UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                              Washington, DC 20549

                                    FORM 8-K

                                 CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

       Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) January 15, 1999

                               MARKEL CORPORATION
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

                                    Virginia
         (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

                      1-13051                        54-0292420
                    (Commission                   (I.R.S. employer
                    file number)                identification number)

                 4551 Cox Road, Glen Allen, Virginia 23060-3382
                    (Address of principal executive offices)
                                   (Zip code)

                                 (804) 747-0136
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

                                      NONE
              (Former name, former address and former fiscal year,
                          if changed since last report)






Item 2.  Acquisition or Disposition of Assets

On January  15,  1999  Markel  Corporation  (the  Registrant)  acquired  Gryphon
Holdings Inc. and its subsidiaries  (Gryphon) as a result of the completion of a
public tender offer. As of the termination of the offer,  based on a preliminary
count from the  depositary  for the offer,  approximately  5.9 million shares of
Gryphon  common stock had been  tendered and accepted for payment.  These shares
together  with  the  shares  that  the  Registrant   already  owned,   represent
approximately  98 percent of Gryphon's  total issued and  outstanding  shares of
common stock.  The Registrant  intends to cause a wholly owned subsidiary of the
Registrant  to effect a merger  with  Gryphon  pursuant  to which the  remaining
shares of  Gryphon  common  stock  will be  converted  into the right to receive
$19.00 per share in cash.  Markel currently expects the merger to be consummated
by the end of February  1999.  The timing of the merger will depend upon,  among
other things,  whether the  outstanding  shares of Gryphon  preferred  stock are
redeemed,  converted  into shares of Gryphon common stock or purchased by Markel
in  a  negotiated   transaction.   Total  consideration  paid  for  Gryphon  was
approximately  $150.7  million.  The  Registrant  funded  the  transaction  with
available cash on hand of  approximately  $100.7  million and  borrowings  under
existing lines of credit. In addition,  the Registrant  subsequently  refinanced
$55.0 million of Gryphon's debt.

Gryphon, which operates through its main subsidiary, Gryphon Insurance Group, is
a  specialty  property  and  casualty   underwriting   organization.   Gryphon's
wholly-owned  insurance  subsidiaries  are  Associated  International  Insurance
Company, Calvert Insurance Company and The First Reinsurance Company of Hartford
(FRH). Gryphon acquired FRH on July 13, 1998.

Following the acquisition,  the Registrant  expects to significantly  reorganize
Gryphon. The Registrant  anticipates that certain unprofitable lines of business
will be discontinued  which may materially reduce the amount of business written
by Gryphon.

"Safe Harbor" Statement

This is a "Safe Harbor" statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995.  Certain  statements that are contained herein are  forward-looking
statements  that involve  risks and  uncertainties.  Future  actual  results may
materially  differ from those in these statements  because of many factors.  For
instance, the registrant will be significantly reorganizing Gryphon's operations
and the scope and impact of these  changes  cannot be  determined  at this time.
Insurance  industry price  competition has made it more difficult to attract and
retain  adequately  priced  business.  State  regulatory  actions can impede the
Company's  ability to charge  adequate rates and efficiently  allocate  capital.
Also the frequency  and severity of natural  catastrophes  are highly  variable.
Economic conditions and interest rate volatility can have significant impacts on
the  market  value  of fixed  maturity  and  equity  investments.  The  business
community's  state of readiness  for the Year 2000 and the  Company's  potential
underwriting  exposure to Year 2000  claims are  difficult  to predict  with any
certainty. Accordingly, the Company's premium growth, underwriting and investing
results have been and will  continue to be  potentially  materially  affected by
these factors.


