065.7           1,265.8          1,272.0
          Annuities certain and SCNILC.........         654.9             736.2             646.4            716.7
        Long-term debt.........................       1,592.8           1,557.7           1,899.3          1,962.9

        Closed Block Financial Instruments:
        -----------------------------------
        Mortgage loans on real estate..........       1,380.7           1,425.6           1,368.8          1,461.4
        Other equity investments...............         105.0             105.0             151.6            151.6
        Policy loans...........................       1,765.9           1,798.0           1,797.2          1,891.4
        SCNILC liability.......................          30.6              34.9              34.8             39.6

        GIC Segment Financial Instruments:
        ----------------------------------
        Mortgage loans on real estate..........       1,111.1           1,220.3           1,485.8          1,666.1
        Fixed maturities.......................          42.5              42.5             107.4            107.4
        Other equity investments...............         300.5             300.5             455.9            455.9
        Guaranteed interest contracts..........         290.7             300.5             329.0            352.0
        Long-term debt.........................         102.1             102.2             135.1            136.0
</TABLE>

13)     COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

        The Company  has  provided,  from time to time,  certain  guarantees  or
        commitments  to  affiliates,  investors and others.  These  arrangements
        include commitments by the Company,  under certain  conditions:  to make
        capital  contributions of up to $244.9 million to affiliated real estate
        joint  ventures;   to  provide  equity   financing  to  certain  limited
        partnerships of $205.8 million at December 31, 1996, under existing loan
        or loan commitment agreements; and to provide short-term financing loans
        which at December 31, 1996 totaled $14.6  million.  Management  believes
        the  Company  will not  incur any  material  losses as a result of these
        commitments.

        Equitable  Life  is the  obligor  under  certain  structured  settlement
        agreements  which  it  had  entered  into  with  unaffiliated  insurance
        companies  and  beneficiaries.  To satisfy its  obligations  under these
        agreements,  Equitable  Life owns  single  premium  annuities  issued by
        previously wholly owned life insurance subsidiaries.  Equitable Life has
        directed  payment  under  these  annuities  to be made  directly  to the
        beneficiaries under the structured settlement  agreements.  A contingent
        liability exists with respect to these agreements  should the previously
        wholly  owned   subsidiaries  be  unable  to  meet  their   obligations.
        Management  believes the satisfaction of those  obligations by Equitable
        Life is remote.

        At December 31, 1996,  the Insurance  Group had $51.6 million of letters
        of credit outstanding.

                                      F-32
<PAGE>

14)     LITIGATION

        A number of lawsuits has been filed against life and health  insurers in
        the  jurisdictions  in  which  Equitable  Life and its  subsidiaries  do
        business involving insurers' sales practices,  alleged agent misconduct,
        failure to properly  supervise  agents,  and other matters.  Some of the
        lawsuits have  resulted in the award of  substantial  judgments  against
        other insurers,  including  material amounts of punitive damages,  or in
        substantial  settlements.   In  some  states,  juries  have  substantial
        discretion in awarding punitive damages.  Equitable Life, EVLICO and The
        Equitable  of  Colorado,  Inc.  ("EOC"),  like  other  life  and  health
        insurers, from time to time are involved in such litigation. To date, no
        such  lawsuit has  resulted in an award or  settlement  of any  material
        amount against the Company.  Among litigations pending against Equitable
        Life,  EVLICO and EOC of the type referred to in this  paragraph are the
        litigations described in the following eight paragraphs.

        An action entitled Golomb et al. v. The Equitable Life Assurance Society
        of the United  States was filed on January  20,  1995 in New York County
        Supreme Court. The action purports to be brought on behalf of a class of
        persons  insured after 1983 under Lifetime  Guaranteed  Renewable  Major
        Medical  Insurance  Policies issued by Equitable Life (the  "policies").
        The complaint  alleges that premium  increases for these  policies after
        1983,  all of which were filed with and  approved  by the New York State
        Insurance  Department  and certain  other state  insurance  departments,
        breached the terms of the policies,  and that statements in the policies
        and  elsewhere  concerning  premium  increases  constituted   fraudulent
        concealment,  misrepresentations  in violation of New York Insurance Law
        Section 4226 and deceptive practices under New York General Business Law
        Section 349. The  complaint  seeks a  declaratory  judgment,  injunctive
        relief  restricting  the  methods  by  which  Equitable  Life  increases
        premiums  on the  policies  in the  future,  a refund of  premiums,  and
        punitive  damages.  Plaintiffs  also have  indicated that they will seek
        damages in an  unspecified  amount.  Equitable Life moved to dismiss the
        complaint  in its entirety on the grounds that it fails to state a claim
        and that  uncontroverted  documentary  evidence  establishes  a complete
        defense to the claims.  On May 29,  1996,  the New York  County  Supreme
        Court  entered a  judgment  dismissing  the  complaint  with  prejudice.
        Plaintiffs have filed a notice of appeal of that judgment.

        In January 1996,  separate  actions were filed in Pennsylvania and Texas
        state courts  (entitled,  respectively,  Malvin et al. v. The  Equitable
        Life  Assurance  Society of the  United  States and Bowler et al. v. The
        Equitable Life Assurance  Society of the United  States),  making claims
        similar  to those in the New York  action  described  above.  The  Texas
        action  also  claims  that  Equitable  Life   misrepresented   to  Texas
        policyholders that the Texas Insurance Department had approved Equitable
        Life's rate increases.  These actions are asserted on behalf of proposed
        classes of Pennsylvania issued or renewed policyholders and Texas issued
        or renewed  policyholders,  insured under the policies. The Pennsylvania
        and Texas actions seek  compensatory and punitive damages and injunctive
        relief  restricting  the  methods  by  which  Equitable  Life  increases
        premiums  in the future  based on the common law and  statutes  of those
        states.  On February 9, 1996,  Equitable  Life removed the  Pennsylvania
        action,  Malvin,  to the  United  States  District  Court for the Middle
        District of  Pennsylvania.  Following  the decision  granting  Equitable
        Life's motion to dismiss the New York action (Golomb), on the consent of
        the  parties  the  District  Court  ordered  an  indefinite  stay of all
        proceedings in the Pennsylvania action,  pending either party's right to
        reinstate the proceeding,  and ordered that for administrative  purposes
        the  case be  deemed  administratively  closed.  On  February  2,  1996,
        Equitable  Life removed the Texas action,  Bowler,  to the United States
        District Court for the Northern  District of Texas. On May 20, 1996, the
        plaintiffs in Bowler  amended their  complaint by adding  allegations of
        misrepresentation   regarding   premium  increases  on  other  types  of
        guaranteed   renewable  major  medical  insurance   policies  issued  by
        Equitable Life up to and including 1983. On July 1, 1996, Equitable Life
        filed a  motion  for  summary  judgment  dismissing  the  first  amended
        complaint in its entirety. In August, 1996, the court granted plaintiffs
        leave to file a supplemental  complaint on behalf of a proposed class of
        Texas policyholders claiming unfair  discrimination,  breach of contract
        and other claims  arising out of alleged  differences  between  premiums
        charged  to  Texas  policyholders  and  premiums  charged  to  similarly
        situated policyholders in New York and certain other states.  Plaintiffs
        seek refunds of alleged  overcharges,  exemplary or  additional  damages
        citing

                                      F-33
<PAGE>

        Texas statutory  provisions  which among other things,  permit two times
        the  amount of  actual  damage  plus  additional  penalties  if the acts
        complained  of are  found  to be  knowingly  committed,  and  injunctive
        relief.  Equitable  Life has also  filed a motion for  summary  judgment
        dismissing the supplemental  complaint in its entirety.  Plaintiffs also
        obtained  permission  to add another  plaintiff to the first amended and
        supplemental  complaints.  Plaintiffs  have  opposed  both  motions  for
        summary  judgment and  requested  that certain  issues be found in their
        favor. Equitable Life is in the process of replying.

        On May 22, 1996, a separate  action  entitled  Bachman v. The  Equitable
        Life Assurance Society of the United States,  was filed in Florida state
        court making claims similar to those in the previously  reported  Golomb
        action.  The Florida action is asserted on behalf of a proposed class of
        Florida  issued  or  renewed  policyholders  insured  after  1983  under
        Lifetime Guaranteed Renewable Major Medical Insurance Policies issued by
        Equitable  Life.  The Florida  action  seeks  compensatory  and punitive
        damages and injunctive relief restricting the methods by which Equitable
        Life  increases  premiums  in the  future  based on  various  common law
        claims.  On June 20, 1996,  Equitable Life removed the Florida action to
        Federal court.  Equitable  Life has answered the complaint,  denying the
        material  allegations and asserting  certain  affirmative  defenses.  On
        December 6, 1996, Equitable Life filed a motion for summary judgment and
        plaintiff is expected to file its response to that motion shortly.

        On November 6, 1996, a proposed class action entitled  Fletcher,  et al.
        v. The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States,  was filed
        in California Superior Court for Fresno County, making substantially the
        same allegations  concerning premium rates and premium rate increases on
        guaranteed  renewable  policies made in the Bowler action. The complaint
        alleges,  among other things,  that differentials  between rates charged
        California policyholders and policyholders in New York and certain other
        states,  and the methods  used by Equitable  Life to  calculate  premium
        increases,  breached  the terms of its  policies,  that  Equitable  Life
        misrepresented  and concealed the facts pertaining to such differentials
        and methods in violation of California law, and that Equitable Life also
        misrepresented  that its rate  increases were approved by the California
        Insurance  Department.   Plaintiffs  seek  compensatory  damages  in  an
        unspecified amount,  rescission,  injunctive relief and attorneys' fees.
        Equitable Life removed the action to Federal court;  plaintiff has moved
        to  remand  the  case  to  state  court.  Although  the  outcome  of any
        litigation cannot be predicted with certainty, particularly in the early
        stages of an action, the Company's management believes that the ultimate
        resolution  of  the  Golomb,   Malvin,   Bowler,  Bachman  and  Fletcher
        litigations  should not have a material  adverse effect on the financial
        position of the Company. Due to the early stage of such litigations, the
        Company's management cannot make an estimate of loss, if any, or predict
        whether or not such  litigations  will have a material adverse effect on
        the Company's results of operations in any particular period.

        An action was instituted on April 6, 1995 against Equitable Life and its
        wholly owned subsidiary,  EOC, in New York state court,  entitled Sidney
        C. Cole et al. v. The  Equitable  Life  Assurance  Society of the United
        States  and The  Equitable  of  Colorado,  Inc.,  No.  95/108611  (N. Y.
        County).  The action is brought by the  holders of a joint  survivorship
        whole life policy issued by EOC. The action  purports to be on behalf of
        a class  consisting  of all persons who from  January 1, 1984  purchased
        life insurance  policies sold by Equitable Life and EOC based upon their
        allegedly  uniform sales  presentations  and policy  illustrations.  The
        complaint puts in issue various  alleged sales practices that plaintiffs
        assert,  among other things,  misrepresented  the stated number of years
        that the annual premium would need to be paid.  Plaintiffs  seek damages
        in an unspecified  amount,  imposition of a constructive trust, and seek
        to enjoin  Equitable Life and EOC from engaging in the challenged  sales
        practices.  On June 28,  1996,  the court  issued a  decision  and order
        dismissing  with  prejudice  plaintiff's  causes  of action  for  fraud,
        constructive  fraud,  breach of fiduciary duty,  negligence,  and unjust
        enrichment, and dismissing without prejudice plaintiff's cause of action
        under the New York State consumer protection statute. The only remaining
        causes   of  action   are  for   breach  of   contract   and   negligent
        misrepresentation.  Plaintiffs made a motion for reargument with respect
        to this order,  which was submitted to the court in October  1996.  This
        motion was denied by the court on December 16, 1996.

                                      F-34
<PAGE>

        On May 21,  1996,  an  action  entitled  Elton  F.  Duncan,  III v.  The
        Equitable  Life Assurance  Society of the United  States,  was commenced
        against  Equitable  Life in the Civil  District  Court for the Parish of
        Orleans, State of Louisiana.  The action is brought by an individual who
        purchased  a whole life  policy.  Plaintiff  alleges  misrepresentations
        concerning  the  extent to which  the  policy  was a proper  replacement
        policy and the number of years that the annual  premium would need to be
        paid.  Plaintiff purports to represent a class consisting of all persons
        who  purchased  whole life or universal  life  insurance  policies  from
        Equitable  Life from  January 1, 1982 to the  present.  Plaintiff  seeks
        damages,  including punitive damages,  in an unspecified amount. On July
        26, 1996, an action entitled Michael Bradley v. Equitable  Variable Life
        Insurance Company,  was commenced in New York state court. The action is
        brought by the  holder of a variable  life  insurance  policy  issued by
        EVLICO.  The plaintiff  purports to represent a class  consisting of all
        persons or entities who  purchased one or more life  insurance  policies
        issued by EVLICO  from  January 1,  1980.  The  complaint  puts at issue
        various   alleged  sales   practices   and  alleges   misrepresentations
        concerning  the  extent to which  the  policy  was a proper  replacement
        policy and the number of years that the annual  premium would need to be
        paid.  Plaintiff  seeks  damages,  including  punitive  damages,  in  an
        unspecified  amount and also seeks injunctive relief  prohibiting EVLICO
        from canceling  policies for failure to make premium payments beyond the
        alleged  stated number of years that the annual premium would need to be
        paid. On September 21, 1996 Equitable Life, EVLICO and EOC made a motion
        to have this  proceeding  moved from Kings County  Supreme  Court to New
        York County for joint trial or consolidation  with the Cole action.  The
        motion was denied by the court on January 9, 1997.  On January 10, 1997,
        plaintiffs  moved for  certification of a nationwide class consisting of
        all  persons  or  entities  who  were  sold one or more  life  insurance
        products on a "vanishing premium" basis and/or were allegedly induced to
        purchase  additional   policies  from  EVLICO,   using  the  cash  value
        accumulated  in  existing  policies,  from  January 1, 1980  through and
        including  December 31, 1996.  Plaintiffs  further moved to have Michael
        Bradley  designated  as the class  representative.  Discovery  regarding
        class certification is underway.

        On  December  12,  1996,  an action  entitled  Robert  E.  Dillon v. The
        Equitable Life Assurance  Society of the United States and The Equitable
        of Colorado,  was commenced in the United States  District Court for the
        Southern District of Florida. The action is brought by an individual who
        purchased  a joint whole life policy  from EOC.  The  complaint  puts at
        issue  various  alleged sales  practices and alleges  misrepresentations
        concerning the alleged  impropriety of  replacement  policies  issued by
        Equitable  Life and EOC and  alleged  misrepresentations  regarding  the
        number  of  years  premiums  would  have to be  paid on the  defendants'
        policies.  Plaintiff  brings  claims  for  breach  of  contract,  fraud,
        negligent  misrepresentation,  money had and received, unjust enrichment
        and imposition of a constructive trust.  Plaintiff purports to represent
        two classes of persons.  The first is a "contract class,"  consisting of
        all persons who purchased  whole or universal  life  insurance  policies
        from  Equitable  Life and EOC and from whom  Equitable Life and EOC have
        sought additional payments beyond the number of years allegedly promised
        by Equitable Life and EOC. The second is a "fraud class,"  consisting of
        all persons with an interest in policies  issued by  Equitable  Life and
        EOC at any time since  October 1, 1986.  Plaintiff  seeks  damages in an
        unspecified amount, and also seeks injunctive relief attaching Equitable
        Life's and EOC's profits from their alleged sales  practices.  Equitable
        Life's  and EOC's time to answer or move with  respect to the  complaint
        has been  extended  until  February  24,  1997.  Although the outcome of
        litigation cannot be predicted with certainty, particularly in the early
        stages of an action, the Company's management believes that the ultimate
        resolution of the Cole,  Duncan,  Bradley and Dillon  litigations should
        not have a material  adverse  effect on the  financial  position  of the
        Company.  Due to the early  stages of such  litigations,  the  Company's
        management  cannot make an estimate of loss, if any, or predict  whether
        or not any such  litigation  will have a material  adverse effect on the
        Company's results of operations in any particular period.

        On January 3, 1996, an amended complaint was filed in an action entitled
        Frank Franze Jr. and George  Busher,  individually  and on behalf of all
        others similarly situated v. The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the
        United  States,  and Equitable  Variable  Life  Insurance  Company,  No.
        94-2036 in the United States District Court for the Southern District of
        Florida.  The  action  was  brought  by two  individuals  who  purchased
        variable life insurance policies.  The plaintiffs purport to represent a
        nationwide class  consisting of all persons who purchased  variable life
        insurance  policies from Equitable  Life and EVLICO since  September 30,
        1991.  The basic  allegation of the amended  complaint is that Equitable
        Life's and EVLICO's agents were trained not to

                                      F-35
<PAGE>

        disclose  fully  that  the  product  being  sold  was  life   insurance.
        Plaintiffs  allege  violations of the Federal  securities  laws and seek
        rescission of the contracts or compensatory  damages and attorneys' fees
        and expenses.  The court denied  Equitable  Life and EVLICO's  motion to
        dismiss the amended complaint on September 24, 1996.  Equitable Life and
        EVLICO  have  answered  the  amended  complaint,  denying  the  material
        allegations and asserting certain affirmative defenses.  Currently,  the
        parties are conducting  discovery in connection with plaintiffs' attempt
        to certify a class.  On January 9, 1997,  an action  entitled  Rosemarie
        Chaviano, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated v.
        The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States, and Equitable
        Variable Life Insurance Company,  was filed in Massachusetts state court
        making  claims  similar  to  those in the  Franze  action  and  alleging
        violations of the Massachusetts  securities laws. The plaintiff purports
        to represent all persons in  Massachusetts  who purchased  variable life
        insurance  contracts from Equitable Life and EVLICO from January 9, 1993
        to  the  present.  The  Massachusetts  action  seeks  rescission  of the
        contracts  or  compensatory  damages,   attorneys'  fees,  expenses  and
        injunctive  relief.  Although  the outcome of any  litigation  cannot be
        predicted with certainty, particularly in the early stages of an action,
        the Company's  management  believes that the ultimate  resolution of the
        litigations  discussed  in this  paragraph  should  not have a  material
        adverse  effect on the  financial  position of the  Company.  Due to the
        early stages of such litigation, the Company's management cannot make an
        estimate of loss, if any, or predict  whether or not any such litigation
        will  have a  material  adverse  effect  on  the  Company's  results  of
        operations in any particular period.

        Equitable Life recently responded to a subpoena from the U.S. Department
        of Labor  ("DOL")  requesting  copies of any  third-party  appraisals in
        Equitable Life's possession  relating to the ten largest  properties (by
        value)  in  the  Prime  Property  Fund  ("PPF").  PPF  is  an  open-end,
        commingled  real estate  separate  account of Equitable Life for pension
        clients.  Equitable  Life  serves as  investment  manager in PPF and has
        retained  EREIM as advisor.  In early 1995, the DOL commenced a national
        investigation  of commingled  real estate funds with pension  investors,
        including PPF. The investigation  now appears to be focused  principally
        on appraisal and valuation procedures in respect of fund properties. The
        most recent request from the DOL seems to reflect,  at least in part, an
        interest in the relationship between the valuations for those properties
        reflected in appraisals  prepared for local property tax proceedings and
        the valuations  used by PPF for other  purposes.  At no time has the DOL
        made any  specific  allegation  that  Equitable  Life or EREIM has acted
        improperly and Equitable Life and EREIM believe that any such allegation
        would be without  foundation.  While the  outcome of this  investigation
        cannot be predicted with  certainty,  in the opinion of management,  the
        ultimate  resolution of this matter  should not have a material  adverse
        effect on the Company's  consolidated  financial  position or results of
        operations in any particular period.

        Equitable  Casualty Insurance Company  ("Casualty"),  an indirect wholly
        owned   subsidiary  of  Equitable  Life,  is  party  to  an  arbitration
        proceeding  that commenced in August 1995.  The proceeding  relates to a
        dispute among Casualty,  Houston  General  Insurance  Company  ("Houston
        General")  and  GEICO  General   Insurance   Company  ("GEICO  General")
        regarding the interpretation of a reinsurance agreement. The arbitration
        panel  issued a final  award in favor of Casualty  and GEICO  General on
        June 17, 1996.  Casualty and GEICO  General  moved in the pending  Texas
        state  court  action,  with  Houston  General's  consent,  for an  order
        confirming the arbitration  award and entering  judgment  dismissing the
        action.  The motion was granted on January 29,  1997.  The parties  have
        also  stipulated to the dismissal  without  prejudice of a related Texas
        Federal court action  brought by Houston  General  against GEICO General
        and Equitable Life. In connection  with  confirmation of the arbitration
        award,  Houston  General  paid to  Casualty  approximately  $839,600  in
        settlement of certain  reimbursement  claims by Casualty against Houston
        General.

        On July 25, 1995, a Consolidated and Supplemental Class Action Complaint
        ("Complaint")  was filed against the Alliance North American  Government
        Income Trust,  Inc. (the "Fund"),  Alliance and certain other defendants
        affiliated  with  Alliance,  including  the  Holding  Company,  alleging
        violations  of Federal  securities  laws,  fraud and breach of fiduciary
        duty in connection with the Fund's  investments in Mexican and Argentine
        securities.  The  Complaint,  which seeks  certification  of a plaintiff
        class of persons  who  purchased  or owned Class A, B or C shares of the
        Fund from March 27, 1992 through December 23, 1994, seeks an unspecified
        amount of damages,  costs,  attorneys'  fees and punitive  damages.  The
        principal  allegations of the Complaint are that the Fund purchased debt
        securities  issued by the Mexican and Argentine  governments  in amounts
        that

                                      F-36
<PAGE>

        were not permitted by the Fund's  investment  objective,  and that there
        was no  shareholder  vote to change the  investment  objective to permit
        purchases  in such  amounts.  The  Complaint  further  alleges  that the
        decline in the value of the Mexican and Argentine securities held by the
        Fund  caused the Fund's net asset value to decline to the  detriment  of
        the Fund's  shareholders.  On  September  26,  1996,  the United  States
        District  Court  for the  Southern  District  of New  York  granted  the
        defendants'  motion to dismiss all counts of the  complaint.  On October
        11, 1996,  plaintiffs filed a motion for  reconsideration of the court's
        decision  granting  defendants'  motion to  dismiss  the  Complaint.  On
        November   25,   1996,   the  court   denied   plaintiffs'   motion  for
        reconsideration.  On October  29,  1996,  plaintiffs  filed a motion for
        leave to file an amended  complaint.  The principal  allegations  of the
        proposed amended  complaint are that the Fund did not properly  disclose
        that it planned to invest in mortgage-backed  derivative  securities and
        that two  advertisements  used by the Fund  misrepresented  the risks of
        investing in the Fund.  Plaintiffs  also  reiterated  allegations in the
        Complaint  that the Fund failed to hedge  against the risks of investing
        in  foreign  securities  despite  representations  that it  would do so.
        Alliance  believes  that the  allegations  in the  Complaint are without
        merit and intends to vigorously  defend against these claims.  While the
        ultimate  outcome  of this  matter  cannot be  determined  at this time,
        management  of  Alliance  does not  expect  that it will have a material
        adverse  effect  on  Alliance's   results  of  operations  or  financial
        condition.

        On January 26, 1996, a purported purchaser of certain notes and warrants
        to  purchase  shares  of  common  stock of  Rickel  Home  Centers,  Inc.
        ("Rickel") filed a class action complaint  against  Donaldson,  Lufkin &
        Jenrette Securities  Corporation  ("DLJSC") and certain other defendants
        for unspecified  compensatory  and punitive damages in the United States
        District  Court for the  Southern  District  of New  York.  The suit was
        brought on behalf of the  purchasers  of  126,457  units  consisting  of
        $126,457,000 aggregate principal amount of 13 1/2% senior notes due 2001
        and 126,457 warrants to purchase shares of common stock of Rickel issued
        by Rickel in October 1994. The complaint  alleges  violations of Federal
        securities  laws and common law fraud against DLJSC,  as the underwriter
        of the units and as an owner of 7.3% of the common stock of Rickel,  Eos
        Partners, L.P., and General Electric Capital Corporation, each as owners
        of 44.2% of the  common  stock of  Rickel,  and  members of the Board of
        Directors of Rickel,  including a DLJSC Managing Director. The complaint
        seeks to hold  DLJSC  liable for  alleged  misstatements  and  omissions
        contained  in  the  prospectus  and  registration   statement  filed  in
        connection with the offering of the units,  alleging that the defendants
        knew of financial  losses and a decline in value of Rickel in the months
        prior  to the  offering  and  did not  disclose  such  information.  The
        complaint  also  alleges  that  Rickel  failed  to pay  its  semi-annual
        interest  payment due on the units on December  15, 1995 and that Rickel
        filed a voluntary petition for reorganization  pursuant to Chapter 11 of
        the United States  Bankruptcy Code on January 10, 1996. DLJSC intends to
        defend itself vigorously against all of the allegations contained in the
        complaint.  Although there can be no assurance, DLJ does not believe the
        outcome of this  litigation  will have a material  adverse effect on its
        financial condition. Due to the early stage of this litigation, based on
        the information  currently available to it, DLJ's management cannot make
        an estimate of loss, if any, or predict  whether or not such  litigation
        will have a material  adverse  effect on DLJ's  results of operations in
        any particular period.

        In October  1995,  DLJSC was named as a defendant  in a purported  class
        action  filed in a Texas  State Court on behalf of the holders of $550.0
        million principal amount of subordinated  redeemable discount debentures
        of National  Gypsum  Corporation  ("NGC")  canceled in connection with a
        Chapter 11 plan of reorganization  for NGC consummated in July 1993. The
        named  plaintiff  in the State  Court  action  also  filed an  adversary
        proceeding in the  Bankruptcy  Court for the Northern  District of Texas
        seeking  a   declaratory   judgment  that  the  confirmed  NGC  plan  of
        reorganization  does not bar the class action claims.  Subsequent to the
        consummation  of NGC's plan of  reorganization,  NGC's shares traded for
        values  substantially  in excess of, and in 1995 NGC was  acquired for a
        value  substantially  in excess of, the values  upon which NGC's plan of
        reorganization   was  based.  The  two  actions  arise  out  of  DLJSC's
        activities as financial advisor to NGC in the course of NGC's Chapter 11
        reorganization proceedings.  The class action complaint alleges that the
        plan of  reorganization  submitted by NGC was based upon  projections by
        NGC and DLJSC which intentionally  understated  forecasts,  and provided
        misleading  and incorrect  information in order to hide NGC's true value
        and that  defendants  breached  their  fiduciary  duties by, among other
        things,   providing  false,  misleading  or  incomplete  information  to
        deliberately  understate  the value of NGC. The class  action  complaint
        seeks  compensatory  and punitive damages  purportedly  sustained by the
        class. The Texas State Court action, which

                                      F-37
<PAGE>

        had been removed to the Bankruptcy  Court, has been remanded back to the
        state court,  which remand is being  opposed by DLJSC.  DLJSC intends to
        defend itself vigorously against all of the allegations contained in the
        complaint. Although there can be no assurance, DLJ does not believe that
        the ultimate  outcome of this  litigation  will have a material  adverse
        effect  on its  financial  condition.  Due to the  early  stage  of such
        litigation,  based upon the information currently available to it, DLJ's
        management  cannot make an estimate of loss, if any, or predict  whether
        or not such  litigation  will have a  material  adverse  effect on DLJ's
        results of operations in any particular period.

        In November and December 1995, DLJSC,  along with various other parties,
        was named as a defendant in a number of purported class actions filed in
        the U.S.  District  Court for the  Eastern  District of  Louisiana.  The
        complaints allege violations of the Federal  securities laws arising out
        of a public  offering in 1994 of $435.0  million of first mortgage notes
        of Harrah's Jazz Company and Harrah's Jazz Finance Corp.  The complaints
        seek  to  hold  DLJSC  liable  for  various  alleged  misstatements  and
        omissions  contained in the  prospectus  dated  November 9, 1994.  DLJSC
        intends  to defend  itself  vigorously  against  all of the  allegations
        contained in the  complaints.  Although  there can be no assurance,  DLJ
        does not believe that the ultimate  outcome of this litigation will have
        a material adverse effect on its financial  condition.  Due to the early
        stage of this litigation, based upon the information currently available
        to it,  DLJ's  management  cannot make an  estimate of loss,  if any, or
        predict  whether or not such  litigation  will have a  material  adverse
        effect on DLJ's results of operations in any particular period.

        In addition  to the  matters  described  above,  Equitable  Life and its
        subsidiaries  and DLJ and its subsidiaries are involved in various legal
        actions and proceedings in connection with their businesses. Some of the
        actions and  proceedings  have been brought on behalf of various alleged
        classes of  claimants  and certain of these  claimants  seek  damages of
        unspecified  amounts.  While the ultimate outcome of such matters cannot
        be predicted with certainty, in the opinion of management no such matter
        is  likely  to  have  a  material   adverse   effect  on  the  Company's
        consolidated financial position or results of operations.

15)     LEASES

        The Company  has  entered  into  operating  leases for office  space and
        certain other assets,  principally data processing  equipment and office
        furniture and  equipment.  Future minimum  payments under  noncancelable
        leases for 1997 and the succeeding four years are $113.7 million, $110.6
        million, $100.3 million, $72.3 million, $59.3 million and $427.3 million
        thereafter. Minimum future sublease rental income on these noncancelable
        leases for 1997 and the  succeeding  four years are $9.8  million,  $6.0
        million,  $4.5  million,  $2.4  million,  $.8  million  and $.1  million
        thereafter.

        At December 31, 1996, the minimum future rental income on  noncancelable
        operating  leases for wholly owned  investments  in real estate for 1997
        and the succeeding four years are $263.0 million, $242.1 million, $219.8
        million, $194.3 million, $174.6 million and $847.1 million thereafter.

                                      F-38
<PAGE>

16)     OTHER OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES

        Other operating costs and expenses consisted of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Compensation costs.................................  $       647.3       $      595.9       $      687.5
        Commissions........................................          329.5              314.3              313.0
        Short-term debt interest expense...................            8.0               11.4               19.0
        Long-term debt interest expense....................          137.3              108.1               98.3
        Amortization of policy acquisition costs...........          405.2              317.8              313.4
        Capitalization of policy acquisition costs.........         (391.9)            (391.0)            (410.9)
        Rent expense, net of sub-lease income..............          113.7              109.3              116.0
        Other..............................................          798.9              710.0              721.4
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total..............................................  $     2,048.0       $    1,775.8       $    1,857.7
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        During 1996, 1995 and 1994, the Company  restructured certain operations
        in  connection  with  cost  reduction   programs  and  recorded  pre-tax
        provisions  of  $24.4   million,   $32.0  million  and  $20.4   million,
        respectively.  The  amounts  paid  during  1996,  associated  with  cost
        reduction  programs,  totaled $17.7  million.  At December 31, 1996, the
        liabilities  associated with cost reduction  programs  amounted to $44.5
        million.  The 1996 cost reduction program included  restructuring  costs
        related to the consolidation of insurance  operations'  service centers.
        The 1995 cost reduction program included relocation expenses,  including
        the accelerated  amortization of building  improvements  associated with
        the  relocation  of the home  office.  The 1994 cost  reduction  program
        included costs  associated with the termination of operating  leases and
        employee  severance  benefits in connection with the consolidation of 16
        insurance agencies. Amortization of DAC included $145.0 million writeoff
        of DAC related to DI contracts in the fourth quarter of 1996.

17)     INSURANCE GROUP STATUTORY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

        Equitable  Life is  restricted as to the amounts it may pay as dividends
        to  the  Holding  Company.   Under  the  New  York  Insurance  Law,  the
        Superintendent  has broad discretion to determine  whether the financia1
        condition of a stock life insurance company would support the payment of
        dividends to its  shareholders.  For 1996, 1995 and 1994,  statutory net
        (loss) earnings  totaled  $(351.1)  million,  $(352.4) million and $67.5
        million,  respectively.  No amounts  are  expected to be  available  for
        dividends from Equitable Life to the Holding Company in 1997.

        At December 31, 1996, the Insurance  Group,  in accordance  with various
        government  and state  regulations,  had  $21.9  million  of  securities
        deposited with such government or state agencies.

                                      F-39
<PAGE>

        Accounting  practices used to prepare statutory financial statements for
        regulatory  filings of stock life insurance  companies differ in certain
        instances   from  GAAP.   The  New  York   Insurance   Department   (the
        "Department")   recognizes  only  statutory   accounting  practices  for
        determining  and  reporting  the  financial  condition  and  results  of
        operations of an insurance  company,  for determining its solvency under
        the New York  Insurance Law, and for  determining  whether its financial
        condition  warrants  the payment of a dividend to its  stockholders.  No
        consideration  is  given  by  the  Department  to  financial  statements
        prepared  in  accordance  with GAAP in making such  determinations.  The
        following  reconciles  the  Company's  statutory  change in surplus  and
        capital  stock and  statutory  surplus and capital  stock  determined in
        accordance with accounting  practices  prescribed by the Department with
        net earnings and equity on a GAAP basis.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Net change in statutory surplus and capital stock..  $        56.0       $       78.1       $      292.4
        Change in asset valuation reserves.................          (48.4)             365.7             (285.2)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Net change in statutory surplus, capital stock
          and asset valuation reserves.....................            7.6              443.8                7.2
        Adjustments:
          Future policy benefits and policyholders'
            account balances...............................         (298.5)             (66.0)              (5.3)
          DAC..............................................          (13.3)              73.2               97.5
          Deferred Federal income taxes....................          108.0             (158.1)             (58.7)
          Valuation of investments.........................          289.8              189.1               45.2
          Valuation of investment subsidiary...............         (117.7)            (188.6)             396.6
          Limited risk reinsurance.........................           92.5              416.9               74.9
          Contribution from the Holding Company............            -                  -               (300.0)
          Issuance of surplus notes........................            -               (538.9)               -
          Postretirement benefits..........................           28.9              (26.7)              17.1
          Other, net.......................................           12.4              115.1              (44.0)
          GAAP adjustments of Closed Block.................           (9.8)              15.7               (9.5)
          GAAP adjustments of discontinued GIC
            Segment........................................          (89.6)              37.3               42.8
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Net Earnings of the Insurance Group................  $        10.3       $      312.8       $      263.8
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 DECEMBER 31,
                                                            --------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Statutory surplus and capital stock................  $     2,258.9       $    2,202.9       $    2,124.8
        Asset valuation reserves...........................        1,297.5            1,345.9              980.2
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Statutory surplus, capital stock and asset
          valuation reserves...............................        3,556.4            3,548.8            3,105.0
        Adjustments:
          Future policy benefits and policyholders'
            account balances...............................       (1,305.0)          (1,006.5)            (940.5)
          DAC..............................................        3,104.9            3,075.8            3,219.4
          Deferred Federal income taxes....................         (306.1)            (452.0)             (29.4)
          Valuation of investments.........................          286.8              417.7             (794.1)
          Valuation of investment subsidiary...............         (782.8)            (665.1)            (476.5)
          Limited risk reinsurance.........................         (336.5)            (429.0)            (845.9)
          Issuance of surplus notes........................         (539.0)            (538.9)               -
          Postretirement benefits..........................         (314.4)            (343.3)            (316.6)
          Other, net.......................................          126.3                4.4              (79.2)
          GAAP adjustments of Closed Block.................          783.7              830.8              740.4
          GAAP adjustments of discontinued GIC
            Segment........................................         (190.3)            (184.6)            (221.9)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Equity of the Insurance Group......................  $     4,084.0       $    4,258.1       $    3,360.7
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

                                      F-40
<PAGE>

18)     BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION

        The Company has two major business  segments:  Insurance  Operations and
        Investment  Services.  Interest  expense related to debt not specific to
        either  business  segment is presented as  Corporate  interest  expense.
        Information for all periods is presented on a comparable basis.

        The  Insurance  Operations  segment  offers a  variety  of  traditional,
        variable and  interest-sensitive  life  insurance  products,  disability
        income,  annuity products,  mutual fund and other investment products to
        individuals and small groups and administers  traditional  participating
        group  annuity  contracts  with  conversion   features,   generally  for
        corporate  qualified  pension plans, and association plans which provide
        full  service  retirement  programs  for  individuals   affiliated  with
        professional  and trade  associations.  This segment  includes  Separate
        Accounts for individual insurance and annuity products.

        The Investment  Services  segment  provides  investment fund management,
        primarily to institutional  clients. This segment includes the Company's
        equity  interest in DLJ and  Separate  Accounts  which  provide  various
        investment  options for group  clients  through  pooled or single  group
        accounts.

        Intersegment  investment advisory and other fees of approximately $127.5
        million,  $124.1  million and $135.3  million  for 1996,  1995 and 1994,
        respectively,  are included in total revenues of the Investment Services
        segment.  These fees,  excluding amounts related to the discontinued GIC
        Segment of $15.7 million, $14.7 million and $27.4 million for 1996, 1995
        and 1994, respectively, are eliminated in consolidation.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Revenues
        Insurance operations...............................  $     3,742.9       $    3,614.6       $    3,507.4
        Investment services................................        1,126.1              949.1              935.2
        Consolidation/elimination..........................          (24.5)             (34.9)             (27.2)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total..............................................  $     4,844.5       $    4,528.8       $    4,415.4
                                                            =================   ================   =================
        Earnings (loss) from continuing  operations
          before Federal income taxes, minority interest
          and cumulative effect of accounting change
        Insurance operations...............................  $       (36.6)      $      303.1       $      327.5
        Investment services................................          311.9              224.0              227.9
        Consolidation/elimination..........................             .2               (3.1)                .3
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
              Subtotal.....................................          275.5              524.0              555.7
        Corporate interest expense.........................          (66.9)             (27.9)            (114.2)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total..............................................  $       208.6       $      496.1       $      441.5
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

                                                   DECEMBER 31,
                                        ------------------------------------
                                             1996                1995
                                        ----------------   -----------------
                                                   (IN MILLIONS)

        Assets
        Insurance operations...........  $    60,464.9      $    56,720.5
        Investment services............       13,542.5           12,842.9
        Consolidation/elimination......         (399.6)            (354.4)
                                        ----------------   -----------------
        Total..........................  $    73,607.8      $    69,209.0
                                        ================   =================

                                      F-41
<PAGE>

19)     QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

        The quarterly  results of operations  for 1996 and 1995,  are summarized
        below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                       ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           MARCH 31           JUNE 30           SEPTEMBER 30          DECEMBER 31
                                       -----------------  -----------------   ------------------   ------------------
                                                                        (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                            <C>                <C>                 <C>                  <C>         
        1996
        ----
        Total Revenues................  $     1,169.7      $     1,193.6       $    1,193.6         $    1,287.6
                                       =================  =================   ==================   ==================
        Earnings (Loss) from
          Continuing Operations
          before Cumulative Effect
          of Accounting Change........  $        94.8      $        87.1       $       93.2         $     (157.9)
                                       =================  =================   ==================   ==================
        Net Earnings (Loss)...........  $        71.7      $        87.1       $       93.2         $     (241.7)
                                       =================  =================   ==================   ==================
        1995
        ----
        Total Revenues................  $     1,079.1      $     1,164.0       $    1,138.8         $    1,146.9
                                       =================  =================   ==================   ==================
        Net Earnings..................  $        66.3      $       101.7       $      100.2         $       44.6
                                       =================  =================   ==================   ==================
</TABLE>

        The quarterly results of operations for 1996 and 1995 have been restated
        to reflect the Company's accounting change adopted in the fourth quarter
        of 1996 for  long-duration  participating  life  contracts in accordance
        with the  provisions  prescribed  by SFAS No. 120.  Net earnings for the
        three months ended December 31, 1996 includes a charge of $339.3 million
        related to writeoffs of DAC on DI  contracts of $94.3  million,  reserve
        strengthening  on DI  business of $113.7  million,  pension par of $47.5
        million and the discontinued GIC Segment of $83.8 million.

20)     INVESTMENT IN DLJ

        On December  15,  1993,  the Company  sold a 61%  interest in DLJ to the
        Holding Company for $800.0 million in cash and securities. The excess of
        the  proceeds  over the book  value in DLJ at the date of sale of $340.2
        million  has been  reflected  as a capital  contribution.  In 1995,  DLJ
        completed the initial public offering ("IPO") of 10.58 million shares of
        its common stock,  which included 7.28 million of the Holding  Company's
        shares in DLJ,  priced at $27 per share.  Concurrent  with the IPO,  the
        Company  contributed  equity  securities to DLJ having a market value of
        $21.2  million.  Upon  completion  of the IPO, the  Company's  ownership
        percentage was reduced to 36.1%. The Company's  ownership  interest will
        be further  reduced  upon the issuance of common stock after the vesting
        of forfeitable restricted stock units acquired by and/or the exercise of
        options  granted to certain DLJ employees.  DLJ  restricted  stock units
        represents  forfeitable  rights to  receive  approximately  5.2  million
        shares of DLJ common stock through February 2000.

        The results of  operations  of DLJ are accounted for on the equity basis
        and  are  included  in  commissions,   fees  and  other  income  in  the
        consolidated statements of earnings. The Company's carrying value of DLJ
        is included in investment in and loans to affiliates in the consolidated
        balance sheets.

                                      F-42
<PAGE>

        Summarized  balance  sheets  information  for  DLJ,  reconciled  to  the
        Company's carrying value of DLJ, are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                ------------------------------------
                                                                                     1996                1995
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                           (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                                     <C>                <C>         
        Assets:
        Trading account securities, at market value............................  $   15,728.1       $   10,821.3
        Securities purchased under resale agreements...........................      20,598.7           18,748.2
        Broker-dealer related receivables......................................      16,525.9           13,023.7
        Other assets...........................................................       2,651.0            1,983.3
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Total Assets...........................................................  $   55,503.7       $   44,576.5
                                                                                ================   =================
        Liabilities:
        Securities sold under repurchase agreements............................  $   29,378.3       $   26,744.8
        Broker-dealer related payables.........................................      19,409.7           12,915.5
        Short-term and long-term debt..........................................       2,704.5            1,742.0
        Other liabilities......................................................       2,164.0            1,750.5
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Total liabilities......................................................      53,656.5           43,152.8
        Cumulative exchangeable preferred stock................................           -                225.0
        DLJ's company-obligated mandatorily redeemed preferred
          securities of subsidiary trust holding solely debentures of DLJ......         200.0                -
        Total shareholders' equity.............................................       1,647.2            1,198.7
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Total Liabilities, Cumulative Exchangeable Preferred Stock and
          Shareholders' Equity.................................................  $   55,503.7       $   44,576.5
                                                                                ================   =================
        DLJ's equity as reported...............................................  $    1,647.2       $    1,198.7
        Unamortized cost in excess of net assets acquired in 1985
          and other adjustments................................................          23.9               40.5
        The Holding Company's equity ownership in DLJ..........................        (590.2)            (499.0)
        Minority interest in DLJ...............................................        (588.6)            (324.3)
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        The Company's Carrying Value of DLJ....................................  $      492.3       $      415.9
                                                                                ================   =================
</TABLE>

        Summarized  statements of earnings information for DLJ reconciled to the
        Company's equity in earnings of DLJ is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     1996                1995
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                           (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                                     <C>                <C>         
        Commission, fees and other income......................................  $    1,818.2       $    1,325.9
        Net investment income..................................................       1,074.2              904.1
        Dealer, trading and investment gains, net..............................         598.4              528.6
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Total revenues.........................................................       3,490.8            2,758.6
        Total expenses including income taxes..................................       3,199.5            2,579.5
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Net earnings...........................................................         291.3              179.1
        Dividends on preferred stock...........................................          18.7               19.9
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Earnings Applicable to Common Shares...................................  $      272.6       $      159.2
                                                                                ================   =================
        DLJ's earnings applicable to common shares as reported.................  $      272.6       $      159.2
        Amortization of cost in excess of net assets acquired in 1985..........          (3.1)              (3.9)
        The Holding Company's equity in DLJ's earnings.........................        (107.8)             (90.4)
        Minority interest in DLJ...............................................         (73.4)              (6.5)
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        The Company's Equity in DLJ's Earnings.................................  $       88.3       $       58.4
                                                                                ================   =================
</TABLE>

                                      F-43
<PAGE>

21)     ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

        The  Holding  Company  sponsors a stock  option  plan for  employees  of
        Equitable  Life.  DLJ and Alliance  each sponsor  their own stock option
        plans for certain employees.  The Company elected to continue to account
        for stock-based compensation using the intrinsic value method prescribed
        in APB Opinion No. 25. Had  compensation  expense of the Company's stock
        option  incentive plans for options granted after December 31, 1994 been
        determined  based on the  estimated  fair  value at the grant  dates for
        awards  under those  plans,  the  Company's  pro forma net  earnings and
        earnings per share for 1996 and 1995 would have been as follows:

                                    1996              1995
                               ---------------   ---------------
                                        (IN MILLIONS)
        Net Earnings
          As Reported.........  $       10.3      $     312.8
          Pro Forma...........  $        3.2      $     311.3

        The fair value of options and units  granted  after  December  31, 1994,
        used as a basis for the above pro forma disclosures, was estimated as of
        the date of grants using Black-Scholes option pricing models. The option
        and unit pricing assumptions for 1996 and 1995 are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      HOLDING COMPANY                    DLJ                        ALLIANCE
                                  -------------------------   --------------------------  -----------------------------
                                     1996          1995          1996          1995           1996            1995
                                  -----------   -----------   -----------   ------------  -------------   -------------
        <S>                        <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>          <C>             <C>       
        Dividend yield...........     0.80%         0.96%         1.54%         1.85%         8.0%            8.0%
        Expected volatility......    20.00%        20.00%        25.00%        25.00%        23.00%          23.00%
        Risk-free interest rate..     5.92%         6.83%         6.07%         5.86%         5.80%           6.00%

        Expected Life............  5 YEARS       5 years       5 YEARS        5 years      7.43 YEARS      7.43 years
        Weighted fair value
          per option granted.....    $6.94         $5.90         $9.35          -            $2.69           $2.24
</TABLE>

                                      F-44
<PAGE>

        A  summary  of the  Holding  Company  and DLJ  stock  option  plans  and
        Alliance's Unit option plans are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          HOLDING COMPANY                       DLJ                           ALLIANCE
                                    -----------------------------   -----------------------------   -----------------------------
                                                      Options                         Options                         Options
                                                    Outstanding                     Outstanding                     Outstanding
                                                      Weighted                        Weighted                        Weighted
                                                      Average                         Average                         Average
                                      Shares         Exercise          Shares        Exercise           Units         Exercise
                                    (In Millions)      Price        (In Millions)     Price         (In Millions)      Price
                                    -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
        <S>                         <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
        Balance as of
          January 1, 1994........         6.1                             -                               3.2
          Granted................          .7                             -                               1.2
          Exercised..............         -                               -                               (.5)
          Forfeited..............         -                               -                               (.1)
                                    -------------                   -------------                   -------------
        Balance as of
          December 31, 1994......         6.8                             -                               3.8
          Granted................          .4                             9.2                             1.8
          Exercised..............         (.1)                            -                               (.5)
          Expired................         (.1)                            -                               -
          Forfeited..............         (.3)                            -                               (.3)
                                    -------------                   -------------                   -------------
        Balance as of
          December 31, 1995......         6.7           $20.27            9.2          $27.00             4.8           $17.72
          Granted................          .7           $24.94            2.1          $32.54              .7           $25.12
          Exercised..............         (.1)          $19.91            -              -                (.4)          $13.64
          Expired................         (.6)          $20.21            -              -                -               -
          Forfeited..............         -               -               (.2)         $27.00             (.1)          $19.32
                                    -------------                   -------------                   -------------
        Balance as of
          December 31, 1996......         6.7           $20.79           11.1          $28.06             5.0           $19.07
                                    =============   =============   =============   =============   =============   =============
</TABLE>

                                      F-45
<PAGE>

        Information  with  respect  to stock and unit  options  outstanding  and
        exercisable at December 31, 1996 is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      Options Outstanding                                          Options Exercisable
        -------------------------------------------------------------------------------    --------------------------------------
                                                       Weighted
                                                        Average           Weighted                                 Weighted
              Range of               Number            Remaining           Average               Number             Average
              Exercise            Outstanding         Contractual         Exercise            Exercisable           Exercise
               Prices            (In Millions)        Life (Years)          Price            (In Millions)           Price
        ---------------------   -----------------   ---------------   -----------------    -------------------   ----------------
        <S>                     <C>                 <C>               <C>                  <C>                   <C>
               Holding
               Company
        ---------------------
        $18.125-$27.75                 6.7                 7.00             $20.79                3.4                $20.18
                                =================   ===============   =================    ===================   ================

                 DLJ
        ---------------------
        $27.00-$33.50                 11.1                 9.00             $28.06                -                    -
                                =================   ===============   =================    ===================   ================

              Alliance
        ---------------------
        $ 6.0625-$15.9375              1.3                 4.76             $12.97                1.2                $12.58
        $16.3125-$19.75                1.1                 8.19             $19.13                 .2                $18.69
        $19.875 -$19.875               1.0                 7.36             $19.88                 .4                $19.88
        $20.75  -$24.375                .9                 8.46             $22.05                 .3                $21.84
        $24.375 -$25.125                .7                 9.96             $25.13                -                    -
                                -----------------                                          -------------------  
        $ 6.0625-$25.125               5.0                 7.43             $19.07                2.1                $15.84
                                =================   ===============   =================    ===================   ================
</TABLE>

                                      F-46


<PAGE>
   
                        INCOME MANAGER(SM) ACCUMULATOR
                     STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

                                 MAY 1, 1997 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

                           COMBINATION VARIABLE AND 
                     FIXED DEFERRED ANNUITY CERTIFICATES 
                              FUNDED THROUGH THE 
                               INVESTMENT FUNDS 
                          OF SEPARATE ACCOUNT NO. 45 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 EQUITY SERIES 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
DOMESTIC EQUITY                    INTERNATIONAL EQUITY                 AGGRESSIVE EQUITY 
<S>                                <C>                                  <C>
 Alliance Common Stock              Alliance Global                      Alliance Aggressive Stock 
 Alliance Growth & Income           Alliance International               Alliance Small Cap Growth 
 EQ/Putnam Growth & Income Value    Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets      MFS Emerging Growth Companies 
 MFS Research                        Equity                              Warburg Pincus Small Company Value
 Merrill Lynch Basic Value Equity   T. Rowe Price International Stock     
 T. Rowe Price Equity Income      
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
</TABLE>
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
       ASSET ALLOCATION SERIES                         FIXED INCOME SERIES 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
<S>                                     <C>                          <C>
 Alliance Conservative Investors         AGGRESSIVE FIXED INCOME      DOMESTIC FIXED INCOME 
 Alliance Growth Investors                Alliance High Yield          Alliance Intermediate Government Securities 
 EQ/Putnam Balanced                                                    Alliance Money Market 
 Merrill Lynch World Strategy 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
</TABLE>
    
                                  ISSUED BY: 
          THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
   Home Office:             1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10104 
   Processing Office:       Post Office Box 1547, Secaucus, NJ 07096-1547 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This statement of additional information (SAI) is not a prospectus. It should 
be read in conjunction with the Separate Account No. 45 prospectus supplement 
for the Accumulator, dated May 1, 1997 and the prospectus for the 
Accumulator, dated October 17, 1996. Definitions of special terms used in the 
SAI are found in the prospectus. 
    

   A copy of the prospectus is available free of charge by writing the 
Processing Office, by calling 1-800-789-7771, toll-free, or by contacting 
your Registered Representative. 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 
                              TABLE OF CONTENTS 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            PAGE 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------- 
<S>                                                                                         <C>
Part 1 Accumulation Unit Values                                                              2 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------- 
Part 2 Annuity Unit Values                                                                   2 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------- 
Part 3 Custodian and Independent Accountants                                                 3 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------- 
Part 4 Alliance Money Market Fund and Alliance Intermediate Government Securities Fund 
       Yield Information                                                                     3 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------- 
Part 5 Long-Term Market Trends                                                               5 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------- 
Part 6 Financial Statements                                                                  7 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------- 
</TABLE>
    

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
                                Copyright 1997 
     The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States, New York,
                               New York 10104.
                             All rights reserved.
    

                                           
<PAGE>
   
PART 1 - ACCUMULATION 
 UNIT VALUES 
    

Accumulation Unit Values are determined at the end of each Valuation Period 
for each of the Investment Funds. Other annuity contracts and certificates 
which may be offered by us will have their own accumulation unit values for 
the Investment Funds which may be different from those for the Accumulator. 

The Accumulation Unit Value for an Investment Fund for any Valuation Period 
is equal to the Accumulation Unit Value for the preceding Valuation Period 
multiplied by the Net Investment Factor for that Investment Fund for that 
Valuation Period. The NET INVESTMENT FACTOR is (a)-c where: 
                                                b 

   
(a)    is the value of the Investment Fund's shares of the corresponding 
       Portfolio at the end of the Valuation Period before giving effect to 
       any amounts allocated to or withdrawn from the Investment Fund for the 
       Valuation Period. For this purpose, we use the share value reported to 
       us by HR Trust or EQ Trust, as applicable. 
    

(b)    is the value of the Investment Fund's shares of the corresponding 
       Portfolio at the end of the preceding Valuation Period (after any 
       amounts allocated or withdrawn for that Valuation Period). 

(c)    is the daily Separate Account mortality and expense risk charge and 
       asset based administrative charge relating to the Certificates, times 
       the number of calendar days in the Valuation Period. These daily 
       charges are at an effective annual rate not to exceed a total of 1.15%. 

PART 2 - ANNUITY UNIT VALUES 

The annuity unit value was fixed at $1.00 on May 1, 1995 for Certificates 
with assumed base rates of net investment return of both 5% and 3 1/2% a 
year. For each Valuation Period after that date, it is the annuity unit value 
for the immediately preceding Valuation Period multiplied by the adjusted Net 
Investment Factor under the Certificate. For each Valuation Period, the 
adjusted Net Investment Factor is equal to the Net Investment Factor reduced 
for each day in the Valuation Period by: 

o      .00013366 of the Net Investment Factor if the assumed base rate of net 
       investment return is 5% a year; or 

o      .00009425 of the Net Investment Factor if the assumed base rate of net 
       investment return is 3 1/2%. 

Because of this adjustment, the annuity unit value rises and falls depending 
on whether the actual rate of net investment return (after deduction of 
charges) is higher or lower than the assumed base rate. 

All Certificates have a 5% assumed base rate of net investment return, except 
in states where that rate is not permitted. Annuity payments under 
Certificates with an assumed base rate of 3 1/2% will at first be smaller 
than those under Certificates with a 5% assumed base rate. Payments under the 
3 1/2% Certificates, however, will rise more rapidly when unit values are 
rising, and payments will fall more slowly when unit values are falling than 
those under 5% Certificates. 

The amounts of variable annuity payments are determined as follows: 

Payments normally start on the Business Day specified on your election form, 
or on such other future date as specified therein and are made on a monthly 
basis. The first three payments are of equal amounts. Each of the first three 
payments will be based on the amount specified in the Tables of Guaranteed 
Annuity Payments in the Certificate. 

The first three payments depend on the assumed base rate of net investment 
return and the form of annuity chosen (and any fixed period). If the annuity 
involved a life contingency, the risk class and the age of the annuitants 
will affect payments. 

   
The amount of the fourth and each later payment will vary according to the 
investment performance of the Alliance Common Stock Fund. Each monthly 
payment will be calculated by multiplying the number of annuity units 
credited by the average annuity unit value for the second calendar month 
immediately preceding the due date of the payment. The number of units is 
calculated by dividing the first monthly payment by the annuity unit value 
for the Valuation Period which includes the due date of the first monthly 
payment. The average annuity unit value is the average of the annuity unit 
values for the Valuation Periods ending in that month. Variable income 
annuities may also be available by separate prospectus through the Alliance 
Common Stock or other Funds of other separate accounts we offer. 
    

Illustration of Changes in Annuity Unit Values. 

To show how we determine variable annuity payments from month to month, 
assume that the Annuity Account Value on an Annuity Commencement Date is 
enough to fund an annuity with a monthly payment of $363 and that the 

                                2           
<PAGE>
annuity unit value for the Valuation Period that includes the due date of the 
first annuity payment is $1.05. The number of annuity units credited under 
the contract would be 345.71 (363 divided by 1.05 = 345.71). 

If the fourth monthly payment is due in March, and the average annuity unit 
value for January was $1.10, the annuity payment for March would be the 
number of units (345.71) times the average annuity unit value ($1.10), or 
$380.28. If the average annuity unit value was $1 in February, the annuity 
payment for April would be 345.71 times $1, or $345.71. 

PART 3 - CUSTODIAN AND 
 INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS 

   
Equitable Life is the custodian for shares of the HR Trust and EQ Trust owned 
by the Separate Account. 

The financial statements of the Separate Account for the period ended 
December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the consolidated financial statements and 
consolidated financial statement schedules of Equitable Life at December 31, 
1996 and 1995 and for each of the three years ended December 31, 1996 
included in the SAI have been audited by Price Waterhouse LLP. 

The financial statements of the Separate Account for the period ended 
December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the consolidated financial statements and 
consolidated financial statement schedules of Equitable Life for the years 
ended December 31, 1996 and 1995 and for each of the three years ended 
December 31, 1996 included in this SAI have been so included in reliance on 
the reports of Price Waterhouse LLP, independent accountants, given on the 
authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing. 

PART 4 - ALLIANCE MONEY 
 MARKET FUND AND ALLIANCE
 INTERMEDIATE GOVERNMENT
 SECURITIES FUND YIELD 
 INFORMATION 

Alliance Money Market Fund 

The Alliance Money Market Fund calculates yield information for seven-day 
periods. The seven-day current yield calculation is based on a hypothetical 
Certificate with one Accumulation Unit at the beginning of the period. To 
determine the seven-day rate of return, the net change in the Accumulation 
Unit Value is computed by subtracting the Accumulation Unit Value at the 
beginning of the period from an Accumulation Unit Value, exclusive of capital 
changes, at the end of the period. 
    

The net change is then reduced by the average contract fee factor (explained 
below). This reduction is made to recognize the deduction of the annual 
contract fee, which is not reflected in the unit value. See "Annual Contract 
Fee" in Part 6 of the prospectus. 

   
Accumulation Unit Values reflect all other accrued expenses of the Alliance 
Money Market Fund but do not reflect the distribution fee the withdrawal 
charge, the GMDB/GMIB charge or any charges for applicable taxes such as 
state or local premium taxes. 
    

The adjusted net change is divided by the Accumulation Unit Value at the 
beginning of the period to obtain the adjusted base period rate of return. 
This seven-day adjusted base period return is then multiplied by 365/7 to 
produce an annualized seven-day current yield figure carried to the nearest 
one-hundredth of one percent. 

   
The actual dollar amount of the annual contract fee that is deducted from the 
Alliance Money Market Fund will vary for each Certificate depending upon the 
percentage of the Annuity Account Value allocated to the Alliance Money 
Market Fund. To determine the effect of the annual contract fee on the yield, 
we start with the total dollar amounts of the charges deducted from the Fund 
during the 12-month period ending on the last day of the prior year. The 
amount is multiplied by 7/365 to produce an average contract fee factor which 
is used in all weekly yield computations for the ensuing year. The average 
contract fee factor is then divided by the number of Accumulator Alliance 
Money Market Fund Accumulation Units as of the end of the prior calendar 
year, and the resulting quotient is deducted from the net change in 
Accumulation Unit Value for the seven-day period. 

The effective yield is obtained by modifying the current yield to give effect 
to the compounding nature of the Alliance Money Market Fund's investments, as 
follows: the unannualized adjusted base period return is compounded by adding 
one to the adjusted base period return, raising the sum to a power equal to 
365 divided by 7, and subtracting one from the result, i.e., effective yield 
= (base period return + 1) 365/7 -1. The Alliance Money Market Fund yields 
will fluctuate daily. Accordingly, yields for any given period are not 
necessarily representative of future results. In addition, the value of 
Accumulation Units of the Alliance Money Market Fund will fluctuate and not 
remain constant. 
    

                                3           
<PAGE>
   
Alliance Intermediate Government Securities Fund 

The Alliance Intermediate Government Securities Fund calculates yield 
information for 30-day periods. The 30-day current yield calculation is based 
on a hypothetical Certificate with one Accumulation Unit at the beginning of 
the period. To determine the 30-day rate of return, the net change in the 
Accumulation Unit Value is computed by subtracting the Accumulation Unit 
Value at the beginning of the period from an Accumulation Unit Value, 
exclusive of capital changes, at the end of the period. 
    

The net change is then reduced by the average contract fee factor (explained 
below). This reduction is made to recognize the deduction of the annual 
contract fee, which is not reflected in the unit value. See "Annual Contract 
Fee" in Part 6 of the prospectus. 

   
Accumulation Unit Values reflect all other accrued expenses of the Alliance 
Intermediate Government Securities Fund but do not reflect the distribution 
fee, the withdrawal charge, the GMDB/GMIB charge or any charges for 
applicable taxes such as state or local premium taxes. 
    

The adjusted net change is divided by the Accumulation Unit Value at the 
beginning of the period to obtain the adjusted base period rate of return. 
This 30-day adjusted base period return is then multiplied by 365/30 to 
produce an annualized 30-day current yield figure carried to the nearest 
one-hundredth of one percent. 

   
The actual dollar amount of the annual contract fee that is deducted from the 
Alliance Intermediate Government Securities Fund will vary for each 
Certificate depending upon the percentage of the Annuity Account Value 
allocated to the Alliance Intermediate Government Securities Fund. To 
determine the effect of the annual contract fee on the yield, we start with 
the total dollar amounts of the charges deducted from the Fund during the 
12-month period ending on the last day of the prior year. The amount is 
multiplied by 30/365 to produce an average contract fee factor which is used 
in all 30-day yield computations for the ensuing year. The average contract 
fee is then divided by the number of Accumulator Alliance Intermediate 
Government Securities Fund Accumulation Units as of the end of the prior 
calendar year, and the resulting quotient is deducted from the net change in 
Accumulation Unit Value for the 30-day period. 

The effective yield is obtained by modifying the current yield to give effect 
to the compounding nature of the Alliance Intermediate Government Securities 
Fund's investments, as follows: the unannualized adjusted base period return 
is compounded by adding one to the adjusted base period return, raising the 
sum to a power equal to 365 divided by 30, and subtracting one from the 
result, i.e., effective yield = (base period return + 1) 365/30 -1. Alliance 
Intermediate Government Securities Fund yields will fluctuate daily. 
Accordingly, yields for any given period are not necessarily representative 
of future results. In addition, the value of the Accumulation Units of the 
Alliance Intermediate Government Securities Fund will fluctuate and not 
remain constant. 

Alliance Money Market Fund and Alliance Intermediate Government Securities 
Fund Yield Information 

Alliance Money Market Fund and the Alliance Intermediate Government 
Securities Fund yields reflect charges that are not normally reflected in the 
yields of other investments and therefore may be lower when compared with 
yields of other investments. Alliance Money Market Fund and Alliance 
Intermediate Government Securities Fund yields should not be compared to the 
return on fixed rate investments which guarantee rates of interest for 
specified periods, such as the Guarantee Periods. Nor should the yield be 
compared to the yield of money market funds or government securities funds 
made available to the general public. 

The seven-day current yield for the Alliance Money Market Fund was 4.03% for 
the period ended December 31, 1996. The effective yield for that period was 
4.11%. 

The 30-day current yield for the Alliance Intermediate Government Securities 
Fund was 4.45% for the period ended December 31, 1996. The effective yield 
for that period was 4.54%. 

Because the above yields reflect the deduction of Separate Account expenses, 
including the annual administrative charge, they are lower than the 
corresponding yield figures for the Alliance Money Market Portfolio and 
Alliance Intermediate Government Securities Portfolio which reflect only the 
deduction of HR Trust-level expenses. 
    

                                4           
<PAGE>
   
PART 5 - LONG-TERM MARKET 
 TRENDS 
    

As a tool for understanding how different investment strategies may affect 
long-term results, it may be useful to consider the historical returns on 
different types of assets. The following charts present historical return 
trends for various types of securities. The information presented, while not 
directly related to the performance of the Investment Funds, helps to provide 
a perspective on the potential returns of different asset classes over 
different periods of time. By combining this information with knowledge of 
personal financial needs (e.g., the length of time until you retire, your 
financial requirements at retirement), you may be able to better determine 
how you wish to allocate contributions among the Accumulator Investment 
Funds. 

Historically, the long-term investment performance of common stocks has 
generally been superior to that of long-or short-term debt securities. For 
those investors who have many years until retirement, or whose primary focus 
is on long-term growth potential and protection against inflation, there may 
be advantages to allocating some or all of their Annuity Account Value to 
those Investment Funds that invest in stocks. 

   
                   Growth of $1 Invested on January 1, 1956 
                     (Values are as of last business day) 
 
[THE FOLLOWING TABLE WAS REPRESENTED AS A STACKED
AREA GRAPH IN THE PROSPECTUS]


- ------------------------------------------
	      S&P 500
	      TOTAL	  U.S.
	      RETURN	  INFLATION
- ------------------------------------------
	      INDEX	  VALUE
- ------------------------------------------
Dec 1956      1.07        1.03
Dec 1957      0.95        1.06
Dec 1958      1.36        1.08
Dec 1959      1.53        1.09
Dec 1960      1.53        1.11
Dec 1961      1.95        1.12
Dec 1962      1.78        1.13
Dec 1963      2.18        1.15
Dec 1964      2.54        1.16
Dec 1965      2.86        1.19
Dec 1966      2.57	  1.23
Dec 1967      3.18	  1.26
Dec 1968      3.34        1.32
Dec 1969      3.24	  1.40
Dec 1970      3.37	  1.48
Dec 1971      3.85	  1.53
Dec 1972      4.58	  1.58
Dec 1973      3.91	  1.72
Dec 1974      2.87	  1.83
Dec 1975      3.94	  2.07
Dec 1976      4.88	  2.17
Dec 1977      4.53	  2.31
Dec 1978      4.83	  2.52
Dec 1979      5.72   	  2.86
Dec 1980      7.57	  3.21
Dec 1981      7.20	  3.50
Dec 1982      8.74	  3.64
Dec 1983     10.71	  3.77
Dec 1984     11.38	  3.92
Dec 1985     15.04	  4.07
Dec 1986     17.81	  4.12
Dec 1987     18.75	  4.30
Dec 1988     21.90	  4.49
Dec 1989     28.79	  4.70
Dec 1990     27.88 	  4.99
Dec 1991     36.40	  5.14
Dec 1992     39.19	  5.29
Dec 1993     43.10	  5.43
Dec 1994     43.67	  5.58
Dec 1995     60.01	  5.72
Dec 1996     73.86        5.92
- ------------------------------------------
[END OF GRAPHICALLY REPRESENTED DATA]

[BLACK] Common Stock   [WHITE] Inflation

Source: Ibbotson Associates, Inc. See discussion and information preceding 
and following chart. 

Over shorter periods of time, however, common stocks tend to be subject to 
more dramatic changes in value than fixed income (debt) securities. Investors 
who are nearing retirement age, or who have a need to limit short-term risk, 
may find it preferable to allocate a smaller percentage of their Annuity 
Account Value to those Investment Funds that invest in common stocks. The 
following graph illustrates the monthly fluctuations in value of $1 based on 
monthly returns of the Standard & Poor's 500 during 1990, a year that 
represents more typical volatility than 1996. 
    
<PAGE>
                   Growth of $1 Invested on January 1, 1990 
                   (Values are as of the last business day) 

[THE FOLLOWING TABLE WAS REPRESENTED AS A SCATTER
GRAPH IN THE PROSPECTUS]

   
- ------------------------------------------
				S&P 500
		U.S. IT		TOTAL
		GVT TR		RETURN
- ------------------------------------------
		INDEX		INDEX
- ------------------------------------------
Jan 1990	0.99		0.93
Feb 1990	0.99		0.94
Mar 1990	0.99		0.97
Apr 1990	0.98		0.95
May 1990	1.01		1.04
Jun 1990	1.02		1.03
Jul 1990	1.04		1.03
Aug 1990	1.03		0.93
Sep 1990	1.04		0.89
Oct 1990	1.06		0.89
Nov 1990	1.08		0.94
Dec 1990	1.10		0.97
    

  Common Stock  Intermediate-Term Govt. Bonds

[END OF GRAPHICALLY REPRESENTED DATA]

Source: Ibbotson Associates, Inc. See discussion and information preceding 
        and following chart. 

   
The following chart illustrates average annual rates of return over selected 
time periods between December 31, 1926 and December 31, 1996 for different 
types of securities: common stocks, long-term government bonds, long-term 
corporate bonds, intermediate-term government bonds and U.S. Treasury Bills. 
For comparison purposes, the Consumer Price Index is shown as a measure of 
inflation. The average annual returns shown in the chart reflect capital 
appreciation and assume the reinvestment of dividends and interest. No 
investment management fees or expenses, and no charges typically associated 
with deferred annuity products, are reflected. 
    

The information presented is merely a summary of past experience for 
unmanaged groups of securities and is neither an estimate or guarantee of 
future performance. Any investment in securities, whether equity or debt, 
involves varying degrees of potential risk, in addition to offering varying 
degrees of potential reward. 

                                5           
<PAGE>
The rates of return illustrated do not represent returns of the Separate 
Account. In addition, there is no assurance that the performance of the 
Investment Funds will correspond to rates of return such as those illustrated 
in the chart. 

For a comparative illustration of performance results of the Investment Funds 
(which reflect the Trust and Separate Account charges), see "Part 3: 
Investment Performance" in the prospectus. 

   
                                MARKET TRENDS: 
                     ILLUSTRATIVE ANNUAL RATES OF RETURN 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      LONG-TERM   INTERMEDIATE- 
  FOR THE FOLLOWING PERIODS    COMMON    LONG-TERM    CORPORATE       TERM        U.S. TREASURY    CONSUMER 
       ENDING 12/31/96         STOCKS   GOVT. BONDS     BONDS      GOVT. BONDS        BILLS       PRICE INDEX 
- ----------------------------  -------- ------------- ----------- --------------- --------------- ------------- 
<S>                           <C>          <C>         <C>           <C>             <C>            <C>
1 Year                         23.07%      (0.93)%      1.40%         2.10%           5.21%          3.58% 
3 Years                        19.66        6.36        6.72          4.19            4.90           2.93 
5 Years                        15.20        8.98        8.52          6.17            4.22           2.89 
10 Years                       15.28        9.39        9.48          7.77            5.46           3.70 
20 Years                       14.55        9.54        9.71          9.14            7.28           5.15 
30 Years                       11.85        7.75        8.24          8.27            6.73           5.39 
40 Years                       11.18        6.51        6.99          7.08            5.80           4.47 
50 Years                       12.59        5.33        5.76          5.89            4.89           4.08 
60 Years                       11.19        5.06        5.38          5.32            4.10           4.13 
Since 12/31/26                 10.71        5.08        5.64          5.21            3.74           3.12 
Inflation adjusted since 1926   7.36        1.90        2.44          2.02            0.60             -- 
</TABLE>
    

   
SOURCE: Ibbotson, Roger G., and Rex A. Sinquefield, Stocks, Bonds, Bills, and 
Inflation (SBBI), 1982, updated in Stocks, Bonds, Bills and Inflation 1997 
Yearbook(Trademark), Ibbotson Associates Inc., Chicago. All rights reserved. 
    

COMMON STOCKS (S&P 500)--Standard and Poor's Composite Index, an unmanaged 
weighted index of the stock performance of 500 industrial, transportation, 
utility and financial companies. 

LONG-TERM GOVERNMENT BONDS--Measured using a one-bond portfolio constructed 
each year containing a bond with approximately a twenty year maturity and a 
reasonably current coupon. 

LONG-TERM CORPORATE BONDS--For the period 1969-1995, represented by the 
Salomon Brothers Long-term, High-Grade Corporate Bond Index for the period 
1946-1968, the Salomon Brothers Index was backdated using Salomon Brothers 
monthly yield data and a methodology similar to that used by Salomon Brothers 
for 1969-1995; for the period 1927-1945, the Standard and Poor's monthly 
High-Grade Corporate Composite yield data were used, assuming a 4 percent 
coupon and a twenty year maturity. 

INTERMEDIATE-TERM GOVERNMENT BONDS--Measured by a one-bond portfolio 
constructed each year containing a bond with approximately a five year 
maturity. 

U. S. TREASURY BILLS--Measured by rolling over each month a one-bill 
portfolio containing, at the beginning of each month, the bill having the 
shortest maturity not less than one month. 

INFLATION--Measured by the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers 
(CPI-U), not seasonally adjusted. 

                                6           
<PAGE>
   
PART 6 - FINANCIAL 
 STATEMENTS 

The consolidated financial statements of The Equitable Life Assurance Society 
of the United States included herein should be considered only as bearing 
upon the ability of Equitable Life to meet its obligations under the 
Certificates. There are no financial statements for the Investment Funds of 
the Separate Account investing in Class IB shares of EQ Trust as the Separate 
Account did not invest in such shares prior to the date of the prospectus and 
SAI. 
    

                                7           


<PAGE>
                      REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS 

To the Board of Directors of 
The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States 
and Contractowners of Separate Account No. 45 
of The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States 

   
In our opinion, the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities and the 
related statements of operations and of changes in net assets present fairly, 
in all material respects, the financial position of the Money Market Fund, 
Intermediate Government Securities Fund, Growth & Income Fund, Common Stock 
Fund, Global Fund, International Fund, Aggressive Stock Fund, Conservative 
Investors Fund and Growth Investors Fund, separate investment funds of The 
Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States ("Equitable Life") 
Separate Account No. 45 at December 31, 1996, the results of each of their 
operations and changes in each of their net assets for the periods indicated, 
in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. These financial 
statements are the responsibility of Equitable Life's management; our 
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based 
on our audits. We conducted our audits of these financial statements in 
accordance with generally accepted auditing standards which require that we 
plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the 
financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes 
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures 
in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and 
significant estimates made by management and evaluating the overall financial 
statement presentation. We believe that our audits, which included 
confirmation of shares in The Hudson River Trust at December 31, 1996 with 
the transfer agent, provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed 
above. 
    

Price Waterhouse LLP 
New York, New York 
February 10, 1997 


<PAGE>
   
THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES 
SEPARATE ACCOUNT 45 

STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES 
DECEMBER 31, 1996 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             INTERMEDIATE 
                                    MONEY     GOVERNMENT   GROWTH &     COMMON 
                                   MARKET     SECURITIES    INCOME       STOCK 
                                    FUND         FUND        FUND        FUND 
                                ----------- ------------ ----------- ----------- 
<S>                             <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>
ASSETS 
Investments in shares of 
 The Hudson River Trust-- 
 at market value (Note 1) 
  Cost:    $32,590,855  ........ $32,392,955 
             3,570,593 .........              $3,533,879 
             14,345,718.........                          $15,109,954 
             74,352,777.........                                      $75,709,230 
             15,256,959......... 
             8,620,079.......... 
             43,176,986......... 
             7,918,815.......... 
             24,267,019......... 
Receivable for policy related 
 transactions ..................     919,631       2,352      217,813     812,700 
                                ----------- ------------ ----------- ----------- 
Total Assets ...................  33,312,586   3,536,231   15,327,767  76,521,930 
                                ----------- ------------ ----------- ----------- 
LIABILITIES 
Payable for The Hudson River 
 Trust shares purchased ........     934,835       4,273      224,654     853,808 
Amount retained by Equitable 
 Life in Separate Account 45 
 (Note 4) ......................      80,961      55,974       77,185     161,327 
                                ----------- ------------ ----------- ----------- 
Total Liabilities ..............   1,015,796      60,247      301,839   1,015,135 
                                ----------- ------------ ----------- ----------- 
NET ASSETS ATTRIBUTABLE TO 
 CONTRACT OWNERS................ $32,296,790  $3,475,984  $15,025,928 $75,506,795 
                                =========== ============ =========== =========== 
Units Outstanding at December 
 31, 1996 (Note 5) .............   1,301,724     252,426    1,055,829     493,651 
                                =========== ============ =========== =========== 
Unit Value at December 31, 
 1996........................... $     24.81  $    13.77  $     14.23 $    152.96 
                                =========== ============ =========== =========== 
</TABLE>
    

                    (RESTUBBED TABLE CONTINUED FROM ABOVE) 

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           AGGRESSIVE  CONSERVATIVE   GROWTH 
                                   GLOBAL    INTERNATIONAL    STOCK     INVESTORS    INVESTORS 
                                    FUND         FUND         FUND         FUND        FUND 
                                ----------- ------------- ----------- ------------ ----------- 
<S>                             <C>         <C>           <C>         <C>          <C>
ASSETS 
Investments in shares of 
 The Hudson River Trust-- 
 at market value (Note 1) 
  Cost:    $32,590,855  ........ 
             3,570,593 ......... 
             14,345,718 ........ 
             74,352,777 ........ 
             15,256,959......... $15,456,443 
             8,620,079..........              $8,651,467 
             43,176,986.........                           $41,011,800 
             7,918,815..........                                        $7,923,466 
             24,267,019.........                                                    $24,108,242 
Receivable for policy related 
 transactions ..................     206,778      39,027       528,494     190,991      255,852 
                                ----------- ------------- ----------- ------------ ----------- 
Total Assets ...................  15,663,221   8,690,494    41,540,294   8,114,457   24,364,094 
                                ----------- ------------- ----------- ------------ ----------- 
LIABILITIES 
Payable for The Hudson River 
 Trust shares purchased ........     213,416      43,221       549,556     195,199      269,698 
Amount retained by Equitable 
 Life in Separate Account 45 
 (Note 4) ......................      73,501      63,269       103,486      60,976       86,001 
                                ----------- ------------- ----------- ------------ ----------- 
Total Liabilities ..............     286,917     106,490       653,042     256,175      355,699 
                                ----------- ------------- ----------- ------------ ----------- 
NET ASSETS ATTRIBUTABLE TO 
 CONTRACT OWNERS................ $15,376,304  $8,584,004   $40,887,252  $7,858,282  $24,008,395 
                                =========== ============= =========== ============ =========== 
Units Outstanding at December 
 31, 1996 (Note 5) .............     608,877     716,759       620,080     456,627      914,232 
                                =========== ============= =========== ============ =========== 
Unit Value at December 31, 
 1996........................... $     25.25  $    11.98   $     65.94  $    17.21  $     26.26 
                                =========== ============= =========== ============ =========== 
</TABLE>
    

See Notes to Financial Statements. 

                                      F-2
<PAGE>

THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES 
SEPARATE ACCOUNT 45 

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           INTERMEDIATE 
                                                   MONEY    GOVERNMENT   GROWTH &    COMMON 
                                                  MARKET    SECURITIES    INCOME     STOCK 
                                                   FUND        FUND        FUND       FUND 
                                                --------- ------------ ---------- ---------- 
<S>                                             <C>       <C>          <C>        <C>
INCOME AND EXPENSES: 
 Investment Income (Note 2): 
  Dividends from The Hudson River Trust  ....... $ 973,287   $169,012   $  140,078 $  307,270 
 Expenses (Note 3): 
 Mortality and expense risk charges ............   182,124     30,204       75,795    350,135 
                                                --------- ------------ ---------- ---------- 
NET INVESTMENT INCOME ..........................   791,163    138,808       64,283    (42,865) 
                                                --------- ------------ ---------- ---------- 
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON 
 INVESTMENTS (NOTE 2): 
 Realized gain (loss) on investments ...........    19,803    (21,067)      30,281    249,329 
 Realized gain distribution from 
  The Hudson River Trust .......................        --         --      663,496  5,761,725 
                                                --------- ------------ ---------- ---------- 
  Net Realized Gain (Loss) .....................    19,803    (21,067)     693,777  6,011,054 
                                                --------- ------------ ---------- ---------- 
 Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on 
  investments: 
 Beginning of period ...........................   (32,003)     4,810       65,829   (147,558) 
 End of period .................................  (197,900)   (36,714)     764,236  1,356,453 
                                                --------- ------------ ---------- ---------- 
 Change in unrealized 
  appreciation/(depreciation) during the period   (165,897)   (41,524)     698,407  1,504,011 
                                                --------- ------------ ---------- ---------- 
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON 
 INVESTMENTS ...................................  (146,094)   (62,591)   1,392,184  7,515,065 
                                                --------- ------------ ---------- ---------- 
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS 
 RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS ..................... $ 645,069   $ 76,217   $1,456,467 $7,472,200 
                                                ========= ============ ========== ========== 
</TABLE>
    

                    (RESTUBBED TABLE CONTINUED FROM ABOVE) 

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        AGGRESSIVE  CONSERVATIVE  GROWTH 
                                                  GLOBAL  INTERNATIONAL    STOCK     INVESTORS   INVESTORS 
                                                   FUND       FUND         FUND         FUND       FUND 
                                                -------- ------------- ----------- ------------ --------- 
<S>                                             <C>      <C>           <C>         <C>          <C>
INCOME AND EXPENSES: 
 Investment Income (Note 2): 
  Dividends from The Hudson River Trust  ....... $159,750   $100,654    $    48,668   $249,730  $  364,945 
 Expenses (Note 3): 
 Mortality and expense risk charges ............   71,437     47,321        170,068     56,301     146,920 
                                                -------- ------------- ----------- ------------ --------- 
NET INVESTMENT INCOME ..........................   88,313     53,333       (121,400)   193,429     218,025 
                                                -------- ------------- ----------- ------------ --------- 
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON 
 INVESTMENTS (NOTE 2): 
 Realized gain (loss) on investments ...........   68,368    106,050        179,807      1,003      35,624 
 Realized gain distribution from 
  The Hudson River Trust .......................  474,848    128,244      3,900,528    153,963   1,566,277 
                                                -------- ------------- ----------- ------------ --------- 
  Net Realized Gain (Loss) .....................  543,216    234,294      4,080,335    154,966   1,601,901 
                                                -------- ------------- ----------- ------------ --------- 
 Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on 
  investments: 
 Beginning of period ...........................   15,112     15,034       (169,970)    16,872      39,211 
 End of period .................................  199,484     31,388     (2,165,186)     4,651    (158,777) 
                                                -------- ------------- ----------- ------------ --------- 
 Change in unrealized 
  appreciation/(depreciation) during the period   184,372     16,354     (1,995,216)   (12,221)   (197,988) 
                                                -------- ------------- ----------- ------------ --------- 
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON 
 INVESTMENTS ...................................  727,588    250,648      2,085,119    142,745   1,403,913 
                                                -------- ------------- ----------- ------------ --------- 
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS 
 RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS ..................... $815,901   $303,981    $ 1,963,719   $336,174  $1,621,938 
                                                ======== ============= =========== ============ ========= 
</TABLE>
    

- ------------ 
See Notes to Financial Statements. 

                               F-3           
<PAGE>
   
THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES 
SEPARATE ACCOUNT 45 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS 
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             INTERMEDIATE 
                                                              GOVERNMENT 
                                   MONEY MARKET FUND        SECURITIES FUND 
                                ------------------------ ---------------------- 
                                    1996        1995*        1996       1995* 
                                ------------ ----------- ----------- ---------- 
<S>                             <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET 
 ASSETS: 
FROM OPERATIONS: 
 Net investment income .........$    791,163 $    84,034 $   138,808 $   26,602 
 Net realized gain (loss)  .....      19,803      (9,249)    (21,067)       691 
 Change in unrealized 
  appreciation/depreciation on 
  investments ..................    (165,897)    (32,003)    (41,524)     4,810 
                                ------------ ----------- ----------- ---------- 
 Net increase in net assets 
  from operations ..............     645,069      42,782      76,217     32,103 
                                ------------ ----------- ----------- ---------- 
FROM CONTRACT OWNER 
 TRANSACTIONS: 
 Contributions and Transfers: 
  Contributions ................  95,681,367  11,156,359   1,798,660  1,629,203 
  Transfers from other Funds 
   and Guaranteed Interest Rate 
   Account (Note 1) ............  19,687,669      59,949   8,533,013    513,895 
                                ------------ ----------- ----------- ---------- 
   Total ....................... 115,369,036  11,216,308  10,331,673  2,143,098 
                                ------------ ----------- ----------- ---------- 
 Benefit & other policy 
  transaction...................     198,356          --      15,968         -- 
 Withdrawals and Transfers: 
  Withdrawal and administrative 
   charges          .  ..........    514,843          --      77,637         -- 
  Transfers to other Funds and 
   Guaranteed Interest Rate 
   Account (Note 1) ............  87,121,388   7,122,265   8,982,626     20,000 
                                ------------ ----------- ----------- ---------- 
   Total .......................  87,834,587   7,122,265   9,076,231     20,000 
                                ------------ ----------- ----------- ---------- 
 Net increase in net assets 
  from Contract Owner 
  transactions .................  27,534,449   4,094,043   1,255,442  2,123,098 
                                ------------ ----------- ----------- ---------- 
NET INCREASE IN AMOUNT RETAINED 
 BY EQUITABLE LIFE IN SEPARATE 
  ACCOUNT 45 (NOTE 4)...........     (17,582)     (1,971)     (6,709)    (4,167) 
                                ------------ ----------- ----------- ---------- 
INCREASE IN NET ASSETS 
 ATTRIBUTABLE TO CONTRACT 
 OWNERS ........................  28,161,936   4,134,854   1,324,950  2,151,034 
NET ASSETS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD 
 ATTRIBUTABLE TO CONTRACT 
 OWNERS ........................   4,134,854          --   2,151,034         -- 
                                ------------ ----------- ----------- ---------- 
NET ASSETS, END OF PERIOD 
 ATTRIBUTABLE TO CONTRACT 
 OWNERS ........................$ 32,296,790 $ 4,134,854 $ 3,475,984 $2,151,034 
                                ============ =========== =========== ========== 
</TABLE>
    

                    (RESTUBBED TABLE CONTINUED FROM ABOVE) 

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        GROWTH & 
                                      INCOME FUND         COMMON STOCK FUND         GLOBAL FUND 
                                 ---------------------- ----------------------- ----------------------
                                    1996       1995*       1996       1995*       1996       1995* 
                                 ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------
<S>                             <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET 
 ASSETS: 
FROM OPERATIONS: 
 Net investment income ......... $    64,283 $   13,604 $   (42,865) $   18,811 $    88,313 $    4,015 
 Net realized gain (loss)  .....     693,777         --   6,011,054     366,599     543,216     32,515 
 Change in unrealized 
  appreciation/depreciation on 
  investments ..................     698,407     65,829   1,504,011    (147,558)    184,372     15,112 
                                 ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------
 Net increase in net assets 
  from operations ..............   1,456,467     79,433   7,472,200     237,852     815,901     51,642 
                                 ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------
FROM CONTRACT OWNER 
 TRANSACTIONS: 
 Contributions and Transfers: 
  Contributions ................   6,251,620  1,306,253  36,558,323   3,944,181   9,199,245    818,158 
  Transfers from other Funds 
   and Guaranteed Interest Rate 
   Account (Note 1) ............   6,040,990    432,486  34,378,499   2,697,390   6,255,073    233,534 
                                 ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------
   Total .......................  12,292,610  1,738,739  70,936,822   6,641,571  15,454,318  1,051,692 
                                 ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------
 Benefit & other policy 
  transaction...................     130,199         --     427,323          --      70,774         -- 
 Withdrawals and Transfers: 
  Withdrawal and administrative 
   charges          .  ..........     31,991        703     290,642      14,649      36,757      1,379 
  Transfers to other Funds and 
   Guaranteed Interest Rate 
   Account (Note 1) ............     342,494         --   8,933,676      18,685   1,836,433     26,094 
                                 ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------
   Total .......................     504,684        703   9,651,641      33,334   1,943,964     27,473 
                                 ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------
 Net increase in net assets 
  from Contract Owner 
  transactions .................  11,787,926  1,738,036  61,285,181   6,608,237  13,510,354  1,024,219 
                                 ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------
NET INCREASE IN AMOUNT RETAINED 
 BY EQUITABLE LIFE IN SEPARATE 
  ACCOUNT 45 (NOTE 4)...........     (27,565)    (8,369)    (85,006)    (11,669)    (18,054)    (7,758) 
                                 ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------
INCREASE IN NET ASSETS 
 ATTRIBUTABLE TO CONTRACT 
 OWNERS ........................  13,216,828  1,809,100  68,672,375   6,834,420  14,308,201  1,068,103 
NET ASSETS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD 
 ATTRIBUTABLE TO CONTRACT 
 OWNERS ........................   1,809,100         --   6,834,420          --   1,068,103         -- 
                                 ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------
NET ASSETS, END OF PERIOD 
 ATTRIBUTABLE TO CONTRACT 
 OWNERS ........................ $15,025,928 $1,809,100 $75,506,795  $6,834,420 $15,376,304 $1,068,103 
                                 =========== ========== =========== =========== =========== ==========
</TABLE>
    

* Commencement of operations on May 1, 1995 for all funds. 
See Notes to Financial Statements. 

                                      F-4

 
<PAGE>

   
THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES 
SEPARATE ACCOUNT 45 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (CONTINUED) 
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 AGGRESSIVE 
                                                    INTERNATIONAL FUND           STOCK FUND 
                                                   ---------------------   ------------------------
                                                      1996        1995*       1996         1995*    
                                                   ----------   --------   -----------   ----------
<S>                                                <C>          <C>        <C>           <C>
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS:                                                             
FROM OPERATIONS:                                                                               
 Net investment income ........................... $   53,333   $  8,748   $  (121,400)  $   (3,345)
 Net realized gain ...............................    234,294      5,969     4,080,335      324,801 
 Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation                                                     
  on investments .................................     16,354     15,034    (1,995,216)    (169,970)
                                                   ----------   --------   -----------   ----------
 Net increase in net assets from operations  .....    303,981     29,751     1,963,719      151,486 
                                                   ----------   --------   -----------   ----------
FROM CONTRACT OWNER TRANSACTIONS:                                                                   
 Contributions and Transfers:                                                                       
  Contributions ..................................  3,782,377    549,641    22,776,845    2,114,597 
  Transfers from other Funds and Guaranteed                                                         
   Interest Rate Account (Note 1) ................  5,791,839    236,742    20,452,746      930,163 
                                                   ----------   --------   -----------   ----------
   Total .........................................  9,574,216    786,383    43,229,591    3,044,760 
                                                   ----------   --------   -----------   ----------
 Benefit & other policy transaction...............     38,451         --       245,070           -- 
 Withdrawals and Transfers:                                                                         
  Withdrawal and administrative charges  .........     75,353        691        90,356       14,649 
  Transfers to other Funds and Guaranteed                                                           
   Interest Rate Account (Note 1) ................  1,979,003         --     7,099,325        6,689 
                                                   ----------   --------   -----------   ----------
   Total .........................................  2,092,807        691     7,434,751       21,338 
                                                   ----------   --------   -----------   ----------
 Net increase in net assets from Contract Owner                                                     
  transactions ...................................  7,481,409    785,692    35,794,840    3,023,422 
                                                   ----------   --------   -----------   ----------
NET INCREASE IN AMOUNT RETAINED BY                                                                  
 EQUITABLE LIFE IN SEPARATE ACCOUNT 45 (NOTE 4) ..    (11,874)    (4,955)      (33,503)     (12,712)
                                                   ----------   --------   -----------   ----------
INCREASE IN NET ASSETS ATTRIBUTABLE TO CONTRACT                                                     
 OWNERS ..........................................  7,773,516    810,488    37,725,056    3,162,196 
NET ASSETS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD ATTRIBUTABLE TO                                                     
 CONTRACT OWNERS .................................    810,488         --     3,162,196           -- 
                                                   ----------   --------   -----------   ----------
NET ASSETS, END OF PERIOD ATTRIBUTABLE TO                                                           
 CONTRACT OWNERS ................................. $8,584,004   $810,488   $40,887,252   $3,162,196 
                                                   ==========   ========   ===========   ==========
</TABLE>
    

                    (RESTUBBED TABLE CONTINUED FROM ABOVE) 

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          CONSERVATIVE                GROWTH           
                                                         INVESTORS FUND            INVESTORS FUND 
                                                     -----------------------   ----------------------- 
                                                        1996         1995*        1996         1995* 
                                                     ----------   ----------   -----------  ----------
<S>                                                  <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS:                   
FROM OPERATIONS:                                     
 Net investment income ...........................   $  193,429   $   24,367   $   218,025  $   31,399 
 Net realized gain ...............................      154,966       11,297     1,601,901      54,116 
 Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation                                             
  on investments .................................      (12,221)      16,872      (197,988)     39,211 
                                                     ----------   ----------   -----------  ----------
 Net increase in net assets from operations  .....      336,174       52,536     1,621,938     124,726 
                                                     ----------   ----------   -----------  ----------
FROM CONTRACT OWNER TRANSACTIONS:                                                           
 Contributions and Transfers:                                                               
  Contributions ..................................    3,977,495      977,433    11,004,121   1,950,052 
  Transfers from other Funds and Guaranteed                                                 
   Interest Rate Account (Note 1) ................    2,837,790      698,465     9,331,901   1,712,951 
                                                     ----------   ----------   -----------  ----------
   Total .........................................    6,815,285    1,675,898    20,336,022   3,663,003 
                                                     ----------   ----------   -----------  ----------
 Benefit & other policy transaction...............       60,271           --       206,468          -- 
 Withdrawals and Transfers:                                                                 
  Withdrawal and administrative charges  .........      100,314           --       228,021      24,866 
  Transfers to other Funds and Guaranteed                                                   
   Interest Rate Account (Note 1) ................      814,338       27,054     1,177,040      59,290 
                                                     ----------   ----------   -----------  ----------
   Total .........................................      974,923       27,054     1,611,529      84,156 
                                                     ----------   ----------   -----------  ----------
 Net increase in net assets from Contract Owner                                             
  transactions ...................................    5,840,362    1,648,844    18,724,493   3,578,847 
                                                     ----------   ----------   -----------  ----------
NET INCREASE IN AMOUNT RETAINED BY                                                          
 EQUITABLE LIFE IN SEPARATE ACCOUNT 45 (NOTE 4) ..      (12,633)      (7,001)      (32,214)     (9,395) 
                                                     ----------   ----------   -----------  ----------
INCREASE IN NET ASSETS ATTRIBUTABLE TO CONTRACT                                             
 OWNERS ..........................................    6,163,903    1,694,379    20,314,217   3,694,178 
NET ASSETS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD ATTRIBUTABLE TO                                             
 CONTRACT OWNERS .................................    1,694,379           --     3,694,178          -- 
                                                     ----------   ----------   -----------  ----------
NET ASSETS, END OF PERIOD ATTRIBUTABLE TO                                                   
 CONTRACT OWNERS .................................   $7,858,282   $1,694,379   $24,008,395  $3,694,178 
                                                     ==========   ==========   ===========  ==========
</TABLE>                                         
    

- --------------------
* Commencement of operations on May 1, 1995 for all funds. 
See Notes to Financial Statements. 

                               F-5           
<PAGE>

THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES 
SEPARATE ACCOUNT NO. 45 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
DECEMBER 31, 1996 

   
1. General 

   The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States (Equitable Life) 
   Separate Account No. 45 (the Account) is organized as a unit investment 
   trust, a type of investment company, and is registered with the Securities 
   and Exchange Commission under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The 
   Account consists of nine investment funds (Funds): the Money Market Fund, 
   the Intermediate Government Securities Fund, the Growth & Income Fund, the 
   Common Stock Fund, the Global Fund, the International Fund, the Aggressive 
   Stock Fund, the Conservative Investors Fund and the Growth Investors Fund. 
   The assets in each Fund are invested in Class IA shares of a corresponding 
   portfolio (Portfolio) of a mutual fund, The Hudson River Trust (the 
   Trust). The Trust is an open-end, diversified, management investment 
   company that invests the assets of separate accounts of insurance 
   companies. Each Portfolio has separate investment objectives. 