Item 7.  Financial Statements, Pro Forma Financial Information and Exhibits

      (a) Financial Statements of Business Acquired

The following financial statements of Gryphon Holdings, Inc. are filed as part
of this report:

      Independent Auditors' Report
      Consolidated  Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1997 and 1996
      Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 1997,
         1996 and 1995
      Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the Years Ended
         December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995
      Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31,
         1997, 1996 and 1995
      Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements




      Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 1998 and December 31,
         1997(Unaudited)
      Consolidated Statements of Income for the Nine Months Ended September 30,
         1998 and 1997 (Unaudited)
      Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September
          30, 1998 and 1997 (Unaudited)
      Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

      (b)   Pro Forma Financial Information (Unaudited)

The  following  pro forma  financial  information  is  included  as part of this
report:

      Introduction
      Pro Forma Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 1998
      Pro Forma Consolidated Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income for
            the Nine Months Ended September 30, 1998
      Pro Forma Consolidated Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income for
            the Year Ended December 31, 1997.
      Notes to Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements

      (c)   Exhibits

The Exhibits listed on the Exhibit Index are filed as part of this report.


                                   SIGNATURES

Pursuant  to the  requirements  of the  Securities  Exchange  Act of  1934,  the
Registrant  has duly  caused  this  report  to be  signed  on its  behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.


                                          MARKEL CORPORATION

Date: January 29, 1999                    By: Darrell D. Martin
                                          ---------------------
                                          Executive Vice President
                                          And Chief Financial Officer






                                  EXHIBIT INDEX

4     Agreement and Plan of Merger among Markel Corporation, MG Acquisition
      Corp. and Gryphon Holdings, Inc.*

23    Consent  of KPMG  LLP to the  inclusion  of their  report  as part of this
      report on Form 8-K.

      * Incorporated by reference from Exhibit (g)(6) to Amendment No. 7 to
      Schedule 14D-1 filed by the  Registrant on November 25, 1998.








Item 7a.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF BUSINESS ACQUIRED


                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT


Board of Directors and Shareholders
Gryphon Holdings Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Gryphon Holdings
Inc.  and  subsidiaries  as of  December  31,  1997 and  1996,  and the  related
consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each
of  the  years  in  the  three-year   period  ended  December  31,  1997.  These
consolidated  financial  statements  are  the  responsibility  of the  Company's
management.  Our  responsibility is to express an opinion on these  consolidated
financial statements based on our audits.

We  conducted  our  audits  in  accordance  with  generally   accepted  auditing
standards.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes
assessing the  accounting  principles  used and  significant  estimates  made by
management,  as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated  financial statements referred to above present
fairly,  in all material  respects,  the financial  position of Gryphon Holdings
Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the  three-year  period
ended  December 31, 1997,  in  conformity  with  generally  accepted  accounting
principles.  



                                   KPMG LLP


New York, New York
February 24, 1998





                       Consolidated Balance Sheets

                                                             December 31,
                                                         1997           1996
                                                        (Dollars in thousands)
                                                                  
Assets
Investments:
  Fixed maturities, available for sale, at fair value
   (amortized cost: 1997 - $274,506; 1996 - $274,515)    $    280,553   $    280,164
  Short-term investments, at cost, which
   approximates market                                            257            307
Total investments                                             280,810        280,471
Cash and cash equivalents                                      32,272         23,398
Accrued investment income                                       4,071          3,919
Premiums receivable                                            16,151         18,509
Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses                         18,261         14,326
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses                      140,810        137,952
Prepaid reinsurance premiums                                   16,573         18,965
Deferred policy acquisition costs                              11,849         12,415
Deferred income taxes                                          10,569         10,282
Other assets                                                    7,619          6,747
Total assets                                             $    538,985   $    526,984

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Policy liabilities:
     Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses          $    328,911   $    309,259
     Unearned premiums                                         62,351         68,683
Total policy liabilities                                      391,262        377,942
Reinsurance balances payable                                   12,179         16,207
Income taxes payable                                              389             55
Long-term debt                                                 21,125         24,625
Other liabilities                                               9,521         13,019
Total liabilities                                             434,476        431,848
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
     Preferred stock, $.01 par value; 1,000,000 shares
        authorized; none issued or outstanding
     Common stock, $.01 par value; 15,000,000 shares
        authorized; 8,148,050 shares issued                        81             81
     Additional paid-in capital                                30,742         30,847
     Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax         (346)          (219)
     Net unrealized investment gains, net of tax                3,931          3,672
     Deferred compensation                                       (151)          (257)
     Retained earnings                                         95,065         86,271
     Treasury stock, at cost; shares
        1997: 1,461,169: 1996:1,487,075                       (24,813)       (25,259)
Total stockholders' equity                                    104,509         95,136
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity               $    538,985   $    526,984




See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.