   The Account is used to fund benefits for the Income Manager Accumulator, a 
   non-qualified deferred variable annuity, which combines the Portfolios in 
   the Account with guaranteed fixed rate options, and the Income Manager 
   Rollover IRA, which offers the same investment options as the Accumulator 
   for the qualified market. The Income Manager Accumulator and the Income 
   Manager Rollover IRA, collectively referred to as the Contracts, are 
   offered under group and individual variable deferred annuity forms. 

   All Contracts are issued by Equitable Life. The assets of the Account are 
   the property of Equitable Life. However, the portion of the Account's 
   assets attributable to the Contracts will not be chargeable with 
   liabilities arising out of any other business Equitable Life may conduct. 

   Contract owners may allocate amounts in their individual accounts to the 
   Funds of the Account, and/or to the guaranteed interest account of 
   Equitable Life's General Account, and/or to other Separate Accounts. The 
   net assets of any Fund of the Account may not be less than the aggregate 
   of the contract owners' accounts allocated to that Fund. Additional assets 
   are set aside in Equitable Life's General Account to provide for other 
   policy benefits, as required under the state insurance law. 

2. Significant Accounting Policies 

   The accompanying financial statements are prepared in conformity with 
   generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). The preparation of 
   financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make 
   estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and 
   liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the 
   date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and 
   expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from 
   those estimates. 

   Investments are made in shares of the Trust and are valued at the net 
   asset values per share of the respective Portfolios. The net asset value 
   is determined by the Trust using the market or fair value of the 
   underlying assets of the Portfolio. 

   Investment transactions are recorded on the trade date. Realized gains and 
   losses include gains and losses on redemptions of the Trust's shares 
   (determined on the identified cost basis) and Trust distributions 
   representing the net realized gains on Trust investment transactions. 

   Dividends are recorded at the end of each quarter on the ex-dividend date. 
   Capital gains are distributed by the Trust at the end of each year. 

   No Federal income tax based on net income or realized and unrealized 
   capital gains is currently applicable to Contracts participating in the 
   Account by reason of applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code 
   and no Federal income tax payable by Equitable Life is expected to affect 
   the unit value of Contracts participating in the Account. Accordingly, no 
   provision for income taxes is required. 
    

                                      F-6
<PAGE>

THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES 
SEPARATE ACCOUNT NO. 45 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED) 
DECEMBER 31, 1996 
 
3. Asset Charges 

   Charges are made directly against the net assets of the Account and are 
   reflected daily in the computation of the unit values of the Contracts. 
   Under the Contracts, Equitable Life deducts mortality and expense risks 
   at an annual rate of 0.90%. In addition, asset based administrative 
   charges are also deducted from the net assets at an annual rate of 0.25%. 
   The charges may be retained in the Account by Equitable Life and, to the 
   extent retained, participate in the net investment results of the trust 
   ratably with assets attributable to the Contracts. The aggregate of these 
   charges may not exceed a total effective annual rate of 1.15%. 

4. Amounts retained by Equitable Life in Separate Account No. 45 

   The amount retained by Equitable Life in the Account arises principally 
   from (1) contributions from Equitable Life, (2) mortality and expense 
   charges and asset based administrative charges accumulated in the account, 
   and (3) that portion, determined ratably, of the Account's investment 
   results applicable to those assets in the Account in excess of the net 
   assets for the Contracts. Amounts retained by Equitable Life are not 
   subject to charges for mortality and expense risks and asset based 
   administrative expenses. 

   Amounts retained by Equitable Life in the Account may be transferred at 
   any time by Equitable Life to its General Account. 

   The following table shows the net surplus contributions (withdrawals) by 
   Equitable Life by investment fund: 

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 
                                              31, 
                                    ---------------------- 
           INVESTMENT FUND               1996       1995* 
- ----------------------------------- ------------ --------- 
<S>                                 <C>          <C>
Money Market .......................  $(125,000)  $ 50,000 
Intermediate Government Securities      (25,000)    50,000 
Growth & Income ....................    (60,000)    50,000 
Common Stock .......................   (223,000)    50,000 
Global .............................    (52,000)    50,000 
International ......................    (35,000)    50,000 
Aggressive Stock ...................   (110,000)    50,000 
Conservative Investors .............    (45,000)    50,000 
Growth Investors ...................   (105,000)    50,000 
                                    ------------ --------- 
                                      $(780,000)  $450,000 
                                    ============ ========= 
</TABLE>


    
   
- ------------ 
*Commencement of operations on May 1, 1995 for all funds. 
    

                                      F-7
<PAGE>

THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES 
SEPARATE ACCOUNT NO. 45 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED) 
DECEMBER 31, 1996 
 (Continued) 
 5. Accumulation Unit Values 
    Shown below is accumulation unit value information for a unit outstanding 
    throughout the period shown. 

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            MAY 1(A)  
                                               TO     
                           DECEMBER 31,   DECEMBER 31,
                               1996           1995    
                         -------------- --------------
<S>                      <C>            <C>           
MONEY MARKET FUND                                     
- ------------------------                              
Unit value, beginning of                              
 period .................    $ 23.83        $ 23.15   
Unit value, end of                                    
 period .................    $ 24.81        $ 23.83   
Number of units                                       
 outstanding,                                         
 end of period (000's)  .      1,302            174   

INTERMEDIATE GOVERNMENT 
SECURITIES FUND                                       
- ------------------------                              
Unit value, beginning of                              
 period .................    $ 13.42        $ 12.50   
Unit value, end of                                    
 period .................    $ 13.77        $ 13.42   
Number of units                                       
 outstanding,                                         
 end of period (000's)  .        252            160   

GROWTH & INCOME                                       
- ------------------------                              
Unit value, beginning of                              
 period .................    $ 11.99        $ 10.38   
Unit value, end of                                    
 period .................    $ 14.23        $ 11.99   
Number of units                                       
 outstanding,                                         
 end of period (000's)  .      1,056            151   

COMMON STOCK FUND                                     
- ------------------------                              
Unit value, beginning of                              
 period .................    $124.52        $102.34   
Unit value, end of                                    
 period .................    $152.96        $124.52   
Number of units                                       
 outstanding,                                         
 end of period (000's)  .        494             55   

GLOBAL FUND 
- ------------------------ 
Unit value, beginning of 
 period .................    $ 22.29        $ 19.48 
Unit value, end of 
 period .................    $ 25.25        $ 22.29 
Number of units 
 outstanding, 
 end of period (000's)  .        609             48 

</TABLE>
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             MAY 1(A)         
                                                TO            
                            DECEMBER 31,   DECEMBER 31,       
                                1996           1995           
                          -------------- --------------       
 <C>                      <C>            <C>                  
 INTERNATIONAL FUND                                           
 ------------------------                                     
 Unit value, beginning of                                       
  period .................     $11.03         $10.13            
 Unit value, end of                                             
  period .................     $11.98         $11.03            
 Number of units                                                
  outstanding,                                                  
  end of period (000's)  .        717             73            
                                                                
 AGGRESSIVE STOCK FUND                                          
 ------------------------                                       
 Unit value, beginning of                                       
  period .................     $54.59         $44.03            
 Unit value, end of                                             
  period .................     $65.94         $54.59            
 Number of units                                                
  outstanding,                                                  
  end of period (000's)  .        620             58            

 CONSERVATIVE INVESTORS FUND                                    
 ------------------------                                       
 Unit value, beginning of                                       
  period .................     $16.55         $14.65            
 Unit value, end of                                             
  period .................     $17.21         $16.55            
 Number of units                                                
  outstanding,                                                  
  end of period (000's)  .        457            102            

 GROWTH INVESTORS FUND                                          
 ------------------------                                       
 Unit value, beginning of                                       
  period .................     $23.59         $20.07            
 Unit value, end of                                             
  period .................     $26.26         $23.59            
 Number of units                                                
  outstanding,                                                  
  end of period (000's)  .        914            157            
                                                                
</TABLE>
    
                                                                
                                                          
- ------------                                            
 (a) Date on which units were made available for sale.   

                                                          
                                      F-8
<PAGE>

February 10, 1997



                        REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


To the Board of Directors and Shareholder of
The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States

In our opinion,  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance sheets and the related
consolidated  statements of earnings,  of shareholder's equity and of cash flows
present  fairly,  in  all  material  respects,  the  financial  position  of The
Equitable  Life  Assurance  Society  of the United  States and its  subsidiaries
("Equitable  Life") at  December  31,  1996 and 1995,  and the  results of their
operations  and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting  principles.
These  financial   statements  are  the   responsibility   of  Equitable  Life's
management;  our  responsibility  is to express  an  opinion on these  financial
statements  based on our audits.  We conducted our audits of these statements in
accordance with generally accepted auditing standards which require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a
test basis,  evidence  supporting  the amounts and  disclosures in the financial
statements,  assessing the accounting  principles used and significant estimates
made by management and evaluating the overall financial statement  presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for the opinion  expressed
above.

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements,  Equitable Life
changed its methods of accounting for long-duration participating life insurance
contracts and long-lived  assets in 1996,  for loan  impairments in 1995 and for
postemployment benefits in 1994.


/s/ Price Waterhouse LLP

                                      F-1

<PAGE>

            THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                           DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        1996                 1995
                                                                  -----------------    -----------------
                                                                              (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                               <C>                  <C>          
ASSETS
Investments:
  Fixed maturities:
    Available for sale, at estimated fair value.................   $    18,077.0        $    15,899.9
  Mortgage loans on real estate.................................         3,133.0              3,638.3
  Equity real estate............................................         3,297.5              3,916.2
  Policy loans..................................................         2,196.1              1,976.4
  Investment in and loans to affiliates.........................           685.0                636.6
  Other equity investments......................................           597.3                621.1
  Other invested assets.........................................           288.7                706.1
                                                                  -----------------    -----------------
      Total investments.........................................        28,274.6             27,394.6
Cash and cash equivalents.......................................           538.8                774.7
Deferred policy acquisition costs...............................         3,104.9              3,075.8
Amounts due from discontinued GIC Segment.......................           996.2              2,097.1
Other assets....................................................         2,552.2              2,718.1
Closed Block assets.............................................         8,495.0              8,582.1
Separate Accounts assets........................................        29,646.1             24,566.6
                                                                  -----------------    -----------------
TOTAL ASSETS....................................................   $    73,607.8        $    69,209.0
                                                                  =================    =================

LIABILITIES
Policyholders' account balances.................................   $    21,865.6        $    21,911.2
Future policy benefits and other policyholders' liabilities.....         4,416.6              4,007.3
Short-term and long-term debt...................................         1,766.9              1,899.3
Other liabilities...............................................         2,785.1              3,380.7
Closed Block liabilities........................................         9,091.3              9,221.4
Separate Accounts liabilities...................................        29,598.3             24,531.0
                                                                  -----------------    -----------------
      Total liabilities.........................................        69,523.8             64,950.9
                                                                  -----------------    -----------------

Commitments and contingencies (Notes 10, 12, 13, 14 and 15)

SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
Common stock, $1.25 par value 2.0 million shares 
  authorized, issued and outstanding............................             2.5                  2.5
Capital in excess of par value..................................         3,105.8              3,105.8
Retained earnings...............................................           798.7                788.4
Net unrealized investment gains.................................           189.9                396.5
Minimum pension liability.......................................           (12.9)               (35.1)
                                                                  -----------------    -----------------
      Total shareholder's equity................................         4,084.0              4,258.1
                                                                  -----------------    -----------------

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY......................   $    73,607.8        $    69,209.0
                                                                  =================    =================
</TABLE>

                 See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

                                      F-2
<PAGE>

            THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                1996               1995               1994
                                                          -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
                                                                              (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                       <C>                <C>                <C>          
REVENUES
Universal life and investment-type product policy fee
  income................................................   $      874.0       $       788.2      $       715.0
Premiums................................................          597.6               606.8              625.6
Net investment income...................................        2,175.9             2,088.2            1,998.6
Investment (losses) gains, net..........................           (9.8)                5.3               91.8
Commissions, fees and other income......................        1,081.8               897.1              847.4
Contribution from the Closed Block......................          125.0               143.2              137.0
                                                          -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

      Total revenues....................................        4,844.5             4,528.8            4,415.4
                                                          -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

BENEFITS AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS
Interest credited to policyholders' account balances....        1,270.2             1,248.3            1,201.3
Policyholders' benefits.................................        1,317.7             1,008.6              914.9
Other operating costs and expenses......................        2,048.0             1,775.8            1,857.7
                                                          -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

      Total benefits and other deductions...............        4,635.9             4,032.7            3,973.9
                                                          -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Earnings from continuing operations before Federal
  income taxes, minority interest and cumulative
  effect of accounting change...........................          208.6               496.1              441.5
Federal income taxes....................................            9.7               120.5              100.2
Minority interest in net income of consolidated
  subsidiaries..........................................           81.7                62.8               50.4
                                                          -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
Earnings from continuing operations before
  cumulative effect of accounting change................          117.2               312.8              290.9
Discontinued operations, net of Federal income taxes....          (83.8)                -                  -
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of Federal
  income taxes..........................................          (23.1)                -                (27.1)
                                                          -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Net Earnings............................................   $       10.3       $       312.8      $       263.8
                                                          =================  =================  =================
</TABLE>


                 See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

                                      F-3
<PAGE>

            THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES
                 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      1996               1995               1994
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
                                                                                    (IN MILLIONS)

<S>                                                             <C>                <C>                <C>          
Common stock, at par value, beginning and end of year.........   $        2.5       $         2.5      $         2.5
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Capital in excess of par value, beginning of year as
  previously reported.........................................        2,913.6             2,913.6            2,613.6
Cumulative effect on prior years of retroactive restatement
  for accounting change.......................................          192.2               192.2              192.2
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
Capital in excess of par value, beginning of year as restated.        3,105.8             3,105.8            2,805.8
Additional capital in excess of par value.....................            -                   -                300.0
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
Capital in excess of par value, end of year...................        3,105.8             3,105.8            3,105.8
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Retained earnings, beginning of year as previously reported...          781.6               484.0              217.6
Cumulative effect on prior years of retroactive restatement
  for accounting change.......................................            6.8                (8.4)              (5.8)
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
Retained earnings, beginning of year as restated..............          788.4               475.6              211.8
Net earnings..................................................           10.3               312.8              263.8
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
Retained earnings, end of year................................          798.7               788.4              475.6
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Net unrealized investment gains (losses), beginning of year
  as previously reported......................................          338.2              (203.0)             131.9
Cumulative effect on prior years of retroactive restatement
  for accounting change.......................................           58.3               (17.5)              12.7
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
Net unrealized investment gains (losses), beginning of
  year as restated............................................          396.5              (220.5)             144.6
Change in unrealized investment (losses) gains................         (206.6)              617.0             (365.1)
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
Net unrealized investment gains (losses), end of year.........          189.9               396.5             (220.5)
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Minimum pension liability, beginning of year..................          (35.1)               (2.7)             (15.0)
Change in minimum pension liability...........................           22.2               (32.4)              12.3
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
Minimum pension liability, end of year........................          (12.9)              (35.1)              (2.7)
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

TOTAL SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY, END OF YEAR.......................   $    4,084.0       $     4,258.1      $     3,360.7
                                                                =================  =================  =================
</TABLE>


                 See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

                                      F-4
<PAGE>

            THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      1996               1995               1994
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
                                                                                    (IN MILLIONS)

<S>                                                             <C>                <C>                <C>          
Net earnings..................................................   $       10.3       $       312.8      $       263.8
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash
  provided by operating activities:
  Interest credited to policyholders' account balances........        1,270.2             1,248.3            1,201.3
  Universal life and investment-type policy fee income........         (874.0)             (788.2)            (715.0)
  Investment losses (gains)...................................            9.8                (5.3)             (91.8)
  Change in Federal income taxes payable......................         (197.1)              221.6               38.3
  Other, net..................................................          364.4               127.3              (19.4)
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Net cash provided by operating activities.....................          583.6             1,116.5              677.2
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Cash flows from investing activities:
  Maturities and repayments...................................        2,275.1             1,897.4            2,323.8
  Sales.......................................................        8,964.3             8,867.1            5,816.6
  Return of capital from joint ventures and limited
    partnerships..............................................           78.4                65.2               39.0
  Purchases...................................................      (12,559.6)          (11,675.5)          (7,564.7)
  Decrease (increase) in loans to discontinued GIC Segment....        1,017.0             1,226.9              (40.0)
  Other, net..................................................           56.7              (624.7)            (478.1)
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Net cash (used) provided by investing activities..............         (168.1)             (243.6)              96.6
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Cash flows from financing activities:
  Policyholders' account balances:
    Deposits..................................................        1,925.4             2,586.5            2,082.5
    Withdrawals...............................................       (2,385.2)           (2,657.1)          (2,864.4)
  Net decrease in short-term financings.......................            (.3)              (16.4)            (173.0)
  Additions to long-term debt.................................            -                 599.7               51.8
  Repayments of long-term debt................................         (124.8)              (40.7)            (199.8)
  Proceeds from issuance of Alliance units....................            -                   -                100.0
  Payment of obligation to fund accumulated deficit of
    discontinued GIC Segment..................................            -              (1,215.4)               -
  Capital contribution from the Holding Company...............            -                   -                300.0
  Other, net..................................................          (66.5)              (48.4)              26.5
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Net cash (used) by financing activities.......................         (651.4)             (791.8)            (676.4)
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Change in cash and cash equivalents...........................         (235.9)               81.1               97.4
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year..................          774.7               693.6              596.2
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Year........................   $      538.8       $       774.7      $       693.6
                                                                =================  =================  =================

Supplemental cash flow information
  Interest Paid...............................................   $      109.9       $        89.6      $        34.9
                                                                =================  =================  =================
  Income Taxes (Refunded) Paid................................   $      (10.0)      $       (82.7)     $        49.2
                                                                =================  =================  =================
</TABLE>


                 See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

                                      F-5
<PAGE>

            THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


 1)     ORGANIZATION

        The Equitable  Life Assurance  Society of the United States  ("Equitable
        Life") converted to a stock life insurance  company on July 22, 1992 and
        became a wholly owned subsidiary of The Equitable Companies Incorporated
        (the  "Holding   Company").   Equitable  Life's  insurance  business  is
        conducted  principally  by  Equitable  Life and its  wholly  owned  life
        insurance   subsidiary,   Equitable   Variable  Life  Insurance  Company
        ("EVLICO").  Effective January 1, 1997, EVLICO was merged into Equitable
        Life, which will continue to conduct the Company's  insurance  business.
        Equitable Life's  investment  management  business,  which comprises the
        Investment  Services  segment,  is  conducted  principally  by  Alliance
        Capital Management L.P.  ("Alliance"),  Equitable Real Estate Investment
        Management,  Inc.  ("EREIM")  and  Donaldson,  Lufkin &  Jenrette,  Inc.
        ("DLJ"), an investment banking and brokerage affiliate. AXA-UAP ("AXA"),
        a French  holding  company for an  international  group of insurance and
        related financial services  companies,  is the Holding Company's largest
        shareholder,  owning  approximately  60.8% at  December  31, 1996 (63.6%
        assuming conversion of Series E Convertible  Preferred Stock held by AXA
        and 54.4% if all  securities  convertible  into,  and options on, common
        stock were to be converted or exercised).

 2)     SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

        Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
        -----------------------------------------------------

        The  accompanying  consolidated  financial  statements  are  prepared in
        conformity with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP").

        The accompanying  consolidated financial statements include the accounts
        of  Equitable  Life and its  wholly  owned life  insurance  subsidiaries
        (collectively,   the  "Insurance  Group");  non-insurance  subsidiaries,
        principally  Alliance,  an investment advisory subsidiary,  and EREIM, a
        real estate investment management subsidiary; and those partnerships and
        joint ventures in which Equitable Life or its  subsidiaries  has control
        and  a  majority   economic   interest   (collectively,   including  its
        consolidated  subsidiaries,  the "Company"). The Company's investment in
        DLJ is reported on the equity basis of  accounting.  Closed Block assets
        and   liabilities  and  results  of  operations  are  presented  in  the
        consolidated  financial  statements  as single  line items (see Note 6).
        Unless specifically stated, all disclosures  contained herein supporting
        the consolidated  financial  statements exclude the Closed Block related
        amounts.

        The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires
        management to make  estimates and  assumptions  that affect the reported
        amounts of assets and  liabilities  and disclosure of contingent  assets
        and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported
        amounts of revenues and expenses  during the  reporting  period.  Actual
        results could differ from those estimates.

        All  significant  intercompany   transactions  and  balances  have  been
        eliminated in  consolidation  other than  intercompany  transactions and
        balances with the Closed Block and the discontinued  Guaranteed Interest
        Contract ("GIC") Segment (see Note 7).

        The years  "1996,"  "1995" and "1994" refer to the years ended  December
        31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

        Certain  reclassifications  have been made in the amounts  presented for
        prior periods to conform these periods with the 1996 presentation.

                                      F-6
<PAGE>

        Closed Block
        ------------

        As of July 22, 1992, Equitable Life established the Closed Block for the
        benefit of certain  classes of  individual  participating  policies  for
        which Equitable Life had a dividend scale payable in 1991 and which were
        in force on that date.  Assets were  allocated to the Closed Block in an
        amount which,  together with anticipated revenues from policies included
        in the Closed Block, was reasonably expected to be sufficient to support
        such  business,  including  provision  for  payment of  claims,  certain
        expenses and taxes,  and for  continuation of dividend scales payable in
        1991, assuming the experience underlying such scales continues.

        Assets  allocated to the Closed Block inure solely to the benefit of the
        holders of policies  included in the Closed Block and will not revert to
        the  benefit  of  the  Holding  Company.  The  plan  of  demutualization
        prohibits  the  reallocation,  transfer,  borrowing or lending of assets
        between the Closed Block and other portions of Equitable  Life's General
        Account,  any of its Separate  Accounts or to any affiliate of Equitable
        Life  without the approval of the New York  Superintendent  of Insurance
        (the "Superintendent").  Closed Block assets and liabilities are carried
        on the same basis as similar assets and liabilities  held in the General
        Account. The excess of Closed Block liabilities over Closed Block assets
        represents the expected  future  post-tax  contribution  from the Closed
        Block which would be  recognized  in income over the period the policies
        and contracts in the Closed Block remain in force.

        Discontinued Operations
        -----------------------

        In 1991,  the Company's  management  adopted a plan to  discontinue  the
        business  operations  of  the  GIC  Segment,  consisting  of  the  Group
        Non-Participating Wind-Up Annuities ("Wind-Up Annuities") and Guaranteed
        Interest Contract ("GIC") lines of business.  The Company  established a
        pre-tax  provision  for the  estimated  future losses of the GIC line of
        business  and a premium  deficiency  reserve for the Wind-Up  Annuities.
        Subsequent losses incurred have been charged to the two loss provisions.
        Management  reviews the  adequacy  of the  allowance  and  reserve  each
        quarter. During the fourth quarter 1996 review, management determined it
        was necessary to increase the  allowance  for expected  future losses of
        the  GIC  Segment.  Management  believes  the  loss  provisions  for GIC
        contracts  and Wind-Up  Annuities  at December  31, 1996 are adequate to
        provide  for all  future  losses;  however,  the  determination  of loss
        provisions  continues  to  involve  numerous  estimates  and  subjective
        judgments regarding the expected performance of discontinued  operations
        investment  assets.  There can be no assurance  the losses  provided for
        will not differ from the losses ultimately realized (See Note 7).

        Accounting Changes
        ------------------

        In 1996, the Company changed its method of accounting for  long-duration
        participating  life  insurance  contracts,  primarily  within the Closed
        Block,  in  accordance  with the  provisions  prescribed by Statement of
        Financial   Accounting  Standards  ("SFAS")  No.  120,  "Accounting  and
        Reporting  by  Mutual  Life  Insurance   Enterprises  and  by  Insurance
        Enterprises  for Certain  Long-Duration  Participating  Contracts".  The
        effect of this change,  including the impact on the Closed Block, was to
        increase earnings from continuing operations before cumulative effect of
        accounting change by $19.2 million, net of Federal income taxes of $10.3
        million for 1996.  The financial  statements for 1995 and 1994 have been
        retroactively  restated  for the change  which  resulted  in an increase
        (decrease) in earnings before  cumulative effect of accounting change of
        $15.2 million,  net of Federal income taxes of $8.2 million,  and $(2.6)
        million,   net  of  Federal   income  tax   benefit  of  $1.0   million,
        respectively.  Shareholder's  equity  increased  $199.1  million  as  of
        January 1, 1994 for the  effect of  retroactive  application  of the new
        method.  (See  "Deferred  Policy  Acquisition  Costs,"   "Policyholders'
        Account Balances and Future Policy Benefits" and Note 6.)

        The Company implemented SFAS No. 121,  "Accounting for the Impairment of
        Long-Lived  Assets and for  Long-Lived  Assets to be Disposed Of," as of
        January 1, 1996. The statement  requires  long-lived  assets and certain
        identifiable  intangibles be reviewed for impairment  whenever events or
        changes in circumstances

                                      F-7
<PAGE>

        indicate  the  carrying  value of such  assets  may not be  recoverable.
        Effective with SFAS No. 121's adoption,  impaired real estate is written
        down to fair value with the impairment loss being included in investment
        gains  (losses),  net.  Before  implementing  SFAS  No.  121,  valuation
        allowances  on real  estate  held  for the  production  of  income  were
        computed  using the forecasted  cash flows of the respective  properties
        discounted at a rate equal to the Company's cost of funds.  The adoption
        of the  statement  resulted in the release of  valuation  allowances  of
        $152.4 million and recognition of impairment losses of $144.0 million on
        real estate held and used. Real estate which management has committed to
        disposing of by sale or  abandonment  is classified as real estate to be
        disposed  of.  Valuation  allowances  on real  estate to be  disposed of
        continue  to be  computed  using the lower of  estimated  fair  value or
        depreciated cost, net of disposition  costs.  Implementation of the SFAS
        No. 121 impairment  requirements relative to other assets to be disposed
        of  resulted  in a charge  for the  cumulative  effect of an  accounting
        change of $23.1  million,  net of a Federal  income tax benefit of $12.4
        million,  due to the  writedown  to fair value of building  improvements
        relating to facilities being vacated beginning in 1996.

        In the  first  quarter  of 1995,  the  Company  adopted  SFAS  No.  114,
        "Accounting  by Creditors  for  Impairment  of a Loan".  This  statement
        applies to all loans,  including  loans  restructured in a troubled debt
        restructuring   involving  a  modification  of  terms.   This  statement
        addresses the  accounting  for  impairment  of a loan by specifying  how
        allowances for credit losses should be determined. Impaired loans within
        the scope of this  statement are measured  based on the present value of
        expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's  effective  interest
        rate,  at the loan's  observable  market  price or the fair value of the
        collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. The Company provides for
        impairment  of loans  through an  allowance  for  possible  losses.  The
        adoption of this  statement did not have a material  effect on the level
        of these  allowances  or on the  Company's  consolidated  statements  of
        earnings and shareholder's equity.

        Beginning  coincident  with  issuance of SFAS No. 115,  "Accounting  for
        Certain  Investments  in Debt  and  Equity  Securities,"  implementation
        guidance in November  1995,  the Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board
        ("FASB") permitted  companies a one-time  opportunity,  through December
        31, 1995, to reassess the  appropriateness  of the classification of all
        securities  held  at  that  time.  On  December  1,  1995,  the  Company
        transferred  $4,794.9  million  of  securities  classified  as  held  to
        maturity to the available for sale portfolio. As a result,  consolidated
        shareholder's equity increased by $149.4 million, net of deferred policy
        acquisition costs ("DAC"),  amounts  attributable to participating group
        annuity contracts and deferred Federal income taxes.

        In the fourth  quarter of 1994  (effective  as of January 1, 1994),  the
        Company adopted SFAS No. 112, "Employers'  Accounting for Postemployment
        Benefits,"  which  required  employers to recognize  the  obligation  to
        provide  postemployment  benefits.   Implementation  of  this  statement
        resulted in a charge for the cumulative  effect of accounting  change of
        $27.1 million, net of a Federal income tax benefit of $14.6 million.

        New Accounting Pronouncements
        -----------------------------

        The FASB issued SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,"
        which permits  entities to recognize as expense over the vesting  period
        the  fair  value of all  stock-based  awards  on the  date of grant  or,
        alternatively,  to  continue  to  apply  the  provisions  of  Accounting
        Principles Board ("APB") Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to
        Employees,"  and  related  interpretations.  Companies  which  elect  to
        continue to apply APB  Opinion No. 25 must  provide pro forma net income
        disclosures  for employee  stock  option  grants made in 1995 and future
        years as if the fair-value-based method defined in SFAS No. 123 had been
        applied.  The Company  accounts for stock option plans  sponsored by the
        Holding  Company,  DLJ and Alliance in accordance with the provisions of
        APB Opinion No. 25 (see Note 21).

                                      F-8
<PAGE>

        In June 1996,  the FASB issued SFAS No. 125,  "Accounting  for Transfers
        and Servicing of Financial Assets and  Extinguishments  of Liabilities".
        SFAS No. 125 specifies the  accounting  and reporting  requirements  for
        transfers  of financial  assets,  the  recognition  and  measurement  of
        servicing  assets and  liabilities and  extinguishments  of liabilities.
        SFAS No. 125 is effective for transactions  occurring after December 31,
        1996 and is to be applied  prospectively.  In  December  1996,  the FASB
        issued  SFAS  No.  127,  "Deferral  of the  Effective  Date  of  Certain
        Provisions  of FASB  Statement  No.  125," which defers for one year the
        effective  date  of  provisions   relating  to  secured  borrowings  and
        collateral and transfers of financial assets that are part of repurchase
        agreements,  dollar-roll,  securities lending and similar  transactions.
        Management has not yet determined  the effect of  implementing  SFAS No.
        125.

        Valuation of Investments
        ------------------------

        Fixed  maturities  identified  as  available  for sale are  reported  at
        estimated fair value. The amortized cost of fixed maturities is adjusted
        for impairments in value deemed to be other than temporary.

        Mortgage loans on real estate are stated at unpaid  principal  balances,
        net of unamortized  discounts and valuation  allowances.  Effective with
        the  adoption  of  SFAS  No.  114 on  January  1,  1995,  the  valuation
        allowances are based on the present value of expected  future cash flows
        discounted  at  the  loan's  original  effective  interest  rate  or the
        collateral  value  if the  loan is  collateral  dependent.  However,  if
        foreclosure  is or becomes  probable,  the  measurement  method  used is
        collateral  value.  Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 114, the valuation
        allowances were based on losses expected by management to be realized on
        transfers  of  mortgage  loans  to  real  estate  (upon  foreclosure  or
        in-substance foreclosure),  on the disposition or settlement of mortgage
        loans and on mortgage loans  management  believed may not be collectible
        in full. In establishing  valuation  allowances,  management  previously
        considered,   among  other  things  the  estimated  fair  value  of  the
        underlying collateral.

        Real estate,  including real estate acquired in satisfaction of debt, is
        stated at  depreciated  cost less valuation  allowances.  At the date of
        foreclosure (including in-substance  foreclosure),  real estate acquired
        in satisfaction of debt is valued at estimated fair value. Impaired real
        estate is  written  down to fair value  with the  impairment  loss being
        included in investment gains (losses) net. Valuation  allowances on real
        estate  available  for sale are  computed  using  the  lower of  current
        estimated  fair value or depreciated  cost,  net of  disposition  costs.
        Prior to the  adoption of SFAS No.  121,  valuation  allowances  on real
        estate  held for the  production  of  income  were  computed  using  the
        forecasted cash flows of the respective  properties discounted at a rate
        equal to the Company's cost of funds.

        Policy loans are stated at unpaid principal balances.

        Partnerships  and joint venture  interests in which the Company does not
        have control and a majority economic interest are reported on the equity
        basis of accounting  and are included  either with equity real estate or
        other equity investments, as appropriate.

        Common  stocks are carried at  estimated  fair value and are included in
        other equity investments.

        Short-term  investments are stated at amortized cost which  approximates
        fair value and are included with other invested assets.

        Cash and cash equivalents  includes cash on hand, amounts due from banks
        and highly liquid debt instruments  purchased with an original  maturity
        of three months or less.

        All securities are recorded in the consolidated  financial statements on
        a trade date basis.

        Investment Results and Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)
        -----------------------------------------------------------

        Net  investment   income  and  realized   investment  gains  and  losses
        (collectively,  "investment  results") related to certain  participating
        group annuity contracts which are passed through to the  contractholders
        are reflected as interest credited to policyholders' account balances.

                                      F-9
<PAGE>

        Realized   investment  gains  and  losses  are  determined  by  specific
        identification  and are  presented as a component of revenue.  Valuation
        allowances are netted  against the asset  categories to which they apply
        and changes in the valuation allowances are included in investment gains
        or losses.

        Unrealized investment gains and losses on fixed maturities available for
        sale and equity  securities  held by the Company are  accounted for as a
        separate  component of  shareholder's  equity,  net of related  deferred
        Federal  income taxes,  amounts  attributable  to the  discontinued  GIC
        Segment,  participating  group  annuity  contracts,  and DAC  related to
        universal   life  and   investment-type   products   and   participating
        traditional life contracts.

        Recognition of Insurance Income and Related Expenses
        ----------------------------------------------------

        Premiums from universal life and investment-type  contracts are reported
        as deposits to  policyholders'  account  balances.  Revenues  from these
        contracts   consist  of  amounts  assessed  during  the  period  against
        policyholders'   account   balances  for   mortality   charges,   policy
        administration charges and surrender charges. Policy benefits and claims
        that are  charged to expense  include  benefit  claims  incurred  in the
        period in excess of related policyholders' account balances.

        Premiums from participating and  non-participating  traditional life and
        annuity  policies with life  contingencies  generally are  recognized as
        income when due.  Benefits  and expenses are matched with such income so
        as to  result  in the  recognition  of  profits  over  the  life  of the
        contracts.  This match is  accomplished  by means of the  provision  for
        liabilities  for future policy  benefits and the deferral and subsequent
        amortization of policy acquisition costs.

        For  contracts  with a single  premium  or a limited  number of  premium
        payments due over a  significantly  shorter period than the total period
        over which  benefits are provided,  premiums are recorded as income when
        due with any  excess  profit  deferred  and  recognized  in  income in a
        constant  relationship  to  insurance  in force or, for  annuities,  the
        amount of expected future benefit payments.

        Premiums from individual  health contracts are recognized as income over
        the period to which the premiums  relate in  proportion to the amount of
        insurance protection provided.

        Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
        ---------------------------------

        The  costs  of  acquiring   new   business,   principally   commissions,
        underwriting,  agency and policy issue expenses,  all of which vary with
        and  are  primarily  related  to the  production  of new  business,  are
        deferred. DAC is subject to recoverability testing at the time of policy
        issue and loss recognition testing at the end of each accounting period.

        For  universal  life  products  and  investment-type  products,  DAC  is
        amortized  over the expected  total life of the contract  group (periods
        ranging  from  15 to 35  years  and 5 to 17  years,  respectively)  as a
        constant  percentage of estimated gross profits arising principally from
        investment results,  mortality and expense margins and surrender charges
        based on historical and anticipated  future  experience,  updated at the
        end of each accounting  period. The effect on the amortization of DAC of
        revisions  to  estimated  gross  profits is reflected in earnings in the
        period such estimated  gross profits are revised.  The effect on the DAC
        asset that would result from realization of unrealized gains (losses) is
        recognized  with an offset to unrealized  gains (losses) in consolidated
        shareholder's equity as of the balance sheet date.

        For participating  traditional life policies (substantially all of which
        are in the Closed Block),  DAC is amortized over the expected total life
        of the contract group (40 years) as a constant  percentage  based on the
        present  value of the  estimated  gross  margin  amounts  expected to be
        realized  over the life of the contracts  using the expected  investment
        yield. At December 31, 1996, the expected  investment  yield ranged from
        7.30% grading to 7.68% over 13 years.  Estimated  gross margin  includes
        anticipated   premiums   and   investment   results   less   claims  and
        administrative  expenses,  changes in the net level premium  reserve and
        expected  annual  policyholder  dividends.  Deviations of actual results
        from  estimated  experience are reflected in earnings in the period such
        deviations  occur.  The effect on the DAC asset that would  result  from
        realization of unrealized gains (losses) is recognized with an offset to
        unrealized gains (losses) in consolidated shareholder's equity as of the
        balance sheet date.

                                      F-10
<PAGE>

        For  non-participating  traditional  life and annuity policies with life
        contingencies,  DAC is amortized in proportion to anticipated  premiums.
        Assumptions  as to  anticipated  premiums  are  estimated at the date of
        policy  issue  and  are  consistently  applied  during  the  life of the
        contracts.   Deviations  from  estimated  experience  are  reflected  in
        earnings in the period such deviations  occur. For these contracts,  the
        amortization periods generally are for the total life of the policy.

        For  individual  health  benefit  insurance,  DAC is amortized  over the
        expected  average  life of the  contracts  (10 years  for major  medical
        policies  and  20  years  for  disability  income  ("DI")  products)  in
        proportion  to  anticipated  premium  revenue  at time of issue.  In the
        fourth quarter of 1996, the DAC related to DI contracts  issued prior to
        July 1993 was written off.

        Policyholders' Account Balances and Future Policy Benefits
        ----------------------------------------------------------

        Policyholders'  account balances for universal life and  investment-type
        contracts are equal to the policy  account  values.  The policy  account
        values represent an accumulation of gross premium payments plus credited
        interest less expense and mortality charges and withdrawals.

        For  participating  traditional  life  policies,  future policy  benefit
        liabilities are calculated using a net level premium method on the basis
        of actuarial assumptions equal to guaranteed mortality and dividend fund
        interest  rates.  The  liability  for annual  dividends  represents  the
        accrual of annual dividends  earned.  Terminal  dividends are accrued in
        proportion to gross margins over the life of the contract.

        For non-participating traditional life insurance policies, future policy
        benefit  liabilities  are estimated  using a net level premium method on
        the basis of actuarial  assumptions  as to  mortality,  persistency  and
        interest established at policy issue.  Assumptions established at policy
        issue as to mortality and persistency are based on the Insurance Group's
        experience  which,  together  with  interest  and  expense  assumptions,
        include a margin for adverse deviation.  When the liabilities for future
        policy benefits plus the present value of expected future gross premiums
        for a product are  insufficient  to provide for expected  future  policy
        benefits  and  expenses  for  that  product,  DAC  is  written  off  and
        thereafter,  if required, a premium deficiency reserve is established by
        a charge to earnings.  Benefit  liabilities  for  traditional  annuities
        during the accumulation period are equal to accumulated contractholders'
        fund balances and after  annuitization are equal to the present value of
        expected  future  payments.  Interest  rates used in  establishing  such
        liabilities range from 2.25% to 11.5% for life insurance liabilities and
        from 2.25% to 13.5% for annuity liabilities.

        During  the  fourth  quarter  of  1996,  a  loss  recognition  study  on
        participating group annuity contracts and conversion annuities ("Pension
        Par") was completed  which  included  management's  revised  estimate of
        assumptions, including expected mortality and future investment returns.
        The  study's  results   prompted   management  to  establish  a  premium
        deficiency reserve which decreased  earnings from continuing  operations
        and net earnings by $47.5 million ($73.0 million pre-tax).

        Individual  health  benefit  liabilities  for active lives are estimated
        using  the net  level  premium  method,  and  assumptions  as to  future
        morbidity,  withdrawals and interest.  Benefit  liabilities for disabled
        lives are  estimated  using the  present  value of  benefits  method and
        experience assumptions as to claim terminations, expenses and interest.

        During  the  fourth  quarter  of  1996,  the  Company  completed  a loss
        recognition  study of the DI business  which  incorporated  management's
        revised  estimates  of  future  experience  with  regard  to  morbidity,
        investment  returns,   claims  and  administration  expenses  and  other
        factors.  The study  indicated DAC was not  recoverable and the reserves
        were  not  sufficient.  Earnings  from  continuing  operations  and  net
        earnings  decreased  by $208.0  million  ($320.0  million  pre-tax) as a
        result of  strengthening  DI reserves by $175.0  million and writing off
        unamortized  DAC of $145.0  million.  The  determination  of DI reserves
        requires  making  assumptions  and  estimates  relating  to a variety of
        factors,  including  morbidity and interest rates, claims experience and
        lapse

                                      F-11
<PAGE>

        rates based on then known facts and circumstances. Such factors as claim
        incidence  and  termination  rates can be  affected  by  changes  in the
        economic,  legal  and  regulatory  environments  and work  ethic.  While
        management believes its DI reserves have been calculated on a reasonable
        basis and are  adequate,  there  can be no  assurance  reserves  will be
        sufficient to provide for future liabilities.

        Claim reserves and  associated  liabilities  for  individual  disability
        income and major medical policies were $711.8 million and $639.6 million
        at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively (excluding $175.0 million of
        reserve  strengthening in 1996).  Incurred benefits  (benefits paid plus
        changes in claim reserves) and benefits paid for individual DI and major
        medical policies  (excluding $175.0 million of reserve  strengthening in
        1996) are summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Incurred benefits related to current year..........  $       189.0       $      176.0       $      188.6
        Incurred benefits related to prior years...........           69.1               67.8               28.7
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total Incurred Benefits............................  $       258.1       $      243.8       $      217.3
                                                            =================   ================   =================
        Benefits paid related to current year..............  $        32.6       $       37.0       $       43.7
        Benefits paid related to prior years...............          153.3              137.8              132.3
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total Benefits Paid................................  $       185.9       $      174.8       $      176.0
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        Policyholders' Dividends
        ------------------------

        The amount of  policyholders'  dividends to be paid (including  those on
        policies  included  in the  Closed  Block)  is  determined  annually  by
        Equitable   Life's  Board  of  Directors.   The   aggregate   amount  of
        policyholders'  dividends  is  related  to actual  interest,  mortality,
        morbidity  and expense  experience  for the year and  judgment as to the
        appropriate level of statutory surplus to be retained by Equitable Life.

        Equitable  Life is subject  to  limitations  on the amount of  statutory
        profits  which can be  retained  with  respect  to  certain  classes  of
        individual  participating  policies  that were in force on July 22, 1992
        which  are  not  included  in the  Closed  Block  and  with  respect  to
        participating  policies  issued  subsequent  to July  22,  1992.  Excess
        statutory  profits,  if  any,  will  be  distributed  over  time to such
        policyholders and will not be available to Equitable Life's shareholder.
        Earnings  in  excess  of  limitations,  if  any,  would  be  accrued  as
        policyholders' dividends.

        At December 31, 1996,  participating  policies,  including  those in the
        Closed Block, represent  approximately 24.2% ($52.3 billion) of directly
        written life insurance in force, net of amounts ceded.

        Federal Income Taxes
        --------------------

        The  Company  files a  consolidated  Federal  income tax return with the
        Holding Company and its non-life insurance subsidiaries. Current Federal
        income taxes were charged or credited to  operations  based upon amounts
        estimated to be payable or recoverable as a result of taxable operations
        for the current year.  Deferred income tax assets and  liabilities  were
        recognized based on the difference between financial  statement carrying
        amounts  and income tax bases of assets and  liabilities  using  enacted
        income tax rates and laws.

        Separate Accounts
        -----------------

        Separate  Accounts are established in conformity with the New York State
        Insurance Law and generally are not  chargeable  with  liabilities  that
        arise from any other business of the Insurance Group.  Separate Accounts
        assets  are  subject to General  Account  claims  only to the extent the
        value of such assets exceeds the Separate Accounts liabilities.

                                      F-12
<PAGE>

        Assets  and  liabilities  of the  Separate  Accounts,  representing  net
        deposits  and  accumulated  net  investment  earnings  less  fees,  held
        primarily  for  the  benefit  of  contractholders,  and  for  which  the
        Insurance Group does not bear the investment risk, are shown as separate
        captions in the consolidated  balance sheets.  The Insurance Group bears
        the investment risk on assets held in one Separate  Account,  therefore,
        such assets are carried on the same basis as similar  assets held in the
        General Account  portfolio.  Assets held in the other Separate  Accounts
        are carried at quoted  market  values or,  where  quoted  values are not
        available,  at  estimated  fair values as  determined  by the  Insurance
        Group.

        The investment results of Separate Accounts on which the Insurance Group
        does not bear the  investment  risk are  reflected  directly in Separate
        Accounts  liabilities.  For 1996, 1995 and 1994,  investment  results of
        such  Separate  Accounts  were $2,970.6  million,  $1,963.2  million and
        $665.2 million, respectively.

        Deposits to Separate  Accounts  are  reported as  increases  in Separate
        Accounts liabilities and are not reported in revenues. Mortality, policy
        administration  and  surrender  charges  on all  Separate  Accounts  are
        included in revenues.

                                      F-13
<PAGE>

 3)     INVESTMENTS

        The following tables provide  additional  information  relating to fixed
maturities and equity securities:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        GROSS               GROSS
                                                   AMORTIZED          UNREALIZED         UNREALIZED         ESTIMATED
                                                      COST              GAINS              LOSSES           FAIR VALUE
                                                -----------------  -----------------   ----------------   ---------------
                                                                             (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                     <C>                <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        DECEMBER 31, 1996
        -----------------
        Fixed Maturities:
          Available for Sale:
            Corporate..........................  $    13,645.2      $       451.5       $      121.0       $   13,975.7
            Mortgage-backed....................        2,015.9               11.2               20.3            2,006.8
            U.S. Treasury securities and
              U.S. government and
              agency securities................        1,539.4               39.2               19.3            1,559.3
            States and political subdivisions..           77.0                4.5                -                 81.5
            Foreign governments................          302.6               18.0                2.2              318.4
            Redeemable preferred stock.........          139.1                3.3                7.1              135.3
                                                -----------------  -----------------   ----------------   ---------------
        Total Available for Sale...............  $    17,719.2      $       527.7       $      169.9       $   18,077.0
                                                =================  =================   ================   ===============
        Equity Securities:
          Common stock.........................  $        98.7      $        49.3       $       17.7       $      130.3
                                                =================  =================   ================   ===============

        December 31, 1995
        -----------------
        Fixed Maturities:
          Available for Sale:
            Corporate..........................  $    10,910.7      $       617.6       $      118.1       $   11,410.2
            Mortgage-backed....................        1,838.0               31.2                1.2            1,868.0
            U.S. Treasury securities and
              U.S. government and
              agency securities................        2,257.0               77.8                4.1            2,330.7
            States and political subdivisions..           45.7                5.2                -                 50.9
            Foreign governments................          124.5               11.0                 .2              135.3
            Redeemable preferred stock.........          108.1                5.3                8.6              104.8
                                                -----------------  -----------------   ----------------   ---------------
        Total Available for Sale...............  $    15,284.0      $       748.1       $      132.2       $   15,899.9
                                                =================  =================   ================   ===============
        Equity Securities:
          Common stock.........................  $        97.3      $        49.1       $       18.0       $      128.4
                                                =================  =================   ================   ===============
</TABLE>

        For publicly traded fixed  maturities and equity  securities,  estimated
        fair  value  is  determined  using  quoted  market  prices.   For  fixed
        maturities without a readily ascertainable market value, the Company has
        determined  an  estimated  fair  value  using  a  discounted  cash  flow
        approach, including provisions for credit risk, generally based upon the
        assumption  such  securities  will be held to maturity.  Estimated  fair
        value for equity  securities,  substantially  all of which do not have a
        readily  ascertainable market value, has been determined by the Company.
        Such estimated fair values do not  necessarily  represent the values for
        which  these  securities  could  have  been  sold  at the  dates  of the
        consolidated  balance sheets. At December 31, 1996 and 1995,  securities
        without a readily ascertainable market value having an amortized cost of
        $3,915.7 million and $3,748.9 million,  respectively, had estimated fair
        values of $4,024.6 million and $3,981.8 million, respectively.

                                      F-14
<PAGE>

        The contractual maturity of bonds at December 31, 1996 is shown below:

                                                   AVAILABLE FOR SALE
                                           ------------------------------------
                                              AMORTIZED          ESTIMATED
                                                COST             FAIR VALUE
                                           ----------------   -----------------
                                                      (IN MILLIONS)

        Due in one year or less...........  $      539.6       $      542.5
        Due in years two through five.....       2,776.2            2,804.0
        Due in years six through ten......       6,044.7            6,158.1
        Due after ten years...............       6,203.7            6,430.3
        Mortgage-backed securities........       2,015.9            2,006.8
                                           ----------------   -----------------
        Total.............................  $   17,580.1       $   17,941.7
                                           ================   =================

        Bonds not due at a single  maturity date have been included in the above
        table in the year of final maturity.  Actual maturities will differ from
        contractual  maturities  because borrowers may have the right to call or
        prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

        The  Insurance  Group's fixed  maturity  investment  portfolio  includes
        corporate high yield  securities  consisting of public high yield bonds,
        redeemable  preferred  stocks and directly  negotiated debt in leveraged
        buyout  transactions.  The Insurance  Group seeks to minimize the higher
        than normal credit risks  associated  with such securities by monitoring
        the total  investments  in any single  issuer or total  investment  in a
        particular  industry  group.  Certain  of  these  corporate  high  yield
        securities are classified as other than investment  grade by the various
        rating  agencies,  i.e., a rating below Baa or National  Association  of
        Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC") designation of 3 (medium grade), 4 or 5
        (below  investment  grade) or 6 (in or near  default).  At December  31,
        1996,  approximately 14.20% of the $17,563.7 million aggregate amortized
        cost of bonds held by the  Insurance  Group were  considered to be other
        than investment grade.

        In addition to its  holdings of  corporate  high yield  securities,  the
        Insurance Group is an equity investor in limited  partnership  interests
        which  primarily  invest  in  securities  considered  to be  other  than
        investment grade.

        The Company has  restructured  or  modified  the terms of certain  fixed
        maturity  investments.  The fixed maturity  portfolio includes amortized
        costs of $5.5  million and $15.9  million at December 31, 1996 and 1995,
        respectively,  of such  restructured  securities.  These amounts include
        fixed  maturities  which are in default as to principal  and/or interest
        payments,  are to be restructured pursuant to commenced  negotiations or
        where the  borrowers  went into  bankruptcy  subsequent  to  acquisition
        (collectively,  "problem  fixed  maturities")  of $2.2  million and $1.6
        million as of December 31, 1996 and 1995,  respectively.  Gross interest
        income that would have been  recorded in  accordance  with the  original
        terms of restructured  fixed maturities  amounted to $1.4 million,  $3.0
        million and $7.5  million in 1996,  1995 and 1994,  respectively.  Gross
        interest  income on these fixed  maturities  included in net  investment
        income  aggregated $1.3 million,  $2.9 million and $6.8 million in 1996,
        1995 and 1994, respectively.

                                      F-15
<PAGE>

        Investment valuation allowances and changes thereto are shown below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Balances, beginning of year........................  $       325.3       $      284.9       $      355.6
        SFAS No. 121 release...............................         (152.4)               -                  -
        Additions charged to income........................          125.0              136.0               51.0
        Deductions for writedowns and
          asset dispositions...............................         (160.8)             (95.6)            (121.7)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Balances, End of Year..............................  $       137.1       $      325.3       $      284.9
                                                            =================   ================   =================
        Balances, end of year comprise:
          Mortgage loans on real estate....................  $        50.4       $       65.5       $       64.2
          Equity real estate...............................           86.7              259.8              220.7
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total..............................................  $       137.1       $      325.3       $      284.9
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        At December 31, 1996, the carrying  values of  investments  held for the
        production  of income  which were  non-income  producing  for the twelve
        months preceding the consolidated  balance sheet date were $25.0 million
        of fixed maturities and $2.6 million of mortgage loans on real estate.

        At  December  31,  1996 and 1995,  mortgage  loans on real  estate  with
        scheduled payments 60 days (90 days for agricultural  mortgages) or more
        past due or in  foreclosure  (collectively,  "problem  mortgage loans on
        real  estate") had an  amortized  cost of $12.4  million  (0.4% of total
        mortgage loans on real estate) and $87.7 million (2.4% of total mortgage
        loans on real estate), respectively.

        The payment terms of mortgage loans on real estate may from time to time
        be  restructured or modified.  The investment in  restructured  mortgage
        loans on real  estate,  based on  amortized  cost,  amounted  to  $388.3
        million and $531.5 million at December 31, 1996 and 1995,  respectively.
        These amounts include $1.0 million and $3.8 million of problem  mortgage
        loans on real estate at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.  Gross
        interest income on restructured mortgage loans on real estate that would
        have been recorded in accordance  with the original  terms of such loans
        amounted to $35.5 million, $52.1 million and $44.9 million in 1996, 1995
        and 1994, respectively. Gross interest income on these loans included in
        net investment income aggregated $28.2 million,  $37.4 million and $32.8
        million in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

        Impaired  mortgage  loans (as defined under SFAS No. 114) along with the
        related provision for losses were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         DECEMBER 31,
                                                                            ----------------------------------------
                                                                                   1996                 1995
                                                                            -------------------  -------------------
                                                                                         (IN MILLIONS)

        <S>                                                                 <C>                  <C>           
        Impaired mortgage loans with provision for losses..................  $        340.0       $        310.1
        Impaired mortgage loans with no provision for losses...............           122.3                160.8
                                                                            -------------------  -------------------
        Recorded investment in impaired mortgage loans.....................           462.3                470.9
        Provision for losses...............................................            46.4                 62.7
                                                                            -------------------  -------------------
        Net Impaired Mortgage Loans........................................  $        415.9       $        408.2
                                                                            ===================  ===================
</TABLE>

        Impaired mortgage loans with no provision for losses are loans where the
        fair value of the  collateral  or the net present  value of the expected
        future cash flows  related to the loan  equals or exceeds  the  recorded
        investment.  Interest income earned on loans where the collateral  value
        is used to measure impairment is recorded on a

                                      F-16
<PAGE>

        cash basis.  Interest  income on loans where the present value method is
        used to measure  impairment is accrued on the net carrying  value amount
        of the loan at the  interest  rate  used to  discount  the  cash  flows.
        Changes in the present  value  attributable  to changes in the amount or
        timing of  expected  cash  flows are  reported  as  investment  gains or
        losses.

        During  1996 and 1995,  respectively,  the  Company's  average  recorded
        investment  in  impaired  mortgage  loans was $552.1  million and $429.0
        million.  Interest  income  recognized on these impaired  mortgage loans
        totaled $38.8 million and $27.9 million for 1996 and 1995, respectively,
        including $17.9 million and $13.4 million recognized on a cash basis.

        The Insurance Group's investment in equity real estate is through direct
        ownership  and through  investments  in real estate joint  ventures.  At
        December  31, 1996 and 1995,  the  carrying  value of equity real estate
        available  for sale  amounted  to $345.6  million  and  $255.5  million,
        respectively.  For 1996,  1995 and 1994,  respectively,  real  estate of
        $58.7  million,  $35.3  million  and  $189.8  million  was  acquired  in
        satisfaction  of debt. At December 31, 1996 and 1995,  the Company owned
        $771.7 million and $862.7 million, respectively, of real estate acquired
        in satisfaction of debt.

        Depreciation of real estate is computed using the  straight-line  method
        over the estimated useful lives of the properties, which generally range
        from 40 to 50 years.  Accumulated depreciation on real estate was $587.5
        million and $662.4 million at December 31, 1996 and 1995,  respectively.
        Depreciation  expense  on real  estate  totaled  $91.8  million,  $121.7
        million and $117.0 million for 1996, 1995 and 1994,  respectively.  As a
        result  of  the   implementation   of  SFAS  No.  121,  during  1996  no
        depreciation  expense has been  recorded on real  estate  available  for
        sale.

                                      F-17
<PAGE>

 4)     JOINT VENTURES AND PARTNERSHIPS

        Summarized combined financial  information of real estate joint ventures
        (34 and 38  individual  ventures  as of  December  31,  1996  and  1995,
        respectively) and of limited  partnership  interests accounted for under
        the equity  method,  in which the  Company  has an  investment  of $10.0
        million  or  greater  and an equity  interest  of 10% or  greater  is as
        follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                ------------------------------------
                                                                                     1996                1995
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                           (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                                     <C>                <C>         
        FINANCIAL POSITION
        Investments in real estate, at depreciated cost........................  $    1,883.7       $    2,684.1
        Investments in securities, generally at estimated fair value...........       2,430.6            2,459.8
        Cash and cash equivalents..............................................          98.0              489.1
        Other assets...........................................................         427.0              270.8
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Total assets...........................................................       4,839.3            5,903.8
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Borrowed funds - third party...........................................       1,574.3            1,782.3
        Borrowed funds - the Company...........................................         137.9              220.5
        Other liabilities......................................................         415.8              593.9
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Total liabilities......................................................       2,128.0            2,596.7
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------

        Partners' Capital......................................................  $    2,711.3       $    3,307.1
                                                                                ================   =================

        Equity in partners' capital included above.............................  $      806.8       $      902.2
        Equity in limited partnership interests not included above.............         201.8              212.8
        Other..................................................................           9.8                8.9
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Carrying Value.........................................................  $    1,018.4       $    1,123.9
                                                                                ================   =================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
        Revenues of real estate joint ventures.............  $       348.9       $      463.5       $      537.7
        Revenues of other limited partnership interests....          386.1              242.3              103.4
        Interest expense - third party.....................         (111.0)            (135.3)            (114.9)
        Interest expense - the Company.....................          (30.0)             (41.0)             (36.9)
        Other expenses.....................................         (282.5)            (397.7)            (430.9)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Net Earnings.......................................  $       311.5       $      131.8       $       58.4
                                                            =================   ================   =================
        Equity in net earnings included above..............  $        73.9       $       49.1       $       18.9
        Equity in net earnings of limited partnerships
          interests not included above.....................           35.8               44.8               25.3
        Other..............................................             .9                1.0                1.8
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total Equity in Net Earnings.......................  $       110.6       $       94.9       $       46.0
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

                                      F-18
<PAGE>

 5)     NET INVESTMENT INCOME AND INVESTMENT GAINS (LOSSES)

        The sources of net investment income are summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   1996               1995                1994
                                             -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                  (IN MILLIONS)

        <S>                                  <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Fixed maturities....................  $     1,307.4       $    1,151.1       $    1,036.5
        Mortgage loans on real estate.......          303.0              329.0              385.7
        Equity real estate..................          442.4              560.4              561.8
        Other equity investments............           94.3               76.9               36.1
        Policy loans........................          160.3              144.4              122.7
        Other investment income.............          217.4              273.0              322.4
                                             -----------------   ----------------   -----------------

          Gross investment income...........        2,524.8            2,534.8            2,465.2
                                             -----------------   ----------------   -----------------

          Investment expenses...............          348.9              446.6              466.6
                                             -----------------   ----------------   -----------------

        Net Investment Income...............  $     2,175.9       $    2,088.2       $    1,998.6
                                             =================   ================   =================

        Investment  gains  (losses),  net,  including  changes in the  valuation
        allowances, are summarized as follows:
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)

        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>          
        Fixed maturities...................................  $        60.5       $      119.9       $      (14.3)
        Mortgage loans on real estate......................          (27.3)             (40.2)             (43.1)
        Equity real estate.................................          (79.7)             (86.6)              20.6
        Other equity investments...........................           18.9               12.8               75.9
        Issuance and sales of Alliance Units...............           20.6                -                 52.4
        Other..............................................           (2.8)               (.6)                .3
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Investment (Losses) Gains, Net.....................  $        (9.8)      $        5.3       $       91.8
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        Writedowns of fixed maturities amounted to $29.9 million,  $46.7 million
        and $30.8 million for 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively,  and writedowns
        of  equity  real  estate  subsequent  to the  adoption  of SFAS No.  121
        amounted to $23.7 million for the year ended December 31, 1996.

        For 1996,  1995 and 1994,  respectively,  proceeds  received on sales of
        fixed  maturities  classified as available for sale amounted to $8,353.5
        million,  $8,206.0 million and $5,253.9  million.  Gross gains of $154.2
        million,  $211.4  million and $65.2  million  and gross  losses of $92.7
        million, $64.2 million and $50.8 million, respectively, were realized on
        these sales. The change in unrealized  investment (losses) gains related
        to fixed maturities  classified as available for sale for 1996, 1995 and
        1994  amounted  to  $(258.0)  million,  $1,077.2  million  and  $(742.2)
        million, respectively.

        During  each  of 1995  and  1994,  one  security  classified  as held to
        maturity was sold.  During the eleven months ended November 30, 1995 and
        the  year  ended  December  31,  1994,  respectively,   twelve  and  six
        securities  so  classified  were  transferred  to the available for sale
        portfolio.  All  actions  were  taken  as  a  result  of  a  significant
        deterioration in creditworthiness.  The aggregate amortized costs of the
        securities  sold were $1.0  million  and  $19.9  million  with a related
        investment  gain of $-0- million and $.8 million  recognized in 1995 and
        1994,  respectively;  the  aggregate  amortized  cost of the  securities
        transferred  was $116.0 million and $42.8 million with gross  unrealized
        investment   losses  of  $3.2  million  and  $3.1  million   charged  to
        consolidated  shareholder's  equity for the eleven months ended November
        30, 1995 and the year ended December 31,

                                      F-19
<PAGE>

        1994,  respectively.  On  December  1,  1995,  the  Company  transferred
        $4,794.9  million of  securities  classified  as held to maturity to the
        available for sale  portfolio.  As a result,  unrealized  gains on fixed
        maturities  increased  $395.6 million,  offset by DAC of $126.5 million,
        amounts  attributable to participating  group annuity contracts of $39.2
        million and deferred Federal income taxes of $80.5 million.

        For 1996,  1995 and 1994,  investment  results passed through to certain
        participating   group   annuity   contracts  as  interest   credited  to
        policyholders'  account  balances  amounted  to $136.7  million,  $131.2
        million and $175.8 million, respectively.

        In  1996,  Alliance  acquired  the  business  of  Cursitor-Eaton   Asset
        Management   Company  and  Cursitor   Holdings  Limited   (collectively,
        "Cursitor")  for  approximately   $159.0  million.  The  purchase  price
        consisted of $94.3 million in cash,  1.8 million of Alliance's  publicly
        traded units  ("Alliance  Units"),  6% notes  aggregating  $21.5 million
        payable   ratably   over  four   years,   and   substantial   additional
        consideration  which will be determined  at a later date.  The excess of
        the purchase price,  including  acquisition costs and minority interest,
        over the fair value of Cursitor's  net assets  acquired  resulted in the
        recognition  of  intangible  assets  consisting  of  costs  assigned  to
        contracts  acquired and  goodwill of  approximately  $122.8  million and
        $38.3  million,  respectively,   which  are  being  amortized  over  the
        estimated useful lives of 20 years. The Company recognized an investment
        gain of $20.6  million as a result of the issuance of Alliance  Units in
        this  transaction.  At December 31,  1996,  the  Company's  ownership of
        Alliance Units was approximately 57.3%.

        In 1994, Alliance sold 4.96 million newly issued Alliance Units to third
        parties at prevailing  market prices.  The Company continues to hold its
        1% general partnership  interest in Alliance.  The Company recognized an
        investment gain of $52.4 million as a result of these transactions.

        Net unrealized  investment gains (losses),  included in the consolidated
        balance  sheets  as a  component  of  equity  and  the  changes  for the
        corresponding years, are summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)

        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Balance, beginning of year as restated.............  $       396.5       $     (220.5)      $      144.6
        Changes in unrealized investment (losses) gains....         (297.6)           1,198.9             (856.7)
        Changes in unrealized investment losses
          (gains) attributable to:
            Participating group annuity contracts..........            -                (78.1)              40.8
            DAC............................................           42.3             (216.8)             273.6
            Deferred Federal income taxes..................           48.7             (287.0)             177.2
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Balance, End of Year...............................  $       189.9       $      396.5       $     (220.5)
                                                            =================   ================   =================
        Balance, end of year comprises:
          Unrealized investment gains (losses) on:
            Fixed maturities...............................  $       357.8       $      615.9       $     (461.3)
            Other equity investments.......................           31.6               31.1                7.7
            Other, principally Closed Block................           53.1               93.1               (5.1)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
              Total........................................          442.5              740.1             (458.7)
          Amounts of unrealized investment (gains)
            losses attributable to:
              Participating group annuity contracts........          (72.2)             (72.2)               5.9
              DAC..........................................          (52.0)             (94.3)             122.4
              Deferred Federal income taxes................         (128.4)            (177.1)             109.9
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total..............................................  $       189.9       $      396.5       $     (220.5)
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

                                      F-20
<PAGE>

 6)     CLOSED BLOCK

        Summarized financial information of the Closed Block follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     DECEMBER 31,
                                                                         --------------------------------------
                                                                               1996                 1995
                                                                         -----------------    -----------------
                                                                                     (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                              <C>                  <C>         
        Assets
        Fixed Maturities:
          Available for sale, at estimated fair value (amortized cost,
            $3,820.7 and $3,662.8)......................................  $    3,889.5         $    3,896.2
        Mortgage loans on real estate...................................       1,380.7              1,368.8
        Policy loans....................................................       1,765.9              1,797.2
        Cash and other invested assets..................................         336.1                440.9
        DAC.............................................................         876.5                792.6
        Other assets....................................................         246.3                286.4
                                                                         -----------------    -----------------
        Total Assets....................................................  $    8,495.0         $    8,582.1
                                                                         =================    =================

        Liabilities
        Future policy benefits and policyholders' account balances......  $    8,999.7         $    8,923.5
        Other liabilities...............................................          91.6                297.9
                                                                         -----------------    -----------------
        Total Liabilities...............................................  $    9,091.3         $    9,221.4
                                                                         =================    =================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Revenues
        Premiums and other revenue.........................  $       724.8       $      753.4       $      798.1
        Investment income (net of investment
          expenses of $27.3, $26.7 and $19.0)..............          546.6              538.9              523.0
        Investment losses, net.............................           (5.5)             (20.2)             (24.0)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
              Total revenues...............................        1,265.9            1,272.1            1,297.1
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Benefits and Other Deductions
        Policyholders' benefits and dividends..............        1,106.3            1,077.6            1,121.6
        Other operating costs and expenses.................           34.6               51.3               38.5
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
              Total benefits and other deductions..........        1,140.9            1,128.9            1,160.1
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Contribution from the Closed Block.................  $       125.0       $      143.2       $      137.0
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        In the fourth quarter of 1996,  the Company  adopted SFAS No. 120, which
        prescribes the accounting  for individual  participating  life insurance
        contracts,  most  of  which  are  included  in  the  Closed  Block.  The
        implementation of SFAS No. 120 resulted in an increase (decrease) in the
        contribution  from the Closed Block of $27.5 million,  $18.8 million and
        $(14.0) million in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

        The fixed  maturity  portfolio,  based on amortized  cost,  includes $.4
        million and $4.3 million at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively, of
        restructured  securities  which includes problem fixed maturities of $.3
        million and $1.9 million, respectively.

                                      F-21
<PAGE>

        During  the  eleven  months  ended   November  30,  1995,  one  security
        classified as held to maturity was sold and ten securities classified as
        held to maturity were  transferred to the available for sale  portfolio.
        All actions resulted from significant deterioration in creditworthiness.
        The amortized cost of the security sold was $4.2 million.  The aggregate
        amortized  cost of the  securities  transferred  was $81.3  million with
        gross unrealized investment losses of $.1 million transferred to equity.
        At December 1, 1995,  $1,750.7 million of securities  classified as held
        to maturity were  transferred to the available for sale portfolio.  As a
        result,  unrealized  gains of $88.5  million  on fixed  maturities  were
        recognized, offset by DAC amortization of $52.6 million.

        At December 31, 1996 and 1995, problem mortgage loans on real estate had
        an amortized cost of $4.3 million and $36.5 million,  respectively,  and
        mortgage  loans on real  estate  for which the  payment  terms have been
        restructured had an amortized cost of $114.2 million and $137.7 million,
        respectively.  At December 31, 1996 and 1995, the restructured  mortgage
        loans on real estate  amount  included  $.7  million  and $8.8  million,
        respectively, of problem mortgage loans on real estate.

        Impaired  mortgage  loans (as defined under SFAS No. 114) along with the
        related provision for losses were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              DECEMBER 31,
                                                                   ------------------------------------
                                                                        1996                1995
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                              (IN MILLIONS)

        <S>                                                        <C>                <C>
        Impaired mortgage loans with provision for losses.........  $       128.1      $       106.8
        Impaired mortgage loans with no provision for losses......             .6               10.1
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
        Recorded investment in impaired mortgages.................          128.7              116.9
        Provision for losses......................................           12.9               17.9
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
        Net Impaired Mortgage Loans...............................  $       115.8      $        99.0
                                                                   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        During 1996 and 1995, respectively,  the Closed Block's average recorded
        investment  in  impaired  mortgage  loans was $153.8  million and $146.9
        million,  respectively.  Interest  income  recognized on these  impaired
        mortgage loans totaled $10.9 million and $5.9 million for 1996 and 1995,
        respectively,  including  $4.7 million and $1.3 million  recognized on a
        cash basis.

        Valuation  allowances  amounted to $13.8  million  and $18.4  million on
        mortgage  loans on real  estate  and $3.7  million  and $4.3  million on
        equity  real  estate  at  December  31,  1996  and  1995,  respectively.
        Writedowns of fixed maturities amounted to $12.8 million,  $16.8 million
        and $15.9 million for 1996, 1995 and 1994,  respectively.  As of January
        1, 1996,  the  adoption of SFAS No. 121 resulted in the  recognition  of
        impairment losses of $5.6 million on real estate held and used.

        Many  expenses  related  to  Closed  Block  operations  are  charged  to
        operations  outside of the Closed Block;  accordingly,  the contribution
        from the Closed Block does not represent the actual profitability of the
        Closed Block  operations.  Operating  costs and expenses  outside of the
        Closed Block are, therefore, disproportionate to the business outside of
        the Closed Block.

                                      F-22
<PAGE>

 7)     DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

        Summarized financial information of the GIC Segment follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             DECEMBER 31,
                                                 --------------------------------------
                                                       1996                 1995
                                                 -----------------    -----------------
                                                             (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                      <C>                  <C>         
        Assets
        Mortgage loans on real estate...........  $    1,111.1         $    1,485.8
        Equity real estate......................         925.6              1,122.1
        Other invested assets...................         474.0                665.2
        Other assets............................         226.1                579.3
                                                 -----------------    -----------------
        Total Assets............................  $    2,736.8         $    3,852.4
                                                 =================    =================

        Liabilities
        Policyholders' liabilities..............  $    1,335.9         $    1,399.8
        Allowance for future losses.............         262.0                164.2
        Amounts due to continuing operations....         996.2              2,097.1
        Other liabilities.......................         142.7                191.3
                                                 -----------------    -----------------
        Total Liabilities.......................  $    2,736.8         $    3,852.4
                                                 =================    =================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>       
        Revenues
        Investment income (net of investment expenses
          of $127.5, $153.1 and $183.3)....................  $       245.4       $      323.6       $      394.3
        Investment (losses) gains, net.....................          (18.9)             (22.9)              26.8
        Policy fees, premiums and other income.............             .2                 .7                 .4
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total revenues.....................................          226.7              301.4              421.5
        Benefits and other deductions......................          250.4              326.5              443.2
        Losses charged to allowance for future losses......          (23.7)             (25.1)             (21.7)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Pre-tax loss from operations.......................            -                  -                  -
        Pre-tax loss from strengthening of the
          allowance for future losses......................         (129.0)               -                  -
        Federal income tax benefit.........................           45.2                -                  -
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Loss from Discontinued Operations..................  $       (83.8)      $        -         $        -
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        In  1991,   management  adopted  a  plan  to  discontinue  the  business
        operations  of the GIC  Segment  consisting  of group  non-participating
        Wind-Up Annuities and the GIC lines of business.  The loss allowance and
        premium  deficiency  reserve of $569.6 million provided for in 1991 were
        based on management's best judgment at that time.

        The  Company's  quarterly  process for  evaluating  the loss  provisions
        applies  the current  period's  results of the  discontinued  operations
        against  the  allowance,  re-estimates  future  losses,  and adjusts the
        provisions,  if  appropriate.  Additionally,  as part  of the  Company's
        annual planning  process which takes place in the fourth quarter of each
        year,  investment and benefit cash flow projections are prepared.  These
        updated assumptions and estimates resulted in the need to strengthen the
        loss  provisions by $129.0  million,  resulting in a post-tax  charge of
        $83.8 million to discontinued  operations' results in the fourth quarter
        of 1996.

                                      F-23
<PAGE>

        Management  believes the loss  provisions for Wind-Up  Annuities and GIC
        contracts  at December  31, 1996 are  adequate to provide for all future
        losses;  however,  the  determination  of loss  provisions  continues to
        involve  numerous  estimates  and  subjective  judgments  regarding  the
        expected performance of discontinued operations investment assets. There
        can be no  assurance  the losses  provided  for will not differ from the
        losses  ultimately  realized.  To the  extent  actual  results or future
        projections  of the  discontinued  operations  differ from  management's
        current best estimates and assumptions  underlying the loss  provisions,
        the  difference  would be reflected in the  consolidated  statements  of
        earnings  in  discontinued  operations.  In  particular,  to the  extent
        income, sales proceeds and holding periods for equity real estate differ
        from management's previous assumptions, periodic adjustments to the loss
        provisions are likely to result.

        In January 1995, continuing  operations  transferred $1,215.4 million in
        cash to the GIC  Segment  in  settlement  of its  obligation  to provide
        assets to fund the accumulated deficit of the GIC Segment. Subsequently,
        the  GIC  Segment  remitted  $1,155.4  million  in  cash  to  continuing
        operations in partial  repayment of  borrowings  by the GIC Segment.  No
        gains or losses were  recognized on these  transactions.  Amounts due to
        continuing  operations  at  December  31,  1996,  consisted  of $1,080.0
        million borrowed by the discontinued GIC Segment offset by $83.8 million
        representing an obligation of continuing operations to provide assets to
        fund the accumulated deficit of the GIC Segment.

        Investment  income included $88.2 million of interest income for 1994 on
        amounts due from continuing  operations.  Benefits and other  deductions
        include  $114.3  million,  $154.6 million and $219.7 million of interest
        expense related to amounts borrowed from continuing  operations in 1996,
        1995 and 1994, respectively.

        Valuation  allowances  amounted  to $9.0  million  and $19.2  million on
        mortgage  loans on real estate and $20.4  million  and $77.9  million on
        equity real estate at December  31, 1996 and 1995,  respectively.  As of
        January 1, 1996,  the  adoption of SFAS No. 121 resulted in a release of
        existing valuation allowances of $71.9 million on equity real estate and
        recognition  of  impairment  losses of $69.8 million on real estate held
        and used.  Writedowns of fixed maturities amounted to $1.6 million, $8.1
        million and $17.8  million  for 1996,  1995 and 1994,  respectively  and
        writedowns of equity real estate  subsequent to the adoption of SFAS No.
        121 amounted to $12.3 million for 1996.

        The fixed maturity  portfolio,  based on amortized  cost,  includes $6.2
        million and $15.1  million at December 31, 1996 and 1995,  respectively,
        of  restructured   securities.   These  amounts  include  problem  fixed
        maturities  of $.5  million and $6.1  million at  December  31, 1996 and
        1995, respectively.

        At December 31, 1996 and 1995, problem mortgage loans on real estate had
        amortized  costs of $7.9 million and $35.4  million,  respectively,  and
        mortgage  loans on real  estate  for which the  payment  terms have been
        restructured  had amortized  costs of $208.1 million and $289.3 million,
        respectively.

        Impaired  mortgage  loans (as defined under SFAS No. 114) along with the
        related provision for losses were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            DECEMBER 31,
                                                                 ------------------------------------
                                                                      1996                1995
                                                                 ----------------   -----------------
                                                                            (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                      <C>                <C>          
        Impaired mortgage loans with provision for losses.......  $        83.5      $       105.1
        Impaired mortgage loans with no provision for losses....           15.0               18.2
                                                                 ----------------   -----------------
        Recorded investment in impaired mortgages...............           98.5              123.3
        Provision for losses....................................            8.8               17.7
                                                                 ----------------   -----------------
        Net Impaired Mortgage Loans.............................  $        89.7      $       105.6
                                                                 ================   =================
</TABLE>

                                      F-24
<PAGE>

        During 1996 and 1995, the GIC Segment's  average recorded  investment in
        impaired   mortgage  loans  was  $134.8  million  and  $177.4   million,
        respectively.  Interest  income  recognized on these  impaired  mortgage
        loans  totaled  $10.1  million  and $4.5  million  for  1996  and  1995,
        respectively,  including  $7.5 million and $.4 million  recognized  on a
        cash basis.

        At December  31, 1996 and 1995,  the GIC Segment had $263.0  million and
        $310.9 million, respectively, of real estate acquired in satisfaction of
        debt.

8)      SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM DEBT

        Short-term and long-term debt consists of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        DECEMBER 31,
                                                            --------------------------------------
                                                                  1996                 1995
                                                            -----------------    -----------------
                                                                        (IN MILLIONS)

        <S>                                                 <C>                  <C>       
        Short-term debt....................................  $      174.1         $        -
                                                            -----------------    -----------------
        Long-term debt:
        Equitable Life:
          6.95% surplus notes scheduled to mature 2005.....         399.4                399.3
          7.70% surplus notes scheduled to mature 2015.....         199.6                199.6
          Eurodollar notes, 10.5% due 1997.................           -                   76.2
          Zero coupon note, 11.25% due 1997................           -                  120.1
          Other............................................            .5                 16.3
                                                            -----------------    -----------------
              Total Equitable Life.........................         599.5                811.5
                                                            -----------------    -----------------
        Wholly Owned and Joint Venture Real Estate:
          Mortgage notes, 4.92% - 12.50% due through 2006..         968.6              1,084.4
                                                            -----------------    -----------------
        Alliance:
          Other............................................          24.7                  3.4
                                                            -----------------    -----------------
        Total long-term debt...............................       1,592.8              1,899.3
                                                            -----------------    -----------------
        Total Short-term and Long-term Debt................  $    1,766.9         $    1,899.3
                                                            =================    =================
</TABLE>

        Short-term Debt
        ---------------

        Equitable  Life has a $350.0 million bank credit  facility  available to
        fund  short-term  working capital needs and to facilitate the securities
        settlement  process.  The  credit  facility  consists  of two  types  of
        borrowing  options with varying  interest rates.  The interest rates are
        based on external  indices  dependent  on the type of  borrowing  and at
        December 31, 1996 range from 5.73% (the London  Interbank  Offering Rate
        ("LIBOR") plus 22.5 basis points) to 8.25% (the prime rate).  There were
        no borrowings  outstanding  under this bank credit  facility at December
        31, 1996.

                                      F-25
<PAGE>

        Equitable  Life has a  commercial  paper  program with an issue limit of
        $500.0 million. This program is available for general corporate purposes
        used to support  Equitable  Life's  liquidity  needs and is supported by
        Equitable Life's existing $350.0 million five-year bank credit facility.
        There were no borrowings  outstanding under this program at December 31,
        1996.

        In February 1996,  Alliance entered into a new $250.0 million  five-year
        revolving  credit  facility  with a group of banks  which  replaced  its
        $100.0  million   revolving  credit  facility  and  its  $100.0  million
        commercial  paper  back-up  revolving  credit  facility.  Under  the new
        revolving credit facility, the interest rate, at the option of Alliance,
        is a floating  rate  generally  based upon a defined  prime rate, a rate
        related  to the LIBOR or the  Federal  Funds  rate.  A  facility  fee is
        payable on the total  facility.  The revolving  credit  facility will be
        used to provide back-up  liquidity for commercial paper to be used under
        Alliance's $100.0 million  commercial paper program,  to fund commission
        payments  to  financial  intermediaries  for the  sale of  Class B and C
        shares under Alliance's mutual fund distribution system, and for general
        working  capital  purposes.  As of December 31,  1996,  Alliance had not
        issued any commercial  paper under its $100.0 million  commercial  paper
        program  and  there  were no  borrowings  outstanding  under  Alliance's
        revolving credit facility.

        At December 31, 1996, long-term debt expected to mature in 1997 totaling
        $174.1 million was reclassified as short-term debt.

        Long-term Debt
        --------------

        Several of the long-term  debt  agreements  have  restrictive  covenants
        related  to the total  amount of debt,  net  tangible  assets  and other
        matters. The Company is in compliance with all debt covenants.

        On December 18, 1995,  Equitable Life issued, in accordance with Section
        1307 of the New York  Insurance  Law,  $400.0  million of surplus  notes
        having an interest rate of 6.95%  scheduled to mature in 2005 and $200.0
        million of surplus notes having an interest  rate of 7.70%  scheduled to
        mature  in 2015  (together,  the  "Surplus  Notes").  Proceeds  from the
        issuance  of the  Surplus  Notes  were  $596.6  million,  net of related
        issuance costs.  The unamortized  discount on the Surplus Notes was $1.0
        million at December  31,  1996.  Payments of interest on or principal of
        the Surplus Notes are subject to prior approval by the Superintendent.

        The Company has pledged real estate, mortgage loans, cash and securities
        amounting to $1,406.4  million and $1,629.7 million at December 31, 1996
        and 1995, respectively, as collateral for certain long-term debt.

        At December 31, 1996,  aggregate  maturities of the long-term debt based
        on required  principal  payments at maturity for 1997 and the succeeding
        four years are $494.9  million,  $316.7  million,  $19.7  million,  $5.4
        million, $0 million, respectively, and $946.7 million thereafter.

 9)     FEDERAL INCOME TAXES

        A  summary  of  the  Federal   income  tax  expense   (benefit)  in  the
        consolidated statements of earnings is shown below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       1996               1995                1994
                                                 -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                      (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                      <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Federal income tax expense (benefit):
          Current...............................  $        97.9       $      (11.7)      $        4.0
          Deferred..............................          (88.2)             132.2               96.2
                                                 -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total...................................  $         9.7       $      120.5       $      100.2
                                                 =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

                                      F-26
<PAGE>

        The Federal income taxes  attributable  to  consolidated  operations are
        different from the amounts determined by multiplying the earnings before
        Federal  income  taxes and  minority  interest by the  expected  Federal
        income  tax  rate of 35%.  The  sources  of the  difference  and the tax
        effects of each are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       1996               1995                1994
                                                 -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                      (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                      <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Expected Federal income tax expense.....  $        73.0       $      173.7       $      154.5
        Non-taxable minority interest...........          (28.6)             (22.0)             (17.6)
        Differential earnings amount............            -                  -                (16.8)
        Adjustment of tax audit reserves........            6.9                4.1               (4.6)
        Equity in unconsolidated subsidiaries...          (32.3)             (19.4)             (12.5)
        Other...................................           (9.3)             (15.9)              (2.8)
                                                 -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Federal Income Tax Expense..............  $         9.7       $      120.5       $      100.2
                                                 =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        Prior  to the  date  of  demutualization,  Equitable  Life  reduced  its
        deduction  for  policyholder  dividends  by  the  differential  earnings
        amount.  This amount was  computed,  for each tax year,  by  multiplying
        Equitable Life's average equity base, as determined for tax purposes, by
        an  estimate  of the excess of an imputed  earnings  rate for stock life
        insurance  companies over the average  mutual life insurance  companies'
        earnings rate. The  differential  earnings  amount for each tax year was
        subsequently recomputed when actual earnings rates were published by the
        Internal Revenue Service.  As a stock life insurance company,  Equitable
        Life no longer is required to reduce its policyholder dividend deduction
        by the differential  earnings amount, but differential  earnings amounts
        for pre-demutualization years were still being recomputed in 1994.

        The  components  of the net deferred  Federal  income tax account are as
        follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       DECEMBER 31, 1996                  December 31, 1995
                                                ---------------------------------  ---------------------------------
                                                    ASSETS         LIABILITIES         Assets         Liabilities
                                                ---------------  ----------------  ---------------   ---------------
                                                                           (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                     <C>              <C>               <C>               <C>        
        DAC, reserves and reinsurance..........  $       -        $      166.0      $        -        $     304.4
        Investments............................          -               328.6               -              326.9
        Compensation and related benefits......        259.2               -               293.0              -
        Other..................................          -                 1.8               -               32.3
                                                ---------------  ----------------  ---------------   ---------------
        Total..................................  $     259.2      $      496.4      $      293.0      $     663.6
                                                ===============  ================  ===============   ===============
</TABLE>

        The deferred Federal income taxes impacting  operations  reflect the net
        tax effects of temporary  differences  between the  carrying  amounts of
        assets and liabilities for financial  reporting purposes and the amounts
        used for income tax purposes. The sources of these temporary differences
        and the tax effects of each are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     1996               1995                1994
                                               -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                    (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                    <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        DAC, reserves and reinsurance.........  $      (156.2)      $       63.3       $       12.0
        Investments...........................           78.6               13.0               89.3
        Compensation and related benefits.....           22.3               30.8               10.0
        Other.................................          (32.9)              25.1              (15.1)
                                               -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Deferred Federal Income Tax
          (Benefit) Expense...................  $       (88.2)      $      132.2       $       96.2
                                               =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

                                      F-27
<PAGE>

        The Internal  Revenue Service is in the process of examining the Holding
        Company's  consolidated  Federal  income tax  returns for the years 1989
        through  1991.  Management  believes  these audits will have no material
        adverse effect on the Company's results of operations.

10)     REINSURANCE AGREEMENTS

        The Insurance Group assumes and cedes  reinsurance  with other insurance
        companies.  The Insurance Group evaluates the financial condition of its
        reinsurers to minimize its exposure to significant losses from reinsurer
        insolvencies.  The  effect  of  reinsurance  (excluding  group  life and
        health) is summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Direct premiums....................................  $       461.4       $      474.2       $      476.7
        Reinsurance assumed................................          177.5              171.3              180.5
        Reinsurance ceded..................................          (41.3)             (38.7)             (31.6)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Premiums...........................................  $       597.6       $      606.8       $      625.6
                                                            =================   ================   =================
        Universal Life and Investment-type Product
          Policy Fee Income Ceded..........................  $        48.2       $       44.0       $       27.5
                                                            =================   ================   =================
        Policyholders' Benefits Ceded......................  $        54.1       $       48.9       $       20.7
                                                            =================   ================   =================
        Interest Credited to Policyholders' Account
          Balances Ceded...................................  $        32.3       $       28.5       $       25.4
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        Effective  January 1, 1994, all in force business above $5.0 million was
        reinsured.   During  1996,  the  Company's   retention  limit  on  joint
        survivorship  policies was  increased to $15.0  million.  The  Insurance
        Group also reinsures the entire risk on certain substandard underwriting
        risks as well as in certain other cases.

        The Insurance  Group cedes 100% of its group life and health business to
        a third party  insurance  company.  Premiums ceded totaled $2.4 million,
        $260.6 million and $241.0 million for 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
        Ceded  death and  disability  benefits  totaled  $21.2  million,  $188.1
        million  and  $235.5  million  for 1996,  1995 and  1994,  respectively.
        Insurance liabilities ceded totaled $652.4 million and $724.2 million at
        December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

11)     EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

        The Company sponsors  qualified and non-qualified  defined benefit plans
        covering   substantially  all  employees  (including  certain  qualified
        part-time employees), managers and certain agents. The pension plans are
        non-contributory.  Equitable  Life's and EREIM's benefits are based on a
        cash balance formula or years of service and final average earnings,  if
        greater,  under certain  grandfathering  rules in the plans.  Alliance's
        benefits  are based on years of  credited  service,  average  final base
        salary and primary  social  security  benefits.  The  Company's  funding
        policy is to make the  minimum  contribution  required  by the  Employee
        Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.

        Components  of net periodic  pension cost (credit) for the qualified and
        non-qualified plans are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Service cost.......................................  $        33.8       $       30.0       $       30.3
        Interest cost on projected benefit obligations.....          120.8              122.0              111.0
        Actual return on assets............................         (181.4)            (309.2)              24.4
        Net amortization and deferrals.....................           43.4              155.6             (142.5)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Net Periodic Pension Cost (Credit).................  $        16.6       $       (1.6)      $       23.2
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

                                      F-28
<PAGE>

        The funded status of the qualified and non-qualified pension plans is as
        follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              DECEMBER 31,
                                                                   ------------------------------------
                                                                        1996                1995
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                              (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                        <C>                <C>         
        Actuarial present value of obligations:
          Vested..................................................  $    1,672.2       $    1,642.4
          Non-vested..............................................          10.1               10.9
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
        Accumulated Benefit Obligation............................  $    1,682.3       $    1,653.3
                                                                   ================   =================
        Plan assets at fair value.................................  $    1,626.0       $    1,503.8
        Projected benefit obligation..............................       1,765.5            1,743.0
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
        Projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets.....        (139.5)            (239.2)
        Unrecognized prior service cost...........................         (17.9)             (25.5)
        Unrecognized net loss from past experience different
          from that assumed.......................................         280.0              368.2
        Unrecognized net asset at transition......................           4.7               (7.3)
        Additional minimum liability..............................         (19.3)             (51.9)
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
        Prepaid Pension Cost......................................  $      108.0       $       44.3
                                                                   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        The  discount  rate and rate of increase in future  compensation  levels
        used in  determining  the actuarial  present value of projected  benefit
        obligations were 7.5% and 4.25%, respectively,  at December 31, 1996 and
        7.25% and 4.50%,  respectively,  at December 31, 1995.  As of January 1,
        1996 and 1995,  the expected  long-term rate of return on assets for the
        retirement plan was 10.25% and 11%, respectively.

        The  Company  recorded,  as a  reduction  of  shareholder's  equity,  an
        additional minimum pension liability of $12.9 million and $35.1 million,
        net  of  Federal   income   taxes,   at  December  31,  1996  and  1995,
        respectively,   representing  the  excess  of  the  accumulated  benefit
        obligation  over  the fair  value of plan  assets  and  accrued  pension
        liability.

        The  pension  plan's  assets  include   corporate  and  government  debt
        securities,  equity  securities,  equity real estate and shares of Group
        Trusts managed by Alliance.

        Prior to 1987, the qualified plan funded participants'  benefits through
        the purchase of non-participating annuity contracts from Equitable Life.
        Benefit payments under these contracts were approximately $34.7 million,
        $36.4 million and $38.1 million for 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

        The  Company  provides  certain  medical  and  life  insurance  benefits
        (collectively,  "postretirement  benefits")  for  qualifying  employees,
        managers and agents  retiring from the Company on or after attaining age
        55 who have at least 10 years of service.  The life  insurance  benefits
        are related to age and salary at retirement. The costs of postretirement
        benefits are  recognized in accordance  with the  provisions of SFAS No.
        106. The Company  continues to fund  postretirement  benefits costs on a
        pay-as-you-go  basis and,  for 1996,  1995 and 1994,  the  Company  made
        estimated  postretirement  benefits  payments  of $18.9  million,  $31.1
        million and $29.8 million, respectively.

                                      F-29
<PAGE>

        The  following  table  sets  forth the  postretirement  benefits  plan's
        status,  reconciled to amounts recognized in the Company's  consolidated
        financial statements:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Service cost.......................................  $         5.3       $        4.0       $        3.9
        Interest cost on accumulated postretirement
          benefits obligation..............................           34.6               34.7               28.6
        Net amortization and deferrals.....................            2.4               (2.3)              (3.9)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Net Periodic Postretirement Benefits Costs.........  $        42.3       $       36.4       $       28.6
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              DECEMBER 31,
                                                                   ------------------------------------
                                                                        1996                1995
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                              (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                        <C>                <C>         
        Accumulated postretirement benefits obligation:
          Retirees................................................  $      381.8       $      391.8
          Fully eligible active plan participants.................          50.7               50.4
          Other active plan participants..........................          60.7               64.2
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                           493.2              506.4
        Unrecognized prior service cost...........................          50.5               56.3
        Unrecognized net loss from past experience different
          from that assumed and from changes in assumptions.......        (150.5)            (181.3)
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
        Accrued Postretirement Benefits Cost......................  $      393.2       $      381.4
                                                                   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        At January 1, 1994,  medical benefits available to retirees under age 65
        are the same as those offered to active  employees and medical  benefits
        will be limited to 200% of 1993 costs for all participants.

        The  assumed   health  care  cost  trend  rate  used  in  measuring  the
        accumulated   postretirement  benefits  obligation  was  9.5%  in  1996,
        gradually  declining  to 3.5% in the  year  2009  and in 1995  was  10%,
        gradually  declining to 3.5% in the year 2008. The discount rate used in
        determining the accumulated postretirement benefits obligation was 7.50%
        and 7.25% at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

        If the health care cost trend rate assumptions were increased by 1%, the
        accumulated  postretirement  benefits obligation as of December 31, 1996
        would be  increased  7%.  The  effect  of this  change on the sum of the
        service cost and interest cost would be an increase of 8%.

12)     DERIVATIVES AND FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

        Derivatives
        -----------

        The Insurance Group primarily uses derivatives for asset/liability  risk
        management and for hedging individual securities. Derivatives mainly are
        utilized to reduce the  Insurance  Group's  exposure  to  interest  rate
        fluctuations.  Accounting for interest rate swap  transactions  is on an
        accrual   basis.   Gains  and  losses  related  to  interest  rate  swap
        transactions are amortized as yield  adjustments over the remaining life
        of the underlying  hedged  security.  Income and expense  resulting from
        interest rate swap  activities are reflected in net  investment  income.
        The  notional  amount of  matched  interest  rate swaps  outstanding  at
        December 31, 1996 was $649.9  million.  The average  unexpired  terms at
        December 31, 1996 range from 2.2 to 2.7 years. At December 31, 1996, the
        cost of  terminating  outstanding  matched  swaps in a loss position was
        $8.3 million and the unrealized  gain on outstanding  matched swaps in a
        gain  position  was $11.4  million.  The  Company  has no  intention  of
        terminating  these  contracts  prior to maturity.  During 1996, 1995 and
        1994, net gains (losses) of $.2 million, $1.4 million and $(.2) million,
        respectively, were recorded in connection with

                                      F-30
<PAGE>

        interest rate swap activity.  Equitable Life has implemented an interest
        rate cap program designed to hedge crediting rates on interest-sensitive
        individual  annuities  contracts.  The outstanding  notional  amounts at
        December 31, 1996 of contracts  purchased and sold were $5,050.0 million
        and $500.0 million, respectively. The net premium paid by Equitable Life
        on these contracts was $22.5 million and is being amortized ratably over
        the  contract  periods  ranging  from 3 to 5 years.  Income and  expense
        resulting  from this program are  reflected as an adjustment to interest
        credited to policyholders' account balances.

        Substantially  all of DLJ's  business  related to  derivatives is by its
        nature  trading  activities  which  are  primarily  for the  purpose  of
        customer  accommodations.  DLJ's derivative activities consist primarily
        of  option  writing  and  trading  in  forward  and  futures  contracts.
        Derivative  financial  instruments  have both  on-and-off  balance sheet
        implications depending on the nature of the contracts. DLJ's involvement
        in swap contracts is not significant.

        Fair Value of Financial Instruments
        -----------------------------------

        The Company  defines  fair value as the quoted  market  prices for those
        instruments  that are  actively  traded in financial  markets.  In cases
        where quoted market prices are not available,  fair values are estimated
        using  present  value  or other  valuation  techniques.  The fair  value
        estimates  are made at a  specific  point in  time,  based on  available
        market  information  and  judgments  about  the  financial   instrument,
        including estimates of timing,  amount of expected future cash flows and
        the credit standing of counterparties. Such estimates do not reflect any
        premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time
        the Company's entire holdings of a particular financial instrument,  nor
        do they consider the tax impact of the  realization of unrealized  gains
        or  losses.   In  many  cases,   the  fair  value  estimates  cannot  be
        substantiated  by  comparison  to  independent   markets,  nor  can  the
        disclosed value be realized in immediate settlement of the instrument.