                        Consolidated Statements of Income




                                                                Year ended December 31,
                                                             1997        1996          1995
                                                           ----------------------------------
                                                          (Dollars and shares in thousands,
                                                                except per-share data)
                                                                          
Revenues
Net premiums earned                                      $  104,246  $    87,929   $    83,399
Net investment income                                        17,061       16,453        15,839
Realized gains on investments                                 6,188        1,203         3,647
Other income                                                    979        1,059
Total revenues                                              128,474      106,644       102,885

Expenses
Losses and loss adjustment expenses                          71,015       57,700        50,816
Underwriting, acquisition, and insurance expenses            45,089       40,967        34,590
Interest expense                                              1,607        1,761           595
Total expenses                                              117,711      100,428        86,001

Income before income taxes                                   10,763        6,216        16,884
Provision for income taxes (benefit):
   Current                                                    2,395        1,389         2,969
   Deferred                                                    (426)      (1,336)          990
Total income taxes                                            1,969           53         3,959

Net income                                               $    8,794  $     6,163   $    12,925

Basic earnings per share                                 $     1.32  $      0.93   $      1.69

Weighted average shares outstanding                           6,680        6,656         7,648




See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.







                 Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity





                                                            Foreign     Unrealized
                                           Additional      Currency     Investment
                               Common       Paid-in       Translation     Gains      Deferred   Retained  Treasury
                                Stock       Capital        Adjustment    (Losses)  Compensation Earnings   Stock       Total
                               ---------   ----------    -------------   ---------- ----------- --------  ---------    -----
                                                                             
                                                    (Dollars in thousands)

Balances at
   January 1, 1995               $  81       $ 30,850       $ (259)    $ (3,840)    $ (242)    $ 67,183               $ 93,773
Add (deduct):
  Net income                                                                                     12,925                 12,925
  Translation adjustment                                        50                                                          50
  Stock award plans                                                                     49                                  49
  Net unrealized investment
    gains, net of tax                                                    11,903                                         11,903
  Purchase of common stock
    for treasury                                                                                            (25,478)   (25,478)
Balances at
    December 31, 1995               81         30,850         (209)       8,063       (193)      80,108     (25,478)    93,222

Add (deduct):
  Net income                                                                                      6,163                  6,163
  Translation adjustment                                       (10)                                                        (10)
  Stock award plans                                (3)                                 (64)                     219        152
  Net unrealized investment
    losses, net of tax                                                   (4,391)                                        (4,391)
Balances at
    December 31, 1996               81         30,847         (219)       3,672       (257)      86,271     (25,259)    95,136

Add (deduct):
  Net income                                                                                      8,794                  8,794
  Translation adjustment                                      (127)                                                       (127)
  Stock award plans                              (105)                                 106                      446        447
  Net unrealized investment
    gains, net of tax                                                       259                                            259
Balances at
    December 31, 1997            $  81       $ 30,742       $ (346)    $  3,931     $ (151)    $ 95,065   $ (24,813)  $104,509



See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.





                   Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows



                                                             Year ended December 31,
                                                   1997            1996               1995
                                                  ------------------------------------------
                                                          (Dollars in thousands)
                                                                         
Operating activities
Net income                                       $     8,794     $     6,163      $    12,925
Adjustments to reconcile net income to
  net cash provided by operating activities:
      Increase in net policy liabilities               8,919          32,239            4,958
      Decrease (increase) in premiums receivable       2,358          (1,034)          (3,196)
      Decrease (increase) in deferred
        policy acquisition costs                         566            (233)          (2,388)
      Deferred income tax provision                     (426)         (1,336)             990
      Decrease (increase) in other
        assets and liabilities                        (3,009)          1,543             (539)
      Amortization and depreciation                      781             595              402
      Amortization of bond discount, net                 498             944              370
      Realized gains on investments                   (6,188)         (1,203)          (3,647)
      Increase (decrease) in
        reinsurance balances payable                  (4,028)        (13,166)          12,341
      Decrease (increase) in accrued
        investment income                               (152)            161             (175)
Net cash provided by operating activities              8,113          24,673           22,041