        Certain  financial  instruments  are  excluded,  particularly  insurance
        liabilities  other than financial  guarantees and investment  contracts.
        Fair market  value of  off-balance-sheet  financial  instruments  of the
        Insurance Group was not material at December 31, 1996 and 1995.

        Fair  value  for  mortgage   loans  on  real  estate  are  estimated  by
        discounting  future contractual cash flows using interest rates at which
        loans with similar  characteristics  and credit  quality  would be made.
        Fair values for foreclosed mortgage loans and problem mortgage loans are
        limited to the  estimated  fair value of the  underlying  collateral  if
        lower.

        The estimated  fair values for the Company's  liabilities  under GIC and
        association  plan contracts are estimated using  contractual  cash flows
        discounted based on the T. Rowe Price GIC Index Rate for the appropriate
        duration.  For  durations  in excess of the  published  index rate,  the
        appropriate  Treasury  rate is used plus a spread  equal to the  longest
        duration GIC rate spread published.

        The estimated  fair values for those group annuity  contracts  which are
        classified  as  universal  life  type  contracts  are  measured  at  the
        estimated fair value of the underlying assets. The estimated fair values
        for single  premium  deferred  annuities  ("SPDA") are  estimated  using
        projected cash flows discounted at current offering rates. The estimated
        fair values for supplementary contracts not involving life contingencies
        ("SCNILC") and annuities certain are derived using discounted cash flows
        based upon the estimated current offering rate.

        Fair value for  long-term  debt is  determined  using  published  market
        values, where available,  or contractual cash flows discounted at market
        interest rates. The estimated fair values for non-recourse mortgage debt
        are  determined by  discounting  contractual  cash flows at a rate which
        takes  into  account  the level of  current  market  interest  rates and
        collateral  risk. The estimated  fair values for recourse  mortgage debt
        are  determined by  discounting  contractual  cash flows at a rate based
        upon  current  interest  rates of other  companies  with credit  ratings
        similar  to  the  Company.   The  Company's  fair  value  of  short-term
        borrowings approximates their carrying value.

                                      F-31
<PAGE>

        The following  table  discloses  carrying value and estimated fair value
        for financial instruments not otherwise disclosed in Notes 3, 6 and 7:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          DECEMBER 31,
                                                --------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              1996                               1995
                                                ---------------------------------  ---------------------------------
                                                   CARRYING         ESTIMATED         Carrying         Estimated
                                                    VALUE          FAIR VALUE          Value           Fair Value
                                                ---------------  ----------------  ---------------   ---------------
                                                                        (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                      <C>              <C>               <C>               <C>         
        Consolidated Financial Instruments:
        -----------------------------------
        Mortgage loans on real estate..........  $    3,133.0     $     3,394.6     $     3,638.3     $    3,973.6
        Other joint ventures...................         467.0             467.0             492.7            492.7
        Policy loans...........................       2,196.1           2,221.6           1,976.4          2,057.5
        Policyholders' account balances:
          Association plans....................          78.1              77.3             101.0            100.0
          Group annuity contracts..............       2,141.0           1,954.0           2,335.0          2,395.0
          SPDA.................................       1,062.7           1,065.7           1,265.8          1,272.0
          Annuities certain and SCNILC.........         654.9             736.2             646.4            716.7
        Long-term debt.........................       1,592.8           1,557.7           1,899.3          1,962.9

        Closed Block Financial Instruments:
        -----------------------------------
        Mortgage loans on real estate..........       1,380.7           1,425.6           1,368.8          1,461.4
        Other equity investments...............         105.0             105.0             151.6            151.6
        Policy loans...........................       1,765.9           1,798.0           1,797.2          1,891.4
        SCNILC liability.......................          30.6              34.9              34.8             39.6

        GIC Segment Financial Instruments:
        ----------------------------------
        Mortgage loans on real estate..........       1,111.1           1,220.3           1,485.8          1,666.1
        Fixed maturities.......................          42.5              42.5             107.4            107.4
        Other equity investments...............         300.5             300.5             455.9            455.9
        Guaranteed interest contracts..........         290.7             300.5             329.0            352.0
        Long-term debt.........................         102.1             102.2             135.1            136.0
</TABLE>

13)     COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

        The Company  has  provided,  from time to time,  certain  guarantees  or
        commitments  to  affiliates,  investors and others.  These  arrangements
        include commitments by the Company,  under certain  conditions:  to make
        capital  contributions of up to $244.9 million to affiliated real estate
        joint  ventures;   to  provide  equity   financing  to  certain  limited
        partnerships of $205.8 million at December 31, 1996, under existing loan
        or loan commitment agreements; and to provide short-term financing loans
        which at December 31, 1996 totaled $14.6  million.  Management  believes
        the  Company  will not  incur any  material  losses as a result of these
        commitments.

        Equitable  Life  is the  obligor  under  certain  structured  settlement
        agreements  which  it  had  entered  into  with  unaffiliated  insurance
        companies  and  beneficiaries.  To satisfy its  obligations  under these
        agreements,  Equitable  Life owns  single  premium  annuities  issued by
        previously wholly owned life insurance subsidiaries.  Equitable Life has
        directed  payment  under  these  annuities  to be made  directly  to the
        beneficiaries under the structured settlement  agreements.  A contingent
        liability exists with respect to these agreements  should the previously
        wholly  owned   subsidiaries  be  unable  to  meet  their   obligations.
        Management  believes the satisfaction of those  obligations by Equitable
        Life is remote.

        At December 31, 1996,  the Insurance  Group had $51.6 million of letters
        of credit outstanding.

                                      F-32
<PAGE>

14)     LITIGATION

        A number of lawsuits has been filed against life and health  insurers in
        the  jurisdictions  in  which  Equitable  Life and its  subsidiaries  do
        business involving insurers' sales practices,  alleged agent misconduct,
        failure to properly  supervise  agents,  and other matters.  Some of the
        lawsuits have  resulted in the award of  substantial  judgments  against
        other insurers,  including  material amounts of punitive damages,  or in
        substantial  settlements.   In  some  states,  juries  have  substantial
        discretion in awarding punitive damages.  Equitable Life, EVLICO and The
        Equitable  of  Colorado,  Inc.  ("EOC"),  like  other  life  and  health
        insurers, from time to time are involved in such litigation. To date, no
        such  lawsuit has  resulted in an award or  settlement  of any  material
        amount against the Company.  Among litigations pending against Equitable
        Life,  EVLICO and EOC of the type referred to in this  paragraph are the
        litigations described in the following eight paragraphs.

        An action entitled Golomb et al. v. The Equitable Life Assurance Society
        of the United  States was filed on January  20,  1995 in New York County
        Supreme Court. The action purports to be brought on behalf of a class of
        persons  insured after 1983 under Lifetime  Guaranteed  Renewable  Major
        Medical  Insurance  Policies issued by Equitable Life (the  "policies").
        The complaint  alleges that premium  increases for these  policies after
        1983,  all of which were filed with and  approved  by the New York State
        Insurance  Department  and certain  other state  insurance  departments,
        breached the terms of the policies,  and that statements in the policies
        and  elsewhere  concerning  premium  increases  constituted   fraudulent
        concealment,  misrepresentations  in violation of New York Insurance Law
        Section 4226 and deceptive practices under New York General Business Law
        Section 349. The  complaint  seeks a  declaratory  judgment,  injunctive
        relief  restricting  the  methods  by  which  Equitable  Life  increases
        premiums  on the  policies  in the  future,  a refund of  premiums,  and
        punitive  damages.  Plaintiffs  also have  indicated that they will seek
        damages in an  unspecified  amount.  Equitable Life moved to dismiss the
        complaint  in its entirety on the grounds that it fails to state a claim
        and that  uncontroverted  documentary  evidence  establishes  a complete
        defense to the claims.  On May 29,  1996,  the New York  County  Supreme
        Court  entered a  judgment  dismissing  the  complaint  with  prejudice.
        Plaintiffs have filed a notice of appeal of that judgment.

        In January 1996,  separate  actions were filed in Pennsylvania and Texas
        state courts  (entitled,  respectively,  Malvin et al. v. The  Equitable
        Life  Assurance  Society of the  United  States and Bowler et al. v. The
        Equitable Life Assurance  Society of the United  States),  making claims
        similar  to those in the New York  action  described  above.  The  Texas
        action  also  claims  that  Equitable  Life   misrepresented   to  Texas
        policyholders that the Texas Insurance Department had approved Equitable
        Life's rate increases.  These actions are asserted on behalf of proposed
        classes of Pennsylvania issued or renewed policyholders and Texas issued
        or renewed  policyholders,  insured under the policies. The Pennsylvania
        and Texas actions seek  compensatory and punitive damages and injunctive
        relief  restricting  the  methods  by  which  Equitable  Life  increases
        premiums  in the future  based on the common law and  statutes  of those
        states.  On February 9, 1996,  Equitable  Life removed the  Pennsylvania
        action,  Malvin,  to the  United  States  District  Court for the Middle
        District of  Pennsylvania.  Following  the decision  granting  Equitable
        Life's motion to dismiss the New York action (Golomb), on the consent of
        the  parties  the  District  Court  ordered  an  indefinite  stay of all
        proceedings in the Pennsylvania action,  pending either party's right to
        reinstate the proceeding,  and ordered that for administrative  purposes
        the  case be  deemed  administratively  closed.  On  February  2,  1996,
        Equitable  Life removed the Texas action,  Bowler,  to the United States
        District Court for the Northern  District of Texas. On May 20, 1996, the
        plaintiffs in Bowler  amended their  complaint by adding  allegations of
        misrepresentation   regarding   premium  increases  on  other  types  of
        guaranteed   renewable  major  medical  insurance   policies  issued  by
        Equitable Life up to and including 1983. On July 1, 1996, Equitable Life
        filed a  motion  for  summary  judgment  dismissing  the  first  amended
        complaint in its entirety. In August, 1996, the court granted plaintiffs
        leave to file a supplemental  complaint on behalf of a proposed class of
        Texas policyholders claiming unfair  discrimination,  breach of contract
        and other claims  arising out of alleged  differences  between  premiums
        charged  to  Texas  policyholders  and  premiums  charged  to  similarly
        situated policyholders in New York and certain other states.  Plaintiffs
        seek refunds of alleged  overcharges,  exemplary or  additional  damages
        citing

                                      F-33
<PAGE>

        Texas statutory  provisions  which among other things,  permit two times
        the  amount of  actual  damage  plus  additional  penalties  if the acts
        complained  of are  found  to be  knowingly  committed,  and  injunctive
        relief.  Equitable  Life has also  filed a motion for  summary  judgment
        dismissing the supplemental  complaint in its entirety.  Plaintiffs also
        obtained  permission  to add another  plaintiff to the first amended and
        supplemental  complaints.  Plaintiffs  have  opposed  both  motions  for
        summary  judgment and  requested  that certain  issues be found in their
        favor. Equitable Life is in the process of replying.

        On May 22, 1996, a separate  action  entitled  Bachman v. The  Equitable
        Life Assurance Society of the United States,  was filed in Florida state
        court making claims similar to those in the previously  reported  Golomb
        action.  The Florida action is asserted on behalf of a proposed class of
        Florida  issued  or  renewed  policyholders  insured  after  1983  under
        Lifetime Guaranteed Renewable Major Medical Insurance Policies issued by
        Equitable  Life.  The Florida  action  seeks  compensatory  and punitive
        damages and injunctive relief restricting the methods by which Equitable
        Life  increases  premiums  in the  future  based on  various  common law
        claims.  On June 20, 1996,  Equitable Life removed the Florida action to
        Federal court.  Equitable  Life has answered the complaint,  denying the
        material  allegations and asserting  certain  affirmative  defenses.  On
        December 6, 1996, Equitable Life filed a motion for summary judgment and
        plaintiff is expected to file its response to that motion shortly.

        On November 6, 1996, a proposed class action entitled  Fletcher,  et al.
        v. The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States,  was filed
        in California Superior Court for Fresno County, making substantially the
        same allegations  concerning premium rates and premium rate increases on
        guaranteed  renewable  policies made in the Bowler action. The complaint
        alleges,  among other things,  that differentials  between rates charged
        California policyholders and policyholders in New York and certain other
        states,  and the methods  used by Equitable  Life to  calculate  premium
        increases,  breached  the terms of its  policies,  that  Equitable  Life
        misrepresented  and concealed the facts pertaining to such differentials
        and methods in violation of California law, and that Equitable Life also
        misrepresented  that its rate  increases were approved by the California
        Insurance  Department.   Plaintiffs  seek  compensatory  damages  in  an
        unspecified amount,  rescission,  injunctive relief and attorneys' fees.
        Equitable Life removed the action to Federal court;  plaintiff has moved
        to  remand  the  case  to  state  court.  Although  the  outcome  of any
        litigation cannot be predicted with certainty, particularly in the early
        stages of an action, the Company's management believes that the ultimate
        resolution  of  the  Golomb,   Malvin,   Bowler,  Bachman  and  Fletcher
        litigations  should not have a material  adverse effect on the financial
        position of the Company. Due to the early stage of such litigations, the
        Company's management cannot make an estimate of loss, if any, or predict
        whether or not such  litigations  will have a material adverse effect on
        the Company's results of operations in any particular period.

        An action was instituted on April 6, 1995 against Equitable Life and its
        wholly owned subsidiary,  EOC, in New York state court,  entitled Sidney
        C. Cole et al. v. The  Equitable  Life  Assurance  Society of the United
        States  and The  Equitable  of  Colorado,  Inc.,  No.  95/108611  (N. Y.
        County).  The action is brought by the  holders of a joint  survivorship
        whole life policy issued by EOC. The action  purports to be on behalf of
        a class  consisting  of all persons who from  January 1, 1984  purchased
        life insurance  policies sold by Equitable Life and EOC based upon their
        allegedly  uniform sales  presentations  and policy  illustrations.  The
        complaint puts in issue various  alleged sales practices that plaintiffs
        assert,  among other things,  misrepresented  the stated number of years
        that the annual premium would need to be paid.  Plaintiffs  seek damages
        in an unspecified  amount,  imposition of a constructive trust, and seek
        to enjoin  Equitable Life and EOC from engaging in the challenged  sales
        practices.  On June 28,  1996,  the court  issued a  decision  and order
        dismissing  with  prejudice  plaintiff's  causes  of action  for  fraud,
        constructive  fraud,  breach of fiduciary duty,  negligence,  and unjust
        enrichment, and dismissing without prejudice plaintiff's cause of action
        under the New York State consumer protection statute. The only remaining
        causes   of  action   are  for   breach  of   contract   and   negligent
        misrepresentation.  Plaintiffs made a motion for reargument with respect
        to this order,  which was submitted to the court in October  1996.  This
        motion was denied by the court on December 16, 1996.

                                      F-34
<PAGE>

        On May 21,  1996,  an  action  entitled  Elton  F.  Duncan,  III v.  The
        Equitable  Life Assurance  Society of the United  States,  was commenced
        against  Equitable  Life in the Civil  District  Court for the Parish of
        Orleans, State of Louisiana.  The action is brought by an individual who
        purchased  a whole life  policy.  Plaintiff  alleges  misrepresentations
        concerning  the  extent to which  the  policy  was a proper  replacement
        policy and the number of years that the annual  premium would need to be
        paid.  Plaintiff purports to represent a class consisting of all persons
        who  purchased  whole life or universal  life  insurance  policies  from
        Equitable  Life from  January 1, 1982 to the  present.  Plaintiff  seeks
        damages,  including punitive damages,  in an unspecified amount. On July
        26, 1996, an action entitled Michael Bradley v. Equitable  Variable Life
        Insurance Company,  was commenced in New York state court. The action is
        brought by the  holder of a variable  life  insurance  policy  issued by
        EVLICO.  The plaintiff  purports to represent a class  consisting of all
        persons or entities who  purchased one or more life  insurance  policies
        issued by EVLICO  from  January 1,  1980.  The  complaint  puts at issue
        various   alleged  sales   practices   and  alleges   misrepresentations
        concerning  the  extent to which  the  policy  was a proper  replacement
        policy and the number of years that the annual  premium would need to be
        paid.  Plaintiff  seeks  damages,  including  punitive  damages,  in  an
        unspecified  amount and also seeks injunctive relief  prohibiting EVLICO
        from canceling  policies for failure to make premium payments beyond the
        alleged  stated number of years that the annual premium would need to be
        paid. On September 21, 1996 Equitable Life, EVLICO and EOC made a motion
        to have this  proceeding  moved from Kings County  Supreme  Court to New
        York County for joint trial or consolidation  with the Cole action.  The
        motion was denied by the court on January 9, 1997.  On January 10, 1997,
        plaintiffs  moved for  certification of a nationwide class consisting of
        all  persons  or  entities  who  were  sold one or more  life  insurance
        products on a "vanishing premium" basis and/or were allegedly induced to
        purchase  additional   policies  from  EVLICO,   using  the  cash  value
        accumulated  in  existing  policies,  from  January 1, 1980  through and
        including  December 31, 1996.  Plaintiffs  further moved to have Michael
        Bradley  designated  as the class  representative.  Discovery  regarding
        class certification is underway.

        On  December  12,  1996,  an action  entitled  Robert  E.  Dillon v. The
        Equitable Life Assurance  Society of the United States and The Equitable
        of Colorado,  was commenced in the United States  District Court for the
        Southern District of Florida. The action is brought by an individual who
        purchased  a joint whole life policy  from EOC.  The  complaint  puts at
        issue  various  alleged sales  practices and alleges  misrepresentations
        concerning the alleged  impropriety of  replacement  policies  issued by
        Equitable  Life and EOC and  alleged  misrepresentations  regarding  the
        number  of  years  premiums  would  have to be  paid on the  defendants'
        policies.  Plaintiff  brings  claims  for  breach  of  contract,  fraud,
        negligent  misrepresentation,  money had and received, unjust enrichment
        and imposition of a constructive trust.  Plaintiff purports to represent
        two classes of persons.  The first is a "contract class,"  consisting of
        all persons who purchased  whole or universal  life  insurance  policies
        from  Equitable  Life and EOC and from whom  Equitable Life and EOC have
        sought additional payments beyond the number of years allegedly promised
        by Equitable Life and EOC. The second is a "fraud class,"  consisting of
        all persons with an interest in policies  issued by  Equitable  Life and
        EOC at any time since  October 1, 1986.  Plaintiff  seeks  damages in an
        unspecified amount, and also seeks injunctive relief attaching Equitable
        Life's and EOC's profits from their alleged sales  practices.  Equitable
        Life's  and EOC's time to answer or move with  respect to the  complaint
        has been  extended  until  February  24,  1997.  Although the outcome of
        litigation cannot be predicted with certainty, particularly in the early
        stages of an action, the Company's management believes that the ultimate
        resolution of the Cole,  Duncan,  Bradley and Dillon  litigations should
        not have a material  adverse  effect on the  financial  position  of the
        Company.  Due to the early  stages of such  litigations,  the  Company's
        management  cannot make an estimate of loss, if any, or predict  whether
        or not any such  litigation  will have a material  adverse effect on the
        Company's results of operations in any particular period.

        On January 3, 1996, an amended complaint was filed in an action entitled
        Frank Franze Jr. and George  Busher,  individually  and on behalf of all
        others similarly situated v. The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the
        United  States,  and Equitable  Variable  Life  Insurance  Company,  No.
        94-2036 in the United States District Court for the Southern District of
        Florida.  The  action  was  brought  by two  individuals  who  purchased
        variable life insurance policies.  The plaintiffs purport to represent a
        nationwide class  consisting of all persons who purchased  variable life
        insurance  policies from Equitable  Life and EVLICO since  September 30,
        1991.  The basic  allegation of the amended  complaint is that Equitable
        Life's and EVLICO's agents were trained not to

                                      F-35
<PAGE>

        disclose  fully  that  the  product  being  sold  was  life   insurance.
        Plaintiffs  allege  violations of the Federal  securities  laws and seek
        rescission of the contracts or compensatory  damages and attorneys' fees
        and expenses.  The court denied  Equitable  Life and EVLICO's  motion to
        dismiss the amended complaint on September 24, 1996.  Equitable Life and
        EVLICO  have  answered  the  amended  complaint,  denying  the  material
        allegations and asserting certain affirmative defenses.  Currently,  the
        parties are conducting  discovery in connection with plaintiffs' attempt
        to certify a class.  On January 9, 1997,  an action  entitled  Rosemarie
        Chaviano, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated v.
        The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States, and Equitable
        Variable Life Insurance Company,  was filed in Massachusetts state court
        making  claims  similar  to  those in the  Franze  action  and  alleging
        violations of the Massachusetts  securities laws. The plaintiff purports
        to represent all persons in  Massachusetts  who purchased  variable life
        insurance  contracts from Equitable Life and EVLICO from January 9, 1993
        to  the  present.  The  Massachusetts  action  seeks  rescission  of the
        contracts  or  compensatory  damages,   attorneys'  fees,  expenses  and
        injunctive  relief.  Although  the outcome of any  litigation  cannot be
        predicted with certainty, particularly in the early stages of an action,
        the Company's  management  believes that the ultimate  resolution of the
        litigations  discussed  in this  paragraph  should  not have a  material
        adverse  effect on the  financial  position of the  Company.  Due to the
        early stages of such litigation, the Company's management cannot make an
        estimate of loss, if any, or predict  whether or not any such litigation
        will  have a  material  adverse  effect  on  the  Company's  results  of
        operations in any particular period.

        Equitable Life recently responded to a subpoena from the U.S. Department
        of Labor  ("DOL")  requesting  copies of any  third-party  appraisals in
        Equitable Life's possession  relating to the ten largest  properties (by
        value)  in  the  Prime  Property  Fund  ("PPF").  PPF  is  an  open-end,
        commingled  real estate  separate  account of Equitable Life for pension
        clients.  Equitable  Life  serves as  investment  manager in PPF and has
        retained  EREIM as advisor.  In early 1995, the DOL commenced a national
        investigation  of commingled  real estate funds with pension  investors,
        including PPF. The investigation  now appears to be focused  principally
        on appraisal and valuation procedures in respect of fund properties. The
        most recent request from the DOL seems to reflect,  at least in part, an
        interest in the relationship between the valuations for those properties
        reflected in appraisals  prepared for local property tax proceedings and
        the valuations  used by PPF for other  purposes.  At no time has the DOL
        made any  specific  allegation  that  Equitable  Life or EREIM has acted
        improperly and Equitable Life and EREIM believe that any such allegation
        would be without  foundation.  While the  outcome of this  investigation
        cannot be predicted with  certainty,  in the opinion of management,  the
        ultimate  resolution of this matter  should not have a material  adverse
        effect on the Company's  consolidated  financial  position or results of
        operations in any particular period.

        Equitable  Casualty Insurance Company  ("Casualty"),  an indirect wholly
        owned   subsidiary  of  Equitable  Life,  is  party  to  an  arbitration
        proceeding  that commenced in August 1995.  The proceeding  relates to a
        dispute among Casualty,  Houston  General  Insurance  Company  ("Houston
        General")  and  GEICO  General   Insurance   Company  ("GEICO  General")
        regarding the interpretation of a reinsurance agreement. The arbitration
        panel  issued a final  award in favor of Casualty  and GEICO  General on
        June 17, 1996.  Casualty and GEICO  General  moved in the pending  Texas
        state  court  action,  with  Houston  General's  consent,  for an  order
        confirming the arbitration  award and entering  judgment  dismissing the
        action.  The motion was granted on January 29,  1997.  The parties  have
        also  stipulated to the dismissal  without  prejudice of a related Texas
        Federal court action  brought by Houston  General  against GEICO General
        and Equitable Life. In connection  with  confirmation of the arbitration
        award,  Houston  General  paid to  Casualty  approximately  $839,600  in
        settlement of certain  reimbursement  claims by Casualty against Houston
        General.

        On July 25, 1995, a Consolidated and Supplemental Class Action Complaint
        ("Complaint")  was filed against the Alliance North American  Government
        Income Trust,  Inc. (the "Fund"),  Alliance and certain other defendants
        affiliated  with  Alliance,  including  the  Holding  Company,  alleging
        violations  of Federal  securities  laws,  fraud and breach of fiduciary
        duty in connection with the Fund's  investments in Mexican and Argentine
        securities.  The  Complaint,  which seeks  certification  of a plaintiff
        class of persons  who  purchased  or owned Class A, B or C shares of the
        Fund from March 27, 1992 through December 23, 1994, seeks an unspecified
        amount of damages,  costs,  attorneys'  fees and punitive  damages.  The
        principal  allegations of the Complaint are that the Fund purchased debt
        securities  issued by the Mexican and Argentine  governments  in amounts
        that

                                      F-36
<PAGE>

        were not permitted by the Fund's  investment  objective,  and that there
        was no  shareholder  vote to change the  investment  objective to permit
        purchases  in such  amounts.  The  Complaint  further  alleges  that the
        decline in the value of the Mexican and Argentine securities held by the
        Fund  caused the Fund's net asset value to decline to the  detriment  of
        the Fund's  shareholders.  On  September  26,  1996,  the United  States
        District  Court  for the  Southern  District  of New  York  granted  the
        defendants'  motion to dismiss all counts of the  complaint.  On October
        11, 1996,  plaintiffs filed a motion for  reconsideration of the court's
        decision  granting  defendants'  motion to  dismiss  the  Complaint.  On
        November   25,   1996,   the  court   denied   plaintiffs'   motion  for
        reconsideration.  On October  29,  1996,  plaintiffs  filed a motion for
        leave to file an amended  complaint.  The principal  allegations  of the
        proposed amended  complaint are that the Fund did not properly  disclose
        that it planned to invest in mortgage-backed  derivative  securities and
        that two  advertisements  used by the Fund  misrepresented  the risks of
        investing in the Fund.  Plaintiffs  also  reiterated  allegations in the
        Complaint  that the Fund failed to hedge  against the risks of investing
        in  foreign  securities  despite  representations  that it  would do so.
        Alliance  believes  that the  allegations  in the  Complaint are without
        merit and intends to vigorously  defend against these claims.  While the
        ultimate  outcome  of this  matter  cannot be  determined  at this time,
        management  of  Alliance  does not  expect  that it will have a material
        adverse  effect  on  Alliance's   results  of  operations  or  financial
        condition.

        On January 26, 1996, a purported purchaser of certain notes and warrants
        to  purchase  shares  of  common  stock of  Rickel  Home  Centers,  Inc.
        ("Rickel") filed a class action complaint  against  Donaldson,  Lufkin &
        Jenrette Securities  Corporation  ("DLJSC") and certain other defendants
        for unspecified  compensatory  and punitive damages in the United States
        District  Court for the  Southern  District  of New  York.  The suit was
        brought on behalf of the  purchasers  of  126,457  units  consisting  of
        $126,457,000 aggregate principal amount of 13 1/2% senior notes due 2001
        and 126,457 warrants to purchase shares of common stock of Rickel issued
        by Rickel in October 1994. The complaint  alleges  violations of Federal
        securities  laws and common law fraud against DLJSC,  as the underwriter
        of the units and as an owner of 7.3% of the common stock of Rickel,  Eos
        Partners, L.P., and General Electric Capital Corporation, each as owners
        of 44.2% of the  common  stock of  Rickel,  and  members of the Board of
        Directors of Rickel,  including a DLJSC Managing Director. The complaint
        seeks to hold  DLJSC  liable for  alleged  misstatements  and  omissions
        contained  in  the  prospectus  and  registration   statement  filed  in
        connection with the offering of the units,  alleging that the defendants
        knew of financial  losses and a decline in value of Rickel in the months
        prior  to the  offering  and  did not  disclose  such  information.  The
        complaint  also  alleges  that  Rickel  failed  to pay  its  semi-annual
        interest  payment due on the units on December  15, 1995 and that Rickel
        filed a voluntary petition for reorganization  pursuant to Chapter 11 of
        the United States  Bankruptcy Code on January 10, 1996. DLJSC intends to
        defend itself vigorously against all of the allegations contained in the
        complaint.  Although there can be no assurance, DLJ does not believe the
        outcome of this  litigation  will have a material  adverse effect on its
        financial condition. Due to the early stage of this litigation, based on
        the information  currently available to it, DLJ's management cannot make
        an estimate of loss, if any, or predict  whether or not such  litigation
        will have a material  adverse  effect on DLJ's  results of operations in
        any particular period.

        In October  1995,  DLJSC was named as a defendant  in a purported  class
        action  filed in a Texas  State Court on behalf of the holders of $550.0
        million principal amount of subordinated  redeemable discount debentures
        of National  Gypsum  Corporation  ("NGC")  canceled in connection with a
        Chapter 11 plan of reorganization  for NGC consummated in July 1993. The
        named  plaintiff  in the State  Court  action  also  filed an  adversary
        proceeding in the  Bankruptcy  Court for the Northern  District of Texas
        seeking  a   declaratory   judgment  that  the  confirmed  NGC  plan  of
        reorganization  does not bar the class action claims.  Subsequent to the
        consummation  of NGC's plan of  reorganization,  NGC's shares traded for
        values  substantially  in excess of, and in 1995 NGC was  acquired for a
        value  substantially  in excess of, the values  upon which NGC's plan of
        reorganization   was  based.  The  two  actions  arise  out  of  DLJSC's
        activities as financial advisor to NGC in the course of NGC's Chapter 11
        reorganization proceedings.  The class action complaint alleges that the
        plan of  reorganization  submitted by NGC was based upon  projections by
        NGC and DLJSC which intentionally  understated  forecasts,  and provided
        misleading  and incorrect  information in order to hide NGC's true value
        and that  defendants  breached  their  fiduciary  duties by, among other
        things,   providing  false,  misleading  or  incomplete  information  to
        deliberately  understate  the value of NGC. The class  action  complaint
        seeks  compensatory  and punitive damages  purportedly  sustained by the
        class. The Texas State Court action, which

                                      F-37
<PAGE>

        had been removed to the Bankruptcy  Court, has been remanded back to the
        state court,  which remand is being  opposed by DLJSC.  DLJSC intends to
        defend itself vigorously against all of the allegations contained in the
        complaint. Although there can be no assurance, DLJ does not believe that
        the ultimate  outcome of this  litigation  will have a material  adverse
        effect  on its  financial  condition.  Due to the  early  stage  of such
        litigation,  based upon the information currently available to it, DLJ's
        management  cannot make an estimate of loss, if any, or predict  whether
        or not such  litigation  will have a  material  adverse  effect on DLJ's
        results of operations in any particular period.

        In November and December 1995, DLJSC,  along with various other parties,
        was named as a defendant in a number of purported class actions filed in
        the U.S.  District  Court for the  Eastern  District of  Louisiana.  The
        complaints allege violations of the Federal  securities laws arising out
        of a public  offering in 1994 of $435.0  million of first mortgage notes
        of Harrah's Jazz Company and Harrah's Jazz Finance Corp.  The complaints
        seek  to  hold  DLJSC  liable  for  various  alleged  misstatements  and
        omissions  contained in the  prospectus  dated  November 9, 1994.  DLJSC
        intends  to defend  itself  vigorously  against  all of the  allegations
        contained in the  complaints.  Although  there can be no assurance,  DLJ
        does not believe that the ultimate  outcome of this litigation will have
        a material adverse effect on its financial  condition.  Due to the early
        stage of this litigation, based upon the information currently available
        to it,  DLJ's  management  cannot make an  estimate of loss,  if any, or
        predict  whether or not such  litigation  will have a  material  adverse
        effect on DLJ's results of operations in any particular period.

        In addition  to the  matters  described  above,  Equitable  Life and its
        subsidiaries  and DLJ and its subsidiaries are involved in various legal
        actions and proceedings in connection with their businesses. Some of the
        actions and  proceedings  have been brought on behalf of various alleged
        classes of  claimants  and certain of these  claimants  seek  damages of
        unspecified  amounts.  While the ultimate outcome of such matters cannot
        be predicted with certainty, in the opinion of management no such matter
        is  likely  to  have  a  material   adverse   effect  on  the  Company's
        consolidated financial position or results of operations.

15)     LEASES

        The Company  has  entered  into  operating  leases for office  space and
        certain other assets,  principally data processing  equipment and office
        furniture and  equipment.  Future minimum  payments under  noncancelable
        leases for 1997 and the succeeding four years are $113.7 million, $110.6
        million, $100.3 million, $72.3 million, $59.3 million and $427.3 million
        thereafter. Minimum future sublease rental income on these noncancelable
        leases for 1997 and the  succeeding  four years are $9.8  million,  $6.0
        million,  $4.5  million,  $2.4  million,  $.8  million  and $.1  million
        thereafter.

        At December 31, 1996, the minimum future rental income on  noncancelable
        operating  leases for wholly owned  investments  in real estate for 1997
        and the succeeding four years are $263.0 million, $242.1 million, $219.8
        million, $194.3 million, $174.6 million and $847.1 million thereafter.

                                      F-38
<PAGE>

16)     OTHER OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES

        Other operating costs and expenses consisted of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Compensation costs.................................  $       647.3       $      595.9       $      687.5
        Commissions........................................          329.5              314.3              313.0
        Short-term debt interest expense...................            8.0               11.4               19.0
        Long-term debt interest expense....................          137.3              108.1               98.3
        Amortization of policy acquisition costs...........          405.2              317.8              313.4
        Capitalization of policy acquisition costs.........         (391.9)            (391.0)            (410.9)
        Rent expense, net of sub-lease income..............          113.7              109.3              116.0
        Other..............................................          798.9              710.0              721.4
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total..............................................  $     2,048.0       $    1,775.8       $    1,857.7
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        During 1996, 1995 and 1994, the Company  restructured certain operations
        in  connection  with  cost  reduction   programs  and  recorded  pre-tax
        provisions  of  $24.4   million,   $32.0  million  and  $20.4   million,
        respectively.  The  amounts  paid  during  1996,  associated  with  cost
        reduction  programs,  totaled $17.7  million.  At December 31, 1996, the
        liabilities  associated with cost reduction  programs  amounted to $44.5
        million.  The 1996 cost reduction program included  restructuring  costs
        related to the consolidation of insurance  operations'  service centers.
        The 1995 cost reduction program included relocation expenses,  including
        the accelerated  amortization of building  improvements  associated with
        the  relocation  of the home  office.  The 1994 cost  reduction  program
        included costs  associated with the termination of operating  leases and
        employee  severance  benefits in connection with the consolidation of 16
        insurance agencies. Amortization of DAC included $145.0 million writeoff
        of DAC related to DI contracts in the fourth quarter of 1996.

17)     INSURANCE GROUP STATUTORY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

        Equitable  Life is  restricted as to the amounts it may pay as dividends
        to  the  Holding  Company.   Under  the  New  York  Insurance  Law,  the
        Superintendent  has broad discretion to determine  whether the financia1
        condition of a stock life insurance company would support the payment of
        dividends to its  shareholders.  For 1996, 1995 and 1994,  statutory net
        (loss) earnings  totaled  $(351.1)  million,  $(352.4) million and $67.5
        million,  respectively.  No amounts  are  expected to be  available  for
        dividends from Equitable Life to the Holding Company in 1997.

        At December 31, 1996, the Insurance  Group,  in accordance  with various
        government  and state  regulations,  had  $21.9  million  of  securities
        deposited with such government or state agencies.

                                      F-39
<PAGE>

        Accounting  practices used to prepare statutory financial statements for
        regulatory  filings of stock life insurance  companies differ in certain
        instances   from  GAAP.   The  New  York   Insurance   Department   (the
        "Department")   recognizes  only  statutory   accounting  practices  for
        determining  and  reporting  the  financial  condition  and  results  of
        operations of an insurance  company,  for determining its solvency under
        the New York  Insurance Law, and for  determining  whether its financial
        condition  warrants  the payment of a dividend to its  stockholders.  No
        consideration  is  given  by  the  Department  to  financial  statements
        prepared  in  accordance  with GAAP in making such  determinations.  The
        following  reconciles  the  Company's  statutory  change in surplus  and
        capital  stock and  statutory  surplus and capital  stock  determined in
        accordance with accounting  practices  prescribed by the Department with
        net earnings and equity on a GAAP basis.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Net change in statutory surplus and capital stock..  $        56.0       $       78.1       $      292.4
        Change in asset valuation reserves.................          (48.4)             365.7             (285.2)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Net change in statutory surplus, capital stock
          and asset valuation reserves.....................            7.6              443.8                7.2
        Adjustments:
          Future policy benefits and policyholders'
            account balances...............................         (298.5)             (66.0)              (5.3)
          DAC..............................................          (13.3)              73.2               97.5
          Deferred Federal income taxes....................          108.0             (158.1)             (58.7)
          Valuation of investments.........................          289.8              189.1               45.2
          Valuation of investment subsidiary...............         (117.7)            (188.6)             396.6
          Limited risk reinsurance.........................           92.5              416.9               74.9
          Contribution from the Holding Company............            -                  -               (300.0)
          Issuance of surplus notes........................            -               (538.9)               -
          Postretirement benefits..........................           28.9              (26.7)              17.1
          Other, net.......................................           12.4              115.1              (44.0)
          GAAP adjustments of Closed Block.................           (9.8)              15.7               (9.5)
          GAAP adjustments of discontinued GIC
            Segment........................................          (89.6)              37.3               42.8
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Net Earnings of the Insurance Group................  $        10.3       $      312.8       $      263.8
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 DECEMBER 31,
                                                            --------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Statutory surplus and capital stock................  $     2,258.9       $    2,202.9       $    2,124.8
        Asset valuation reserves...........................        1,297.5            1,345.9              980.2
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Statutory surplus, capital stock and asset
          valuation reserves...............................        3,556.4            3,548.8            3,105.0
        Adjustments:
          Future policy benefits and policyholders'
            account balances...............................       (1,305.0)          (1,006.5)            (940.5)
          DAC..............................................        3,104.9            3,075.8            3,219.4
          Deferred Federal income taxes....................         (306.1)            (452.0)             (29.4)
          Valuation of investments.........................          286.8              417.7             (794.1)
          Valuation of investment subsidiary...............         (782.8)            (665.1)            (476.5)
          Limited risk reinsurance.........................         (336.5)            (429.0)            (845.9)
          Issuance of surplus notes........................         (539.0)            (538.9)               -
          Postretirement benefits..........................         (314.4)            (343.3)            (316.6)
          Other, net.......................................          126.3                4.4              (79.2)
          GAAP adjustments of Closed Block.................          783.7              830.8              740.4
          GAAP adjustments of discontinued GIC
            Segment........................................         (190.3)            (184.6)            (221.9)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Equity of the Insurance Group......................  $     4,084.0       $    4,258.1       $    3,360.7
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

                                      F-40
<PAGE>

18)     BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION

        The Company has two major business  segments:  Insurance  Operations and
        Investment  Services.  Interest  expense related to debt not specific to
        either  business  segment is presented as  Corporate  interest  expense.
        Information for all periods is presented on a comparable basis.

        The  Insurance  Operations  segment  offers a  variety  of  traditional,
        variable and  interest-sensitive  life  insurance  products,  disability
        income,  annuity products,  mutual fund and other investment products to
        individuals and small groups and administers  traditional  participating
        group  annuity  contracts  with  conversion   features,   generally  for
        corporate  qualified  pension plans, and association plans which provide
        full  service  retirement  programs  for  individuals   affiliated  with
        professional  and trade  associations.  This segment  includes  Separate
        Accounts for individual insurance and annuity products.

        The Investment  Services  segment  provides  investment fund management,
        primarily to institutional  clients. This segment includes the Company's
        equity  interest in DLJ and  Separate  Accounts  which  provide  various
        investment  options for group  clients  through  pooled or single  group
        accounts.

        Intersegment  investment advisory and other fees of approximately $127.5
        million,  $124.1  million and $135.3  million  for 1996,  1995 and 1994,
        respectively,  are included in total revenues of the Investment Services
        segment.  These fees,  excluding amounts related to the discontinued GIC
        Segment of $15.7 million, $14.7 million and $27.4 million for 1996, 1995
        and 1994, respectively, are eliminated in consolidation.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Revenues
        Insurance operations...............................  $     3,742.9       $    3,614.6       $    3,507.4
        Investment services................................        1,126.1              949.1              935.2
        Consolidation/elimination..........................          (24.5)             (34.9)             (27.2)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total..............................................  $     4,844.5       $    4,528.8       $    4,415.4
                                                            =================   ================   =================
        Earnings (loss) from continuing  operations
          before Federal income taxes, minority interest
          and cumulative effect of accounting change
        Insurance operations...............................  $       (36.6)      $      303.1       $      327.5
        Investment services................................          311.9              224.0              227.9
        Consolidation/elimination..........................             .2               (3.1)                .3
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
              Subtotal.....................................          275.5              524.0              555.7
        Corporate interest expense.........................          (66.9)             (27.9)            (114.2)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total..............................................  $       208.6       $      496.1       $      441.5
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

                                                   DECEMBER 31,
                                        ------------------------------------
                                             1996                1995
                                        ----------------   -----------------
                                                   (IN MILLIONS)

        Assets
        Insurance operations...........  $    60,464.9      $    56,720.5
        Investment services............       13,542.5           12,842.9
        Consolidation/elimination......         (399.6)            (354.4)
                                        ----------------   -----------------
        Total..........................  $    73,607.8      $    69,209.0
                                        ================   =================

                                      F-41
<PAGE>

19)     QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

        The quarterly  results of operations  for 1996 and 1995,  are summarized
        below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                       ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           MARCH 31           JUNE 30           SEPTEMBER 30          DECEMBER 31
                                       -----------------  -----------------   ------------------   ------------------
                                                                        (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                            <C>                <C>                 <C>                  <C>         
        1996
        ----
        Total Revenues................  $     1,169.7      $     1,193.6       $    1,193.6         $    1,287.6
                                       =================  =================   ==================   ==================
        Earnings (Loss) from
          Continuing Operations
          before Cumulative Effect
          of Accounting Change........  $        94.8      $        87.1       $       93.2         $     (157.9)
                                       =================  =================   ==================   ==================
        Net Earnings (Loss)...........  $        71.7      $        87.1       $       93.2         $     (241.7)
                                       =================  =================   ==================   ==================
        1995
        ----
        Total Revenues................  $     1,079.1      $     1,164.0       $    1,138.8         $    1,146.9
                                       =================  =================   ==================   ==================
        Net Earnings..................  $        66.3      $       101.7       $      100.2         $       44.6
                                       =================  =================   ==================   ==================
</TABLE>

        The quarterly results of operations for 1996 and 1995 have been restated
        to reflect the Company's accounting change adopted in the fourth quarter
        of 1996 for  long-duration  participating  life  contracts in accordance
        with the  provisions  prescribed  by SFAS No. 120.  Net earnings for the
        three months ended December 31, 1996 includes a charge of $339.3 million
        related to writeoffs of DAC on DI  contracts of $94.3  million,  reserve
        strengthening  on DI  business of $113.7  million,  pension par of $47.5
        million and the discontinued GIC Segment of $83.8 million.

20)     INVESTMENT IN DLJ

        On December  15,  1993,  the Company  sold a 61%  interest in DLJ to the
        Holding Company for $800.0 million in cash and securities. The excess of
        the  proceeds  over the book  value in DLJ at the date of sale of $340.2
        million  has been  reflected  as a capital  contribution.  In 1995,  DLJ
        completed the initial public offering ("IPO") of 10.58 million shares of
        its common stock,  which included 7.28 million of the Holding  Company's
        shares in DLJ,  priced at $27 per share.  Concurrent  with the IPO,  the
        Company  contributed  equity  securities to DLJ having a market value of
        $21.2  million.  Upon  completion  of the IPO, the  Company's  ownership
        percentage was reduced to 36.1%. The Company's  ownership  interest will
        be further  reduced  upon the issuance of common stock after the vesting
        of forfeitable restricted stock units acquired by and/or the exercise of
        options  granted to certain DLJ employees.  DLJ  restricted  stock units
        represents  forfeitable  rights to  receive  approximately  5.2  million
        shares of DLJ common stock through February 2000.

        The results of  operations  of DLJ are accounted for on the equity basis
        and  are  included  in  commissions,   fees  and  other  income  in  the
        consolidated statements of earnings. The Company's carrying value of DLJ
        is included in investment in and loans to affiliates in the consolidated
        balance sheets.

                                      F-42
<PAGE>

        Summarized  balance  sheets  information  for  DLJ,  reconciled  to  the
        Company's carrying value of DLJ, are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                ------------------------------------
                                                                                     1996                1995
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                           (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                                     <C>                <C>         
        Assets:
        Trading account securities, at market value............................  $   15,728.1       $   10,821.3
        Securities purchased under resale agreements...........................      20,598.7           18,748.2
        Broker-dealer related receivables......................................      16,525.9           13,023.7
        Other assets...........................................................       2,651.0            1,983.3
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Total Assets...........................................................  $   55,503.7       $   44,576.5
                                                                                ================   =================
        Liabilities:
        Securities sold under repurchase agreements............................  $   29,378.3       $   26,744.8
        Broker-dealer related payables.........................................      19,409.7           12,915.5
        Short-term and long-term debt..........................................       2,704.5            1,742.0
        Other liabilities......................................................       2,164.0            1,750.5
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Total liabilities......................................................      53,656.5           43,152.8
        Cumulative exchangeable preferred stock................................           -                225.0
        DLJ's company-obligated mandatorily redeemed preferred
          securities of subsidiary trust holding solely debentures of DLJ......         200.0                -
        Total shareholders' equity.............................................       1,647.2            1,198.7
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Total Liabilities, Cumulative Exchangeable Preferred Stock and
          Shareholders' Equity.................................................  $   55,503.7       $   44,576.5
                                                                                ================   =================
        DLJ's equity as reported...............................................  $    1,647.2       $    1,198.7
        Unamortized cost in excess of net assets acquired in 1985
          and other adjustments................................................          23.9               40.5
        The Holding Company's equity ownership in DLJ..........................        (590.2)            (499.0)
        Minority interest in DLJ...............................................        (588.6)            (324.3)
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        The Company's Carrying Value of DLJ....................................  $      492.3       $      415.9
                                                                                ================   =================
</TABLE>

        Summarized  statements of earnings information for DLJ reconciled to the
        Company's equity in earnings of DLJ is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     1996                1995
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                           (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                                     <C>                <C>         
        Commission, fees and other income......................................  $    1,818.2       $    1,325.9
        Net investment income..................................................       1,074.2              904.1
        Dealer, trading and investment gains, net..............................         598.4              528.6
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Total revenues.........................................................       3,490.8            2,758.6
        Total expenses including income taxes..................................       3,199.5            2,579.5
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Net earnings...........................................................         291.3              179.1
        Dividends on preferred stock...........................................          18.7               19.9
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Earnings Applicable to Common Shares...................................  $      272.6       $      159.2
                                                                                ================   =================
        DLJ's earnings applicable to common shares as reported.................  $      272.6       $      159.2
        Amortization of cost in excess of net assets acquired in 1985..........          (3.1)              (3.9)
        The Holding Company's equity in DLJ's earnings.........................        (107.8)             (90.4)
        Minority interest in DLJ...............................................         (73.4)              (6.5)
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        The Company's Equity in DLJ's Earnings.................................  $       88.3       $       58.4
                                                                                ================   =================
</TABLE>

                                      F-43
<PAGE>

21)     ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

        The  Holding  Company  sponsors a stock  option  plan for  employees  of
        Equitable  Life.  DLJ and Alliance  each sponsor  their own stock option
        plans for certain employees.  The Company elected to continue to account
        for stock-based compensation using the intrinsic value method prescribed
        in APB Opinion No. 25. Had  compensation  expense of the Company's stock
        option  incentive plans for options granted after December 31, 1994 been
        determined  based on the  estimated  fair  value at the grant  dates for
        awards  under those  plans,  the  Company's  pro forma net  earnings and
        earnings per share for 1996 and 1995 would have been as follows:

                                    1996              1995
                               ---------------   ---------------
                                        (IN MILLIONS)
        Net Earnings
          As Reported.........  $       10.3      $     312.8
          Pro Forma...........  $        3.2      $     311.3

        The fair value of options and units  granted  after  December  31, 1994,
        used as a basis for the above pro forma disclosures, was estimated as of
        the date of grants using Black-Scholes option pricing models. The option
        and unit pricing assumptions for 1996 and 1995 are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      HOLDING COMPANY                    DLJ                        ALLIANCE
                                  -------------------------   --------------------------  -----------------------------
                                     1996          1995          1996          1995           1996            1995
                                  -----------   -----------   -----------   ------------  -------------   -------------
        <S>                        <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>          <C>             <C>       
        Dividend yield...........     0.80%         0.96%         1.54%         1.85%         8.0%            8.0%
        Expected volatility......    20.00%        20.00%        25.00%        25.00%        23.00%          23.00%
        Risk-free interest rate..     5.92%         6.83%         6.07%         5.86%         5.80%           6.00%

        Expected Life............  5 YEARS       5 years       5 YEARS        5 years      7.43 YEARS      7.43 years
        Weighted fair value
          per option granted.....    $6.94         $5.90         $9.35          -            $2.69           $2.24
</TABLE>

                                      F-44
<PAGE>

        A  summary  of the  Holding  Company  and DLJ  stock  option  plans  and
        Alliance's Unit option plans are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          HOLDING COMPANY                       DLJ                           ALLIANCE
                                    -----------------------------   -----------------------------   -----------------------------
                                                      Options                         Options                         Options
                                                    Outstanding                     Outstanding                     Outstanding
                                                      Weighted                        Weighted                        Weighted
                                                      Average                         Average                         Average
                                      Shares         Exercise          Shares        Exercise           Units         Exercise
                                    (In Millions)      Price        (In Millions)     Price         (In Millions)      Price
                                    -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
        <S>                         <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
        Balance as of
          January 1, 1994........         6.1                             -                               3.2
          Granted................          .7                             -                               1.2
          Exercised..............         -                               -                               (.5)
          Forfeited..............         -                               -                               (.1)
                                    -------------                   -------------                   -------------
        Balance as of
          December 31, 1994......         6.8                             -                               3.8
          Granted................          .4                             9.2                             1.8
          Exercised..............         (.1)                            -                               (.5)
          Expired................         (.1)                            -                               -
          Forfeited..............         (.3)                            -                               (.3)
                                    -------------                   -------------                   -------------
        Balance as of
          December 31, 1995......         6.7           $20.27            9.2          $27.00             4.8           $17.72
          Granted................          .7           $24.94            2.1          $32.54              .7           $25.12
          Exercised..............         (.1)          $19.91            -              -                (.4)          $13.64
          Expired................         (.6)          $20.21            -              -                -               -
          Forfeited..............         -               -               (.2)         $27.00             (.1)          $19.32
                                    -------------                   -------------                   -------------
        Balance as of
          December 31, 1996......         6.7           $20.79           11.1          $28.06             5.0           $19.07
                                    =============   =============   =============   =============   =============   =============
</TABLE>

                                      F-45
<PAGE>

        Information  with  respect  to stock and unit  options  outstanding  and
        exercisable at December 31, 1996 is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      Options Outstanding                                          Options Exercisable
        -------------------------------------------------------------------------------    --------------------------------------
                                                       Weighted
                                                        Average           Weighted                                 Weighted
              Range of               Number            Remaining           Average               Number             Average
              Exercise            Outstanding         Contractual         Exercise            Exercisable           Exercise
               Prices            (In Millions)        Life (Years)          Price            (In Millions)           Price
        ---------------------   -----------------   ---------------   -----------------    -------------------   ----------------
        <S>                     <C>                 <C>               <C>                  <C>                   <C>
               Holding
               Company
        ---------------------
        $18.125-$27.75                 6.7                 7.00             $20.79                3.4                $20.18
                                =================   ===============   =================    ===================   ================

                 DLJ
        ---------------------
        $27.00-$33.50                 11.1                 9.00             $28.06                -                    -
                                =================   ===============   =================    ===================   ================

              Alliance
        ---------------------
        $ 6.0625-$15.9375              1.3                 4.76             $12.97                1.2                $12.58
        $16.3125-$19.75                1.1                 8.19             $19.13                 .2                $18.69
        $19.875 -$19.875               1.0                 7.36             $19.88                 .4                $19.88
        $20.75  -$24.375                .9                 8.46             $22.05                 .3                $21.84
        $24.375 -$25.125                .7                 9.96             $25.13                -                    -
                                -----------------                                          -------------------  
        $ 6.0625-$25.125               5.0                 7.43             $19.07                2.1                $15.84
                                =================   ===============   =================    ===================   ================
</TABLE>

                                      F-46
<PAGE>
   
                        INCOME MANAGER(SM) ROLLOVER IRA
                      STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
    

                                  MAY 1, 1997
                          ---------------------------
   
                           COMBINATION VARIABLE AND
                      FIXED DEFERRED ANNUITY CERTIFICATES
                              FUNDED THROUGH THE
                               INVESTMENT FUNDS
                          OF SEPARATE ACCOUNT NO. 45
    
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  EQUITY SERIES 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
DOMESTIC EQUITY                      INTERNATIONAL EQUITY                       AGGRESSIVE EQUITY 
<S>                                  <C>                                        <C>
 Alliance Common Stock                Alliance Global                            Alliance Aggressive Stock 
 Alliance Growth & Income             Alliance International                     Alliance Small Cap Growth 
 EQ/Putnam Growth & Income Value      Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Equity     MFS Emerging Growth Companies 
 MFS Research                         T. Rowe Price International Stock          Warburg Pincus Small Company Value 
 Merrill Lynch Basic Value Equity 
 T. Rowe Price Equity Income 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
</TABLE>
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ASSET ALLOCATION SERIES                               FIXED INCOME SERIES 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
<S>                                     <C>                          <C>
Alliance Conservative Investors           AGGRESSIVE FIXED INCOME      DOMESTIC FIXED INCOME 
Alliance Growth Investors                 Alliance High Yield          Alliance Intermediate Government Securities 
EQ/Putnam Balanced                                                     Alliance Money Market 
Merrill Lynch World Strategy 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
</TABLE>
    
                                  ISSUED BY:
           THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
     Home Office:           1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10104 
     Processing Office:     Post Office Box 1547, Secaucus, NJ 07096-1547 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            
This statement of additional information (SAI) is not a prospectus. It should 
be read in conjunction with the Separate Account No. 45 prospectus supplement 
for the Rollover IRA, dated May 1, 1997 and the prospectus for the Rollover 
IRA, dated May 1, 1996. Definitions of special terms used in the SAI are 
found in the prospectus. 
    

   A copy of the prospectus is available free of charge by writing the 
Processing Office, by calling 1-800-789-7771, toll-free, or by contacting 
your Registered Representative. 

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                      STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           PAGE 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
<S>                                                                                       <C>
Part 1 Minimum Distribution Withdrawals                                                      2 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Part 2 Accumulation Unit Values                                                              2 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Part 3 Annuity Unit Values                                                                   2 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Part 4 Custodian and Independent Accountants                                                 3 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Part 5 Alliance Money Market Fund and Alliance Intermediate Government Securities Fund 
        Yield Information                                                                    3 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Part 6 Long-Term Market Trends                                                               5 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Part 7 Financial Statements                                                                  7 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
</TABLE>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                Copyright 1997
          The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States,
                           New York, New York 10104.
                             All rights reserved.

                                           
<PAGE>
PART 1 - MINIMUM DISTRIBUTION
 WITHDRAWALS 

If you elect Minimum Distribution Withdrawals described in Part 6 of the 
prospectus, each year we calculate the Minimum Distribution Withdrawal amount 
by using the value of your IRA as of December 31 of the prior calendar year. 
We then calculate the minimum distribution amount based on the various 
choices you make. This calculation takes into account withdrawals made during 
the current calendar year but prior to the date we determine your Minimum 
Distribution Withdrawal amount, except that when Minimum Distribution 
Withdrawals are elected in the year in which you attain age 71 1/2, no 
adjustment will be made for any withdrawals made between January 1 and April 
1 in satisfaction of the minimum distribution requirement for the prior year. 

An election can also be made (1) to have us recalculate your life expectancy, 
or joint life expectancies, each year or (2) to have us determine your life 
expectancy, or joint life expectancies, once and then subtract one year, each 
year, from that amount. The joint life options are only available if the 
spouse is the beneficiary. However, if you first elect Minimum Distribution 
Withdrawals after April 1 of the year following the calendar year in which 
you attain age 70 1/2, option (1) will apply. 

PART 2 - ACCUMULATION 
 UNIT VALUES 

Accumulation Unit Values are determined at the end of each Valuation Period 
for each of the Investment Funds. Other annuity contracts and certificates 
which may be offered by us will have their own accumulation unit values for 
the Investment Funds which may be different from those for the Rollover IRA. 

The Accumulation Unit Value for an Investment Fund for any Valuation Period 
is equal to the Accumulation Unit Value for the preceding Valuation Period 
multiplied by the Net Investment Factor for that Investment Fund for that 
Valuation Period. The NET INVESTMENT FACTOR is (a) -c where: 
                                                b 

(a)    is the value of the Investment Fund's shares of the corresponding 
       Portfolio at the end of the Valuation Period before giving effect to 
       any amounts allocated to or withdrawn from the Investment Fund for the 
       Valuation Period. For this purpose, we use the share value reported to 
       us by HR Trust or EQ Trust, as applicable. 

(b)    is the value of the Investment Fund's shares of the corresponding 
       Portfolio at the end of the preceding Valuation Period (after any 
       amounts allocated or withdrawn for that Valuation Period). 

(c)    is the daily Separate Account mortality and expense risk charge and 
       asset based administrative charge relating to the Certificates, times 
       the number of calendar days in the Valuation Period. These daily 
       charges are at an effective annual rate not to exceed a total of 1.15%. 

PART 3 - ANNUITY UNIT VALUES 

The annuity unit value was fixed at $1.00 on May 1, 1995 for Certificates 
with assumed base rates of net investment return of both 5% and 3 1/2% a 
year. For each Valuation Period after that date, it is the annuity unit value 
for the immediately preceding Valuation Period multiplied by the adjusted Net 
Investment Factor under the Certificate. For each Valuation Period, the 
adjusted Net Investment Factor is equal to the Net Investment Factor reduced 
for each day in the Valuation Period by: 

o      .00013366 of the Net Investment Factor if the assumed base rate of net 
       investment return is 5% a year; or 

o      .00009425 of the Net Investment Factor if the assumed base rate of net 
       investment return is 3 1/2%. 

Because of this adjustment, the annuity unit value rises and falls depending 
on whether the actual rate of net investment return (after deduction of 
charges) is higher or lower than the assumed base rate. 

All Certificates have a 5% assumed base rate of net investment return, except 
in states where that rate is not permitted. Annuity payments under 
Certificates with an assumed base rate of 3 1/2% will at first be smaller 
than those under Certificates with a 5% assumed base rate. Payments under the 
3 1/2% Certificates, however, will rise more rapidly when unit values are 
rising, and payments will fall more slowly when unit values are falling than 
those under 5% Certificates. 

                                       2

<PAGE>
The amounts of variable annuity payments are determined as follows: 

Payments normally start on the Business Day specified on your election form, 
or on such other future date as specified therein and are made on a monthly 
basis. The first three payments are of equal amounts. Each of the first three 
payments will be based on the amount specified in the Tables of Guaranteed 
Annuity Payments in the Certificate. 

The first three payments depend on the assumed base rate of net investment 
return and the form of annuity chosen (and any fixed period). If the annuity 
involved a life contingency, the risk class and the age of the annuitants 
will affect payments. 

The amount of the fourth and each later payment will vary according to the 
investment performance of the Alliance Common Stock Fund. Each monthly 
payment will be calculated by multiplying the number of annuity units 
credited by the average annuity unit value for the second calendar month 
immediately preceding the due date of the payment. The number of units is 
calculated by dividing the first monthly payment by the annuity unit value 
for the Valuation Period which includes the due date of the first monthly 
payment. The average annuity unit value is the average of the annuity unit 
values for the Valuation Periods ending in that month. Variable income 
annuities may also be available by separate prospectus through the Alliance 
Common Stock or other Funds of other separate accounts we offer. 

Illustration of Changes in Annuity Unit Values. To show how we determine 
variable annuity payments from month to month, assume that the Annuity 
Account Value on an Annuity Commencement Date is enough to fund an annuity 
with a monthly payment of $363 and that the annuity unit value for the 
Valuation Period that includes the due date of the first annuity payment is 
$1.05. The number of annuity units credited under the contract would be 
345.71 (363 divided by 1.05 = 345.71). 

If the fourth monthly payment is due in March, and the average annuity unit 
value for January was $1.10, the annuity payment for March would be the 
number of units (345.71) times the average annuity unit value ($1.10), or 
$380.28. If the average annuity unit value was $1 in February, the annuity 
payment for April would be 345.71 times $1, or $345.71. 

PART 4 - CUSTODIAN AND 
 INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS 

Equitable Life is the custodian for shares of the HR Trust and EQ Trust owned 
by the Separate Account. 

The financial statements of the Separate Account for the period ended 
December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the consolidated financial statements and 
consolidated financial statement schedules of Equitable Life at December 31, 
1996 and 1995 and for each of the three years ended December 31, 1996 
included in the SAI have been audited by Price Waterhouse LLP. 

The financial statements of the Separate Account for the period ended 
December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the consolidated financial statements and 
consolidated financial statement schedules of Equitable Life at December 31, 
1996 and 1995 and for each of the three years ended December 31, 1996 
included in this SAI have been so included in reliance on the reports of 
Price Waterhouse LLP, independent accountants, given on the authority of such 
firm as experts in accounting and auditing. 

PART 5 - ALLIANCE MONEY 
 MARKET FUND AND 
 ALLIANCE INTERMEDIATE 
 GOVERNMENT SECURITIES 
 FUND YIELD INFORMATION 

Alliance Money Market Fund 

The Alliance Money Market Fund calculates yield information for seven-day 
periods. The seven-day current yield calculation is based on a hypothetical 
Certificate with one Accumulation Unit at the beginning of the period. To 
determine the seven-day rate of return, the net change in the Accumulation 
Unit Value is computed by subtracting the Accumulation Unit Value at the 
beginning of the period from an Accumulation Unit Value, exclusive of capital 
changes, at the end of the period. 

The net change is then reduced by the average contract fee factor (explained 
below). This reduction is made to recognize the deduction of the annual 
contract fee, which is not reflected in the unit value. See "Annual Contract 
Fee" in Part 7 of the prospectus. 

   
Accumulation Unit Values reflect all other accrued expenses of the Alliance 
Money Market Fund but do not reflect the distribution fee, the withdrawal 
charge, the guaranteed minimum death benefit charge or any charges for 
applicable taxes such as state or local premium taxes. 
    

                                       3


<PAGE>
The adjusted net change is divided by the Accumulation Unit Value at the 
beginning of the period to obtain the adjusted base period rate of return. 
This seven-day adjusted base period return is then multiplied by 365/7 to 
produce an annualized seven-day current yield figure carried to the nearest 
one-hundredth of one percent. 

The actual dollar amount of the annual contract fee that is deducted from the 
Alliance Money Market Fund will vary for each Certificate depending upon the 
percentage of the Annuity Account Value allocated to the Alliance Money 
Market Fund. To determine the effect of the annual contract fee on the yield, 
we start with the total dollar amounts of the charges deducted from the Fund 
during the 12-month period ending on the last day of the prior year. The 
amount is multiplied by 7/365 to produce an average contract fee factor which 
is used in all weekly yield computations for the ensuing year. The average 
contract fee factor is then divided by the number of Rollover IRA Alliance 
Money Market Fund Accumulation Units as of the end of the prior calendar 
year, and the resulting quotient is deducted from the net change in 
Accumulation Unit Value for the seven-day period. 

The effective yield is obtained by modifying the current yield to give effect 
to the compounding nature of the Alliance Money Market Fund's investments, as 
follows: the unannualized adjusted base period return is compounded by adding 
one to the adjusted base period return, raising the sum to a power equal to 
365 divided by 7, and subtracting one from the result, i.e., effective yield 
= (base period return + 1) 365/7 - 1. The Alliance Money Market Fund yields 
will fluctuate daily. Accordingly, yields for any given period are not 
necessarily representative of future results. In addition, the value of 
Accumulation Units of the Alliance Money Market Fund will fluctuate and not 
remain constant. 

Alliance Intermediate Government Securities Fund 

The Alliance Intermediate Government Securities Fund calculates yield 
information for 30-day periods. The 30-day current yield calculation is based 
on a hypothetical Certificate with one Accumulation Unit at the beginning of 
the period. To determine the 30-day rate of return, the net change in the 
Accumulation Unit Value is computed by subtracting the Accumulation Unit 
Value at the beginning of the period from an Accumulation Unit Value, 
exclusive of capital changes, at the end of the period. 

The net change is then reduced by the average contract fee factor (explained 
below). This reduction is made to recognize the deduction of the annual 
contract fee, which is not reflected in the unit value. See "Annual Contract 
Fee" in Part 7 of the prospectus. 

   
Accumulation Unit Values reflect all other accrued expenses of the Alliance 
Intermediate Government Securities Fund but do not reflect the distribution 
fee, the withdrawal charge, the guaranteed minimum death benefit charge or 
any charges for applicable taxes such as state or local premium taxes. 
    

The adjusted net change is divided by the Accumulation Unit Value at the 
beginning of the period to obtain the adjusted base period rate of return. 
This 30-day adjusted base period return is then multiplied by 365/30 to 
produce an annualized 30-day current yield figure carried to the nearest 
one-hundredth of one percent. 

The actual dollar amount of the annual contract fee that is deducted from the 
Alliance Intermediate Government Securities Fund will vary for each 
Certificate depending upon the percentage of the Annuity Account Value 
allocated to the Alliance Intermediate Government Securities Fund. To 
determine the effect of the annual contract fee on the yield, we start with 
the total dollar amounts of the charges deducted from the Fund during the 
12-month period ending on the last day of the prior year. The amount is 
multiplied by 30/365 to produce an average contract fee factor which is used 
in all 30-day yield computations for the ensuing year. The average contract 
fee is then divided by the number of Rollover IRA Alliance ntermediate 
Government Securities Fund Accumulation Units as of the end of the prior 
calendar year, and the resulting quotient is deducted from the net change in 
Accumulation Unit Value for the 30-day period. 

The effective yield is obtained by modifying the current yield to give effect 
to the compounding nature of the Alliance Intermediate Government Securities 
Fund's investments, as follows: the unannualized adjusted base period return 
is compounded by adding one to the adjusted base period return, raising the 
sum to a power equal to 365 divided by 30, and subtracting one from the 
result, i.e., effective yield = (base period return + 1) 365/30 - 1. 
Alliance Intermediate Government Securities Fund yields will fluctuate daily. 
Accordingly, yields for any given period are not necessarily representative 
of future results. In addition, the 

                                       4


<PAGE>
value of Accumulation Units of the Alliance Intermediate Government 
Securities Fund will fluctuate and not remain constant. 

Alliance Money Market Fund and Alliance Intermediate Government Securities 
Fund Yield Information 

The Alliance Money Market Fund and Alliance Intermediate Government 
Securities Fund yields reflect charges that are not normally reflected in the 
yields of other investments and therefore may be lower when compared with 
yields of other investments. Alliance Money Market Fund and Alliance 
Intermediate Government Securities Fund yields should not be compared to the 
return on fixed rate investments which guarantee rates of interest for 
specified periods, such as the Guarantee Periods. Nor should the yield be 
compared to the yield of money market funds or government securities funds 
made available to the general public. 

   
The seven-day current yield for the Alliance Money Market Fund was 3.34% for 
the period ended December 31, 1996. The effective yield for that period was 
3.39%. 

The 30-day current yield for the Alliance Intermediate Government Securities 
Fund was 3.86% for the period ended December 31, 1996. The effective yield 
for that period was 3.93%. 
    

Because the above yields reflect the deduction of Separate Account expenses, 
including the annual administrative charge, they are lower than the 
corresponding yield figures for the Alliance Money Market Portfolio and 
Alliance Intermediate Government Securities Portfolio which reflect only the 
deduction of HR Trust-level expenses. 

PART 6 - LONG-TERM MARKET 
 TRENDS 

As a tool for understanding how different investment strategies may affect 
long-term results, it may be useful to consider the historical returns on 
different types of assets. The following charts present historical return 
trends for various types of securities. The information presented, while not 
directly related to the performance of the Investment Funds, helps to provide 
a perspective on the potential returns of different asset classes over 
different periods of time. By combining this information with knowledge of 
your own financial needs (e.g., the length of time until you retire, your 
financial requirements at retirement), you may be able to better determine 
how you wish to allocate contributions among the Rollover IRA Investment 
Funds. 

   
Historically, the long-term investment performance of common stocks has 
generally been superior to that of long-or short-term debt securities. For 
those investors who have many years until retirement, or whose primary focus 
is on long-term growth potential and protection against inflation, there may 
be advantages to allocating some or all of their Annuity Account Value to 
those Investment Funds that invest in stocks. 

                   Growth of $1 Invested on January 1, 1956 
                     (Values are as of last business day) 
 
[THE FOLLOWING TABLE WAS REPRESENTED AS A STACKED
AREA GRAPH IN THE PROSPECTUS]


- ------------------------------------------
		S&P 500
		TOTAL		U.S.
		RETURN		INFLATION
- ------------------------------------------
		INDEX		VALUE
- ------------------------------------------
Dec 1956      1.07        1.03
Dec 1957      0.95        1.06
Dec 1958      1.36        1.08
Dec 1959      1.53        1.09
Dec 1960      1.53        1.11
Dec 1961      1.95        1.12
Dec 1962      1.78        1.13
Dec 1963      2.18        1.15
Dec 1964      2.54        1.16
Dec 1965      2.86        1.19
Dec 1966      2.57	  1.23
Dec 1967      3.18	  1.26
Dec 1968      3.34        1.32
Dec 1969      3.24	  1.40
Dec 1970      3.37	  1.48
Dec 1971      3.85	  1.53
Dec 1972      4.58	  1.58
Dec 1973      3.91	  1.72
Dec 1974      2.87	  1.83
Dec 1975      3.94	  2.07
Dec 1976      4.88	  2.17
Dec 1977      4.53	  2.31
Dec 1978      4.83	  2.52
Dec 1979      5.72   	  2.86
Dec 1980      7.57	  3.21
Dec 1981      7.20	  3.50
Dec 1982      8.74	  3.64
Dec 1983     10.71	  3.77
Dec 1984     11.38	  3.92
Dec 1985     15.04	  4.07
Dec 1986     17.81	  4.12
Dec 1987     18.75	  4.30
Dec 1988     21.90	  4.49
Dec 1989     28.79	  4.70
Dec 1990     27.88 	  4.99
Dec 1991     36.40	  5.14
Dec 1992     39.19	  5.29
Dec 1993     43.10	  5.43
Dec 1994     43.67	  5.58
Dec 1995     60.01	  5.72
Dec 1996     73.86        5.92
- ------------------------------------------
[END OF GRAPHICALLY REPRESENTED DATA]

[BLACK] Common Stock   [WHITE] Inflation

Source: Ibbotson Associates, Inc. See discussion and information preceding 
and following chart. 

Over shorter periods of time, however, common stocks tend to be subject to 
more dramatic changes in value than fixed income (debt) securities. Investors 
who are nearing retirement age, or who have a need to limit short-term risk, 
may find it preferable to allocate a smaller percentage of their Annuity 
Account Value to those Investment Funds that invest in common stocks. The 
following graph illustrates the monthly fluctuations in value of $1 based on 
monthly returns of the Standard & Poor's 500 during 1990, a year that 
represents more typical volatility than 1996. 
    

                                      5


<PAGE>
                   Growth of $1 Invested on January 1, 1990 
                   (Values are as of the last business day) 

[THE FOLLOWING TABLE WAS REPRESENTED AS A SCATTER
GRAPH IN THE PROSPECTUS]

   
- ------------------------------------------
				S&P 500
		U.S. IT		TOTAL
		GVT TR		RETURN
- ------------------------------------------
		INDEX		INDEX
- ------------------------------------------
Jan 1990	0.99		0.93
Feb 1990	0.99		0.94
Mar 1990	0.99		0.97
Apr 1990	0.98		0.95
May 1990	1.01		1.04
Jun 1990	1.02		1.03
Jul 1990	1.04		1.03
Aug 1990	1.03		0.93
Sep 1990	1.04		0.89
Oct 1990	1.06		0.89
Nov 1990	1.08		0.94
Dec 1990	1.10		0.97
    

  Common Stock  Intermediate-Term Govt. Bonds

[END OF GRAPHICALLY REPRESENTED DATA]

Source: Ibbotson Associates, Inc. See discussion and information preceding 
        and following chart. 

   
The following chart illustrates average annual rates of return over selected 
time periods between December 31, 1926 and December 31, 1996 for different 
types of securities: common stocks, long-term government bonds, long-term 
corporate bonds, intermediate-term govern-ment bonds and U.S. Treasury Bills. 
For comparison purposes, the Consumer Price Index is shown as a measure of 
inflation. The average annual returns shown in the chart reflect capital 
appreciation and assume the reinvestment of dividends and interest. No 
investment management fees or expenses, and no charges typically associated 
with deferred annuity products, are reflected. 
    

The information presented is merely a summary of past experience for 
unmanaged groups of securities and is neither an estimate nor guarantee of 
future performance. Any invest ment in securities, whether equity or debt, 
involves varying degrees of potential risk, in addition to offering varying 
degrees of potential reward. 

The rates of return illustrated do not represent returns of the Separate 
Account. In addition, there is no assurance that the performance of the 
Investment Funds will correspond to rates of return such as those illustrated 
in the chart. 

For a comparative illustration of performance results of the Investment Funds 
(which reflect the Trust and Separate Account charges), see "Part 3: 
Investment Performance" in the prospectus. 

                                MARKET TRENDS:
                      ILLUSTRATIVE ANNUAL RATES OF RETURN
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      LONG-TERM   INTERMEDIATE- 
  FOR THE FOLLOWING PERIODS    COMMON    LONG-TERM    CORPORATE       TERM        U.S. TREASURY    CONSUMER 
       ENDING 12/31/96         STOCKS   GOVT. BONDS     BONDS      GOVT. BONDS        BILLS       PRICE INDEX 
- ---------------------------- -------- ------------- ----------- --------------- --------------- ------------- 
<S>                          <C>         <C>          <C>           <C>             <C>            <C>
1 Year                         23.07%      (0.93)%      1.40%         2.10%           5.21%          3.58% 
3 Years                        19.66        6.36        6.72          4.19            4.90           2.93 
5 Years                        15.20        8.98        8.52          6.17            4.22           2.89 
10 Years                       15.28        9.39        9.48          7.77            5.46           3.70 
20 Years                       14.55        9.54        9.71          9.14            7.28           5.15 
30 Years                       11.85        7.75        8.24          8.27            6.73           5.39 
40 Years                       11.18        6.51        6.99          7.08            5.80           4.47 
50 Years                       12.59        5.33        5.76          5.89            4.89           4.08 
60 Years                       11.19        5.06        5.38          5.32            4.10           4.13 
Since 12/31/26                 10.71        5.08        5.64          5.21            3.74           3.12 
Inflation adjusted since
  1926                          7.36        1.90        2.44          2.02            0.60             -- 
</TABLE>
    

   
SOURCE: Ibbotson, Roger G., and Rex A. Sinquefield, Stocks, Bonds, Bills, and 
Inflation (SBBI), 1982, updated in Stocks, Bonds, Bills and Inflation 1997 
Yearbook(Trademark), Ibbotson Associates, Inc., Chicago. All rights reserved. 
    

COMMON STOCKS (S&P 500)--Standard and Poor's Composite Index, an unmanaged 
weighted index of the stock performance of 500 industrial, transportation, 
utility and financial companies. 

LONG-TERM GOVERNMENT BONDS--Measured using a one-bond portfolio constructed 
each year containing a bond with approximately a twenty year maturity and a 
reasonably current coupon. 

LONG-TERM CORPORATE BONDS--For the period 1969-1995, represented by the 
Salomon Brothers Long-term, High-Grade Corporate Bond Index; for the period 
1946-1968, the Salomon Brothers Index was backdated using Salomon Brothers 
monthly yield data and a methodology similar to that used by Salomon Brothers 
for 1969-1995; for the period 1927-1945, the Standard and Poor's monthly 
High-Grade Corporate Composite yield data were used, assuming a 4 percent 
coupon and a twenty year maturity. 

INTERMEDIATE-TERM GOVERNMENT BONDS--Measured by a one-bond portfolio 
constructed each year containing a bond with approximately a five year 
maturity. 

U. S. TREASURY BILLS--Measured by rolling over each month a one-bill 
portfolio containing, at the beginning of each month, the bill having the 
shortest maturity not less than one month. 

INFLATION--Measured by the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers 
(CPI-U), not seasonally adjusted. 


                                       6

<PAGE>
PART 7 - FINANCIAL 
 STATEMENTS 

The consolidated financial statements of The Equitable Life Assurance Society 
of the United States included herein should be considered only as bearing 
upon the ability of Equitable Life to meet its obligations under the
Certificates. There are no financial statements for the Investment Funds of
the Separate Account investing in Class IB shares of EQ Trust as the Separate
Account did not invest in such shares prior to the date of the prospectus
and SAI. 




                                       7


<PAGE>
                      REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS 

To the Board of Directors of 
The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States 
and Contractowners of Separate Account No. 45 
of The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States 

   
In our opinion, the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities and the 
related statements of operations and of changes in net assets present fairly, 
in all material respects, the financial position of the Money Market Fund, 
Intermediate Government Securities Fund, Growth & Income Fund, Common Stock 
Fund, Global Fund, International Fund, Aggressive Stock Fund, Conservative 
Investors Fund and Growth Investors Fund, separate investment funds of The 
Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States ("Equitable Life") 
Separate Account No. 45 at December 31, 1996, the results of each of their 
operations and changes in each of their net assets for the periods indicated, 
in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. These financial 
statements are the responsibility of Equitable Life's management; our 
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based 
on our audits. We conducted our audits of these financial statements in 
accordance with generally accepted auditing standards which require that we 
plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the 
financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes 
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures 
in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and 
significant estimates made by management and evaluating the overall financial 
statement presentation. We believe that our audits, which included 
confirmation of shares in The Hudson River Trust at December 31, 1996 with 
the transfer agent, provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed 
above. 
    

Price Waterhouse LLP 
New York, New York 
February 10, 1997 


<PAGE>
   
THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES 
SEPARATE ACCOUNT 45 

STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES 
DECEMBER 31, 1996 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             INTERMEDIATE 
                                    MONEY     GOVERNMENT   GROWTH &     COMMON 
                                   MARKET     SECURITIES    INCOME       STOCK 
                                    FUND         FUND        FUND        FUND 
                                ----------- ------------ ----------- ----------- 
<S>                             <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>
ASSETS 
Investments in shares of 
 The Hudson River Trust-- 
 at market value (Note 1) 
  Cost:    $32,590,855  ........ $32,392,955 
             3,570,593 .........              $3,533,879 
             14,345,718.........                          $15,109,954 
             74,352,777.........                                      $75,709,230 
             15,256,959......... 
             8,620,079.......... 
             43,176,986......... 
             7,918,815.......... 
             24,267,019......... 
Receivable for policy related 
 transactions ..................     919,631       2,352      217,813     812,700 
                                ----------- ------------ ----------- ----------- 
Total Assets ...................  33,312,586   3,536,231   15,327,767  76,521,930 
                                ----------- ------------ ----------- ----------- 
LIABILITIES 
Payable for The Hudson River 
 Trust shares purchased ........     934,835       4,273      224,654     853,808 
Amount retained by Equitable 
 Life in Separate Account 45 
 (Note 4) ......................      80,961      55,974       77,185     161,327 
                                ----------- ------------ ----------- ----------- 
Total Liabilities ..............   1,015,796      60,247      301,839   1,015,135 
                                ----------- ------------ ----------- ----------- 
NET ASSETS ATTRIBUTABLE TO 
 CONTRACT OWNERS................ $32,296,790  $3,475,984  $15,025,928 $75,506,795 
                                =========== ============ =========== =========== 
Units Outstanding at December 
 31, 1996 (Note 5) .............   1,301,724     252,426    1,055,829     493,651 
                                =========== ============ =========== =========== 
Unit Value at December 31, 
 1996........................... $     24.81  $    13.77  $     14.23 $    152.96 
                                =========== ============ =========== =========== 
</TABLE>
    

                    (RESTUBBED TABLE CONTINUED FROM ABOVE) 

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           AGGRESSIVE  CONSERVATIVE   GROWTH 
                                   GLOBAL    INTERNATIONAL    STOCK     INVESTORS    INVESTORS 
                                    FUND         FUND         FUND         FUND        FUND 
                                ----------- ------------- ----------- ------------ ----------- 
<S>                             <C>         <C>           <C>         <C>          <C>
ASSETS 
Investments in shares of 
 The Hudson River Trust-- 
 at market value (Note 1) 
  Cost:    $32,590,855  ........ 
             3,570,593 ......... 
             14,345,718 ........ 
             74,352,777 ........ 
             15,256,959......... $15,456,443 
             8,620,079..........              $8,651,467 
             43,176,986.........                           $41,011,800 
             7,918,815..........                                        $7,923,466 
             24,267,019.........                                                    $24,108,242 
Receivable for policy related 
 transactions ..................     206,778      39,027       528,494     190,991      255,852 
                                ----------- ------------- ----------- ------------ ----------- 
Total Assets ...................  15,663,221   8,690,494    41,540,294   8,114,457   24,364,094 
                                ----------- ------------- ----------- ------------ ----------- 
LIABILITIES 
Payable for The Hudson River 
 Trust shares purchased ........     213,416      43,221       549,556     195,199      269,698 
Amount retained by Equitable 
 Life in Separate Account 45 
 (Note 4) ......................      73,501      63,269       103,486      60,976       86,001 
                                ----------- ------------- ----------- ------------ ----------- 
Total Liabilities ..............     286,917     106,490       653,042     256,175      355,699 
                                ----------- ------------- ----------- ------------ ----------- 
NET ASSETS ATTRIBUTABLE TO 
 CONTRACT OWNERS................ $15,376,304  $8,584,004   $40,887,252  $7,858,282  $24,008,395 
                                =========== ============= =========== ============ =========== 
Units Outstanding at December 
 31, 1996 (Note 5) .............     608,877     716,759       620,080     456,627      914,232 
                                =========== ============= =========== ============ =========== 
Unit Value at December 31, 
 1996........................... $     25.25  $    11.98   $     65.94  $    17.21  $     26.26 
                                =========== ============= =========== ============ =========== 
</TABLE>
    

See Notes to Financial Statements. 

                                      F-2
<PAGE>

THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES 
SEPARATE ACCOUNT 45 

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           INTERMEDIATE 
                                                   MONEY    GOVERNMENT   GROWTH &    COMMON 
                                                  MARKET    SECURITIES    INCOME     STOCK 
                                                   FUND        FUND        FUND       FUND 
                                                --------- ------------ ---------- ---------- 
<S>                                             <C>       <C>          <C>        <C>
INCOME AND EXPENSES: 
 Investment Income (Note 2): 
  Dividends from The Hudson River Trust  ....... $ 973,287   $169,012   $  140,078 $  307,270 
 Expenses (Note 3): 
 Mortality and expense risk charges ............   182,124     30,204       75,795    350,135 
                                                --------- ------------ ---------- ---------- 
NET INVESTMENT INCOME ..........................   791,163    138,808       64,283    (42,865) 
                                                --------- ------------ ---------- ---------- 
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON 
 INVESTMENTS (NOTE 2): 
 Realized gain (loss) on investments ...........    19,803    (21,067)      30,281    249,329 
 Realized gain distribution from 
  The Hudson River Trust .......................        --         --      663,496  5,761,725 
                                                --------- ------------ ---------- ---------- 
  Net Realized Gain (Loss) .....................    19,803    (21,067)     693,777  6,011,054 
                                                --------- ------------ ---------- ---------- 
 Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on 
  investments: 
 Beginning of period ...........................   (32,003)     4,810       65,829   (147,558) 
 End of period .................................  (197,900)   (36,714)     764,236  1,356,453 
                                                --------- ------------ ---------- ---------- 
 Change in unrealized 
  appreciation/(depreciation) during the period   (165,897)   (41,524)     698,407  1,504,011 
                                                --------- ------------ ---------- ---------- 
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON 
 INVESTMENTS ...................................  (146,094)   (62,591)   1,392,184  7,515,065 
                                                --------- ------------ ---------- ---------- 
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS 
 RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS ..................... $ 645,069   $ 76,217   $1,456,467 $7,472,200 
                                                ========= ============ ========== ========== 
</TABLE>
    

                    (RESTUBBED TABLE CONTINUED FROM ABOVE) 

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        AGGRESSIVE  CONSERVATIVE  GROWTH 
                                                  GLOBAL  INTERNATIONAL    STOCK     INVESTORS   INVESTORS 
                                                   FUND       FUND         FUND         FUND       FUND 
                                                -------- ------------- ----------- ------------ --------- 
<S>                                             <C>      <C>           <C>         <C>          <C>
INCOME AND EXPENSES: 
 Investment Income (Note 2): 
  Dividends from The Hudson River Trust  ....... $159,750   $100,654    $    48,668   $249,730  $  364,945 
 Expenses (Note 3): 
 Mortality and expense risk charges ............   71,437     47,321        170,068     56,301     146,920 
                                                -------- ------------- ----------- ------------ --------- 
NET INVESTMENT INCOME ..........................   88,313     53,333       (121,400)   193,429     218,025 
                                                -------- ------------- ----------- ------------ --------- 
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON 
 INVESTMENTS (NOTE 2): 
 Realized gain (loss) on investments ...........   68,368    106,050        179,807      1,003      35,624 
 Realized gain distribution from 
  The Hudson River Trust .......................  474,848    128,244      3,900,528    153,963   1,566,277 
                                                -------- ------------- ----------- ------------ --------- 
  Net Realized Gain (Loss) .....................  543,216    234,294      4,080,335    154,966   1,601,901 
                                                -------- ------------- ----------- ------------ --------- 
 Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on 
  investments: 
 Beginning of period ...........................   15,112     15,034       (169,970)    16,872      39,211 
 End of period .................................  199,484     31,388     (2,165,186)     4,651    (158,777) 
                                                -------- ------------- ----------- ------------ --------- 
 Change in unrealized 
  appreciation/(depreciation) during the period   184,372     16,354     (1,995,216)   (12,221)   (197,988) 
                                                -------- ------------- ----------- ------------ --------- 
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON 
 INVESTMENTS ...................................  727,588    250,648      2,085,119    142,745   1,403,913 
                                                -------- ------------- ----------- ------------ --------- 
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS 
 RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS ..................... $815,901   $303,981    $ 1,963,719   $336,174  $1,621,938 
                                                ======== ============= =========== ============ ========= 
</TABLE>
    

- ------------ 
See Notes to Financial Statements. 

                               F-3           
<PAGE>
   
THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES 
SEPARATE ACCOUNT 45 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS 
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             INTERMEDIATE 
                                                              GOVERNMENT 
                                   MONEY MARKET FUND        SECURITIES FUND 
                                ------------------------ ---------------------- 
                                    1996        1995*        1996       1995* 
                                ------------ ----------- ----------- ---------- 
<S>                             <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET 
 ASSETS: 
FROM OPERATIONS: 
 Net investment income .........$    791,163 $    84,034 $   138,808 $   26,602 
 Net realized gain (loss)  .....      19,803      (9,249)    (21,067)       691 
 Change in unrealized 
  appreciation/depreciation on 
  investments ..................    (165,897)    (32,003)    (41,524)     4,810 
                                ------------ ----------- ----------- ---------- 
 Net increase in net assets 
  from operations ..............     645,069      42,782      76,217     32,103 
                                ------------ ----------- ----------- ---------- 
FROM CONTRACT OWNER 
 TRANSACTIONS: 
 Contributions and Transfers: 
  Contributions ................  95,681,367  11,156,359   1,798,660  1,629,203 
  Transfers from other Funds 
   and Guaranteed Interest Rate 
   Account (Note 1) ............  19,687,669      59,949   8,533,013    513,895 
                                ------------ ----------- ----------- ---------- 
   Total ....................... 115,369,036  11,216,308  10,331,673  2,143,098 
                                ------------ ----------- ----------- ---------- 
 Benefit & other policy 
  transaction...................     198,356          --      15,968         -- 
 Withdrawals and Transfers: 
  Withdrawal and administrative 
   charges          .  ..........    514,843          --      77,637         -- 
  Transfers to other Funds and 
   Guaranteed Interest Rate 
   Account (Note 1) ............  87,121,388   7,122,265   8,982,626     20,000 
                                ------------ ----------- ----------- ---------- 
   Total .......................  87,834,587   7,122,265   9,076,231     20,000 
                                ------------ ----------- ----------- ---------- 
 Net increase in net assets 
  from Contract Owner 
  transactions .................  27,534,449   4,094,043   1,255,442  2,123,098 
                                ------------ ----------- ----------- ---------- 
NET INCREASE IN AMOUNT RETAINED 
 BY EQUITABLE LIFE IN SEPARATE 
  ACCOUNT 45 (NOTE 4)...........     (17,582)     (1,971)     (6,709)    (4,167) 
                                ------------ ----------- ----------- ---------- 
INCREASE IN NET ASSETS 
 ATTRIBUTABLE TO CONTRACT 
 OWNERS ........................  28,161,936   4,134,854   1,324,950  2,151,034 
NET ASSETS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD 
 ATTRIBUTABLE TO CONTRACT 
 OWNERS ........................   4,134,854          --   2,151,034         -- 
                                ------------ ----------- ----------- ---------- 
NET ASSETS, END OF PERIOD 
 ATTRIBUTABLE TO CONTRACT 
 OWNERS ........................$ 32,296,790 $ 4,134,854 $ 3,475,984 $2,151,034 
                                ============ =========== =========== ========== 
</TABLE>
    

                    (RESTUBBED TABLE CONTINUED FROM ABOVE) 

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        GROWTH & 
                                      INCOME FUND         COMMON STOCK FUND         GLOBAL FUND 
                                 ---------------------- ----------------------- ----------------------
                                    1996       1995*       1996       1995*       1996       1995* 
                                 ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------
<S>                             <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET 
 ASSETS: 
FROM OPERATIONS: 
 Net investment income ......... $    64,283 $   13,604 $   (42,865) $   18,811 $    88,313 $    4,015 
 Net realized gain (loss)  .....     693,777         --   6,011,054     366,599     543,216     32,515 
 Change in unrealized 
  appreciation/depreciation on 
  investments ..................     698,407     65,829   1,504,011    (147,558)    184,372     15,112 
                                 ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------
 Net increase in net assets 
  from operations ..............   1,456,467     79,433   7,472,200     237,852     815,901     51,642 
                                 ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------
FROM CONTRACT OWNER 
 TRANSACTIONS: 
 Contributions and Transfers: 
  Contributions ................   6,251,620  1,306,253  36,558,323   3,944,181   9,199,245    818,158 
  Transfers from other Funds 
   and Guaranteed Interest Rate 
   Account (Note 1) ............   6,040,990    432,486  34,378,499   2,697,390   6,255,073    233,534 
                                 ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------
   Total .......................  12,292,610  1,738,739  70,936,822   6,641,571  15,454,318  1,051,692 
                                 ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------
 Benefit & other policy 
  transaction...................     130,199         --     427,323          --      70,774         -- 
 Withdrawals and Transfers: 
  Withdrawal and administrative 
   charges          .  ..........     31,991        703     290,642      14,649      36,757      1,379 
  Transfers to other Funds and 
   Guaranteed Interest Rate 
   Account (Note 1) ............     342,494         --   8,933,676      18,685   1,836,433     26,094 
                                 ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------
   Total .......................     504,684        703   9,651,641      33,334   1,943,964     27,473 
                                 ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------
 Net increase in net assets 
  from Contract Owner 
  transactions .................  11,787,926  1,738,036  61,285,181   6,608,237  13,510,354  1,024,219 
                                 ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------
NET INCREASE IN AMOUNT RETAINED 
 BY EQUITABLE LIFE IN SEPARATE 
  ACCOUNT 45 (NOTE 4)...........     (27,565)    (8,369)    (85,006)    (11,669)    (18,054)    (7,758) 
                                 ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------
INCREASE IN NET ASSETS 
 ATTRIBUTABLE TO CONTRACT 
 OWNERS ........................  13,216,828  1,809,100  68,672,375   6,834,420  14,308,201  1,068,103 
NET ASSETS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD 
 ATTRIBUTABLE TO CONTRACT 
 OWNERS ........................   1,809,100         --   6,834,420          --   1,068,103         -- 
                                 ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------
NET ASSETS, END OF PERIOD 
 ATTRIBUTABLE TO CONTRACT 
 OWNERS ........................ $15,025,928 $1,809,100 $75,506,795  $6,834,420 $15,376,304 $1,068,103 
                                 =========== ========== =========== =========== =========== ==========
</TABLE>
    

* Commencement of operations on May 1, 1995 for all funds. 
See Notes to Financial Statements. 

                                      F-4

 
<PAGE>

   
THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES 
SEPARATE ACCOUNT 45 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (CONTINUED) 
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 AGGRESSIVE 
                                                    INTERNATIONAL FUND           STOCK FUND 
                                                   ---------------------   ------------------------
                                                      1996        1995*       1996         1995*    
                                                   ----------   --------   -----------   ----------
<S>                                                <C>          <C>        <C>           <C>
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS:                                                             
FROM OPERATIONS:                                                                               
 Net investment income ........................... $   53,333   $  8,748   $  (121,400)  $   (3,345)
 Net realized gain ...............................    234,294      5,969     4,080,335      324,801 
 Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation                                                     
  on investments .................................     16,354     15,034    (1,995,216)    (169,970)
                                                   ----------   --------   -----------   ----------
 Net increase in net assets from operations  .....    303,981     29,751     1,963,719      151,486 
                                                   ----------   --------   -----------   ----------
FROM CONTRACT OWNER TRANSACTIONS:                                                                   
 Contributions and Transfers:                                                                       
  Contributions ..................................  3,782,377    549,641    22,776,845    2,114,597 
  Transfers from other Funds and Guaranteed                                                         
   Interest Rate Account (Note 1) ................  5,791,839    236,742    20,452,746      930,163 
                                                   ----------   --------   -----------   ----------
   Total .........................................  9,574,216    786,383    43,229,591    3,044,760 
                                                   ----------   --------   -----------   ----------
 Benefit & other policy transaction...............     38,451         --       245,070           -- 
 Withdrawals and Transfers:                                                                         
  Withdrawal and administrative charges  .........     75,353        691        90,356       14,649 
  Transfers to other Funds and Guaranteed                                                           
   Interest Rate Account (Note 1) ................  1,979,003         --     7,099,325        6,689 
                                                   ----------   --------   -----------   ----------
   Total .........................................  2,092,807        691     7,434,751       21,338 
                                                   ----------   --------   -----------   ----------
 Net increase in net assets from Contract Owner                                                     
  transactions ...................................  7,481,409    785,692    35,794,840    3,023,422 
                                                   ----------   --------   -----------   ----------
NET INCREASE IN AMOUNT RETAINED BY                                                                  
 EQUITABLE LIFE IN SEPARATE ACCOUNT 45 (NOTE 4) ..    (11,874)    (4,955)      (33,503)     (12,712)
                                                   ----------   --------   -----------   ----------
INCREASE IN NET ASSETS ATTRIBUTABLE TO CONTRACT                                                     
 OWNERS ..........................................  7,773,516    810,488    37,725,056    3,162,196 
NET ASSETS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD ATTRIBUTABLE TO                                                     
 CONTRACT OWNERS .................................    810,488         --     3,162,196           -- 
                                                   ----------   --------   -----------   ----------
NET ASSETS, END OF PERIOD ATTRIBUTABLE TO                                                           
 CONTRACT OWNERS ................................. $8,584,004   $810,488   $40,887,252   $3,162,196 
                                                   ==========   ========   ===========   ==========
</TABLE>
    

                    (RESTUBBED TABLE CONTINUED FROM ABOVE) 

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          CONSERVATIVE                GROWTH           
                                                         INVESTORS FUND            INVESTORS FUND 
                                                     -----------------------   ----------------------- 
                                                        1996         1995*        1996         1995* 
                                                     ----------   ----------   -----------  ----------
<S>                                                  <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS:                   
FROM OPERATIONS:                                     
 Net investment income ...........................   $  193,429   $   24,367   $   218,025  $   31,399 
 Net realized gain ...............................      154,966       11,297     1,601,901      54,116 
 Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation                                             
  on investments .................................      (12,221)      16,872      (197,988)     39,211 
                                                     ----------   ----------   -----------  ----------
 Net increase in net assets from operations  .....      336,174       52,536     1,621,938     124,726 
                                                     ----------   ----------   -----------  ----------
FROM CONTRACT OWNER TRANSACTIONS:                                                           
 Contributions and Transfers:                                                               
  Contributions ..................................    3,977,495      977,433    11,004,121   1,950,052 
  Transfers from other Funds and Guaranteed                                                 
   Interest Rate Account (Note 1) ................    2,837,790      698,465     9,331,901   1,712,951 
                                                     ----------   ----------   -----------  ----------
   Total .........................................    6,815,285    1,675,898    20,336,022   3,663,003 
                                                     ----------   ----------   -----------  ----------
 Benefit & other policy transaction...............       60,271           --       206,468          -- 
 Withdrawals and Transfers:                                                                 
  Withdrawal and administrative charges  .........      100,314           --       228,021      24,866 
  Transfers to other Funds and Guaranteed                                                   
   Interest Rate Account (Note 1) ................      814,338       27,054     1,177,040      59,290 
                                                     ----------   ----------   -----------  ----------
   Total .........................................      974,923       27,054     1,611,529      84,156 
                                                     ----------   ----------   -----------  ----------
 Net increase in net assets from Contract Owner                                             
  transactions ...................................    5,840,362    1,648,844    18,724,493   3,578,847 
                                                     ----------   ----------   -----------  ----------
NET INCREASE IN AMOUNT RETAINED BY                                                          
 EQUITABLE LIFE IN SEPARATE ACCOUNT 45 (NOTE 4) ..      (12,633)      (7,001)      (32,214)     (9,395) 
                                                     ----------   ----------   -----------  ----------
INCREASE IN NET ASSETS ATTRIBUTABLE TO CONTRACT                                             
 OWNERS ..........................................    6,163,903    1,694,379    20,314,217   3,694,178 
NET ASSETS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD ATTRIBUTABLE TO                                             
 CONTRACT OWNERS .................................    1,694,379           --     3,694,178          -- 
                                                     ----------   ----------   -----------  ----------
NET ASSETS, END OF PERIOD ATTRIBUTABLE TO                                                   
 CONTRACT OWNERS .................................   $7,858,282   $1,694,379   $24,008,395  $3,694,178 
                                                     ==========   ==========   ===========  ==========
</TABLE>                                         
    

- --------------------
* Commencement of operations on May 1, 1995 for all funds. 
See Notes to Financial Statements. 

                               F-5           
<PAGE>

THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES 
SEPARATE ACCOUNT NO. 45 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
DECEMBER 31, 1996 

   
1. General 

   The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States (Equitable Life) 
   Separate Account No. 45 (the Account) is organized as a unit investment 
   trust, a type of investment company, and is registered with the Securities 
   and Exchange Commission under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The 
   Account consists of nine investment funds (Funds): the Money Market Fund, 
   the Intermediate Government Securities Fund, the Growth & Income Fund, the 
   Common Stock Fund, the Global Fund, the International Fund, the Aggressive 
   Stock Fund, the Conservative Investors Fund and the Growth Investors Fund. 
   The assets in each Fund are invested in Class IA shares of a corresponding 
   portfolio (Portfolio) of a mutual fund, The Hudson River Trust (the 
   Trust). The Trust is an open-end, diversified, management investment 
   company that invests the assets of separate accounts of insurance 
   companies. Each Portfolio has separate investment objectives. 

   The Account is used to fund benefits for the Income Manager Accumulator, a 
   non-qualified deferred variable annuity, which combines the Portfolios in 
   the Account with guaranteed fixed rate options, and the Income Manager 
   Rollover IRA, which offers the same investment options as the Accumulator 
   for the qualified market. The Income Manager Accumulator and the Income 
   Manager Rollover IRA, collectively referred to as the Contracts, are 
   offered under group and individual variable deferred annuity forms. 

   All Contracts are issued by Equitable Life. The assets of the Account are 
   the property of Equitable Life. However, the portion of the Account's 
   assets attributable to the Contracts will not be chargeable with 
   liabilities arising out of any other business Equitable Life may conduct. 

   Contract owners may allocate amounts in their individual accounts to the 
   Funds of the Account, and/or to the guaranteed interest account of 
   Equitable Life's General Account, and/or to other Separate Accounts. The 
   net assets of any Fund of the Account may not be less than the aggregate 
   of the contract owners' accounts allocated to that Fund. Additional assets 
   are set aside in Equitable Life's General Account to provide for other 
   policy benefits, as required under the state insurance law. 

2. Significant Accounting Policies 

   The accompanying financial statements are prepared in conformity with 
   generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). The preparation of 
   financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make 
   estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and 
   liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the 
   date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and 
   expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from 
   those estimates. 

   Investments are made in shares of the Trust and are valued at the net 
   asset values per share of the respective Portfolios. The net asset value 
   is determined by the Trust using the market or fair value of the 
   underlying assets of the Portfolio. 

   Investment transactions are recorded on the trade date. Realized gains and 
   losses include gains and losses on redemptions of the Trust's shares 
   (determined on the identified cost basis) and Trust distributions 
   representing the net realized gains on Trust investment transactions. 

   Dividends are recorded at the end of each quarter on the ex-dividend date. 
   Capital gains are distributed by the Trust at the end of each year. 

   No Federal income tax based on net income or realized and unrealized 
   capital gains is currently applicable to Contracts participating in the 
   Account by reason of applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code 
   and no Federal income tax payable by Equitable Life is expected to affect 
   the unit value of Contracts participating in the Account. Accordingly, no 
   provision for income taxes is required. 
    

                                      F-6
<PAGE>

THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES 
SEPARATE ACCOUNT NO. 45 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED) 
DECEMBER 31, 1996 
 
3. Asset Charges 

   Charges are made directly against the net assets of the Account and are 
   reflected daily in the computation of the unit values of the Contracts. 
   Under the Contracts, Equitable Life deducts mortality and expense risks 
   at an annual rate of 0.90%. In addition, asset based administrative 
   charges are also deducted from the net assets at an annual rate of 0.25%. 
   The charges may be retained in the Account by Equitable Life and, to the 
   extent retained, participate in the net investment results of the trust 
   ratably with assets attributable to the Contracts. The aggregate of these 
   charges may not exceed a total effective annual rate of 1.15%. 

4. Amounts retained by Equitable Life in Separate Account No. 45 

   The amount retained by Equitable Life in the Account arises principally 
   from (1) contributions from Equitable Life, (2) mortality and expense 
   charges and asset based administrative charges accumulated in the account, 
   and (3) that portion, determined ratably, of the Account's investment 
   results applicable to those assets in the Account in excess of the net 
   assets for the Contracts. Amounts retained by Equitable Life are not 
   subject to charges for mortality and expense risks and asset based 
   administrative expenses. 

   Amounts retained by Equitable Life in the Account may be transferred at 
   any time by Equitable Life to its General Account. 

   The following table shows the net surplus contributions (withdrawals) by 
   Equitable Life by investment fund: 

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 
                                              31, 
                                    ---------------------- 
           INVESTMENT FUND               1996       1995* 
- ----------------------------------- ------------ --------- 
<S>                                 <C>          <C>
Money Market .......................  $(125,000)  $ 50,000 
Intermediate Government Securities      (25,000)    50,000 
Growth & Income ....................    (60,000)    50,000 
Common Stock .......................   (223,000)    50,000 
Global .............................    (52,000)    50,000 
International ......................    (35,000)    50,000 
Aggressive Stock ...................   (110,000)    50,000 
Conservative Investors .............    (45,000)    50,000 
Growth Investors ...................   (105,000)    50,000 
                                    ------------ --------- 
                                      $(780,000)  $450,000 
                                    ============ ========= 
</TABLE>


    
   
- ------------ 
*Commencement of operations on May 1, 1995 for all funds. 
    

                                      F-7
<PAGE>

THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES 
SEPARATE ACCOUNT NO. 45 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED) 
DECEMBER 31, 1996 
 (Continued) 
 5. Accumulation Unit Values 
    Shown below is accumulation unit value information for a unit outstanding 
    throughout the period shown. 

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            MAY 1(A)  
                                               TO     
                           DECEMBER 31,   DECEMBER 31,
                               1996           1995    
                         -------------- --------------
<S>                      <C>            <C>           
MONEY MARKET FUND                                     
- ------------------------                              
Unit value, beginning of                              
 period .................    $ 23.83        $ 23.15   
Unit value, end of                                    
 period .................    $ 24.81        $ 23.83   
Number of units                                       
 outstanding,                                         
 end of period (000's)  .      1,302            174   

INTERMEDIATE GOVERNMENT 
SECURITIES FUND                                       
- ------------------------                              
Unit value, beginning of                              
 period .................    $ 13.42        $ 12.50   
Unit value, end of                                    
 period .................    $ 13.77        $ 13.42   
Number of units                                       
 outstanding,                                         
 end of period (000's)  .        252            160   

GROWTH & INCOME                                       
- ------------------------                              
Unit value, beginning of                              
 period .................    $ 11.99        $ 10.38   
Unit value, end of                                    
 period .................    $ 14.23        $ 11.99   
Number of units                                       
 outstanding,                                         
 end of period (000's)  .      1,056            151   

COMMON STOCK FUND                                     
- ------------------------                              
Unit value, beginning of                              
 period .................    $124.52        $102.34   
Unit value, end of                                    
 period .................    $152.96        $124.52   
Number of units                                       
 outstanding,                                         
 end of period (000's)  .        494             55   

GLOBAL FUND 
- ------------------------ 
Unit value, beginning of 
 period .................    $ 22.29        $ 19.48 
Unit value, end of 
 period .................    $ 25.25        $ 22.29 
Number of units 
 outstanding, 
 end of period (000's)  .        609             48 

</TABLE>
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             MAY 1(A)         
                                                TO            
                            DECEMBER 31,   DECEMBER 31,       
                                1996           1995           
                          -------------- --------------       
 <C>                      <C>            <C>                  
 INTERNATIONAL FUND                                           
 ------------------------                                     
 Unit value, beginning of                                       
  period .................     $11.03         $10.13            
 Unit value, end of                                             
  period .................     $11.98         $11.03            
 Number of units                                                
  outstanding,                                                  
  end of period (000's)  .        717             73            
                                                                
 AGGRESSIVE STOCK FUND                                          
 ------------------------                                       
 Unit value, beginning of                                       
  period .................     $54.59         $44.03            
 Unit value, end of                                             
  period .................     $65.94         $54.59            
 Number of units                                                
  outstanding,                                                  
  end of period (000's)  .        620             58            

 CONSERVATIVE INVESTORS FUND                                    
 ------------------------                                       
 Unit value, beginning of                                       
  period .................     $16.55         $14.65            
 Unit value, end of                                             
  period .................     $17.21         $16.55            
 Number of units                                                
  outstanding,                                                  
  end of period (000's)  .        457            102            

 GROWTH INVESTORS FUND                                          
 ------------------------                                       
 Unit value, beginning of                                       
  period .................     $23.59         $20.07            
 Unit value, end of                                             
  period .................     $26.26         $23.59            
 Number of units                                                
  outstanding,                                                  
  end of period (000's)  .        914            157            
                                                                
</TABLE>
    
                                                                
                                                          
- ------------                                            
 (a) Date on which units were made available for sale.   

                                                          
                                      F-8
<PAGE>

February 10, 1997



                        REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


To the Board of Directors and Shareholder of
The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States

In our opinion,  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance sheets and the related
consolidated  statements of earnings,  of shareholder's equity and of cash flows
present  fairly,  in  all  material  respects,  the  financial  position  of The
Equitable  Life  Assurance  Society  of the United  States and its  subsidiaries
("Equitable  Life") at  December  31,  1996 and 1995,  and the  results of their
operations  and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting  principles.
These  financial   statements  are  the   responsibility   of  Equitable  Life's
management;  our  responsibility  is to express  an  opinion on these  financial
statements  based on our audits.  We conducted our audits of these statements in
accordance with generally accepted auditing standards which require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a
test basis,  evidence  supporting  the amounts and  disclosures in the financial
statements,  assessing the accounting  principles used and significant estimates
made by management and evaluating the overall financial statement  presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for the opinion  expressed
above.

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements,  Equitable Life
changed its methods of accounting for long-duration participating life insurance
contracts and long-lived  assets in 1996,  for loan  impairments in 1995 and for
postemployment benefits in 1994.


/s/ Price Waterhouse LLP

                                      F-1

<PAGE>

            THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                           DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        1996                 1995
                                                                  -----------------    -----------------
                                                                              (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                               <C>                  <C>          
ASSETS
Investments:
  Fixed maturities:
    Available for sale, at estimated fair value.................   $    18,077.0        $    15,899.9
  Mortgage loans on real estate.................................         3,133.0              3,638.3
  Equity real estate............................................         3,297.5              3,916.2
  Policy loans..................................................         2,196.1              1,976.4
  Investment in and loans to affiliates.........................           685.0                636.6
  Other equity investments......................................           597.3                621.1
  Other invested assets.........................................           288.7                706.1
                                                                  -----------------    -----------------
      Total investments.........................................        28,274.6             27,394.6
Cash and cash equivalents.......................................           538.8                774.7
Deferred policy acquisition costs...............................         3,104.9              3,075.8
Amounts due from discontinued GIC Segment.......................           996.2              2,097.1
Other assets....................................................         2,552.2              2,718.1
Closed Block assets.............................................         8,495.0              8,582.1
Separate Accounts assets........................................        29,646.1             24,566.6
                                                                  -----------------    -----------------
TOTAL ASSETS....................................................   $    73,607.8        $    69,209.0
                                                                  =================    =================

LIABILITIES
Policyholders' account balances.................................   $    21,865.6        $    21,911.2
Future policy benefits and other policyholders' liabilities.....         4,416.6              4,007.3
Short-term and long-term debt...................................         1,766.9              1,899.3
Other liabilities...............................................         2,785.1              3,380.7
Closed Block liabilities........................................         9,091.3              9,221.4
Separate Accounts liabilities...................................        29,598.3             24,531.0
                                                                  -----------------    -----------------
      Total liabilities.........................................        69,523.8             64,950.9
                                                                  -----------------    -----------------

Commitments and contingencies (Notes 10, 12, 13, 14 and 15)

SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
Common stock, $1.25 par value 2.0 million shares 
  authorized, issued and outstanding............................             2.5                  2.5
Capital in excess of par value..................................         3,105.8              3,105.8
Retained earnings...............................................           798.7                788.4
Net unrealized investment gains.................................           189.9                396.5
Minimum pension liability.......................................           (12.9)               (35.1)
                                                                  -----------------    -----------------
      Total shareholder's equity................................         4,084.0              4,258.1
                                                                  -----------------    -----------------

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY......................   $    73,607.8        $    69,209.0
                                                                  =================    =================
</TABLE>

                 See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

                                      F-2
<PAGE>

            THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                1996               1995               1994
                                                          -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
                                                                              (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                       <C>                <C>                <C>          
REVENUES
Universal life and investment-type product policy fee
  income................................................   $      874.0       $       788.2      $       715.0
Premiums................................................          597.6               606.8              625.6
Net investment income...................................        2,175.9             2,088.2            1,998.6
Investment (losses) gains, net..........................           (9.8)                5.3               91.8
Commissions, fees and other income......................        1,081.8               897.1              847.4
Contribution from the Closed Block......................          125.0               143.2              137.0
                                                          -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

      Total revenues....................................        4,844.5             4,528.8            4,415.4
                                                          -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

BENEFITS AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS
Interest credited to policyholders' account balances....        1,270.2             1,248.3            1,201.3
Policyholders' benefits.................................        1,317.7             1,008.6              914.9
Other operating costs and expenses......................        2,048.0             1,775.8            1,857.7
                                                          -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

      Total benefits and other deductions...............        4,635.9             4,032.7            3,973.9
                                                          -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Earnings from continuing operations before Federal
  income taxes, minority interest and cumulative
  effect of accounting change...........................          208.6               496.1              441.5
Federal income taxes....................................            9.7               120.5              100.2
Minority interest in net income of consolidated
  subsidiaries..........................................           81.7                62.8               50.4
                                                          -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
Earnings from continuing operations before
  cumulative effect of accounting change................          117.2               312.8              290.9
Discontinued operations, net of Federal income taxes....          (83.8)                -                  -
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of Federal
  income taxes..........................................          (23.1)                -                (27.1)
                                                          -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Net Earnings............................................   $       10.3       $       312.8      $       263.8
                                                          =================  =================  =================
</TABLE>


                 See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

                                      F-3
<PAGE>

            THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES
                 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      1996               1995               1994
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
                                                                                    (IN MILLIONS)

<S>                                                             <C>                <C>                <C>          
Common stock, at par value, beginning and end of year.........   $        2.5       $         2.5      $         2.5
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Capital in excess of par value, beginning of year as
  previously reported.........................................        2,913.6             2,913.6            2,613.6
Cumulative effect on prior years of retroactive restatement
  for accounting change.......................................          192.2               192.2              192.2
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
Capital in excess of par value, beginning of year as restated.        3,105.8             3,105.8            2,805.8
Additional capital in excess of par value.....................            -                   -                300.0
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
Capital in excess of par value, end of year...................        3,105.8             3,105.8            3,105.8
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Retained earnings, beginning of year as previously reported...          781.6               484.0              217.6
Cumulative effect on prior years of retroactive restatement
  for accounting change.......................................            6.8                (8.4)              (5.8)
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
Retained earnings, beginning of year as restated..............          788.4               475.6              211.8
Net earnings..................................................           10.3               312.8              263.8
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
Retained earnings, end of year................................          798.7               788.4              475.6
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Net unrealized investment gains (losses), beginning of year
  as previously reported......................................          338.2              (203.0)             131.9
Cumulative effect on prior years of retroactive restatement
  for accounting change.......................................           58.3               (17.5)              12.7
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
Net unrealized investment gains (losses), beginning of
  year as restated............................................          396.5              (220.5)             144.6
Change in unrealized investment (losses) gains................         (206.6)              617.0             (365.1)
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
Net unrealized investment gains (losses), end of year.........          189.9               396.5             (220.5)
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Minimum pension liability, beginning of year..................          (35.1)               (2.7)             (15.0)
Change in minimum pension liability...........................           22.2               (32.4)              12.3
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
Minimum pension liability, end of year........................          (12.9)              (35.1)              (2.7)
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

TOTAL SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY, END OF YEAR.......................   $    4,084.0       $     4,258.1      $     3,360.7
                                                                =================  =================  =================
</TABLE>


                 See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

                                      F-4
<PAGE>

            THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      1996               1995               1994
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
                                                                                    (IN MILLIONS)

<S>                                                             <C>                <C>                <C>          
Net earnings..................................................   $       10.3       $       312.8      $       263.8
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash
  provided by operating activities:
  Interest credited to policyholders' account balances........        1,270.2             1,248.3            1,201.3
  Universal life and investment-type policy fee income........         (874.0)             (788.2)            (715.0)
  Investment losses (gains)...................................            9.8                (5.3)             (91.8)
  Change in Federal income taxes payable......................         (197.1)              221.6               38.3
  Other, net..................................................          364.4               127.3              (19.4)
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Net cash provided by operating activities.....................          583.6             1,116.5              677.2
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Cash flows from investing activities:
  Maturities and repayments...................................        2,275.1             1,897.4            2,323.8
  Sales.......................................................        8,964.3             8,867.1            5,816.6
  Return of capital from joint ventures and limited
    partnerships..............................................           78.4                65.2               39.0
  Purchases...................................................      (12,559.6)          (11,675.5)          (7,564.7)
  Decrease (increase) in loans to discontinued GIC Segment....        1,017.0             1,226.9              (40.0)
  Other, net..................................................           56.7              (624.7)            (478.1)
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Net cash (used) provided by investing activities..............         (168.1)             (243.6)              96.6
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Cash flows from financing activities:
  Policyholders' account balances:
    Deposits..................................................        1,925.4             2,586.5            2,082.5
    Withdrawals...............................................       (2,385.2)           (2,657.1)          (2,864.4)
  Net decrease in short-term financings.......................            (.3)              (16.4)            (173.0)
  Additions to long-term debt.................................            -                 599.7               51.8
  Repayments of long-term debt................................         (124.8)              (40.7)            (199.8)
  Proceeds from issuance of Alliance units....................            -                   -                100.0
  Payment of obligation to fund accumulated deficit of
    discontinued GIC Segment..................................            -              (1,215.4)               -
  Capital contribution from the Holding Company...............            -                   -                300.0
  Other, net..................................................          (66.5)              (48.4)              26.5
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Net cash (used) by financing activities.......................         (651.4)             (791.8)            (676.4)
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Change in cash and cash equivalents...........................         (235.9)               81.1               97.4
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year..................          774.7               693.6              596.2
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Year........................   $      538.8       $       774.7      $       693.6
                                                                =================  =================  =================

Supplemental cash flow information
  Interest Paid...............................................   $      109.9       $        89.6      $        34.9
                                                                =================  =================  =================
  Income Taxes (Refunded) Paid................................   $      (10.0)      $       (82.7)     $        49.2
                                                                =================  =================  =================
</TABLE>


                 See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

                                      F-5
<PAGE>

            THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


 1)     ORGANIZATION

        The Equitable  Life Assurance  Society of the United States  ("Equitable
        Life") converted to a stock life insurance  company on July 22, 1992 and
        became a wholly owned subsidiary of The Equitable Companies Incorporated
        (the  "Holding   Company").   Equitable  Life's  insurance  business  is
        conducted  principally  by  Equitable  Life and its  wholly  owned  life
        insurance   subsidiary,   Equitable   Variable  Life  Insurance  Company
        ("EVLICO").  Effective January 1, 1997, EVLICO was merged into Equitable
        Life, which will continue to conduct the Company's  insurance  business.
        Equitable Life's  investment  management  business,  which comprises the
        Investment  Services  segment,  is  conducted  principally  by  Alliance
        Capital Management L.P.  ("Alliance"),  Equitable Real Estate Investment
        Management,  Inc.  ("EREIM")  and  Donaldson,  Lufkin &  Jenrette,  Inc.
        ("DLJ"), an investment banking and brokerage affiliate. AXA-UAP ("AXA"),
        a French  holding  company for an  international  group of insurance and
        related financial services  companies,  is the Holding Company's largest
        shareholder,  owning  approximately  60.8% at  December  31, 1996 (63.6%
        assuming conversion of Series E Convertible  Preferred Stock held by AXA
        and 54.4% if all  securities  convertible  into,  and options on, common
        stock were to be converted or exercised).

 2)     SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

        Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
        -----------------------------------------------------

        The  accompanying  consolidated  financial  statements  are  prepared in
        conformity with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP").

        The accompanying  consolidated financial statements include the accounts
        of  Equitable  Life and its  wholly  owned life  insurance  subsidiaries
        (collectively,   the  "Insurance  Group");  non-insurance  subsidiaries,
        principally  Alliance,  an investment advisory subsidiary,  and EREIM, a
        real estate investment management subsidiary; and those partnerships and
        joint ventures in which Equitable Life or its  subsidiaries  has control
        and  a  majority   economic   interest   (collectively,   including  its
        consolidated  subsidiaries,  the "Company"). The Company's investment in
        DLJ is reported on the equity basis of  accounting.  Closed Block assets
        and   liabilities  and  results  of  operations  are  presented  in  the
        consolidated  financial  statements  as single  line items (see Note 6).
        Unless specifically stated, all disclosures  contained herein supporting
        the consolidated  financial  statements exclude the Closed Block related
        amounts.

        The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires
        management to make  estimates and  assumptions  that affect the reported
        amounts of assets and  liabilities  and disclosure of contingent  assets
        and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported
        amounts of revenues and expenses  during the  reporting  period.  Actual
        results could differ from those estimates.

        All  significant  intercompany   transactions  and  balances  have  been
        eliminated in  consolidation  other than  intercompany  transactions and
        balances with the Closed Block and the discontinued  Guaranteed Interest
        Contract ("GIC") Segment (see Note 7).

        The years  "1996,"  "1995" and "1994" refer to the years ended  December
        31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

        Certain  reclassifications  have been made in the amounts  presented for
        prior periods to conform these periods with the 1996 presentation.

                                      F-6
<PAGE>

        Closed Block
        ------------

        As of July 22, 1992, Equitable Life established the Closed Block for the
        benefit of certain  classes of  individual  participating  policies  for
        which Equitable Life had a dividend scale payable in 1991 and which were
        in force on that date.  Assets were  allocated to the Closed Block in an
        amount which,  together with anticipated revenues from policies included
        in the Closed Block, was reasonably expected to be sufficient to support
        such  business,  including  provision  for  payment of  claims,  certain
        expenses and taxes,  and for  continuation of dividend scales payable in
        1991, assuming the experience underlying such scales continues.

        Assets  allocated to the Closed Block inure solely to the benefit of the
        holders of policies  included in the Closed Block and will not revert to
        the  benefit  of  the  Holding  Company.  The  plan  of  demutualization
        prohibits  the  reallocation,  transfer,  borrowing or lending of assets
        between the Closed Block and other portions of Equitable  Life's General
        Account,  any of its Separate  Accounts or to any affiliate of Equitable
        Life  without the approval of the New York  Superintendent  of Insurance
        (the "Superintendent").  Closed Block assets and liabilities are carried
        on the same basis as similar assets and liabilities  held in the General
        Account. The excess of Closed Block liabilities over Closed Block assets
        represents the expected  future  post-tax  contribution  from the Closed
        Block which would be  recognized  in income over the period the policies
        and contracts in the Closed Block remain in force.

        Discontinued Operations
        -----------------------

        In 1991,  the Company's  management  adopted a plan to  discontinue  the
        business  operations  of  the  GIC  Segment,  consisting  of  the  Group
        Non-Participating Wind-Up Annuities ("Wind-Up Annuities") and Guaranteed
        Interest Contract ("GIC") lines of business.  The Company  established a
        pre-tax  provision  for the  estimated  future losses of the GIC line of
        business  and a premium  deficiency  reserve for the Wind-Up  Annuities.
        Subsequent losses incurred have been charged to the two loss provisions.
        Management  reviews the  adequacy  of the  allowance  and  reserve  each
        quarter. During the fourth quarter 1996 review, management determined it
        was necessary to increase the  allowance  for expected  future losses of
        the  GIC  Segment.  Management  believes  the  loss  provisions  for GIC
        contracts  and Wind-Up  Annuities  at December  31, 1996 are adequate to
        provide  for all  future  losses;  however,  the  determination  of loss
        provisions  continues  to  involve  numerous  estimates  and  subjective
        judgments regarding the expected performance of discontinued  operations
        investment  assets.  There can be no assurance  the losses  provided for
        will not differ from the losses ultimately realized (See Note 7).

        Accounting Changes
        ------------------

        In 1996, the Company changed its method of accounting for  long-duration
        participating  life  insurance  contracts,  primarily  within the Closed
        Block,  in  accordance  with the  provisions  prescribed by Statement of
        Financial   Accounting  Standards  ("SFAS")  No.  120,  "Accounting  and
        Reporting  by  Mutual  Life  Insurance   Enterprises  and  by  Insurance
        Enterprises  for Certain  Long-Duration  Participating  Contracts".  The
        effect of this change,  including the impact on the Closed Block, was to
        increase earnings from continuing operations before cumulative effect of
        accounting change by $19.2 million, net of Federal income taxes of $10.3
        million for 1996.  The financial  statements for 1995 and 1994 have been
        retroactively  restated  for the change  which  resulted  in an increase
        (decrease) in earnings before  cumulative effect of accounting change of
        $15.2 million,  net of Federal income taxes of $8.2 million,  and $(2.6)
        million,   net  of  Federal   income  tax   benefit  of  $1.0   million,
        respectively.  Shareholder's  equity  increased  $199.1  million  as  of
        January 1, 1994 for the  effect of  retroactive  application  of the new
        method.  (See  "Deferred  Policy  Acquisition  Costs,"   "Policyholders'
        Account Balances and Future Policy Benefits" and Note 6.)

        The Company implemented SFAS No. 121,  "Accounting for the Impairment of
        Long-Lived  Assets and for  Long-Lived  Assets to be Disposed Of," as of
        January 1, 1996. The statement  requires  long-lived  assets and certain
        identifiable  intangibles be reviewed for impairment  whenever events or
        changes in circumstances

                                      F-7
<PAGE>

        indicate  the  carrying  value of such  assets  may not be  recoverable.
        Effective with SFAS No. 121's adoption,  impaired real estate is written
        down to fair value with the impairment loss being included in investment
        gains  (losses),  net.  Before  implementing  SFAS  No.  121,  valuation
        allowances  on real  estate  held  for the  production  of  income  were
        computed  using the forecasted  cash flows of the respective  properties
        discounted at a rate equal to the Company's cost of funds.  The adoption
        of the  statement  resulted in the release of  valuation  allowances  of
        $152.4 million and recognition of impairment losses of $144.0 million on
        real estate held and used. Real estate which management has committed to
        disposing of by sale or  abandonment  is classified as real estate to be
        disposed  of.  Valuation  allowances  on real  estate to be  disposed of
        continue  to be  computed  using the lower of  estimated  fair  value or
        depreciated cost, net of disposition  costs.  Implementation of the SFAS
        No. 121 impairment  requirements relative to other assets to be disposed
        of  resulted  in a charge  for the  cumulative  effect of an  accounting
        change of $23.1  million,  net of a Federal  income tax benefit of $12.4
        million,  due to the  writedown  to fair value of building  improvements
        relating to facilities being vacated beginning in 1996.

        In the  first  quarter  of 1995,  the  Company  adopted  SFAS  No.  114,
        "Accounting  by Creditors  for  Impairment  of a Loan".  This  statement
        applies to all loans,  including  loans  restructured in a troubled debt
        restructuring   involving  a  modification  of  terms.   This  statement
        addresses the  accounting  for  impairment  of a loan by specifying  how
        allowances for credit losses should be determined. Impaired loans within
        the scope of this  statement are measured  based on the present value of
        expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's  effective  interest
        rate,  at the loan's  observable  market  price or the fair value of the
        collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. The Company provides for
        impairment  of loans  through an  allowance  for  possible  losses.  The
        adoption of this  statement did not have a material  effect on the level
        of these  allowances  or on the  Company's  consolidated  statements  of
        earnings and shareholder's equity.

        Beginning  coincident  with  issuance of SFAS No. 115,  "Accounting  for
        Certain  Investments  in Debt  and  Equity  Securities,"  implementation
        guidance in November  1995,  the Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board
        ("FASB") permitted  companies a one-time  opportunity,  through December
        31, 1995, to reassess the  appropriateness  of the classification of all
        securities  held  at  that  time.  On  December  1,  1995,  the  Company
        transferred  $4,794.9  million  of  securities  classified  as  held  to
        maturity to the available for sale portfolio. As a result,  consolidated
        shareholder's equity increased by $149.4 million, net of deferred policy
        acquisition costs ("DAC"),  amounts  attributable to participating group
        annuity contracts and deferred Federal income taxes.

        In the fourth  quarter of 1994  (effective  as of January 1, 1994),  the
        Company adopted SFAS No. 112, "Employers'  Accounting for Postemployment
        Benefits,"  which  required  employers to recognize  the  obligation  to
        provide  postemployment  benefits.   Implementation  of  this  statement
        resulted in a charge for the cumulative  effect of accounting  change of
        $27.1 million, net of a Federal income tax benefit of $14.6 million.

        New Accounting Pronouncements
        -----------------------------

        The FASB issued SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,"
        which permits  entities to recognize as expense over the vesting  period
        the  fair  value of all  stock-based  awards  on the  date of grant  or,
        alternatively,  to  continue  to  apply  the  provisions  of  Accounting
        Principles Board ("APB") Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to
        Employees,"  and  related  interpretations.  Companies  which  elect  to
        continue to apply APB  Opinion No. 25 must  provide pro forma net income
        disclosures  for employee  stock  option  grants made in 1995 and future
        years as if the fair-value-based method defined in SFAS No. 123 had been
        applied.  The Company  accounts for stock option plans  sponsored by the
        Holding  Company,  DLJ and Alliance in accordance with the provisions of
        APB Opinion No. 25 (see Note 21).

                                      F-8
<PAGE>

        In June 1996,  the FASB issued SFAS No. 125,  "Accounting  for Transfers
        and Servicing of Financial Assets and  Extinguishments  of Liabilities".
        SFAS No. 125 specifies the  accounting  and reporting  requirements  for
        transfers  of financial  assets,  the  recognition  and  measurement  of
        servicing  assets and  liabilities and  extinguishments  of liabilities.
        SFAS No. 125 is effective for transactions  occurring after December 31,
        1996 and is to be applied  prospectively.  In  December  1996,  the FASB
        issued  SFAS  No.  127,  "Deferral  of the  Effective  Date  of  Certain
        Provisions  of FASB  Statement  No.  125," which defers for one year the
        effective  date  of  provisions   relating  to  secured  borrowings  and
        collateral and transfers of financial assets that are part of repurchase
        agreements,  dollar-roll,  securities lending and similar  transactions.
        Management has not yet determined  the effect of  implementing  SFAS No.
        125.

        Valuation of Investments
        ------------------------

        Fixed  maturities  identified  as  available  for sale are  reported  at
        estimated fair value. The amortized cost of fixed maturities is adjusted
        for impairments in value deemed to be other than temporary.

        Mortgage loans on real estate are stated at unpaid  principal  balances,
        net of unamortized  discounts and valuation  allowances.  Effective with
        the  adoption  of  SFAS  No.  114 on  January  1,  1995,  the  valuation
        allowances are based on the present value of expected  future cash flows
        discounted  at  the  loan's  original  effective  interest  rate  or the
        collateral  value  if the  loan is  collateral  dependent.  However,  if
        foreclosure  is or becomes  probable,  the  measurement  method  used is
        collateral  value.  Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 114, the valuation
        allowances were based on losses expected by management to be realized on
        transfers  of  mortgage  loans  to  real  estate  (upon  foreclosure  or
        in-substance foreclosure),  on the disposition or settlement of mortgage
        loans and on mortgage loans  management  believed may not be collectible
        in full. In establishing  valuation  allowances,  management  previously
        considered,   among  other  things  the  estimated  fair  value  of  the
        underlying collateral.

        Real estate,  including real estate acquired in satisfaction of debt, is
        stated at  depreciated  cost less valuation  allowances.  At the date of
        foreclosure (including in-substance  foreclosure),  real estate acquired
        in satisfaction of debt is valued at estimated fair value. Impaired real
        estate is  written  down to fair value  with the  impairment  loss being
        included in investment gains (losses) net. Valuation  allowances on real
        estate  available  for sale are  computed  using  the  lower of  current
        estimated  fair value or depreciated  cost,  net of  disposition  costs.
        Prior to the  adoption of SFAS No.  121,  valuation  allowances  on real
        estate  held for the  production  of  income  were  computed  using  the
        forecasted cash flows of the respective  properties discounted at a rate
        equal to the Company's cost of funds.

        Policy loans are stated at unpaid principal balances.

        Partnerships  and joint venture  interests in which the Company does not
        have control and a majority economic interest are reported on the equity
        basis of accounting  and are included  either with equity real estate or
        other equity investments, as appropriate.

        Common  stocks are carried at  estimated  fair value and are included in
        other equity investments.

        Short-term  investments are stated at amortized cost which  approximates
        fair value and are included with other invested assets.

        Cash and cash equivalents  includes cash on hand, amounts due from banks
        and highly liquid debt instruments  purchased with an original  maturity
        of three months or less.

        All securities are recorded in the consolidated  financial statements on
        a trade date basis.

        Investment Results and Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)
        -----------------------------------------------------------

        Net  investment   income  and  realized   investment  gains  and  losses
        (collectively,  "investment  results") related to certain  participating
        group annuity contracts which are passed through to the  contractholders
        are reflected as interest credited to policyholders' account balances.

                                      F-9
<PAGE>

        Realized   investment  gains  and  losses  are  determined  by  specific
        identification  and are  presented as a component of revenue.  Valuation
        allowances are netted  against the asset  categories to which they apply
        and changes in the valuation allowances are included in investment gains
        or losses.

        Unrealized investment gains and losses on fixed maturities available for
        sale and equity  securities  held by the Company are  accounted for as a
        separate  component of  shareholder's  equity,  net of related  deferred
        Federal  income taxes,  amounts  attributable  to the  discontinued  GIC
        Segment,  participating  group  annuity  contracts,  and DAC  related to
        universal   life  and   investment-type   products   and   participating
        traditional life contracts.

        Recognition of Insurance Income and Related Expenses
        ----------------------------------------------------

        Premiums from universal life and investment-type  contracts are reported
        as deposits to  policyholders'  account  balances.  Revenues  from these
        contracts   consist  of  amounts  assessed  during  the  period  against
        policyholders'   account   balances  for   mortality   charges,   policy
        administration charges and surrender charges. Policy benefits and claims
        that are  charged to expense  include  benefit  claims  incurred  in the
        period in excess of related policyholders' account balances.

        Premiums from participating and  non-participating  traditional life and
        annuity  policies with life  contingencies  generally are  recognized as
        income when due.  Benefits  and expenses are matched with such income so
        as to  result  in the  recognition  of  profits  over  the  life  of the
        contracts.  This match is  accomplished  by means of the  provision  for
        liabilities  for future policy  benefits and the deferral and subsequent
        amortization of policy acquisition costs.

        For  contracts  with a single  premium  or a limited  number of  premium
        payments due over a  significantly  shorter period than the total period
        over which  benefits are provided,  premiums are recorded as income when
        due with any  excess  profit  deferred  and  recognized  in  income in a
        constant  relationship  to  insurance  in force or, for  annuities,  the
        amount of expected future benefit payments.

        Premiums from individual  health contracts are recognized as income over
        the period to which the premiums  relate in  proportion to the amount of
        insurance protection provided.

        Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
        ---------------------------------

        The  costs  of  acquiring   new   business,   principally   commissions,
        underwriting,  agency and policy issue expenses,  all of which vary with
        and  are  primarily  related  to the  production  of new  business,  are
        deferred. DAC is subject to recoverability testing at the time of policy
        issue and loss recognition testing at the end of each accounting period.

        For  universal  life  products  and  investment-type  products,  DAC  is
        amortized  over the expected  total life of the contract  group (periods
        ranging  from  15 to 35  years  and 5 to 17  years,  respectively)  as a
        constant  percentage of estimated gross profits arising principally from
        investment results,  mortality and expense margins and surrender charges
        based on historical and anticipated  future  experience,  updated at the
        end of each accounting  period. The effect on the amortization of DAC of
        revisions  to  estimated  gross  profits is reflected in earnings in the
        period such estimated  gross profits are revised.  The effect on the DAC
        asset that would result from realization of unrealized gains (losses) is
        recognized  with an offset to unrealized  gains (losses) in consolidated
        shareholder's equity as of the balance sheet date.

        For participating  traditional life policies (substantially all of which
        are in the Closed Block),  DAC is amortized over the expected total life
        of the contract group (40 years) as a constant  percentage  based on the
        present  value of the  estimated  gross  margin  amounts  expected to be
        realized  over the life of the contracts  using the expected  investment
        yield. At December 31, 1996, the expected  investment  yield ranged from
        7.30% grading to 7.68% over 13 years.  Estimated  gross margin  includes
        anticipated   premiums   and   investment   results   less   claims  and
        administrative  expenses,  changes in the net level premium  reserve and
        expected  annual  policyholder  dividends.  Deviations of actual results
        from  estimated  experience are reflected in earnings in the period such
        deviations  occur.  The effect on the DAC asset that would  result  from
        realization of unrealized gains (losses) is recognized with an offset to
        unrealized gains (losses) in consolidated shareholder's equity as of the
        balance sheet date.

                                      F-10
<PAGE>

        For  non-participating  traditional  life and annuity policies with life
        contingencies,  DAC is amortized in proportion to anticipated  premiums.
        Assumptions  as to  anticipated  premiums  are  estimated at the date of
        policy  issue  and  are  consistently  applied  during  the  life of the
        contracts.   Deviations  from  estimated  experience  are  reflected  in
        earnings in the period such deviations  occur. For these contracts,  the
        amortization periods generally are for the total life of the policy.

        For  individual  health  benefit  insurance,  DAC is amortized  over the
        expected  average  life of the  contracts  (10 years  for major  medical
        policies  and  20  years  for  disability  income  ("DI")  products)  in
        proportion  to  anticipated  premium  revenue  at time of issue.  In the
        fourth quarter of 1996, the DAC related to DI contracts  issued prior to
        July 1993 was written off.

        Policyholders' Account Balances and Future Policy Benefits
        ----------------------------------------------------------

        Policyholders'  account balances for universal life and  investment-type
        contracts are equal to the policy  account  values.  The policy  account
        values represent an accumulation of gross premium payments plus credited
        interest less expense and mortality charges and withdrawals.

        For  participating  traditional  life  policies,  future policy  benefit
        liabilities are calculated using a net level premium method on the basis
        of actuarial assumptions equal to guaranteed mortality and dividend fund
        interest  rates.  The  liability  for annual  dividends  represents  the
        accrual of annual dividends  earned.  Terminal  dividends are accrued in
        proportion to gross margins over the life of the contract.

        For non-participating traditional life insurance policies, future policy
        benefit  liabilities  are estimated  using a net level premium method on
        the basis of actuarial  assumptions  as to  mortality,  persistency  and
        interest established at policy issue.  Assumptions established at policy
        issue as to mortality and persistency are based on the Insurance Group's
        experience  which,  together  with  interest  and  expense  assumptions,
        include a margin for adverse deviation.  When the liabilities for future
        policy benefits plus the present value of expected future gross premiums
        for a product are  insufficient  to provide for expected  future  policy
        benefits  and  expenses  for  that  product,  DAC  is  written  off  and
        thereafter,  if required, a premium deficiency reserve is established by
        a charge to earnings.  Benefit  liabilities  for  traditional  annuities
        during the accumulation period are equal to accumulated contractholders'
        fund balances and after  annuitization are equal to the present value of
        expected  future  payments.  Interest  rates used in  establishing  such
        liabilities range from 2.25% to 11.5% for life insurance liabilities and
        from 2.25% to 13.5% for annuity liabilities.

        During  the  fourth  quarter  of  1996,  a  loss  recognition  study  on
        participating group annuity contracts and conversion annuities ("Pension
        Par") was completed  which  included  management's  revised  estimate of
        assumptions, including expected mortality and future investment returns.
        The  study's  results   prompted   management  to  establish  a  premium
        deficiency reserve which decreased  earnings from continuing  operations
        and net earnings by $47.5 million ($73.0 million pre-tax).

        Individual  health  benefit  liabilities  for active lives are estimated
        using  the net  level  premium  method,  and  assumptions  as to  future
        morbidity,  withdrawals and interest.  Benefit  liabilities for disabled
        lives are  estimated  using the  present  value of  benefits  method and
        experience assumptions as to claim terminations, expenses and interest.

        During  the  fourth  quarter  of  1996,  the  Company  completed  a loss
        recognition  study of the DI business  which  incorporated  management's
        revised  estimates  of  future  experience  with  regard  to  morbidity,
        investment  returns,   claims  and  administration  expenses  and  other
        factors.  The study  indicated DAC was not  recoverable and the reserves
        were  not  sufficient.  Earnings  from  continuing  operations  and  net
        earnings  decreased  by $208.0  million  ($320.0  million  pre-tax) as a
        result of  strengthening  DI reserves by $175.0  million and writing off
        unamortized  DAC of $145.0  million.  The  determination  of DI reserves
        requires  making  assumptions  and  estimates  relating  to a variety of
        factors,  including  morbidity and interest rates, claims experience and
        lapse

                                      F-11
<PAGE>

        rates based on then known facts and circumstances. Such factors as claim
        incidence  and  termination  rates can be  affected  by  changes  in the
        economic,  legal  and  regulatory  environments  and work  ethic.  While
        management believes its DI reserves have been calculated on a reasonable
        basis and are  adequate,  there  can be no  assurance  reserves  will be
        sufficient to provide for future liabilities.

        Claim reserves and  associated  liabilities  for  individual  disability
        income and major medical policies were $711.8 million and $639.6 million
        at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively (excluding $175.0 million of
        reserve  strengthening in 1996).  Incurred benefits  (benefits paid plus
        changes in claim reserves) and benefits paid for individual DI and major
        medical policies  (excluding $175.0 million of reserve  strengthening in
        1996) are summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Incurred benefits related to current year..........  $       189.0       $      176.0       $      188.6
        Incurred benefits related to prior years...........           69.1               67.8               28.7
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total Incurred Benefits............................  $       258.1       $      243.8       $      217.3
                                                            =================   ================   =================
        Benefits paid related to current year..............  $        32.6       $       37.0       $       43.7
        Benefits paid related to prior years...............          153.3              137.8              132.3
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total Benefits Paid................................  $       185.9       $      174.8       $      176.0
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        Policyholders' Dividends
        ------------------------

        The amount of  policyholders'  dividends to be paid (including  those on
        policies  included  in the  Closed  Block)  is  determined  annually  by
        Equitable   Life's  Board  of  Directors.   The   aggregate   amount  of
        policyholders'  dividends  is  related  to actual  interest,  mortality,
        morbidity  and expense  experience  for the year and  judgment as to the
        appropriate level of statutory surplus to be retained by Equitable Life.

        Equitable  Life is subject  to  limitations  on the amount of  statutory
        profits  which can be  retained  with  respect  to  certain  classes  of
        individual  participating  policies  that were in force on July 22, 1992
        which  are  not  included  in the  Closed  Block  and  with  respect  to
        participating  policies  issued  subsequent  to July  22,  1992.  Excess
        statutory  profits,  if  any,  will  be  distributed  over  time to such
        policyholders and will not be available to Equitable Life's shareholder.
        Earnings  in  excess  of  limitations,  if  any,  would  be  accrued  as
        policyholders' dividends.

        At December 31, 1996,  participating  policies,  including  those in the
        Closed Block, represent  approximately 24.2% ($52.3 billion) of directly
        written life insurance in force, net of amounts ceded.

        Federal Income Taxes
        --------------------

        The  Company  files a  consolidated  Federal  income tax return with the
        Holding Company and its non-life insurance subsidiaries. Current Federal
        income taxes were charged or credited to  operations  based upon amounts
        estimated to be payable or recoverable as a result of taxable operations
        for the current year.  Deferred income tax assets and  liabilities  were
        recognized based on the difference between financial  statement carrying
        amounts  and income tax bases of assets and  liabilities  using  enacted
        income tax rates and laws.

        Separate Accounts
        -----------------

        Separate  Accounts are established in conformity with the New York State
        Insurance Law and generally are not  chargeable  with  liabilities  that
        arise from any other business of the Insurance Group.  Separate Accounts
        assets  are  subject to General  Account  claims  only to the extent the
        value of such assets exceeds the Separate Accounts liabilities.

                                      F-12
<PAGE>

        Assets  and  liabilities  of the  Separate  Accounts,  representing  net
        deposits  and  accumulated  net  investment  earnings  less  fees,  held
        primarily  for  the  benefit  of  contractholders,  and  for  which  the
        Insurance Group does not bear the investment risk, are shown as separate
        captions in the consolidated  balance sheets.  The Insurance Group bears
        the investment risk on assets held in one Separate  Account,  therefore,
        such assets are carried on the same basis as similar  assets held in the
        General Account  portfolio.  Assets held in the other Separate  Accounts
        are carried at quoted  market  values or,  where  quoted  values are not
        available,  at  estimated  fair values as  determined  by the  Insurance
        Group.

        The investment results of Separate Accounts on which the Insurance Group
        does not bear the  investment  risk are  reflected  directly in Separate
        Accounts  liabilities.  For 1996, 1995 and 1994,  investment  results of
        such  Separate  Accounts  were $2,970.6  million,  $1,963.2  million and
        $665.2 million, respectively.

        Deposits to Separate  Accounts  are  reported as  increases  in Separate
        Accounts liabilities and are not reported in revenues. Mortality, policy
        administration  and  surrender  charges  on all  Separate  Accounts  are
        included in revenues.

                                      F-13
<PAGE>

 3)     INVESTMENTS

        The following tables provide  additional  information  relating to fixed
maturities and equity securities:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        GROSS               GROSS
                                                   AMORTIZED          UNREALIZED         UNREALIZED         ESTIMATED
                                                      COST              GAINS              LOSSES           FAIR VALUE
                                                -----------------  -----------------   ----------------   ---------------
                                                                             (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                     <C>                <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        DECEMBER 31, 1996
        -----------------
        Fixed Maturities:
          Available for Sale:
            Corporate..........................  $    13,645.2      $       451.5       $      121.0       $   13,975.7
            Mortgage-backed....................        2,015.9               11.2               20.3            2,006.8
            U.S. Treasury securities and
              U.S. government and
              agency securities................        1,539.4               39.2               19.3            1,559.3
            States and political subdivisions..           77.0                4.5                -                 81.5
            Foreign governments................          302.6               18.0                2.2              318.4
            Redeemable preferred stock.........          139.1                3.3                7.1              135.3
                                                -----------------  -----------------   ----------------   ---------------
        Total Available for Sale...............  $    17,719.2      $       527.7       $      169.9       $   18,077.0
                                                =================  =================   ================   ===============
        Equity Securities:
          Common stock.........................  $        98.7      $        49.3       $       17.7       $      130.3
                                                =================  =================   ================   ===============

        December 31, 1995
        -----------------
        Fixed Maturities:
          Available for Sale:
            Corporate..........................  $    10,910.7      $       617.6       $      118.1       $   11,410.2
            Mortgage-backed....................        1,838.0               31.2                1.2            1,868.0
            U.S. Treasury securities and
              U.S. government and
              agency securities................        2,257.0               77.8                4.1            2,330.7
            States and political subdivisions..           45.7                5.2                -                 50.9
            Foreign governments................          124.5               11.0                 .2              135.3
            Redeemable preferred stock.........          108.1                5.3                8.6              104.8
                                                -----------------  -----------------   ----------------   ---------------
        Total Available for Sale...............  $    15,284.0      $       748.1       $      132.2       $   15,899.9
                                                =================  =================   ================   ===============
        Equity Securities:
          Common stock.........................  $        97.3      $        49.1       $       18.0       $      128.4
                                                =================  =================   ================   ===============
</TABLE>

        For publicly traded fixed  maturities and equity  securities,  estimated
        fair  value  is  determined  using  quoted  market  prices.   For  fixed
        maturities without a readily ascertainable market value, the Company has
        determined  an  estimated  fair  value  using  a  discounted  cash  flow
        approach, including provisions for credit risk, generally based upon the
        assumption  such  securities  will be held to maturity.  Estimated  fair
        value for equity  securities,  substantially  all of which do not have a
        readily  ascertainable market value, has been determined by the Company.
        Such estimated fair values do not  necessarily  represent the values for
        which  these  securities  could  have  been  sold  at the  dates  of the
        consolidated  balance sheets. At December 31, 1996 and 1995,  securities
        without a readily ascertainable market value having an amortized cost of
        $3,915.7 million and $3,748.9 million,  respectively, had estimated fair
        values of $4,024.6 million and $3,981.8 million, respectively.

                                      F-14
<PAGE>

        The contractual maturity of bonds at December 31, 1996 is shown below:

                                                   AVAILABLE FOR SALE
                                           ------------------------------------
                                              AMORTIZED          ESTIMATED
                                                COST             FAIR VALUE
                                           ----------------   -----------------
                                                      (IN MILLIONS)

        Due in one year or less...........  $      539.6       $      542.5
        Due in years two through five.....       2,776.2            2,804.0
        Due in years six through ten......       6,044.7            6,158.1
        Due after ten years...............       6,203.7            6,430.3
        Mortgage-backed securities........       2,015.9            2,006.8
                                           ----------------   -----------------
        Total.............................  $   17,580.1       $   17,941.7
                                           ================   =================

        Bonds not due at a single  maturity date have been included in the above
        table in the year of final maturity.  Actual maturities will differ from
        contractual  maturities  because borrowers may have the right to call or
        prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

        The  Insurance  Group's fixed  maturity  investment  portfolio  includes
        corporate high yield  securities  consisting of public high yield bonds,
        redeemable  preferred  stocks and directly  negotiated debt in leveraged
        buyout  transactions.  The Insurance  Group seeks to minimize the higher
        than normal credit risks  associated  with such securities by monitoring
        the total  investments  in any single  issuer or total  investment  in a
        particular  industry  group.  Certain  of  these  corporate  high  yield
        securities are classified as other than investment  grade by the various
        rating  agencies,  i.e., a rating below Baa or National  Association  of
        Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC") designation of 3 (medium grade), 4 or 5
        (below  investment  grade) or 6 (in or near  default).  At December  31,
        1996,  approximately 14.20% of the $17,563.7 million aggregate amortized
        cost of bonds held by the  Insurance  Group were  considered to be other
        than investment grade.

        In addition to its  holdings of  corporate  high yield  securities,  the
        Insurance Group is an equity investor in limited  partnership  interests
        which  primarily  invest  in  securities  considered  to be  other  than
        investment grade.

        The Company has  restructured  or  modified  the terms of certain  fixed
        maturity  investments.  The fixed maturity  portfolio includes amortized
        costs of $5.5  million and $15.9  million at December 31, 1996 and 1995,
        respectively,  of such  restructured  securities.  These amounts include
        fixed  maturities  which are in default as to principal  and/or interest
        payments,  are to be restructured pursuant to commenced  negotiations or
        where the  borrowers  went into  bankruptcy  subsequent  to  acquisition
        (collectively,  "problem  fixed  maturities")  of $2.2  million and $1.6
        million as of December 31, 1996 and 1995,  respectively.  Gross interest
        income that would have been  recorded in  accordance  with the  original
        terms of restructured  fixed maturities  amounted to $1.4 million,  $3.0
        million and $7.5  million in 1996,  1995 and 1994,  respectively.  Gross
        interest  income on these fixed  maturities  included in net  investment
        income  aggregated $1.3 million,  $2.9 million and $6.8 million in 1996,
        1995 and 1994, respectively.

                                      F-15
<PAGE>

        Investment valuation allowances and changes thereto are shown below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Balances, beginning of year........................  $       325.3       $      284.9       $      355.6
        SFAS No. 121 release...............................         (152.4)               -                  -
        Additions charged to income........................          125.0              136.0               51.0
        Deductions for writedowns and
          asset dispositions...............................         (160.8)             (95.6)            (121.7)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Balances, End of Year..............................  $       137.1       $      325.3       $      284.9
                                                            =================   ================   =================
        Balances, end of year comprise:
          Mortgage loans on real estate....................  $        50.4       $       65.5       $       64.2
          Equity real estate...............................           86.7              259.8              220.7
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total..............................................  $       137.1       $      325.3       $      284.9
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        At December 31, 1996, the carrying  values of  investments  held for the
        production  of income  which were  non-income  producing  for the twelve
        months preceding the consolidated  balance sheet date were $25.0 million
        of fixed maturities and $2.6 million of mortgage loans on real estate.

        At  December  31,  1996 and 1995,  mortgage  loans on real  estate  with
        scheduled payments 60 days (90 days for agricultural  mortgages) or more
        past due or in  foreclosure  (collectively,  "problem  mortgage loans on
        real  estate") had an  amortized  cost of $12.4  million  (0.4% of total
        mortgage loans on real estate) and $87.7 million (2.4% of total mortgage
        loans on real estate), respectively.

        The payment terms of mortgage loans on real estate may from time to time
        be  restructured or modified.  The investment in  restructured  mortgage
        loans on real  estate,  based on  amortized  cost,  amounted  to  $388.3
        million and $531.5 million at December 31, 1996 and 1995,  respectively.
        These amounts include $1.0 million and $3.8 million of problem  mortgage
        loans on real estate at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.  Gross
        interest income on restructured mortgage loans on real estate that would
        have been recorded in accordance  with the original  terms of such loans
        amounted to $35.5 million, $52.1 million and $44.9 million in 1996, 1995
        and 1994, respectively. Gross interest income on these loans included in
        net investment income aggregated $28.2 million,  $37.4 million and $32.8
        million in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

        Impaired  mortgage  loans (as defined under SFAS No. 114) along with the
        related provision for losses were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         DECEMBER 31,
                                                                            ----------------------------------------
                                                                                   1996                 1995
                                                                            -------------------  -------------------
                                                                                         (IN MILLIONS)

        <S>                                                                 <C>                  <C>           
        Impaired mortgage loans with provision for losses..................  $        340.0       $        310.1
        Impaired mortgage loans with no provision for losses...............           122.3                160.8
                                                                            -------------------  -------------------
        Recorded investment in impaired mortgage loans.....................           462.3                470.9
        Provision for losses...............................................            46.4                 62.7
                                                                            -------------------  -------------------
        Net Impaired Mortgage Loans........................................  $        415.9       $        408.2
                                                                            ===================  ===================
</TABLE>

        Impaired mortgage loans with no provision for losses are loans where the
        fair value of the  collateral  or the net present  value of the expected
        future cash flows  related to the loan  equals or exceeds  the  recorded
        investment.  Interest income earned on loans where the collateral  value
        is used to measure impairment is recorded on a

                                      F-16
<PAGE>

        cash basis.  Interest  income on loans where the present value method is
        used to measure  impairment is accrued on the net carrying  value amount
        of the loan at the  interest  rate  used to  discount  the  cash  flows.
        Changes in the present  value  attributable  to changes in the amount or
        timing of  expected  cash  flows are  reported  as  investment  gains or
        losses.

        During  1996 and 1995,  respectively,  the  Company's  average  recorded
        investment  in  impaired  mortgage  loans was $552.1  million and $429.0
        million.  Interest  income  recognized on these impaired  mortgage loans
        totaled $38.8 million and $27.9 million for 1996 and 1995, respectively,
        including $17.9 million and $13.4 million recognized on a cash basis.

        The Insurance Group's investment in equity real estate is through direct
        ownership  and through  investments  in real estate joint  ventures.  At
        December  31, 1996 and 1995,  the  carrying  value of equity real estate
        available  for sale  amounted  to $345.6  million  and  $255.5  million,
        respectively.  For 1996,  1995 and 1994,  respectively,  real  estate of
        $58.7  million,  $35.3  million  and  $189.8  million  was  acquired  in
        satisfaction  of debt. At December 31, 1996 and 1995,  the Company owned
        $771.7 million and $862.7 million, respectively, of real estate acquired
        in satisfaction of debt.

        Depreciation of real estate is computed using the  straight-line  method
        over the estimated useful lives of the properties, which generally range
        from 40 to 50 years.  Accumulated depreciation on real estate was $587.5
        million and $662.4 million at December 31, 1996 and 1995,  respectively.
        Depreciation  expense  on real  estate  totaled  $91.8  million,  $121.7
        million and $117.0 million for 1996, 1995 and 1994,  respectively.  As a
        result  of  the   implementation   of  SFAS  No.  121,  during  1996  no
        depreciation  expense has been  recorded on real  estate  available  for
        sale.

                                      F-17
<PAGE>

 4)     JOINT VENTURES AND PARTNERSHIPS

        Summarized combined financial  information of real estate joint ventures
        (34 and 38  individual  ventures  as of  December  31,  1996  and  1995,
        respectively) and of limited  partnership  interests accounted for under
        the equity  method,  in which the  Company  has an  investment  of $10.0
        million  or  greater  and an equity  interest  of 10% or  greater  is as
        follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                ------------------------------------
                                                                                     1996                1995
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                           (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                                     <C>                <C>         
        FINANCIAL POSITION
        Investments in real estate, at depreciated cost........................  $    1,883.7       $    2,684.1
        Investments in securities, generally at estimated fair value...........       2,430.6            2,459.8
        Cash and cash equivalents..............................................          98.0              489.1
        Other assets...........................................................         427.0              270.8
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Total assets...........................................................       4,839.3            5,903.8
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Borrowed funds - third party...........................................       1,574.3            1,782.3
        Borrowed funds - the Company...........................................         137.9              220.5
        Other liabilities......................................................         415.8              593.9
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Total liabilities......................................................       2,128.0            2,596.7
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------

        Partners' Capital......................................................  $    2,711.3       $    3,307.1
                                                                                ================   =================

        Equity in partners' capital included above.............................  $      806.8       $      902.2
        Equity in limited partnership interests not included above.............         201.8              212.8
        Other..................................................................           9.8                8.9
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Carrying Value.........................................................  $    1,018.4       $    1,123.9
                                                                                ================   =================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
        Revenues of real estate joint ventures.............  $       348.9       $      463.5       $      537.7
        Revenues of other limited partnership interests....          386.1              242.3              103.4
        Interest expense - third party.....................         (111.0)            (135.3)            (114.9)
        Interest expense - the Company.....................          (30.0)             (41.0)             (36.9)
        Other expenses.....................................         (282.5)            (397.7)            (430.9)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Net Earnings.......................................  $       311.5       $      131.8       $       58.4
                                                            =================   ================   =================
        Equity in net earnings included above..............  $        73.9       $       49.1       $       18.9
        Equity in net earnings of limited partnerships
          interests not included above.....................           35.8               44.8               25.3
        Other..............................................             .9                1.0                1.8
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total Equity in Net Earnings.......................  $       110.6       $       94.9       $       46.0
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

                                      F-18
<PAGE>

 5)     NET INVESTMENT INCOME AND INVESTMENT GAINS (LOSSES)

        The sources of net investment income are summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   1996               1995                1994
                                             -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                  (IN MILLIONS)

        <S>                                  <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Fixed maturities....................  $     1,307.4       $    1,151.1       $    1,036.5
        Mortgage loans on real estate.......          303.0              329.0              385.7
        Equity real estate..................          442.4              560.4              561.8
        Other equity investments............           94.3               76.9               36.1
        Policy loans........................          160.3              144.4              122.7
        Other investment income.............          217.4              273.0              322.4
                                             -----------------   ----------------   -----------------

          Gross investment income...........        2,524.8            2,534.8            2,465.2
                                             -----------------   ----------------   -----------------

          Investment expenses...............          348.9              446.6              466.6
                                             -----------------   ----------------   -----------------

        Net Investment Income...............  $     2,175.9       $    2,088.2       $    1,998.6
                                             =================   ================   =================

        Investment  gains  (losses),  net,  including  changes in the  valuation
        allowances, are summarized as follows:
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)

        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>          
        Fixed maturities...................................  $        60.5       $      119.9       $      (14.3)
        Mortgage loans on real estate......................          (27.3)             (40.2)             (43.1)
        Equity real estate.................................          (79.7)             (86.6)              20.6
        Other equity investments...........................           18.9               12.8               75.9
        Issuance and sales of Alliance Units...............           20.6                -                 52.4
        Other..............................................           (2.8)               (.6)                .3
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Investment (Losses) Gains, Net.....................  $        (9.8)      $        5.3       $       91.8
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        Writedowns of fixed maturities amounted to $29.9 million,  $46.7 million
        and $30.8 million for 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively,  and writedowns
        of  equity  real  estate  subsequent  to the  adoption  of SFAS No.  121
        amounted to $23.7 million for the year ended December 31, 1996.

        For 1996,  1995 and 1994,  respectively,  proceeds  received on sales of
        fixed  maturities  classified as available for sale amounted to $8,353.5
        million,  $8,206.0 million and $5,253.9  million.  Gross gains of $154.2
        million,  $211.4  million and $65.2  million  and gross  losses of $92.7
        million, $64.2 million and $50.8 million, respectively, were realized on
        these sales. The change in unrealized  investment (losses) gains related
        to fixed maturities  classified as available for sale for 1996, 1995 and
        1994  amounted  to  $(258.0)  million,  $1,077.2  million  and  $(742.2)
        million, respectively.

        During  each  of 1995  and  1994,  one  security  classified  as held to
        maturity was sold.  During the eleven months ended November 30, 1995 and
        the  year  ended  December  31,  1994,  respectively,   twelve  and  six
        securities  so  classified  were  transferred  to the available for sale
        portfolio.  All  actions  were  taken  as  a  result  of  a  significant
        deterioration in creditworthiness.  The aggregate amortized costs of the
        securities  sold were $1.0  million  and  $19.9  million  with a related
        investment  gain of $-0- million and $.8 million  recognized in 1995 and
        1994,  respectively;  the  aggregate  amortized  cost of the  securities
        transferred  was $116.0 million and $42.8 million with gross  unrealized
        investment   losses  of  $3.2  million  and  $3.1  million   charged  to
        consolidated  shareholder's  equity for the eleven months ended November
        30, 1995 and the year ended December 31,

                                      F-19
<PAGE>

        1994,  respectively.  On  December  1,  1995,  the  Company  transferred
        $4,794.9  million of  securities  classified  as held to maturity to the
        available for sale  portfolio.  As a result,  unrealized  gains on fixed
        maturities  increased  $395.6 million,  offset by DAC of $126.5 million,
        amounts  attributable to participating  group annuity contracts of $39.2
        million and deferred Federal income taxes of $80.5 million.

        For 1996,  1995 and 1994,  investment  results passed through to certain
        participating   group   annuity   contracts  as  interest   credited  to
        policyholders'  account  balances  amounted  to $136.7  million,  $131.2
        million and $175.8 million, respectively.

        In  1996,  Alliance  acquired  the  business  of  Cursitor-Eaton   Asset
        Management   Company  and  Cursitor   Holdings  Limited   (collectively,
        "Cursitor")  for  approximately   $159.0  million.  The  purchase  price
        consisted of $94.3 million in cash,  1.8 million of Alliance's  publicly
        traded units  ("Alliance  Units"),  6% notes  aggregating  $21.5 million
        payable   ratably   over  four   years,   and   substantial   additional
        consideration  which will be determined  at a later date.  The excess of
        the purchase price,  including  acquisition costs and minority interest,
        over the fair value of Cursitor's  net assets  acquired  resulted in the
        recognition  of  intangible  assets  consisting  of  costs  assigned  to
        contracts  acquired and  goodwill of  approximately  $122.8  million and
        $38.3  million,  respectively,   which  are  being  amortized  over  the
        estimated useful lives of 20 years. The Company recognized an investment
        gain of $20.6  million as a result of the issuance of Alliance  Units in
        this  transaction.  At December 31,  1996,  the  Company's  ownership of
        Alliance Units was approximately 57.3%.

        In 1994, Alliance sold 4.96 million newly issued Alliance Units to third
        parties at prevailing  market prices.  The Company continues to hold its
        1% general partnership  interest in Alliance.  The Company recognized an
        investment gain of $52.4 million as a result of these transactions.

        Net unrealized  investment gains (losses),  included in the consolidated
        balance  sheets  as a  component  of  equity  and  the  changes  for the
        corresponding years, are summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)

        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Balance, beginning of year as restated.............  $       396.5       $     (220.5)      $      144.6
        Changes in unrealized investment (losses) gains....         (297.6)           1,198.9             (856.7)
        Changes in unrealized investment losses
          (gains) attributable to:
            Participating group annuity contracts..........            -                (78.1)              40.8
            DAC............................................           42.3             (216.8)             273.6
            Deferred Federal income taxes..................           48.7             (287.0)             177.2
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Balance, End of Year...............................  $       189.9       $      396.5       $     (220.5)
                                                            =================   ================   =================
        Balance, end of year comprises:
          Unrealized investment gains (losses) on:
            Fixed maturities...............................  $       357.8       $      615.9       $     (461.3)
            Other equity investments.......................           31.6               31.1                7.7
            Other, principally Closed Block................           53.1               93.1               (5.1)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
              Total........................................          442.5              740.1             (458.7)
          Amounts of unrealized investment (gains)
            losses attributable to:
              Participating group annuity contracts........          (72.2)             (72.2)               5.9
              DAC..........................................          (52.0)             (94.3)             122.4
              Deferred Federal income taxes................         (128.4)            (177.1)             109.9
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total..............................................  $       189.9       $      396.5       $     (220.5)
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

                                      F-20
<PAGE>

 6)     CLOSED BLOCK

        Summarized financial information of the Closed Block follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     DECEMBER 31,
                                                                         --------------------------------------
                                                                               1996                 1995
                                                                         -----------------    -----------------
                                                                                     (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                              <C>                  <C>         
        Assets
        Fixed Maturities:
          Available for sale, at estimated fair value (amortized cost,
            $3,820.7 and $3,662.8)......................................  $    3,889.5         $    3,896.2
        Mortgage loans on real estate...................................       1,380.7              1,368.8
        Policy loans....................................................       1,765.9              1,797.2
        Cash and other invested assets..................................         336.1                440.9
        DAC.............................................................         876.5                792.6
        Other assets....................................................         246.3                286.4
                                                                         -----------------    -----------------
        Total Assets....................................................  $    8,495.0         $    8,582.1
                                                                         =================    =================

        Liabilities
        Future policy benefits and policyholders' account balances......  $    8,999.7         $    8,923.5
        Other liabilities...............................................          91.6                297.9
                                                                         -----------------    -----------------
        Total Liabilities...............................................  $    9,091.3         $    9,221.4
                                                                         =================    =================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Revenues
        Premiums and other revenue.........................  $       724.8       $      753.4       $      798.1
        Investment income (net of investment
          expenses of $27.3, $26.7 and $19.0)..............          546.6              538.9              523.0
        Investment losses, net.............................           (5.5)             (20.2)             (24.0)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
              Total revenues...............................        1,265.9            1,272.1            1,297.1
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Benefits and Other Deductions
        Policyholders' benefits and dividends..............        1,106.3            1,077.6            1,121.6
        Other operating costs and expenses.................           34.6               51.3               38.5
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
              Total benefits and other deductions..........        1,140.9            1,128.9            1,160.1
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Contribution from the Closed Block.................  $       125.0       $      143.2       $      137.0
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        In the fourth quarter of 1996,  the Company  adopted SFAS No. 120, which
        prescribes the accounting  for individual  participating  life insurance
        contracts,  most  of  which  are  included  in  the  Closed  Block.  The
        implementation of SFAS No. 120 resulted in an increase (decrease) in the
        contribution  from the Closed Block of $27.5 million,  $18.8 million and
        $(14.0) million in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

        The fixed  maturity  portfolio,  based on amortized  cost,  includes $.4
        million and $4.3 million at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively, of
        restructured  securities  which includes problem fixed maturities of $.3
        million and $1.9 million, respectively.

                                      F-21
<PAGE>

        During  the  eleven  months  ended   November  30,  1995,  one  security
        classified as held to maturity was sold and ten securities classified as
        held to maturity were  transferred to the available for sale  portfolio.
        All actions resulted from significant deterioration in creditworthiness.
        The amortized cost of the security sold was $4.2 million.  The aggregate
        amortized  cost of the  securities  transferred  was $81.3  million with
        gross unrealized investment losses of $.1 million transferred to equity.
        At December 1, 1995,  $1,750.7 million of securities  classified as held
        to maturity were  transferred to the available for sale portfolio.  As a
        result,  unrealized  gains of $88.5  million  on fixed  maturities  were
        recognized, offset by DAC amortization of $52.6 million.

        At December 31, 1996 and 1995, problem mortgage loans on real estate had
        an amortized cost of $4.3 million and $36.5 million,  respectively,  and
        mortgage  loans on real  estate  for which the  payment  terms have been
        restructured had an amortized cost of $114.2 million and $137.7 million,
        respectively.  At December 31, 1996 and 1995, the restructured  mortgage
        loans on real estate  amount  included  $.7  million  and $8.8  million,
        respectively, of problem mortgage loans on real estate.

        Impaired  mortgage  loans (as defined under SFAS No. 114) along with the
        related provision for losses were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              DECEMBER 31,
                                                                   ------------------------------------
                                                                        1996                1995
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                              (IN MILLIONS)

        <S>                                                        <C>                <C>
        Impaired mortgage loans with provision for losses.........  $       128.1      $       106.8
        Impaired mortgage loans with no provision for losses......             .6               10.1
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
        Recorded investment in impaired mortgages.................          128.7              116.9
        Provision for losses......................................           12.9               17.9
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
        Net Impaired Mortgage Loans...............................  $       115.8      $        99.0
                                                                   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        During 1996 and 1995, respectively,  the Closed Block's average recorded
        investment  in  impaired  mortgage  loans was $153.8  million and $146.9
        million,  respectively.  Interest  income  recognized on these  impaired
        mortgage loans totaled $10.9 million and $5.9 million for 1996 and 1995,
        respectively,  including  $4.7 million and $1.3 million  recognized on a
        cash basis.

        Valuation  allowances  amounted to $13.8  million  and $18.4  million on
        mortgage  loans on real  estate  and $3.7  million  and $4.3  million on
        equity  real  estate  at  December  31,  1996  and  1995,  respectively.
        Writedowns of fixed maturities amounted to $12.8 million,  $16.8 million
        and $15.9 million for 1996, 1995 and 1994,  respectively.  As of January
        1, 1996,  the  adoption of SFAS No. 121 resulted in the  recognition  of
        impairment losses of $5.6 million on real estate held and used.

        Many  expenses  related  to  Closed  Block  operations  are  charged  to
        operations  outside of the Closed Block;  accordingly,  the contribution
        from the Closed Block does not represent the actual profitability of the
        Closed Block  operations.  Operating  costs and expenses  outside of the
        Closed Block are, therefore, disproportionate to the business outside of
        the Closed Block.

                                      F-22
<PAGE>

 7)     DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

        Summarized financial information of the GIC Segment follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             DECEMBER 31,
                                                 --------------------------------------
                                                       1996                 1995
                                                 -----------------    -----------------
                                                             (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                      <C>                  <C>         
        Assets
        Mortgage loans on real estate...........  $    1,111.1         $    1,485.8
        Equity real estate......................         925.6              1,122.1
        Other invested assets...................         474.0                665.2
        Other assets............................         226.1                579.3
                                                 -----------------    -----------------
        Total Assets............................  $    2,736.8         $    3,852.4
                                                 =================    =================

        Liabilities
        Policyholders' liabilities..............  $    1,335.9         $    1,399.8
        Allowance for future losses.............         262.0                164.2
        Amounts due to continuing operations....         996.2              2,097.1
        Other liabilities.......................         142.7                191.3
                                                 -----------------    -----------------
        Total Liabilities.......................  $    2,736.8         $    3,852.4
                                                 =================    =================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>       
        Revenues
        Investment income (net of investment expenses
          of $127.5, $153.1 and $183.3)....................  $       245.4       $      323.6       $      394.3
        Investment (losses) gains, net.....................          (18.9)             (22.9)              26.8
        Policy fees, premiums and other income.............             .2                 .7                 .4
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total revenues.....................................          226.7              301.4              421.5
        Benefits and other deductions......................          250.4              326.5              443.2
        Losses charged to allowance for future losses......          (23.7)             (25.1)             (21.7)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Pre-tax loss from operations.......................            -                  -                  -
        Pre-tax loss from strengthening of the
          allowance for future losses......................         (129.0)               -                  -
        Federal income tax benefit.........................           45.2                -                  -
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Loss from Discontinued Operations..................  $       (83.8)      $        -         $        -
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        In  1991,   management  adopted  a  plan  to  discontinue  the  business
        operations  of the GIC  Segment  consisting  of group  non-participating
        Wind-Up Annuities and the GIC lines of business.  The loss allowance and
        premium  deficiency  reserve of $569.6 million provided for in 1991 were
        based on management's best judgment at that time.

        The  Company's  quarterly  process for  evaluating  the loss  provisions
        applies  the current  period's  results of the  discontinued  operations
        against  the  allowance,  re-estimates  future  losses,  and adjusts the
        provisions,  if  appropriate.  Additionally,  as part  of the  Company's
        annual planning  process which takes place in the fourth quarter of each
        year,  investment and benefit cash flow projections are prepared.  These
        updated assumptions and estimates resulted in the need to strengthen the
        loss  provisions by $129.0  million,  resulting in a post-tax  charge of
        $83.8 million to discontinued  operations' results in the fourth quarter
        of 1996.

                                      F-23
<PAGE>

        Management  believes the loss  provisions for Wind-Up  Annuities and GIC
        contracts  at December  31, 1996 are  adequate to provide for all future
        losses;  however,  the  determination  of loss  provisions  continues to
        involve  numerous  estimates  and  subjective  judgments  regarding  the
        expected performance of discontinued operations investment assets. There
        can be no  assurance  the losses  provided  for will not differ from the
        losses  ultimately  realized.  To the  extent  actual  results or future
        projections  of the  discontinued  operations  differ from  management's
        current best estimates and assumptions  underlying the loss  provisions,
        the  difference  would be reflected in the  consolidated  statements  of
        earnings  in  discontinued  operations.  In  particular,  to the  extent
        income, sales proceeds and holding periods for equity real estate differ
        from management's previous assumptions, periodic adjustments to the loss
        provisions are likely to result.

        In January 1995, continuing  operations  transferred $1,215.4 million in
        cash to the GIC  Segment  in  settlement  of its  obligation  to provide
        assets to fund the accumulated deficit of the GIC Segment. Subsequently,
        the  GIC  Segment  remitted  $1,155.4  million  in  cash  to  continuing
        operations in partial  repayment of  borrowings  by the GIC Segment.  No
        gains or losses were  recognized on these  transactions.  Amounts due to
        continuing  operations  at  December  31,  1996,  consisted  of $1,080.0
        million borrowed by the discontinued GIC Segment offset by $83.8 million
        representing an obligation of continuing operations to provide assets to
        fund the accumulated deficit of the GIC Segment.

        Investment  income included $88.2 million of interest income for 1994 on
        amounts due from continuing  operations.  Benefits and other  deductions
        include  $114.3  million,  $154.6 million and $219.7 million of interest
        expense related to amounts borrowed from continuing  operations in 1996,
        1995 and 1994, respectively.

        Valuation  allowances  amounted  to $9.0  million  and $19.2  million on
        mortgage  loans on real estate and $20.4  million  and $77.9  million on
        equity real estate at December  31, 1996 and 1995,  respectively.  As of
        January 1, 1996,  the  adoption of SFAS No. 121 resulted in a release of
        existing valuation allowances of $71.9 million on equity real estate and
        recognition  of  impairment  losses of $69.8 million on real estate held
        and used.  Writedowns of fixed maturities amounted to $1.6 million, $8.1
        million and $17.8  million  for 1996,  1995 and 1994,  respectively  and
        writedowns of equity real estate  subsequent to the adoption of SFAS No.
        121 amounted to $12.3 million for 1996.

        The fixed maturity  portfolio,  based on amortized  cost,  includes $6.2
        million and $15.1  million at December 31, 1996 and 1995,  respectively,
        of  restructured   securities.   These  amounts  include  problem  fixed
        maturities  of $.5  million and $6.1  million at  December  31, 1996 and
        1995, respectively.

        At December 31, 1996 and 1995, problem mortgage loans on real estate had
        amortized  costs of $7.9 million and $35.4  million,  respectively,  and
        mortgage  loans on real  estate  for which the  payment  terms have been
        restructured  had amortized  costs of $208.1 million and $289.3 million,
        respectively.

        Impaired  mortgage  loans (as defined under SFAS No. 114) along with the
        related provision for losses were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            DECEMBER 31,
                                                                 ------------------------------------
                                                                      1996                1995
                                                                 ----------------   -----------------
                                                                            (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                      <C>                <C>          
        Impaired mortgage loans with provision for losses.......  $        83.5      $       105.1
        Impaired mortgage loans with no provision for losses....           15.0               18.2
                                                                 ----------------   -----------------
        Recorded investment in impaired mortgages...............           98.5              123.3
        Provision for losses....................................            8.8               17.7
                                                                 ----------------   -----------------
        Net Impaired Mortgage Loans.............................  $        89.7      $       105.6
                                                                 ================   =================
</TABLE>

                                      F-24
<PAGE>

        During 1996 and 1995, the GIC Segment's  average recorded  investment in
        impaired   mortgage  loans  was  $134.8  million  and  $177.4   million,
        respectively.  Interest  income  recognized on these  impaired  mortgage
        loans  totaled  $10.1  million  and $4.5  million  for  1996  and  1995,
        respectively,  including  $7.5 million and $.4 million  recognized  on a
        cash basis.

        At December  31, 1996 and 1995,  the GIC Segment had $263.0  million and
        $310.9 million, respectively, of real estate acquired in satisfaction of
        debt.

8)      SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM DEBT

        Short-term and long-term debt consists of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        DECEMBER 31,
                                                            --------------------------------------
                                                                  1996                 1995
                                                            -----------------    -----------------
                                                                        (IN MILLIONS)

        <S>                                                 <C>                  <C>       
        Short-term debt....................................  $      174.1         $        -
                                                            -----------------    -----------------
        Long-term debt:
        Equitable Life:
          6.95% surplus notes scheduled to mature 2005.....         399.4                399.3
          7.70% surplus notes scheduled to mature 2015.....         199.6                199.6
          Eurodollar notes, 10.5% due 1997.................           -                   76.2
          Zero coupon note, 11.25% due 1997................           -                  120.1
          Other............................................            .5                 16.3
                                                            -----------------    -----------------
              Total Equitable Life.........................         599.5                811.5
                                                            -----------------    -----------------
        Wholly Owned and Joint Venture Real Estate:
          Mortgage notes, 4.92% - 12.50% due through 2006..         968.6              1,084.4
                                                            -----------------    -----------------
        Alliance:
          Other............................................          24.7                  3.4
                                                            -----------------    -----------------
        Total long-term debt...............................       1,592.8              1,899.3
                                                            -----------------    -----------------
        Total Short-term and Long-term Debt................  $    1,766.9         $    1,899.3
                                                            =================    =================
</TABLE>

        Short-term Debt
        ---------------

        Equitable  Life has a $350.0 million bank credit  facility  available to
        fund  short-term  working capital needs and to facilitate the securities
        settlement  process.  The  credit  facility  consists  of two  types  of
        borrowing  options with varying  interest rates.  The interest rates are
        based on external  indices  dependent  on the type of  borrowing  and at
        December 31, 1996 range from 5.73% (the London  Interbank  Offering Rate
        ("LIBOR") plus 22.5 basis points) to 8.25% (the prime rate).  There were
        no borrowings  outstanding  under this bank credit  facility at December
        31, 1996.

                                      F-25
<PAGE>

        Equitable  Life has a  commercial  paper  program with an issue limit of
        $500.0 million. This program is available for general corporate purposes
        used to support  Equitable  Life's  liquidity  needs and is supported by
        Equitable Life's existing $350.0 million five-year bank credit facility.
        There were no borrowings  outstanding under this program at December 31,
        1996.

        In February 1996,  Alliance entered into a new $250.0 million  five-year
        revolving  credit  facility  with a group of banks  which  replaced  its
        $100.0  million   revolving  credit  facility  and  its  $100.0  million
        commercial  paper  back-up  revolving  credit  facility.  Under  the new
        revolving credit facility, the interest rate, at the option of Alliance,
        is a floating  rate  generally  based upon a defined  prime rate, a rate
        related  to the LIBOR or the  Federal  Funds  rate.  A  facility  fee is
        payable on the total  facility.  The revolving  credit  facility will be
        used to provide back-up  liquidity for commercial paper to be used under
        Alliance's $100.0 million  commercial paper program,  to fund commission
        payments  to  financial  intermediaries  for the  sale of  Class B and C
        shares under Alliance's mutual fund distribution system, and for general
        working  capital  purposes.  As of December 31,  1996,  Alliance had not
        issued any commercial  paper under its $100.0 million  commercial  paper
        program  and  there  were no  borrowings  outstanding  under  Alliance's
        revolving credit facility.

        At December 31, 1996, long-term debt expected to mature in 1997 totaling
        $174.1 million was reclassified as short-term debt.

        Long-term Debt
        --------------

        Several of the long-term  debt  agreements  have  restrictive  covenants
        related  to the total  amount of debt,  net  tangible  assets  and other
        matters. The Company is in compliance with all debt covenants.

        On December 18, 1995,  Equitable Life issued, in accordance with Section
        1307 of the New York  Insurance  Law,  $400.0  million of surplus  notes
        having an interest rate of 6.95%  scheduled to mature in 2005 and $200.0
        million of surplus notes having an interest  rate of 7.70%  scheduled to
        mature  in 2015  (together,  the  "Surplus  Notes").  Proceeds  from the
        issuance  of the  Surplus  Notes  were  $596.6  million,  net of related
        issuance costs.  The unamortized  discount on the Surplus Notes was $1.0
        million at December  31,  1996.  Payments of interest on or principal of
        the Surplus Notes are subject to prior approval by the Superintendent.

        The Company has pledged real estate, mortgage loans, cash and securities
        amounting to $1,406.4  million and $1,629.7 million at December 31, 1996
        and 1995, respectively, as collateral for certain long-term debt.

        At December 31, 1996,  aggregate  maturities of the long-term debt based
        on required  principal  payments at maturity for 1997 and the succeeding
        four years are $494.9  million,  $316.7  million,  $19.7  million,  $5.4
        million, $0 million, respectively, and $946.7 million thereafter.

 9)     FEDERAL INCOME TAXES

        A  summary  of  the  Federal   income  tax  expense   (benefit)  in  the
        consolidated statements of earnings is shown below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       1996               1995                1994
                                                 -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                      (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                      <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Federal income tax expense (benefit):
          Current...............................  $        97.9       $      (11.7)      $        4.0
          Deferred..............................          (88.2)             132.2               96.2
                                                 -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total...................................  $         9.7       $      120.5       $      100.2
                                                 =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

                                      F-26
<PAGE>

        The Federal income taxes  attributable  to  consolidated  operations are
        different from the amounts determined by multiplying the earnings before
        Federal  income  taxes and  minority  interest by the  expected  Federal
        income  tax  rate of 35%.  The  sources  of the  difference  and the tax
        effects of each are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       1996               1995                1994
                                                 -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                      (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                      <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Expected Federal income tax expense.....  $        73.0       $      173.7       $      154.5
        Non-taxable minority interest...........          (28.6)             (22.0)             (17.6)
        Differential earnings amount............            -                  -                (16.8)
        Adjustment of tax audit reserves........            6.9                4.1               (4.6)
        Equity in unconsolidated subsidiaries...          (32.3)             (19.4)             (12.5)
        Other...................................           (9.3)             (15.9)              (2.8)
                                                 -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Federal Income Tax Expense..............  $         9.7       $      120.5       $      100.2
                                                 =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        Prior  to the  date  of  demutualization,  Equitable  Life  reduced  its
        deduction  for  policyholder  dividends  by  the  differential  earnings
        amount.  This amount was  computed,  for each tax year,  by  multiplying
        Equitable Life's average equity base, as determined for tax purposes, by
        an  estimate  of the excess of an imputed  earnings  rate for stock life
        insurance  companies over the average  mutual life insurance  companies'
        earnings rate. The  differential  earnings  amount for each tax year was
        subsequently recomputed when actual earnings rates were published by the
        Internal Revenue Service.  As a stock life insurance company,  Equitable
        Life no longer is required to reduce its policyholder dividend deduction
        by the differential  earnings amount, but differential  earnings amounts
        for pre-demutualization years were still being recomputed in 1994.

        The  components  of the net deferred  Federal  income tax account are as
        follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       DECEMBER 31, 1996                  December 31, 1995
                                                ---------------------------------  ---------------------------------
                                                    ASSETS         LIABILITIES         Assets         Liabilities
                                                ---------------  ----------------  ---------------   ---------------
                                                                           (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                     <C>              <C>               <C>               <C>        
        DAC, reserves and reinsurance..........  $       -        $      166.0      $        -        $     304.4
        Investments............................          -               328.6               -              326.9
        Compensation and related benefits......        259.2               -               293.0              -
        Other..................................          -                 1.8               -               32.3
                                                ---------------  ----------------  ---------------   ---------------
        Total..................................  $     259.2      $      496.4      $      293.0      $     663.6
                                                ===============  ================  ===============   ===============
</TABLE>

        The deferred Federal income taxes impacting  operations  reflect the net
        tax effects of temporary  differences  between the  carrying  amounts of
        assets and liabilities for financial  reporting purposes and the amounts
        used for income tax purposes. The sources of these temporary differences
        and the tax effects of each are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     1996               1995                1994
                                               -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                    (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                    <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        DAC, reserves and reinsurance.........  $      (156.2)      $       63.3       $       12.0
        Investments...........................           78.6               13.0               89.3
        Compensation and related benefits.....           22.3               30.8               10.0
        Other.................................          (32.9)              25.1              (15.1)
                                               -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Deferred Federal Income Tax
          (Benefit) Expense...................  $       (88.2)      $      132.2       $       96.2
                                               =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

                                      F-27
<PAGE>

        The Internal  Revenue Service is in the process of examining the Holding
        Company's  consolidated  Federal  income tax  returns for the years 1989
        through  1991.  Management  believes  these audits will have no material
        adverse effect on the Company's results of operations.

10)     REINSURANCE AGREEMENTS

        The Insurance Group assumes and cedes  reinsurance  with other insurance
        companies.  The Insurance Group evaluates the financial condition of its
        reinsurers to minimize its exposure to significant losses from reinsurer
        insolvencies.  The  effect  of  reinsurance  (excluding  group  life and
        health) is summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Direct premiums....................................  $       461.4       $      474.2       $      476.7
        Reinsurance assumed................................          177.5              171.3              180.5
        Reinsurance ceded..................................          (41.3)             (38.7)             (31.6)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Premiums...........................................  $       597.6       $      606.8       $      625.6
                                                            =================   ================   =================
        Universal Life and Investment-type Product
          Policy Fee Income Ceded..........................  $        48.2       $       44.0       $       27.5
                                                            =================   ================   =================
        Policyholders' Benefits Ceded......................  $        54.1       $       48.9       $       20.7
                                                            =================   ================   =================
        Interest Credited to Policyholders' Account
          Balances Ceded...................................  $        32.3       $       28.5       $       25.4
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        Effective  January 1, 1994, all in force business above $5.0 million was
        reinsured.   During  1996,  the  Company's   retention  limit  on  joint
        survivorship  policies was  increased to $15.0  million.  The  Insurance
        Group also reinsures the entire risk on certain substandard underwriting
        risks as well as in certain other cases.

        The Insurance  Group cedes 100% of its group life and health business to
        a third party  insurance  company.  Premiums ceded totaled $2.4 million,
        $260.6 million and $241.0 million for 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
        Ceded  death and  disability  benefits  totaled  $21.2  million,  $188.1
        million  and  $235.5  million  for 1996,  1995 and  1994,  respectively.
        Insurance liabilities ceded totaled $652.4 million and $724.2 million at
        December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

11)     EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

        The Company sponsors  qualified and non-qualified  defined benefit plans
        covering   substantially  all  employees  (including  certain  qualified
        part-time employees), managers and certain agents. The pension plans are
        non-contributory.  Equitable  Life's and EREIM's benefits are based on a
        cash balance formula or years of service and final average earnings,  if
        greater,  under certain  grandfathering  rules in the plans.  Alliance's
        benefits  are based on years of  credited  service,  average  final base
        salary and primary  social  security  benefits.  The  Company's  funding
        policy is to make the  minimum  contribution  required  by the  Employee
        Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.

        Components  of net periodic  pension cost (credit) for the qualified and
        non-qualified plans are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Service cost.......................................  $        33.8       $       30.0       $       30.3
        Interest cost on projected benefit obligations.....          120.8              122.0              111.0
        Actual return on assets............................         (181.4)            (309.2)              24.4
        Net amortization and deferrals.....................           43.4              155.6             (142.5)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Net Periodic Pension Cost (Credit).................  $        16.6       $       (1.6)      $       23.2
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

                                      F-28
<PAGE>

        The funded status of the qualified and non-qualified pension plans is as
        follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              DECEMBER 31,
                                                                   ------------------------------------
                                                                        1996                1995
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                              (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                        <C>                <C>         
        Actuarial present value of obligations:
          Vested..................................................  $    1,672.2       $    1,642.4
          Non-vested..............................................          10.1               10.9
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
        Accumulated Benefit Obligation............................  $    1,682.3       $    1,653.3
                                                                   ================   =================
        Plan assets at fair value.................................  $    1,626.0       $    1,503.8
        Projected benefit obligation..............................       1,765.5            1,743.0
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
        Projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets.....        (139.5)            (239.2)
        Unrecognized prior service cost...........................         (17.9)             (25.5)
        Unrecognized net loss from past experience different
          from that assumed.......................................         280.0              368.2
        Unrecognized net asset at transition......................           4.7               (7.3)
        Additional minimum liability..............................         (19.3)             (51.9)
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
        Prepaid Pension Cost......................................  $      108.0       $       44.3
                                                                   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        The  discount  rate and rate of increase in future  compensation  levels
        used in  determining  the actuarial  present value of projected  benefit
        obligations were 7.5% and 4.25%, respectively,  at December 31, 1996 and
        7.25% and 4.50%,  respectively,  at December 31, 1995.  As of January 1,
        1996 and 1995,  the expected  long-term rate of return on assets for the
        retirement plan was 10.25% and 11%, respectively.

        The  Company  recorded,  as a  reduction  of  shareholder's  equity,  an
        additional minimum pension liability of $12.9 million and $35.1 million,
        net  of  Federal   income   taxes,   at  December  31,  1996  and  1995,
        respectively,   representing  the  excess  of  the  accumulated  benefit
        obligation  over  the fair  value of plan  assets  and  accrued  pension
        liability.

        The  pension  plan's  assets  include   corporate  and  government  debt
        securities,  equity  securities,  equity real estate and shares of Group
        Trusts managed by Alliance.

        Prior to 1987, the qualified plan funded participants'  benefits through
        the purchase of non-participating annuity contracts from Equitable Life.
        Benefit payments under these contracts were approximately $34.7 million,
        $36.4 million and $38.1 million for 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

        The  Company  provides  certain  medical  and  life  insurance  benefits
        (collectively,  "postretirement  benefits")  for  qualifying  employees,
        managers and agents  retiring from the Company on or after attaining age
        55 who have at least 10 years of service.  The life  insurance  benefits
        are related to age and salary at retirement. The costs of postretirement
        benefits are  recognized in accordance  with the  provisions of SFAS No.
        106. The Company  continues to fund  postretirement  benefits costs on a
        pay-as-you-go  basis and,  for 1996,  1995 and 1994,  the  Company  made
        estimated  postretirement  benefits  payments  of $18.9  million,  $31.1
        million and $29.8 million, respectively.

                                      F-29
<PAGE>

        The  following  table  sets  forth the  postretirement  benefits  plan's
        status,  reconciled to amounts recognized in the Company's  consolidated
        financial statements:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Service cost.......................................  $         5.3       $        4.0       $        3.9
        Interest cost on accumulated postretirement
          benefits obligation..............................           34.6               34.7               28.6
        Net amortization and deferrals.....................            2.4               (2.3)              (3.9)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Net Periodic Postretirement Benefits Costs.........  $        42.3       $       36.4       $       28.6
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              DECEMBER 31,
                                                                   ------------------------------------
                                                                        1996                1995
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                              (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                        <C>                <C>         
        Accumulated postretirement benefits obligation:
          Retirees................................................  $      381.8       $      391.8
          Fully eligible active plan participants.................          50.7               50.4
          Other active plan participants..........................          60.7               64.2
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                           493.2              506.4
        Unrecognized prior service cost...........................          50.5               56.3
        Unrecognized net loss from past experience different
          from that assumed and from changes in assumptions.......        (150.5)            (181.3)
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
        Accrued Postretirement Benefits Cost......................  $      393.2       $      381.4
                                                                   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        At January 1, 1994,  medical benefits available to retirees under age 65
        are the same as those offered to active  employees and medical  benefits
        will be limited to 200% of 1993 costs for all participants.