Investing activities
Sales of fixed maturities                            438,021         281,728          221,026
Purchases of fixed maturities                       (434,292)       (310,660)        (249,119)
Maturities or calls of fixed maturities                1,800           3,000            4,775
Net sales of Short-term investments                       50             230
Capital expenditures                                  (1,568)         (2,111)            (366)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities    4,011         (27,813)         (23,684)

Financing activities
Proceeds from long-term debt                                                           25,500
Common stock acquired for treasury                                                    (25,478)
Principal payment on long-term debt                   (3,500)           (875)
Issuance of common stock                                 340             217
Deferred compensation                                     37            (131)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities   (3,123)           (789)              22

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash                 (127)            (10)              50

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents       8,874          (3,939)          (1,571)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year        23,398          27,337           28,908
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year         $    32,272      $   23,398     $     27,337
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
   Income taxes paid                             $     1,855      $    1,701     $      2,783
   Interest paid                                       1,607           1,761              586




See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.





1.     Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

        The  significant   accounting  policies  followed  by  the  Company  are
summarized below.

  Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

        Gryphon  Holdings Inc.  operates  through its main  subsidiary,  Gryphon
Insurance  Group  Inc.,  as  a  specialty  property  and  casualty  underwriting
organization.  The Company's  wholly owned insurance  company  subsidiaries  are
Associated  International Insurance Company ("Associated") and Calvert Insurance
Company  ("Calvert"),  which  operate in the  property  and  casualty  insurance
industry.  Associated writes the majority of its property and casualty insurance
policies  in the State of  California.  Calvert  writes  property  and  casualty
insurance policies throughout the United States and Canada.

        The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared on
the basis of generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"),  which as to the
two  insurance  subsidiaries  differ  from the  statutory  accounting  practices
("SAP")  prescribed  or permitted  by  regulatory  authorities,  and include the
accounts of the  Company  and its  subsidiaries.  All  significant  intercompany
accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

        The preparation of the consolidated  financial  statements in conformity
with GAAP  requires the use of estimates  and  assumptions  that affect  amounts
reported in the consolidated  financial  statements and the accompanying  notes.
Actual results could differ from such estimates.

Premium Revenues

        Direct,  assumed and ceded  property and  liability  insurance  premiums
written  are  recognized  as  earned on a pro rata  basis  over the terms of the
policies. Unearned premiums are calculated principally by the application of pro
rata fractions and represent the portion of premiums  written that is applicable
to unexpired terms of policies in force.

        Recoverable  policy  acquisition  costs that vary with and are  directly
related to the production of business, consisting of commissions,  premium taxes
and other underwriting expenses incurred, net of ceding allowances, are deferred
and amortized to income as the related premiums are earned. The Company does not
consider  anticipated  investment income when determining the  recoverability of
amounts deferred.  Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs amounted to
$34.0 million, $30.1 million, and $26.7 million for the years ended December 31,
1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

Reinsurance

        Assumed reinsurance premiums written,  commissions and unpaid losses and
loss  adjustment  expenses are  accounted for based  principally  on the reports
received from the ceding insurance companies and in a manner consistent with the
terms of the related reinsurance agreements.




        To limit its risks,  the  Company  acquires  reinsurance  coverage  with
retentions  and  limits  that  management   believes  are  appropriate  for  the
circumstances.  Reinsurance  arrangements effected under quota-share reinsurance
contracts  and  excess-of-  loss  reinsurance   contracts  provide  for  greater
diversification  of business,  allow management to control exposure to potential
losses arising from large risks, and provide additional capacity for growth. The
accompanying  consolidated  financial statements reflect premiums earned, losses
and loss adjustment expenses ("LAE") and underwriting, acquisition and insurance
expenses,  net of reinsurance  ceded.  Amounts  recoverable  from reinsurers are
estimated in a manner  consistent with the claim  liability  associated with the
reinsured policies.