        The  assumed   health  care  cost  trend  rate  used  in  measuring  the
        accumulated   postretirement  benefits  obligation  was  9.5%  in  1996,
        gradually  declining  to 3.5% in the  year  2009  and in 1995  was  10%,
        gradually  declining to 3.5% in the year 2008. The discount rate used in
        determining the accumulated postretirement benefits obligation was 7.50%
        and 7.25% at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

        If the health care cost trend rate assumptions were increased by 1%, the
        accumulated  postretirement  benefits obligation as of December 31, 1996
        would be  increased  7%.  The  effect  of this  change on the sum of the
        service cost and interest cost would be an increase of 8%.

12)     DERIVATIVES AND FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

        Derivatives
        -----------

        The Insurance Group primarily uses derivatives for asset/liability  risk
        management and for hedging individual securities. Derivatives mainly are
        utilized to reduce the  Insurance  Group's  exposure  to  interest  rate
        fluctuations.  Accounting for interest rate swap  transactions  is on an
        accrual   basis.   Gains  and  losses  related  to  interest  rate  swap
        transactions are amortized as yield  adjustments over the remaining life
        of the underlying  hedged  security.  Income and expense  resulting from
        interest rate swap  activities are reflected in net  investment  income.
        The  notional  amount of  matched  interest  rate swaps  outstanding  at
        December 31, 1996 was $649.9  million.  The average  unexpired  terms at
        December 31, 1996 range from 2.2 to 2.7 years. At December 31, 1996, the
        cost of  terminating  outstanding  matched  swaps in a loss position was
        $8.3 million and the unrealized  gain on outstanding  matched swaps in a
        gain  position  was $11.4  million.  The  Company  has no  intention  of
        terminating  these  contracts  prior to maturity.  During 1996, 1995 and
        1994, net gains (losses) of $.2 million, $1.4 million and $(.2) million,
        respectively, were recorded in connection with

                                      F-30
<PAGE>

        interest rate swap activity.  Equitable Life has implemented an interest
        rate cap program designed to hedge crediting rates on interest-sensitive
        individual  annuities  contracts.  The outstanding  notional  amounts at
        December 31, 1996 of contracts  purchased and sold were $5,050.0 million
        and $500.0 million, respectively. The net premium paid by Equitable Life
        on these contracts was $22.5 million and is being amortized ratably over
        the  contract  periods  ranging  from 3 to 5 years.  Income and  expense
        resulting  from this program are  reflected as an adjustment to interest
        credited to policyholders' account balances.

        Substantially  all of DLJ's  business  related to  derivatives is by its
        nature  trading  activities  which  are  primarily  for the  purpose  of
        customer  accommodations.  DLJ's derivative activities consist primarily
        of  option  writing  and  trading  in  forward  and  futures  contracts.
        Derivative  financial  instruments  have both  on-and-off  balance sheet
        implications depending on the nature of the contracts. DLJ's involvement
        in swap contracts is not significant.

        Fair Value of Financial Instruments
        -----------------------------------

        The Company  defines  fair value as the quoted  market  prices for those
        instruments  that are  actively  traded in financial  markets.  In cases
        where quoted market prices are not available,  fair values are estimated
        using  present  value  or other  valuation  techniques.  The fair  value
        estimates  are made at a  specific  point in  time,  based on  available
        market  information  and  judgments  about  the  financial   instrument,
        including estimates of timing,  amount of expected future cash flows and
        the credit standing of counterparties. Such estimates do not reflect any
        premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time
        the Company's entire holdings of a particular financial instrument,  nor
        do they consider the tax impact of the  realization of unrealized  gains
        or  losses.   In  many  cases,   the  fair  value  estimates  cannot  be
        substantiated  by  comparison  to  independent   markets,  nor  can  the
        disclosed value be realized in immediate settlement of the instrument.

        Certain  financial  instruments  are  excluded,  particularly  insurance
        liabilities  other than financial  guarantees and investment  contracts.
        Fair market  value of  off-balance-sheet  financial  instruments  of the
        Insurance Group was not material at December 31, 1996 and 1995.

        Fair  value  for  mortgage   loans  on  real  estate  are  estimated  by
        discounting  future contractual cash flows using interest rates at which
        loans with similar  characteristics  and credit  quality  would be made.
        Fair values for foreclosed mortgage loans and problem mortgage loans are
        limited to the  estimated  fair value of the  underlying  collateral  if
        lower.

        The estimated  fair values for the Company's  liabilities  under GIC and
        association  plan contracts are estimated using  contractual  cash flows
        discounted based on the T. Rowe Price GIC Index Rate for the appropriate
        duration.  For  durations  in excess of the  published  index rate,  the
        appropriate  Treasury  rate is used plus a spread  equal to the  longest
        duration GIC rate spread published.

        The estimated  fair values for those group annuity  contracts  which are
        classified  as  universal  life  type  contracts  are  measured  at  the
        estimated fair value of the underlying assets. The estimated fair values
        for single  premium  deferred  annuities  ("SPDA") are  estimated  using
        projected cash flows discounted at current offering rates. The estimated
        fair values for supplementary contracts not involving life contingencies
        ("SCNILC") and annuities certain are derived using discounted cash flows
        based upon the estimated current offering rate.

        Fair value for  long-term  debt is  determined  using  published  market
        values, where available,  or contractual cash flows discounted at market
        interest rates. The estimated fair values for non-recourse mortgage debt
        are  determined by  discounting  contractual  cash flows at a rate which
        takes  into  account  the level of  current  market  interest  rates and
        collateral  risk. The estimated  fair values for recourse  mortgage debt
        are  determined by  discounting  contractual  cash flows at a rate based
        upon  current  interest  rates of other  companies  with credit  ratings
        similar  to  the  Company.   The  Company's  fair  value  of  short-term
        borrowings approximates their carrying value.

                                      F-31
<PAGE>

        The following  table  discloses  carrying value and estimated fair value
        for financial instruments not otherwise disclosed in Notes 3, 6 and 7:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          DECEMBER 31,
                                                --------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              1996                               1995
                                                ---------------------------------  ---------------------------------
                                                   CARRYING         ESTIMATED         Carrying         Estimated
                                                    VALUE          FAIR VALUE          Value           Fair Value
                                                ---------------  ----------------  ---------------   ---------------
                                                                        (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                      <C>              <C>               <C>               <C>         
        Consolidated Financial Instruments:
        -----------------------------------
        Mortgage loans on real estate..........  $    3,133.0     $     3,394.6     $     3,638.3     $    3,973.6
        Other joint ventures...................         467.0             467.0             492.7            492.7
        Policy loans...........................       2,196.1           2,221.6           1,976.4          2,057.5
        Policyholders' account balances:
          Association plans....................          78.1              77.3             101.0            100.0
          Group annuity contracts..............       2,141.0           1,954.0           2,335.0          2,395.0
          SPDA.................................       1,062.7           1,065.7           1,265.8          1,272.0
          Annuities certain and SCNILC.........         654.9             736.2             646.4            716.7
        Long-term debt.........................       1,592.8           1,557.7           1,899.3          1,962.9

        Closed Block Financial Instruments:
        -----------------------------------
        Mortgage loans on real estate..........       1,380.7           1,425.6           1,368.8          1,461.4
        Other equity investments...............         105.0             105.0             151.6            151.6
        Policy loans...........................       1,765.9           1,798.0           1,797.2          1,891.4
        SCNILC liability.......................          30.6              34.9              34.8             39.6

        GIC Segment Financial Instruments:
        ----------------------------------
        Mortgage loans on real estate..........       1,111.1           1,220.3           1,485.8          1,666.1
        Fixed maturities.......................          42.5              42.5             107.4            107.4
        Other equity investments...............         300.5             300.5             455.9            455.9
        Guaranteed interest contracts..........         290.7             300.5             329.0            352.0
        Long-term debt.........................         102.1             102.2             135.1            136.0
</TABLE>

13)     COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

        The Company  has  provided,  from time to time,  certain  guarantees  or
        commitments  to  affiliates,  investors and others.  These  arrangements
        include commitments by the Company,  under certain  conditions:  to make
        capital  contributions of up to $244.9 million to affiliated real estate
        joint  ventures;   to  provide  equity   financing  to  certain  limited
        partnerships of $205.8 million at December 31, 1996, under existing loan
        or loan commitment agreements; and to provide short-term financing loans
        which at December 31, 1996 totaled $14.6  million.  Management  believes
        the  Company  will not  incur any  material  losses as a result of these
        commitments.

        Equitable  Life  is the  obligor  under  certain  structured  settlement
        agreements  which  it  had  entered  into  with  unaffiliated  insurance
        companies  and  beneficiaries.  To satisfy its  obligations  under these
        agreements,  Equitable  Life owns  single  premium  annuities  issued by
        previously wholly owned life insurance subsidiaries.  Equitable Life has
        directed  payment  under  these  annuities  to be made  directly  to the
        beneficiaries under the structured settlement  agreements.  A contingent
        liability exists with respect to these agreements  should the previously
        wholly  owned   subsidiaries  be  unable  to  meet  their   obligations.
        Management  believes the satisfaction of those  obligations by Equitable
        Life is remote.

        At December 31, 1996,  the Insurance  Group had $51.6 million of letters
        of credit outstanding.

                                      F-32
<PAGE>

14)     LITIGATION

        A number of lawsuits has been filed against life and health  insurers in
        the  jurisdictions  in  which  Equitable  Life and its  subsidiaries  do
        business involving insurers' sales practices,  alleged agent misconduct,
        failure to properly  supervise  agents,  and other matters.  Some of the
        lawsuits have  resulted in the award of  substantial  judgments  against
        other insurers,  including  material amounts of punitive damages,  or in
        substantial  settlements.   In  some  states,  juries  have  substantial
        discretion in awarding punitive damages.  Equitable Life, EVLICO and The
        Equitable  of  Colorado,  Inc.  ("EOC"),  like  other  life  and  health
        insurers, from time to time are involved in such litigation. To date, no
        such  lawsuit has  resulted in an award or  settlement  of any  material
        amount against the Company.  Among litigations pending against Equitable
        Life,  EVLICO and EOC of the type referred to in this  paragraph are the
        litigations described in the following eight paragraphs.

        An action entitled Golomb et al. v. The Equitable Life Assurance Society
        of the United  States was filed on January  20,  1995 in New York County
        Supreme Court. The action purports to be brought on behalf of a class of
        persons  insured after 1983 under Lifetime  Guaranteed  Renewable  Major
        Medical  Insurance  Policies issued by Equitable Life (the  "policies").
        The complaint  alleges that premium  increases for these  policies after
        1983,  all of which were filed with and  approved  by the New York State
        Insurance  Department  and certain  other state  insurance  departments,
        breached the terms of the policies,  and that statements in the policies
        and  elsewhere  concerning  premium  increases  constituted   fraudulent
        concealment,  misrepresentations  in violation of New York Insurance Law
        Section 4226 and deceptive practices under New York General Business Law
        Section 349. The  complaint  seeks a  declaratory  judgment,  injunctive
        relief  restricting  the  methods  by  which  Equitable  Life  increases
        premiums  on the  policies  in the  future,  a refund of  premiums,  and
        punitive  damages.  Plaintiffs  also have  indicated that they will seek
        damages in an  unspecified  amount.  Equitable Life moved to dismiss the
        complaint  in its entirety on the grounds that it fails to state a claim
        and that  uncontroverted  documentary  evidence  establishes  a complete
        defense to the claims.  On May 29,  1996,  the New York  County  Supreme
        Court  entered a  judgment  dismissing  the  complaint  with  prejudice.
        Plaintiffs have filed a notice of appeal of that judgment.

        In January 1996,  separate  actions were filed in Pennsylvania and Texas
        state courts  (entitled,  respectively,  Malvin et al. v. The  Equitable
        Life  Assurance  Society of the  United  States and Bowler et al. v. The
        Equitable Life Assurance  Society of the United  States),  making claims
        similar  to those in the New York  action  described  above.  The  Texas
        action  also  claims  that  Equitable  Life   misrepresented   to  Texas
        policyholders that the Texas Insurance Department had approved Equitable
        Life's rate increases.  These actions are asserted on behalf of proposed
        classes of Pennsylvania issued or renewed policyholders and Texas issued
        or renewed  policyholders,  insured under the policies. The Pennsylvania
        and Texas actions seek  compensatory and punitive damages and injunctive
        relief  restricting  the  methods  by  which  Equitable  Life  increases
        premiums  in the future  based on the common law and  statutes  of those
        states.  On February 9, 1996,  Equitable  Life removed the  Pennsylvania
        action,  Malvin,  to the  United  States  District  Court for the Middle
        District of  Pennsylvania.  Following  the decision  granting  Equitable
        Life's motion to dismiss the New York action (Golomb), on the consent of
        the  parties  the  District  Court  ordered  an  indefinite  stay of all
        proceedings in the Pennsylvania action,  pending either party's right to
        reinstate the proceeding,  and ordered that for administrative  purposes
        the  case be  deemed  administratively  closed.  On  February  2,  1996,
        Equitable  Life removed the Texas action,  Bowler,  to the United States
        District Court for the Northern  District of Texas. On May 20, 1996, the
        plaintiffs in Bowler  amended their  complaint by adding  allegations of
        misrepresentation   regarding   premium  increases  on  other  types  of
        guaranteed   renewable  major  medical  insurance   policies  issued  by
        Equitable Life up to and including 1983. On July 1, 1996, Equitable Life
        filed a  motion  for  summary  judgment  dismissing  the  first  amended
        complaint in its entirety. In August, 1996, the court granted plaintiffs
        leave to file a supplemental  complaint on behalf of a proposed class of
        Texas policyholders claiming unfair  discrimination,  breach of contract
        and other claims  arising out of alleged  differences  between  premiums
        charged  to  Texas  policyholders  and  premiums  charged  to  similarly
        situated policyholders in New York and certain other states.  Plaintiffs
        seek refunds of alleged  overcharges,  exemplary or  additional  damages
        citing

                                      F-33
<PAGE>

        Texas statutory  provisions  which among other things,  permit two times
        the  amount of  actual  damage  plus  additional  penalties  if the acts
        complained  of are  found  to be  knowingly  committed,  and  injunctive
        relief.  Equitable  Life has also  filed a motion for  summary  judgment
        dismissing the supplemental  complaint in its entirety.  Plaintiffs also
        obtained  permission  to add another  plaintiff to the first amended and
        supplemental  complaints.  Plaintiffs  have  opposed  both  motions  for
        summary  judgment and  requested  that certain  issues be found in their
        favor. Equitable Life is in the process of replying.

        On May 22, 1996, a separate  action  entitled  Bachman v. The  Equitable
        Life Assurance Society of the United States,  was filed in Florida state
        court making claims similar to those in the previously  reported  Golomb
        action.  The Florida action is asserted on behalf of a proposed class of
        Florida  issued  or  renewed  policyholders  insured  after  1983  under
        Lifetime Guaranteed Renewable Major Medical Insurance Policies issued by
        Equitable  Life.  The Florida  action  seeks  compensatory  and punitive
        damages and injunctive relief restricting the methods by which Equitable
        Life  increases  premiums  in the  future  based on  various  common law
        claims.  On June 20, 1996,  Equitable Life removed the Florida action to
        Federal court.  Equitable  Life has answered the complaint,  denying the
        material  allegations and asserting  certain  affirmative  defenses.  On
        December 6, 1996, Equitable Life filed a motion for summary judgment and
        plaintiff is expected to file its response to that motion shortly.

        On November 6, 1996, a proposed class action entitled  Fletcher,  et al.
        v. The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States,  was filed
        in California Superior Court for Fresno County, making substantially the
        same allegations  concerning premium rates and premium rate increases on
        guaranteed  renewable  policies made in the Bowler action. The complaint
        alleges,  among other things,  that differentials  between rates charged
        California policyholders and policyholders in New York and certain other
        states,  and the methods  used by Equitable  Life to  calculate  premium
        increases,  breached  the terms of its  policies,  that  Equitable  Life
        misrepresented  and concealed the facts pertaining to such differentials
        and methods in violation of California law, and that Equitable Life also
        misrepresented  that its rate  increases were approved by the California
        Insurance  Department.   Plaintiffs  seek  compensatory  damages  in  an
        unspecified amount,  rescission,  injunctive relief and attorneys' fees.
        Equitable Life removed the action to Federal court;  plaintiff has moved
        to  remand  the  case  to  state  court.  Although  the  outcome  of any
        litigation cannot be predicted with certainty, particularly in the early
        stages of an action, the Company's management believes that the ultimate
        resolution  of  the  Golomb,   Malvin,   Bowler,  Bachman  and  Fletcher
        litigations  should not have a material  adverse effect on the financial
        position of the Company. Due to the early stage of such litigations, the
        Company's management cannot make an estimate of loss, if any, or predict
        whether or not such  litigations  will have a material adverse effect on
        the Company's results of operations in any particular period.

        An action was instituted on April 6, 1995 against Equitable Life and its
        wholly owned subsidiary,  EOC, in New York state court,  entitled Sidney
        C. Cole et al. v. The  Equitable  Life  Assurance  Society of the United
        States  and The  Equitable  of  Colorado,  Inc.,  No.  95/108611  (N. Y.
        County).  The action is brought by the  holders of a joint  survivorship
        whole life policy issued by EOC. The action  purports to be on behalf of
        a class  consisting  of all persons who from  January 1, 1984  purchased
        life insurance  policies sold by Equitable Life and EOC based upon their
        allegedly  uniform sales  presentations  and policy  illustrations.  The
        complaint puts in issue various  alleged sales practices that plaintiffs
        assert,  among other things,  misrepresented  the stated number of years
        that the annual premium would need to be paid.  Plaintiffs  seek damages
        in an unspecified  amount,  imposition of a constructive trust, and seek
        to enjoin  Equitable Life and EOC from engaging in the challenged  sales
        practices.  On June 28,  1996,  the court  issued a  decision  and order
        dismissing  with  prejudice  plaintiff's  causes  of action  for  fraud,
        constructive  fraud,  breach of fiduciary duty,  negligence,  and unjust
        enrichment, and dismissing without prejudice plaintiff's cause of action
        under the New York State consumer protection statute. The only remaining
        causes   of  action   are  for   breach  of   contract   and   negligent
        misrepresentation.  Plaintiffs made a motion for reargument with respect
        to this order,  which was submitted to the court in October  1996.  This
        motion was denied by the court on December 16, 1996.

                                      F-34
<PAGE>

        On May 21,  1996,  an  action  entitled  Elton  F.  Duncan,  III v.  The
        Equitable  Life Assurance  Society of the United  States,  was commenced
        against  Equitable  Life in the Civil  District  Court for the Parish of
        Orleans, State of Louisiana.  The action is brought by an individual who
        purchased  a whole life  policy.  Plaintiff  alleges  misrepresentations
        concerning  the  extent to which  the  policy  was a proper  replacement
        policy and the number of years that the annual  premium would need to be
        paid.  Plaintiff purports to represent a class consisting of all persons
        who  purchased  whole life or universal  life  insurance  policies  from
        Equitable  Life from  January 1, 1982 to the  present.  Plaintiff  seeks
        damages,  including punitive damages,  in an unspecified amount. On July
        26, 1996, an action entitled Michael Bradley v. Equitable  Variable Life
        Insurance Company,  was commenced in New York state court. The action is
        brought by the  holder of a variable  life  insurance  policy  issued by
        EVLICO.  The plaintiff  purports to represent a class  consisting of all
        persons or entities who  purchased one or more life  insurance  policies
        issued by EVLICO  from  January 1,  1980.  The  complaint  puts at issue
        various   alleged  sales   practices   and  alleges   misrepresentations
        concerning  the  extent to which  the  policy  was a proper  replacement
        policy and the number of years that the annual  premium would need to be
        paid.  Plaintiff  seeks  damages,  including  punitive  damages,  in  an
        unspecified  amount and also seeks injunctive relief  prohibiting EVLICO
        from canceling  policies for failure to make premium payments beyond the
        alleged  stated number of years that the annual premium would need to be
        paid. On September 21, 1996 Equitable Life, EVLICO and EOC made a motion
        to have this  proceeding  moved from Kings County  Supreme  Court to New
        York County for joint trial or consolidation  with the Cole action.  The
        motion was denied by the court on January 9, 1997.  On January 10, 1997,
        plaintiffs  moved for  certification of a nationwide class consisting of
        all  persons  or  entities  who  were  sold one or more  life  insurance
        products on a "vanishing premium" basis and/or were allegedly induced to
        purchase  additional   policies  from  EVLICO,   using  the  cash  value
        accumulated  in  existing  policies,  from  January 1, 1980  through and
        including  December 31, 1996.  Plaintiffs  further moved to have Michael
        Bradley  designated  as the class  representative.  Discovery  regarding
        class certification is underway.

        On  December  12,  1996,  an action  entitled  Robert  E.  Dillon v. The
        Equitable Life Assurance  Society of the United States and The Equitable
        of Colorado,  was commenced in the United States  District Court for the
        Southern District of Florida. The action is brought by an individual who
        purchased  a joint whole life policy  from EOC.  The  complaint  puts at
        issue  various  alleged sales  practices and alleges  misrepresentations
        concerning the alleged  impropriety of  replacement  policies  issued by
        Equitable  Life and EOC and  alleged  misrepresentations  regarding  the
        number  of  years  premiums  would  have to be  paid on the  defendants'
        policies.  Plaintiff  brings  claims  for  breach  of  contract,  fraud,
        negligent  misrepresentation,  money had and received, unjust enrichment
        and imposition of a constructive trust.  Plaintiff purports to represent
        two classes of persons.  The first is a "contract class,"  consisting of
        all persons who purchased  whole or universal  life  insurance  policies
        from  Equitable  Life and EOC and from whom  Equitable Life and EOC have
        sought additional payments beyond the number of years allegedly promised
        by Equitable Life and EOC. The second is a "fraud class,"  consisting of
        all persons with an interest in policies  issued by  Equitable  Life and
        EOC at any time since  October 1, 1986.  Plaintiff  seeks  damages in an
        unspecified amount, and also seeks injunctive relief attaching Equitable
        Life's and EOC's profits from their alleged sales  practices.  Equitable
        Life's  and EOC's time to answer or move with  respect to the  complaint
        has been  extended  until  February  24,  1997.  Although the outcome of
        litigation cannot be predicted with certainty, particularly in the early
        stages of an action, the Company's management believes that the ultimate
        resolution of the Cole,  Duncan,  Bradley and Dillon  litigations should
        not have a material  adverse  effect on the  financial  position  of the
        Company.  Due to the early  stages of such  litigations,  the  Company's
        management  cannot make an estimate of loss, if any, or predict  whether
        or not any such  litigation  will have a material  adverse effect on the
        Company's results of operations in any particular period.

        On January 3, 1996, an amended complaint was filed in an action entitled
        Frank Franze Jr. and George  Busher,  individually  and on behalf of all
        others similarly situated v. The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the
        United  States,  and Equitable  Variable  Life  Insurance  Company,  No.
        94-2036 in the United States District Court for the Southern District of
        Florida.  The  action  was  brought  by two  individuals  who  purchased
        variable life insurance policies.  The plaintiffs purport to represent a
        nationwide class  consisting of all persons who purchased  variable life
        insurance  policies from Equitable  Life and EVLICO since  September 30,
        1991.  The basic  allegation of the amended  complaint is that Equitable
        Life's and EVLICO's agents were trained not to

                                      F-35
<PAGE>

        disclose  fully  that  the  product  being  sold  was  life   insurance.
        Plaintiffs  allege  violations of the Federal  securities  laws and seek
        rescission of the contracts or compensatory  damages and attorneys' fees
        and expenses.  The court denied  Equitable  Life and EVLICO's  motion to
        dismiss the amended complaint on September 24, 1996.  Equitable Life and
        EVLICO  have  answered  the  amended  complaint,  denying  the  material
        allegations and asserting certain affirmative defenses.  Currently,  the
        parties are conducting  discovery in connection with plaintiffs' attempt
        to certify a class.  On January 9, 1997,  an action  entitled  Rosemarie
        Chaviano, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated v.
        The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States, and Equitable
        Variable Life Insurance Company,  was filed in Massachusetts state court
        making  claims  similar  to  those in the  Franze  action  and  alleging
        violations of the Massachusetts  securities laws. The plaintiff purports
        to represent all persons in  Massachusetts  who purchased  variable life
        insurance  contracts from Equitable Life and EVLICO from January 9, 1993
        to  the  present.  The  Massachusetts  action  seeks  rescission  of the
        contracts  or  compensatory  damages,   attorneys'  fees,  expenses  and
        injunctive  relief.  Although  the outcome of any  litigation  cannot be
        predicted with certainty, particularly in the early stages of an action,
        the Company's  management  believes that the ultimate  resolution of the
        litigations  discussed  in this  paragraph  should  not have a  material
        adverse  effect on the  financial  position of the  Company.  Due to the
        early stages of such litigation, the Company's management cannot make an
        estimate of loss, if any, or predict  whether or not any such litigation
        will  have a  material  adverse  effect  on  the  Company's  results  of
        operations in any particular period.

        Equitable Life recently responded to a subpoena from the U.S. Department
        of Labor  ("DOL")  requesting  copies of any  third-party  appraisals in
        Equitable Life's possession  relating to the ten largest  properties (by
        value)  in  the  Prime  Property  Fund  ("PPF").  PPF  is  an  open-end,
        commingled  real estate  separate  account of Equitable Life for pension
        clients.  Equitable  Life  serves as  investment  manager in PPF and has
        retained  EREIM as advisor.  In early 1995, the DOL commenced a national
        investigation  of commingled  real estate funds with pension  investors,
        including PPF. The investigation  now appears to be focused  principally
        on appraisal and valuation procedures in respect of fund properties. The
        most recent request from the DOL seems to reflect,  at least in part, an
        interest in the relationship between the valuations for those properties
        reflected in appraisals  prepared for local property tax proceedings and
        the valuations  used by PPF for other  purposes.  At no time has the DOL
        made any  specific  allegation  that  Equitable  Life or EREIM has acted
        improperly and Equitable Life and EREIM believe that any such allegation
        would be without  foundation.  While the  outcome of this  investigation
        cannot be predicted with  certainty,  in the opinion of management,  the
        ultimate  resolution of this matter  should not have a material  adverse
        effect on the Company's  consolidated  financial  position or results of
        operations in any particular period.

        Equitable  Casualty Insurance Company  ("Casualty"),  an indirect wholly
        owned   subsidiary  of  Equitable  Life,  is  party  to  an  arbitration
        proceeding  that commenced in August 1995.  The proceeding  relates to a
        dispute among Casualty,  Houston  General  Insurance  Company  ("Houston
        General")  and  GEICO  General   Insurance   Company  ("GEICO  General")
        regarding the interpretation of a reinsurance agreement. The arbitration
        panel  issued a final  award in favor of Casualty  and GEICO  General on
        June 17, 1996.  Casualty and GEICO  General  moved in the pending  Texas
        state  court  action,  with  Houston  General's  consent,  for an  order
        confirming the arbitration  award and entering  judgment  dismissing the
        action.  The motion was granted on January 29,  1997.  The parties  have
        also  stipulated to the dismissal  without  prejudice of a related Texas
        Federal court action  brought by Houston  General  against GEICO General
        and Equitable Life. In connection  with  confirmation of the arbitration
        award,  Houston  General  paid to  Casualty  approximately  $839,600  in
        settlement of certain  reimbursement  claims by Casualty against Houston
        General.

        On July 25, 1995, a Consolidated and Supplemental Class Action Complaint
        ("Complaint")  was filed against the Alliance North American  Government
        Income Trust,  Inc. (the "Fund"),  Alliance and certain other defendants
        affiliated  with  Alliance,  including  the  Holding  Company,  alleging
        violations  of Federal  securities  laws,  fraud and breach of fiduciary
        duty in connection with the Fund's  investments in Mexican and Argentine
        securities.  The  Complaint,  which seeks  certification  of a plaintiff
        class of persons  who  purchased  or owned Class A, B or C shares of the
        Fund from March 27, 1992 through December 23, 1994, seeks an unspecified
        amount of damages,  costs,  attorneys'  fees and punitive  damages.  The
        principal  allegations of the Complaint are that the Fund purchased debt
        securities  issued by the Mexican and Argentine  governments  in amounts
        that

                                      F-36
<PAGE>

        were not permitted by the Fund's  investment  objective,  and that there
        was no  shareholder  vote to change the  investment  objective to permit
        purchases  in such  amounts.  The  Complaint  further  alleges  that the
        decline in the value of the Mexican and Argentine securities held by the
        Fund  caused the Fund's net asset value to decline to the  detriment  of
        the Fund's  shareholders.  On  September  26,  1996,  the United  States
        District  Court  for the  Southern  District  of New  York  granted  the
        defendants'  motion to dismiss all counts of the  complaint.  On October
        11, 1996,  plaintiffs filed a motion for  reconsideration of the court's
        decision  granting  defendants'  motion to  dismiss  the  Complaint.  On
        November   25,   1996,   the  court   denied   plaintiffs'   motion  for
        reconsideration.  On October  29,  1996,  plaintiffs  filed a motion for
        leave to file an amended  complaint.  The principal  allegations  of the
        proposed amended  complaint are that the Fund did not properly  disclose
        that it planned to invest in mortgage-backed  derivative  securities and
        that two  advertisements  used by the Fund  misrepresented  the risks of
        investing in the Fund.  Plaintiffs  also  reiterated  allegations in the
        Complaint  that the Fund failed to hedge  against the risks of investing
        in  foreign  securities  despite  representations  that it  would do so.
        Alliance  believes  that the  allegations  in the  Complaint are without
        merit and intends to vigorously  defend against these claims.  While the
        ultimate  outcome  of this  matter  cannot be  determined  at this time,
        management  of  Alliance  does not  expect  that it will have a material
        adverse  effect  on  Alliance's   results  of  operations  or  financial
        condition.

        On January 26, 1996, a purported purchaser of certain notes and warrants
        to  purchase  shares  of  common  stock of  Rickel  Home  Centers,  Inc.
        ("Rickel") filed a class action complaint  against  Donaldson,  Lufkin &
        Jenrette Securities  Corporation  ("DLJSC") and certain other defendants
        for unspecified  compensatory  and punitive damages in the United States
        District  Court for the  Southern  District  of New  York.  The suit was
        brought on behalf of the  purchasers  of  126,457  units  consisting  of
        $126,457,000 aggregate principal amount of 13 1/2% senior notes due 2001
        and 126,457 warrants to purchase shares of common stock of Rickel issued
        by Rickel in October 1994. The complaint  alleges  violations of Federal
        securities  laws and common law fraud against DLJSC,  as the underwriter
        of the units and as an owner of 7.3% of the common stock of Rickel,  Eos
        Partners, L.P., and General Electric Capital Corporation, each as owners
        of 44.2% of the  common  stock of  Rickel,  and  members of the Board of
        Directors of Rickel,  including a DLJSC Managing Director. The complaint
        seeks to hold  DLJSC  liable for  alleged  misstatements  and  omissions
        contained  in  the  prospectus  and  registration   statement  filed  in
        connection with the offering of the units,  alleging that the defendants
        knew of financial  losses and a decline in value of Rickel in the months
        prior  to the  offering  and  did not  disclose  such  information.  The
        complaint  also  alleges  that  Rickel  failed  to pay  its  semi-annual
        interest  payment due on the units on December  15, 1995 and that Rickel
        filed a voluntary petition for reorganization  pursuant to Chapter 11 of
        the United States  Bankruptcy Code on January 10, 1996. DLJSC intends to
        defend itself vigorously against all of the allegations contained in the
        complaint.  Although there can be no assurance, DLJ does not believe the
        outcome of this  litigation  will have a material  adverse effect on its
        financial condition. Due to the early stage of this litigation, based on
        the information  currently available to it, DLJ's management cannot make
        an estimate of loss, if any, or predict  whether or not such  litigation
        will have a material  adverse  effect on DLJ's  results of operations in
        any particular period.

        In October  1995,  DLJSC was named as a defendant  in a purported  class
        action  filed in a Texas  State Court on behalf of the holders of $550.0
        million principal amount of subordinated  redeemable discount debentures
        of National  Gypsum  Corporation  ("NGC")  canceled in connection with a
        Chapter 11 plan of reorganization  for NGC consummated in July 1993. The
        named  plaintiff  in the State  Court  action  also  filed an  adversary
        proceeding in the  Bankruptcy  Court for the Northern  District of Texas
        seeking  a   declaratory   judgment  that  the  confirmed  NGC  plan  of
        reorganization  does not bar the class action claims.  Subsequent to the
        consummation  of NGC's plan of  reorganization,  NGC's shares traded for
        values  substantially  in excess of, and in 1995 NGC was  acquired for a
        value  substantially  in excess of, the values  upon which NGC's plan of
        reorganization   was  based.  The  two  actions  arise  out  of  DLJSC's
        activities as financial advisor to NGC in the course of NGC's Chapter 11
        reorganization proceedings.  The class action complaint alleges that the
        plan of  reorganization  submitted by NGC was based upon  projections by
        NGC and DLJSC which intentionally  understated  forecasts,  and provided
        misleading  and incorrect  information in order to hide NGC's true value
        and that  defendants  breached  their  fiduciary  duties by, among other
        things,   providing  false,  misleading  or  incomplete  information  to
        deliberately  understate  the value of NGC. The class  action  complaint
        seeks  compensatory  and punitive damages  purportedly  sustained by the
        class. The Texas State Court action, which

                                      F-37
<PAGE>

        had been removed to the Bankruptcy  Court, has been remanded back to the
        state court,  which remand is being  opposed by DLJSC.  DLJSC intends to
        defend itself vigorously against all of the allegations contained in the
        complaint. Although there can be no assurance, DLJ does not believe that
        the ultimate  outcome of this  litigation  will have a material  adverse
        effect  on its  financial  condition.  Due to the  early  stage  of such
        litigation,  based upon the information currently available to it, DLJ's
        management  cannot make an estimate of loss, if any, or predict  whether
        or not such  litigation  will have a  material  adverse  effect on DLJ's
        results of operations in any particular period.

        In November and December 1995, DLJSC,  along with various other parties,
        was named as a defendant in a number of purported class actions filed in
        the U.S.  District  Court for the  Eastern  District of  Louisiana.  The
        complaints allege violations of the Federal  securities laws arising out
        of a public  offering in 1994 of $435.0  million of first mortgage notes
        of Harrah's Jazz Company and Harrah's Jazz Finance Corp.  The complaints
        seek  to  hold  DLJSC  liable  for  various  alleged  misstatements  and
        omissions  contained in the  prospectus  dated  November 9, 1994.  DLJSC
        intends  to defend  itself  vigorously  against  all of the  allegations
        contained in the  complaints.  Although  there can be no assurance,  DLJ
        does not believe that the ultimate  outcome of this litigation will have
        a material adverse effect on its financial  condition.  Due to the early
        stage of this litigation, based upon the information currently available
        to it,  DLJ's  management  cannot make an  estimate of loss,  if any, or
        predict  whether or not such  litigation  will have a  material  adverse
        effect on DLJ's results of operations in any particular period.

        In addition  to the  matters  described  above,  Equitable  Life and its
        subsidiaries  and DLJ and its subsidiaries are involved in various legal
        actions and proceedings in connection with their businesses. Some of the
        actions and  proceedings  have been brought on behalf of various alleged
        classes of  claimants  and certain of these  claimants  seek  damages of
        unspecified  amounts.  While the ultimate outcome of such matters cannot
        be predicted with certainty, in the opinion of management no such matter
        is  likely  to  have  a  material   adverse   effect  on  the  Company's
        consolidated financial position or results of operations.

15)     LEASES

        The Company  has  entered  into  operating  leases for office  space and
        certain other assets,  principally data processing  equipment and office
        furniture and  equipment.  Future minimum  payments under  noncancelable
        leases for 1997 and the succeeding four years are $113.7 million, $110.6
        million, $100.3 million, $72.3 million, $59.3 million and $427.3 million
        thereafter. Minimum future sublease rental income on these noncancelable
        leases for 1997 and the  succeeding  four years are $9.8  million,  $6.0
        million,  $4.5  million,  $2.4  million,  $.8  million  and $.1  million
        thereafter.

        At December 31, 1996, the minimum future rental income on  noncancelable
        operating  leases for wholly owned  investments  in real estate for 1997
        and the succeeding four years are $263.0 million, $242.1 million, $219.8
        million, $194.3 million, $174.6 million and $847.1 million thereafter.

                                      F-38
<PAGE>

16)     OTHER OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES

        Other operating costs and expenses consisted of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Compensation costs.................................  $       647.3       $      595.9       $      687.5
        Commissions........................................          329.5              314.3              313.0
        Short-term debt interest expense...................            8.0               11.4               19.0
        Long-term debt interest expense....................          137.3              108.1               98.3
        Amortization of policy acquisition costs...........          405.2              317.8              313.4
        Capitalization of policy acquisition costs.........         (391.9)            (391.0)            (410.9)
        Rent expense, net of sub-lease income..............          113.7              109.3              116.0
        Other..............................................          798.9              710.0              721.4
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total..............................................  $     2,048.0       $    1,775.8       $    1,857.7
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        During 1996, 1995 and 1994, the Company  restructured certain operations
        in  connection  with  cost  reduction   programs  and  recorded  pre-tax
        provisions  of  $24.4   million,   $32.0  million  and  $20.4   million,
        respectively.  The  amounts  paid  during  1996,  associated  with  cost
        reduction  programs,  totaled $17.7  million.  At December 31, 1996, the
        liabilities  associated with cost reduction  programs  amounted to $44.5
        million.  The 1996 cost reduction program included  restructuring  costs
        related to the consolidation of insurance  operations'  service centers.
        The 1995 cost reduction program included relocation expenses,  including
        the accelerated  amortization of building  improvements  associated with
        the  relocation  of the home  office.  The 1994 cost  reduction  program
        included costs  associated with the termination of operating  leases and
        employee  severance  benefits in connection with the consolidation of 16
        insurance agencies. Amortization of DAC included $145.0 million writeoff
        of DAC related to DI contracts in the fourth quarter of 1996.

17)     INSURANCE GROUP STATUTORY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

        Equitable  Life is  restricted as to the amounts it may pay as dividends
        to  the  Holding  Company.   Under  the  New  York  Insurance  Law,  the
        Superintendent  has broad discretion to determine  whether the financia1
        condition of a stock life insurance company would support the payment of
        dividends to its  shareholders.  For 1996, 1995 and 1994,  statutory net
        (loss) earnings  totaled  $(351.1)  million,  $(352.4) million and $67.5
        million,  respectively.  No amounts  are  expected to be  available  for
        dividends from Equitable Life to the Holding Company in 1997.

        At December 31, 1996, the Insurance  Group,  in accordance  with various
        government  and state  regulations,  had  $21.9  million  of  securities
        deposited with such government or state agencies.

                                      F-39
<PAGE>

        Accounting  practices used to prepare statutory financial statements for
        regulatory  filings of stock life insurance  companies differ in certain
        instances   from  GAAP.   The  New  York   Insurance   Department   (the
        "Department")   recognizes  only  statutory   accounting  practices  for
        determining  and  reporting  the  financial  condition  and  results  of
        operations of an insurance  company,  for determining its solvency under
        the New York  Insurance Law, and for  determining  whether its financial
        condition  warrants  the payment of a dividend to its  stockholders.  No
        consideration  is  given  by  the  Department  to  financial  statements
        prepared  in  accordance  with GAAP in making such  determinations.  The
        following  reconciles  the  Company's  statutory  change in surplus  and
        capital  stock and  statutory  surplus and capital  stock  determined in
        accordance with accounting  practices  prescribed by the Department with
        net earnings and equity on a GAAP basis.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Net change in statutory surplus and capital stock..  $        56.0       $       78.1       $      292.4
        Change in asset valuation reserves.................          (48.4)             365.7             (285.2)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Net change in statutory surplus, capital stock
          and asset valuation reserves.....................            7.6              443.8                7.2
        Adjustments:
          Future policy benefits and policyholders'
            account balances...............................         (298.5)             (66.0)              (5.3)
          DAC..............................................          (13.3)              73.2               97.5
          Deferred Federal income taxes....................          108.0             (158.1)             (58.7)
          Valuation of investments.........................          289.8              189.1               45.2
          Valuation of investment subsidiary...............         (117.7)            (188.6)             396.6
          Limited risk reinsurance.........................           92.5              416.9               74.9
          Contribution from the Holding Company............            -                  -               (300.0)
          Issuance of surplus notes........................            -               (538.9)               -
          Postretirement benefits..........................           28.9              (26.7)              17.1
          Other, net.......................................           12.4              115.1              (44.0)
          GAAP adjustments of Closed Block.................           (9.8)              15.7               (9.5)
          GAAP adjustments of discontinued GIC
            Segment........................................          (89.6)              37.3               42.8
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Net Earnings of the Insurance Group................  $        10.3       $      312.8       $      263.8
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 DECEMBER 31,
                                                            --------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Statutory surplus and capital stock................  $     2,258.9       $    2,202.9       $    2,124.8
        Asset valuation reserves...........................        1,297.5            1,345.9              980.2
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Statutory surplus, capital stock and asset
          valuation reserves...............................        3,556.4            3,548.8            3,105.0
        Adjustments:
          Future policy benefits and policyholders'
            account balances...............................       (1,305.0)          (1,006.5)            (940.5)
          DAC..............................................        3,104.9            3,075.8            3,219.4
          Deferred Federal income taxes....................         (306.1)            (452.0)             (29.4)
          Valuation of investments.........................          286.8              417.7             (794.1)
          Valuation of investment subsidiary...............         (782.8)            (665.1)            (476.5)
          Limited risk reinsurance.........................         (336.5)            (429.0)            (845.9)
          Issuance of surplus notes........................         (539.0)            (538.9)               -
          Postretirement benefits..........................         (314.4)            (343.3)            (316.6)
          Other, net.......................................          126.3                4.4              (79.2)
          GAAP adjustments of Closed Block.................          783.7              830.8              740.4
          GAAP adjustments of discontinued GIC
            Segment........................................         (190.3)            (184.6)            (221.9)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Equity of the Insurance Group......................  $     4,084.0       $    4,258.1       $    3,360.7
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

                                      F-40
<PAGE>

18)     BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION

        The Company has two major business  segments:  Insurance  Operations and
        Investment  Services.  Interest  expense related to debt not specific to
        either  business  segment is presented as  Corporate  interest  expense.
        Information for all periods is presented on a comparable basis.

        The  Insurance  Operations  segment  offers a  variety  of  traditional,
        variable and  interest-sensitive  life  insurance  products,  disability
        income,  annuity products,  mutual fund and other investment products to
        individuals and small groups and administers  traditional  participating
        group  annuity  contracts  with  conversion   features,   generally  for
        corporate  qualified  pension plans, and association plans which provide
        full  service  retirement  programs  for  individuals   affiliated  with
        professional  and trade  associations.  This segment  includes  Separate
        Accounts for individual insurance and annuity products.

        The Investment  Services  segment  provides  investment fund management,
        primarily to institutional  clients. This segment includes the Company's
        equity  interest in DLJ and  Separate  Accounts  which  provide  various
        investment  options for group  clients  through  pooled or single  group
        accounts.

        Intersegment  investment advisory and other fees of approximately $127.5
        million,  $124.1  million and $135.3  million  for 1996,  1995 and 1994,
        respectively,  are included in total revenues of the Investment Services
        segment.  These fees,  excluding amounts related to the discontinued GIC
        Segment of $15.7 million, $14.7 million and $27.4 million for 1996, 1995
        and 1994, respectively, are eliminated in consolidation.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Revenues
        Insurance operations...............................  $     3,742.9       $    3,614.6       $    3,507.4
        Investment services................................        1,126.1              949.1              935.2
        Consolidation/elimination..........................          (24.5)             (34.9)             (27.2)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total..............................................  $     4,844.5       $    4,528.8       $    4,415.4
                                                            =================   ================   =================
        Earnings (loss) from continuing  operations
          before Federal income taxes, minority interest
          and cumulative effect of accounting change
        Insurance operations...............................  $       (36.6)      $      303.1       $      327.5
        Investment services................................          311.9              224.0              227.9
        Consolidation/elimination..........................             .2               (3.1)                .3
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
              Subtotal.....................................          275.5              524.0              555.7
        Corporate interest expense.........................          (66.9)             (27.9)            (114.2)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total..............................................  $       208.6       $      496.1       $      441.5
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

                                                   DECEMBER 31,
                                        ------------------------------------
                                             1996                1995
                                        ----------------   -----------------
                                                   (IN MILLIONS)

        Assets
        Insurance operations...........  $    60,464.9      $    56,720.5
        Investment services............       13,542.5           12,842.9
        Consolidation/elimination......         (399.6)            (354.4)
                                        ----------------   -----------------
        Total..........................  $    73,607.8      $    69,209.0
                                        ================   =================

                                      F-41
<PAGE>

19)     QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

        The quarterly  results of operations  for 1996 and 1995,  are summarized
        below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                       ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           MARCH 31           JUNE 30           SEPTEMBER 30          DECEMBER 31
                                       -----------------  -----------------   ------------------   ------------------
                                                                        (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                            <C>                <C>                 <C>                  <C>         
        1996
        ----
        Total Revenues................  $     1,169.7      $     1,193.6       $    1,193.6         $    1,287.6
                                       =================  =================   ==================   ==================
        Earnings (Loss) from
          Continuing Operations
          before Cumulative Effect
          of Accounting Change........  $        94.8      $        87.1       $       93.2         $     (157.9)
                                       =================  =================   ==================   ==================
        Net Earnings (Loss)...........  $        71.7      $        87.1       $       93.2         $     (241.7)
                                       =================  =================   ==================   ==================
        1995
        ----
        Total Revenues................  $     1,079.1      $     1,164.0       $    1,138.8         $    1,146.9
                                       =================  =================   ==================   ==================
        Net Earnings..................  $        66.3      $       101.7       $      100.2         $       44.6
                                       =================  =================   ==================   ==================
</TABLE>

        The quarterly results of operations for 1996 and 1995 have been restated
        to reflect the Company's accounting change adopted in the fourth quarter
        of 1996 for  long-duration  participating  life  contracts in accordance
        with the  provisions  prescribed  by SFAS No. 120.  Net earnings for the
        three months ended December 31, 1996 includes a charge of $339.3 million
        related to writeoffs of DAC on DI  contracts of $94.3  million,  reserve
        strengthening  on DI  business of $113.7  million,  pension par of $47.5
        million and the discontinued GIC Segment of $83.8 million.

20)     INVESTMENT IN DLJ

        On December  15,  1993,  the Company  sold a 61%  interest in DLJ to the
        Holding Company for $800.0 million in cash and securities. The excess of
        the  proceeds  over the book  value in DLJ at the date of sale of $340.2
        million  has been  reflected  as a capital  contribution.  In 1995,  DLJ
        completed the initial public offering ("IPO") of 10.58 million shares of
        its common stock,  which included 7.28 million of the Holding  Company's
        shares in DLJ,  priced at $27 per share.  Concurrent  with the IPO,  the
        Company  contributed  equity  securities to DLJ having a market value of
        $21.2  million.  Upon  completion  of the IPO, the  Company's  ownership
        percentage was reduced to 36.1%. The Company's  ownership  interest will
        be further  reduced  upon the issuance of common stock after the vesting
        of forfeitable restricted stock units acquired by and/or the exercise of
        options  granted to certain DLJ employees.  DLJ  restricted  stock units
        represents  forfeitable  rights to  receive  approximately  5.2  million
        shares of DLJ common stock through February 2000.

        The results of  operations  of DLJ are accounted for on the equity basis
        and  are  included  in  commissions,   fees  and  other  income  in  the
        consolidated statements of earnings. The Company's carrying value of DLJ
        is included in investment in and loans to affiliates in the consolidated
        balance sheets.

                                      F-42
<PAGE>

        Summarized  balance  sheets  information  for  DLJ,  reconciled  to  the
        Company's carrying value of DLJ, are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                ------------------------------------
                                                                                     1996                1995
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                           (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                                     <C>                <C>         
        Assets:
        Trading account securities, at market value............................  $   15,728.1       $   10,821.3
        Securities purchased under resale agreements...........................      20,598.7           18,748.2
        Broker-dealer related receivables......................................      16,525.9           13,023.7
        Other assets...........................................................       2,651.0            1,983.3
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Total Assets...........................................................  $   55,503.7       $   44,576.5
                                                                                ================   =================
        Liabilities:
        Securities sold under repurchase agreements............................  $   29,378.3       $   26,744.8
        Broker-dealer related payables.........................................      19,409.7           12,915.5
        Short-term and long-term debt..........................................       2,704.5            1,742.0
        Other liabilities......................................................       2,164.0            1,750.5
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Total liabilities......................................................      53,656.5           43,152.8
        Cumulative exchangeable preferred stock................................           -                225.0
        DLJ's company-obligated mandatorily redeemed preferred
          securities of subsidiary trust holding solely debentures of DLJ......         200.0                -
        Total shareholders' equity.............................................       1,647.2            1,198.7
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Total Liabilities, Cumulative Exchangeable Preferred Stock and
          Shareholders' Equity.................................................  $   55,503.7       $   44,576.5
                                                                                ================   =================
        DLJ's equity as reported...............................................  $    1,647.2       $    1,198.7
        Unamortized cost in excess of net assets acquired in 1985
          and other adjustments................................................          23.9               40.5
        The Holding Company's equity ownership in DLJ..........................        (590.2)            (499.0)
        Minority interest in DLJ...............................................        (588.6)            (324.3)
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        The Company's Carrying Value of DLJ....................................  $      492.3       $      415.9
                                                                                ================   =================
</TABLE>

        Summarized  statements of earnings information for DLJ reconciled to the
        Company's equity in earnings of DLJ is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     1996                1995
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                           (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                                     <C>                <C>         
        Commission, fees and other income......................................  $    1,818.2       $    1,325.9
        Net investment income..................................................       1,074.2              904.1
        Dealer, trading and investment gains, net..............................         598.4              528.6
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Total revenues.........................................................       3,490.8            2,758.6
        Total expenses including income taxes..................................       3,199.5            2,579.5
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Net earnings...........................................................         291.3              179.1
        Dividends on preferred stock...........................................          18.7               19.9
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Earnings Applicable to Common Shares...................................  $      272.6       $      159.2
                                                                                ================   =================
        DLJ's earnings applicable to common shares as reported.................  $      272.6       $      159.2
        Amortization of cost in excess of net assets acquired in 1985..........          (3.1)              (3.9)
        The Holding Company's equity in DLJ's earnings.........................        (107.8)             (90.4)
        Minority interest in DLJ...............................................         (73.4)              (6.5)
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        The Company's Equity in DLJ's Earnings.................................  $       88.3       $       58.4
                                                                                ================   =================
</TABLE>

                                      F-43
<PAGE>

21)     ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

        The  Holding  Company  sponsors a stock  option  plan for  employees  of
        Equitable  Life.  DLJ and Alliance  each sponsor  their own stock option
        plans for certain employees.  The Company elected to continue to account
        for stock-based compensation using the intrinsic value method prescribed
        in APB Opinion No. 25. Had  compensation  expense of the Company's stock
        option  incentive plans for options granted after December 31, 1994 been
        determined  based on the  estimated  fair  value at the grant  dates for
        awards  under those  plans,  the  Company's  pro forma net  earnings and
        earnings per share for 1996 and 1995 would have been as follows:

                                    1996              1995
                               ---------------   ---------------
                                        (IN MILLIONS)
        Net Earnings
          As Reported.........  $       10.3      $     312.8
          Pro Forma...........  $        3.2      $     311.3

        The fair value of options and units  granted  after  December  31, 1994,
        used as a basis for the above pro forma disclosures, was estimated as of
        the date of grants using Black-Scholes option pricing models. The option
        and unit pricing assumptions for 1996 and 1995 are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      HOLDING COMPANY                    DLJ                        ALLIANCE
                                  -------------------------   --------------------------  -----------------------------
                                     1996          1995          1996          1995           1996            1995
                                  -----------   -----------   -----------   ------------  -------------   -------------
        <S>                        <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>          <C>             <C>       
        Dividend yield...........     0.80%         0.96%         1.54%         1.85%         8.0%            8.0%
        Expected volatility......    20.00%        20.00%        25.00%        25.00%        23.00%          23.00%
        Risk-free interest rate..     5.92%         6.83%         6.07%         5.86%         5.80%           6.00%

        Expected Life............  5 YEARS       5 years       5 YEARS        5 years      7.43 YEARS      7.43 years
        Weighted fair value
          per option granted.....    $6.94         $5.90         $9.35          -            $2.69           $2.24
</TABLE>

                                      F-44
<PAGE>

        A  summary  of the  Holding  Company  and DLJ  stock  option  plans  and
        Alliance's Unit option plans are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          HOLDING COMPANY                       DLJ                           ALLIANCE
                                    -----------------------------   -----------------------------   -----------------------------
                                                      Options                         Options                         Options
                                                    Outstanding                     Outstanding                     Outstanding
                                                      Weighted                        Weighted                        Weighted
                                                      Average                         Average                         Average
                                      Shares         Exercise          Shares        Exercise           Units         Exercise
                                    (In Millions)      Price        (In Millions)     Price         (In Millions)      Price
                                    -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
        <S>                         <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
        Balance as of
          January 1, 1994........         6.1                             -                               3.2
          Granted................          .7                             -                               1.2
          Exercised..............         -                               -                               (.5)
          Forfeited..............         -                               -                               (.1)
                                    -------------                   -------------                   -------------
        Balance as of
          December 31, 1994......         6.8                             -                               3.8
          Granted................          .4                             9.2                             1.8
          Exercised..............         (.1)                            -                               (.5)
          Expired................         (.1)                            -                               -
          Forfeited..............         (.3)                            -                               (.3)
                                    -------------                   -------------                   -------------
        Balance as of
          December 31, 1995......         6.7           $20.27            9.2          $27.00             4.8           $17.72
          Granted................          .7           $24.94            2.1          $32.54              .7           $25.12
          Exercised..............         (.1)          $19.91            -              -                (.4)          $13.64
          Expired................         (.6)          $20.21            -              -                -               -
          Forfeited..............         -               -               (.2)         $27.00             (.1)          $19.32
                                    -------------                   -------------                   -------------
        Balance as of
          December 31, 1996......         6.7           $20.79           11.1          $28.06             5.0           $19.07
                                    =============   =============   =============   =============   =============   =============
</TABLE>

                                      F-45
<PAGE>

        Information  with  respect  to stock and unit  options  outstanding  and
        exercisable at December 31, 1996 is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      Options Outstanding                                          Options Exercisable
        -------------------------------------------------------------------------------    --------------------------------------
                                                       Weighted
                                                        Average           Weighted                                 Weighted
              Range of               Number            Remaining           Average               Number             Average
              Exercise            Outstanding         Contractual         Exercise            Exercisable           Exercise
               Prices            (In Millions)        Life (Years)          Price            (In Millions)           Price
        ---------------------   -----------------   ---------------   -----------------    -------------------   ----------------
        <S>                     <C>                 <C>               <C>                  <C>                   <C>
               Holding
               Company
        ---------------------
        $18.125-$27.75                 6.7                 7.00             $20.79                3.4                $20.18
                                =================   ===============   =================    ===================   ================

                 DLJ
        ---------------------
        $27.00-$33.50                 11.1                 9.00             $28.06                -                    -
                                =================   ===============   =================    ===================   ================

              Alliance
        ---------------------
        $ 6.0625-$15.9375              1.3                 4.76             $12.97                1.2                $12.58
        $16.3125-$19.75                1.1                 8.19             $19.13                 .2                $18.69
        $19.875 -$19.875               1.0                 7.36             $19.88                 .4                $19.88
        $20.75  -$24.375                .9                 8.46             $22.05                 .3                $21.84
        $24.375 -$25.125                .7                 9.96             $25.13                -                    -
                                -----------------                                          -------------------  
        $ 6.0625-$25.125               5.0                 7.43             $19.07                2.1                $15.84
                                =================   ===============   =================    ===================   ================
</TABLE>

                                      F-46
<PAGE>
   
                   INCOME MANAGER (SERVICE MARK) ACCUMULATOR
                      STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
    
                                 MAY 1, 1997 
                          ---------------------------
   
                           COMBINATION VARIABLE AND
                      FIXED DEFERRED ANNUITY CERTIFICATES
                              FUNDED THROUGH THE
                               INVESTMENT FUNDS
                          OF SEPARATE ACCOUNT NO. 45
    
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  EQUITY SERIES 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
<S>                                  <C>                                   <C>
DOMESTIC EQUITY                      INTERNATIONAL EQUITY                  AGGRESSIVE EQUITY 
 Alliance Common Stock                Alliance Global                       Alliance Aggressive Stock 
 Alliance Growth & Income             Alliance International                Alliance Small Cap Growth 
                                      Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets 
 EQ/Putnam Growth & Income Value       Equity                               MFS Emerging Growth Companies 

 MFS Research                         T. Rowe Price International Stock     Warburg Pincus Small Company Value 
 Merrill Lynch Basic Value Equity 
 T. Rowe Price Equity Income 
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
</TABLE>
    

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
       ASSET ALLOCATION SERIES                                        FIXED INCOME SERIES 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
<S>                                     <C>                          <C>
 Alliance Conservative Investors          AGGRESSIVE FIXED INCOME      DOMESTIC FIXED INCOME 
 Alliance Growth Investors                Alliance High Yield          Alliance Intermediate Government Securities 
 EQ/Putnam Balanced                                                    Alliance Money Market 
 Merrill Lynch World Strategy 
 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
</TABLE>
                                  ISSUED BY:
           THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
   Home Office:               1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10104 
   Processing Office:         Post Office Box 1547, Secaucus, NJ 07096-1547 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                
This statement of additional information (SAI) is not a prospectus. It should 
be read in conjunction with the Separate Account No. 45 prospectus supplement 
for the Accumulator, dated May 1, 1997 and the prospectus for the 
Accumulator, dated May 1, 1996. Definitions of special terms used in the SAI 
are found in the prospectus. 
    

   A copy of the prospectus is available free of charge by writing the 
Processing Office, by calling 1-800-789-7771, toll-free, or by contacting 
your Registered Representative. 

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                      STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           PAGE 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
<S>                                                                                       <C>
Part 1 Accumulation Unit Values                                                              2 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Part 2 Annuity Unit Values                                                                   2 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Part 3 Custodian and Independent Accountants                                                 3 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Part 4 Alliance Money Market Fund and Alliance Intermediate Government Securities Fund 
       Yield Information                                                                     3 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Part 5 Long-Term Market Trends                                                               5 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Part 6 Financial Statements                                                                  7 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
</TABLE>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                Copyright 1997
          The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States,
                           New York, New York 10104.
                             All rights reserved.
                                         
<PAGE>
PART 1 - ACCUMULATION 
 UNIT VALUES 

Accumulation Unit Values are determined at the end of each Valuation Period 
for each of the Investment Funds. Other annuity contracts and certificates 
which may be offered by us will have their own accumulation unit values for 
the Investment Funds which may be different from those for the Accumulator. 

The Accumulation Unit Value for an Investment Fund for any Valuation Period 
is equal to the Accumulation Unit Value for the preceding Valuation Period 
multiplied by the Net Investment Factor for that Investment Fund for that 
Valuation Period. The NET INVESTMENT FACTOR is (a) - c where: 
                                                b 

(a)    is the value of the Investment Fund's shares of the corresponding 
       Portfolio at the end of the Valuation Period before giving effect to 
       any amounts allocated to or withdrawn from the Investment Fund for the 
       Valuation Period. For this purpose, we use the share value reported to 
       us by HR Trust or EQ Trust, as applicable. 

(b)    is the value of the Investment Fund's shares of the corresponding 
       Portfolio at the end of the preceding Valuation Period (after any 
       amounts allocated or withdrawn for that Valuation Period). 

(c)    is the daily Separate Account mortality and expense risk charge and 
       asset based administrative charge relating to the Certificates, times 
       the number of calendar days in the Valuation Period. These daily 
       charges are at an effective annual rate not to exceed a total of 1.15%. 

PART 2 - ANNUITY UNIT VALUES 

The annuity unit value was fixed at $1.00 on May 1, 1995 for Certificates 
with assumed base rates of net investment return of both 5% and 3 1/2% a 
year. For each Valuation Period after that date, it is the annuity unit value 
for the immediately preceding Valuation Period multiplied by the adjusted Net 
Investment Factor under the Certificate. For each Valuation Period, the 
adjusted Net Investment Factor is equal to the Net Investment Factor reduced 
for each day in the Valuation Period by: 

o      .00013366 of the Net Investment Factor if the assumed base rate of net 
       investment return is 5% a year; or 

o      .00009425 of the Net Investment Factor if the assumed base rate of net 
       investment return is 3 1/2%. 

Because of this adjustment, the annuity unit value rises and falls depending 
on whether the actual rate of net investment return (after deduction of 
charges) is higher or lower than the assumed base rate. 

All Certificates have a 5% assumed base rate of net investment return, except 
in states where that rate is not permitted. Annuity payments under 
Certificates with an assumed base rate of 3 1/2% will at first be smaller 
than those under Certificates with a 5% assumed base rate. Payments under the 
3 1/2% Certificates, however, will rise more rapidly when unit values are 
rising, and payments will fall more slowly when unit values are falling than 
those under 5% Certificates. 

The amounts of variable annuity payments are determined as follows: 

Payments normally start on the Business Day specified on your election form, 
or on such other future date as specified therein and are made on a monthly 
basis. The first three payments are of equal amounts. Each of the first three 
payments will be based on the amount specified in the Tables of Guaranteed 
Annuity Payments in the Certificate. 

The first three payments depend on the assumed base rate of net investment 
return and the form of annuity chosen (and any fixed period). If the annuity 
involved a life contingency, the risk class and the age of the annuitants 
will affect payments. 

The amount of the fourth and each later payment will vary according to the 
investment performance of the Alliance Common Stock Fund. Each monthly 
payment will be calculated by multiplying the number of annuity units 
credited by the average annuity unit value for the second calendar month 
immediately preceding the due date of the payment. The number of units is 
calculated by dividing the first monthly payment by the annuity unit value 
for the Valuation Period which includes the due date of the first monthly 
payment. The average annuity unit value is the average of the annuity unit 
values for the Valuation Periods ending in that month. Variable income 
annuities may also be available by separate prospectus through the Alliance 
Common Stock or other Funds of other separate accounts we offer. 

Illustration of Changes in Annuity Unit Values. 

To show how we determine variable annuity payments from month to month, 
assume that the Annuity Account Value on an Annuity Commencement Date is 
enough to fund an annuity with a monthly payment of $363 and that the 

                                       2

<PAGE>
annuity unit value for the Valuation Period that includes the due date of the 
first annuity payment is $1.05. The number of annuity units credited under 
the contract would be 345.71 (363 divided by 1.05 = 345.71). 

If the fourth monthly payment is due in March, and the average annuity unit 
value for January was $1.10, the annuity payment for March would be the 
number of units (345.71) times the average annuity unit value ($1.10), or 
$380.28. If the average annuity unit value was $1 in February, the annuity 
payment for April would be 345.71 times $1, or $345.71. 

PART 3 - CUSTODIAN AND 
 INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS 

Equitable Life is the custodian for shares of the HR Trust and EQ Trust owned 
by the Separate Account. 

The financial statements of the Separate Account for the period ended 
December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the consolidated financial statements and 
consolidated financial statement schedules of Equitable Life at December 31, 
1996 and 1995 and for each of the three years ended December 31, 1996 
included in the SAI have been audited by Price Waterhouse LLP. 

The financial statements of the Separate Account for the period ended 
December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the consolidated financial statements and 
consolidated financial statement schedules of Equitable Life for the years 
ended December 31, 1996 and 1995 and for each of the three years ended 
December 31, 1996 included in this SAI have been so included in reliance on 
the reports of Price Waterhouse LLP, independent accountants, given on the 
authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing. 

   
PART 4 -ALLIANCE MONEY 
 MARKET FUND AND ALLIANCE
 INTERMEDIATE GOVERNMENT
 SECURITIES FUND YIELD 
 INFORMATION 
    

Alliance Money Market Fund 

The Alliance Money Market Fund calculates yield information for seven-day 
periods. The seven-day current yield calculation is based on a hypothetical 
Certificate with one Accumulation Unit at the beginning of the period. To 
determine the seven-day rate of return, the net change in the Accumulation 
Unit Value is computed by subtracting the Accumulation Unit Value at the 
beginning of the period from an Accumulation Unit Value, exclusive of capital 
changes, at the end of the period. 

The net change is then reduced by the average contract fee factor (explained 
below). This reduction is made to recognize the deduction of the annual 
contract fee, which is not reflected in the unit value. See "Annual Contract 
Fee" in Part 6 of the prospectus. 

   
Accumulation Unit Values reflect all other accrued expenses of the Alliance 
Money Market Fund but do not reflect the distribution fee the withdrawal 
charge, the guaranteed minimum death benefit charge or any charges for 
applicable taxes such as state or local premium taxes. 
    

The adjusted net change is divided by the Accumulation Unit Value at the 
beginning of the period to obtain the adjusted base period rate of return. 
This seven-day adjusted base period return is then multiplied by 365/7 to 
produce an annualized seven-day current yield figure carried to the nearest 
one-hundredth of one percent. 

The actual dollar amount of the annual contract fee that is deducted from the 
Alliance Money Market Fund will vary for each Certificate depending upon the 
percentage of the Annuity Account Value allocated to the Alliance Money 
Market Fund. To determine the effect of the annual contract fee on the yield, 
we start with the total dollar amounts of the charges deducted from the Fund 
during the 12-month period ending on the last day of the prior year. The 
amount is multiplied by 7/365 to produce an average contract fee factor which 
is used in all weekly yield computations for the ensuing year. The average 
contract fee factor is then divided by the number of Accumulator Alliance 
Money Market Fund Accumulation Units as of the end of the prior calendar 
year, and the resulting quotient is deducted from the net change in 
Accumulation Unit Value for the seven-day period. 

The effective yield is obtained by modifying the current yield to give effect 
to the compounding nature of the Alliance Money Market Fund's investments, as 
follows: the unannualized adjusted base period return is compounded by adding 
one to the adjusted base period return, raising the sum to a power equal to 
365 divided by 7, and subtracting one from the result, i.e., effective yield 
= (base period return + 1 ) 365/7 -1. The Alliance Money Market Fund yields 
will fluctuate daily. Accordingly, yields for any given period are not 
necessarily representative of future results. In addition, the value of 
Accumulation Units of the Alliance Money Market Fund will fluctuate and not 
remain constant. 

                                       3

<PAGE>
Alliance Intermediate Government Securities Fund 

The Alliance Intermediate Government Securities Fund calculates yield 
information for 30-day periods. The 30-day current yield calculation is based 
on a hypothetical Certificate with one Accumulation Unit at the beginning of 
the period. To determine the 30-day rate of return, the net change in the 
Accumulation Unit Value is computed by subtracting the Accumulation Unit 
Value at the beginning of the period from an Accumulation Unit Value, 
exclusive of capital changes, at the end of the period. 

The net change is then reduced by the average contract fee factor (explained 
below). This reduction is made to recognize the deduction of the annual 
contract fee, which is not reflected in the unit value. See "Annual Contract 
Fee" in Part 6 of the prospectus. 

   
Accumulation Unit Values reflect all other accrued expenses of the Alliance 
Intermediate Government Securities Fund but do not reflect the distribution 
fee, the withdrawal charge, the guaranteed minimum death benefit charge or 
any charges for applicable taxes such as state or local premium taxes. 
    

The adjusted net change is divided by the Accumulation Unit Value at the 
beginning of the period to obtain the adjusted base period rate of return. 
This 30-day adjusted base period return is then multiplied by 365/30 to 
produce an annualized 30-day current yield figure carried to the nearest 
one-hundredth of one percent. 

The actual dollar amount of the annual contract fee that is deducted from the 
Alliance Intermediate Government Securities Fund will vary for each 
Certificate depending upon the percentage of the Annuity Account Value 
allocated to the Alliance Intermediate Government Securities Fund. To 
determine the effect of the annual contract fee on the yield, we start with 
the total dollar amounts of the charges deducted from the Fund during the 
12-month period ending on the last day of the prior year. The amount is 
multiplied by 30/365 to produce an average contract fee factor which is used 
in all 30-day yield computations for the ensuing year. The average contract 
fee is then divided by the number of Accumulator Alliance Intermediate 
Government Securities Fund Accumulation Units as of the end of the prior 
calendar year, and the resulting quotient is deducted from the net change in 
Accumulation Unit Value for the 30-day period. 

The effective yield is obtained by modifying the current yield to give effect 
to the compounding nature of the Alliance Intermediate Government Securities 
Fund's investments, as follows: the unannualized adjusted base period return 
is compounded by adding one to the adjusted base period return, raising the 
sum to a power equal to 365 divided by 30, and subtracting one from the 
result, i.e., effective yield = (base period return + 1) 365/30 -1. Alliance 
Intermediate Government Securities Fund yields will fluctuate daily. 
Accordingly, yields for any given period are not necessarily representative 
of future results. In addition, the value of the Accumulation Units of the 
Alliance Intermediate Government Securities Fund will fluctuate and not 
remain constant. 

Alliance Money Market Fund and Alliance Intermediate Government Securities 
Fund Yield Information 

Alliance Money Market Fund and the Alliance Intermediate Government 
Securities Fund yields reflect charges that are not normally reflected in the 
yields of other investments and therefore may be lower when compared with 
yields of other investments. Alliance Money Market Fund and Alliance 
Intermediate Government Securities Fund yields should not be compared to the 
return on fixed rate investments which guarantee rates of interest for 
specified periods, such as the Guarantee Periods. Nor should the yield be 
compared to the yield of money market funds or government securities funds 
made available to the general public. 

   
The seven-day current yield for the Alliance Money Market Fund was 3.64% for 
the period ended December 31, 1996. The effective yield for that period was 
3.70%. 

The 30-day current yield for the Alliance Intermediate Government Securities 
Fund was 3.86% for the period ended December 31, 1996. The effective yield 
for that period was 3.93%. 
    

Because the above yields reflect the deduction of Separate Account expenses, 
including the annual administrative charge, they are lower than the 
corresponding yield figures for the Alliance Money Market Portfolio and 
Alliance Intermediate Government Securities Portfolio which reflect only the 
deduction of HR Trust-level expenses. 

                                       4

<PAGE>
PART 5 - LONG-TERM MARKET 
 TRENDS 

As a tool for understanding how different investment strategies may affect 
long-term results, it may be useful to consider the historical returns on 
different types of assets. The following charts present historical return 
trends for various types of securities. The information presented, while not 
directly related to the performance of the Investment Funds, helps to provide 
a perspective on the potential returns of different asset classes over 
different periods of time. By combining this information with knowledge of 
personal financial needs (e.g., the length of time until you retire, your 
financial requirements at retirement), you may be able to better determine 
how you wish to allocate contributions among the Accumulator Investment 
Funds. 

Historically, the long-term investment performance of common stocks has 
generally been superior to that of long-or short-term debt securities. For 
those investors who have many years until retirement, or whose primary focus 
is on long-term growth potential and protection against inflation, there may 
be advantages to allocating some or all of their Annuity Account Value to 
those Investment Funds that invest in stocks. 

   
                   Growth of $1 Invested on January 1, 1996 
                     (Values are as of last business day) 
 
[THE FOLLOWING TABLE WAS REPRESENTED AS A STACKED
AREA GRAPH IN THE PROSPECTUS]


- ------------------------------------------
	      S&P 500
	      TOTAL	  U.S.
	      RETURN	  INFLATION
- ------------------------------------------
	      INDEX	  VALUE
- ------------------------------------------
Dec 1956      1.07        1.03
Dec 1957      0.95        1.06
Dec 1958      1.36        1.08
Dec 1959      1.53        1.09
Dec 1960      1.53        1.11
Dec 1961      1.95        1.12
Dec 1962      1.78        1.13
Dec 1963      2.18        1.15
Dec 1964      2.54        1.16
Dec 1965      2.86        1.19
Dec 1966      2.57	  1.23
Dec 1967      3.18	  1.26
Dec 1968      3.34        1.32
Dec 1969      3.24	  1.40
Dec 1970      3.37	  1.48
Dec 1971      3.85	  1.53
Dec 1972      4.58	  1.58
Dec 1973      3.91	  1.72
Dec 1974      2.87	  1.83
Dec 1975      3.94	  2.07
Dec 1976      4.88	  2.17
Dec 1977      4.53	  2.31
Dec 1978      4.83	  2.52
Dec 1979      5.72   	  2.86
Dec 1980      7.57	  3.21
Dec 1981      7.20	  3.50
Dec 1982      8.74	  3.64
Dec 1983     10.71	  3.77
Dec 1984     11.38	  3.92
Dec 1985     15.04	  4.07
Dec 1986     17.81	  4.12
Dec 1987     18.75	  4.30
Dec 1988     21.90	  4.49
Dec 1989     28.79	  4.70
Dec 1990     27.88 	  4.99
Dec 1991     36.40	  5.14
Dec 1992     39.19	  5.29
Dec 1993     43.10	  5.43
Dec 1994     43.67	  5.58
Dec 1995     60.01	  5.72
Dec 1996     73.86        5.92
- ------------------------------------------
[END OF GRAPHICALLY REPRESENTED DATA]

[BLACK] Common Stock   [WHITE] Inflation

Source: Ibbotson Associates, Inc. See discussion and information preceding 
and following chart. 

Over shorter periods of time, however, common stocks tend to be subject to 
more dramatic changes in value than fixed income (debt) securities. Investors 
who are nearing retirement age, or who have a need to limit short-term risk, 
may find it preferable to allocate a smaller percentage of their Annuity 
Account Value to those Investment Funds that invest in common stocks. The 
following graph illustrates the monthly fluctuations in value of $1 based on 
monthly returns of the Standard & Poor's 500 during 1990, a year that 
represents more typical volatility than 1996. 
    

                   Growth of $1 Invested on January 1, 1990 
                   (Values are as of the last business day) 

[THE FOLLOWING TABLE WAS REPRESENTED AS A SCATTER
GRAPH IN THE PROSPECTUS]

   
- ------------------------------------------
				S&P 500
		U.S. IT		TOTAL
		GVT TR		RETURN
- ------------------------------------------
		INDEX		INDEX
- ------------------------------------------
Jan 1990	0.99		0.93
Feb 1990	0.99		0.94
Mar 1990	0.99		0.97
Apr 1990	0.98		0.95
May 1990	1.01		1.04
Jun 1990	1.02		1.03
Jul 1990	1.04		1.03
Aug 1990	1.03		0.93
Sep 1990	1.04		0.89
Oct 1990	1.06		0.89
Nov 1990	1.08		0.94
Dec 1990	1.10		0.97
    

  Common Stock  Intermediate-Term Govt. Bonds

[END OF GRAPHICALLY REPRESENTED DATA]

Source: Ibbotson Associates, Inc. See discussion and information preceding 
        and following chart. 

   
The following chart illustrates average annual rates of return over selected 
time periods between December 31, 1926 and December 31, 1996 for different 
types of securities: common stocks, long-term government bonds, long-term 
corporate bonds, intermediate-term government bonds and U.S. Treasury Bills. 
For comparison purposes, the Consumer Price Index is shown as a measure of 
inflation. The average annual returns shown in the chart reflect capital 
appreciation and assume the reinvestment of dividends and interest. No 
investment management fees or expenses, and no charges typically associated 
with deferred annuity products, are reflected. 
    

The information presented is merely a summary of past experience for 
unmanaged groups of securities and is neither an estimate or guarantee of 
future performance. Any investment in securities, whether equity or debt, 
involves varying degrees of potential risk, in addition to offering varying 
degrees of potential reward. 

                                5           


<PAGE>
The rates of return illustrated do not represent returns of the Separate 
Account. In addition, there is no assurance that the performance of the 
Investment Funds will correspond to rates of return such as those illustrated 
in the chart. 

For a comparative illustration of performance results of the Investment Funds 
(which reflect the Trust and Separate Account charges), see "Part 3: 
Investment Performance" in the prospectus. 

                                MARKET TRENDS:
                      ILLUSTRATIVE ANNUAL RATES OF RETURN

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      LONG-TERM   INTERMEDIATE- 
  FOR THE FOLLOWING PERIODS    COMMON    LONG-TERM    CORPORATE       TERM        U.S. TREASURY    CONSUMER 
       ENDING 12/31/96         STOCKS   GOVT. BONDS     BONDS      GOVT. BONDS        BILLS       PRICE INDEX 
- ---------------------------- -------- ------------- ----------- --------------- --------------- ------------- 
<S>                          <C>         <C>          <C>           <C>             <C>            <C>
1 Year                         23.07%      (0.93)%      1.40%         2.10%           5.21%          3.58% 
3 Years                        19.66        6.36        6.72          4.19            4.90           2.93 
5 Years                        15.20        8.98        8.52          6.17            4.22           2.89 
10 Years                       15.28        9.39        9.48          7.77            5.46           3.70 
20 Years                       14.55        9.54        9.71          9.14            7.28           5.15 
30 Years                       11.85        7.75        8.24          8.27            6.73           5.39 
40 Years                       11.18        6.51        6.99          7.08            5.80           4.47 
50 Years                       12.59        5.33        5.76          5.89            4.89           4.08 
60 Years                       11.19        5.06        5.38          5.32            4.10           4.13 
Since 12/31/26                 10.71        5.08        5.64          5.21            3.74           3.12 
Inflation adjusted since 
 1926                           7.36        1.90        2.44          2.02            0.60             -- 
</TABLE>
    
   
SOURCE: Ibbotson, Roger G., and Rex A. Sinquefield, Stocks, Bonds, Bills, and 
Inflation (SBBI), 1982, updated in Stocks, Bonds, Bills and Inflation 1997 
Yearbook(Trademark), Ibbotson Associates Inc., Chicago. All rights reserved. 
    

COMMON STOCKS (S&P 500)--Standard and Poor's Composite Index, an unmanaged 
weighted index of the stock performance of 500 industrial, transportation, 
utility and financial companies. 

LONG-TERM GOVERNMENT BONDS--Measured using a one-bond portfolio constructed 
each year containing a bond with approximately a twenty year maturity and a 
reasonably current coupon. 

LONG-TERM CORPORATE BONDS--For the period 1969-1995, represented by the 
Salomon Brothers Long-term, High-Grade Corporate Bond Index for the period 
1946-1968, the Salomon Brothers Index was backdated using Salomon Brothers 
monthly yield data and a methodology similar to that used by Salomon Brothers 
for 1969-1995; for the period 1927-1945, the Standard and Poor's monthly 
High-Grade Corporate Composite yield data were used, assuming a 4 percent 
coupon and a twenty year maturity. 

INTERMEDIATE-TERM GOVERNMENT BONDS--Measured by a one-bond portfolio 
constructed each year containing a bond with approximately a five year 
maturity. 

U. S. TREASURY BILLS--Measured by rolling over each month a one-bill 
portfolio containing, at the beginning of each month, the bill having the 
shortest maturity not less than one month. 

INFLATION--Measured by the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers 
(CPI-U), not seasonally adjusted. 

                                       6


<PAGE>
PART 6 - FINANCIAL 
 STATEMENTS 

The consolidated financial statements of The Equitable Life Assurance Society 
of the United States included herein should be considered only as bearing 
upon the ability of Equitable Life to meet its obligations under the 
Certificates. There are no financial statements for the Investment Funds of 
the Separate Account investing in Class IB shares of EQ Trust as the Separate 
Account did not invest in such shares prior to the date of the prospectus and 
SAI. 

                                       7


<PAGE>
                      REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS 

To the Board of Directors of 
The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States 
and Contractowners of Separate Account No. 45 
of The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States 

   
In our opinion, the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities and the 
related statements of operations and of changes in net assets present fairly, 
in all material respects, the financial position of the Money Market Fund, 
Intermediate Government Securities Fund, Growth & Income Fund, Common Stock 
Fund, Global Fund, International Fund, Aggressive Stock Fund, Conservative 
Investors Fund and Growth Investors Fund, separate investment funds of The 
Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States ("Equitable Life") 
Separate Account No. 45 at December 31, 1996, the results of each of their 
operations and changes in each of their net assets for the periods indicated, 
in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. These financial 
statements are the responsibility of Equitable Life's management; our 
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based 
on our audits. We conducted our audits of these financial statements in 
accordance with generally accepted auditing standards which require that we 
plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the 
financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes 
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures 
in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and 
significant estimates made by management and evaluating the overall financial 
statement presentation. We believe that our audits, which included 
confirmation of shares in The Hudson River Trust at December 31, 1996 with 
the transfer agent, provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed 
above. 
    

Price Waterhouse LLP 
New York, New York 
February 10, 1997 


<PAGE>
   
THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES 
SEPARATE ACCOUNT 45 

STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES 
DECEMBER 31, 1996 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             INTERMEDIATE 
                                    MONEY     GOVERNMENT   GROWTH &     COMMON 
                                   MARKET     SECURITIES    INCOME       STOCK 
                                    FUND         FUND        FUND        FUND 
                                ----------- ------------ ----------- ----------- 
<S>                             <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>
ASSETS 
Investments in shares of 
 The Hudson River Trust-- 
 at market value (Note 1) 
  Cost:    $32,590,855  ........ $32,392,955 
             3,570,593 .........              $3,533,879 
             14,345,718.........                          $15,109,954 
             74,352,777.........                                      $75,709,230 
             15,256,959......... 
             8,620,079.......... 
             43,176,986......... 
             7,918,815.......... 
             24,267,019......... 
Receivable for policy related 
 transactions ..................     919,631       2,352      217,813     812,700 
                                ----------- ------------ ----------- ----------- 
Total Assets ...................  33,312,586   3,536,231   15,327,767  76,521,930 
                                ----------- ------------ ----------- ----------- 
LIABILITIES 
Payable for The Hudson River 
 Trust shares purchased ........     934,835       4,273      224,654     853,808 
Amount retained by Equitable 
 Life in Separate Account 45 
 (Note 4) ......................      80,961      55,974       77,185     161,327 
                                ----------- ------------ ----------- ----------- 
Total Liabilities ..............   1,015,796      60,247      301,839   1,015,135 
                                ----------- ------------ ----------- ----------- 
NET ASSETS ATTRIBUTABLE TO 
 CONTRACT OWNERS................ $32,296,790  $3,475,984  $15,025,928 $75,506,795 
                                =========== ============ =========== =========== 
Units Outstanding at December 
 31, 1996 (Note 5) .............   1,301,724     252,426    1,055,829     493,651 
                                =========== ============ =========== =========== 
Unit Value at December 31, 
 1996........................... $     24.81  $    13.77  $     14.23 $    152.96 
                                =========== ============ =========== =========== 
</TABLE>
    

                    (RESTUBBED TABLE CONTINUED FROM ABOVE) 

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           AGGRESSIVE  CONSERVATIVE   GROWTH 
                                   GLOBAL    INTERNATIONAL    STOCK     INVESTORS    INVESTORS 
                                    FUND         FUND         FUND         FUND        FUND 
                                ----------- ------------- ----------- ------------ ----------- 
<S>                             <C>         <C>           <C>         <C>          <C>
ASSETS 
Investments in shares of 
 The Hudson River Trust-- 
 at market value (Note 1) 
  Cost:    $32,590,855  ........ 
             3,570,593 ......... 
             14,345,718 ........ 
             74,352,777 ........ 
             15,256,959......... $15,456,443 
             8,620,079..........              $8,651,467 
             43,176,986.........                           $41,011,800 
             7,918,815..........                                        $7,923,466 
             24,267,019.........                                                    $24,108,242 
Receivable for policy related 
 transactions ..................     206,778      39,027       528,494     190,991      255,852 
                                ----------- ------------- ----------- ------------ ----------- 
Total Assets ...................  15,663,221   8,690,494    41,540,294   8,114,457   24,364,094 
                                ----------- ------------- ----------- ------------ ----------- 
LIABILITIES 
Payable for The Hudson River 
 Trust shares purchased ........     213,416      43,221       549,556     195,199      269,698 
Amount retained by Equitable 
 Life in Separate Account 45 
 (Note 4) ......................      73,501      63,269       103,486      60,976       86,001 
                                ----------- ------------- ----------- ------------ ----------- 
Total Liabilities ..............     286,917     106,490       653,042     256,175      355,699 
                                ----------- ------------- ----------- ------------ ----------- 
NET ASSETS ATTRIBUTABLE TO 
 CONTRACT OWNERS................ $15,376,304  $8,584,004   $40,887,252  $7,858,282  $24,008,395 
                                =========== ============= =========== ============ =========== 
Units Outstanding at December 
 31, 1996 (Note 5) .............     608,877     716,759       620,080     456,627      914,232 
                                =========== ============= =========== ============ =========== 
Unit Value at December 31, 
 1996........................... $     25.25  $    11.98   $     65.94  $    17.21  $     26.26 
                                =========== ============= =========== ============ =========== 
</TABLE>
    

See Notes to Financial Statements. 

                                      F-2
<PAGE>

THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES 
SEPARATE ACCOUNT 45 

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           INTERMEDIATE 
                                                   MONEY    GOVERNMENT   GROWTH &    COMMON 
                                                  MARKET    SECURITIES    INCOME     STOCK 
                                                   FUND        FUND        FUND       FUND 
                                                --------- ------------ ---------- ---------- 
<S>                                             <C>       <C>          <C>        <C>
INCOME AND EXPENSES: 
 Investment Income (Note 2): 
  Dividends from The Hudson River Trust  ....... $ 973,287   $169,012   $  140,078 $  307,270 
 Expenses (Note 3): 
 Mortality and expense risk charges ............   182,124     30,204       75,795    350,135 
                                                --------- ------------ ---------- ---------- 
NET INVESTMENT INCOME ..........................   791,163    138,808       64,283    (42,865) 
                                                --------- ------------ ---------- ---------- 
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON 
 INVESTMENTS (NOTE 2): 
 Realized gain (loss) on investments ...........    19,803    (21,067)      30,281    249,329 
 Realized gain distribution from 
  The Hudson River Trust .......................        --         --      663,496  5,761,725 
                                                --------- ------------ ---------- ---------- 
  Net Realized Gain (Loss) .....................    19,803    (21,067)     693,777  6,011,054 
                                                --------- ------------ ---------- ---------- 
 Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on 
  investments: 
 Beginning of period ...........................   (32,003)     4,810       65,829   (147,558) 
 End of period .................................  (197,900)   (36,714)     764,236  1,356,453 
                                                --------- ------------ ---------- ---------- 
 Change in unrealized 
  appreciation/(depreciation) during the period   (165,897)   (41,524)     698,407  1,504,011 
                                                --------- ------------ ---------- ---------- 
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON 
 INVESTMENTS ...................................  (146,094)   (62,591)   1,392,184  7,515,065 
                                                --------- ------------ ---------- ---------- 
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS 
 RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS ..................... $ 645,069   $ 76,217   $1,456,467 $7,472,200 
                                                ========= ============ ========== ========== 
</TABLE>
    

                    (RESTUBBED TABLE CONTINUED FROM ABOVE) 

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        AGGRESSIVE  CONSERVATIVE  GROWTH 
                                                  GLOBAL  INTERNATIONAL    STOCK     INVESTORS   INVESTORS 
                                                   FUND       FUND         FUND         FUND       FUND 
                                                -------- ------------- ----------- ------------ --------- 
<S>                                             <C>      <C>           <C>         <C>          <C>
INCOME AND EXPENSES: 
 Investment Income (Note 2): 
  Dividends from The Hudson River Trust  ....... $159,750   $100,654    $    48,668   $249,730  $  364,945 
 Expenses (Note 3): 
 Mortality and expense risk charges ............   71,437     47,321        170,068     56,301     146,920 
                                                -------- ------------- ----------- ------------ --------- 
NET INVESTMENT INCOME ..........................   88,313     53,333       (121,400)   193,429     218,025 
                                                -------- ------------- ----------- ------------ --------- 
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON 
 INVESTMENTS (NOTE 2): 
 Realized gain (loss) on investments ...........   68,368    106,050        179,807      1,003      35,624 
 Realized gain distribution from 
  The Hudson River Trust .......................  474,848    128,244      3,900,528    153,963   1,566,277 
                                                -------- ------------- ----------- ------------ --------- 
  Net Realized Gain (Loss) .....................  543,216    234,294      4,080,335    154,966   1,601,901 
                                                -------- ------------- ----------- ------------ --------- 
 Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on 
  investments: 
 Beginning of period ...........................   15,112     15,034       (169,970)    16,872      39,211 
 End of period .................................  199,484     31,388     (2,165,186)     4,651    (158,777) 
                                                -------- ------------- ----------- ------------ --------- 
 Change in unrealized 
  appreciation/(depreciation) during the period   184,372     16,354     (1,995,216)   (12,221)   (197,988) 
                                                -------- ------------- ----------- ------------ --------- 
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON 
 INVESTMENTS ...................................  727,588    250,648      2,085,119    142,745   1,403,913 
                                                -------- ------------- ----------- ------------ --------- 
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS 
 RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS ..................... $815,901   $303,981    $ 1,963,719   $336,174  $1,621,938 
                                                ======== ============= =========== ============ ========= 
</TABLE>
    

- ------------ 
See Notes to Financial Statements. 

                               F-3           
<PAGE>
   
THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES 
SEPARATE ACCOUNT 45 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS 
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             INTERMEDIATE 
                                                              GOVERNMENT 
                                   MONEY MARKET FUND        SECURITIES FUND 
                                ------------------------ ---------------------- 
                                    1996        1995*        1996       1995* 
                                ------------ ----------- ----------- ---------- 
<S>                             <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET 
 ASSETS: 
FROM OPERATIONS: 
 Net investment income .........$    791,163 $    84,034 $   138,808 $   26,602 
 Net realized gain (loss)  .....      19,803      (9,249)    (21,067)       691 
 Change in unrealized 
  appreciation/depreciation on 
  investments ..................    (165,897)    (32,003)    (41,524)     4,810 
                                ------------ ----------- ----------- ---------- 
 Net increase in net assets 
  from operations ..............     645,069      42,782      76,217     32,103 
                                ------------ ----------- ----------- ---------- 
FROM CONTRACT OWNER 
 TRANSACTIONS: 
 Contributions and Transfers: 
  Contributions ................  95,681,367  11,156,359   1,798,660  1,629,203 
  Transfers from other Funds 
   and Guaranteed Interest Rate 
   Account (Note 1) ............  19,687,669      59,949   8,533,013    513,895 
                                ------------ ----------- ----------- ---------- 
   Total ....................... 115,369,036  11,216,308  10,331,673  2,143,098 
                                ------------ ----------- ----------- ---------- 
 Benefit & other policy 
  transaction...................     198,356          --      15,968         -- 
 Withdrawals and Transfers: 
  Withdrawal and administrative 
   charges          .  ..........    514,843          --      77,637         -- 
  Transfers to other Funds and 
   Guaranteed Interest Rate 
   Account (Note 1) ............  87,121,388   7,122,265   8,982,626     20,000 
                                ------------ ----------- ----------- ---------- 
   Total .......................  87,834,587   7,122,265   9,076,231     20,000 
                                ------------ ----------- ----------- ---------- 
 Net increase in net assets 
  from Contract Owner 
  transactions .................  27,534,449   4,094,043   1,255,442  2,123,098 
                                ------------ ----------- ----------- ---------- 
NET INCREASE IN AMOUNT RETAINED 
 BY EQUITABLE LIFE IN SEPARATE 
  ACCOUNT 45 (NOTE 4)...........     (17,582)     (1,971)     (6,709)    (4,167) 
                                ------------ ----------- ----------- ---------- 
INCREASE IN NET ASSETS 
 ATTRIBUTABLE TO CONTRACT 
 OWNERS ........................  28,161,936   4,134,854   1,324,950  2,151,034 
NET ASSETS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD 
 ATTRIBUTABLE TO CONTRACT 
 OWNERS ........................   4,134,854          --   2,151,034         -- 
                                ------------ ----------- ----------- ---------- 
NET ASSETS, END OF PERIOD 
 ATTRIBUTABLE TO CONTRACT 
 OWNERS ........................$ 32,296,790 $ 4,134,854 $ 3,475,984 $2,151,034 
                                ============ =========== =========== ========== 
</TABLE>
    

                    (RESTUBBED TABLE CONTINUED FROM ABOVE) 

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        GROWTH & 
                                      INCOME FUND         COMMON STOCK FUND         GLOBAL FUND 
                                 ---------------------- ----------------------- ----------------------
                                    1996       1995*       1996       1995*       1996       1995* 
                                 ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------
<S>                             <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET 
 ASSETS: 
FROM OPERATIONS: 
 Net investment income ......... $    64,283 $   13,604 $   (42,865) $   18,811 $    88,313 $    4,015 
 Net realized gain (loss)  .....     693,777         --   6,011,054     366,599     543,216     32,515 
 Change in unrealized 
  appreciation/depreciation on 
  investments ..................     698,407     65,829   1,504,011    (147,558)    184,372     15,112 
                                 ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------
 Net increase in net assets 
  from operations ..............   1,456,467     79,433   7,472,200     237,852     815,901     51,642 
                                 ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------
FROM CONTRACT OWNER 
 TRANSACTIONS: 
 Contributions and Transfers: 
  Contributions ................   6,251,620  1,306,253  36,558,323   3,944,181   9,199,245    818,158 
  Transfers from other Funds 
   and Guaranteed Interest Rate 
   Account (Note 1) ............   6,040,990    432,486  34,378,499   2,697,390   6,255,073    233,534 
                                 ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------
   Total .......................  12,292,610  1,738,739  70,936,822   6,641,571  15,454,318  1,051,692 
                                 ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------
 Benefit & other policy 
  transaction...................     130,199         --     427,323          --      70,774         -- 
 Withdrawals and Transfers: 
  Withdrawal and administrative 
   charges          .  ..........     31,991        703     290,642      14,649      36,757      1,379 
  Transfers to other Funds and 
   Guaranteed Interest Rate 
   Account (Note 1) ............     342,494         --   8,933,676      18,685   1,836,433     26,094 
                                 ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------
   Total .......................     504,684        703   9,651,641      33,334   1,943,964     27,473 
                                 ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------
 Net increase in net assets 
  from Contract Owner 
  transactions .................  11,787,926  1,738,036  61,285,181   6,608,237  13,510,354  1,024,219 
                                 ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------
NET INCREASE IN AMOUNT RETAINED 
 BY EQUITABLE LIFE IN SEPARATE 
  ACCOUNT 45 (NOTE 4)...........     (27,565)    (8,369)    (85,006)    (11,669)    (18,054)    (7,758) 
                                 ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------
INCREASE IN NET ASSETS 
 ATTRIBUTABLE TO CONTRACT 
 OWNERS ........................  13,216,828  1,809,100  68,672,375   6,834,420  14,308,201  1,068,103 
NET ASSETS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD 
 ATTRIBUTABLE TO CONTRACT 
 OWNERS ........................   1,809,100         --   6,834,420          --   1,068,103         -- 
                                 ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------
NET ASSETS, END OF PERIOD 
 ATTRIBUTABLE TO CONTRACT 
 OWNERS ........................ $15,025,928 $1,809,100 $75,506,795  $6,834,420 $15,376,304 $1,068,103 
                                 =========== ========== =========== =========== =========== ==========
</TABLE>
    

* Commencement of operations on May 1, 1995 for all funds. 
See Notes to Financial Statements. 