        Contingent commissions and retrospectively-rated  premiums are accounted
for on an earned  basis and are  accrued,  in  accordance  with the terms of the
applicable  reinsurance  agreement,  based on the  estimated  ultimate  level of
profitability   relating   to  such   reinsured   business.   Accordingly,   the
profitability  of  the  reinsured  business  is  continually   reviewed  and  as
adjustments  become  necessary,   such  adjustments  are  reflected  in  current
operations.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

        The Company  considers all highly liquid  investments with a maturity of
three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.

Investments

        The  Company's  securities  are  classified  as  available  for sale and
reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of deferred income
taxes, included in stockholders' equity.

        Fair  values  are based on quoted  market  prices,  when  available,  or
estimates  based on market  prices for similar  securities,  when quotes are not
available.  Short-term investments are carried at cost, which approximates their
fair value.  Realized gains and losses from sales or liquidations of investments
are  determined  on the  basis of the  specific  identification  method  and are
included  in net  income.  Investment  income is  recognized  when  earned.  The
amortization of premium and accretion of discount for fixed maturity  securities
are computed utilizing the interest method.

Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses

        The  liabilities  for unpaid  losses and LAE are based on the  Company's
estimates of the ultimate cost of unpaid losses  reported  prior to the close of
the accounting  period,  IBNR losses, and the related LAE. These liabilities are
estimated by management  utilizing  methods and procedures which it believes are
reasonable and  necessarily are subject to the impact of future changes in claim
severity and frequency,  as well as numerous other factors.  Although management
believes  that the  estimated  liabilities  for losses  and LAE are  reasonable,
because of the  extended  period of time over which such losses are reported and
settled, the subsequent  development of these liabilities may not conform to the
assumptions inherent in their determination and, accordingly,  may vary from the
estimated   amounts   included  in  the  accompanying   consolidated   financial
statements.  To the extent that the actual emerging loss experience  varies from
the  assumptions  used in the  determination  of  these  liabilities,  they  are
adjusted to reflect  actual  experience.  Such  adjustments,  to the extent they
occur, are reported in the period recognized.

        The Company's  liabilities  for unpaid losses and LAE include  estimates
for certain types of latent  exposures,  such as  environmental  impairment  and
asbestos-related  claims,  relating to business  written prior to 1985 and which
are generally difficult to establish with traditional reserving techniques.

        The  Company  wrote   policies   with   environmental   impairment   and
asbestos-related  exposures at high attachment  levels and obtained  reinsurance
coverage  reducing  its net  retention  to  $50,000  per  occurrence.  Among the
complications  of reserving  for this type of business are a lack of  sufficient
historical  data,  long  reporting  delays,  uncertainty  as to the  number  and
identity of insureds with  potential  exposure,  and complex,  unresolved  legal
issues  regarding  policy  coverage  and  the  extent  and  timing  of any  such
contractual liability.  Courts have reached different and sometimes inconsistent
conclusions  as to when a loss  occurred and which  policies  provide  coverage,
which claims are covered,  whether there is an insured obligation to defend, how
policy limits are determined, how policy exclusions are applied and interpreted,
and whether  clean-up costs are  includible as insured  property  damage.  These
legal issues are not likely to be resolved in the near future.




        The  establishment  of appropriate  reserves is an inherently  uncertain
process, and there can be no assurance that the ultimate liability, particularly
with respect to latent exposures such as environmental  impairment and asbestos,
will not materially  exceed the Company's  current liability for unpaid loss and
loss adjustment  expense reserve estimates and have a material adverse effect on
its future results of operations and financial  condition.  Furthermore,  due to
the inherent  uncertainty  of estimating  such  liabilities,  particularly  with
respect to such latent exposures, it has been, and may over time continue to be,
necessary to revise such  estimated  liabilities.  However,  on the basis of the
Company's internal procedures, which analyze, among other things, its experience
with  similar  cases and  historical  trends such as  reserving  patterns,  loss
payments,  pending  levels of unpaid  claims,  and product mix, as well as court
decisions,  economic  conditions and public attitudes,  management believes that
adequate provision has been made for the Company's liabilities for unpaid losses
and LAE as of December 31, 1997.