                                      F-4

 
<PAGE>

   
THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES 
SEPARATE ACCOUNT 45 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (CONTINUED) 
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 AGGRESSIVE 
                                                    INTERNATIONAL FUND           STOCK FUND 
                                                   ---------------------   ------------------------
                                                      1996        1995*       1996         1995*    
                                                   ----------   --------   -----------   ----------
<S>                                                <C>          <C>        <C>           <C>
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS:                                                             
FROM OPERATIONS:                                                                               
 Net investment income ........................... $   53,333   $  8,748   $  (121,400)  $   (3,345)
 Net realized gain ...............................    234,294      5,969     4,080,335      324,801 
 Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation                                                     
  on investments .................................     16,354     15,034    (1,995,216)    (169,970)
                                                   ----------   --------   -----------   ----------
 Net increase in net assets from operations  .....    303,981     29,751     1,963,719      151,486 
                                                   ----------   --------   -----------   ----------
FROM CONTRACT OWNER TRANSACTIONS:                                                                   
 Contributions and Transfers:                                                                       
  Contributions ..................................  3,782,377    549,641    22,776,845    2,114,597 
  Transfers from other Funds and Guaranteed                                                         
   Interest Rate Account (Note 1) ................  5,791,839    236,742    20,452,746      930,163 
                                                   ----------   --------   -----------   ----------
   Total .........................................  9,574,216    786,383    43,229,591    3,044,760 
                                                   ----------   --------   -----------   ----------
 Benefit & other policy transaction...............     38,451         --       245,070           -- 
 Withdrawals and Transfers:                                                                         
  Withdrawal and administrative charges  .........     75,353        691        90,356       14,649 
  Transfers to other Funds and Guaranteed                                                           
   Interest Rate Account (Note 1) ................  1,979,003         --     7,099,325        6,689 
                                                   ----------   --------   -----------   ----------
   Total .........................................  2,092,807        691     7,434,751       21,338 
                                                   ----------   --------   -----------   ----------
 Net increase in net assets from Contract Owner                                                     
  transactions ...................................  7,481,409    785,692    35,794,840    3,023,422 
                                                   ----------   --------   -----------   ----------
NET INCREASE IN AMOUNT RETAINED BY                                                                  
 EQUITABLE LIFE IN SEPARATE ACCOUNT 45 (NOTE 4) ..    (11,874)    (4,955)      (33,503)     (12,712)
                                                   ----------   --------   -----------   ----------
INCREASE IN NET ASSETS ATTRIBUTABLE TO CONTRACT                                                     
 OWNERS ..........................................  7,773,516    810,488    37,725,056    3,162,196 
NET ASSETS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD ATTRIBUTABLE TO                                                     
 CONTRACT OWNERS .................................    810,488         --     3,162,196           -- 
                                                   ----------   --------   -----------   ----------
NET ASSETS, END OF PERIOD ATTRIBUTABLE TO                                                           
 CONTRACT OWNERS ................................. $8,584,004   $810,488   $40,887,252   $3,162,196 
                                                   ==========   ========   ===========   ==========
</TABLE>
    

                    (RESTUBBED TABLE CONTINUED FROM ABOVE) 

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          CONSERVATIVE                GROWTH           
                                                         INVESTORS FUND            INVESTORS FUND 
                                                     -----------------------   ----------------------- 
                                                        1996         1995*        1996         1995* 
                                                     ----------   ----------   -----------  ----------
<S>                                                  <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS:                   
FROM OPERATIONS:                                     
 Net investment income ...........................   $  193,429   $   24,367   $   218,025  $   31,399 
 Net realized gain ...............................      154,966       11,297     1,601,901      54,116 
 Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation                                             
  on investments .................................      (12,221)      16,872      (197,988)     39,211 
                                                     ----------   ----------   -----------  ----------
 Net increase in net assets from operations  .....      336,174       52,536     1,621,938     124,726 
                                                     ----------   ----------   -----------  ----------
FROM CONTRACT OWNER TRANSACTIONS:                                                           
 Contributions and Transfers:                                                               
  Contributions ..................................    3,977,495      977,433    11,004,121   1,950,052 
  Transfers from other Funds and Guaranteed                                                 
   Interest Rate Account (Note 1) ................    2,837,790      698,465     9,331,901   1,712,951 
                                                     ----------   ----------   -----------  ----------
   Total .........................................    6,815,285    1,675,898    20,336,022   3,663,003 
                                                     ----------   ----------   -----------  ----------
 Benefit & other policy transaction...............       60,271           --       206,468          -- 
 Withdrawals and Transfers:                                                                 
  Withdrawal and administrative charges  .........      100,314           --       228,021      24,866 
  Transfers to other Funds and Guaranteed                                                   
   Interest Rate Account (Note 1) ................      814,338       27,054     1,177,040      59,290 
                                                     ----------   ----------   -----------  ----------
   Total .........................................      974,923       27,054     1,611,529      84,156 
                                                     ----------   ----------   -----------  ----------
 Net increase in net assets from Contract Owner                                             
  transactions ...................................    5,840,362    1,648,844    18,724,493   3,578,847 
                                                     ----------   ----------   -----------  ----------
NET INCREASE IN AMOUNT RETAINED BY                                                          
 EQUITABLE LIFE IN SEPARATE ACCOUNT 45 (NOTE 4) ..      (12,633)      (7,001)      (32,214)     (9,395) 
                                                     ----------   ----------   -----------  ----------
INCREASE IN NET ASSETS ATTRIBUTABLE TO CONTRACT                                             
 OWNERS ..........................................    6,163,903    1,694,379    20,314,217   3,694,178 
NET ASSETS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD ATTRIBUTABLE TO                                             
 CONTRACT OWNERS .................................    1,694,379           --     3,694,178          -- 
                                                     ----------   ----------   -----------  ----------
NET ASSETS, END OF PERIOD ATTRIBUTABLE TO                                                   
 CONTRACT OWNERS .................................   $7,858,282   $1,694,379   $24,008,395  $3,694,178 
                                                     ==========   ==========   ===========  ==========
</TABLE>                                         
    

- --------------------
* Commencement of operations on May 1, 1995 for all funds. 
See Notes to Financial Statements. 

                               F-5           
<PAGE>

THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES 
SEPARATE ACCOUNT NO. 45 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
DECEMBER 31, 1996 

   
1. General 

   The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States (Equitable Life) 
   Separate Account No. 45 (the Account) is organized as a unit investment 
   trust, a type of investment company, and is registered with the Securities 
   and Exchange Commission under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The 
   Account consists of nine investment funds (Funds): the Money Market Fund, 
   the Intermediate Government Securities Fund, the Growth & Income Fund, the 
   Common Stock Fund, the Global Fund, the International Fund, the Aggressive 
   Stock Fund, the Conservative Investors Fund and the Growth Investors Fund. 
   The assets in each Fund are invested in Class IA shares of a corresponding 
   portfolio (Portfolio) of a mutual fund, The Hudson River Trust (the 
   Trust). The Trust is an open-end, diversified, management investment 
   company that invests the assets of separate accounts of insurance 
   companies. Each Portfolio has separate investment objectives. 

   The Account is used to fund benefits for the Income Manager Accumulator, a 
   non-qualified deferred variable annuity, which combines the Portfolios in 
   the Account with guaranteed fixed rate options, and the Income Manager 
   Rollover IRA, which offers the same investment options as the Accumulator 
   for the qualified market. The Income Manager Accumulator and the Income 
   Manager Rollover IRA, collectively referred to as the Contracts, are 
   offered under group and individual variable deferred annuity forms. 

   All Contracts are issued by Equitable Life. The assets of the Account are 
   the property of Equitable Life. However, the portion of the Account's 
   assets attributable to the Contracts will not be chargeable with 
   liabilities arising out of any other business Equitable Life may conduct. 

   Contract owners may allocate amounts in their individual accounts to the 
   Funds of the Account, and/or to the guaranteed interest account of 
   Equitable Life's General Account, and/or to other Separate Accounts. The 
   net assets of any Fund of the Account may not be less than the aggregate 
   of the contract owners' accounts allocated to that Fund. Additional assets 
   are set aside in Equitable Life's General Account to provide for other 
   policy benefits, as required under the state insurance law. 

2. Significant Accounting Policies 

   The accompanying financial statements are prepared in conformity with 
   generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). The preparation of 
   financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make 
   estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and 
   liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the 
   date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and 
   expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from 
   those estimates. 

   Investments are made in shares of the Trust and are valued at the net 
   asset values per share of the respective Portfolios. The net asset value 
   is determined by the Trust using the market or fair value of the 
   underlying assets of the Portfolio. 

   Investment transactions are recorded on the trade date. Realized gains and 
   losses include gains and losses on redemptions of the Trust's shares 
   (determined on the identified cost basis) and Trust distributions 
   representing the net realized gains on Trust investment transactions. 

   Dividends are recorded at the end of each quarter on the ex-dividend date. 
   Capital gains are distributed by the Trust at the end of each year. 

   No Federal income tax based on net income or realized and unrealized 
   capital gains is currently applicable to Contracts participating in the 
   Account by reason of applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code 
   and no Federal income tax payable by Equitable Life is expected to affect 
   the unit value of Contracts participating in the Account. Accordingly, no 
   provision for income taxes is required. 
    

                                      F-6
<PAGE>

THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES 
SEPARATE ACCOUNT NO. 45 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED) 
DECEMBER 31, 1996 
 
3. Asset Charges 

   Charges are made directly against the net assets of the Account and are 
   reflected daily in the computation of the unit values of the Contracts. 
   Under the Contracts, Equitable Life deducts mortality and expense risks 
   at an annual rate of 0.90%. In addition, asset based administrative 
   charges are also deducted from the net assets at an annual rate of 0.25%. 
   The charges may be retained in the Account by Equitable Life and, to the 
   extent retained, participate in the net investment results of the trust 
   ratably with assets attributable to the Contracts. The aggregate of these 
   charges may not exceed a total effective annual rate of 1.15%. 

4. Amounts retained by Equitable Life in Separate Account No. 45 

   The amount retained by Equitable Life in the Account arises principally 
   from (1) contributions from Equitable Life, (2) mortality and expense 
   charges and asset based administrative charges accumulated in the account, 
   and (3) that portion, determined ratably, of the Account's investment 
   results applicable to those assets in the Account in excess of the net 
   assets for the Contracts. Amounts retained by Equitable Life are not 
   subject to charges for mortality and expense risks and asset based 
   administrative expenses. 

   Amounts retained by Equitable Life in the Account may be transferred at 
   any time by Equitable Life to its General Account. 

   The following table shows the net surplus contributions (withdrawals) by 
   Equitable Life by investment fund: 

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 
                                              31, 
                                    ---------------------- 
           INVESTMENT FUND               1996       1995* 
- ----------------------------------- ------------ --------- 
<S>                                 <C>          <C>
Money Market .......................  $(125,000)  $ 50,000 
Intermediate Government Securities      (25,000)    50,000 
Growth & Income ....................    (60,000)    50,000 
Common Stock .......................   (223,000)    50,000 
Global .............................    (52,000)    50,000 
International ......................    (35,000)    50,000 
Aggressive Stock ...................   (110,000)    50,000 
Conservative Investors .............    (45,000)    50,000 
Growth Investors ...................   (105,000)    50,000 
                                    ------------ --------- 
                                      $(780,000)  $450,000 
                                    ============ ========= 
</TABLE>


    
   
- ------------ 
*Commencement of operations on May 1, 1995 for all funds. 
    

                                      F-7
<PAGE>

THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES 
SEPARATE ACCOUNT NO. 45 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED) 
DECEMBER 31, 1996 
 (Continued) 
 5. Accumulation Unit Values 
    Shown below is accumulation unit value information for a unit outstanding 
    throughout the period shown. 

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            MAY 1(A)  
                                               TO     
                           DECEMBER 31,   DECEMBER 31,
                               1996           1995    
                         -------------- --------------
<S>                      <C>            <C>           
MONEY MARKET FUND                                     
- ------------------------                              
Unit value, beginning of                              
 period .................    $ 23.83        $ 23.15   
Unit value, end of                                    
 period .................    $ 24.81        $ 23.83   
Number of units                                       
 outstanding,                                         
 end of period (000's)  .      1,302            174   

INTERMEDIATE GOVERNMENT 
SECURITIES FUND                                       
- ------------------------                              
Unit value, beginning of                              
 period .................    $ 13.42        $ 12.50   
Unit value, end of                                    
 period .................    $ 13.77        $ 13.42   
Number of units                                       
 outstanding,                                         
 end of period (000's)  .        252            160   

GROWTH & INCOME                                       
- ------------------------                              
Unit value, beginning of                              
 period .................    $ 11.99        $ 10.38   
Unit value, end of                                    
 period .................    $ 14.23        $ 11.99   
Number of units                                       
 outstanding,                                         
 end of period (000's)  .      1,056            151   

COMMON STOCK FUND                                     
- ------------------------                              
Unit value, beginning of                              
 period .................    $124.52        $102.34   
Unit value, end of                                    
 period .................    $152.96        $124.52   
Number of units                                       
 outstanding,                                         
 end of period (000's)  .        494             55   

GLOBAL FUND 
- ------------------------ 
Unit value, beginning of 
 period .................    $ 22.29        $ 19.48 
Unit value, end of 
 period .................    $ 25.25        $ 22.29 
Number of units 
 outstanding, 
 end of period (000's)  .        609             48 

</TABLE>
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             MAY 1(A)         
                                                TO            
                            DECEMBER 31,   DECEMBER 31,       
                                1996           1995           
                          -------------- --------------       
 <C>                      <C>            <C>                  
 INTERNATIONAL FUND                                           
 ------------------------                                     
 Unit value, beginning of                                       
  period .................     $11.03         $10.13            
 Unit value, end of                                             
  period .................     $11.98         $11.03            
 Number of units                                                
  outstanding,                                                  
  end of period (000's)  .        717             73            
                                                                
 AGGRESSIVE STOCK FUND                                          
 ------------------------                                       
 Unit value, beginning of                                       
  period .................     $54.59         $44.03            
 Unit value, end of                                             
  period .................     $65.94         $54.59            
 Number of units                                                
  outstanding,                                                  
  end of period (000's)  .        620             58            

 CONSERVATIVE INVESTORS FUND                                    
 ------------------------                                       
 Unit value, beginning of                                       
  period .................     $16.55         $14.65            
 Unit value, end of                                             
  period .................     $17.21         $16.55            
 Number of units                                                
  outstanding,                                                  
  end of period (000's)  .        457            102            

 GROWTH INVESTORS FUND                                          
 ------------------------                                       
 Unit value, beginning of                                       
  period .................     $23.59         $20.07            
 Unit value, end of                                             
  period .................     $26.26         $23.59            
 Number of units                                                
  outstanding,                                                  
  end of period (000's)  .        914            157            
                                                                
</TABLE>
    
                                                                
                                                          
- ------------                                            
 (a) Date on which units were made available for sale.   

                                                          
                                      F-8
<PAGE>

February 10, 1997



                        REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


To the Board of Directors and Shareholder of
The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States

In our opinion,  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance sheets and the related
consolidated  statements of earnings,  of shareholder's equity and of cash flows
present  fairly,  in  all  material  respects,  the  financial  position  of The
Equitable  Life  Assurance  Society  of the United  States and its  subsidiaries
("Equitable  Life") at  December  31,  1996 and 1995,  and the  results of their
operations  and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting  principles.
These  financial   statements  are  the   responsibility   of  Equitable  Life's
management;  our  responsibility  is to express  an  opinion on these  financial
statements  based on our audits.  We conducted our audits of these statements in
accordance with generally accepted auditing standards which require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a
test basis,  evidence  supporting  the amounts and  disclosures in the financial
statements,  assessing the accounting  principles used and significant estimates
made by management and evaluating the overall financial statement  presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for the opinion  expressed
above.

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements,  Equitable Life
changed its methods of accounting for long-duration participating life insurance
contracts and long-lived  assets in 1996,  for loan  impairments in 1995 and for
postemployment benefits in 1994.


/s/ Price Waterhouse LLP

                                      F-1

<PAGE>

            THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                           DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        1996                 1995
                                                                  -----------------    -----------------
                                                                              (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                               <C>                  <C>          
ASSETS
Investments:
  Fixed maturities:
    Available for sale, at estimated fair value.................   $    18,077.0        $    15,899.9
  Mortgage loans on real estate.................................         3,133.0              3,638.3
  Equity real estate............................................         3,297.5              3,916.2
  Policy loans..................................................         2,196.1              1,976.4
  Investment in and loans to affiliates.........................           685.0                636.6
  Other equity investments......................................           597.3                621.1
  Other invested assets.........................................           288.7                706.1
                                                                  -----------------    -----------------
      Total investments.........................................        28,274.6             27,394.6
Cash and cash equivalents.......................................           538.8                774.7
Deferred policy acquisition costs...............................         3,104.9              3,075.8
Amounts due from discontinued GIC Segment.......................           996.2              2,097.1
Other assets....................................................         2,552.2              2,718.1
Closed Block assets.............................................         8,495.0              8,582.1
Separate Accounts assets........................................        29,646.1             24,566.6
                                                                  -----------------    -----------------
TOTAL ASSETS....................................................   $    73,607.8        $    69,209.0
                                                                  =================    =================

LIABILITIES
Policyholders' account balances.................................   $    21,865.6        $    21,911.2
Future policy benefits and other policyholders' liabilities.....         4,416.6              4,007.3
Short-term and long-term debt...................................         1,766.9              1,899.3
Other liabilities...............................................         2,785.1              3,380.7
Closed Block liabilities........................................         9,091.3              9,221.4
Separate Accounts liabilities...................................        29,598.3             24,531.0
                                                                  -----------------    -----------------
      Total liabilities.........................................        69,523.8             64,950.9
                                                                  -----------------    -----------------

Commitments and contingencies (Notes 10, 12, 13, 14 and 15)

SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
Common stock, $1.25 par value 2.0 million shares 
  authorized, issued and outstanding............................             2.5                  2.5
Capital in excess of par value..................................         3,105.8              3,105.8
Retained earnings...............................................           798.7                788.4
Net unrealized investment gains.................................           189.9                396.5
Minimum pension liability.......................................           (12.9)               (35.1)
                                                                  -----------------    -----------------
      Total shareholder's equity................................         4,084.0              4,258.1
                                                                  -----------------    -----------------

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY......................   $    73,607.8        $    69,209.0
                                                                  =================    =================
</TABLE>

                 See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

                                      F-2
<PAGE>

            THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                1996               1995               1994
                                                          -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
                                                                              (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                       <C>                <C>                <C>          
REVENUES
Universal life and investment-type product policy fee
  income................................................   $      874.0       $       788.2      $       715.0
Premiums................................................          597.6               606.8              625.6
Net investment income...................................        2,175.9             2,088.2            1,998.6
Investment (losses) gains, net..........................           (9.8)                5.3               91.8
Commissions, fees and other income......................        1,081.8               897.1              847.4
Contribution from the Closed Block......................          125.0               143.2              137.0
                                                          -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

      Total revenues....................................        4,844.5             4,528.8            4,415.4
                                                          -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

BENEFITS AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS
Interest credited to policyholders' account balances....        1,270.2             1,248.3            1,201.3
Policyholders' benefits.................................        1,317.7             1,008.6              914.9
Other operating costs and expenses......................        2,048.0             1,775.8            1,857.7
                                                          -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

      Total benefits and other deductions...............        4,635.9             4,032.7            3,973.9
                                                          -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Earnings from continuing operations before Federal
  income taxes, minority interest and cumulative
  effect of accounting change...........................          208.6               496.1              441.5
Federal income taxes....................................            9.7               120.5              100.2
Minority interest in net income of consolidated
  subsidiaries..........................................           81.7                62.8               50.4
                                                          -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
Earnings from continuing operations before
  cumulative effect of accounting change................          117.2               312.8              290.9
Discontinued operations, net of Federal income taxes....          (83.8)                -                  -
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of Federal
  income taxes..........................................          (23.1)                -                (27.1)
                                                          -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Net Earnings............................................   $       10.3       $       312.8      $       263.8
                                                          =================  =================  =================
</TABLE>


                 See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

                                      F-3
<PAGE>

            THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES
                 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      1996               1995               1994
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
                                                                                    (IN MILLIONS)

<S>                                                             <C>                <C>                <C>          
Common stock, at par value, beginning and end of year.........   $        2.5       $         2.5      $         2.5
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Capital in excess of par value, beginning of year as
  previously reported.........................................        2,913.6             2,913.6            2,613.6
Cumulative effect on prior years of retroactive restatement
  for accounting change.......................................          192.2               192.2              192.2
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
Capital in excess of par value, beginning of year as restated.        3,105.8             3,105.8            2,805.8
Additional capital in excess of par value.....................            -                   -                300.0
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
Capital in excess of par value, end of year...................        3,105.8             3,105.8            3,105.8
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Retained earnings, beginning of year as previously reported...          781.6               484.0              217.6
Cumulative effect on prior years of retroactive restatement
  for accounting change.......................................            6.8                (8.4)              (5.8)
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
Retained earnings, beginning of year as restated..............          788.4               475.6              211.8
Net earnings..................................................           10.3               312.8              263.8
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
Retained earnings, end of year................................          798.7               788.4              475.6
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Net unrealized investment gains (losses), beginning of year
  as previously reported......................................          338.2              (203.0)             131.9
Cumulative effect on prior years of retroactive restatement
  for accounting change.......................................           58.3               (17.5)              12.7
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
Net unrealized investment gains (losses), beginning of
  year as restated............................................          396.5              (220.5)             144.6
Change in unrealized investment (losses) gains................         (206.6)              617.0             (365.1)
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
Net unrealized investment gains (losses), end of year.........          189.9               396.5             (220.5)
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Minimum pension liability, beginning of year..................          (35.1)               (2.7)             (15.0)
Change in minimum pension liability...........................           22.2               (32.4)              12.3
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
Minimum pension liability, end of year........................          (12.9)              (35.1)              (2.7)
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

TOTAL SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY, END OF YEAR.......................   $    4,084.0       $     4,258.1      $     3,360.7
                                                                =================  =================  =================
</TABLE>


                 See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

                                      F-4
<PAGE>

            THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      1996               1995               1994
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
                                                                                    (IN MILLIONS)

<S>                                                             <C>                <C>                <C>          
Net earnings..................................................   $       10.3       $       312.8      $       263.8
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash
  provided by operating activities:
  Interest credited to policyholders' account balances........        1,270.2             1,248.3            1,201.3
  Universal life and investment-type policy fee income........         (874.0)             (788.2)            (715.0)
  Investment losses (gains)...................................            9.8                (5.3)             (91.8)
  Change in Federal income taxes payable......................         (197.1)              221.6               38.3
  Other, net..................................................          364.4               127.3              (19.4)
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Net cash provided by operating activities.....................          583.6             1,116.5              677.2
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Cash flows from investing activities:
  Maturities and repayments...................................        2,275.1             1,897.4            2,323.8
  Sales.......................................................        8,964.3             8,867.1            5,816.6
  Return of capital from joint ventures and limited
    partnerships..............................................           78.4                65.2               39.0
  Purchases...................................................      (12,559.6)          (11,675.5)          (7,564.7)
  Decrease (increase) in loans to discontinued GIC Segment....        1,017.0             1,226.9              (40.0)
  Other, net..................................................           56.7              (624.7)            (478.1)
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Net cash (used) provided by investing activities..............         (168.1)             (243.6)              96.6
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Cash flows from financing activities:
  Policyholders' account balances:
    Deposits..................................................        1,925.4             2,586.5            2,082.5
    Withdrawals...............................................       (2,385.2)           (2,657.1)          (2,864.4)
  Net decrease in short-term financings.......................            (.3)              (16.4)            (173.0)
  Additions to long-term debt.................................            -                 599.7               51.8
  Repayments of long-term debt................................         (124.8)              (40.7)            (199.8)
  Proceeds from issuance of Alliance units....................            -                   -                100.0
  Payment of obligation to fund accumulated deficit of
    discontinued GIC Segment..................................            -              (1,215.4)               -
  Capital contribution from the Holding Company...............            -                   -                300.0
  Other, net..................................................          (66.5)              (48.4)              26.5
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Net cash (used) by financing activities.......................         (651.4)             (791.8)            (676.4)
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Change in cash and cash equivalents...........................         (235.9)               81.1               97.4
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year..................          774.7               693.6              596.2
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Year........................   $      538.8       $       774.7      $       693.6
                                                                =================  =================  =================

Supplemental cash flow information
  Interest Paid...............................................   $      109.9       $        89.6      $        34.9
                                                                =================  =================  =================
  Income Taxes (Refunded) Paid................................   $      (10.0)      $       (82.7)     $        49.2
                                                                =================  =================  =================
</TABLE>


                 See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

                                      F-5
<PAGE>

            THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


 1)     ORGANIZATION

        The Equitable  Life Assurance  Society of the United States  ("Equitable
        Life") converted to a stock life insurance  company on July 22, 1992 and
        became a wholly owned subsidiary of The Equitable Companies Incorporated
        (the  "Holding   Company").   Equitable  Life's  insurance  business  is
        conducted  principally  by  Equitable  Life and its  wholly  owned  life
        insurance   subsidiary,   Equitable   Variable  Life  Insurance  Company
        ("EVLICO").  Effective January 1, 1997, EVLICO was merged into Equitable
        Life, which will continue to conduct the Company's  insurance  business.
        Equitable Life's  investment  management  business,  which comprises the
        Investment  Services  segment,  is  conducted  principally  by  Alliance
        Capital Management L.P.  ("Alliance"),  Equitable Real Estate Investment
        Management,  Inc.  ("EREIM")  and  Donaldson,  Lufkin &  Jenrette,  Inc.
        ("DLJ"), an investment banking and brokerage affiliate. AXA-UAP ("AXA"),
        a French  holding  company for an  international  group of insurance and
        related financial services  companies,  is the Holding Company's largest
        shareholder,  owning  approximately  60.8% at  December  31, 1996 (63.6%
        assuming conversion of Series E Convertible  Preferred Stock held by AXA
        and 54.4% if all  securities  convertible  into,  and options on, common
        stock were to be converted or exercised).

 2)     SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

        Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
        -----------------------------------------------------

        The  accompanying  consolidated  financial  statements  are  prepared in
        conformity with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP").

        The accompanying  consolidated financial statements include the accounts
        of  Equitable  Life and its  wholly  owned life  insurance  subsidiaries
        (collectively,   the  "Insurance  Group");  non-insurance  subsidiaries,
        principally  Alliance,  an investment advisory subsidiary,  and EREIM, a
        real estate investment management subsidiary; and those partnerships and
        joint ventures in which Equitable Life or its  subsidiaries  has control
        and  a  majority   economic   interest   (collectively,   including  its
        consolidated  subsidiaries,  the "Company"). The Company's investment in
        DLJ is reported on the equity basis of  accounting.  Closed Block assets
        and   liabilities  and  results  of  operations  are  presented  in  the
        consolidated  financial  statements  as single  line items (see Note 6).
        Unless specifically stated, all disclosures  contained herein supporting
        the consolidated  financial  statements exclude the Closed Block related
        amounts.

        The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires
        management to make  estimates and  assumptions  that affect the reported
        amounts of assets and  liabilities  and disclosure of contingent  assets
        and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported
        amounts of revenues and expenses  during the  reporting  period.  Actual
        results could differ from those estimates.

        All  significant  intercompany   transactions  and  balances  have  been
        eliminated in  consolidation  other than  intercompany  transactions and
        balances with the Closed Block and the discontinued  Guaranteed Interest
        Contract ("GIC") Segment (see Note 7).

        The years  "1996,"  "1995" and "1994" refer to the years ended  December
        31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

        Certain  reclassifications  have been made in the amounts  presented for
        prior periods to conform these periods with the 1996 presentation.

                                      F-6
<PAGE>

        Closed Block
        ------------

        As of July 22, 1992, Equitable Life established the Closed Block for the
        benefit of certain  classes of  individual  participating  policies  for
        which Equitable Life had a dividend scale payable in 1991 and which were
        in force on that date.  Assets were  allocated to the Closed Block in an
        amount which,  together with anticipated revenues from policies included
        in the Closed Block, was reasonably expected to be sufficient to support
        such  business,  including  provision  for  payment of  claims,  certain
        expenses and taxes,  and for  continuation of dividend scales payable in
        1991, assuming the experience underlying such scales continues.

        Assets  allocated to the Closed Block inure solely to the benefit of the
        holders of policies  included in the Closed Block and will not revert to
        the  benefit  of  the  Holding  Company.  The  plan  of  demutualization
        prohibits  the  reallocation,  transfer,  borrowing or lending of assets
        between the Closed Block and other portions of Equitable  Life's General
        Account,  any of its Separate  Accounts or to any affiliate of Equitable
        Life  without the approval of the New York  Superintendent  of Insurance
        (the "Superintendent").  Closed Block assets and liabilities are carried
        on the same basis as similar assets and liabilities  held in the General
        Account. The excess of Closed Block liabilities over Closed Block assets
        represents the expected  future  post-tax  contribution  from the Closed
        Block which would be  recognized  in income over the period the policies
        and contracts in the Closed Block remain in force.

        Discontinued Operations
        -----------------------

        In 1991,  the Company's  management  adopted a plan to  discontinue  the
        business  operations  of  the  GIC  Segment,  consisting  of  the  Group
        Non-Participating Wind-Up Annuities ("Wind-Up Annuities") and Guaranteed
        Interest Contract ("GIC") lines of business.  The Company  established a
        pre-tax  provision  for the  estimated  future losses of the GIC line of
        business  and a premium  deficiency  reserve for the Wind-Up  Annuities.
        Subsequent losses incurred have been charged to the two loss provisions.
        Management  reviews the  adequacy  of the  allowance  and  reserve  each
        quarter. During the fourth quarter 1996 review, management determined it
        was necessary to increase the  allowance  for expected  future losses of
        the  GIC  Segment.  Management  believes  the  loss  provisions  for GIC
        contracts  and Wind-Up  Annuities  at December  31, 1996 are adequate to
        provide  for all  future  losses;  however,  the  determination  of loss
        provisions  continues  to  involve  numerous  estimates  and  subjective
        judgments regarding the expected performance of discontinued  operations
        investment  assets.  There can be no assurance  the losses  provided for
        will not differ from the losses ultimately realized (See Note 7).

        Accounting Changes
        ------------------

        In 1996, the Company changed its method of accounting for  long-duration
        participating  life  insurance  contracts,  primarily  within the Closed
        Block,  in  accordance  with the  provisions  prescribed by Statement of
        Financial   Accounting  Standards  ("SFAS")  No.  120,  "Accounting  and
        Reporting  by  Mutual  Life  Insurance   Enterprises  and  by  Insurance
        Enterprises  for Certain  Long-Duration  Participating  Contracts".  The
        effect of this change,  including the impact on the Closed Block, was to
        increase earnings from continuing operations before cumulative effect of
        accounting change by $19.2 million, net of Federal income taxes of $10.3
        million for 1996.  The financial  statements for 1995 and 1994 have been
        retroactively  restated  for the change  which  resulted  in an increase
        (decrease) in earnings before  cumulative effect of accounting change of
        $15.2 million,  net of Federal income taxes of $8.2 million,  and $(2.6)
        million,   net  of  Federal   income  tax   benefit  of  $1.0   million,
        respectively.  Shareholder's  equity  increased  $199.1  million  as  of
        January 1, 1994 for the  effect of  retroactive  application  of the new
        method.  (See  "Deferred  Policy  Acquisition  Costs,"   "Policyholders'
        Account Balances and Future Policy Benefits" and Note 6.)

        The Company implemented SFAS No. 121,  "Accounting for the Impairment of
        Long-Lived  Assets and for  Long-Lived  Assets to be Disposed Of," as of
        January 1, 1996. The statement  requires  long-lived  assets and certain
        identifiable  intangibles be reviewed for impairment  whenever events or
        changes in circumstances

                                      F-7
<PAGE>

        indicate  the  carrying  value of such  assets  may not be  recoverable.
        Effective with SFAS No. 121's adoption,  impaired real estate is written
        down to fair value with the impairment loss being included in investment
        gains  (losses),  net.  Before  implementing  SFAS  No.  121,  valuation
        allowances  on real  estate  held  for the  production  of  income  were
        computed  using the forecasted  cash flows of the respective  properties
        discounted at a rate equal to the Company's cost of funds.  The adoption
        of the  statement  resulted in the release of  valuation  allowances  of
        $152.4 million and recognition of impairment losses of $144.0 million on
        real estate held and used. Real estate which management has committed to
        disposing of by sale or  abandonment  is classified as real estate to be
        disposed  of.  Valuation  allowances  on real  estate to be  disposed of
        continue  to be  computed  using the lower of  estimated  fair  value or
        depreciated cost, net of disposition  costs.  Implementation of the SFAS
        No. 121 impairment  requirements relative to other assets to be disposed
        of  resulted  in a charge  for the  cumulative  effect of an  accounting
        change of $23.1  million,  net of a Federal  income tax benefit of $12.4
        million,  due to the  writedown  to fair value of building  improvements
        relating to facilities being vacated beginning in 1996.

        In the  first  quarter  of 1995,  the  Company  adopted  SFAS  No.  114,
        "Accounting  by Creditors  for  Impairment  of a Loan".  This  statement
        applies to all loans,  including  loans  restructured in a troubled debt
        restructuring   involving  a  modification  of  terms.   This  statement
        addresses the  accounting  for  impairment  of a loan by specifying  how
        allowances for credit losses should be determined. Impaired loans within
        the scope of this  statement are measured  based on the present value of
        expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's  effective  interest
        rate,  at the loan's  observable  market  price or the fair value of the
        collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. The Company provides for
        impairment  of loans  through an  allowance  for  possible  losses.  The
        adoption of this  statement did not have a material  effect on the level
        of these  allowances  or on the  Company's  consolidated  statements  of
        earnings and shareholder's equity.

        Beginning  coincident  with  issuance of SFAS No. 115,  "Accounting  for
        Certain  Investments  in Debt  and  Equity  Securities,"  implementation
        guidance in November  1995,  the Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board
        ("FASB") permitted  companies a one-time  opportunity,  through December
        31, 1995, to reassess the  appropriateness  of the classification of all
        securities  held  at  that  time.  On  December  1,  1995,  the  Company
        transferred  $4,794.9  million  of  securities  classified  as  held  to
        maturity to the available for sale portfolio. As a result,  consolidated
        shareholder's equity increased by $149.4 million, net of deferred policy
        acquisition costs ("DAC"),  amounts  attributable to participating group
        annuity contracts and deferred Federal income taxes.

        In the fourth  quarter of 1994  (effective  as of January 1, 1994),  the
        Company adopted SFAS No. 112, "Employers'  Accounting for Postemployment
        Benefits,"  which  required  employers to recognize  the  obligation  to
        provide  postemployment  benefits.   Implementation  of  this  statement
        resulted in a charge for the cumulative  effect of accounting  change of
        $27.1 million, net of a Federal income tax benefit of $14.6 million.

        New Accounting Pronouncements
        -----------------------------

        The FASB issued SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,"
        which permits  entities to recognize as expense over the vesting  period
        the  fair  value of all  stock-based  awards  on the  date of grant  or,
        alternatively,  to  continue  to  apply  the  provisions  of  Accounting
        Principles Board ("APB") Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to
        Employees,"  and  related  interpretations.  Companies  which  elect  to
        continue to apply APB  Opinion No. 25 must  provide pro forma net income
        disclosures  for employee  stock  option  grants made in 1995 and future
        years as if the fair-value-based method defined in SFAS No. 123 had been
        applied.  The Company  accounts for stock option plans  sponsored by the
        Holding  Company,  DLJ and Alliance in accordance with the provisions of
        APB Opinion No. 25 (see Note 21).

                                      F-8
<PAGE>

        In June 1996,  the FASB issued SFAS No. 125,  "Accounting  for Transfers
        and Servicing of Financial Assets and  Extinguishments  of Liabilities".
        SFAS No. 125 specifies the  accounting  and reporting  requirements  for
        transfers  of financial  assets,  the  recognition  and  measurement  of
        servicing  assets and  liabilities and  extinguishments  of liabilities.
        SFAS No. 125 is effective for transactions  occurring after December 31,
        1996 and is to be applied  prospectively.  In  December  1996,  the FASB
        issued  SFAS  No.  127,  "Deferral  of the  Effective  Date  of  Certain
        Provisions  of FASB  Statement  No.  125," which defers for one year the
        effective  date  of  provisions   relating  to  secured  borrowings  and
        collateral and transfers of financial assets that are part of repurchase
        agreements,  dollar-roll,  securities lending and similar  transactions.
        Management has not yet determined  the effect of  implementing  SFAS No.
        125.

        Valuation of Investments
        ------------------------

        Fixed  maturities  identified  as  available  for sale are  reported  at
        estimated fair value. The amortized cost of fixed maturities is adjusted
        for impairments in value deemed to be other than temporary.

        Mortgage loans on real estate are stated at unpaid  principal  balances,
        net of unamortized  discounts and valuation  allowances.  Effective with
        the  adoption  of  SFAS  No.  114 on  January  1,  1995,  the  valuation
        allowances are based on the present value of expected  future cash flows
        discounted  at  the  loan's  original  effective  interest  rate  or the
        collateral  value  if the  loan is  collateral  dependent.  However,  if
        foreclosure  is or becomes  probable,  the  measurement  method  used is
        collateral  value.  Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 114, the valuation
        allowances were based on losses expected by management to be realized on
        transfers  of  mortgage  loans  to  real  estate  (upon  foreclosure  or
        in-substance foreclosure),  on the disposition or settlement of mortgage
        loans and on mortgage loans  management  believed may not be collectible
        in full. In establishing  valuation  allowances,  management  previously
        considered,   among  other  things  the  estimated  fair  value  of  the
        underlying collateral.

        Real estate,  including real estate acquired in satisfaction of debt, is
        stated at  depreciated  cost less valuation  allowances.  At the date of
        foreclosure (including in-substance  foreclosure),  real estate acquired
        in satisfaction of debt is valued at estimated fair value. Impaired real
        estate is  written  down to fair value  with the  impairment  loss being
        included in investment gains (losses) net. Valuation  allowances on real
        estate  available  for sale are  computed  using  the  lower of  current
        estimated  fair value or depreciated  cost,  net of  disposition  costs.
        Prior to the  adoption of SFAS No.  121,  valuation  allowances  on real
        estate  held for the  production  of  income  were  computed  using  the
        forecasted cash flows of the respective  properties discounted at a rate
        equal to the Company's cost of funds.

        Policy loans are stated at unpaid principal balances.

        Partnerships  and joint venture  interests in which the Company does not
        have control and a majority economic interest are reported on the equity
        basis of accounting  and are included  either with equity real estate or
        other equity investments, as appropriate.

        Common  stocks are carried at  estimated  fair value and are included in
        other equity investments.

        Short-term  investments are stated at amortized cost which  approximates
        fair value and are included with other invested assets.

        Cash and cash equivalents  includes cash on hand, amounts due from banks
        and highly liquid debt instruments  purchased with an original  maturity
        of three months or less.

        All securities are recorded in the consolidated  financial statements on
        a trade date basis.

        Investment Results and Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)
        -----------------------------------------------------------

        Net  investment   income  and  realized   investment  gains  and  losses
        (collectively,  "investment  results") related to certain  participating
        group annuity contracts which are passed through to the  contractholders
        are reflected as interest credited to policyholders' account balances.

                                      F-9
<PAGE>

        Realized   investment  gains  and  losses  are  determined  by  specific
        identification  and are  presented as a component of revenue.  Valuation
        allowances are netted  against the asset  categories to which they apply
        and changes in the valuation allowances are included in investment gains
        or losses.

        Unrealized investment gains and losses on fixed maturities available for
        sale and equity  securities  held by the Company are  accounted for as a
        separate  component of  shareholder's  equity,  net of related  deferred
        Federal  income taxes,  amounts  attributable  to the  discontinued  GIC
        Segment,  participating  group  annuity  contracts,  and DAC  related to
        universal   life  and   investment-type   products   and   participating
        traditional life contracts.

        Recognition of Insurance Income and Related Expenses
        ----------------------------------------------------

        Premiums from universal life and investment-type  contracts are reported
        as deposits to  policyholders'  account  balances.  Revenues  from these
        contracts   consist  of  amounts  assessed  during  the  period  against
        policyholders'   account   balances  for   mortality   charges,   policy
        administration charges and surrender charges. Policy benefits and claims
        that are  charged to expense  include  benefit  claims  incurred  in the
        period in excess of related policyholders' account balances.

        Premiums from participating and  non-participating  traditional life and
        annuity  policies with life  contingencies  generally are  recognized as
        income when due.  Benefits  and expenses are matched with such income so
        as to  result  in the  recognition  of  profits  over  the  life  of the
        contracts.  This match is  accomplished  by means of the  provision  for
        liabilities  for future policy  benefits and the deferral and subsequent
        amortization of policy acquisition costs.

        For  contracts  with a single  premium  or a limited  number of  premium
        payments due over a  significantly  shorter period than the total period
        over which  benefits are provided,  premiums are recorded as income when
        due with any  excess  profit  deferred  and  recognized  in  income in a
        constant  relationship  to  insurance  in force or, for  annuities,  the
        amount of expected future benefit payments.

        Premiums from individual  health contracts are recognized as income over
        the period to which the premiums  relate in  proportion to the amount of
        insurance protection provided.

        Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
        ---------------------------------

        The  costs  of  acquiring   new   business,   principally   commissions,
        underwriting,  agency and policy issue expenses,  all of which vary with
        and  are  primarily  related  to the  production  of new  business,  are
        deferred. DAC is subject to recoverability testing at the time of policy
        issue and loss recognition testing at the end of each accounting period.

        For  universal  life  products  and  investment-type  products,  DAC  is
        amortized  over the expected  total life of the contract  group (periods
        ranging  from  15 to 35  years  and 5 to 17  years,  respectively)  as a
        constant  percentage of estimated gross profits arising principally from
        investment results,  mortality and expense margins and surrender charges
        based on historical and anticipated  future  experience,  updated at the
        end of each accounting  period. The effect on the amortization of DAC of
        revisions  to  estimated  gross  profits is reflected in earnings in the
        period such estimated  gross profits are revised.  The effect on the DAC
        asset that would result from realization of unrealized gains (losses) is
        recognized  with an offset to unrealized  gains (losses) in consolidated
        shareholder's equity as of the balance sheet date.

        For participating  traditional life policies (substantially all of which
        are in the Closed Block),  DAC is amortized over the expected total life
        of the contract group (40 years) as a constant  percentage  based on the
        present  value of the  estimated  gross  margin  amounts  expected to be
        realized  over the life of the contracts  using the expected  investment
        yield. At December 31, 1996, the expected  investment  yield ranged from
        7.30% grading to 7.68% over 13 years.  Estimated  gross margin  includes
        anticipated   premiums   and   investment   results   less   claims  and
        administrative  expenses,  changes in the net level premium  reserve and
        expected  annual  policyholder  dividends.  Deviations of actual results
        from  estimated  experience are reflected in earnings in the period such
        deviations  occur.  The effect on the DAC asset that would  result  from
        realization of unrealized gains (losses) is recognized with an offset to
        unrealized gains (losses) in consolidated shareholder's equity as of the
        balance sheet date.

                                      F-10
<PAGE>

        For  non-participating  traditional  life and annuity policies with life
        contingencies,  DAC is amortized in proportion to anticipated  premiums.
        Assumptions  as to  anticipated  premiums  are  estimated at the date of
        policy  issue  and  are  consistently  applied  during  the  life of the
        contracts.   Deviations  from  estimated  experience  are  reflected  in
        earnings in the period such deviations  occur. For these contracts,  the
        amortization periods generally are for the total life of the policy.

        For  individual  health  benefit  insurance,  DAC is amortized  over the
        expected  average  life of the  contracts  (10 years  for major  medical
        policies  and  20  years  for  disability  income  ("DI")  products)  in
        proportion  to  anticipated  premium  revenue  at time of issue.  In the
        fourth quarter of 1996, the DAC related to DI contracts  issued prior to
        July 1993 was written off.

        Policyholders' Account Balances and Future Policy Benefits
        ----------------------------------------------------------

        Policyholders'  account balances for universal life and  investment-type
        contracts are equal to the policy  account  values.  The policy  account
        values represent an accumulation of gross premium payments plus credited
        interest less expense and mortality charges and withdrawals.

        For  participating  traditional  life  policies,  future policy  benefit
        liabilities are calculated using a net level premium method on the basis
        of actuarial assumptions equal to guaranteed mortality and dividend fund
        interest  rates.  The  liability  for annual  dividends  represents  the
        accrual of annual dividends  earned.  Terminal  dividends are accrued in
        proportion to gross margins over the life of the contract.

        For non-participating traditional life insurance policies, future policy
        benefit  liabilities  are estimated  using a net level premium method on
        the basis of actuarial  assumptions  as to  mortality,  persistency  and
        interest established at policy issue.  Assumptions established at policy
        issue as to mortality and persistency are based on the Insurance Group's
        experience  which,  together  with  interest  and  expense  assumptions,
        include a margin for adverse deviation.  When the liabilities for future
        policy benefits plus the present value of expected future gross premiums
        for a product are  insufficient  to provide for expected  future  policy
        benefits  and  expenses  for  that  product,  DAC  is  written  off  and
        thereafter,  if required, a premium deficiency reserve is established by
        a charge to earnings.  Benefit  liabilities  for  traditional  annuities
        during the accumulation period are equal to accumulated contractholders'
        fund balances and after  annuitization are equal to the present value of
        expected  future  payments.  Interest  rates used in  establishing  such
        liabilities range from 2.25% to 11.5% for life insurance liabilities and
        from 2.25% to 13.5% for annuity liabilities.

        During  the  fourth  quarter  of  1996,  a  loss  recognition  study  on
        participating group annuity contracts and conversion annuities ("Pension
        Par") was completed  which  included  management's  revised  estimate of
        assumptions, including expected mortality and future investment returns.
        The  study's  results   prompted   management  to  establish  a  premium
        deficiency reserve which decreased  earnings from continuing  operations
        and net earnings by $47.5 million ($73.0 million pre-tax).

        Individual  health  benefit  liabilities  for active lives are estimated
        using  the net  level  premium  method,  and  assumptions  as to  future
        morbidity,  withdrawals and interest.  Benefit  liabilities for disabled
        lives are  estimated  using the  present  value of  benefits  method and
        experience assumptions as to claim terminations, expenses and interest.

        During  the  fourth  quarter  of  1996,  the  Company  completed  a loss
        recognition  study of the DI business  which  incorporated  management's
        revised  estimates  of  future  experience  with  regard  to  morbidity,
        investment  returns,   claims  and  administration  expenses  and  other
        factors.  The study  indicated DAC was not  recoverable and the reserves
        were  not  sufficient.  Earnings  from  continuing  operations  and  net
        earnings  decreased  by $208.0  million  ($320.0  million  pre-tax) as a
        result of  strengthening  DI reserves by $175.0  million and writing off
        unamortized  DAC of $145.0  million.  The  determination  of DI reserves
        requires  making  assumptions  and  estimates  relating  to a variety of
        factors,  including  morbidity and interest rates, claims experience and
        lapse

                                      F-11
<PAGE>

        rates based on then known facts and circumstances. Such factors as claim
        incidence  and  termination  rates can be  affected  by  changes  in the
        economic,  legal  and  regulatory  environments  and work  ethic.  While
        management believes its DI reserves have been calculated on a reasonable
        basis and are  adequate,  there  can be no  assurance  reserves  will be
        sufficient to provide for future liabilities.

        Claim reserves and  associated  liabilities  for  individual  disability
        income and major medical policies were $711.8 million and $639.6 million
        at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively (excluding $175.0 million of
        reserve  strengthening in 1996).  Incurred benefits  (benefits paid plus
        changes in claim reserves) and benefits paid for individual DI and major
        medical policies  (excluding $175.0 million of reserve  strengthening in
        1996) are summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Incurred benefits related to current year..........  $       189.0       $      176.0       $      188.6
        Incurred benefits related to prior years...........           69.1               67.8               28.7
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total Incurred Benefits............................  $       258.1       $      243.8       $      217.3
                                                            =================   ================   =================
        Benefits paid related to current year..............  $        32.6       $       37.0       $       43.7
        Benefits paid related to prior years...............          153.3              137.8              132.3
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total Benefits Paid................................  $       185.9       $      174.8       $      176.0
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        Policyholders' Dividends
        ------------------------

        The amount of  policyholders'  dividends to be paid (including  those on
        policies  included  in the  Closed  Block)  is  determined  annually  by
        Equitable   Life's  Board  of  Directors.   The   aggregate   amount  of
        policyholders'  dividends  is  related  to actual  interest,  mortality,
        morbidity  and expense  experience  for the year and  judgment as to the
        appropriate level of statutory surplus to be retained by Equitable Life.

        Equitable  Life is subject  to  limitations  on the amount of  statutory
        profits  which can be  retained  with  respect  to  certain  classes  of
        individual  participating  policies  that were in force on July 22, 1992
        which  are  not  included  in the  Closed  Block  and  with  respect  to
        participating  policies  issued  subsequent  to July  22,  1992.  Excess
        statutory  profits,  if  any,  will  be  distributed  over  time to such
        policyholders and will not be available to Equitable Life's shareholder.
        Earnings  in  excess  of  limitations,  if  any,  would  be  accrued  as
        policyholders' dividends.

        At December 31, 1996,  participating  policies,  including  those in the
        Closed Block, represent  approximately 24.2% ($52.3 billion) of directly
        written life insurance in force, net of amounts ceded.

        Federal Income Taxes
        --------------------

        The  Company  files a  consolidated  Federal  income tax return with the
        Holding Company and its non-life insurance subsidiaries. Current Federal
        income taxes were charged or credited to  operations  based upon amounts
        estimated to be payable or recoverable as a result of taxable operations
        for the current year.  Deferred income tax assets and  liabilities  were
        recognized based on the difference between financial  statement carrying
        amounts  and income tax bases of assets and  liabilities  using  enacted
        income tax rates and laws.

        Separate Accounts
        -----------------

        Separate  Accounts are established in conformity with the New York State
        Insurance Law and generally are not  chargeable  with  liabilities  that
        arise from any other business of the Insurance Group.  Separate Accounts
        assets  are  subject to General  Account  claims  only to the extent the
        value of such assets exceeds the Separate Accounts liabilities.

                                      F-12
<PAGE>

        Assets  and  liabilities  of the  Separate  Accounts,  representing  net
        deposits  and  accumulated  net  investment  earnings  less  fees,  held
        primarily  for  the  benefit  of  contractholders,  and  for  which  the
        Insurance Group does not bear the investment risk, are shown as separate
        captions in the consolidated  balance sheets.  The Insurance Group bears
        the investment risk on assets held in one Separate  Account,  therefore,
        such assets are carried on the same basis as similar  assets held in the
        General Account  portfolio.  Assets held in the other Separate  Accounts
        are carried at quoted  market  values or,  where  quoted  values are not
        available,  at  estimated  fair values as  determined  by the  Insurance
        Group.

        The investment results of Separate Accounts on which the Insurance Group
        does not bear the  investment  risk are  reflected  directly in Separate
        Accounts  liabilities.  For 1996, 1995 and 1994,  investment  results of
        such  Separate  Accounts  were $2,970.6  million,  $1,963.2  million and
        $665.2 million, respectively.

        Deposits to Separate  Accounts  are  reported as  increases  in Separate
        Accounts liabilities and are not reported in revenues. Mortality, policy
        administration  and  surrender  charges  on all  Separate  Accounts  are
        included in revenues.

                                      F-13
<PAGE>

 3)     INVESTMENTS

        The following tables provide  additional  information  relating to fixed
maturities and equity securities:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        GROSS               GROSS
                                                   AMORTIZED          UNREALIZED         UNREALIZED         ESTIMATED
                                                      COST              GAINS              LOSSES           FAIR VALUE
                                                -----------------  -----------------   ----------------   ---------------
                                                                             (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                     <C>                <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        DECEMBER 31, 1996
        -----------------
        Fixed Maturities:
          Available for Sale:
            Corporate..........................  $    13,645.2      $       451.5       $      121.0       $   13,975.7
            Mortgage-backed....................        2,015.9               11.2               20.3            2,006.8
            U.S. Treasury securities and
              U.S. government and
              agency securities................        1,539.4               39.2               19.3            1,559.3
            States and political subdivisions..           77.0                4.5                -                 81.5
            Foreign governments................          302.6               18.0                2.2              318.4
            Redeemable preferred stock.........          139.1                3.3                7.1              135.3
                                                -----------------  -----------------   ----------------   ---------------
        Total Available for Sale...............  $    17,719.2      $       527.7       $      169.9       $   18,077.0
                                                =================  =================   ================   ===============
        Equity Securities:
          Common stock.........................  $        98.7      $        49.3       $       17.7       $      130.3
                                                =================  =================   ================   ===============

        December 31, 1995
        -----------------
        Fixed Maturities:
          Available for Sale:
            Corporate..........................  $    10,910.7      $       617.6       $      118.1       $   11,410.2
            Mortgage-backed....................        1,838.0               31.2                1.2            1,868.0
            U.S. Treasury securities and
              U.S. government and
              agency securities................        2,257.0               77.8                4.1            2,330.7
            States and political subdivisions..           45.7                5.2                -                 50.9
            Foreign governments................          124.5               11.0                 .2              135.3
            Redeemable preferred stock.........          108.1                5.3                8.6              104.8
                                                -----------------  -----------------   ----------------   ---------------
        Total Available for Sale...............  $    15,284.0      $       748.1       $      132.2       $   15,899.9
                                                =================  =================   ================   ===============
        Equity Securities:
          Common stock.........................  $        97.3      $        49.1       $       18.0       $      128.4
                                                =================  =================   ================   ===============
</TABLE>

        For publicly traded fixed  maturities and equity  securities,  estimated
        fair  value  is  determined  using  quoted  market  prices.   For  fixed
        maturities without a readily ascertainable market value, the Company has
        determined  an  estimated  fair  value  using  a  discounted  cash  flow
        approach, including provisions for credit risk, generally based upon the
        assumption  such  securities  will be held to maturity.  Estimated  fair
        value for equity  securities,  substantially  all of which do not have a
        readily  ascertainable market value, has been determined by the Company.
        Such estimated fair values do not  necessarily  represent the values for
        which  these  securities  could  have  been  sold  at the  dates  of the
        consolidated  balance sheets. At December 31, 1996 and 1995,  securities
        without a readily ascertainable market value having an amortized cost of
        $3,915.7 million and $3,748.9 million,  respectively, had estimated fair
        values of $4,024.6 million and $3,981.8 million, respectively.

                                      F-14
<PAGE>

        The contractual maturity of bonds at December 31, 1996 is shown below:

                                                   AVAILABLE FOR SALE
                                           ------------------------------------
                                              AMORTIZED          ESTIMATED
                                                COST             FAIR VALUE
                                           ----------------   -----------------
                                                      (IN MILLIONS)

        Due in one year or less...........  $      539.6       $      542.5
        Due in years two through five.....       2,776.2            2,804.0
        Due in years six through ten......       6,044.7            6,158.1
        Due after ten years...............       6,203.7            6,430.3
        Mortgage-backed securities........       2,015.9            2,006.8
                                           ----------------   -----------------
        Total.............................  $   17,580.1       $   17,941.7
                                           ================   =================

        Bonds not due at a single  maturity date have been included in the above
        table in the year of final maturity.  Actual maturities will differ from
        contractual  maturities  because borrowers may have the right to call or
        prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

        The  Insurance  Group's fixed  maturity  investment  portfolio  includes
        corporate high yield  securities  consisting of public high yield bonds,
        redeemable  preferred  stocks and directly  negotiated debt in leveraged
        buyout  transactions.  The Insurance  Group seeks to minimize the higher
        than normal credit risks  associated  with such securities by monitoring
        the total  investments  in any single  issuer or total  investment  in a
        particular  industry  group.  Certain  of  these  corporate  high  yield
        securities are classified as other than investment  grade by the various
        rating  agencies,  i.e., a rating below Baa or National  Association  of
        Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC") designation of 3 (medium grade), 4 or 5
        (below  investment  grade) or 6 (in or near  default).  At December  31,
        1996,  approximately 14.20% of the $17,563.7 million aggregate amortized
        cost of bonds held by the  Insurance  Group were  considered to be other
        than investment grade.

        In addition to its  holdings of  corporate  high yield  securities,  the
        Insurance Group is an equity investor in limited  partnership  interests
        which  primarily  invest  in  securities  considered  to be  other  than
        investment grade.

        The Company has  restructured  or  modified  the terms of certain  fixed
        maturity  investments.  The fixed maturity  portfolio includes amortized
        costs of $5.5  million and $15.9  million at December 31, 1996 and 1995,
        respectively,  of such  restructured  securities.  These amounts include
        fixed  maturities  which are in default as to principal  and/or interest
        payments,  are to be restructured pursuant to commenced  negotiations or
        where the  borrowers  went into  bankruptcy  subsequent  to  acquisition
        (collectively,  "problem  fixed  maturities")  of $2.2  million and $1.6
        million as of December 31, 1996 and 1995,  respectively.  Gross interest
        income that would have been  recorded in  accordance  with the  original
        terms of restructured  fixed maturities  amounted to $1.4 million,  $3.0
        million and $7.5  million in 1996,  1995 and 1994,  respectively.  Gross
        interest  income on these fixed  maturities  included in net  investment
        income  aggregated $1.3 million,  $2.9 million and $6.8 million in 1996,
        1995 and 1994, respectively.

                                      F-15
<PAGE>

        Investment valuation allowances and changes thereto are shown below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Balances, beginning of year........................  $       325.3       $      284.9       $      355.6
        SFAS No. 121 release...............................         (152.4)               -                  -
        Additions charged to income........................          125.0              136.0               51.0
        Deductions for writedowns and
          asset dispositions...............................         (160.8)             (95.6)            (121.7)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Balances, End of Year..............................  $       137.1       $      325.3       $      284.9
                                                            =================   ================   =================
        Balances, end of year comprise:
          Mortgage loans on real estate....................  $        50.4       $       65.5       $       64.2
          Equity real estate...............................           86.7              259.8              220.7
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total..............................................  $       137.1       $      325.3       $      284.9
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        At December 31, 1996, the carrying  values of  investments  held for the
        production  of income  which were  non-income  producing  for the twelve
        months preceding the consolidated  balance sheet date were $25.0 million
        of fixed maturities and $2.6 million of mortgage loans on real estate.

        At  December  31,  1996 and 1995,  mortgage  loans on real  estate  with
        scheduled payments 60 days (90 days for agricultural  mortgages) or more
        past due or in  foreclosure  (collectively,  "problem  mortgage loans on
        real  estate") had an  amortized  cost of $12.4  million  (0.4% of total
        mortgage loans on real estate) and $87.7 million (2.4% of total mortgage
        loans on real estate), respectively.

        The payment terms of mortgage loans on real estate may from time to time
        be  restructured or modified.  The investment in  restructured  mortgage
        loans on real  estate,  based on  amortized  cost,  amounted  to  $388.3
        million and $531.5 million at December 31, 1996 and 1995,  respectively.
        These amounts include $1.0 million and $3.8 million of problem  mortgage
        loans on real estate at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.  Gross
        interest income on restructured mortgage loans on real estate that would
        have been recorded in accordance  with the original  terms of such loans
        amounted to $35.5 million, $52.1 million and $44.9 million in 1996, 1995
        and 1994, respectively. Gross interest income on these loans included in
        net investment income aggregated $28.2 million,  $37.4 million and $32.8
        million in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

        Impaired  mortgage  loans (as defined under SFAS No. 114) along with the
        related provision for losses were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         DECEMBER 31,
                                                                            ----------------------------------------
                                                                                   1996                 1995
                                                                            -------------------  -------------------
                                                                                         (IN MILLIONS)

        <S>                                                                 <C>                  <C>           
        Impaired mortgage loans with provision for losses..................  $        340.0       $        310.1
        Impaired mortgage loans with no provision for losses...............           122.3                160.8
                                                                            -------------------  -------------------
        Recorded investment in impaired mortgage loans.....................           462.3                470.9
        Provision for losses...............................................            46.4                 62.7
                                                                            -------------------  -------------------
        Net Impaired Mortgage Loans........................................  $        415.9       $        408.2
                                                                            ===================  ===================
</TABLE>

        Impaired mortgage loans with no provision for losses are loans where the
        fair value of the  collateral  or the net present  value of the expected
        future cash flows  related to the loan  equals or exceeds  the  recorded
        investment.  Interest income earned on loans where the collateral  value
        is used to measure impairment is recorded on a

                                      F-16
<PAGE>

        cash basis.  Interest  income on loans where the present value method is
        used to measure  impairment is accrued on the net carrying  value amount
        of the loan at the  interest  rate  used to  discount  the  cash  flows.
        Changes in the present  value  attributable  to changes in the amount or
        timing of  expected  cash  flows are  reported  as  investment  gains or
        losses.

        During  1996 and 1995,  respectively,  the  Company's  average  recorded
        investment  in  impaired  mortgage  loans was $552.1  million and $429.0
        million.  Interest  income  recognized on these impaired  mortgage loans
        totaled $38.8 million and $27.9 million for 1996 and 1995, respectively,
        including $17.9 million and $13.4 million recognized on a cash basis.

        The Insurance Group's investment in equity real estate is through direct
        ownership  and through  investments  in real estate joint  ventures.  At
        December  31, 1996 and 1995,  the  carrying  value of equity real estate
        available  for sale  amounted  to $345.6  million  and  $255.5  million,
        respectively.  For 1996,  1995 and 1994,  respectively,  real  estate of
        $58.7  million,  $35.3  million  and  $189.8  million  was  acquired  in
        satisfaction  of debt. At December 31, 1996 and 1995,  the Company owned
        $771.7 million and $862.7 million, respectively, of real estate acquired
        in satisfaction of debt.

        Depreciation of real estate is computed using the  straight-line  method
        over the estimated useful lives of the properties, which generally range
        from 40 to 50 years.  Accumulated depreciation on real estate was $587.5
        million and $662.4 million at December 31, 1996 and 1995,  respectively.
        Depreciation  expense  on real  estate  totaled  $91.8  million,  $121.7
        million and $117.0 million for 1996, 1995 and 1994,  respectively.  As a
        result  of  the   implementation   of  SFAS  No.  121,  during  1996  no
        depreciation  expense has been  recorded on real  estate  available  for
        sale.

                                      F-17
<PAGE>

 4)     JOINT VENTURES AND PARTNERSHIPS

        Summarized combined financial  information of real estate joint ventures
        (34 and 38  individual  ventures  as of  December  31,  1996  and  1995,
        respectively) and of limited  partnership  interests accounted for under
        the equity  method,  in which the  Company  has an  investment  of $10.0
        million  or  greater  and an equity  interest  of 10% or  greater  is as
        follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                ------------------------------------
                                                                                     1996                1995
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                           (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                                     <C>                <C>         
        FINANCIAL POSITION
        Investments in real estate, at depreciated cost........................  $    1,883.7       $    2,684.1
        Investments in securities, generally at estimated fair value...........       2,430.6            2,459.8
        Cash and cash equivalents..............................................          98.0              489.1
        Other assets...........................................................         427.0              270.8
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Total assets...........................................................       4,839.3            5,903.8
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Borrowed funds - third party...........................................       1,574.3            1,782.3
        Borrowed funds - the Company...........................................         137.9              220.5
        Other liabilities......................................................         415.8              593.9
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Total liabilities......................................................       2,128.0            2,596.7
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------

        Partners' Capital......................................................  $    2,711.3       $    3,307.1
                                                                                ================   =================

        Equity in partners' capital included above.............................  $      806.8       $      902.2
        Equity in limited partnership interests not included above.............         201.8              212.8
        Other..................................................................           9.8                8.9
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Carrying Value.........................................................  $    1,018.4       $    1,123.9
                                                                                ================   =================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
        Revenues of real estate joint ventures.............  $       348.9       $      463.5       $      537.7
        Revenues of other limited partnership interests....          386.1              242.3              103.4
        Interest expense - third party.....................         (111.0)            (135.3)            (114.9)
        Interest expense - the Company.....................          (30.0)             (41.0)             (36.9)
        Other expenses.....................................         (282.5)            (397.7)            (430.9)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Net Earnings.......................................  $       311.5       $      131.8       $       58.4
                                                            =================   ================   =================
        Equity in net earnings included above..............  $        73.9       $       49.1       $       18.9
        Equity in net earnings of limited partnerships
          interests not included above.....................           35.8               44.8               25.3
        Other..............................................             .9                1.0                1.8
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total Equity in Net Earnings.......................  $       110.6       $       94.9       $       46.0
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

                                      F-18
<PAGE>

 5)     NET INVESTMENT INCOME AND INVESTMENT GAINS (LOSSES)

        The sources of net investment income are summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   1996               1995                1994
                                             -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                  (IN MILLIONS)

        <S>                                  <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Fixed maturities....................  $     1,307.4       $    1,151.1       $    1,036.5
        Mortgage loans on real estate.......          303.0              329.0              385.7
        Equity real estate..................          442.4              560.4              561.8
        Other equity investments............           94.3               76.9               36.1
        Policy loans........................          160.3              144.4              122.7
        Other investment income.............          217.4              273.0              322.4
                                             -----------------   ----------------   -----------------

          Gross investment income...........        2,524.8            2,534.8            2,465.2
                                             -----------------   ----------------   -----------------

          Investment expenses...............          348.9              446.6              466.6
                                             -----------------   ----------------   -----------------

        Net Investment Income...............  $     2,175.9       $    2,088.2       $    1,998.6
                                             =================   ================   =================

        Investment  gains  (losses),  net,  including  changes in the  valuation
        allowances, are summarized as follows:
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)

        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>          
        Fixed maturities...................................  $        60.5       $      119.9       $      (14.3)
        Mortgage loans on real estate......................          (27.3)             (40.2)             (43.1)
        Equity real estate.................................          (79.7)             (86.6)              20.6
        Other equity investments...........................           18.9               12.8               75.9
        Issuance and sales of Alliance Units...............           20.6                -                 52.4
        Other..............................................           (2.8)               (.6)                .3
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Investment (Losses) Gains, Net.....................  $        (9.8)      $        5.3       $       91.8
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        Writedowns of fixed maturities amounted to $29.9 million,  $46.7 million
        and $30.8 million for 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively,  and writedowns
        of  equity  real  estate  subsequent  to the  adoption  of SFAS No.  121
        amounted to $23.7 million for the year ended December 31, 1996.

        For 1996,  1995 and 1994,  respectively,  proceeds  received on sales of
        fixed  maturities  classified as available for sale amounted to $8,353.5
        million,  $8,206.0 million and $5,253.9  million.  Gross gains of $154.2
        million,  $211.4  million and $65.2  million  and gross  losses of $92.7
        million, $64.2 million and $50.8 million, respectively, were realized on
        these sales. The change in unrealized  investment (losses) gains related
        to fixed maturities  classified as available for sale for 1996, 1995 and
        1994  amounted  to  $(258.0)  million,  $1,077.2  million  and  $(742.2)
        million, respectively.

        During  each  of 1995  and  1994,  one  security  classified  as held to
        maturity was sold.  During the eleven months ended November 30, 1995 and
        the  year  ended  December  31,  1994,  respectively,   twelve  and  six
        securities  so  classified  were  transferred  to the available for sale
        portfolio.  All  actions  were  taken  as  a  result  of  a  significant
        deterioration in creditworthiness.  The aggregate amortized costs of the
        securities  sold were $1.0  million  and  $19.9  million  with a related
        investment  gain of $-0- million and $.8 million  recognized in 1995 and
        1994,  respectively;  the  aggregate  amortized  cost of the  securities
        transferred  was $116.0 million and $42.8 million with gross  unrealized
        investment   losses  of  $3.2  million  and  $3.1  million   charged  to
        consolidated  shareholder's  equity for the eleven months ended November
        30, 1995 and the year ended December 31,

                                      F-19
<PAGE>

        1994,  respectively.  On  December  1,  1995,  the  Company  transferred
        $4,794.9  million of  securities  classified  as held to maturity to the
        available for sale  portfolio.  As a result,  unrealized  gains on fixed
        maturities  increased  $395.6 million,  offset by DAC of $126.5 million,
        amounts  attributable to participating  group annuity contracts of $39.2
        million and deferred Federal income taxes of $80.5 million.

        For 1996,  1995 and 1994,  investment  results passed through to certain
        participating   group   annuity   contracts  as  interest   credited  to
        policyholders'  account  balances  amounted  to $136.7  million,  $131.2
        million and $175.8 million, respectively.

        In  1996,  Alliance  acquired  the  business  of  Cursitor-Eaton   Asset
        Management   Company  and  Cursitor   Holdings  Limited   (collectively,
        "Cursitor")  for  approximately   $159.0  million.  The  purchase  price
        consisted of $94.3 million in cash,  1.8 million of Alliance's  publicly
        traded units  ("Alliance  Units"),  6% notes  aggregating  $21.5 million
        payable   ratably   over  four   years,   and   substantial   additional
        consideration  which will be determined  at a later date.  The excess of
        the purchase price,  including  acquisition costs and minority interest,
        over the fair value of Cursitor's  net assets  acquired  resulted in the
        recognition  of  intangible  assets  consisting  of  costs  assigned  to
        contracts  acquired and  goodwill of  approximately  $122.8  million and
        $38.3  million,  respectively,   which  are  being  amortized  over  the
        estimated useful lives of 20 years. The Company recognized an investment
        gain of $20.6  million as a result of the issuance of Alliance  Units in
        this  transaction.  At December 31,  1996,  the  Company's  ownership of
        Alliance Units was approximately 57.3%.

        In 1994, Alliance sold 4.96 million newly issued Alliance Units to third
        parties at prevailing  market prices.  The Company continues to hold its
        1% general partnership  interest in Alliance.  The Company recognized an
        investment gain of $52.4 million as a result of these transactions.

        Net unrealized  investment gains (losses),  included in the consolidated
        balance  sheets  as a  component  of  equity  and  the  changes  for the
        corresponding years, are summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)

        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Balance, beginning of year as restated.............  $       396.5       $     (220.5)      $      144.6
        Changes in unrealized investment (losses) gains....         (297.6)           1,198.9             (856.7)
        Changes in unrealized investment losses
          (gains) attributable to:
            Participating group annuity contracts..........            -                (78.1)              40.8
            DAC............................................           42.3             (216.8)             273.6
            Deferred Federal income taxes..................           48.7             (287.0)             177.2
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Balance, End of Year...............................  $       189.9       $      396.5       $     (220.5)
                                                            =================   ================   =================
        Balance, end of year comprises:
          Unrealized investment gains (losses) on:
            Fixed maturities...............................  $       357.8       $      615.9       $     (461.3)
            Other equity investments.......................           31.6               31.1                7.7
            Other, principally Closed Block................           53.1               93.1               (5.1)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
              Total........................................          442.5              740.1             (458.7)
          Amounts of unrealized investment (gains)
            losses attributable to:
              Participating group annuity contracts........          (72.2)             (72.2)               5.9
              DAC..........................................          (52.0)             (94.3)             122.4
              Deferred Federal income taxes................         (128.4)            (177.1)             109.9
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total..............................................  $       189.9       $      396.5       $     (220.5)
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

                                      F-20
<PAGE>

 6)     CLOSED BLOCK

        Summarized financial information of the Closed Block follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     DECEMBER 31,
                                                                         --------------------------------------
                                                                               1996                 1995
                                                                         -----------------    -----------------
                                                                                     (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                              <C>                  <C>         
        Assets
        Fixed Maturities:
          Available for sale, at estimated fair value (amortized cost,
            $3,820.7 and $3,662.8)......................................  $    3,889.5         $    3,896.2
        Mortgage loans on real estate...................................       1,380.7              1,368.8
        Policy loans....................................................       1,765.9              1,797.2
        Cash and other invested assets..................................         336.1                440.9
        DAC.............................................................         876.5                792.6
        Other assets....................................................         246.3                286.4
                                                                         -----------------    -----------------
        Total Assets....................................................  $    8,495.0         $    8,582.1
                                                                         =================    =================

        Liabilities
        Future policy benefits and policyholders' account balances......  $    8,999.7         $    8,923.5
        Other liabilities...............................................          91.6                297.9
                                                                         -----------------    -----------------
        Total Liabilities...............................................  $    9,091.3         $    9,221.4
                                                                         =================    =================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Revenues
        Premiums and other revenue.........................  $       724.8       $      753.4       $      798.1
        Investment income (net of investment
          expenses of $27.3, $26.7 and $19.0)..............          546.6              538.9              523.0
        Investment losses, net.............................           (5.5)             (20.2)             (24.0)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
              Total revenues...............................        1,265.9            1,272.1            1,297.1
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Benefits and Other Deductions
        Policyholders' benefits and dividends..............        1,106.3            1,077.6            1,121.6
        Other operating costs and expenses.................           34.6               51.3               38.5
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
              Total benefits and other deductions..........        1,140.9            1,128.9            1,160.1
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Contribution from the Closed Block.................  $       125.0       $      143.2       $      137.0
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        In the fourth quarter of 1996,  the Company  adopted SFAS No. 120, which
        prescribes the accounting  for individual  participating  life insurance
        contracts,  most  of  which  are  included  in  the  Closed  Block.  The
        implementation of SFAS No. 120 resulted in an increase (decrease) in the
        contribution  from the Closed Block of $27.5 million,  $18.8 million and
        $(14.0) million in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

        The fixed  maturity  portfolio,  based on amortized  cost,  includes $.4
        million and $4.3 million at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively, of
        restructured  securities  which includes problem fixed maturities of $.3
        million and $1.9 million, respectively.

                                      F-21
<PAGE>

        During  the  eleven  months  ended   November  30,  1995,  one  security
        classified as held to maturity was sold and ten securities classified as
        held to maturity were  transferred to the available for sale  portfolio.
        All actions resulted from significant deterioration in creditworthiness.
        The amortized cost of the security sold was $4.2 million.  The aggregate
        amortized  cost of the  securities  transferred  was $81.3  million with
        gross unrealized investment losses of $.1 million transferred to equity.
        At December 1, 1995,  $1,750.7 million of securities  classified as held
        to maturity were  transferred to the available for sale portfolio.  As a
        result,  unrealized  gains of $88.5  million  on fixed  maturities  were
        recognized, offset by DAC amortization of $52.6 million.

        At December 31, 1996 and 1995, problem mortgage loans on real estate had
        an amortized cost of $4.3 million and $36.5 million,  respectively,  and
        mortgage  loans on real  estate  for which the  payment  terms have been
        restructured had an amortized cost of $114.2 million and $137.7 million,
        respectively.  At December 31, 1996 and 1995, the restructured  mortgage
        loans on real estate  amount  included  $.7  million  and $8.8  million,
        respectively, of problem mortgage loans on real estate.

        Impaired  mortgage  loans (as defined under SFAS No. 114) along with the
        related provision for losses were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              DECEMBER 31,
                                                                   ------------------------------------
                                                                        1996                1995
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                              (IN MILLIONS)

        <S>                                                        <C>                <C>
        Impaired mortgage loans with provision for losses.........  $       128.1      $       106.8
        Impaired mortgage loans with no provision for losses......             .6               10.1
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
        Recorded investment in impaired mortgages.................          128.7              116.9
        Provision for losses......................................           12.9               17.9
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
        Net Impaired Mortgage Loans...............................  $       115.8      $        99.0
                                                                   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        During 1996 and 1995, respectively,  the Closed Block's average recorded
        investment  in  impaired  mortgage  loans was $153.8  million and $146.9
        million,  respectively.  Interest  income  recognized on these  impaired
        mortgage loans totaled $10.9 million and $5.9 million for 1996 and 1995,
        respectively,  including  $4.7 million and $1.3 million  recognized on a
        cash basis.

        Valuation  allowances  amounted to $13.8  million  and $18.4  million on
        mortgage  loans on real  estate  and $3.7  million  and $4.3  million on
        equity  real  estate  at  December  31,  1996  and  1995,  respectively.
        Writedowns of fixed maturities amounted to $12.8 million,  $16.8 million
        and $15.9 million for 1996, 1995 and 1994,  respectively.  As of January
        1, 1996,  the  adoption of SFAS No. 121 resulted in the  recognition  of
        impairment losses of $5.6 million on real estate held and used.

        Many  expenses  related  to  Closed  Block  operations  are  charged  to
        operations  outside of the Closed Block;  accordingly,  the contribution
        from the Closed Block does not represent the actual profitability of the
        Closed Block  operations.  Operating  costs and expenses  outside of the
        Closed Block are, therefore, disproportionate to the business outside of
        the Closed Block.

                                      F-22
<PAGE>

 7)     DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

        Summarized financial information of the GIC Segment follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             DECEMBER 31,
                                                 --------------------------------------
                                                       1996                 1995
                                                 -----------------    -----------------
                                                             (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                      <C>                  <C>         
        Assets
        Mortgage loans on real estate...........  $    1,111.1         $    1,485.8
        Equity real estate......................         925.6              1,122.1
        Other invested assets...................         474.0                665.2
        Other assets............................         226.1                579.3
                                                 -----------------    -----------------
        Total Assets............................  $    2,736.8         $    3,852.4
                                                 =================    =================

        Liabilities
        Policyholders' liabilities..............  $    1,335.9         $    1,399.8
        Allowance for future losses.............         262.0                164.2
        Amounts due to continuing operations....         996.2              2,097.1
        Other liabilities.......................         142.7                191.3
                                                 -----------------    -----------------
        Total Liabilities.......................  $    2,736.8         $    3,852.4
                                                 =================    =================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>       
        Revenues
        Investment income (net of investment expenses
          of $127.5, $153.1 and $183.3)....................  $       245.4       $      323.6       $      394.3
        Investment (losses) gains, net.....................          (18.9)             (22.9)              26.8
        Policy fees, premiums and other income.............             .2                 .7                 .4
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total revenues.....................................          226.7              301.4              421.5
        Benefits and other deductions......................          250.4              326.5              443.2
        Losses charged to allowance for future losses......          (23.7)             (25.1)             (21.7)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Pre-tax loss from operations.......................            -                  -                  -
        Pre-tax loss from strengthening of the
          allowance for future losses......................         (129.0)               -                  -
        Federal income tax benefit.........................           45.2                -                  -
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Loss from Discontinued Operations..................  $       (83.8)      $        -         $        -
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        In  1991,   management  adopted  a  plan  to  discontinue  the  business
        operations  of the GIC  Segment  consisting  of group  non-participating
        Wind-Up Annuities and the GIC lines of business.  The loss allowance and
        premium  deficiency  reserve of $569.6 million provided for in 1991 were
        based on management's best judgment at that time.

        The  Company's  quarterly  process for  evaluating  the loss  provisions
        applies  the current  period's  results of the  discontinued  operations
        against  the  allowance,  re-estimates  future  losses,  and adjusts the
        provisions,  if  appropriate.  Additionally,  as part  of the  Company's
        annual planning  process which takes place in the fourth quarter of each
        year,  investment and benefit cash flow projections are prepared.  These
        updated assumptions and estimates resulted in the need to strengthen the
        loss  provisions by $129.0  million,  resulting in a post-tax  charge of
        $83.8 million to discontinued  operations' results in the fourth quarter
        of 1996.

                                      F-23
<PAGE>

        Management  believes the loss  provisions for Wind-Up  Annuities and GIC
        contracts  at December  31, 1996 are  adequate to provide for all future
        losses;  however,  the  determination  of loss  provisions  continues to
        involve  numerous  estimates  and  subjective  judgments  regarding  the
        expected performance of discontinued operations investment assets. There
        can be no  assurance  the losses  provided  for will not differ from the
        losses  ultimately  realized.  To the  extent  actual  results or future
        projections  of the  discontinued  operations  differ from  management's
        current best estimates and assumptions  underlying the loss  provisions,
        the  difference  would be reflected in the  consolidated  statements  of
        earnings  in  discontinued  operations.  In  particular,  to the  extent
        income, sales proceeds and holding periods for equity real estate differ
        from management's previous assumptions, periodic adjustments to the loss
        provisions are likely to result.

        In January 1995, continuing  operations  transferred $1,215.4 million in
        cash to the GIC  Segment  in  settlement  of its  obligation  to provide
        assets to fund the accumulated deficit of the GIC Segment. Subsequently,
        the  GIC  Segment  remitted  $1,155.4  million  in  cash  to  continuing
        operations in partial  repayment of  borrowings  by the GIC Segment.  No
        gains or losses were  recognized on these  transactions.  Amounts due to
        continuing  operations  at  December  31,  1996,  consisted  of $1,080.0
        million borrowed by the discontinued GIC Segment offset by $83.8 million
        representing an obligation of continuing operations to provide assets to
        fund the accumulated deficit of the GIC Segment.

        Investment  income included $88.2 million of interest income for 1994 on
        amounts due from continuing  operations.  Benefits and other  deductions
        include  $114.3  million,  $154.6 million and $219.7 million of interest
        expense related to amounts borrowed from continuing  operations in 1996,
        1995 and 1994, respectively.

        Valuation  allowances  amounted  to $9.0  million  and $19.2  million on
        mortgage  loans on real estate and $20.4  million  and $77.9  million on
        equity real estate at December  31, 1996 and 1995,  respectively.  As of
        January 1, 1996,  the  adoption of SFAS No. 121 resulted in a release of
        existing valuation allowances of $71.9 million on equity real estate and
        recognition  of  impairment  losses of $69.8 million on real estate held
        and used.  Writedowns of fixed maturities amounted to $1.6 million, $8.1
        million and $17.8  million  for 1996,  1995 and 1994,  respectively  and
        writedowns of equity real estate  subsequent to the adoption of SFAS No.
        121 amounted to $12.3 million for 1996.

        The fixed maturity  portfolio,  based on amortized  cost,  includes $6.2
        million and $15.1  million at December 31, 1996 and 1995,  respectively,
        of  restructured   securities.   These  amounts  include  problem  fixed
        maturities  of $.5  million and $6.1  million at  December  31, 1996 and
        1995, respectively.

        At December 31, 1996 and 1995, problem mortgage loans on real estate had
        amortized  costs of $7.9 million and $35.4  million,  respectively,  and
        mortgage  loans on real  estate  for which the  payment  terms have been
        restructured  had amortized  costs of $208.1 million and $289.3 million,
        respectively.

        Impaired  mortgage  loans (as defined under SFAS No. 114) along with the
        related provision for losses were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            DECEMBER 31,
                                                                 ------------------------------------
                                                                      1996                1995
                                                                 ----------------   -----------------
                                                                            (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                      <C>                <C>          
        Impaired mortgage loans with provision for losses.......  $        83.5      $       105.1
        Impaired mortgage loans with no provision for losses....           15.0               18.2
                                                                 ----------------   -----------------
        Recorded investment in impaired mortgages...............           98.5              123.3
        Provision for losses....................................            8.8               17.7
                                                                 ----------------   -----------------
        Net Impaired Mortgage Loans.............................  $        89.7      $       105.6
                                                                 ================   =================
</TABLE>

                                      F-24
<PAGE>

        During 1996 and 1995, the GIC Segment's  average recorded  investment in
        impaired   mortgage  loans  was  $134.8  million  and  $177.4   million,
        respectively.  Interest  income  recognized on these  impaired  mortgage
        loans  totaled  $10.1  million  and $4.5  million  for  1996  and  1995,
        respectively,  including  $7.5 million and $.4 million  recognized  on a
        cash basis.

        At December  31, 1996 and 1995,  the GIC Segment had $263.0  million and
        $310.9 million, respectively, of real estate acquired in satisfaction of
        debt.

8)      SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM DEBT

        Short-term and long-term debt consists of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        DECEMBER 31,
                                                            --------------------------------------
                                                                  1996                 1995
                                                            -----------------    -----------------
                                                                        (IN MILLIONS)

        <S>                                                 <C>                  <C>       
        Short-term debt....................................  $      174.1         $        -
                                                            -----------------    -----------------
        Long-term debt:
        Equitable Life:
          6.95% surplus notes scheduled to mature 2005.....         399.4                399.3
          7.70% surplus notes scheduled to mature 2015.....         199.6                199.6
          Eurodollar notes, 10.5% due 1997.................           -                   76.2
          Zero coupon note, 11.25% due 1997................           -                  120.1
          Other............................................            .5                 16.3
                                                            -----------------    -----------------
              Total Equitable Life.........................         599.5                811.5
                                                            -----------------    -----------------
        Wholly Owned and Joint Venture Real Estate:
          Mortgage notes, 4.92% - 12.50% due through 2006..         968.6              1,084.4
                                                            -----------------    -----------------
        Alliance:
          Other............................................          24.7                  3.4
                                                            -----------------    -----------------
        Total long-term debt...............................       1,592.8              1,899.3
                                                            -----------------    -----------------
        Total Short-term and Long-term Debt................  $    1,766.9         $    1,899.3
                                                            =================    =================
</TABLE>

        Short-term Debt
        ---------------

        Equitable  Life has a $350.0 million bank credit  facility  available to
        fund  short-term  working capital needs and to facilitate the securities
        settlement  process.  The  credit  facility  consists  of two  types  of
        borrowing  options with varying  interest rates.  The interest rates are
        based on external  indices  dependent  on the type of  borrowing  and at
        December 31, 1996 range from 5.73% (the London  Interbank  Offering Rate
        ("LIBOR") plus 22.5 basis points) to 8.25% (the prime rate).  There were
        no borrowings  outstanding  under this bank credit  facility at December
        31, 1996.

                                      F-25
<PAGE>

        Equitable  Life has a  commercial  paper  program with an issue limit of
        $500.0 million. This program is available for general corporate purposes
        used to support  Equitable  Life's  liquidity  needs and is supported by
        Equitable Life's existing $350.0 million five-year bank credit facility.
        There were no borrowings  outstanding under this program at December 31,
        1996.

        In February 1996,  Alliance entered into a new $250.0 million  five-year
        revolving  credit  facility  with a group of banks  which  replaced  its
        $100.0  million   revolving  credit  facility  and  its  $100.0  million
        commercial  paper  back-up  revolving  credit  facility.  Under  the new
        revolving credit facility, the interest rate, at the option of Alliance,
        is a floating  rate  generally  based upon a defined  prime rate, a rate
        related  to the LIBOR or the  Federal  Funds  rate.  A  facility  fee is
        payable on the total  facility.  The revolving  credit  facility will be
        used to provide back-up  liquidity for commercial paper to be used under
        Alliance's $100.0 million  commercial paper program,  to fund commission
        payments  to  financial  intermediaries  for the  sale of  Class B and C
        shares under Alliance's mutual fund distribution system, and for general
        working  capital  purposes.  As of December 31,  1996,  Alliance had not
        issued any commercial  paper under its $100.0 million  commercial  paper
        program  and  there  were no  borrowings  outstanding  under  Alliance's
        revolving credit facility.

        At December 31, 1996, long-term debt expected to mature in 1997 totaling
        $174.1 million was reclassified as short-term debt.

        Long-term Debt
        --------------

        Several of the long-term  debt  agreements  have  restrictive  covenants
        related  to the total  amount of debt,  net  tangible  assets  and other
        matters. The Company is in compliance with all debt covenants.

        On December 18, 1995,  Equitable Life issued, in accordance with Section
        1307 of the New York  Insurance  Law,  $400.0  million of surplus  notes
        having an interest rate of 6.95%  scheduled to mature in 2005 and $200.0
        million of surplus notes having an interest  rate of 7.70%  scheduled to
        mature  in 2015  (together,  the  "Surplus  Notes").  Proceeds  from the
        issuance  of the  Surplus  Notes  were  $596.6  million,  net of related
        issuance costs.  The unamortized  discount on the Surplus Notes was $1.0
        million at December  31,  1996.  Payments of interest on or principal of
        the Surplus Notes are subject to prior approval by the Superintendent.

        The Company has pledged real estate, mortgage loans, cash and securities
        amounting to $1,406.4  million and $1,629.7 million at December 31, 1996
        and 1995, respectively, as collateral for certain long-term debt.

        At December 31, 1996,  aggregate  maturities of the long-term debt based
        on required  principal  payments at maturity for 1997 and the succeeding
        four years are $494.9  million,  $316.7  million,  $19.7  million,  $5.4
        million, $0 million, respectively, and $946.7 million thereafter.

 9)     FEDERAL INCOME TAXES

        A  summary  of  the  Federal   income  tax  expense   (benefit)  in  the
        consolidated statements of earnings is shown below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       1996               1995                1994
                                                 -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                      (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                      <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Federal income tax expense (benefit):
          Current...............................  $        97.9       $      (11.7)      $        4.0
          Deferred..............................          (88.2)             132.2               96.2
                                                 -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total...................................  $         9.7       $      120.5       $      100.2
                                                 =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

                                      F-26
<PAGE>

        The Federal income taxes  attributable  to  consolidated  operations are
        different from the amounts determined by multiplying the earnings before
        Federal  income  taxes and  minority  interest by the  expected  Federal
        income  tax  rate of 35%.  The  sources  of the  difference  and the tax
        effects of each are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       1996               1995                1994
                                                 -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                      (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                      <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Expected Federal income tax expense.....  $        73.0       $      173.7       $      154.5
        Non-taxable minority interest...........          (28.6)             (22.0)             (17.6)
        Differential earnings amount............            -                  -                (16.8)
        Adjustment of tax audit reserves........            6.9                4.1               (4.6)
        Equity in unconsolidated subsidiaries...          (32.3)             (19.4)             (12.5)
        Other...................................           (9.3)             (15.9)              (2.8)
                                                 -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Federal Income Tax Expense..............  $         9.7       $      120.5       $      100.2
                                                 =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        Prior  to the  date  of  demutualization,  Equitable  Life  reduced  its
        deduction  for  policyholder  dividends  by  the  differential  earnings
        amount.  This amount was  computed,  for each tax year,  by  multiplying
        Equitable Life's average equity base, as determined for tax purposes, by
        an  estimate  of the excess of an imputed  earnings  rate for stock life
        insurance  companies over the average  mutual life insurance  companies'
        earnings rate. The  differential  earnings  amount for each tax year was
        subsequently recomputed when actual earnings rates were published by the
        Internal Revenue Service.  As a stock life insurance company,  Equitable
        Life no longer is required to reduce its policyholder dividend deduction
        by the differential  earnings amount, but differential  earnings amounts
        for pre-demutualization years were still being recomputed in 1994.

        The  components  of the net deferred  Federal  income tax account are as
        follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       DECEMBER 31, 1996                  December 31, 1995
                                                ---------------------------------  ---------------------------------
                                                    ASSETS         LIABILITIES         Assets         Liabilities
                                                ---------------  ----------------  ---------------   ---------------
                                                                           (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                     <C>              <C>               <C>               <C>        
        DAC, reserves and reinsurance..........  $       -        $      166.0      $        -        $     304.4
        Investments............................          -               328.6               -              326.9
        Compensation and related benefits......        259.2               -               293.0              -
        Other..................................          -                 1.8               -               32.3
                                                ---------------  ----------------  ---------------   ---------------
        Total..................................  $     259.2      $      496.4      $      293.0      $     663.6
                                                ===============  ================  ===============   ===============
</TABLE>

        The deferred Federal income taxes impacting  operations  reflect the net
        tax effects of temporary  differences  between the  carrying  amounts of
        assets and liabilities for financial  reporting purposes and the amounts
        used for income tax purposes. The sources of these temporary differences
        and the tax effects of each are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     1996               1995                1994
                                               -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                    (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                    <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        DAC, reserves and reinsurance.........  $      (156.2)      $       63.3       $       12.0
        Investments...........................           78.6               13.0               89.3
        Compensation and related benefits.....           22.3               30.8               10.0
        Other.................................          (32.9)              25.1              (15.1)
                                               -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Deferred Federal Income Tax
          (Benefit) Expense...................  $       (88.2)      $      132.2       $       96.2
                                               =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

                                      F-27
<PAGE>

        The Internal  Revenue Service is in the process of examining the Holding
        Company's  consolidated  Federal  income tax  returns for the years 1989
        through  1991.  Management  believes  these audits will have no material
        adverse effect on the Company's results of operations.

10)     REINSURANCE AGREEMENTS

        The Insurance Group assumes and cedes  reinsurance  with other insurance
        companies.  The Insurance Group evaluates the financial condition of its
        reinsurers to minimize its exposure to significant losses from reinsurer
        insolvencies.  The  effect  of  reinsurance  (excluding  group  life and
        health) is summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Direct premiums....................................  $       461.4       $      474.2       $      476.7
        Reinsurance assumed................................          177.5              171.3              180.5
        Reinsurance ceded..................................          (41.3)             (38.7)             (31.6)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Premiums...........................................  $       597.6       $      606.8       $      625.6
                                                            =================   ================   =================
        Universal Life and Investment-type Product
          Policy Fee Income Ceded..........................  $        48.2       $       44.0       $       27.5
                                                            =================   ================   =================
        Policyholders' Benefits Ceded......................  $        54.1       $       48.9       $       20.7
                                                            =================   ================   =================
        Interest Credited to Policyholders' Account
          Balances Ceded...................................  $        32.3       $       28.5       $       25.4
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        Effective  January 1, 1994, all in force business above $5.0 million was
        reinsured.   During  1996,  the  Company's   retention  limit  on  joint
        survivorship  policies was  increased to $15.0  million.  The  Insurance
        Group also reinsures the entire risk on certain substandard underwriting
        risks as well as in certain other cases.

        The Insurance  Group cedes 100% of its group life and health business to
        a third party  insurance  company.  Premiums ceded totaled $2.4 million,
        $260.6 million and $241.0 million for 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
        Ceded  death and  disability  benefits  totaled  $21.2  million,  $188.1
        million  and  $235.5  million  for 1996,  1995 and  1994,  respectively.
        Insurance liabilities ceded totaled $652.4 million and $724.2 million at
        December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

11)     EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

        The Company sponsors  qualified and non-qualified  defined benefit plans
        covering   substantially  all  employees  (including  certain  qualified
        part-time employees), managers and certain agents. The pension plans are
        non-contributory.  Equitable  Life's and EREIM's benefits are based on a
        cash balance formula or years of service and final average earnings,  if
        greater,  under certain  grandfathering  rules in the plans.  Alliance's
        benefits  are based on years of  credited  service,  average  final base
        salary and primary  social  security  benefits.  The  Company's  funding
        policy is to make the  minimum  contribution  required  by the  Employee
        Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.

        Components  of net periodic  pension cost (credit) for the qualified and
        non-qualified plans are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Service cost.......................................  $        33.8       $       30.0       $       30.3
        Interest cost on projected benefit obligations.....          120.8              122.0              111.0
        Actual return on assets............................         (181.4)            (309.2)              24.4
        Net amortization and deferrals.....................           43.4              155.6             (142.5)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Net Periodic Pension Cost (Credit).................  $        16.6       $       (1.6)      $       23.2
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

                                      F-28
<PAGE>

        The funded status of the qualified and non-qualified pension plans is as
        follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              DECEMBER 31,
                                                                   ------------------------------------
                                                                        1996                1995
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                              (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                        <C>                <C>         
        Actuarial present value of obligations:
          Vested..................................................  $    1,672.2       $    1,642.4
          Non-vested..............................................          10.1               10.9
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
        Accumulated Benefit Obligation............................  $    1,682.3       $    1,653.3
                                                                   ================   =================
        Plan assets at fair value.................................  $    1,626.0       $    1,503.8
        Projected benefit obligation..............................       1,765.5            1,743.0
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
        Projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets.....        (139.5)            (239.2)
        Unrecognized prior service cost...........................         (17.9)             (25.5)
        Unrecognized net loss from past experience different
          from that assumed.......................................         280.0              368.2
        Unrecognized net asset at transition......................           4.7               (7.3)
        Additional minimum liability..............................         (19.3)             (51.9)
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
        Prepaid Pension Cost......................................  $      108.0       $       44.3
                                                                   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        The  discount  rate and rate of increase in future  compensation  levels
        used in  determining  the actuarial  present value of projected  benefit
        obligations were 7.5% and 4.25%, respectively,  at December 31, 1996 and
        7.25% and 4.50%,  respectively,  at December 31, 1995.  As of January 1,
        1996 and 1995,  the expected  long-term rate of return on assets for the
        retirement plan was 10.25% and 11%, respectively.

        The  Company  recorded,  as a  reduction  of  shareholder's  equity,  an
        additional minimum pension liability of $12.9 million and $35.1 million,
        net  of  Federal   income   taxes,   at  December  31,  1996  and  1995,
        respectively,   representing  the  excess  of  the  accumulated  benefit
        obligation  over  the fair  value of plan  assets  and  accrued  pension
        liability.

        The  pension  plan's  assets  include   corporate  and  government  debt
        securities,  equity  securities,  equity real estate and shares of Group
        Trusts managed by Alliance.

        Prior to 1987, the qualified plan funded participants'  benefits through
        the purchase of non-participating annuity contracts from Equitable Life.
        Benefit payments under these contracts were approximately $34.7 million,
        $36.4 million and $38.1 million for 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

        The  Company  provides  certain  medical  and  life  insurance  benefits
        (collectively,  "postretirement  benefits")  for  qualifying  employees,
        managers and agents  retiring from the Company on or after attaining age
        55 who have at least 10 years of service.  The life  insurance  benefits
        are related to age and salary at retirement. The costs of postretirement
        benefits are  recognized in accordance  with the  provisions of SFAS No.
        106. The Company  continues to fund  postretirement  benefits costs on a
        pay-as-you-go  basis and,  for 1996,  1995 and 1994,  the  Company  made
        estimated  postretirement  benefits  payments  of $18.9  million,  $31.1
        million and $29.8 million, respectively.

                                      F-29
<PAGE>

        The  following  table  sets  forth the  postretirement  benefits  plan's
        status,  reconciled to amounts recognized in the Company's  consolidated
        financial statements:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Service cost.......................................  $         5.3       $        4.0       $        3.9
        Interest cost on accumulated postretirement
          benefits obligation..............................           34.6               34.7               28.6
        Net amortization and deferrals.....................            2.4               (2.3)              (3.9)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Net Periodic Postretirement Benefits Costs.........  $        42.3       $       36.4       $       28.6
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              DECEMBER 31,
                                                                   ------------------------------------
                                                                        1996                1995
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                              (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                        <C>                <C>         
        Accumulated postretirement benefits obligation:
          Retirees................................................  $      381.8       $      391.8
          Fully eligible active plan participants.................          50.7               50.4
          Other active plan participants..........................          60.7               64.2
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                           493.2              506.4
        Unrecognized prior service cost...........................          50.5               56.3
        Unrecognized net loss from past experience different
          from that assumed and from changes in assumptions.......        (150.5)            (181.3)
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
        Accrued Postretirement Benefits Cost......................  $      393.2       $      381.4
                                                                   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        At January 1, 1994,  medical benefits available to retirees under age 65
        are the same as those offered to active  employees and medical  benefits
        will be limited to 200% of 1993 costs for all participants.

        The  assumed   health  care  cost  trend  rate  used  in  measuring  the
        accumulated   postretirement  benefits  obligation  was  9.5%  in  1996,
        gradually  declining  to 3.5% in the  year  2009  and in 1995  was  10%,
        gradually  declining to 3.5% in the year 2008. The discount rate used in
        determining the accumulated postretirement benefits obligation was 7.50%
        and 7.25% at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

        If the health care cost trend rate assumptions were increased by 1%, the
        accumulated  postretirement  benefits obligation as of December 31, 1996
        would be  increased  7%.  The  effect  of this  change on the sum of the
        service cost and interest cost would be an increase of 8%.

12)     DERIVATIVES AND FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

        Derivatives
        -----------

        The Insurance Group primarily uses derivatives for asset/liability  risk
        management and for hedging individual securities. Derivatives mainly are
        utilized to reduce the  Insurance  Group's  exposure  to  interest  rate
        fluctuations.  Accounting for interest rate swap  transactions  is on an
        accrual   basis.   Gains  and  losses  related  to  interest  rate  swap
        transactions are amortized as yield  adjustments over the remaining life
        of the underlying  hedged  security.  Income and expense  resulting from
        interest rate swap  activities are reflected in net  investment  income.
        The  notional  amount of  matched  interest  rate swaps  outstanding  at
        December 31, 1996 was $649.9  million.  The average  unexpired  terms at
        December 31, 1996 range from 2.2 to 2.7 years. At December 31, 1996, the
        cost of  terminating  outstanding  matched  swaps in a loss position was
        $8.3 million and the unrealized  gain on outstanding  matched swaps in a
        gain  position  was $11.4  million.  The  Company  has no  intention  of
        terminating  these  contracts  prior to maturity.  During 1996, 1995 and
        1994, net gains (losses) of $.2 million, $1.4 million and $(.2) million,
        respectively, were recorded in connection with

                                      F-30
<PAGE>

        interest rate swap activity.  Equitable Life has implemented an interest
        rate cap program designed to hedge crediting rates on interest-sensitive
        individual  annuities  contracts.  The outstanding  notional  amounts at
        December 31, 1996 of contracts  purchased and sold were $5,050.0 million
        and $500.0 million, respectively. The net premium paid by Equitable Life
        on these contracts was $22.5 million and is being amortized ratably over
        the  contract  periods  ranging  from 3 to 5 years.  Income and  expense
        resulting  from this program are  reflected as an adjustment to interest
        credited to policyholders' account balances.

        Substantially  all of DLJ's  business  related to  derivatives is by its
        nature  trading  activities  which  are  primarily  for the  purpose  of
        customer  accommodations.  DLJ's derivative activities consist primarily
        of  option  writing  and  trading  in  forward  and  futures  contracts.
        Derivative  financial  instruments  have both  on-and-off  balance sheet
        implications depending on the nature of the contracts. DLJ's involvement
        in swap contracts is not significant.

        Fair Value of Financial Instruments
        -----------------------------------

        The Company  defines  fair value as the quoted  market  prices for those
        instruments  that are  actively  traded in financial  markets.  In cases
        where quoted market prices are not available,  fair values are estimated
        using  present  value  or other  valuation  techniques.  The fair  value
        estimates  are made at a  specific  point in  time,  based on  available
        market  information  and  judgments  about  the  financial   instrument,
        including estimates of timing,  amount of expected future cash flows and
        the credit standing of counterparties. Such estimates do not reflect any
        premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time
        the Company's entire holdings of a particular financial instrument,  nor
        do they consider the tax impact of the  realization of unrealized  gains
        or  losses.   In  many  cases,   the  fair  value  estimates  cannot  be
        substantiated  by  comparison  to  independent   markets,  nor  can  the
        disclosed value be realized in immediate settlement of the instrument.

        Certain  financial  instruments  are  excluded,  particularly  insurance
        liabilities  other than financial  guarantees and investment  contracts.
        Fair market  value of  off-balance-sheet  financial  instruments  of the
        Insurance Group was not material at December 31, 1996 and 1995.

        Fair  value  for  mortgage   loans  on  real  estate  are  estimated  by
        discounting  future contractual cash flows using interest rates at which
        loans with similar  characteristics  and credit  quality  would be made.
        Fair values for foreclosed mortgage loans and problem mortgage loans are
        limited to the  estimated  fair value of the  underlying  collateral  if
        lower.

        The estimated  fair values for the Company's  liabilities  under GIC and
        association  plan contracts are estimated using  contractual  cash flows
        discounted based on the T. Rowe Price GIC Index Rate for the appropriate
        duration.  For  durations  in excess of the  published  index rate,  the
        appropriate  Treasury  rate is used plus a spread  equal to the  longest
        duration GIC rate spread published.

        The estimated  fair values for those group annuity  contracts  which are
        classified  as  universal  life  type  contracts  are  measured  at  the
        estimated fair value of the underlying assets. The estimated fair values
        for single  premium  deferred  annuities  ("SPDA") are  estimated  using
        projected cash flows discounted at current offering rates. The estimated
        fair values for supplementary contracts not involving life contingencies
        ("SCNILC") and annuities certain are derived using discounted cash flows
        based upon the estimated current offering rate.

        Fair value for  long-term  debt is  determined  using  published  market
        values, where available,  or contractual cash flows discounted at market
        interest rates. The estimated fair values for non-recourse mortgage debt
        are  determined by  discounting  contractual  cash flows at a rate which
        takes  into  account  the level of  current  market  interest  rates and
        collateral  risk. The estimated  fair values for recourse  mortgage debt
        are  determined by  discounting  contractual  cash flows at a rate based
        upon  current  interest  rates of other  companies  with credit  ratings
        similar  to  the  Company.   The  Company's  fair  value  of  short-term
        borrowings approximates their carrying value.

                                      F-31
<PAGE>

        The following  table  discloses  carrying value and estimated fair value
        for financial instruments not otherwise disclosed in Notes 3, 6 and 7:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          DECEMBER 31,
                                                --------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              1996                               1995
                                                ---------------------------------  ---------------------------------
                                                   CARRYING         ESTIMATED         Carrying         Estimated
                                                    VALUE          FAIR VALUE          Value           Fair Value
                                                ---------------  ----------------  ---------------   ---------------
                                                                        (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                      <C>              <C>               <C>               <C>         
        Consolidated Financial Instruments:
        -----------------------------------
        Mortgage loans on real estate..........  $    3,133.0     $     3,394.6     $     3,638.3     $    3,973.6
        Other joint ventures...................         467.0             467.0             492.7            492.7
        Policy loans...........................       2,196.1           2,221.6           1,976.4          2,057.5
        Policyholders' account balances:
          Association plans....................          78.1              77.3             101.0            100.0
          Group annuity contracts..............       2,141.0           1,954.0           2,335.0          2,395.0
          SPDA.................................       1,062.7           1,065.7           1,265.8          1,272.0
          Annuities certain and SCNILC.........         654.9             736.2             646.4            716.7
        Long-term debt.........................       1,592.8           1,557.7           1,899.3          1,962.9

        Closed Block Financial Instruments:
        -----------------------------------
        Mortgage loans on real estate..........       1,380.7           1,425.6           1,368.8          1,461.4
        Other equity investments...............         105.0             105.0             151.6            151.6
        Policy loans...........................       1,765.9           1,798.0           1,797.2          1,891.4
        SCNILC liability.......................          30.6              34.9              34.8             39.6

        GIC Segment Financial Instruments:
        ----------------------------------
        Mortgage loans on real estate..........       1,111.1           1,220.3           1,485.8          1,666.1
        Fixed maturities.......................          42.5              42.5             107.4            107.4
        Other equity investments...............         300.5             300.5             455.9            455.9
        Guaranteed interest contracts..........         290.7             300.5             329.0            352.0
        Long-term debt.........................         102.1             102.2             135.1            136.0
</TABLE>

13)     COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

        The Company  has  provided,  from time to time,  certain  guarantees  or
        commitments  to  affiliates,  investors and others.  These  arrangements
        include commitments by the Company,  under certain  conditions:  to make
        capital  contributions of up to $244.9 million to affiliated real estate
        joint  ventures;   to  provide  equity   financing  to  certain  limited
        partnerships of $205.8 million at December 31, 1996, under existing loan
        or loan commitment agreements; and to provide short-term financing loans
        which at December 31, 1996 totaled $14.6  million.  Management  believes
        the  Company  will not  incur any  material  losses as a result of these
        commitments.

        Equitable  Life  is the  obligor  under  certain  structured  settlement
        agreements  which  it  had  entered  into  with  unaffiliated  insurance
        companies  and  beneficiaries.  To satisfy its  obligations  under these
        agreements,  Equitable  Life owns  single  premium  annuities  issued by
        previously wholly owned life insurance subsidiaries.  Equitable Life has
        directed  payment  under  these  annuities  to be made  directly  to the
        beneficiaries under the structured settlement  agreements.  A contingent
        liability exists with respect to these agreements  should the previously
        wholly  owned   subsidiaries  be  unable  to  meet  their   obligations.
        Management  believes the satisfaction of those  obligations by Equitable
        Life is remote.

        At December 31, 1996,  the Insurance  Group had $51.6 million of letters
        of credit outstanding.

                                      F-32
<PAGE>

14)     LITIGATION

        A number of lawsuits has been filed against life and health  insurers in
        the  jurisdictions  in  which  Equitable  Life and its  subsidiaries  do
        business involving insurers' sales practices,  alleged agent misconduct,
        failure to properly  supervise  agents,  and other matters.  Some of the
        lawsuits have  resulted in the award of  substantial  judgments  against
        other insurers,  including  material amounts of punitive damages,  or in
        substantial  settlements.   In  some  states,  juries  have  substantial
        discretion in awarding punitive damages.  Equitable Life, EVLICO and The
        Equitable  of  Colorado,  Inc.  ("EOC"),  like  other  life  and  health
        insurers, from time to time are involved in such litigation. To date, no
        such  lawsuit has  resulted in an award or  settlement  of any  material
        amount against the Company.  Among litigations pending against Equitable
        Life,  EVLICO and EOC of the type referred to in this  paragraph are the
        litigations described in the following eight paragraphs.

        An action entitled Golomb et al. v. The Equitable Life Assurance Society
        of the United  States was filed on January  20,  1995 in New York County
        Supreme Court. The action purports to be brought on behalf of a class of
        persons  insured after 1983 under Lifetime  Guaranteed  Renewable  Major
        Medical  Insurance  Policies issued by Equitable Life (the  "policies").
        The complaint  alleges that premium  increases for these  policies after
        1983,  all of which were filed with and  approved  by the New York State
        Insurance  Department  and certain  other state  insurance  departments,
        breached the terms of the policies,  and that statements in the policies
        and  elsewhere  concerning  premium  increases  constituted   fraudulent
        concealment,  misrepresentations  in violation of New York Insurance Law
        Section 4226 and deceptive practices under New York General Business Law
        Section 349. The  complaint  seeks a  declaratory  judgment,  injunctive
        relief  restricting  the  methods  by  which  Equitable  Life  increases
        premiums  on the  policies  in the  future,  a refund of  premiums,  and
        punitive  damages.  Plaintiffs  also have  indicated that they will seek
        damages in an  unspecified  amount.  Equitable Life moved to dismiss the
        complaint  in its entirety on the grounds that it fails to state a claim
        and that  uncontroverted  documentary  evidence  establishes  a complete
        defense to the claims.  On May 29,  1996,  the New York  County  Supreme
        Court  entered a  judgment  dismissing  the  complaint  with  prejudice.
        Plaintiffs have filed a notice of appeal of that judgment.

        In January 1996,  separate  actions were filed in Pennsylvania and Texas
        state courts  (entitled,  respectively,  Malvin et al. v. The  Equitable
        Life  Assurance  Society of the  United  States and Bowler et al. v. The
        Equitable Life Assurance  Society of the United  States),  making claims
        similar  to those in the New York  action  described  above.  The  Texas
        action  also  claims  that  Equitable  Life   misrepresented   to  Texas
        policyholders that the Texas Insurance Department had approved Equitable
        Life's rate increases.  These actions are asserted on behalf of proposed
        classes of Pennsylvania issued or renewed policyholders and Texas issued
        or renewed  policyholders,  insured under the policies. The Pennsylvania
        and Texas actions seek  compensatory and punitive damages and injunctive
        relief  restricting  the  methods  by  which  Equitable  Life  increases
        premiums  in the future  based on the common law and  statutes  of those
        states.  On February 9, 1996,  Equitable  Life removed the  Pennsylvania
        action,  Malvin,  to the  United  States  District  Court for the Middle
        District of  Pennsylvania.  Following  the decision  granting  Equitable
        Life's motion to dismiss the New York action (Golomb), on the consent of
        the  parties  the  District  Court  ordered  an  indefinite  stay of all
        proceedings in the Pennsylvania action,  pending either party's right to
        reinstate the proceeding,  and ordered that for administrative  purposes
        the  case be  deemed  administratively  closed.  On  February  2,  1996,
        Equitable  Life removed the Texas action,  Bowler,  to the United States
        District Court for the Northern  District of Texas. On May 20, 1996, the
        plaintiffs in Bowler  amended their  complaint by adding  allegations of
        misrepresentation   regarding   premium  increases  on  other  types  of
        guaranteed   renewable  major  medical  insurance   policies  issued  by
        Equitable Life up to and including 1983. On July 1, 1996, Equitable Life
        filed a  motion  for  summary  judgment  dismissing  the  first  amended
        complaint in its entirety. In August, 1996, the court granted plaintiffs
        leave to file a supplemental  complaint on behalf of a proposed class of
        Texas policyholders claiming unfair  discrimination,  breach of contract
        and other claims  arising out of alleged  differences  between  premiums
        charged  to  Texas  policyholders  and  premiums  charged  to  similarly
        situated policyholders in New York and certain other states.  Plaintiffs
        seek refunds of alleged  overcharges,  exemplary or  additional  damages
        citing

                                      F-33
<PAGE>

        Texas statutory  provisions  which among other things,  permit two times
        the  amount of  actual  damage  plus  additional  penalties  if the acts
        complained  of are  found  to be  knowingly  committed,  and  injunctive
        relief.  Equitable  Life has also  filed a motion for  summary  judgment
        dismissing the supplemental  complaint in its entirety.  Plaintiffs also
        obtained  permission  to add another  plaintiff to the first amended and
        supplemental  complaints.  Plaintiffs  have  opposed  both  motions  for
        summary  judgment and  requested  that certain  issues be found in their
        favor. Equitable Life is in the process of replying.

        On May 22, 1996, a separate  action  entitled  Bachman v. The  Equitable
        Life Assurance Society of the United States,  was filed in Florida state
        court making claims similar to those in the previously  reported  Golomb
        action.  The Florida action is asserted on behalf of a proposed class of
        Florida  issued  or  renewed  policyholders  insured  after  1983  under
        Lifetime Guaranteed Renewable Major Medical Insurance Policies issued by
        Equitable  Life.  The Florida  action  seeks  compensatory  and punitive
        damages and injunctive relief restricting the methods by which Equitable
        Life  increases  premiums  in the  future  based on  various  common law
        claims.  On June 20, 1996,  Equitable Life removed the Florida action to
        Federal court.  Equitable  Life has answered the complaint,  denying the
        material  allegations and asserting  certain  affirmative  defenses.  On
        December 6, 1996, Equitable Life filed a motion for summary judgment and
        plaintiff is expected to file its response to that motion shortly.

        On November 6, 1996, a proposed class action entitled  Fletcher,  et al.
        v. The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States,  was filed
        in California Superior Court for Fresno County, making substantially the
        same allegations  concerning premium rates and premium rate increases on
        guaranteed  renewable  policies made in the Bowler action. The complaint
        alleges,  among other things,  that differentials  between rates charged
        California policyholders and policyholders in New York and certain other
        states,  and the methods  used by Equitable  Life to  calculate  premium
        increases,  breached  the terms of its  policies,  that  Equitable  Life
        misrepresented  and concealed the facts pertaining to such differentials
        and methods in violation of California law, and that Equitable Life also
        misrepresented  that its rate  increases were approved by the California
        Insurance  Department.   Plaintiffs  seek  compensatory  damages  in  an
        unspecified amount,  rescission,  injunctive relief and attorneys' fees.
        Equitable Life removed the action to Federal court;  plaintiff has moved
        to  remand  the  case  to  state  court.  Although  the  outcome  of any
        litigation cannot be predicted with certainty, particularly in the early
        stages of an action, the Company's management believes that the ultimate
        resolution  of  the  Golomb,   Malvin,   Bowler,  Bachman  and  Fletcher
        litigations  should not have a material  adverse effect on the financial
        position of the Company. Due to the early stage of such litigations, the
        Company's management cannot make an estimate of loss, if any, or predict
        whether or not such  litigations  will have a material adverse effect on
        the Company's results of operations in any particular period.

        An action was instituted on April 6, 1995 against Equitable Life and its
        wholly owned subsidiary,  EOC, in New York state court,  entitled Sidney
        C. Cole et al. v. The  Equitable  Life  Assurance  Society of the United
        States  and The  Equitable  of  Colorado,  Inc.,  No.  95/108611  (N. Y.
        County).  The action is brought by the  holders of a joint  survivorship
        whole life policy issued by EOC. The action  purports to be on behalf of
        a class  consisting  of all persons who from  January 1, 1984  purchased
        life insurance  policies sold by Equitable Life and EOC based upon their
        allegedly  uniform sales  presentations  and policy  illustrations.  The
        complaint puts in issue various  alleged sales practices that plaintiffs
        assert,  among other things,  misrepresented  the stated number of years
        that the annual premium would need to be paid.  Plaintiffs  seek damages
        in an unspecified  amount,  imposition of a constructive trust, and seek
        to enjoin  Equitable Life and EOC from engaging in the challenged  sales
        practices.  On June 28,  1996,  the court  issued a  decision  and order
        dismissing  with  prejudice  plaintiff's  causes  of action  for  fraud,
        constructive  fraud,  breach of fiduciary duty,  negligence,  and unjust
        enrichment, and dismissing without prejudice plaintiff's cause of action
        under the New York State consumer protection statute. The only remaining
        causes   of  action   are  for   breach  of   contract   and   negligent
        misrepresentation.  Plaintiffs made a motion for reargument with respect
        to this order,  which was submitted to the court in October  1996.  This
        motion was denied by the court on December 16, 1996.

                                      F-34
<PAGE>

        On May 21,  1996,  an  action  entitled  Elton  F.  Duncan,  III v.  The
        Equitable  Life Assurance  Society of the United  States,  was commenced
        against  Equitable  Life in the Civil  District  Court for the Parish of
        Orleans, State of Louisiana.  The action is brought by an individual who
        purchased  a whole life  policy.  Plaintiff  alleges  misrepresentations
        concerning  the  extent to which  the  policy  was a proper  replacement
        policy and the number of years that the annual  premium would need to be
        paid.  Plaintiff purports to represent a class consisting of all persons
        who  purchased  whole life or universal  life  insurance  policies  from
        Equitable  Life from  January 1, 1982 to the  present.  Plaintiff  seeks
        damages,  including punitive damages,  in an unspecified amount. On July
        26, 1996, an action entitled Michael Bradley v. Equitable  Variable Life
        Insurance Company,  was commenced in New York state court. The action is
        brought by the  holder of a variable  life  insurance  policy  issued by
        EVLICO.  The plaintiff  purports to represent a class  consisting of all
        persons or entities who  purchased one or more life  insurance  policies
        issued by EVLICO  from  January 1,  1980.  The  complaint  puts at issue
        various   alleged  sales   practices   and  alleges   misrepresentations
        concerning  the  extent to which  the  policy  was a proper  replacement
        policy and the number of years that the annual  premium would need to be
        paid.  Plaintiff  seeks  damages,  including  punitive  damages,  in  an
        unspecified  amount and also seeks injunctive relief  prohibiting EVLICO
        from canceling  policies for failure to make premium payments beyond the
        alleged  stated number of years that the annual premium would need to be
        paid. On September 21, 1996 Equitable Life, EVLICO and EOC made a motion
        to have this  proceeding  moved from Kings County  Supreme  Court to New
        York County for joint trial or consolidation  with the Cole action.  The
        motion was denied by the court on January 9, 1997.  On January 10, 1997,
        plaintiffs  moved for  certification of a nationwide class consisting of
        all  persons  or  entities  who  were  sold one or more  life  insurance
        products on a "vanishing premium" basis and/or were allegedly induced to
        purchase  additional   policies  from  EVLICO,   using  the  cash  value
        accumulated  in  existing  policies,  from  January 1, 1980  through and
        including  December 31, 1996.  Plaintiffs  further moved to have Michael
        Bradley  designated  as the class  representative.  Discovery  regarding
        class certification is underway.

        On  December  12,  1996,  an action  entitled  Robert  E.  Dillon v. The
        Equitable Life Assurance  Society of the United States and The Equitable
        of Colorado,  was commenced in the United States  District Court for the
        Southern District of Florida. The action is brought by an individual who
        purchased  a joint whole life policy  from EOC.  The  complaint  puts at
        issue  various  alleged sales  practices and alleges  misrepresentations
        concerning the alleged  impropriety of  replacement  policies  issued by
        Equitable  Life and EOC and  alleged  misrepresentations  regarding  the
        number  of  years  premiums  would  have to be  paid on the  defendants'
        policies.  Plaintiff  brings  claims  for  breach  of  contract,  fraud,
        negligent  misrepresentation,  money had and received, unjust enrichment
        and imposition of a constructive trust.  Plaintiff purports to represent
        two classes of persons.  The first is a "contract class,"  consisting of
        all persons who purchased  whole or universal  life  insurance  policies
        from  Equitable  Life and EOC and from whom  Equitable Life and EOC have
        sought additional payments beyond the number of years allegedly promised
        by Equitable Life and EOC. The second is a "fraud class,"  consisting of
        all persons with an interest in policies  issued by  Equitable  Life and
        EOC at any time since  October 1, 1986.  Plaintiff  seeks  damages in an
        unspecified amount, and also seeks injunctive relief attaching Equitable
        Life's and EOC's profits from their alleged sales  practices.  Equitable
        Life's  and EOC's time to answer or move with  respect to the  complaint
        has been  extended  until  February  24,  1997.  Although the outcome of
        litigation cannot be predicted with certainty, particularly in the early
        stages of an action, the Company's management believes that the ultimate
        resolution of the Cole,  Duncan,  Bradley and Dillon  litigations should
        not have a material  adverse  effect on the  financial  position  of the
        Company.  Due to the early  stages of such  litigations,  the  Company's
        management  cannot make an estimate of loss, if any, or predict  whether
        or not any such  litigation  will have a material  adverse effect on the
        Company's results of operations in any particular period.

        On January 3, 1996, an amended complaint was filed in an action entitled
        Frank Franze Jr. and George  Busher,  individually  and on behalf of all
        others similarly situated v. The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the
        United  States,  and Equitable  Variable  Life  Insurance  Company,  No.
        94-2036 in the United States District Court for the Southern District of
        Florida.  The  action  was  brought  by two  individuals  who  purchased
        variable life insurance policies.  The plaintiffs purport to represent a
        nationwide class  consisting of all persons who purchased  variable life
        insurance  policies from Equitable  Life and EVLICO since  September 30,
        1991.  The basic  allegation of the amended  complaint is that Equitable
        Life's and EVLICO's agents were trained not to

                                      F-35
<PAGE>

        disclose  fully  that  the  product  being  sold  was  life   insurance.
        Plaintiffs  allege  violations of the Federal  securities  laws and seek
        rescission of the contracts or compensatory  damages and attorneys' fees
        and expenses.  The court denied  Equitable  Life and EVLICO's  motion to
        dismiss the amended complaint on September 24, 1996.  Equitable Life and
        EVLICO  have  answered  the  amended  complaint,  denying  the  material
        allegations and asserting certain affirmative defenses.  Currently,  the
        parties are conducting  discovery in connection with plaintiffs' attempt
        to certify a class.  On January 9, 1997,  an action  entitled  Rosemarie
        Chaviano, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated v.
        The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States, and Equitable
        Variable Life Insurance Company,  was filed in Massachusetts state court
        making  claims  similar  to  those in the  Franze  action  and  alleging
        violations of the Massachusetts  securities laws. The plaintiff purports
        to represent all persons in  Massachusetts  who purchased  variable life
        insurance  contracts from Equitable Life and EVLICO from January 9, 1993
        to  the  present.  The  Massachusetts  action  seeks  rescission  of the
        contracts  or  compensatory  damages,   attorneys'  fees,  expenses  and
        injunctive  relief.  Although  the outcome of any  litigation  cannot be
        predicted with certainty, particularly in the early stages of an action,
        the Company's  management  believes that the ultimate  resolution of the
        litigations  discussed  in this  paragraph  should  not have a  material
        adverse  effect on the  financial  position of the  Company.  Due to the
        early stages of such litigation, the Company's management cannot make an
        estimate of loss, if any, or predict  whether or not any such litigation
        will  have a  material  adverse  effect  on  the  Company's  results  of
        operations in any particular period.

        Equitable Life recently responded to a subpoena from the U.S. Department
        of Labor  ("DOL")  requesting  copies of any  third-party  appraisals in
        Equitable Life's possession  relating to the ten largest  properties (by
        value)  in  the  Prime  Property  Fund  ("PPF").  PPF  is  an  open-end,
        commingled  real estate  separate  account of Equitable Life for pension
        clients.  Equitable  Life  serves as  investment  manager in PPF and has
        retained  EREIM as advisor.  In early 1995, the DOL commenced a national
        investigation  of commingled  real estate funds with pension  investors,
        including PPF. The investigation  now appears to be focused  principally
        on appraisal and valuation procedures in respect of fund properties. The
        most recent request from the DOL seems to reflect,  at least in part, an
        interest in the relationship between the valuations for those properties
        reflected in appraisals  prepared for local property tax proceedings and
        the valuations  used by PPF for other  purposes.  At no time has the DOL
        made any  specific  allegation  that  Equitable  Life or EREIM has acted
        improperly and Equitable Life and EREIM believe that any such allegation
        would be without  foundation.  While the  outcome of this  investigation
        cannot be predicted with  certainty,  in the opinion of management,  the
        ultimate  resolution of this matter  should not have a material  adverse
        effect on the Company's  consolidated  financial  position or results of
        operations in any particular period.

        Equitable  Casualty Insurance Company  ("Casualty"),  an indirect wholly
        owned   subsidiary  of  Equitable  Life,  is  party  to  an  arbitration
        proceeding  that commenced in August 1995.  The proceeding  relates to a
        dispute among Casualty,  Houston  General  Insurance  Company  ("Houston
        General")  and  GEICO  General   Insurance   Company  ("GEICO  General")
        regarding the interpretation of a reinsurance agreement. The arbitration
        panel  issued a final  award in favor of Casualty  and GEICO  General on
        June 17, 1996.  Casualty and GEICO  General  moved in the pending  Texas
        state  court  action,  with  Houston  General's  consent,  for an  order
        confirming the arbitration  award and entering  judgment  dismissing the
        action.  The motion was granted on January 29,  1997.  The parties  have
        also  stipulated to the dismissal  without  prejudice of a related Texas
        Federal court action  brought by Houston  General  against GEICO General
        and Equitable Life. In connection  with  confirmation of the arbitration
        award,  Houston  General  paid to  Casualty  approximately  $839,600  in
        settlement of certain  reimbursement  claims by Casualty against Houston
        General.

        On July 25, 1995, a Consolidated and Supplemental Class Action Complaint
        ("Complaint")  was filed against the Alliance North American  Government
        Income Trust,  Inc. (the "Fund"),  Alliance and certain other defendants
        affiliated  with  Alliance,  including  the  Holding  Company,  alleging
        violations  of Federal  securities  laws,  fraud and breach of fiduciary
        duty in connection with the Fund's  investments in Mexican and Argentine
        securities.  The  Complaint,  which seeks  certification  of a plaintiff
        class of persons  who  purchased  or owned Class A, B or C shares of the
        Fund from March 27, 1992 through December 23, 1994, seeks an unspecified
        amount of damages,  costs,  attorneys'  fees and punitive  damages.  The
        principal  allegations of the Complaint are that the Fund purchased debt
        securities  issued by the Mexican and Argentine  governments  in amounts
        that

                                      F-36
<PAGE>

        were not permitted by the Fund's  investment  objective,  and that there
        was no  shareholder  vote to change the  investment  objective to permit
        purchases  in such  amounts.  The  Complaint  further  alleges  that the
        decline in the value of the Mexican and Argentine securities held by the
        Fund  caused the Fund's net asset value to decline to the  detriment  of
        the Fund's  shareholders.  On  September  26,  1996,  the United  States
        District  Court  for the  Southern  District  of New  York  granted  the
        defendants'  motion to dismiss all counts of the  complaint.  On October
        11, 1996,  plaintiffs filed a motion for  reconsideration of the court's
        decision  granting  defendants'  motion to  dismiss  the  Complaint.  On
        November   25,   1996,   the  court   denied   plaintiffs'   motion  for
        reconsideration.  On October  29,  1996,  plaintiffs  filed a motion for
        leave to file an amended  complaint.  The principal  allegations  of the
        proposed amended  complaint are that the Fund did not properly  disclose
        that it planned to invest in mortgage-backed  derivative  securities and
        that two  advertisements  used by the Fund  misrepresented  the risks of
        investing in the Fund.  Plaintiffs  also  reiterated  allegations in the
        Complaint  that the Fund failed to hedge  against the risks of investing
        in  foreign  securities  despite  representations  that it  would do so.
        Alliance  believes  that the  allegations  in the  Complaint are without
        merit and intends to vigorously  defend against these claims.  While the
        ultimate  outcome  of this  matter  cannot be  determined  at this time,
        management  of  Alliance  does not  expect  that it will have a material
        adverse  effect  on  Alliance's   results  of  operations  or  financial
        condition.

        On January 26, 1996, a purported purchaser of certain notes and warrants
        to  purchase  shares  of  common  stock of  Rickel  Home  Centers,  Inc.
        ("Rickel") filed a class action complaint  against  Donaldson,  Lufkin &
        Jenrette Securities  Corporation  ("DLJSC") and certain other defendants
        for unspecified  compensatory  and punitive damages in the United States
        District  Court for the  Southern  District  of New  York.  The suit was
        brought on behalf of the  purchasers  of  126,457  units  consisting  of
        $126,457,000 aggregate principal amount of 13 1/2% senior notes due 2001
        and 126,457 warrants to purchase shares of common stock of Rickel issued
        by Rickel in October 1994. The complaint  alleges  violations of Federal
        securities  laws and common law fraud against DLJSC,  as the underwriter
        of the units and as an owner of 7.3% of the common stock of Rickel,  Eos
        Partners, L.P., and General Electric Capital Corporation, each as owners
        of 44.2% of the  common  stock of  Rickel,  and  members of the Board of
        Directors of Rickel,  including a DLJSC Managing Director. The complaint
        seeks to hold  DLJSC  liable for  alleged  misstatements  and  omissions
        contained  in  the  prospectus  and  registration   statement  filed  in
        connection with the offering of the units,  alleging that the defendants
        knew of financial  losses and a decline in value of Rickel in the months
        prior  to the  offering  and  did not  disclose  such  information.  The
        complaint  also  alleges  that  Rickel  failed  to pay  its  semi-annual
        interest  payment due on the units on December  15, 1995 and that Rickel
        filed a voluntary petition for reorganization  pursuant to Chapter 11 of
        the United States  Bankruptcy Code on January 10, 1996. DLJSC intends to
        defend itself vigorously against all of the allegations contained in the
        complaint.  Although there can be no assurance, DLJ does not believe the
        outcome of this  litigation  will have a material  adverse effect on its
        financial condition. Due to the early stage of this litigation, based on
        the information  currently available to it, DLJ's management cannot make
        an estimate of loss, if any, or predict  whether or not such  litigation
        will have a material  adverse  effect on DLJ's  results of operations in
        any particular period.

        In October  1995,  DLJSC was named as a defendant  in a purported  class
        action  filed in a Texas  State Court on behalf of the holders of $550.0
        million principal amount of subordinated  redeemable discount debentures
        of National  Gypsum  Corporation  ("NGC")  canceled in connection with a
        Chapter 11 plan of reorganization  for NGC consummated in July 1993. The
        named  plaintiff  in the State  Court  action  also  filed an  adversary
        proceeding in the  Bankruptcy  Court for the Northern  District of Texas
        seeking  a   declaratory   judgment  that  the  confirmed  NGC  plan  of
        reorganization  does not bar the class action claims.  Subsequent to the
        consummation  of NGC's plan of  reorganization,  NGC's shares traded for
        values  substantially  in excess of, and in 1995 NGC was  acquired for a
        value  substantially  in excess of, the values  upon which NGC's plan of
        reorganization   was  based.  The  two  actions  arise  out  of  DLJSC's
        activities as financial advisor to NGC in the course of NGC's Chapter 11
        reorganization proceedings.  The class action complaint alleges that the
        plan of  reorganization  submitted by NGC was based upon  projections by
        NGC and DLJSC which intentionally  understated  forecasts,  and provided
        misleading  and incorrect  information in order to hide NGC's true value
        and that  defendants  breached  their  fiduciary  duties by, among other
        things,   providing  false,  misleading  or  incomplete  information  to
        deliberately  understate  the value of NGC. The class  action  complaint
        seeks  compensatory  and punitive damages  purportedly  sustained by the
        class. The Texas State Court action, which

                                      F-37
<PAGE>

        had been removed to the Bankruptcy  Court, has been remanded back to the
        state court,  which remand is being  opposed by DLJSC.  DLJSC intends to
        defend itself vigorously against all of the allegations contained in the
        complaint. Although there can be no assurance, DLJ does not believe that
        the ultimate  outcome of this  litigation  will have a material  adverse
        effect  on its  financial  condition.  Due to the  early  stage  of such
        litigation,  based upon the information currently available to it, DLJ's
        management  cannot make an estimate of loss, if any, or predict  whether
        or not such  litigation  will have a  material  adverse  effect on DLJ's
        results of operations in any particular period.

        In November and December 1995, DLJSC,  along with various other parties,
        was named as a defendant in a number of purported class actions filed in
        the U.S.  District  Court for the  Eastern  District of  Louisiana.  The
        complaints allege violations of the Federal  securities laws arising out
        of a public  offering in 1994 of $435.0  million of first mortgage notes
        of Harrah's Jazz Company and Harrah's Jazz Finance Corp.  The complaints
        seek  to  hold  DLJSC  liable  for  various  alleged  misstatements  and
        omissions  contained in the  prospectus  dated  November 9, 1994.  DLJSC
        intends  to defend  itself  vigorously  against  all of the  allegations
        contained in the  complaints.  Although  there can be no assurance,  DLJ
        does not believe that the ultimate  outcome of this litigation will have
        a material adverse effect on its financial  condition.  Due to the early
        stage of this litigation, based upon the information currently available
        to it,  DLJ's  management  cannot make an  estimate of loss,  if any, or
        predict  whether or not such  litigation  will have a  material  adverse
        effect on DLJ's results of operations in any particular period.

        In addition  to the  matters  described  above,  Equitable  Life and its
        subsidiaries  and DLJ and its subsidiaries are involved in various legal
        actions and proceedings in connection with their businesses. Some of the
        actions and  proceedings  have been brought on behalf of various alleged
        classes of  claimants  and certain of these  claimants  seek  damages of
        unspecified  amounts.  While the ultimate outcome of such matters cannot
        be predicted with certainty, in the opinion of management no such matter
        is  likely  to  have  a  material   adverse   effect  on  the  Company's
        consolidated financial position or results of operations.

15)     LEASES

        The Company  has  entered  into  operating  leases for office  space and
        certain other assets,  principally data processing  equipment and office
        furniture and  equipment.  Future minimum  payments under  noncancelable
        leases for 1997 and the succeeding four years are $113.7 million, $110.6
        million, $100.3 million, $72.3 million, $59.3 million and $427.3 million
        thereafter. Minimum future sublease rental income on these noncancelable
        leases for 1997 and the  succeeding  four years are $9.8  million,  $6.0
        million,  $4.5  million,  $2.4  million,  $.8  million  and $.1  million
        thereafter.

        At December 31, 1996, the minimum future rental income on  noncancelable
        operating  leases for wholly owned  investments  in real estate for 1997
        and the succeeding four years are $263.0 million, $242.1 million, $219.8
        million, $194.3 million, $174.6 million and $847.1 million thereafter.

                                      F-38
<PAGE>

16)     OTHER OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES

        Other operating costs and expenses consisted of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Compensation costs.................................  $       647.3       $      595.9       $      687.5
        Commissions........................................          329.5              314.3              313.0
        Short-term debt interest expense...................            8.0               11.4               19.0
        Long-term debt interest expense....................          137.3              108.1               98.3
        Amortization of policy acquisition costs...........          405.2              317.8              313.4
        Capitalization of policy acquisition costs.........         (391.9)            (391.0)            (410.9)
        Rent expense, net of sub-lease income..............          113.7              109.3              116.0
        Other..............................................          798.9              710.0              721.4
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total..............................................  $     2,048.0       $    1,775.8       $    1,857.7
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        During 1996, 1995 and 1994, the Company  restructured certain operations
        in  connection  with  cost  reduction   programs  and  recorded  pre-tax
        provisions  of  $24.4   million,   $32.0  million  and  $20.4   million,
        respectively.  The  amounts  paid  during  1996,  associated  with  cost
        reduction  programs,  totaled $17.7  million.  At December 31, 1996, the
        liabilities  associated with cost reduction  programs  amounted to $44.5
        million.  The 1996 cost reduction program included  restructuring  costs
        related to the consolidation of insurance  operations'  service centers.
        The 1995 cost reduction program included relocation expenses,  including
        the accelerated  amortization of building  improvements  associated with
        the  relocation  of the home  office.  The 1994 cost  reduction  program
        included costs  associated with the termination of operating  leases and
        employee  severance  benefits in connection with the consolidation of 16
        insurance agencies. Amortization of DAC included $145.0 million writeoff
        of DAC related to DI contracts in the fourth quarter of 1996.

17)     INSURANCE GROUP STATUTORY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

        Equitable  Life is  restricted as to the amounts it may pay as dividends
        to  the  Holding  Company.   Under  the  New  York  Insurance  Law,  the
        Superintendent  has broad discretion to determine  whether the financia1
        condition of a stock life insurance company would support the payment of
        dividends to its  shareholders.  For 1996, 1995 and 1994,  statutory net
        (loss) earnings  totaled  $(351.1)  million,  $(352.4) million and $67.5
        million,  respectively.  No amounts  are  expected to be  available  for
        dividends from Equitable Life to the Holding Company in 1997.

        At December 31, 1996, the Insurance  Group,  in accordance  with various
        government  and state  regulations,  had  $21.9  million  of  securities
        deposited with such government or state agencies.

                                      F-39
<PAGE>

        Accounting  practices used to prepare statutory financial statements for
        regulatory  filings of stock life insurance  companies differ in certain
        instances   from  GAAP.   The  New  York   Insurance   Department   (the
        "Department")   recognizes  only  statutory   accounting  practices  for
        determining  and  reporting  the  financial  condition  and  results  of
        operations of an insurance  company,  for determining its solvency under
        the New York  Insurance Law, and for  determining  whether its financial
        condition  warrants  the payment of a dividend to its  stockholders.  No
        consideration  is  given  by  the  Department  to  financial  statements
        prepared  in  accordance  with GAAP in making such  determinations.  The
        following  reconciles  the  Company's  statutory  change in surplus  and
        capital  stock and  statutory  surplus and capital  stock  determined in
        accordance with accounting  practices  prescribed by the Department with
        net earnings and equity on a GAAP basis.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Net change in statutory surplus and capital stock..  $        56.0       $       78.1       $      292.4
        Change in asset valuation reserves.................          (48.4)             365.7             (285.2)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Net change in statutory surplus, capital stock
          and asset valuation reserves.....................            7.6              443.8                7.2
        Adjustments:
          Future policy benefits and policyholders'
            account balances...............................         (298.5)             (66.0)              (5.3)
          DAC..............................................          (13.3)              73.2               97.5
          Deferred Federal income taxes....................          108.0             (158.1)             (58.7)
          Valuation of investments.........................          289.8              189.1               45.2
          Valuation of investment subsidiary...............         (117.7)            (188.6)             396.6
          Limited risk reinsurance.........................           92.5              416.9               74.9
          Contribution from the Holding Company............            -                  -               (300.0)
          Issuance of surplus notes........................            -               (538.9)               -
          Postretirement benefits..........................           28.9              (26.7)              17.1
          Other, net.......................................           12.4              115.1              (44.0)
          GAAP adjustments of Closed Block.................           (9.8)              15.7               (9.5)
          GAAP adjustments of discontinued GIC
            Segment........................................          (89.6)              37.3               42.8
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Net Earnings of the Insurance Group................  $        10.3       $      312.8       $      263.8
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 DECEMBER 31,
                                                            --------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Statutory surplus and capital stock................  $     2,258.9       $    2,202.9       $    2,124.8
        Asset valuation reserves...........................        1,297.5            1,345.9              980.2
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Statutory surplus, capital stock and asset
          valuation reserves...............................        3,556.4            3,548.8            3,105.0
        Adjustments:
          Future policy benefits and policyholders'
            account balances...............................       (1,305.0)          (1,006.5)            (940.5)
          DAC..............................................        3,104.9            3,075.8            3,219.4
          Deferred Federal income taxes....................         (306.1)            (452.0)             (29.4)
          Valuation of investments.........................          286.8              417.7             (794.1)
          Valuation of investment subsidiary...............         (782.8)            (665.1)            (476.5)
          Limited risk reinsurance.........................         (336.5)            (429.0)            (845.9)
          Issuance of surplus notes........................         (539.0)            (538.9)               -
          Postretirement benefits..........................         (314.4)            (343.3)            (316.6)
          Other, net.......................................          126.3                4.4              (79.2)
          GAAP adjustments of Closed Block.................          783.7              830.8              740.4
          GAAP adjustments of discontinued GIC
            Segment........................................         (190.3)            (184.6)            (221.9)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Equity of the Insurance Group......................  $     4,084.0       $    4,258.1       $    3,360.7
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

                                      F-40
<PAGE>

18)     BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION

        The Company has two major business  segments:  Insurance  Operations and
        Investment  Services.  Interest  expense related to debt not specific to
        either  business  segment is presented as  Corporate  interest  expense.
        Information for all periods is presented on a comparable basis.

        The  Insurance  Operations  segment  offers a  variety  of  traditional,
        variable and  interest-sensitive  life  insurance  products,  disability
        income,  annuity products,  mutual fund and other investment products to
        individuals and small groups and administers  traditional  participating
        group  annuity  contracts  with  conversion   features,   generally  for
        corporate  qualified  pension plans, and association plans which provide
        full  service  retirement  programs  for  individuals   affiliated  with
        professional  and trade  associations.  This segment  includes  Separate
        Accounts for individual insurance and annuity products.

        The Investment  Services  segment  provides  investment fund management,
        primarily to institutional  clients. This segment includes the Company's
        equity  interest in DLJ and  Separate  Accounts  which  provide  various
        investment  options for group  clients  through  pooled or single  group
        accounts.

        Intersegment  investment advisory and other fees of approximately $127.5
        million,  $124.1  million and $135.3  million  for 1996,  1995 and 1994,
        respectively,  are included in total revenues of the Investment Services
        segment.  These fees,  excluding amounts related to the discontinued GIC
        Segment of $15.7 million, $14.7 million and $27.4 million for 1996, 1995
        and 1994, respectively, are eliminated in consolidation.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Revenues
        Insurance operations...............................  $     3,742.9       $    3,614.6       $    3,507.4
        Investment services................................        1,126.1              949.1              935.2
        Consolidation/elimination..........................          (24.5)             (34.9)             (27.2)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total..............................................  $     4,844.5       $    4,528.8       $    4,415.4
                                                            =================   ================   =================
        Earnings (loss) from continuing  operations
          before Federal income taxes, minority interest
          and cumulative effect of accounting change
        Insurance operations...............................  $       (36.6)      $      303.1       $      327.5
        Investment services................................          311.9              224.0              227.9
        Consolidation/elimination..........................             .2               (3.1)                .3
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
              Subtotal.....................................          275.5              524.0              555.7
        Corporate interest expense.........................          (66.9)             (27.9)            (114.2)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total..............................................  $       208.6       $      496.1       $      441.5
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

                                                   DECEMBER 31,
                                        ------------------------------------
                                             1996                1995
                                        ----------------   -----------------
                                                   (IN MILLIONS)

        Assets
        Insurance operations...........  $    60,464.9      $    56,720.5
        Investment services............       13,542.5           12,842.9
        Consolidation/elimination......         (399.6)            (354.4)
                                        ----------------   -----------------
        Total..........................  $    73,607.8      $    69,209.0
                                        ================   =================

                                      F-41
<PAGE>

19)     QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

        The quarterly  results of operations  for 1996 and 1995,  are summarized
        below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                       ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           MARCH 31           JUNE 30           SEPTEMBER 30          DECEMBER 31
                                       -----------------  -----------------   ------------------   ------------------
                                                                        (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                            <C>                <C>                 <C>                  <C>         
        1996
        ----
        Total Revenues................  $     1,169.7      $     1,193.6       $    1,193.6         $    1,287.6
                                       =================  =================   ==================   ==================
        Earnings (Loss) from
          Continuing Operations
          before Cumulative Effect
          of Accounting Change........  $        94.8      $        87.1       $       93.2         $     (157.9)
                                       =================  =================   ==================   ==================
        Net Earnings (Loss)...........  $        71.7      $        87.1       $       93.2         $     (241.7)
                                       =================  =================   ==================   ==================
        1995
        ----
        Total Revenues................  $     1,079.1      $     1,164.0       $    1,138.8         $    1,146.9
                                       =================  =================   ==================   ==================
        Net Earnings..................  $        66.3      $       101.7       $      100.2         $       44.6
                                       =================  =================   ==================   ==================
</TABLE>

        The quarterly results of operations for 1996 and 1995 have been restated
        to reflect the Company's accounting change adopted in the fourth quarter
        of 1996 for  long-duration  participating  life  contracts in accordance
        with the  provisions  prescribed  by SFAS No. 120.  Net earnings for the
        three months ended December 31, 1996 includes a charge of $339.3 million
        related to writeoffs of DAC on DI  contracts of $94.3  million,  reserve
        strengthening  on DI  business of $113.7  million,  pension par of $47.5
        million and the discontinued GIC Segment of $83.8 million.

20)     INVESTMENT IN DLJ

        On December  15,  1993,  the Company  sold a 61%  interest in DLJ to the
        Holding Company for $800.0 million in cash and securities. The excess of
        the  proceeds  over the book  value in DLJ at the date of sale of $340.2
        million  has been  reflected  as a capital  contribution.  In 1995,  DLJ
        completed the initial public offering ("IPO") of 10.58 million shares of
        its common stock,  which included 7.28 million of the Holding  Company's
        shares in DLJ,  priced at $27 per share.  Concurrent  with the IPO,  the
        Company  contributed  equity  securities to DLJ having a market value of
        $21.2  million.  Upon  completion  of the IPO, the  Company's  ownership
        percentage was reduced to 36.1%. The Company's  ownership  interest will
        be further  reduced  upon the issuance of common stock after the vesting
        of forfeitable restricted stock units acquired by and/or the exercise of
        options  granted to certain DLJ employees.  DLJ  restricted  stock units
        represents  forfeitable  rights to  receive  approximately  5.2  million
        shares of DLJ common stock through February 2000.

        The results of  operations  of DLJ are accounted for on the equity basis
        and  are  included  in  commissions,   fees  and  other  income  in  the
        consolidated statements of earnings. The Company's carrying value of DLJ
        is included in investment in and loans to affiliates in the consolidated
        balance sheets.

                                      F-42
<PAGE>

        Summarized  balance  sheets  information  for  DLJ,  reconciled  to  the
        Company's carrying value of DLJ, are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                ------------------------------------
                                                                                     1996                1995
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                           (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                                     <C>                <C>         
        Assets:
        Trading account securities, at market value............................  $   15,728.1       $   10,821.3
        Securities purchased under resale agreements...........................      20,598.7           18,748.2
        Broker-dealer related receivables......................................      16,525.9           13,023.7
        Other assets...........................................................       2,651.0            1,983.3
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Total Assets...........................................................  $   55,503.7       $   44,576.5
                                                                                ================   =================
        Liabilities:
        Securities sold under repurchase agreements............................  $   29,378.3       $   26,744.8
        Broker-dealer related payables.........................................      19,409.7           12,915.5
        Short-term and long-term debt..........................................       2,704.5            1,742.0
        Other liabilities......................................................       2,164.0            1,750.5
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Total liabilities......................................................      53,656.5           43,152.8
        Cumulative exchangeable preferred stock................................           -                225.0
        DLJ's company-obligated mandatorily redeemed preferred
          securities of subsidiary trust holding solely debentures of DLJ......         200.0                -
        Total shareholders' equity.............................................       1,647.2            1,198.7
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Total Liabilities, Cumulative Exchangeable Preferred Stock and
          Shareholders' Equity.................................................  $   55,503.7       $   44,576.5
                                                                                ================   =================
        DLJ's equity as reported...............................................  $    1,647.2       $    1,198.7
        Unamortized cost in excess of net assets acquired in 1985
          and other adjustments................................................          23.9               40.5
        The Holding Company's equity ownership in DLJ..........................        (590.2)            (499.0)
        Minority interest in DLJ...............................................        (588.6)            (324.3)
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        The Company's Carrying Value of DLJ....................................  $      492.3       $      415.9
                                                                                ================   =================
</TABLE>

        Summarized  statements of earnings information for DLJ reconciled to the
        Company's equity in earnings of DLJ is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     1996                1995
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                           (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                                     <C>                <C>         
        Commission, fees and other income......................................  $    1,818.2       $    1,325.9
        Net investment income..................................................       1,074.2              904.1
        Dealer, trading and investment gains, net..............................         598.4              528.6
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Total revenues.........................................................       3,490.8            2,758.6
        Total expenses including income taxes..................................       3,199.5            2,579.5
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Net earnings...........................................................         291.3              179.1
        Dividends on preferred stock...........................................          18.7               19.9
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Earnings Applicable to Common Shares...................................  $      272.6       $      159.2
                                                                                ================   =================
        DLJ's earnings applicable to common shares as reported.................  $      272.6       $      159.2
        Amortization of cost in excess of net assets acquired in 1985..........          (3.1)              (3.9)
        The Holding Company's equity in DLJ's earnings.........................        (107.8)             (90.4)
        Minority interest in DLJ...............................................         (73.4)              (6.5)
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        The Company's Equity in DLJ's Earnings.................................  $       88.3       $       58.4
                                                                                ================   =================
</TABLE>

                                      F-43
<PAGE>

21)     ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

        The  Holding  Company  sponsors a stock  option  plan for  employees  of
        Equitable  Life.  DLJ and Alliance  each sponsor  their own stock option
        plans for certain employees.  The Company elected to continue to account
        for stock-based compensation using the intrinsic value method prescribed
        in APB Opinion No. 25. Had  compensation  expense of the Company's stock
        option  incentive plans for options granted after December 31, 1994 been
        determined  based on the  estimated  fair  value at the grant  dates for
        awards  under those  plans,  the  Company's  pro forma net  earnings and
        earnings per share for 1996 and 1995 would have been as follows:

                                    1996              1995
                               ---------------   ---------------
                                        (IN MILLIONS)
        Net Earnings
          As Reported.........  $       10.3      $     312.8
          Pro Forma...........  $        3.2      $     311.3

        The fair value of options and units  granted  after  December  31, 1994,
        used as a basis for the above pro forma disclosures, was estimated as of
        the date of grants using Black-Scholes option pricing models. The option
        and unit pricing assumptions for 1996 and 1995 are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      HOLDING COMPANY                    DLJ                        ALLIANCE
                                  -------------------------   --------------------------  -----------------------------
                                     1996          1995          1996          1995           1996            1995
                                  -----------   -----------   -----------   ------------  -------------   -------------
        <S>                        <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>          <C>             <C>       
        Dividend yield...........     0.80%         0.96%         1.54%         1.85%         8.0%            8.0%
        Expected volatility......    20.00%        20.00%        25.00%        25.00%        23.00%          23.00%
        Risk-free interest rate..     5.92%         6.83%         6.07%         5.86%         5.80%           6.00%

        Expected Life............  5 YEARS       5 years       5 YEARS        5 years      7.43 YEARS      7.43 years
        Weighted fair value
          per option granted.....    $6.94         $5.90         $9.35          -            $2.69           $2.24
</TABLE>

                                      F-44
<PAGE>

        A  summary  of the  Holding  Company  and DLJ  stock  option  plans  and
        Alliance's Unit option plans are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          HOLDING COMPANY                       DLJ                           ALLIANCE
                                    -----------------------------   -----------------------------   -----------------------------
                                                      Options                         Options                         Options
                                                    Outstanding                     Outstanding                     Outstanding
                                                      Weighted                        Weighted                        Weighted
                                                      Average                         Average                         Average
                                      Shares         Exercise          Shares        Exercise           Units         Exercise
                                    (In Millions)      Price        (In Millions)     Price         (In Millions)      Price
                                    -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
        <S>                         <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
        Balance as of
          January 1, 1994........         6.1                             -                               3.2
          Granted................          .7                             -                               1.2
          Exercised..............         -                               -                               (.5)
          Forfeited..............         -                               -                               (.1)
                                    -------------                   -------------                   -------------
        Balance as of
          December 31, 1994......         6.8                             -                               3.8
          Granted................          .4                             9.2                             1.8
          Exercised..............         (.1)                            -                               (.5)
          Expired................         (.1)                            -                               -
          Forfeited..............         (.3)                            -                               (.3)
                                    -------------                   -------------                   -------------
        Balance as of
          December 31, 1995......         6.7           $20.27            9.2          $27.00             4.8           $17.72
          Granted................          .7           $24.94            2.1          $32.54              .7           $25.12
          Exercised..............         (.1)          $19.91            -              -                (.4)          $13.64
          Expired................         (.6)          $20.21            -              -                -               -
          Forfeited..............         -               -               (.2)         $27.00             (.1)          $19.32
                                    -------------                   -------------                   -------------
        Balance as of
          December 31, 1996......         6.7           $20.79           11.1          $28.06             5.0           $19.07
                                    =============   =============   =============   =============   =============   =============
</TABLE>

                                      F-45
<PAGE>

        Information  with  respect  to stock and unit  options  outstanding  and
        exercisable at December 31, 1996 is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      Options Outstanding                                          Options Exercisable
        -------------------------------------------------------------------------------    --------------------------------------
                                                       Weighted
                                                        Average           Weighted                                 Weighted
              Range of               Number            Remaining           Average               Number             Average
              Exercise            Outstanding         Contractual         Exercise            Exercisable           Exercise
               Prices            (In Millions)        Life (Years)          Price            (In Millions)           Price
        ---------------------   -----------------   ---------------   -----------------    -------------------   ----------------
        <S>                     <C>                 <C>               <C>                  <C>                   <C>
               Holding
               Company
        ---------------------
        $18.125-$27.75                 6.7                 7.00             $20.79                3.4                $20.18
                                =================   ===============   =================    ===================   ================

                 DLJ
        ---------------------
        $27.00-$33.50                 11.1                 9.00             $28.06                -                    -
                                =================   ===============   =================    ===================   ================

              Alliance
        ---------------------
        $ 6.0625-$15.9375              1.3                 4.76             $12.97                1.2                $12.58
        $16.3125-$19.75                1.1                 8.19             $19.13                 .2                $18.69
        $19.875 -$19.875               1.0                 7.36             $19.88                 .4                $19.88
        $20.75  -$24.375                .9                 8.46             $22.05                 .3                $21.84
        $24.375 -$25.125                .7                 9.96             $25.13                -                    -
                                -----------------                                          -------------------  
        $ 6.0625-$25.125               5.0                 7.43             $19.07                2.1                $15.84
                                =================   ===============   =================    ===================   ================
</TABLE>

                                      F-46

<PAGE>




                                    PART C

                               OTHER INFORMATION

   
Item 24. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

         (a) Financial Statements included in Part B.
    

         1. Separate Account 45:

   
            - Report of Independent Accountants - Price Waterhouse;
            - Statements of Assets and Liabilities for the Year Ended
              December 31, 1996;
            - Statements of Operations for the Year Ended December 31, 1996;
            - Statements of Changes in Net Assets for the Years Ended
              December 31, 1996 and 1995;
            - Notes to Financial Statements;

         2. The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States:

            - Report of Independent Accountants - Price Waterhouse;
            - Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1996 and 
              1995; 
            - Consolidated Statements of Earnings for Years Ended
              December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994; 
            - Consolidated Statements of Equity for Years Ended 
              December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994;  
            - Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for Years Ended
              December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994; and 
            - Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
    

         (b) Exhibits.

         The following exhibits are filed herewith:

         1. Resolutions of the Board of Directors of The Equitable Life
            Assurance Society of the United States ("Equitable")
            authorizing the establishment of the Registrant, previously
            filed with this Registration Statement No. 33-83750 on
            September 6, 1994.

         2. Not applicable.

         3. (a) Form of Distribution Agreement among Equitable
                Distributors, Inc., Separate Account No. 45 and Equitable
                Life Assurance Society of the United States, previously
                filed with this Registration Statement No. 33-83750 on
                February 3, 1995.

            (b) Form of Sales Agreement among Equitable
                Distributors, Inc., as Distributor, a Broker-
                Dealer (to be named) and a General Agent (to be
                named), previously filed with this Registration
                Statement No. 33-83750 on February 3, 1995.

            (c) Form of The Hudson River Trust Sales Agreement by
                and among Equico Securities, Inc., The Equitable
                Life Assurance Society of the United States,
                Equitable Distributors, Inc. and Separate Account
                No. 45 of The Equitable Life Assurance Society of
                the United

                               C-1

<PAGE>

                States, previously filed with this Registration
                Statement No. 33-83750 on January 17, 1995.

         4. (a) Form of group annuity contract no. 1050-94IC, previously
                filed with this Registration Statement No. 33-83750 on
                September 6, 1994.

            (b) Forms of group annuity certificate nos. 94ICA and
                94ICB, previously filed with this Registration
                Statement No. 33-83750 on September 6, 1994.

            (c) Forms of endorsement nos. 94ENIRAI, 94ENNQI and
                94ENMVAI to contract no. 1050-94IC and data pages
                nos. 94ICA/BIM and 94ICA/BMVA, previously filed
                with this Registration Statement No. 33-83750 on
                September 6, 1994.

            (d) Forms of data pages no. 94ICA/BIM (IRA) and (NQ),
                previously filed with this Registration Statement
                No. 33-83750 on February 3, 1995.

            (e) Form of endorsement no. 95ENLCAI to contract no.
                1050-94IC and data pages no. 94ICA/BLCA, previously
                filed with this Registration Statement No. 33-83750
                on April 10, 1995.

            (f) Forms of data pages for Rollover IRA, IRA Assured
                Payment Option, IRA Assured Payment Option Plus,
                Accumulator, Assured Growth Plan, Assured Growth
                Plan (Flexible Income Program), Assured Payment
                Plan (Period Certain) and Assured Payment Plan
                (Life with a Period Certain), previously filed with
                this Registration Statement No. 33-83750 on August
                31, 1995.

            (g) Forms of data pages for Rollover IRA, IRA Assured
                Payment Option Plus and Accumulator, previously
                filed with this Registration Statement No. 33-83750
                on April 23, 1996.

            (h) Form of Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit
                Endorsement to Contract Form No. 10-50-94IC and the
                Certificates under the Contract, previously filed
                with this Registration Statement No. 33-83750 on
                April 23, 1996.

   
            (i) Form of data pages for Accumulator and Rollover
                IRA, previously filed with this Registration
                Statement No. 33-83750 on October 15, 1996.

            (j) Forms of data pages for Accumulator and Rollover
                IRA.
    

         5. (a) Forms of application used with the IRA, NQ and Fixed
                Annuity Markets, previously filed with this Registration
                Statement No. 33-83750 on February 3, 1995.

                               C-2
<PAGE>

            (b) Forms of Enrollment Form/Application for Rollover
                IRA, Choice Income Plan and Accumulator, previously
                filed with this Registration Statement No. 33-83750
                on April 23, 1996.

   
            (c) Forms of Enrollment Form/Application for Accumulator and
                Rollover IRA.

         6. (a) Restated Charter of Equitable, as amended January 1,
                1997, previously filed with this Registration Statement
                No. 33-83750 on March 6, 1997.

            (b) By-Laws of Equitable, as amended November 21, 1996,
                previously filed with this Registration Statement
                No. 33-83750 on March 6, 1997.
    

         7. Not applicable.

   
         8. Form of Participation Agreement among EQ Advisors Trust,
            Equitable, Equitable Distributors, Inc. and EQ Financial
            Consultants, Inc., incorporated by reference to the
            Registration Statement of EQ Advisors Trust on Form N-1A.
            (File Nos. 333-17217 and 811-07953).

         9. Opinion and Consent of Jonathan E. Gaines, Esq., Vice
            President and Associate General Counsel of Equitable, as to
            the legality of the securities being registered.

        10. (a) Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP.

            (b)(1) Powers of Attorney, previously filed with this
                   Registration Statement No. 33-83750 on, March 6,
                   1997.

            (b)(2) Power of Attorney for Didier Pineau-Valencienne.
    

        11. Not applicable.

        12. Not applicable.
        13. (a) Formulae for Determining Money Market Fund Yield for a
                Seven-Day Period for the INCOME MANAGER, previously filed
                with this Registration Statement No. 33-83750 on February 
                3, 1995.

            (b) Formulae for Determining Cumulative and Annualized
                Rates of Return for the INCOME MANAGER, previously
                filed with this Registration Statement No. 33-83750
                on February 3, 1995.

            (c) Formulae for Determining Standardized Performance
                Value and Annualized Average Performance Ratio for
                INCOME MANAGER Certificates, previously filed with
                this Registration Statement No. 33-83750 on
                February 3, 1995.

   
        27. Financial Data Schedule.
    



                                     C-3
<PAGE>

Item 25: Directors and Officers of Equitable.

   
         Set forth below is information regarding the directors and
         principal officers of Equitable. Equitable's address is 1290
         Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10104. The business
         address of the persons whose names are preceded by an asterisk
         is that of Equitable.
    

                                      POSITIONS AND
NAME AND PRINCIPAL                    OFFICES WITH
BUSINESS ADDRESS                      EQUITABLE
- ----------------                      ---------
DIRECTORS

   
Claude Bebear                         Director
AXA - UAP
23, Avenue Matignon
75008 Paris, France

Christopher J. Brocksom               Director
AXA Equity & Law
Elbury 9
Weedon Lane
Buckinghamshire HP 6505
England

Francoise Colloc'h                    Director
AXA - UAP
23, Avenue Matignon
75008 Paris, France

Henri de Castries                     Director
AXA - UAP
23, Avenue Matignon
75008 Paris, France
    

Joseph L. Dionne                      Director
The McGraw-Hill Companies
1221 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10020

William T. Esrey                      Director
Sprint Corporation
P.O. Box 11315
Kansas City, MO 64112

Jean-Rene Fourtou                     Director
Rhone-Poulenc S.A.
25 Quai Paul Doumer
92408 Courbevoie Cedex,
France

Norman C. Francis                     Director
Xavier University of Louisiana
7325 Palmetto Street
New Orleans, LA 70125


                                     C-4
<PAGE>


                                      POSITIONS AND
NAME AND PRINCIPAL                    OFFICES WITH
BUSINESS ADDRESS                      EQUITABLE
- ----------------                      ---------

Donald J. Greene                      Director
LeBouef, Lamb, Greene & MacRae
125 West 55th Street
New York, NY 10019-4513

John T. Hartley                       Director
Harris Corporation
1025 NASA Boulevard
Melbourne, FL 32919

John H.F. Haskell, Jr.                Director
Dillion, Read & Co., Inc.
535 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10028

   
Mary R. (Nina) Henderson              Director
CPC International, Inc.
International Plaza
P.O. Box 8000
Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632-9976
    

W. Edwin Jarmain                      Director
Jarmain Group Inc.
121 King Street West
Suite 2525
Toronto, Ontario M5H 3T9,
Canada

G. Donald Johnston, Jr.               Director
184-400 Ocean Road
John's Island
Vero Beach, FL 32963

Winthrop Knowlton                     Director
Knowlton Brothers, Inc.
530 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10036

Arthur L. Liman                       Director
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton &
   Garrison
1285 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10019

George T. Lowy                        Director
Cravath, Swaine & Moore
825 Eighth Avenue
New York, NY 10019


                                     C-5
<PAGE>

                                      POSITIONS AND
NAME AND PRINCIPAL                    OFFICES WITH
BUSINESS ADDRESS                      EQUITABLE
- ----------------                      ---------

   
Didier Pineau-Valencienne             Director
Schneider S.A.
64-70 Avenue Jean-Baptiste Clement
92646 Boulogne-Billancourt Cedex
France
    

George J. Sella, Jr.                  Director
P.O. Box 397
Newton, NJ 07860

Dave H. Williams                      Director
Alliance Capital Management 
  Corporation
1345 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10105

OFFICER-DIRECTORS

   
*James M. Benson                      President and Director (until 5/1/97)
    

*William T. McCaffrey                 Senior Executive Vice President,
                                      Chief Operating Officer and Director

   
*Joseph J. Melone                     Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive
                                      Officer and Director; President
                                      (effective 5/1/97)
    

OTHER OFFICERS

   
*A. Frank Beaz                        Senior Vice President

*Leon Billis                          Senior Vice President

*Harvey Blitz                         Senior Vice President and Deputy
                                      Chief Financial Officer

*Kevin R. Byrne                       Vice President and Treasurer
    

*Jerry M. de St. Paer                 Executive Vice President

   
*Gordon G. Dinsmore                   Senior Vice President

*Alvin H. Fenichel                    Senior Vice President and
                                      Controller
    


                                     C-6
<PAGE>

NAME AND PRINCIPAL                    OFFICES WITH
BUSINESS ADDRESS                      EQUITABLE
- ----------------                      ---------

   
*Paul J. Flora                        Senior Vice President and Auditor
    

*Robert E. Garber                     Executive Vice President and General
                                      Counsel

   
*Donald R. Kaplan                     Vice President and Chief Compliance
                                      Officer and Associate General Counsel
    

*Michael S. Martin                    Senior Vice President

   
*Peter D. Noris                       Executive Vice President and Chief
                                      Investment Officer

*Anthony C. Pasquale                  Senior Vice President

*Pauline Sherman                      Vice President, Secretary and Associate
                                      General Counsel

*Samuel B. Shlesinger                 Senior Vice President

*Richard V. Silver                    Senior Vice President and Deputy
                                      General Counsel
    

*Jose Suquet                          Executive Vice President and Chief
                                      Agency Officer

*Stanley B. Tulin                     Senior Executive Vice President
                                      and Chief Financial Officer

                                     C-7
<PAGE>

Item 26. Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with the Insurance
         Company or Registrant

         Separate Account No. 45 of The Equitable Life Assurance Society of
the United States (the "Separate Account") is a separate account of Equitable.
Equitable, a New York stock life insurance company, is a wholly owned
subsidiary of The Equitable Companies Incorporated (the "Holding Company"), a
publicly traded company.

   
         The largest stockholder of the Holding Company is AXA-UAP which as of
December 31, 1996 beneficially owned approximately 63.8% of the Holding
Company's outstanding common stock assuming conversion of its convertible
preferred stock. AXA-UAP is able to exercise significant influence over the
operations and capital structure of the Holding Company and its subsidiaries,
including Equitable. AXA-UAP, a French company, is the holding company for an
international group of insurance and related financial services companies.
    



                                     C-8
<PAGE>


                 ORGANIZATION CHART OF EQUITABLE'S AFFILIATES

The Equitable Companies Incorporated (l991) (Delaware)

      Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette, Inc. (1993) (Delaware) (44.1%) (See 
      Addendum B(1) for subsidiaries)

      The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States (1859) 
      (New York) (a)(b)

           The Equitable of Colorado, Inc. (l983) (Colorado)

           EVLICO, INC. (1995) (Delaware)

           EVLICO East Ridge, Inc. (1995) (California)

           GP/EQ Southwest, Inc. (1995) (Texas) (5.885%)

           Franconom, Inc. (1985) (Pennsylvania)

           Frontier Trust Company (1987) (North Dakota)

           Gateway Center Buildings, Garage, and Apartment Hotel, Inc. 
           (inactive) (pre-l970) (Pennsylvania)

           Equitable Deal Flow Fund, L.P.

                Equitable Managed Assets (Delaware)

           EREIM LP Associates (99%)

                EML Associates, L.P. (19.8%)

           Alliance Capital Management L.P. (2.71% limited partnership
           interest)

           ACMC, Inc. (1991) (Delaware)(s)

                Alliance Capital Management L.P. (1988) (Delaware)
                (49.09% limited partnership interest)

           EVCO, Inc. (1991) (New Jersey)

           EVSA, Inc. (1992) (Pennsylvania)

           Prime Property Funding, Inc. (1993) (Delaware)

           Wil Gro, Inc. (1992) (Pennsylvania)

           Equitable Underwriting and Sales Agency (Bahamas) Limited (1993)
           (Bahamas)

 (a) Registered Broker/Dealer       (b) Registered Investment Advisor


                                     C-9
<PAGE>

The Equitable Companies Incorporated (cont.)
      Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette, Inc.
      The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States (cont.)

           Fox Run Inc. (1994) (Massachusetts)

           STCS, Inc. (1992) (Delaware)

           CCMI Corporation (1994) (Maryland)

           FTM Corporation (1994) (Maryland)

           HVM Corporation (1994) (Maryland)

           Equitable BJVS, Inc. (1992) (California)

           Equitable Rowes Wharf, Inc. (1995) (Massachusetts)

           GP/EQ Southwest, Inc. (1995) (Texas) (94.132%)

           Camelback JVS, Inc. (1995) (Arizona)

           ELAS Realty, Inc. (1996) (Delaware)

           Equitable Realty Assets Corporation (1983) (Delaware)

           100 Federal Street Realty Corporation (Massachusetts)

   
           Equitable Structured Settlement Corporation (1996) (Delaware)
    

           Equitable Holding Corporation (1985) (Delaware)

                EQ Financial Consultants, Inc. (formerly Equico Securities,
                Inc.) (l97l) (Delaware) (a) (b)

                ELAS Securities Acquisition Corp. (l980) (Delaware)

                100 Federal Street Funding Corporation (Massachusetts)

                EquiSource of New York, Inc. (1986) (New York)  (See
                Addendum A for subsidiaries)

                Equitable Casualty Insurance Company (l986) (Vermont)

                EREIM LP Corp. (1986) (Delaware)

                      EREIM LP Associates (1%)

                           EML Associates (.02%)

                Six-Pac G.P., Inc. (1990) (Georgia)

(a) Registered Broker/Dealer       (b) Registered Investment Advisor


                                     C-10
<PAGE>

The Equitable Companies Incorporated (cont.)
  Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette, Inc.
  The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States (cont.)
      Equitable Holding Corporation (cont.)

                Equitable Distributors, Inc. (1988) (Delaware) (a)

                Equitable JVS, Inc. (1988) (Delaware)

                      Astor/Broadway Acquisition Corp. (1990) (New York)

                      Astor Times Square Corp. (1990) (New York)

                      PC Landmark, Inc. (1990) (Texas)

                      Equitable JVS II, Inc. (1994) (Maryland)

                      EJSVS, Inc. (1995) (New Jersey)

           Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette, Inc. (1985 by EIC; 1993 by EQ and
                      EHC) (Delaware) (36.1%) (See Addendum B(1) for
                      subsidiaries)

           JMR Realty Services, Inc. (1994) (Delaware)
   
    
           Equitable Investment Corporation (l97l) (New York)

                Stelas North Carolina Limited Partnership (50% limited 
                partnership interest) (l984)

                Equitable JV Holding Corporation (1989) (Delaware)

                Alliance Capital Management Corporation (l991) (Delaware) (b) 
                (See Addendum B(2) for subsidiaries)

                Equitable Capital Management Corporation (l985) (Delaware) (b)

                      Alliance Capital Management L.P. (1988) (Delaware)
                      (14.67% limited partnership interest)

                EQ Services, Inc. (1992) (Delaware)

                Equitable Agri-Business, Inc. (1984) Delaware

                Equitable Real Estate Investment Management, Inc. (l984) 
                (Delaware) (b) (See Addendum B(3) for subsidiaries)

(b) Registered Investment Advisor


                                     C-11
<PAGE>


                 ORGANIZATION CHART OF EQUITABLE'S AFFILIATES


                            ADDENDUM A - SUBSIDIARY
                       OF EQUITABLE HOLDING CORPORATION
                      HAVING MORE THAN FIVE SUBSIDIARIES

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

EquiSource of New York, Inc. (formerly Traditional Equinet Business Corporation
of New York) has the following subsidiaries that are brokerage companies to
make available to Equitable Agents within each state traditional (non-equity)
products and services not manufactured by Equitable:

      EquiSource of Alabama, Inc. (1986) (Alabama)
      EquiSource of Arizona, Inc. (1986) (Arizona)
      EquiSource of Arkansas, Inc. (1987) (Arkansas)
      EquiSource Insurance Agency of California, Inc. (1987) (California)
      EquiSource of Colorado, Inc. (1986) (Colorado)
      EquiSource of Delaware, Inc. (1986) (Delaware)
      EquiSource of Hawaii, Inc. (1987) (Hawaii)
      EquiSource of Maine, Inc. (1987) (Maine)
      EquiSource Insurance Agency of Massachusetts, Inc. (1988) (Massachusetts)
      EquiSource of Montana, Inc. (1986) (Montana)
      EquiSource of Nevada, Inc. (1986) (Nevada)
      EquiSource of New Mexico, Inc. (1987) (New Mexico)
      EquiSource of Pennsylvania, Inc. (1986) (Pennsylvania)
      EquiSource Insurance Agency of Utah, Inc. (1986) (Utah)
      EquiSource of Washington, Inc. (1987) (Washington)
      EquiSource of Wyoming, Inc. (1986) (Wyoming)



                                     C-12
<PAGE>

                 ORGANIZATION CHART OF EQUITABLE'S AFFILIATES
                     ADDENDUM B - INVESTMENT SUBSIDIARIES
                      HAVING MORE THAN FIVE SUBSIDIARIES

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

Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette, Inc. has the following subsidiaries, and
approximately 150 other subsidiaries, most of which are special purpose
subsidiaries (the number fluctuates according to business needs):

               Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette, Securities Corporation 
               (1985) (Delaware) (a) (b)
                    Wood, Struthers & Winthrop Management Corp. (1985) 
                    (Delaware) (b)
               Autranet, Inc. (1985) (Delaware) (a)
               DLJ Real Estate, Inc.
               DLJ Capital Corporation (b)
               DLJ Mortgage Capital, Inc. (1988) (Delaware)
                    Column Financial, Inc. (1993) (Delaware) (50%)

Alliance Capital Management Corporation (as general partner) (b)has the 
following subsidiaries:
               Alliance Capital Management L.P. (1988) (Delaware) (b)
                    Alliance Capital Management Corporation of Delaware, 
                    Inc. (Delaware)
                          Alliance Fund Services, Inc. (Delaware) (a)
                          Alliance Fund Distributors, Inc. (Delaware) (a)
                          Alliance Capital Oceanic Corp. (Delaware)
                          Alliance Capital Management Australia Pty. Ltd. 
                          (Australia)
                          Meiji - Alliance Capital Corp. (Delaware) (50%)
                          Alliance Capital (Luxembourg) S.A. (99.98%)
                          Alliance Eastern Europe Inc. (Delaware)
                          Alliance Barra Research Institute, Inc. (Delaware)
                          (50%)
                          Alliance Capital Management Canada, Inc. (Canada)
                          (99.99%)
                          Alliance Capital Management (Brazil) Llda
                          Alliance Capital Global Derivatives Corp. 
                          (Delaware)
                          Alliance International Fund Services S.A.
                          (Luxembourg)
                          Alliance Capital Management (India) Ltd. (Delaware)
                          Alliance Capital Mauritius Ltd.
                          Alliance Corporate Finance Group, Incorporated
                          (Delaware)
                               Equitable Capital Diversified Holdings, L.P. I
                               Equitable Capital Diversified Holdings, L.P. II
                          Curisitor Alliance L.L.C. (Delaware)
                               Curisitor Holdings Limited (UK)
                               Alliance Capital Management (Japan), Inc.
                               Alliance Capital Management (Asia) Ltd.
                               Alliance Capital Management (Turkey), Ltd.
                               Cursitor Alliance Management Limited (UK)

   (a) Registered Broker/Dealer       (b) Registered Investment Advisor


                                     C-13
<PAGE>

                 ORGANIZATION CHART OF EQUITABLE'S AFFILIATES
                             ADDENDUM B - (CONT.)
                            INVESTMENT SUBSIDIARIES
                      HAVING MORE THAN FIVE SUBSIDIARIES

Equitable Real Estate Investment Management, Inc. (b) has the following 
subsidiaries:

             Equitable Realty Portfolio Management, Inc. (1984) (Delaware)
                  EQK Partners (100% general partnership interest)
             Compass Management and Leasing Co. (formerly EREIM, Inc.) (1984) 
             (Colorado)
             Equitable Real Estate Capital Markets, Inc. (1987) (Delaware)
              (a)
             EPPNLP Corp. (1987) (Delaware)
             Equitable Pacific Partners Corp. (1987) (Delaware)
                  Equitable Pacific Partners Limited Partnership
             EREIM Managers Corp. (1986) (Delaware)
                  ML/EQ Real Estate Portfolio, L.P.
                       EML Associates, L.P. (80%)
             Compass Retail, Inc. (1990) (Delaware)
             Compass Management and Leasing, Inc. (1991) (Delaware)
                  CJVS, Inc. (1994) (California)
                  Compass Cayman (1996) (Cayman Islands)
                  Compass Management and Leasing (UK) Limited
             Column Financial, Inc. (1993) (Delaware) (50%)
             Buckhead Strategic Corp. (1994) (Delaware)
                  Buckhead Strategic Fund, L.P.
                       BH Strategic Co. I, L.P.
                       BH Strategic Co. II, L.P.
                       BH Strategic Co. III, L.P.
                       BH Strategic Co. IV, L.P.
             Community Funding, Inc. (1994) (Delaware)
                  Community Mortgage Fund, L.P. (1994) (Delaware)
             Buckhead Strategic Corp., II (1995) (Delaware)
                  Buckhead Strategic Fund L.P. II
                       Buckhead Co. I, L.P.
                       Buckhead Co. II, L.P.
                       Buckhead Co. III, L.P.
                             HYDOC, L.L.C.
                             Headwind Holding Corp.
                       Buckhead Co. IV, L.P.
                       Tricon Corp.
                             Tricon, L.P.
             Equitable Real Estate Hyperion Capital Advisors LLC (1995)
              (Delaware)

(a) Registered Broker/Dealer       (b) Registered Investment Advisor


                                     C-14
<PAGE>

                                AXA GROUP CHART

The information listed below is dated as of December 31, 1996; percentages
shown represent voting power. The name of the owner is noted when AXA
indirectly controls the company.

                AXA INSURANCE AND REINSURANCE BUSINESS HOLDING

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COMPANY                                            COUNTRY                 VOTING POWER
- -------                                            -------                 ------------
<S>                                               <C>                     <C>
Axa Assurances Iard                                France                  99%

Axa Assurances Vie                                 France                  100% by Axa and Axa Courtage Vie

Axa Courtage Iard                                  France                  99.9% by Axa and Axa Assurances Iard

Axa Courtage Vie                                   France                  99.4% by Axa and Axa Assurances Iard and
                                                                           Axa Courtage Iard

Alpha Assurances Vie                               France                  100%

Axa Direct                                         France                  100%

Direct Assurances Iard                             France                  100% by Axa Direct

Direct Assurance Vie                               France                  100% by Axa Direct

Axa Direkt Versicherung A.G.                       Germany                 100% owned by Axa Direct

Axiva                                              France                  100% by Axa and Axa Courtage Vie

Defense Civile                                     France                  95%

Societe Francaise d'Assistance                     France                  100% by SFA Holding

Monvoisin Assurances                               France                  99.9% by different companies and Mutuals

Societe Beaujon                                    France                  99.9%

Lor Finance                                        France                  99.9%

Jour Finance                                       France                  100% by Alpha Assurances Iard and by Axa
                                                                           Assurances Iard

Compagnie Auxiliaire pour le Commerce and          France                  99.8% by Societe Beaujon
l'Industrie

C.F.G.A.                                           France                  99.96% owned by Mutuals and Finaxa

Axa Global Risks                                   France                  100% owned by Axa and Mutuals

Saint Bernard Diffusion                            France                  94.92% owned by Direct Assurances Iard

Sogarep                                            France                  95%, (100% with Mutuals)

Argovie                                            France                  100% by Axiva and SCA Argos

Finargos                                           France                  70.5% owned by Axiva


                                     C-15
<PAGE>


<CAPTION>
COMPANY                                            COUNTRY                 VOTING POWER
- -------                                            -------                 ------------

Astral Finance                                     France                  99.33% by Axa Courtage Vie

Argos                                              France                  N.S.

Finaxa Belgium                                     Belgium                 100%

Axa Belgium                                        Belgium                 26.8% by Axa(SA) and 72.6% by Finaxa Belgium

De Kortrijske Verzekering                          Belgium                 99.8% by Axa Belgium

Juris                                              Belgium                 100% owned by Finaxa Belgium

Finaxa Luxembourg                                  Luxembourg              100%

Axa Assurance IARD Luxembourg                      Luxembourg              99.9%

Axa Assurance Vie Luxembourg                       Luxembourg              99.9%

Axa Aurora                                         Spain                   50% owned by Axa

Aurora Polar SA de Seguros y Reaseguros            Spain                   99.4% owned by Axa Aurora

Axa Vida SA de Seguros y Reaseguros                Spain                   89.82% owned by Aurora Polar 5% by Axa

Axa Gestion de Seguros y Reaseguros                Spain                   99.1% owned by Axa Aurora

Hilo Direct Seguros                                Spain                   99.9% by Axa Aurora

Axa Assicurazioni                                  Italy                   100% owned by Axa

Eurovita                                           Italy                   30% owned by Axa Assicurazioni

Axa Equity & Law plc                               U.K.                    99.9% owned by Axa

Axa Equity & Law Life Assurance Society            U.K.                    100% by Axa Equity & Law plc

Axa Equity & Law International                     U.K.                    100% owned by Axa Equity & Law Life
                                                                           Assurance Society

Axa Leven                                          The Netherlands         100% by Axa Equity & Law Life Assurance
                                                                           Society

Axa Insurance                                      U.K.                    100% owned by Axa

Axa Global Risks                                   U.K.                    100% owned by Axa Global Risks (France)

Axa Canada                                         Canada                  100% owned by Axa

Boreal Insurance                                   Canada                  100% owned by Gestion Fracapar

Axa Assurances Inc.                                Canada                  100% owned by Axa Canada




                                     C-16
<PAGE>


<CAPTION>
COMPANY                                            COUNTRY                 VOTING POWER
- -------                                            -------                 ------------

Axa Insurance Inc.                                 Canada                  100% owned by Axa Canada and Axa Assurance
                                                                           Inc.

Anglo Canada General Insurance Cy                  Canada                  100% owned by Axa Canada

Axa Pacific Insurance                              Canada                  100% by Boreal Insurance

Boreal Assurances Agricoles                        Canada                  100% by Boreal Insurance

Sime Axa Berhad                                    Malaysia                30% owned by Axa and Axa Reassurance

Axa Sime Investment Holdings Pte Ltd               Singapore               50%

Axa Sime Assurance                                 Hong Kong               100% owned by Axa Sime Invt. Holdings Pte
                                                                           Ltd

Axa Sime Assurance                                 Singapore               100% owned by Axa Sime Invt Holdings Pte Ltd

Axa Life Insurance                                 Hong Kong               100%

PT Asuransi Axa Indonesia                          Indonesia               80%

Equitable Cies Incorp.                             U.S.A.                  60.8% between Axa, 44.69% Financiere 45,
                                                                           3.8%, Lorfinance 7.6% and Axa Equity & Law
                                                                           Life Association Society 4.8%

Equitable Life Assurance of the USA                U.S.A.                  100% owned by Equitable Cies Inc.

National Mutual Holdings Ltd                       Australia               51% between Axa, 42.1% and Axa Equity & Law
                                                                           Life Assurance Society 8.9%

The National Mutual Life Association of            Australia               100% owned by National Mutual Holdings Ltd
Australasia Ltd

National Mutual International Pty Ltd              Australia               100% owned by National Mutual Holdings Ltd

National Mutual (Bermuda) Ltd                      Australia               100% owned by National Mutual International
                                                                           Pty Ltd

National Mutual Asia Ltd                           Australia               55% owned by National Mutual Holdings Ltd
                                                                           and 20% by Datura Ltd and 13% by National
                                                                           Mutual Life Association of Australasia

Australian Casualty & Life Ltd                     Australia               100% owned by National Mutual Holdings Ltd

National Mutual Health Insurance Pty Ltd           Australia               100% owned by National Mutual Holdings Ltd




                                     C-17
<PAGE>


<CAPTION>
COMPANY                                            COUNTRY                 VOTING POWER
- -------                                            -------                 ------------

Axa Reassurance                                    France                  100% owned by Axa, Axa Assurances Iard and
                                                                           Axa Global Risks

Axa Re Finance                                     France                  80% owned by Axa Reassurance

Axa Re Vie                                         France                  99.9% owned by Axa Reassurance

Axa Cessions                                       France                  100% by Axa

Axa Re Mexico                                      Mexico                  100% owned by Axa Reassurance

Axa Re Asia                                        Singapore               100% owned by Axa Reassurance

Axa Re U.K. Plc                                    U.K.                    100% owned by Axa Re U.K. Holding

Axa Re U.K. Holding                                U.K.                    100% owned by Axa Reassurance

Axa Re U.S.A.                                      U.S.A.                  100% owned by Axa America
                                                                           and Axa Reassurance

Axa America                                        U.S.A.                  100% owned by Axa Reassurance

International Technology                           U.S.A.                  80% owned by Axa America
Underwriters Inc. (INTEC)

Axa Re Life                                        U.S.A.                  100% owned by Axa Re Vie

C.G.R.M.                                           Monaco                  100% owned by Axa Reassurance

Axa Life Insurance                                 Japan                   100% owned by Axa

Dongbu Axa Life Insurance Co Ltd                   Korea                   50% owned by Axa

Axa Oyak Hayat Sigota                              Turkey                  60% owned by Axa

Oyak Sigorta                                       Turkey                  11% owned by Axa
</TABLE>
    



                                     C-18
<PAGE>

                            AXA FINANCIAL BUSINESS

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COMPANY                                            COUNTRY                 VOTING POWER
- -------                                            -------                 ------------
<S>                                               <C>                     <C>
Compagnie Financiere de Paris (C.F.P.)             France                  96.9%, (100% with Mutuals)

Axa Banque                                         France                  98.7% owned by C.F.P.

Financiere 78                                      France                  100% owned by C.F.P.

Axa Credit                                         France                  65% owned by C.F.P.

Axa Gestion Interessement                          France                  100% owned by Axa Asset Management Europe

Compagnie Europeenne de Credit (C.E.C.)            France                  100% owned by C.F.P.

Fidei                                              France                  20.7% owned by C.F.P. and 10.8% by Axamur

Societe de Placements Selectionnes S.P.S.          France                  98.58% with Mutuals

Presence et Initiative                             France                  100% with Mutuals

Vamopar                                            France                  100% owned by Societe Beaujon

Financiere Mermoz                                  France                  100%

Axa Asset Management Europe                        France                  100%

Axa Asset Management Partenaires                   France                  100% owned by Axa Asset Management Europe

Axa Asset Management Conseils                      France                  100% owned by Axa Asset Management Europe

Axa Asset Management Distribution                  France                  100% owned by Axa Asset Management Europe

Axa Equity & Law Home Loans                        U.K.                    100% owned by Axa Equity & Law Plc

Axa Equity & Law Commercial Loans                  U.K.                    100% owned by Axa Equity & Law Plc


                                     C-19
<PAGE>


<CAPTION>
COMPANY                                            COUNTRY                 VOTING POWER
- -------                                            -------                 ------------
Alliance Capital Management                        U.S.A.                  59% held by ELAS

Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette                        U.S.A.                  44.1% owned by Equitable Cies Inc. and
                                                                           36.1% by Equitable Holding Cies

National Mutual Funds Management (Global) Ltd      Australia               100% owned by National Mutual Holdings Ltd

National Mutual Funds Management North             USA                     100% by National Mutual Funds Management
America Holding Inc.                                                       (Global) Ltd.

Cogefin                                            Luxembourg              100% owned by Axa Belgium

Financiere 45                                      France                  99.8% owned by Axa

Mofipar                                            France                  99.76% owned by Axa

ORIA                                               France                  100% owned by Axa Millesimes

Axa Oeuvres d'Art                                  France                  100% by Mutuals

Axa Cantenac Brown                                 France                  100% by Societe Beaujon

Axa Suduiraut                                      France                  99.6% owned by Societe Beaujon

Colisee Acti Finance 2                             France                  99.8% owned by Axa Assurances Iard Mutuelle
</TABLE>
    


                                     C-20
<PAGE>

                           AXA REAL ESTATE BUSINESS

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COMPANY                                            COUNTRY                 VOTING POWER
- -------                                            -------                 ------------
<S>                                               <C>                     <C>
C.I.P.M.                                           France                  97.8% with Mutuals

Fincosa                                            France                  100% owned by C.I.P.M.

Prebail                                            France                  100% owned by Societe Beaujon and C.F.P.

Axamur                                             France                  100% by different companies and Mutuelles

Parigest                                           France                  100% by Mutuals, C.I.P.M. and Fincosa

Parimmo                                            France                  100% by the insurance companies and Mutuals

S.G.C.I.                                           France                  100% by different companies and Mutuelles

Transaxim                                          France                  100% owned by S.G.C.I. and C.P.P.

Compagnie Parisienne de Participations             France                  100% owned by S.G.C.I.

Monte Scopando                                     France                  100% owned by C.P.P.

Matipierre                                         France                  100% by different companies

Securimmo                                          France                  87.12% by different companies and Mutuals

Paris Orleans                                      France                  100% by Axa Courtage Iard

Colisee Bureaux                                    France                  100% by different companies and Mutuals

Colisee Premiere                                   France                  100% by different companies and Mutuals

Colisee Laffitte                                   France                  100% by Colisee Bureaux

Fonicere Carnot Laforge                            France                  100% by Colisee Premiere

Parc Camoin                                        France                  100% by Colisee Premiere

Delta Point du Jour                                France                  100% owned by Matipierre

Paroi Nord de l'Arche                              France                  100% owned by Matipierre

Falival                                            France                  100% owned by Axa Reassurance

Compagnie du Gaz d'Avignon                         France                  99% owned by Axa Ass Iard

Ahorro Familiar                                    France                  42.2% owned by Axa Assurances Iard

Fonciere du Val d'Oise                             France                  100% owned by C.P.P.

Sodarec                                            France                  100% owned by C.P.P.



                                     C-21
<PAGE>

<CAPTION>
COMPANY                                            COUNTRY                 VOTING POWER
- -------                                            -------                 ------------

Centrexpo                                          France                  100% owned by C.P.P.

Fonciere de la Vile du Bois                        France                  100% owned by Centrexpo

Colisee Seine                                      France                  100% owned by different companies

Translot                                           France                  100% owned by SGCI

S.N.C. Dumont d'Urville                            France                  100% owned by Colisee Premiere

Colisee Federation                                 France                  100% by SGCI

Colisee Saint Georges                              France                  100% by SGCI

Drouot Industrie                                   France                  50% by SGCI and 50% by Axamur

Colisee Vauban                                     France                  99.6% by Matipierre

Fonciere Colisee                                   France                  100% by Matipierre and different companies

Axa Pierre S.C.I.                                  France                  97.6% owned by different companies and
                                                                           Mutuals

Axa Millesimes                                     France                  85.2% owned by AXA and the Mutuals

Chateau Suduirault                                 France                  100% owned by Axa Millesimes

Diznoko                                            Hongrie                 95% owned by Axa Millesimes

Compagnie Fonciere Matignon                        France                  100% by different companies and Mutuals

Equitable Real Estate Investment                   U.S.A.                  100% owned by ELAS

Quinta do Noval Vinhos S.A.                        Portugal                99.6% owned by Axa Millesimes
</TABLE>
    


                                     C-22
<PAGE>

                              OTHER AXA BUSINESS

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COMPANY                                            COUNTRY                 VOTING POWER
- -------                                            -------                 ------------
<S>                                               <C>                     <C>
A.N.F.                                             France                  95.4% owned by Finaxa

Lucia                                              France                  20.6% owned by Axa Assurances Iard and 8.6%
                                                                           by Mutuals

Schneider                                          France                  10.4%
</TABLE>
    



                                     C-23
<PAGE>

                 ORGANIZATION CHART OF EQUITABLE'S AFFILIATES


                                     NOTES


1.     The year of formation or acquisition and state or country of
       incorporation of each affiliate is shown.

2.     The chart omits certain relatively inactive special purpose real estate
       subsidiaries, partnerships, and joint ventures formed to operate or
       develop a single real estate property or a group of related properties,
       and certain inactive name-holding corporations.