Foreign Currency

        Transactions  denominated  in foreign  currencies  are translated at the
rate of exchange at the transaction  date.  Revenues and expenses are translated
at average exchange rates. Assets and liabilities are translated at the exchange
rates in effect at the balance sheet date.


Earnings per Share

        In February  1997,  the Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board ("FASB")
issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 128, "Earnings Per
Share",  which  the  Company  implemented  in  1997.  SFAS No.  128  establishes
standards for computing and presenting earnings per share.  Primary earnings per
share have been replaced by basic  earnings per share and calculated by dividing
income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common
shares outstanding during the period. Fully diluted earnings per share have been
replaced by diluted  earnings per share and  calculated by including  additional
common shares that would have been  outstanding if potentially  dilutive  shares
had been issued  during the period.  Prior  period  earnings  per share were not
affected by the adoption of SFAS No. 128.

New Accounting Standards

        In June 1997,  the FASB issued SFAS No.  130,  "Reporting  Comprehensive
Income",  which requires  enterprises to disclose  comprehensive  income and its
components in a prominent position on the face of the financial  statement.  The
Company  will  implement  this  statement  in 1998.  This  statement  relates to
presentation  of information and will have no impact on results of operations or
financial condition.

        In June 1997, the FASB issued SFAS No. 131,  "Disclosure  about Segments
of an  Enterprise  and Related  Information",  which will be  effective  for the
Company beginning January 1, 1998. SFAS No. 131 redefines how operating segments
are  determined  and requires  disclosure of certain  financial and  descriptive
information  about a company's  operating  segments.  This statement  relates to
presentation  of information and will have no impact on results of operations or
financial condition. Interim financial information will be required beginning in
1999 (with comparative 1998  information).  The Company is currently  evaluating
the segment information disclosures required by SFAS No. 131.

        In  December  of  1997,  the  American  Institute  of  Certified  Public
Accountants  issued  Statement of Position No. 97-3 "Accounting by Insurance and
Other Enterprises for Insurance-  related  Assessments"  ("SOP 97-3").  SOP 97-3
establishes  standards  for  accounting  for  guaranty-fund  and  certain  other
insurance related assessments.  SOP 97-3 is effective for fiscal years beginning
after  December 15, 1998 and requires any impact of adoption to be reported as a
change in accounting  principle.  The adoption of this statement is not expected
to have a material  effect on the  Company's  results of operations or financial
condition.




2.     Investments

        The major categories of net investment income are summarized as follows:



                                              Year ended December 31
                                         1997         1996          1995
                                         --------------------------------
                                             (Dollars in thousands)


Fixed maturities                       $16,384      $  16,256     $  15,245
Cash, cash equivalents
  and short-term investments             1,684          1,117         1,610
Total investment income                 18,068         17,373        16,855
Less related expenses                   (1,007)          (920)       (1,016)
Net investment income                  $17,061      $  16,453     $  15,839





        The  gross  realized  gains  and  losses  from  sales of fixed  maturity
securities are as follows:


                                               Year ended December 31
                                         1997         1996          1995
                                       ---------------------------------
                                           (Dollars in thousands)
Gross realized gains                   $    7,530   $    3,074    $    4,306
Gross realized losses                      (1,342)      (1,871)         (659)
Net realized gains on sales            $    6,188   $    1,203    $    3,647

        At December 31, 1997 and 1996,  the amortized  cost and  estimated  fair
values of investments  in fixed  maturities,  by categories of  securities,  and
short-term investments were as follows:








                                                  Gross       Gross         Estimated
                                   Amortized    Unrealized   Unrealized        Fair
                                     Cost          Gains       Losses         Value
                                   -----------  ----------   ------------   ----------
                                            (Dollars in thousands)
                                                                  
December 31, 1997
U.S. Treasury securities
  and obligations of
    U.S. government
       corporations and agencies   $  78,623    $     667    $    (22)     $  79,268
Debt securities issued
    by foreign governments             5,857          130          (6)         5,981
Tax-exempt obligations of states
    and political subdivisions       108,194        4,322                    112,516
Mortgage-backed securities            47,488          501         (47)        47,942
Corporate securities                  34,344          617        (115)        34,846
                                     274,506        6,237        (190)       280,553
Short-term investments                   257                                     257
                                  $  274,763    $   6,237    $   (190)     $ 280,810