3.     All ownership interests on the chart are 100% common stock ownership
       except: (a) The Equitable Companies Incorporated's 44.1% interest in
       Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette, Inc. and Equitable Holding Corporation's
       36.1% interest in same; (b) as noted for certain partnership interests;
       (c) Equitable Life's ACMC, Inc.'s and Equitable Capital Management
       Corporation's limited partnership interests in Alliance Capital
       Management L.P.; (d) as noted for certain subsidiaries of Alliance
       Capital Management Corp. of Delaware, Inc.; (e) Treasurer Robert L.
       Bennett's 20% interest in Compass Management and Leasing Co. (formerly
       EREIM, Inc.); and (f) DLJ Mortgage Capital's and Equitable Real
       Estate's respective ownerships, 50% each in Column Financial, Inc.

4.     The operational status of the entities shown as having been formed or
       authorized but "not yet fully operational" should be checked with the
       appropriate operating areas, especially for those that are start-up
       situations.

5.     The following entities are not included in this chart because, while
       they have an affiliation with The Equitable, their relationship is not
       the ongoing equity-based form of control and ownership that is
       characteristic of the affiliations on the chart, and, in the case of the
       first two entities, they are under the direction of at least a majority
       of "outside" trustees:

   
                              The Equitable Funds
                            The Hudson River Trust
                               EQ Advisors Trust
                               Separate Accounts

6.     This chart was last revised on March 31, 1997.
    


                                     C-24
<PAGE>

Item 27. Number of Contractowners

   
         As of March 31, 1997, there were 4,653 owners of qualified and
non-qualified contracts offered by the registrant hereunder.
    

Item 28. Indemnification

         Indemnification of Principal Underwriter

         To the extent permitted by law of the State of New York and subject
to all applicable requirements thereof, Equitable Distributors, Inc. has
undertaken to indemnify each of its directors and officers who is made or
threatened to be made a party to any action or proceeding, whether civil or
criminal, by reason of the fact the director or officer, or his or her
testator or intestate, is or was a director or officer of Equitable
Distributors, Inc.

         Undertaking

         Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities
Act of 1933 ("Act") 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.

Item 29. Principal Underwriters

   
         (a) Equitable Distributors, Inc., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary
of Equitable, is the principal underwriter for Separate Account No. 45. The
principal business address of Equitable Distributors, Inc. is 1290 Avenue of
the Americas, NY, NY 10104.
    

         (b) Set forth below is certain information regarding the directors
and principal officers of Equitable Distributors, Inc. The business address of
the persons whose names are preceded by an asterisk is that of Equitable
Distributors, Inc.



                                     C-25
<PAGE>

NAME AND PRINCIPAL                    POSITIONS AND OFFICES
BUSINESS ADDRESS                      WITH UNDERWRITER
- ----------------                      ----------------
*Jerome Golden                        Chairman of the Board and Director

 James A. Shepherdson, III            Co-Chief Executive Officer, Co-President,
 660 Newport Center Drive             Managing Director, and Director
 Suite 1200
 Newport Beach, CA 92660

 Greg Brakovich                       Co-Chief Executive Officer, Co-President,
 660 Newport Center Drive             Managing Director, and Director
 Suite 1200
 Newport Beach, CA 92660

 Phillip Meserve                      Managing Director
 660 Newport Center Drive
 Suite 1200
 Newport Beach, CA 92660

 Dennis Witte                         Senior Vice President
 135 W 50th Street
 New York, NY 10019

*James M. Benson                      Director (until 5/1/97)

*William T. McCaffrey                 Director

 Thomas D. Bullen                     Chief Financial Officer
 200 Plaza Drive
 Secaucus, NJ 07096-1583

   
*Mary P. Breen                        Vice President and Counsel

 Michael Brzozowski                   Chief Compliance Officer
 1755 Broadway
 New York, NY 10020

*Ronald R. Quist                      Treasurer

*Janet Hannon                         Secretary

*Linda Galasso                        Assistant Secretary
    


         (c) The information under "Distribution of the Certificates" in the
Prospectus forming a part of this Registration Statement is incorporated
herein by reference.

Item 30. Location of Accounts and Records

   
         The records required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the
Investment Company Act of 1940 and Rules 31a-1 to 31a-3 thereunder are
maintained by Equitable at 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, 
    



                                     C-26
<PAGE>

   
New York 10104. The policies files will be kept at Vantage Computer System,
Inc., 301 W. 11th Street, Kansas City, Mo. 64105.
    


Item 31. Management Services

         Not applicable.


Item 32. Undertakings

The Registrant hereby undertakes:

         (a)      to file a post-effective amendment to this registration
                  statement as frequently as is necessary to ensure that the
                  audited financial statements in the registration statement
                  are never more than 16 months old for so long as payments
                  under the variable annuity contracts may be accepted;

         (b)      to include either (1) as part of any application to purchase
                  a contract offered by the prospectus, a space that an
                  applicant can check to request a Statement of Additional
                  Information, or (2) a postcard or similar written
                  communication affixed to or included in the prospectus that
                  the applicant can remove to send for a Statement of
                  Additional Information;

         (c)      to deliver any Statement of Additional Information and any
                  financial statements required to be made available under
                  this Form promptly upon written or oral request.

   
Equitable represents that the fees and charges deducted under the Certificates
described in this Registration Statement, in the aggregate, in each case, are
reasonable in relation to the services rendered, the expenses to be incurred,
and the risks assumed by Equitable under the respective Certificates. Equitable
bases its representation on its assessment of all of the facts and
circumstances, including such relevant factors as: the nature and extent of
such services, expenses and risks, the need for Equitable to earn a profit, the
degree to which the Certificates include innovative features, and regulatory
standards for the grant of exemptive relief under the Investment Company Act of
1940 used prior to October 1996, including the range of industry practice.
    




                                     C-27
<PAGE>

                                  SIGNATURES


   
         As required by the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company
Act of 1940, the Registrant has duly caused this amendment to the registration
statement to be signed on its behalf, in the City and State of New York, on
this 29th day of April, 1997.
    


                                         SEPARATE ACCOUNT No. 45 OF
                                         THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY 
                                         OF THE UNITED STATES
                                                     (Registrant)

                                         By: The Equitable Life Assurance
                                             Society of the United States


                                         By: /s/ Jerome S. Golden
                                            ---------------------------------
                                             Jerome S. Golden
                                             President,
                                             Income Management Group,
                                             A Division of The Equitable Life
                                             Assurance Society of the United
                                             States
                                            

                                     C-28
<PAGE>


                                   SIGNATURES


   
         As required by the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company
Act of 1940, the Depositor has duly caused this amendment to the registration
statement to be signed on its behalf, in the City and State of New York, on
this 29th day of April, 1997.
    


                                         THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY
                                                 OF THE UNITED STATES
                                                      (Depositor)


                                         By: /s/ Jerome S. Golden
                                            ---------------------------------
                                             Jerome S. Golden
                                             President,
                                             Income Management Group,
                                             A Division of The Equitable Life
                                             Assurance Society of the United 
                                             States


         As required by the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company
Act of 1940, this amendment to the registration statement has been signed by
the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated:

PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICERS:
   
James M. Benson                 President and Director
    
William T. McCaffrey            Senior Executive Vice President,
                                Chief Operating Officer and Director

   
Joseph J. Melone                Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer 
                                and Director
    

PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER:

Stanley B. Tulin                Senior Executive Vice President and Chief 
                                Financial Officer

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING OFFICER:

   
/s/ Alvin H. Fenichel           Senior Vice President and Controller
- ---------------------------
Alvin H. Fenichel
April 29, 1997
    

DIRECTORS:
Claude Bebear           Jean-Rene Foutou           Winthrop Knowlton
James M. Benson         Norman C. Francis          Arthur L. Liman
Christopher Brocksom    Donald J. Greene           George T. Lowy
Francoise Colloc'h      John T. Hartley            William T. McCaffrey
Henri de Castries       John H.F. Haskell, Jr.     Joseph J. Melone
Joseph L. Dionne        W. Edwin Jarmain           Didier Pineau-Valencienne
William T. Esrey        G. Donald Johnston, Jr.    George J. Sella, Jr.
                                                   Dave H. Williams

   
By: /s/ Jerome S. Golden
   ------------------------
        Jerome S. Golden
        Attorney-in-Fact
        April 29, 1997
    


<PAGE>


                                 EXHIBIT INDEX


EXHIBIT NO.                         PAGE NO.
- -----------                         --------

   
 4(j)           Forms of data pages for Accumulator and Rollover IRA.

 5(c)           Forms of Enrollment Form/Application for Accumulator and
                Rollover IRA.

 9              Opinion and Consent of Jonathan E. Gaines, Esq., Vice
                President and Associate General Counsel of Equitable,
                as to the legality of the securities being registered.

10(a)           Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP

10(b)(2)        Power of Attorney for Didier Pineau-Valencienne

27              Financial Data Schedule
    



<PAGE>

                    ACCUMULATOR [(COMBINED GUARANTEED MINIMUM DEATH BENEFIT AND
                                 GUARANTEED MINIMUM INCOME BENEFIT - PLAN A) OR
                      (GUARANTEED MINIMUM DEATH BENEFIT ONLY BENEFIT - PLAN B)]

                                      DATA

PART A -- THIS PART LISTS YOUR PERSONAL DATA.


OWNER:        [JOHN DOE]

ANNUITANT:    [JOHN DOE]                             Age: [60]   Sex: [Male]

CONTRACT:  GROUP ANNUITY CONTRACT NO. AC 7625

CERTIFICATE NUMBER:     [00000]

      ENDORSEMENTS ATTACHED: [Minimum Income Benefit Endorsement]
                             Endorsement Applicable to Non-Qualified
                             Certificates
                             Endorsement Applicable to Market Value
                             Adjustment Terms
                             Rider to Endorsement Applicable to Market Value
                             Adjustment Terms

      ISSUE DATE:            [May 1, 1997]

      CONTRACT DATE:         [May 1, 1997]

ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE:   [August 22, 2027]

      THE MAXIMUM MATURITY AGE IS AGE [90] -- SEE SECTION 7.03. 
      The Annuity Commencement Date may not be later than the Processing Date 
      which follows the Annuitant's [90th] birthday.

BENEFICIARY:  [JANE DOE]

SUCCESSOR OWNER/ANNUITANT: [Applicable if the Owner and Annuitant are the
                           same person and the spouse is the beneficiary at
                           the time of election and time of Owner/Annuitant's
                           death] [JANE DOE]

<PAGE>

DATA PAGES (CONT'D)


PART B -- THIS PART DESCRIBES CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF YOUR CERTIFICATE.


INITIAL CONTRIBUTION RECEIVED (SEE SECTION 3.02):     [$10,000.00]

INVESTMENT OPTIONS AVAILABLE (SEE PART II); YOUR ALLOCATION IS ALSO SHOWN.

INVESTMENT OPTIONS                                ALLOCATION (SEE SECTION 3.01)
- ------------------                                -----------------------------

o   ALLIANCE CONSERVATIVE INVESTORS FUND 
o   ALLIANCE GROWTH INVESTORS FUND 
o   ALLIANCE GROWTH AND INCOME FUND 
o   ALLIANCE COMMON STOCK FUND                                $10,000.00 
o   ALLIANCE GLOBAL FUND 
o   ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL FUND 
o   ALLIANCE AGGRESSIVE STOCK FUND 
o   ALLIANCE SMALL CAP GROWTH FUND 
o   ALLIANCE MONEY MARKET FUND 
o   ALLIANCE INTERMEDIATE GOVERNMENT SECURITIES FUND 
o   ALLIANCE HIGH YIELD FUND 
o   EQ/PUTNAM BALANCED FUND
o   EQ/PUTNAM GROWTH & INCOME VALUE FUND 
o   MFS EMERGING GROWTH COMPANIES FUND 
o   MFS RESEARCH FUND
o   MERRILL LYNCH BASIC VALUE EQUITY FUND 
o   MERRILL LYNCH WORLD STRATEGY FUND
o   MORGAN STANLEY EMERGING MARKETS EQUITY FUND 
o   T. ROWE PRICE EQUITY INCOME FUND
o   T. ROWE PRICE INTERNATIONAL STOCK FUND
o   WARBURG PINCUS SMALL COMPANY VALUE FUND
o   GUARANTEE PERIODS (CLASS I)
      EXPIRATION DATE AND GUARANTEED RATE
      FEBRUARY 15, 1998
      FEBRUARY 15, 1999 
      FEBRUARY 15, 2000
      FEBRUARY 15, 2001
      FEBRUARY 15, 2002
      FEBRUARY 15, 2003
      FEBRUARY 15, 2004
      FEBRUARY 15, 2005
      FEBRUARY 15, 2006
      FEBRUARY 15, 2007
                                                      -------------------
                                                      TOTAL: [$10,000.00]

Investment Options shown are Investment Funds of our Separate Account No. 45
and Guarantee Periods shown are in the Guaranteed Period Account.  See
Endorsement Applicable to Market Value Adjustment Terms.

"TYPES" OF INVESTMENT OPTIONS (SEE SECTION 4.02):   Not applicable

GUARANTEED INTEREST ACCOUNT (SEE SECTION 2.01):     Not available under this
                                                    Certificate

No. 94ICB                                    Data page 2               (5/97)

<PAGE>

DATA PAGES (CONT'D)


BUSINESS DAY (SEE SECTION 1.05): A Business Day for this Certificate will mean
any day on which the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading.

PROCESSING DATES (SEE SECTION 1.20):  A Processing Date is each Contract Date
anniversary.

AVAILABILITY OF INVESTMENT OPTIONS (SEE SECTION 2.04):  (See Data pages, Part
C; Allocation Restrictions)

ALLOCATION OF CONTRIBUTIONS (SEE SECTION 3.01): Except as indicated below, your
initial and any subsequent Contributions are allocated according to your
instructions.

If you have elected Principal Assurance in the application then a portion of
your initial Contribution is allocated by us to a Guarantee Period you have
selected. The remaining portion of your initial Contribution is allocated to
the Investment Funds according to your instructions. Any subsequent
Contributions will be allocated according to your instructions. (See Data
pages, Part C; Allocation Restrictions)

CONTRIBUTION LIMITS (SEE SECTION 3.02): Initial Contribution minimum: $5,000.
Subsequent Contribution minimum: $1,000. Subsequent Contributions can be made
at any time up until the Annuitant attains age 84. We may refuse to accept any
Contribution if the sum of all Contributions under your Certificate would then
total more than $1,500,000. We reserve the right to limit aggregate
Contributions made after the first Contract Year to 150% of first year
Contributions. We may also refuse to accept any Contribution if the sum of all
Contributions under all Equitable Life annuity accumulation
certificates/contracts that you own would then total more than $2,500,000.

TRANSFER RULES (SEE SECTION 4.02): Transfers among Investment Options may be
made at any time during the Contract Year.

ALLOCATION OF WITHDRAWALS (SEE SECTION 5.01): Lump Sum Withdrawals - You must
provide withdrawal instructions indicating from which Investment Options the
Lump Sum Withdrawal and any withdrawal charge will be taken; Systematic
Withdrawals - Unless you specify otherwise, Systematic Withdrawals will be
withdrawn on a pro rata basis from your Annuity Account Value in the Investment
Funds. If there is insufficient value or no value in the Investment Funds, any
additional amount required or the total amount of the withdrawal, as
applicable, will be withdrawn from the Guarantee Periods in order of the
earliest Expiration Date(s) first.

WITHDRAWAL RESTRICTIONS (SEE SECTION 5.01): Systematic Withdrawals - May not
start sooner than 28 days after issue of this Certificate. You may elect to
receive Systematic Withdrawals on a monthly, quarterly or annual basis subject
to a maximum of 1.2% monthly, 3.6% quarterly and 15.0% annually of the Annuity
Account Value as of the Transaction Date.

No. 94ICB                                    Data page 3               (5/97)

<PAGE>

DATA PAGES (CONT'D)


MINIMUM WITHDRAWAL AMOUNT (SEE SECTION 5.01): Lump Sum Withdrawals minimum -
$1,000; Systematic Withdrawals minimum - $250.

MINIMUM AMOUNT OF ANNUITY ACCOUNT VALUE AFTER A WITHDRAWAL (SEE SECTION 5.02):
Requests for a withdrawal must be for either (a) 90% or less of the Cash Value
or (b) 100% of the Cash Value (surrender of the Certificate).

We will NOT exercise our rights, described in Sections 5.02(b) and 5.02(c), to
terminate the Certificate.

DEATH BENEFIT AMOUNT (SEE SECTION 6.01):

The sum of:

      (1)   The Annuity Account Value in the Investment Funds, or, if greater,
            the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit defined below; and

      (2)   The death benefit amount provided with respect to the Endorsement
            Applicable to Market Value Adjustment Terms.  (See Data pages,
            Part C)

      Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit
      [APPLICABLE TO RESIDENTS IN ALL STATES EXCEPT NEW YORK] 
      [6% to Age 80 Benefit - On the Contract Date, the Guaranteed Minimum 
      Death Benefit is equal to the portion of the initial Contribution 
      allocated to the Investment Funds. Thereafter, the Guaranteed Minimum 
      Death Benefit is credited with interest at 6% (3% for amounts in the 
      Alliance Money Market and Alliance Intermediate Government Securities 
      Funds) on each Contract Date anniversary through the Annuitant's age 80 
      (or on the date of the Annuitant's death, if earlier), and 0% thereafter 
      and is adjusted for any subsequent contributions, transfers into the 
      Investment Funds and transfers and withdrawals from such Funds.] 

      [APPLICABLE TO NEW YORK RESIDENTS ONLY - ANNUITANT ISSUE AGES 20 THROUGH 
      79] [On the Contract Date, the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit is equal 
      to the initial Contribution. Thereafter, the Guaranteed Minimum Death 
      Benefit is reset through the Annuitant's age 80 to the Annuity Account 
      Value on a Contract Date anniversary if higher than the current 
      Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit, and is adjusted for any subsequent 
      Contributions and withdrawals.

      Upon your death, the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit will be reset to
      the Annuity Account Value in the Investment funds, plus the sum of the
      Guaranteed Period Amounts in each Guarantee Period, if greater than the
      Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit determined above.]

No. 94ICB                                    Data page 4               (5/97)

<PAGE>

DATA PAGES (CONT'D)


      [APPLICABLE TO NEW YORK RESIDENTS ONLY - ANNUITANT ISSUE AGES 80 THROUGH
      83] 
      [On the Contract Date, the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit is equal to 
      the portion of the initial Contribution allocated to the Investment 
      Funds. Thereafter, the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit is equal to such
      portion of the initial Contribution plus (a) any subsequent Contributions
      and transfers into the Investment Funds, less (b) any transfers and
      withdrawals from such Funds

      [IF A SUCCESSOR OWNER/ANNUITANT IS ELECTED] 
      [On the Processing Date following your death, if the successor 
      Owner/Annuitant election is in effect at your death, the Guaranteed 
      Minimum Death Benefit will be reset at the greater of the current 
      Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit and the current Annuity Account Value 
      in the Investment Funds. In determining whether the Guaranteed Minimum 
      Death Benefit will continue to grow, we can use the age (as of the 
      Processing Date) of the successor Owner/Annuitant.]

      Withdrawals and transfers will cause a reduction in the Guaranteed
      Minimum Death Benefit (described above) [and Guaranteed Minimum Income
      Benefit benefit base (described below)] on a pro rata basis.

NORMAL FORM OF ANNUITY (SEE SECTION 7.04):  Life Annuity 10 Year Period
Certain

AMOUNT OF ANNUITY BENEFIT (SEE SECTION 7.05): The amount applied to provide the
Annuity Benefit will be (1) the Annuity Account Value for any life annuity form
or (2) the Cash Value for any period certain only annuity form except that if
the period certain is more than five years the amount applied will be no less
than 95% of the Annuity Account Value.

INTEREST RATE TO BE APPLIED IN ADJUSTING FOR MISSTATEMENT OF AGE OR SEX (SEE
SECTION 7.06):
6% per year

MINIMUM AMOUNT TO BE APPLIED TO AN ANNUITY (SEE SECTION 7.06): $2,000, as well
as minimum of $20 for initial monthly annuity payment.

[APPLICABLE TO PLAN A]
[GUARANTEED MINIMUM INCOME BENEFIT (SEE SECTION 7.08): You may apply your
Annuity Account Value in the Investment Funds during the period of time
indicated below to purchase a minimum amount of guaranteed lifetime income
under our Income Manager (Life Annuity with a Period Certain) Certificate. The
Income Manager (Life Annuity with a Period Certain) provides payments during a
period certain with payments continuing for life thereafter. The period certain
is based on the Annuitant's age at the time the Income Manager (Life Annuity
with a Period Certain) is elected. The period certain is 10 years for Annuitant
ages 60 through 80; 9 years for Annuitant age 81; 8 years for Annuitant age 82;
and 7 years for Annuitant age 83.

No. 94ICB                                    Data page 5               (5/97)

<PAGE>

DATA PAGES (CONT'D)


The Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit is available only if it is exercised
within 30 days following the 7th or later Contract Date anniversary under this
Certificate. However, it may not be exercised earlier than the Annuitant's age
60, nor later than the Annuitant's age 83 [Applicable to Annuitant issue ages
20 to 44 - except that for Annuitant's issue ages 20 to 44, it may be exercised
following the 15th or later Contract Date anniversary].

On the Transaction Date that you exercise the Guaranteed Minimum Income
Benefit, your periodic lifetime income that will be provided under the Income
Manager (Life Annuity with a Period Certain) will be the greater of (i) your
Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit, and (ii) the amount of income that would be
provided based on your Annuity Account Value in the Investment Funds as of the
Transaction Date and our then current annuity purchase factors.

If you have Annuity Account Value in the Guaranteed Period Account under your
Accumulator Certificate as of the Transaction Date that you exercise the
Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit, such Annuity Account Value will also be
applied (at current annuity purchase factors) towards the purchase of payments
under the Income Manager (Life Annuity with a Period Certain). Such Annuity
Account Value will increase the payments provided by Guaranteed Minimum Income
Benefit.

Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit Benefit Base - The Guaranteed Minimum Income
Benefit benefit base is equal to the portion of the initial contribution
allocated to the Investment Funds on the Contract Date. Thereafter, the
Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit benefit base is credited with interest at 6%
(3% for amounts in the Alliance Money Market and Alliance Intermediate
Government Securities Funds) on each Contract Date anniversary through the
Annuitant's age 80, and 0% thereafter, and is adjusted for any subsequent
contributions and transfers into the Investment Funds and transfers and
withdrawals from such Funds. The Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit benefit base
will also be reduced by any withdrawal charge remaining on the Transaction Date
that you exercise Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit.

Your Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit benefit base is applied to guaranteed
minimum annuity purchase factors to determine the Guaranteed Minimum Income
Benefit. The guaranteed minimum annuity purchase factors are based on (i)
interest at 2.5% if Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit is exercised within 30
days following a Contract Date anniversary in years 7 through 9 and at 3% if
exercised within 30 days following the 10th or later Contract Date anniversary
and (ii) mortality tables that assume increasing longevity. The minimum amount
of periodic lifetime income to be purchased under the Income Manager (Life
Annuity with a Period Certain) is set forth in the "Table of Guaranteed Minimum
Income Benefit Income Amounts."

Your Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit benefit base does not create an Annuity
Account Value or a Cash Value and is used solely for purposes of calculating
Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit.

No. 94ICB                                    Data page 6               (5/97)

<PAGE>

DATA PAGES (CONT'D)


The timing of your withdrawals can have a significant impact on your Guaranteed
Minimum Death Benefit or Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit as described above.

   [IF A SUCCESSOR OWNER/ANNUITANT IS ELECTED]
   [If the successor Owner/Annuitant election is in effect at your death, the
   Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit will continue to be available on Contract
   Date anniversaries seven and later based on the Contract Date, provided
   Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit is exercise as specified above based on
   the age of the successor Owner/Annuitant.]]

WITHDRAWAL CHARGES (SEE SECTION 8.01): A withdrawal charge will be imposed as a
percentage of each Contribution made to the extent that a withdrawal exceeds
the Free Corridor Amount as discussed in Section 8.01 or, if the Certificate is
surrendered to receive the Cash Value. We determine the withdrawal charge
separately for each Contribution in accordance with the table below.

                                          Current and Maximum
                                             Percentage of
                    Contract Year            Contributions
                    -------------            -------------
                          1                      7.00%
                          2                      6.00%
                          3                      5.00%
                          4                      4.00%
                          5                      3.00%
                          6                      2.00%
                          7                      1.00%
                     8 and later                 0.00%
                                   
The applicable withdrawal charge percentage is determined by the Contract Year
in which the withdrawal is made or the Certificate is surrendered, beginning
with "Contract Year 1" with respect to each Contribution withdrawn or
surrendered. For purposes of the table, for each Contribution, the Contract
Year in which we receive that Contribution is "Contract Year 1."

Withdrawal charges will be deducted from the Investment Options from which each
withdrawal is made in proportion to the amount being withdrawn from each
Investment Option.

FREE CORRIDOR AMOUNT (SEE SECTION 8.01): 15% of Annuity Account Value at the
beginning of the Contract Year minus any amount previously withdrawn during the
Contract Year. Amounts withdrawn up to the Free Corridor Amount will not be
deemed a withdrawal of Contributions.

Withdrawals in excess of the Free Corridor Amount will be deemed withdrawals of
Contributions in the order in which they were made (that is, the first-in,
first-out basis will apply).

No. 94ICB                                    Data page 7               (5/97)

<PAGE>

DATA PAGES (CONT'D)


The Free Corridor Amount does not apply when calculating the withdrawal charge
applicable upon a surrender.

CHARGES DEDUCTED FROM ANNUITY ACCOUNT VALUE (SEE SECTION 8.02):

      [APPLICABLE TO PLAN A]
      [(a)  Combined Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit and Guaranteed Minimum
            Income Benefit Charge:  For the Combined Guaranteed Minimum Death
            Benefit and Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit, we will deduct
            annually on each Processing Date an amount equal to 0.45% of the
            guaranteed minimum death benefit in effect on such Processing
            Date.  0.45% is the maximum we will charge.  This charge will
            always be deducted from the Annuity Account Value in the
            Investment Funds on a pro rata basis.]

      [APPLICABLE TO PLAN B]
      [(a)  Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit Only Benefit Charge: For the
            Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit, we will deduct annually on each
            Processing Date an amount equal to 0.20% of the Guaranteed Minimum
            Death Benefit in effect on such Processing Date. 0.20% is the
            maximum we will charge. This charge will always be deducted from
            the Annuity Account Value in the Investment Funds on a pro rata
            basis.]

      (b)   Charges for State Premium and Other Applicable Taxes:  A charge
            for applicable taxes, such as state or local premium taxes
            generally will be deducted from the amount applied to provide an
            Annuity Benefit under Section 7.02.  In certain states, however,
            we may deduct the charge from Contributions rather than at the
            Annuity Commencement Date.  This charge will be deducted from the
            Annuity Account Value in the Investment Funds on a pro rata
            basis. If there is insufficient value in the Investment Funds,
            all or a portion of the charge will be deducted from the Annuity
            Account Value with respect to the Guarantee Periods in order of
            the earliest Expiration Date(s) first.

NUMBER OF FREE TRANSFERS (SEE SECTION 8.03):  Unlimited

DAILY SEPARATE ACCOUNT CHARGES (SEE SECTION 8.04):

Mortality and Expense Risks Charge:
            Current and Maximum           Annual rate of 0.90% (equivalent 
                                          to a daily rate of 0.002477%).

Administration Charge:
            Current and Maximum           Annual rate of 0.25% (equivalent
                                          to a daily rate of 0.000692%). We
                                          reserve the right to increase this
                                          charge to an annual rate of 0.35%.

No. 94ICB                                    Data page 8               (5/97)

<PAGE>

DATA PAGES (CONT'D)


PART C -- THIS PART LISTS THE TERMS WHICH APPLY TO THE ENDORSEMENT APPLICABLE
          TO MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT TERMS (MVA ENDORSEMENT).

ALLOCATION RESTRICTIONS (SEE SECTION 3.01): If the Annuitant is age 76 or
older, allocations may be made only to Guarantee Periods with maturities of
five years or less; however, in no event may allocations be made to Guarantee
Periods with maturities beyond the February 15th immediately following the
Annuity Commencement Date.

TRANSFERS AT EXPIRATION DATE (SEE ITEM 1 OF MVA ENDORSEMENT): If no election is
made with respect to amounts in the Guaranteed Period Account as of the
Expiration Date, such amounts will be transferred into the Guarantee Period
with the earliest Expiration Date.

MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT (MVA) ON TRANSFERS AND WITHDRAWALS (SEE ITEM 2 OF MVA
ENDORSEMENT): The MVA (positive or negative) resulting from a withdrawal or
transfer of a portion of the amount in a Guarantee Period will be a percentage
of the MVA that would be applicable upon a withdrawal of all the Annuity
Account Value from a Guarantee Period. This percentage is determined by (i)
dividing the amount of the withdrawal or transfer from the Guarantee Period by
(ii) the Annuity Account Value in such Guarantee Period prior to the withdrawal
or transfer.

MVA FORMULA (SEE ITEM 3 OF MVA ENDORSEMENT): The Guaranteed Rate for new
allocations to a Guarantee Period is the rate we have in effect for this
purpose even if new allocations to that Guarantee Period would not be accepted
at the time. This rate will not be less than 3%.

The current rate percentage we use in item (c) of the formula is 0.00%. For
purposes of calculating the MVA only, we reserve the right to add up to 0.25%
to such current rate percentage.

DEATH BENEFIT AMOUNT (SEE SECTION 6.01): The larger of (a) the Annuity Account
Value in the Guaranteed Period Account and (b) the sum of the Guaranteed Period
Amounts in each Guarantee Period.

SEPARATE ACCOUNT (SEE ITEM 5 OF THE MVA ENDORSEMENT): The portion of the assets
of Separate Account No. 46 equal to the reserves and other contract liabilities
will not be chargeable with liabilities which arise out of any other business
we conduct.

No. 94ICBMVA                                  Data page 9               (5/97)

<PAGE>

DATA PAGES (CONT'D)


[APPLICABLE TO PLAN A]

           [TABLE OF GUARANTEED MINIMUM INCOME BENEFIT INCOME AMOUNTS
            FOR INITIAL LEVEL ANNUAL INCOME (10 YEAR PERIOD CERTAIN)
                              SINGLE LIFE - [MALE]


                    AGE                    INCOME AMOUNT
                    ---                    -------------

                   [67                       $  899.21
                    68                          976.62
                    69                        1,061.17
                    70                        1,215.45
                    71                        1,319.07
                    72                        1,432.00
                    73                        1,555.07
                    74                        1,689.18
                    75                        1,835.29
                    76                        1,994.44
                    77                        2,167.75
                    78                        2,356.45
                    79                        2,561.89
                    80                        2,785.58]

            Interest Basis:   2.5% on Contract Date anniversaries 7 through 9
                              and 3% on Contract Date anniversaries 10 and
                              later
                              Non-participating
            Mortality:        1983 Individual Annuity Mortality Table "a"
                              for [Male] projected with modified Scale G.

Factors required for annuity forms not shown in the above table will be
calculated by us on the same actuarial basis.]

No. 94ICB                                    Data page 10              (5/97)

<PAGE>

                   ROLLOVER IRA [(COMBINED GUARANTEED MINIMUM DEATH BENEFIT AND
                                 GUARANTEED MINIMUM INCOME BENEFIT - PLAN A) OR
                      (GUARANTEED MINIMUM DEATH BENEFIT ONLY BENEFIT - PLAN B)]

                                      DATA

PART A -- THIS PART LISTS YOUR PERSONAL DATA.


OWNER:        [JOHN DOE]  [Owner must be the Annuitant]

ANNUITANT:    [JOHN DOE]                      Age: [60]         Sex: [Male]

CONTRACT:  GROUP ANNUITY CONTRACT NO. AC 7627

CERTIFICATE NUMBER:    [00000]

      ENDORSEMENTS ATTACHED: Endorsement Applicable to IRA Certificates
                             Endorsement Applicable to Market Value
                             Adjustment Terms
                             Rider[s] to Endorsement Applicable to Market
                             Value Adjustment Terms
                             Endorsement Applicable to Life Contingent Annuity
                             [Rider to Endorsement Applicable to Life
                             Contingent Annuity]

      ISSUE DATE:            [May 1, 1997]

      CONTRACT DATE:         [May 1, 1997]

ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE:   [August 22, 2027]

      THE MAXIMUM MATURITY AGE IS AGE [90] -- SEE SECTION 7.03. 
      The Annuity Commencement Date may not be later than the Processing Date 
      which follows your [90th] birthday.

      However, if you choose a date later than age 70 1/2, distribution of at
      least the minimum payments required must commence by April 1 of the
      calendar year following the calendar year in which you attain age 70 1/2
      (see item 2 of the Endorsement Applicable to IRA Certificates).

BENEFICIARY:  [JANE DOE]

SUCCESSOR OWNER/ANNUITANT:  [Applicable if the beneficiary is the spouse at
                           the time of election and time of Owner/Annuitant's
                           death]  [JANE DOE]

No. 94ICB                                    Data page 1               (5/97)

<PAGE>

DATA PAGES (CONT'D)


PART B -- THIS PART DESCRIBES CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF YOUR CERTIFICATE.

INITIAL CONTRIBUTION RECEIVED (SEE SECTION 3.02):     [$10,000.00]

INVESTMENT OPTIONS AVAILABLE (SEE PART II); YOUR ALLOCATION IS ALSO SHOWN.

INVESTMENT OPTIONS                                ALLOCATION (SEE SECTION 3.01)
- ------------------                                -----------------------------

o     ALLIANCE CONSERVATIVE INVESTORS FUND
o     ALLIANCE GROWTH INVESTORS FUND
o     ALLIANCE GROWTH AND INCOME FUND 
o     ALLIANCE COMMON STOCK FUND                                     $10,000.00
o     ALLIANCE GLOBAL FUND
o     ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL FUND
o     ALLIANCE AGGRESSIVE STOCK FUND
o     ALLIANCE SMALL CAP GROWTH FUND
o     ALLIANCE MONEY MARKET FUND
o     ALLIANCE INTERMEDIATE GOVERNMENT SECURITIES FUND
o     ALLIANCE HIGH YIELD FUND
o     EQ/PUTNAM BALANCED FUND
o     EQ/PUTNAM GROWTH & INCOME VALUE FUND
o     MFS EMERGING GROWTH COMPANIES FUND
o     MFS RESEARCH FUND
o     MERRILL LYNCH BASIC VALUE EQUITY FUND 
o     MERRILL LYNCH WORLD STRATEGY FUND
o     MORGAN STANLEY EMERGING MARKETS EQUITY FUND
o     T. ROWE PRICE EQUITY INCOME FUND
o     T. ROWE PRICE INTERNATIONAL STOCK FUND 
o     WARBURG PINCUS SMALL COMPANY VALUE FUND
o     GUARANTEE PERIODS (CLASS I)
         EXPIRATION DATE AND GUARANTEED RATE
         FEBRUARY 15, 1998
         FEBRUARY 15, 1999
         FEBRUARY 15, 2000 
         FEBRUARY 15, 2001 
         FEBRUARY 15, 2002
         FEBRUARY 15, 2003 
         FEBRUARY 15, 2004 
         FEBRUARY 15, 2005 
         FEBRUARY 15, 2006
         FEBRUARY 15, 2007 
         FEBRUARY 15, 2008* 
         FEBRUARY 15, 2009* 
         FEBRUARY 15, 2010*
         FEBRUARY 15, 2011*  
         FEBRUARY 15, 2012*
                                                        -------------------
                                                        TOTAL: [$10,000.00]

* Only available under the Assured Payment Option and APO Plus.

Investment Options shown are Investment Funds of our Separate Account No. 45
and Guarantee Periods shown are in the Guaranteed Period Account.  See
Endorsement Applicable to Market Value Adjustment Terms.

"TYPES" OF INVESTMENT OPTIONS (SEE SECTION 4.02):  Not applicable

GUARANTEED INTEREST ACCOUNT (SEE SECTION 2.01):    Not available under this
                                                   Certificate

No. 94ICB                                    Data page 2               (5/97)

<PAGE>

DATA PAGES (CONT'D)


BUSINESS DAY (SEE SECTION 1.05): A Business Day for this Certificate will mean
any day on which the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading.

PROCESSING DATES (SEE SECTION 1.20):  A Processing Date is each Contract Date
anniversary.

AVAILABILITY OF INVESTMENT OPTIONS (SEE SECTION 2.04):  (See Data pages, Part
C; Allocation Restrictions)

ALLOCATION OF CONTRIBUTIONS (SEE SECTION 3.01): Except as indicated below, your
initial and any subsequent Contributions are allocated according to your
instructions.

If you have elected Principal Assurance in the application, then a portion of
your initial Contribution is allocated by us to a Guarantee Period you have
selected. The remaining portion of your initial Contribution is allocated to
the Investment Funds according to your instructions. Any subsequent
Contributions will be allocated according to your instructions. (See Data
pages, Part C; Allocation Restrictions)

If you elect the Assured Payment Option after issue of the Certificate, your
Annuity Account Value and any subsequent Contributions will be allocated by us
to the Guaranteed Period Account and the Life Contingent Annuity and no amounts
may be allocated to the Investment Funds. (See Data pages, Part C; Allocation
Restrictions)

If you elect APO Plus after issue of the Certificate, a portion of your Annuity
Account Value is allocated by us to the Guaranteed Period Account and the Life
Contingent Annuity. The remaining Annuity Account Value is allocated to the
Alliance Common Stock Fund or the Alliance Equity Index Fund as you select,
until transferred by us. (See Data pages, Part C; Allocation Restrictions)

CONTRIBUTION LIMITS (SEE SECTION 3.02): We will only accept initial
Contributions of at least $5,000 in the form of either a rollover Contribution
or a direct custodian-to-custodian transfer from other individual retirement
arrangements. Subsequent Contributions may be made in an amount of at least
$1,000. Subsequent Contributions may be "regular" IRA Contributions (limited to
a maximum of $2,000 a year), rollover Contributions or direct transfers.
Rollover Contributions and direct transfers are not subject to the $2,000
annual limit. "Regular" IRA Contributions may not be made for the taxable year
in which you attain age 70 1/2 and thereafter. Rollover and direct transfer
Contributions may be made until you attain age 79. However, any amount
contributed after you attain age 70 1/2 must be net of your minimum
distribution for the year in which the rollover or direct transfer Contribution
is made (see item 2 Annuity Commencement Date in Endorsement Applicable to IRA
Certificates). We may refuse to accept any Contribution if the sum of all
Contributions under your Certificate would then total more than $1,500,000. We
reserve the right to limit aggregate Contributions made after the first
Contract Year to 150% of first year Contributions. We may also refuse to accept
any Contribution if the sum of all Contributions under all Equitable Life
annuity accumulation certificates/contracts that you own would then total more
than $2,500,000.

No. 94ICB                                    Data page 3               (5/97)

<PAGE>

DATA PAGES (CONT'D)


A minimum Annuity Account Value of $10,000 is required to elect the Assured
Payment Option or APO Plus.

TRANSFER RULES (SEE SECTION 4.02): Transfers among the Investment Options may
be made at any time during the Contract Year.

ALLOCATION OF WITHDRAWALS (SEE SECTION 5.01): Lump Sum Withdrawals - You must
provide withdrawal instructions indicating from which Investment Options the
Lump Sum Withdrawal and any withdrawal charge will be taken; Minimum
Distribution Withdrawals - Unless you specify otherwise, Minimum Distribution
Withdrawals will be withdrawn on a pro rata basis from your Annuity Account
Value in the Investment Funds. If there is insufficient value or no value in
the Investment Funds, any additional amount of the withdrawal required or the
total amount of the withdrawal, as applicable, will be withdrawn from the
Guarantee Periods in order of the earliest Expiration Date(s) first.

WITHDRAWAL RESTRICTIONS (SEE SECTION 5.01): Minimum Distribution Withdrawals -
May be elected in the year in which you attain age 70 1/2 or at a later date.
Minimum Distribution Withdrawals will be made annually.

Minimum Distribution Withdrawals may not be elected while the Assured Payment
Option or APO Plus is in effect.

MINIMUM WITHDRAWAL AMOUNT (SEE SECTION 5.01): Lump Sum Withdrawals minimum -
$1,000; Minimum Distribution Withdrawals minimum - $250.

MINIMUM AMOUNT OF ANNUITY ACCOUNT VALUE AFTER A WITHDRAWAL (SEE SECTION 5.02):
Requests for a withdrawal must be for either (a) 90% or less of the Cash Value
or (b) 100% of the Cash Value (surrender of the Certificate).

We will NOT exercise our rights, described in Sections 5.02(b) and 5.02(c), to
terminate the Certificate.

DEATH BENEFIT AMOUNT (SEE SECTION 6.01):

The sum of:

      (1)   The Annuity Account Value in the Investment Funds, or, if greater,
            the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit defined below; and

      (2)   The death benefit amount provided with respect to the Endorsement
            Applicable to Market Value Adjustment Terms.  (See Data pages,
            Part C)

No. 94ICB                                    Data page 4               (5/97)

<PAGE>

DATA PAGES (CONT'D)


      Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit
      [APPLICABLE TO RESIDENTS IN ALL STATES EXCEPT NEW YORK]
      [6% to Age 80 Benefit - On the Contract Date, the Guaranteed Minimum
      Death Benefit is equal to the portion of the initial Contribution
      allocated to the Investment Funds. Thereafter, the Guaranteed Minimum
      Death Benefit is credited with interest at 6% (3% for amounts in the
      Alliance Money Market and Alliance Intermediate Government Securities
      Funds) on each Contract Date anniversary through the Annuitant's age 80
      (or on the date of the Annuitant's death, if earlier), and 0% thereafter
      and is adjusted for any subsequent contributions, transfers into the
      Investment Funds and transfers and withdrawals from such Funds.]

         [OPTIONAL FOR PLAN A - ANNUITANT ISSUE AGES 20 THROUGH 65] 
         [6% to Age 70 Benefit - On the Contract Date, the Guaranteed Minimum 
         Death Benefit is equal to the portion of the initial Contribution 
         allocated to the Investment Funds. Thereafter, the Guaranteed Minimum 
         Death Benefit is credited with interest at 6% (3% for amounts in the
         Alliance Money Market and Alliance Intermediate Government Securities
         Funds) on each Contract Date anniversary through the Annuitant's age
         70 (or on the date of the Annuitant's death, if earlier), and 0%
         thereafter and is adjusted for any subsequent contributions, transfers
         into the Investment Funds and transfers and withdrawals from such
         Funds.]

      [APPLICABLE TO NEW YORK RESIDENTS ONLY]
      [On the Contract Date, the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit is equal to
      the initial Contribution. Thereafter, the Guaranteed Minimum Death
      Benefit is reset through the Annuitant's age 80 to the Annuity Account
      Value on a Contract Date anniversary if higher than the current
      Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit, and is adjusted for any subsequent
      Contributions and withdrawals.

      Upon your death, the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit will be reset to
      the Annuity Account Value in the Investment funds, plus the sum of the
      Guaranteed Period Amounts in each Guarantee Period, if greater than the
      Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit determined above.]

      [IF A SUCCESSOR OWNER/ANNUITANT IS ELECTED] 
      [On the Processing Date following your death, if the successor 
      Owner/Annuitant election is in effect at your death, the Guaranteed 
      Minimum Death Benefit will be reset at the greater of the current 
      Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit and the current Annuity Account Value 
      in the Investment Funds. In determining whether the Guaranteed Minimum 
      Death Benefit will continue to grow, we can use the age (as of the 
      Processing Date) of the successor Owner/Annuitant.]

      Withdrawals and transfers will cause a reduction in the Guaranteed
      Minimum Death Benefit (described above) [and Guaranteed Minimum Income
      Benefit benefit base (described below)] on a pro rata basis.

No. 94ICB                                    Data page 5               (5/97)

<PAGE>

DATA PAGES (CONT'D)


NORMAL FORM OF ANNUITY (SEE SECTION 7.04):  Life Annuity 10 Year Period
Certain

AMOUNT OF ANNUITY BENEFIT (SEE SECTION 7.05): The amount applied to provide the
Annuity Benefit will be (1) the Annuity Account Value for any life annuity form
or (2) the Cash Value for any period certain only annuity form except that if
the period certain is more than five years the amount applied will be no less
than 95% of the Annuity Account Value.

INTEREST RATE TO BE APPLIED IN ADJUSTING FOR MISSTATEMENT OF AGE OR SEX (SEE
SECTION 7.06):  6% per year

MINIMUM AMOUNT TO BE APPLIED TO AN ANNUITY (SEE SECTION 7.06): $2,000, as well
as minimum of $20 for initial monthly annuity payment.

WITHDRAWAL CHARGES (SEE SECTION 8.01): A withdrawal charge will be imposed as a
percentage of each Contribution made to the extent that (i) any withdrawals
during a Contract Year exceed the Free Corridor Amount as discussed in Section
8.01 or, (ii) the Certificate is surrendered to receive the Cash Value. We
determine the withdrawal charge separately for each Contribution in accordance
with the table below.

                                          Current and Maximum
                                             Percentage of
                  Contract Year              Contributions
                  -------------              -------------
                        1                        7.00%
                        2                        6.00%
                        3                        5.00%
                        4                        4.00%
                        5                        3.00%
                        6                        2.00%
                        7                        1.00%
                   8 and later                   0.00%

The applicable withdrawal charge percentage is determined by the Contract Year
in which the withdrawal is made or the Certificate is surrendered, beginning
with "Contract Year 1" with respect to each Contribution withdrawn or
surrendered. For purposes of the table, for each Contribution, the Contract
Year in which we receive that Contribution is "Contract Year 1."

Withdrawal charges will be deducted from the Annuity Account Value in the
Investment Options from which each withdrawal is made in proportion to the
amount being withdrawn from each Investment Option.

No. 94ICB                                    Data page 6               (5/97)

<PAGE>

DATA PAGES (CONT'D)


FREE CORRIDOR AMOUNT (SEE SECTION 8.01): 15% of Annuity Account Value at the
beginning of the Contract Year, minus any amount previously withdrawn during
the Contract Year. Amounts withdrawn up to the Free Corridor Amount will not be
deemed a withdrawal of Contributions. In any Contract Year when a Minimum
Distribution Withdrawal is the only withdrawal taken, no withdrawal charge will
apply.

Lump Sum Withdrawals in excess of the Free Corridor Amount or a Minimum
Distribution Withdrawal when added to a Lump Sum Withdrawal previously taken in
the same Contract Year, which exceeds the Free Corridor Amount will be deemed
withdrawals of Contributions in the order in which they were made (that is, the
first-in, first-out basis will apply).

The Free Corridor Amount does not apply when calculating the withdrawal charge
applicable upon a surrender.

If the Assured Payment Option or APO Plus is in effect a 10% Free Corridor
Amount will apply for Lump Sum Withdrawals.

CHARGES DEDUCTED FROM ANNUITY ACCOUNT VALUE (SEE SECTION 8.02):

      [APPLICABLE TO PLAN A - 6% TO AGE 80 BENEFIT]
      [(a)  Combined Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit and Guaranteed Minimum
            Income Benefit Charge:  For the Combined Guaranteed Minimum Death
            Benefit and Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit, we will deduct
            annually on each Processing Date an amount equal to 0.45% of the
            guaranteed minimum death benefit in effect on such Processing
            Date.  0.45% is the maximum we will charge.  This charge will
            always be deducted from the Annuity Account Value in the
            Investment Funds on a pro rata basis.]

      [APPLICABLE TO PLAN A - 6% TO AGE 70 BENEFIT]
      [(a)  Combined Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit and Guaranteed Minimum
            Income Benefit Charge:  For the Combined Guaranteed Minimum Death
            Benefit and Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit, we will deduct
            annually on each Processing Date an amount equal to 0.30% of the
            guaranteed minimum death benefit in effect on such Processing
            Date.  0.30% is the maximum we will charge.  This charge will
            always be deducted from the Annuity Account Value in the
            Investment Funds on a pro rata basis.]

      [APPLICABLE TO PLAN B]
      [(a)  Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit Only Benefit Charge: For the
            Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit, we will deduct annually on each
            Processing Date an amount equal to 0.20% of the Guaranteed Minimum
            Death Benefit in effect on such Processing Date. 0.20% is the
            maximum we will charge. This charge will always be deducted from
            the Annuity Account Value in the Investment Funds on a pro rata
            basis.]

No. 94ICB                                    Data page 7               (5/97)

<PAGE>

DATA PAGES (CONT'D)


      (b)   Charges for State Premium and Other Applicable Taxes:  A charge
            for applicable taxes, such as state or local premium taxes
            generally will be deducted from the amount applied to provide an
            Annuity Benefit under Section 7.02.  In certain states, however,
            we may deduct the charge from Contributions rather than at the
            Annuity Commencement Date.  This charge will be deducted from the
            Annuity Account Value in the Investment Funds on a pro rata
            basis. If there is insufficient value in the Investment Funds,
            all or a portion of the charge will be deducted from the Annuity
            Account Value with respect to the Guarantee Periods in order of
            the earliest Expiration Date(s) first.

NUMBER OF FREE TRANSFERS (SEE SECTION 8.03):  Unlimited

DAILY SEPARATE ACCOUNT CHARGES (SEE SECTION 8.04):

Mortality and Expense Risks Charge:
            Current and Maximum           Annual rate of 0.90% (equivalent to a
                                          daily rate of 0.002477%).

Administration Charge:
            Current and Maximum           Annual rate of 0.25% (equivalent to a
                                          daily rate of 0.000692%). We reserve
                                          the right to increase this charge to
                                          an annual rate of 0.35%.

No. 94ICB                                    Data page 8               (5/97)

<PAGE>

DATA PAGES (CONT'D)


PART C -- THIS PART LISTS THE TERMS WHICH APPLY TO THE ENDORSEMENT APPLICABLE
          TO MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT TERMS (MVA ENDORSEMENT).

ALLOCATION RESTRICTIONS (SEE SECTION 3.01): Except as indicated below, if you
are age 76 or older, allocations may be made only to Guarantee Periods with
maturities of five years or less; however, in no event may allocations be made
to Guarantee Periods with maturities beyond the February 15th immediately
following the Annuity Commencement Date.

If you elect the Assured Payment Option, your Contributions and Annuity Account
Value will be allocated by us to serially maturing Guarantee Periods having
Expiration Dates in annual sequence and the Modal Payment portion of the
Guaranteed Period Account, if applicable, and applied to the Life Contingent
Annuity, so as to provide substantially equal or increasing withdrawal payments
during a fixed period followed by annuity payments for life under the Life
Contingent Annuity. The fixed period payments consist of payments described
under Transfers at Expiration Date, below. When amounts are applied under the
Life Contingent Annuity, Data pages, Part D will be issued.

If you elect the APO Plus, a portion of your Annuity Account Value is allocated
by us to serially maturing Guarantee Periods having Expiration Dates in annual
sequence and the Modal Payment portion of the Guaranteed Period Account, if
applicable, and applied to the Life Contingent Annuity, so as to provide
substantially equal withdrawal payments during a fixed period followed by
annuity payments for life under the Life Contingent Annuity. Fixed period
payments are described under Transfers at Expiration Date, below. The remaining
Annuity Account Value is allocated to the Alliance Common Stock Fund or
Alliance Equity Index Fund as you select. Any subsequent Contributions will
also be allocated to the Alliance Common Stock Fund or Alliance Equity Index
Fund and then will be periodically transferred by us to the Guarantee Periods
and the Life Contingent Annuity. When amounts are applied under the Life
Contingent Annuity, Data pages, Part D will be issued.

TRANSFERS AT EXPIRATION DATE (SEE ITEM 1 OF MVA ENDORSEMENT): Except as
indicated below, if no election is made with respect to amounts in the
Guaranteed Period Account as of the Expiration Date, such amounts will be
transferred into the Guarantee Period with the earliest Expiration Date.

If the Assured Payment Option or APO Plus is in effect, upon the expiration of
a Guarantee Period, the Guaranteed Period Amount will be paid to you in full,
if annual payments are to be made on an Expiration Date in each calendar year.
Otherwise, the Guaranteed Period Amount will be transferred into the Modal
Payment portion of the Guaranteed Period Account. You may not transfer these
amounts into any other Investment Options. These withdrawals will not be
subject to a withdrawal charge.

No. 94ICBMVA                                 Data page 9               (5/97)

<PAGE>

DATA PAGES (CONT'D)


[APPLICABLE TO PLAN A]
[GUARANTEED MINIMUM INCOME BENEFIT (SEE ITEM 1 OF MVA ENDORSEMENT): When you
elect the Assured Payment Option (described above) during the period of time
indicated below, the Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit provides a minimum
amount of guaranteed lifetime income under such option. The fixed period is
based on your age at the time of election. The fixed period is 10 years for
ages 60 through 75; 9 years for age 76; 8 years for age 77; and 7 years for
ages 78 through 83.

The Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit is available only if it is exercised
within 30 days following the 7th or later Contract Date anniversary under this
Certificate. However, it may not be exercised earlier than your age 60, nor
later than age 83 [Applicable to issue ages 20 to 44 - except that for issue
ages 20 to 44, it may be exercised following the 15th or later Contract Date
anniversary].

On the Transaction Date that you exercise Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit,
your periodic lifetime income that will be provided under the Assured Payment
Option will be the greater of (i) your Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit, and
(ii) the amount of income that would be provided based on your Annuity Account
Value in the Investment Funds as of the Transaction Date and our then current
annuity purchase factors.

If you have Annuity Account Value in the Guaranteed Period Account under your
Certificate as of the Transaction Date that you exercise the Guaranteed Minimum
Income Benefit, such Annuity Account Value will also be applied (at current
annuity purchase factors) toward providing payments under the Assured Payment
Option. Such Annuity Account Value will increase the payments provided by
Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit.

Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit Benefit Base - The Guaranteed Minimum Income
Benefit benefit base is equal to the portion of the initial contribution
allocated to the Investment Funds on the Contract Date. Thereafter, the
Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit benefit base is credited with interest at 6%
(3% for amounts in the Alliance Money Market Fund and Alliance Intermediate
Government Securities Fund) on each Contract Date anniversary through age
[80][70], and 0% thereafter, and is adjusted for any subsequent contributions
and transfers into the Investment Funds and transfers and withdrawals from such
Funds. The Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit benefit base will also be reduced
by any withdrawal charge remaining on the Transaction Date that you exercise
Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit.

Your Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit benefit base is applied to guaranteed
minimum annuity purchase factors to determine the Guaranteed Minimum Income
Benefit. The guaranteed minimum annuity purchase factors are based on (i)
interest at 2.5% if Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit is exercised within 30
days following a Contract Date anniversary in years 7 through 9 and at 3% if
exercised within 30 days following the 10th or later Contract Date anniversary
and (ii) mortality based on the 1983 Individual Annuity Mortality Table "a"
projected with modified Scale G. The minimum amount of periodic lifetime income
to be purchased under the Assured Payment Option is set forth in the "Table of
Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit Income Amounts."

No. 94ICBMVA                                 Data page 10              (5/97)

<PAGE>

DATA PAGES (CONT'D)

Your Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit benefit base does not create an Annuity
Account Value or a Cash Value and is used solely for purposes of calculating
the Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit.

The timing of your withdrawals and whether they exceed the 6% threshold
described above can have a significant impact on your Guaranteed Minimum Death
Benefit or Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit.

      [IF A SUCCESSOR OWNER/ANNUITANT IS ELECTED]
      [If the successor Owner/Annuitant election is in effect at your death,
      the Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit will continue to be available on
      Contract Date anniversaries seven and later based on the Contract Date,
      provided Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit is exercise as specified above
      based on the age of the successor Owner/Annuitant.]]

MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT (MVA) ON TRANSFERS AND WITHDRAWALS (SEE ITEM 2 OF MVA
ENDORSEMENT): The MVA (positive or negative) resulting from a withdrawal or
transfer of a portion of the amount in a Guarantee Period will be a percentage
of the MVA that would be applicable upon a withdrawal of all of the Annuity
Account Value from a Guarantee Period. This percentage is determined by (i)
dividing the amount of the withdrawal or transfer from the Guarantee Period by
(ii) the Annuity Account Value in such Guarantee Period prior to the withdrawal
or transfer.

MVA FORMULA (SEE ITEM 3 OF MVA ENDORSEMENT): The Guaranteed Rate for new
allocations to a Guarantee Period is the rate we have in effect for this
purpose even if new allocations to that Guarantee Period would not be accepted
at the time. This rate will not be less than 3%.

The current rate percentage we use in item (c) of the formula is 0.00%. For
purposes of calculating the MVA only, we reserve the right to add up to 0.25%
to such current rate percentage.

DEATH BENEFIT AMOUNT (SEE SECTION 6.01): The larger of (a) the Annuity Account
Value in the Guaranteed Period Account and (b) the sum of the Guaranteed Period
Amounts in each Guarantee Period.

SEPARATE ACCOUNT (SEE ITEM 5 OF MVA ENDORSEMENT): The portion of the assets of
Separate Account No. 46 equal to the reserves and other contract liabilities
will not be chargeable with liabilities which arise out of any other business
we conduct.

No. 94ICBMVA                                 Data page 11              (5/97)

<PAGE>

DATA PAGES (CONT'D)


[APPLICABLE TO PLAN A]

          [TABLE OF GUARANTEED MINIMUM INCOME BENEFIT INCOME AMOUNTS
           FOR INITIAL LEVEL ANNUAL INCOME (10 YEAR PERIOD CERTAIN)
                              SINGLE LIFE - [MALE]


                    AGE                   INCOME AMOUNT
                    ---                   -------------

                    [67                    $    899.21
                    68                          976.62
                    69                        1,061.17
                    70                        1,215.45
                    71                        1,319.07
                    72                        1,432.00
                    73                        1,555.07
                    74                        1,689.18
                    75                        1,835.29
                    76                        2,026.01
                    77                        2,240.90
                    78                        2,483.43
                    79                        2,714.14
                    80                        2,967.73]

            Interest Basis:   2.5% on Contract Date anniversaries 7 through 9
                              and 3% on Contract Date anniversaries 10 and
                              later Non-participating
            Mortality:        1983 Individual Annuity Mortality Table "a"
                              for [Male] projected with modified Scale G.

Factors required for annuity forms not shown in the above table will be
calculated by us on the same actuarial basis.]

No. 94ICBMVA                                 Data page 12              (5/97)


<PAGE>

                       INCOME MANAGER(SM) ACCUMULATOR
[INSERT EQ LOGO]       COMBINATION VARIABLE AND FIXED DEFERRED
                       ANNUITY (NON-QUALIFIED)
                       Enrollment Form under Group Annuity Contract No. AC 7625
                       and Application for Individual Contract

THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------
1. OWNER   [ ] Individual     [ ] Trustee (for an individual)
- --------

- -------------------------------------------  -------------------------------
Name (First, Middle, Last)                   Date of Birth (Month/Day/Year)

- -------------------------------------------  -------------------------------
Address (Street, City, State, Zip Code)      Social Security No./TIN

- ----------------------  ----------------------------  [ ] Male  [ ] Female
Home Phone Number       Office Phone Number

- --------------------------------------
   2. ANNUITANT  IF OTHER THAN OWNER
- --------------------------------------

- -------------------------------------------  -------------------------------
Name (First, Middle, Last)                   Date of Birth (Month/Day/Year)

- -------------------------------------------  -------------------------------
Address (Street, City, State, Zip Code)      Social Security No.

- ----------------------  ----------------------------  [ ] Male  [ ] Female
Home Phone Number       Office Phone Number

- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. BENEFICIARY(IES)  IF MORE THAN ONE - INDICATE %.  TOTAL MUST EQUAL 100%.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

- ------------------------------   -------------------------------   ------------
Name (First, Middle, Last)       Relationship to Annuitant                    %

- ------------------------------   -------------------------------   ------------
Name (First, Middle, Last)       Relationship to Annuitant                    %

- ------------------------------   -------------------------------   ------------
Name (First, Middle, Last)       Relationship to Annuitant                    %

- ------------------------------   -------------------------------   ------------
Name (First, Middle, Last)       Relationship to Annuitant                    %

[ ] Check this box to designate your spouse as the Successor Owner/Annuitant
    and complete the following information. Your spouse must also be named as
    the sole primary beneficiary.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                   <C>                                         <C>       <C>

- -----------------------------------   ------------------------------------------- [ ] Male  [ ] Female
Spouse's Social Security No.          Spouse's Date of Birth (Month/Day/Year)
</TABLE>

- ---------------------------
4. ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT AGE
- ---------------------------

SPECIFY AGE:__________________ (Annuitant's age 90 if not indicated)

- -----------------------------------
5. INITIAL CONTRIBUTION INFORMATION
- -----------------------------------

TOTAL INITIAL CONTRIBUTION: $______________________

METHOD OF PAYMENT: [ ] By check payable to Equitable Life  [ ] By wire
                   [ ] 1035 Exchange

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       INCOME MANAGEMENT GROUP, P.O. BOX 1547, SECAUCUS, N.J. 07096-1547
                                 (800) 338-3434

(5/97)                 PART OF INCOME MANAGER PORTFOLIO        cat. no. 126737

<PAGE>

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6. BASEBUILDER GUARANTEED BENEFIT ELECTION  (NOT APPLICABLE FOR NEW YORK
   RESIDENTS) ANNUITANT ISSUE AGES 20 THROUGH 75 MUST SELECT PLAN A OR PLAN B.
   FOR ANNUITANT ISSUE AGES 76 THROUGH 83, PLAN B WILL APPLY.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[ ] PLAN A (baseBUILDER Combined Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit
    and Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit)

[ ] PLAN B (Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit only)

- ------------------------------------
7. SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWALS (OPTIONAL)
- ------------------------------------

FREQUENCY: [ ] Monthly [ ] Quarterly [ ] 
Annually   Start Date: ________________ (Month, Day) 
AMOUNT OF WITHDRAWAL: $_______________ or _______________%

WITHHOLDING ELECTION INFORMATION (Please refer to enrollment form/application
instructions before completing)

A. [ ] I do not want to have Federal income tax withheld. (U.S. residence
          address and Social Security No./TIN required)

B. [ ] I want to have Federal income tax withheld from each payment.

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
8. SUCCESSOR OWNER (OPTIONAL)  AVAILABLE ONLY IF THE OWNER AND ANNUITANT ARE
   DIFFERENT PERSONS
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                          <C>                              <C>       <C>

- ------------------------------------------   -------------------------------- [ ] Male  [ ] Female
Name (First, Middle, Last)                   Date of Birth (Month/Day/Year)

- ------------------------------------------   --------------------------------
Address (Street, City, State, Zip Code)      Social Security No./TIN
</TABLE>

- --------------
9. SUITABILITY
- --------------

A. Did you receive the INCOME MANAGER ACCUMULATOR prospectus?  [ ] Yes  [ ] No


- -------------------------------   ------------------------------------------
Date of Prospectus                Date(s) of any Supplement(s) to Prospectus
   

B. Will any existing life insurance or annuity be (or has it been) surrendered,
   withdrawn from, loaned against, changed or otherwise reduced in value, or
   replaced in connection with this transaction assuming the Certificate/
   Contract applied for will be issued? [ ] Yes [ ] No   If Yes, complete the
   following:

- ----------------- ------------------ ------------- ---------------------------
Year Issued       Type of Plan       Company       Certificate/Contract Number

C. National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (NASD) information (as
   required by the NASD)


- ---------------------------------------     -----------------------------------
Employer's Name & Address                   Owner's Occupation

- ---------------------------------------     -----------------------------------
Estimated Annual Family Income              Estimated Net Worth

Investment Objective: [ ] Income  [ ] Income & Growth  [ ] Growth  
[ ] Aggressive Growth  [ ] Safety of Principal

Is Owner or Annuitant associated with or employed by a member of the NASD?
[ ] Yes  [ ] No

- --------------------------------
   10. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
- --------------------------------

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

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

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

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

                                                             Accumulator page 2
(5/97)                                                           cat. no 126737

<PAGE>

- ---------------------------------------------------------
11. ALLOCATION AMONG INVESTMENT OPTIONS  CHOOSE A, B OR C
- ---------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                          <C>                       <C>         <C>                 <C>
                             (1) GUARANTEE PERIODS
                                 February 15, 1998...           %
- ---------------------------      February 15, 1999...           %
A. [ ] SELF-DIRECTED             February 15, 2000...           %
ALLOCATION                       February 15, 2001...           %
Allocate initial                 February 15, 2002...           %
contribution between             February 15, 2003...           %
"(1) GUARANTEE PERIODS"          February 15, 2004...           %
and "(2) INVESTMENT FUNDS."      February 15, 2005...           %
The total of (1) and (2)         February 15, 2006...           %
must equal 100%.                 February 15, 2007...           %   
- ---------------------------      
                                 
- ---------------------------
B. [ ] PRINCIPAL ASSURANCE                                        SUBTOTAL......         %(1)
Under Principal              (2) INVESTMENT FUNDS                
Assurance, an                EQUITY SERIES:
amount is allocated to a         DOMESTIC EQUITY
Guarantee                        Alliance Common Stock............           %
Period so that the               Alliance Growth & Income.........           %
maturity value                   EQ/Putnam Growth & Income Value..           %
will equal the initial           MFS Research.....................           %
contribution                     Merrill Lynch Basic Value                   %
in the year selected.              Equity.........................            
                                 T. Rowe Price Equity Income......           %
SELECT MATURITY YEAR:            INTERNATIONAL EQUITY                         
[ ] 2004  [ ] 2005               Alliance Global..................           %
[ ] 2006  [ ] 2007               Alliance International...........           %
                                 Morgan Stanley Emerging                     %
Allocate the remaining           Markets Equity*..................            
amount of the initial            T. Rowe Price International                 %
contribution only to             Stock............................            
"(2) INVESTMENT FUNDS."          AGGRESSIVE EQUITY                            
The total must equal 100%.       Alliance Aggressive Stock........           %
___________________________      Alliance Small Cap Growth........           %
- ---------------------------
C. [ ] SPECIAL DOLLAR COST       MFS Emerging Growth Companies....           %
       AVERAGING                 Warburg Pincus Small Company                %
                                 Value............................
The initial contribution     ASSET ALLOCATION SERIES:
is allocated to the              Alliance Conservative Investors             %
Alliance Money Market Fund.      Alliance Growth Investors........           %
Thereafter, amounts are          EQ/Putnam Balanced...............           %
transferred over a twelve        Merrill Lynch World Strategy.....           %
month period from the        FIXED INCOME SERIES:
Alliance Money Market            AGGRESSIVE FIXED INCOME
Fund to the other                Alliance High Yield..............           %
Investment Funds                 DOMESTIC FIXED INCOME                        
based on the percentages         Alliance Intermediate Gov't.                %
you indicate under               Securities.......................            
"(2) INVESTMENT FUNDS."          Alliance Money Market............           %
The total must equal 100%.       
Do not indicate a                
percentage for the               
Alliance Money Market Fund.      
- --------------------------       

                                                                  SUBTOTAL.....          %(2)

                                                                      TOTAL....     100%
</TABLE>

* Will become available on or about September 2, 1997.

                                                             Accumulator page 3
(5/97)                                                           cat. no 126737

<PAGE>

- -------------
12. AGREEMENT
- -------------

All information and statements furnished in this enrollment form/application
are true and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. I understand and
acknowledge that no agent has the authority to make or modify any
Certificate/Contract on behalf of Equitable Life, or to waive or alter any of
Equitable Life's rights and regulations. I understand that the Annuity Account
Value attributable to allocations to the Investment Funds and variable annuity
benefit payments, if a variable settlement option has been elected, may
increase or decrease and are not guaranteed as to dollar amount. I understand
that amounts allocated to the Guaranteed Period Account may increase or
decrease in accordance with a market value adjustment until the Expiration
Date. Equitable Life may accept amendments to this enrollment form/application
provided by me or under my authority. I understand that any change in benefits
applied for or age at issue must be agreed to in writing on an amendment.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                   <C>       <C> 

X
- ----------------------------------------------------  --------  ------------------------
Proposed Annuitant's Signature                        Date      Signed at: City, State

X
- ----------------------------------------------------  --------  ------------------------
Proposed Owner's Signature (If other than Annuitant)  Date      Signed at: City, State
</TABLE>

  (NEW YORK AND OREGON RESIDENTS SIGN ABOVE, ALL OTHER RESIDENTS SIGN BELOW.)

COLORADO: IT IS UNLAWFUL TO KNOWINGLY PROVIDE FALSE, INCOMPLETE, OR MISLEADING
FACTS OR INFORMATION TO AN INSURANCE COMPANY FOR THE PURPOSE OF DEFRAUDING OR
ATTEMPTING TO DEFRAUD THE COMPANY. PENALTIES MAY INCLUDE IMPRISONMENT, FINES,
DENIAL OF INSURANCE, AND CIVIL DAMAGES. ANY INSURANCE COMPANY OR AGENT OF AN
INSURANCE COMPANY WHO KNOWINGLY PROVIDES FALSE, INCOMPLETE OR MISLEADING FACTS
OR INFORMATION TO A CONTRACTOWNER OR CLAIMANT WITH REGARD TO A SETTLEMENT OR
AWARD PAYABLE FROM INSURANCE PROCEEDS SHALL BE REPORTED TO THE COLORADO
DIVISION OF INSURANCE WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF REGULATORY AGENCIES.

FLORIDA: ANY PERSON WHO KNOWINGLY AND WITH INTENT TO INJURE, DEFRAUD OR DECEIVE
AN INSURER FILES A STATEMENT OF CLAIM OR AN APPLICATION CONTAINING ANY FALSE,
INCOMPLETE OR MISLEADING INFORMATION IS GUILTY OF A FELONY OF THE THIRD DEGREE.

NEW JERSEY: ANY PERSON WHO KNOWINGLY FILES A STATEMENT OF CLAIM OR AN
ENROLLMENT FORM CONTAINING ANY FALSE, OR MISLEADING INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO
CRIMINAL AND CIVIL PENALTIES.

KENTUCKY: ANY PERSON WHO KNOWINGLY AND WITH INTENT TO DEFRAUD ANY INSURANCE
COMPANY OR OTHER PERSON FILES AN ENROLLMENT FORM FOR INSURANCE OR STATEMENT OF
CLAIM CONTAINING ANY MATERIALLY FALSE INFORMATION OR CONCEALS FOR THE PURPOSE
OF MISLEADING, INFORMATION CONCERNING ANY FACT MATERIAL THERETO COMMITS A
FRAUDULENT INSURANCE ACT, WHICH IS A CRIME AND SUBJECTS SUCH PERSON TO CRIMINAL
AND CIVIL PENALTIES.

ALL OTHER STATES: ANY PERSON WHO KNOWINGLY AND WITH INTENT TO DEFRAUD ANY
INSURANCE COMPANY FILES AN ENROLLMENT FORM/APPLICATION OR STATEMENT OF CLAIM
CONTAINING ANY MATERIALLY FALSE, MISLEADING OR INCOMPLETE INFORMATION IS GUILTY
OF A CRIME WHICH MAY BE PUNISHABLE UNDER STATE OR FEDERAL LAW.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                   <C>       <C> 

X
- ----------------------------------------------------  --------  ------------------------
Proposed Annuitant's Signature                        Date      Signed at: City, State

X
- ----------------------------------------------------  --------  ------------------------
Proposed Owner's Signature (If other than Annuitant)  Date      Signed at: City, State
</TABLE>

Do you have reason to believe that any existing life insurance or annuity has
been surrendered, withdrawn from, loaned against, changed or otherwise reduced
in value, or replaced in connection with this transaction assuming the
Certificate/Contract applied for will be issued on the life of the Annuitant?
[ ] Yes [ ] No

Florida License ID No(s). ________________________________________


1)
   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Agent Signature                           Print Name & No. of Agent

   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Agent Soc. Sec. No.                       Agency Code                   %


2)
   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Agent Signature                           Print Name & No. of Agent

   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Agent Soc. Sec. No.                       Agency Code                   %

                                                             Accumulator page 4
(5/97)                                                           cat. no 126737

<PAGE>

                       INCOME MANAGER(SM) ROLLOVER IRA
[INSERT EQ LOGO]       COMBINATION VARIABLE AND FIXED DEFERRED
                       ANNUITY (QUALIFIED)
                       Enrollment Form under Group Annuity Contract No. AC 7627
                       and Application for Individual Contract

THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- ------------------
1. OWNER/ANNUITANT
- ------------------

- ---------------------------------------    -----------------------------------
Name (First, Middle, Last)                 Date of Birth (Month/Day/Year)

- ---------------------------------------    -----------------------------------
Address (Street, City, State, Zip Code)    Social Security No.

- ---------------------       --------------------------  [ ] Male [ ] Female
Home Phone Number           Office Phone Number

- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. BENEFICIARY(IES)  IF MORE THAN ONE - INDICATE %.  TOTAL MUST EQUAL 100%.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

- -------------------------------   ---------------------------------    --------
Name (First, Middle, Last)        Relationship to Annuitant                   %

- -------------------------------   ---------------------------------    --------
Name (First, Middle, Last)        Relationship to Annuitant                   %

- -------------------------------   ---------------------------------    --------
Name (First, Middle, Last)        Relationship to Annuitant                   %

- -------------------------------   ---------------------------------    --------
Name (First, Middle, Last)        Relationship to Annuitant                   %

[ ] Check this box to designate your spouse as the Successor Owner/Annuitant
    and complete the following information. Your spouse must also be named as
    the sole primary beneficiary.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                            <C>                                      <C>       <C>

- ----------------------------   ---------------------------------------  [ ] Male  [ ] Female
Spouse's Social Security No.   Spouse's Date of Birth (Month/Day/Year)
</TABLE>

- ---------------------------
3. ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT AGE
- ---------------------------

SPECIFY AGE:__________________ (Age 90 if not indicated)

- -----------------------------------
4. INITIAL CONTRIBUTION INFORMATION
- -----------------------------------

TOTAL INITIAL CONTRIBUTION: $__________________________

METHOD OF PAYMENT: [ ] By check payable to Equitable Life  [ ] By wire

SOURCE OF FUNDS:  [ ] Rollover from other IRA  [ ] Direct Rollover from
qualified plan or TSA  [ ] Direct Transfer from other IRA
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
5. BASEBUILDER GUARANTEED BENEFIT ELECTION  (NOT APPLICABLE FOR NEW YORK
   RESIDENTS) ISSUE AGES 20 THROUGH 75 MUST SELECT PLAN A OR PLAN B. FOR
   ISSUE AGES 76 THROUGH 78, PLAN B WILL APPLY.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------

[ ] PLAN A* (baseBUILDER Combined Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit and
    Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit)

[ ] 6% to Age 80 Benefit OR [ ] 6% to Age 70 Benefit (Issue ages 65 and under)
*6% to Age 80 Benefit will apply if no benefit is selected.

[ ] PLAN B (Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit only)

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       INCOME MANAGEMENT GROUP, P.O. BOX 1547, SECAUCUS, N.J. 07096-1547
                                 (800) 338-3434

(5/97)                  PART OF INCOME MANAGER PORTFOLIO       cat. no. 126736

<PAGE>

- -------------------------
6. WITHDRAWALS (OPTIONAL)
- -------------------------

A. [ ] SUBSTANTIALLY EQUAL PAYMENT WITHDRAWALS.  Available only if you are
   below age 59 1/2.

   Frequency: [ ] Monthly  [ ] Quarterly  [ ] Annually

   Start Date: ________________ (Month, Day)

   Calculation Basis: [ ] Single Life  [ ] Joint and 100% to Survivor

B. [ ] SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWALS.  Available only if you are age 59 1/2 to 70 1/2.

   Frequency: [ ] Monthly  [ ] Quarterly  [ ] Annually

   Start Date: ________________ (Month, Day)

   Amount of Withdrawal:  $_______________ or __________%

C. [ ] MINIMUM DISTRIBUTION WITHDRAWALS.  Available only if you have elected
   Self-Directed Allocation and you are age 70 1/2 or older.

   Minimum Distribution Withdrawals based on the period of:

   [ ] Owner/Annuitant's life expectancy only    [ ] joint life expectancies of
                                                     Owner/Annuitant and spouse

      [ ] joint life expectancies of Owner/Annuitant and non-spouse beneficiary

   If joint life, indicate joint Annuitant's date of birth: ______________

   Do you want your life expectancy recalculated? [ ] yes  [ ] no

   If you elected joint life expectancies, do you want your life expectancies 
   recalculated? [ ] yes  [ ] no

WITHHOLDING ELECTION INFORMATION  (Please refer to enrollment form/application
instructions before completing)

A. [ ] I do not want to have Federal income tax withheld. (U.S. residence
       address and Social Security No. required)

B. [ ] I want to have Federal income tax withheld from each payment.

- --------------
7. SUITABILITY
- --------------

A. Did you receive the INCOME MANAGER ROLLOVER IRA prospectus?  [ ] Yes  [ ] No


- ----------------------------     ---------------------------------------------
Date of Prospectus               Date(s) of any Supplement(s) to Prospectus

B. Will any existing life insurance or annuity be (or has it been)
   surrendered, withdrawn from, loaned against, changed or otherwise reduced in
   value, or replaced in connection with this transaction assuming the
   Certificate/ Contract applied for will be issued? [ ] Yes [ ] No    If Yes,
   complete the following:

- ---------------- ----------------- ------------ ----------------------------
Year Issued      Type of Plan      Company      Certificate/Contract Number

C. National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (NASD) information (as
   required by the NASD)

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Employer's Name & Address                      Owner/Annuitant's Occupation

- ----------------------------------------      ---------------------------------
Estimated Annual Family Income                Estimated Net Worth

Investment Objective: [ ] Income  [ ] Income & Growth  [ ] Growth  
[ ] Aggressive Growth  [ ] Safety of Principal

Is Owner/Annuitant associated with or employed by a member of the NASD? 
[ ] Yes  [ ] No

- -----------------------
8. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
- -----------------------

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

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

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

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

                                                            Rollover IRA page 3
(5/97)                                                           cat. no 126736

<PAGE>

- --------------------------------------------------------
9. ALLOCATION AMONG INVESTMENT OPTIONS  CHOOSE A, B OR C
- --------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                          <C>                         <C>       <C>                  <C>
                             (1) GUARANTEE PERIODS
                                 February 15, 1998...           %
- ---------------------------      February 15, 1999...           %
A. [ ] SELF-DIRECTED             February 15, 2000...           %
ALLOCATION                       February 15, 2001...           %
Allocate initial                 February 15, 2002...           %
contribution between             February 15, 2003...           %
"(1) GUARANTEE PERIODS"          February 15, 2004...           %
and "(2) INVESTMENT FUNDS."      February 15, 2005...           %
The total of (1) and (2)         February 15, 2006...           %
must equal 100%.                 February 15, 2007...           %   
- ---------------------------
                           
- ---------------------------
B. [ ] PRINCIPAL ASSURANCE                                        SUBTOTAL......         %(1)
Under Principal              (2) INVESTMENT FUNDS                
Assurance, an                EQUITY SERIES:
amount is allocated to a         DOMESTIC EQUITY
Guarantee                        Alliance Common Stock............           %
Period so that the               Alliance Growth & Income.........           %
maturity value                   EQ/Putnam Growth & Income Value             %
will equal the initial           MFS Research.....................           %
contribution                     Merrill Lynch Basic Value Equity.           %
in the year selected.
                                 T. Rowe Price Equity Income......           %
SELECT MATURITY YEAR:            INTERNATIONAL EQUITY                         
[ ] 2004  [ ] 2005               Alliance Global..................           %
[ ] 2006  [ ] 2007               Alliance International...........           %
                                 Morgan Stanley Emerging                     %
Allocate the remaining           Markets Equity*..................            
amount of the initial            T. Rowe Price International                 %
contribution only to             Stock............................            
"(2) INVESTMENT FUNDS."          AGGRESSIVE EQUITY                            
The total must equal 100%.       Alliance Aggressive Stock........           %
- ---------------------------      Alliance Small Cap Growth........           %
                                 MFS Emerging Growth Companies....           %
- ---------------------------
C. [ ] SPECIAL DOLLAR COST 
       AVERAGING                 Warburg Pincus Small Company                %
                                 Value............................
The initial contribution     ASSET ALLOCATION SERIES:
is allocated to the              Alliance Conservative Investors             %
Alliance Money Market Fund.      Alliance Growth Investors........           %             
Thereafter, amounts are          EQ/Putnam Balanced...............           %
transferred over a twelve        Merrill Lynch World Strategy.....           %
month period from the        FIXED INCOME SERIES:
Alliance Money Market            AGGRESSIVE FIXED INCOME
Fund to the other                Alliance High Yield..............           %
Investment Funds                 DOMESTIC FIXED INCOME                        
based on the percentages         Alliance Intermediate Gov't.                %
you indicate under               Securities.......................            
"(2) INVESTMENT FUNDS."          Alliance Money Market............           %
The total must equal 100%.       
Do not indicate a                
percentage for the               
Alliance Money Market            
- ---------------------------
                                                                                         
                                                                  SUBTOTAL.....          %(2)

                                                                      TOTAL....     100%
</TABLE>

* Will become available on or about September 2, 1997.

                                                            Rollover IRA page 4
(5/97)                                                           cat. no 126736

<PAGE>

- -------------
10. AGREEMENT
- -------------

All information and statements furnished in this enrollment form/application
are true and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. I understand and
acknowledge that no agent has the authority to make or modify any
Certificate/Contract on behalf of Equitable Life, or to waive or alter any of
Equitable Life's rights and regulations. I understand that the Annuity Account
Value attributable to allocations to the Investment Funds and variable annuity
benefit payments, if a variable settlement option has been elected, may
increase or decrease and are not guaranteed as to dollar amount. I understand
that amounts allocated to the Guaranteed Period Account may increase or
decrease in accordance with a market value adjustment until the Expiration
Date. Equitable Life may accept amendments to this enrollment form/application
provided by me or under my authority. I understand that any change in benefits
applied for or age at issue must be agreed to in writing on an amendment.

X
- -------------------------------------   ------------  -----------------------
Proposed Owner /Annuitant's Signature   Date          Signed at: City, State

  (NEW YORK AND OREGON RESIDENTS SIGN ABOVE, ALL OTHER RESIDENTS SIGN BELOW.)

COLORADO: IT IS UNLAWFUL TO KNOWINGLY PROVIDE FALSE, INCOMPLETE, OR MISLEADING
FACTS OR INFORMATION TO AN INSURANCE COMPANY FOR THE PURPOSE OF DEFRAUDING OR
ATTEMPTING TO DEFRAUD THE COMPANY. PENALTIES MAY INCLUDE IMPRISONMENT, FINES,
DENIAL OF INSURANCE, AND CIVIL DAMAGES. ANY INSURANCE COMPANY OR AGENT OF AN
INSURANCE COMPANY WHO KNOWINGLY PROVIDES FALSE, INCOMPLETE OR MISLEADING FACTS
OR INFORMATION TO A CONTRACTOWNER OR CLAIMANT WITH REGARD TO A SETTLEMENT OR
AWARD PAYABLE FROM INSURANCE PROCEEDS SHALL BE REPORTED TO THE COLORADO
DIVISION OF INSURANCE WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF REGULATORY AGENCIES.

FLORIDA: ANY PERSON WHO KNOWINGLY AND WITH INTENT TO INJURE, DEFRAUD OR DECEIVE
AN INSURER FILES A STATEMENT OF CLAIM OR AN APPLICATION CONTAINING ANY FALSE,
INCOMPLETE OR MISLEADING INFORMATION IS GUILTY OF A FELONY OF THE THIRD DEGREE.

NEW JERSEY: ANY PERSON WHO KNOWINGLY FILES A STATEMENT OF CLAIM OR AN
ENROLLMENT FORM CONTAINING ANY FALSE, OR MISLEADING INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO
CRIMINAL AND CIVIL PENALTIES.

KENTUCKY: ANY PERSON WHO KNOWINGLY AND WITH INTENT TO DEFRAUD ANY INSURANCE
COMPANY OR OTHER PERSON FILES AN ENROLLMENT FORM FOR INSURANCE OR STATEMENT OF
CLAIM CONTAINING ANY MATERIALLY FALSE INFORMATION OR CONCEALS FOR THE PURPOSE
OF MISLEADING, INFORMATION CONCERNING ANY FACT MATERIAL THERETO COMMITS A
FRAUDULENT INSURANCE ACT, WHICH IS A CRIME AND SUBJECTS SUCH PERSON TO CRIMINAL
AND CIVIL PENALTIES.

ALL OTHER STATES: ANY PERSON WHO KNOWINGLY AND WITH INTENT TO DEFRAUD ANY
INSURANCE COMPANY FILES AN ENROLLMENT FORM/APPLICATION OR STATEMENT OF CLAIM
CONTAINING ANY MATERIALLY FALSE, MISLEADING OR INCOMPLETE INFORMATION IS GUILTY
OF A CRIME WHICH MAY BE PUNISHABLE UNDER STATE OR FEDERAL LAW.

X
- -------------------------------------   ------------  -----------------------
Proposed Owner /Annuitant's Signature   Date          Signed at: City, State

Do you have reason to believe that any existing life insurance or annuity has
been surrendered, withdrawn from, loaned against, changed or otherwise reduced
in value, or replaced in connection with this transaction assuming the
Certificate/Contract applied for will be issued on the life of the Annuitant?
[ ] Yes [ ] No

Florida License ID No(s). ________________________________________


1)
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Agent Signature                           Print Name & No. of Agent

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Agent Soc. Sec. No.                       Agency Code                   %


2)
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Agent Signature                           Print Name & No. of Agent

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Agent Soc. Sec. No.                       Agency Code                   %


<PAGE>



                                                                April 29, 1997



The Equitable Life Assurance
 Society of the United States
1290 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10104


Dear Sirs:

     This opinion is furnished in connection with the filing by The Equitable
Life Assurance Society of the United States ("Equitable Life") and Separate
Account No. 45 of Equitable Life ("Separate Account No. 45") of the Form N-4
Registration Statement of Equitable Life and Separate Account No. 45 under the
Securities Act of 1933 (File No. 33-83750) and of the Registration Statement of
Separate Account No. 45 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 included in
the same Form N-4. The Registration Statement covers an indefinite number of
units of interest ("Units") in Separate Account No. 45.

     The Units are purchased with contributions received under individual
annuity contracts and certificates Equitable Life offers under a group annuity
contract (collectively, the "Certificates"). As described in the prospectuses
included in the Registration Statement, the Certificates are designed to
provide for retirement income benefits.

     I have examined such corporate records of Equitable Life and provisions of
the New York insurance law as are relevant to authorization and issuance of the
Certificates and such other documents and laws as I consider appropriate. On
the basis of such examination, it is my opinion that:

1.   Equitable Life is a corporation duly organized and validly existing under
     the laws of the State of New York.

2.   Separate Account No. 45 was duly established pursuant to the provisions of
     the New York Insurance Law.

<PAGE>


The Equitable Life Assurance
 Society of the United States
April 29, 1997
Page 2


3.   The assets of Separate Account No. 45 are owned by Equitable Life;
     Equitable Life is not a trustee with respect thereto. Under New York law,
     the income, gains and losses, whether or not realized, from assets
     allocated to Separate Account No. 45 must be credited to or charged
     against such account, without regard to the other income, gains or losses
     of Equitable Life.

4.   The Certificates provide that the portion of the assets of Separate
     Account No. 45 equal to the reserves and other contract liabilities with
     respect to Separate Account No. 45 shall not be chargeable with
     liabilities arising out of any other business Equitable Life may conduct
     and that Equitable Life reserves the right to transfer assets of Separate
     Account No. 45 in excess of such reserves and contract liabilities to the
     general account of Equitable Life.

5.   The Certificates (including any Units credited thereunder) will be duly
     authorized and when issued in accordance with applicable regulatory
     approvals will represent validly issued and binding obligations of
     Equitable Life.

     I hereby consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement.

                                       Very truly yours,


                                      /s/ Jonathan E. Gaines
                                      -------------------------
                                          Jonathan E. Gaines




<PAGE>

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

We hereby consent to the use in each Statement of Additional Information 
constituting part of this Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to the Registration 
Statement No. 33-83750 on Form N-4 (the "Registration Statement") of our 
report dated February 10, 1997 relating to the financial statements of The 
Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States Separate Account No. 45 
for the year ended December 31, 1996, and our report dated February 10, 1997 
relating to the consolidated financialstatements of The Equitable Life 
Assurance Society of the United States for the year ended December 31, 1996, 
which reports appear in such Statements of Additional Information, and to the 
incorporation by reference of our reports into each Prospectus and Prospectus 
Supplement which constitutes part of this Registration Statement. We also 
consent to the reference to us under the headings "Custodian and Independent 
Accountants" in the Statements of Additional Information and "Independent 
Accountants" in each Prospectus.


Price Waterhouse LLP
New York, New York
April 29, 1997




<PAGE>
   

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


         KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned officer or
director of The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States (the
"Company"), a New York stock life insurance company, hereby constitutes and
appoints Gordon G. Dinsmore, Samuel B. Shlesinger, Donald R. Kaplan, Pauline
Sherman, Michael F. McNelis, Naomi J. Weinstein, Maureen K. Wolfson, Mildred
Oliver, Jerome S. Golden and Dennis D. Witte and each of them (with full power
to each of them to act alone), his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and
agent, with full power of substitution to each, for him or her and on his or
her behalf and in his or her name, place and stead, to execute and file any of
the documents referred to below relating to registrations under the Securities
Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act
of 1940 with respect to any insurance or annuity contracts or other agreements
providing for allocation of amounts to Separate Accounts of the Company, and
related units or interests in Separate Accounts: registration statements on any
form or forms under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act
of 1940 and annual reports on any form or forms under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, and any and all amendments and supplements thereto, with all
exhibits and all instruments necessary or appropriate in connection therewith,
each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents and his, her or their substitutes
being empowered to act with or without the others or other, and to have full
power and authority to do or cause to be done in the name and on behalf of the
undersigned each and every act and thing requisite and necessary or appropriate
with respect thereto to be done in and about the premises in order to
effectuate the same, as fully to all intents and purposes as the undersigned
might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, may do or cause to be done by
virtue hereof.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his or her hand
this 20th day of February, 1997



                                            /s/ Didier Pineau-Valencienne
    


<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000929634
<NAME> SEP ACCT NO 45
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 02
   <NAME> COMMON STOCK FUND
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                       74,352,777
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                      75,709,230
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                           812,700
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              76,521,930
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                       853,808
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                      161,327
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                          1,015,135
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                             0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                                0
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                75,506,795
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                              307,270
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                 350,135
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                       (42,865)
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                     6,011,054
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                    1,504,011
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                        7,472,200
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                     (42,865)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                     7,515,065
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                       61,285,181
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                              0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                          0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                      68,672,375
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                      0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                 0
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<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
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<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000929634
<NAME> SEP ACCT NO 45
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 03
   <NAME> MONEY MARKET FUND
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                       32,590,855
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                      32,392,955
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                           919,631
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              33,312,586
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                       934,835
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                       80,961
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                          1,015,796
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                             0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                                0
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
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<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                32,296,790
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                              973,287
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                 182,124
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                        791,163
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                        19,803
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                    (165,897)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                          645,069
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                      791,163
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                     (146,094)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                       27,534,449
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                              0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                          0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                      28,161,936
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
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<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000929634
<NAME> SEP ACCT NO 45
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 04
   <NAME> AGGRESSIVE STOCK FUND
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                       43,176,986
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                      41,011,800
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                           528,494
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              41,540,294
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                       549,556
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                      103,486
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                            653,042
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                             0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                                0
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                40,887,252
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                               48,668
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                 170,068
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                      (121,400)
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                     4,080,335
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                  (1,995,216)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                        1,963,719
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                    (121,400)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                     2,085,119
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                       35,794,840
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                              0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                          0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                      37,725,056
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
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<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000929634
<NAME> SEP ACCT NO 45
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 07
   <NAME> GLOBAL FUND
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                       15,256,959
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                      15,456,443
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                           206,778
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              15,663,221
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                       213,416
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                       73,501
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                            286,917
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                             0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                                0
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                15,376,304
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                              159,750
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                  71,437
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                         88,313
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                       583,216
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                      184,372
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                          815,901
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                       88,313
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                       727,588
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                       13,510,354
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                              0
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<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                      14,308,201
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
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<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000929634
<NAME> SEP ACCT NO 45
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 08
   <NAME> CONSERVATIVE INVESTORS FUND
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                        7,918,815
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                       7,923,466
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                           190,991
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               8,114,457
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                       195,199
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                       60,976
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                            256,175
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
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<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                                0
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
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<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                 7,858,282
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                              249,730
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                  56,301
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                        193,429
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                       154,966
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                     (12,221)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                          336,174
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                      193,429
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                       142,745
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                        5,840,362
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                              0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                          0
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<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                       6,163,903
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
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<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000929634
<NAME> SEP ACCT NO 45
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 09
   <NAME> GROWTH INVESTORS FUND
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                       24,267,019
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                      24,108,242
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                           255,852
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              24,364,094
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                       269,698
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                       86,001
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                            355,699
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                             0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                                0
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
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<NET-ASSETS>                                24,008,395
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                              364,945
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
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<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                        218,025
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                     1,601,901
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                    (197,988)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                        1,621,938
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                      218,025
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                     1,403,913
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                       18,724,493
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                              0
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<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                      20,314,217
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
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</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000929634
<NAME> SEP ACCT NO 45
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 12
   <NAME> INTERMED GOV SECURITIES FUND
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                        3,570,593
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                       3,533,879
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                             2,352
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               3,536,231
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                         4,273
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                       55,974
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                             60,247
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                             0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                                0
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
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<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                 3,475,984
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                              169,012
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                  30,204
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                        138,808
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                      (21,067)
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                     (41,524)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                           76,217
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                      138,808
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                      (62,591)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                        1,255,442
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                              0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                          0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                       1,324,950
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
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<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
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</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000929634
<NAME> SEP ACCT NO 45
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 13
   <NAME> GROWTH & INCOME FUND
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                       14,345,718
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                      15,109,954
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                           217,813
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              15,327,767
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                       224,654
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                       77,185
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                            301,839
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                             0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                                0
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
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<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                15,025,928
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                              140,078
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
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<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                         64,283
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                       693,777
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                      698,407
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                        1,456,467
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                       64,283
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                     1,392,184
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                       11,787,926
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                              0
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<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
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<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
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<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                      0
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<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                  0
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<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000929634
<NAME> SEP ACCT NO 45
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 16
   <NAME> INTERNATIONAL FUND FUND
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                        8,620,079
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                       8,651,467
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                            39,027
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               8,690,494
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                        43,221
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                         63,269
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                      106,490
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                                  0
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                             0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                                0
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                 8,584,004
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                              100,654
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                  47,321
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                         53,333
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                       234,294
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                       16,354
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                          303,981
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                       53,333
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                       250,648
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                        7,481,409
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                              0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                          0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                       7,773,516
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
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