                                                   Gross         Gross     Estimated
                                  Amortized     Unrealized    Unrealized     Fair
                                    Cost           Gains        Losses      Value
                                  ---------     ----------    ----------   ----------
                                                   (Dollars in thousands)
                                                               
December 31, 1996
U.S. Treasury securities
  and obligations of
    U.S. government
      corporations and agencies   $  55,845     $    826      $     (87)   $  56,584
Debt securities issued by
  foreign governments                 5,747          186            (10)       5,923
Tax-exempt obligations of states
  and political subdivisions        141,686        4,718            (69)     146,335
Mortgage-backed securities           43,381          294           (214)      43,461
Corporate securities                 27,856          345           (340)      27,861
                                    274,515        6,369           (720)     280,164
Short-term investments                  307                                      307
                                  $ 274,822     $  6,369       $   (720)   $ 280,471






        At December 31, 1997,  the amortized  cost and  estimated  fair value of
fixed maturities, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities,
which are best  estimates,  will  differ  from  contractual  maturities  because
borrowers  may have the  right to call or  prepay  obligations  with or  without
prepayment penalties.



                                                           December 31, 1997
                                                  Amortized                   Fair
                                                    Cost                      Value
                                                  ---------                   ------
                                                         (Dollars in thousands)
                                                                    
Due in one year or less                           $     279               $     286
Due after one year through five years                65,562                  66,567
Due after five years through ten years               95,153                  97,677
Due after ten years                                  66,024                  68,081
                                                    227,018                 232,611
Mortgage-backed securities                           47,488                  47,942
Total                                              $274,506                $280,553



        At  December  31,  1997,   investments  in  Federal  National   Mortgage
Association   securities   aggregating   $11.8  million   represented  the  only
investments in any entity in excess of 10.0% of stockholders'  equity other than
those investments issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government.

Securities on Deposit

        At  December  31,  1997  and  1996,  securities  with  a fair  value  of
approximately $19.3 million and $18.6 million, respectively were on deposit with
various  state or  governmental  insurance  departments  in order to comply with
statutory insurance laws.

3.   Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses

        The following  table provides a  reconciliation  of beginning and ending
loss and LAE  reserve  balances  of the  Company  for  each of the  years in the
three-year period ended December 31, 1997 as computed in accordance with GAAP.





                                                  1997         1996         1995
                                                  ----         ----         ----
                                                                 
Gross reserves for losses and
  LAE at the beginning of the year              $ 309,259    $ 308,886    $ 315,691
Ceded reserves for losses and
  LAE at the beginning of the year                137,952      152,975      169,889
Net reserves for losses and
  LAE at the beginning of the year                171,307      155,911      145,802
Add: Provision for losses and
  LAE for claims occurring in:
     The current year                              64,222       53,402       50,424
     Prior years                                    6,793        4,298          392
        Total net incurred losses and LAE          71,015       57,700       50,816
Less: Losses and LAE payments
  for claims occurring in:
     The current year                              13,932       11,520       11,796
     Prior years                                   40,289       30,784       28,911
        Total net paid losses and LAE              54,221       42,304       40,707
Reserves for net losses and
  LAE at end of year                              188,101      171,307      155,911
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses          140,810      137,952      152,975
Reserves for gross losses
  and LAE at end of year                        $ 328,911    $ 309,259    $ 308,886



        The  provision  for losses and LAE for claims  occurring  in prior years
shows an  unfavorable  development  of $6.8  million  in 1997.  The  unfavorable
development  resulted  principally from a pre-1985 book of Casualty business and
certain pre-1987 reinsurance-assumed business, both previously discontinued.




        The following  table provides a  reconciliation  of beginning and ending
loss and LAE  reserve  balances  of the  Company  for  each of the  years in the
three-year  period ended  December  31, 1997 for  environmental  impairment  and
asbestos-related liabilities.




         Reconciliation of Environmental Impairment and Asbestos-related
                 Liability for Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses
                             (Dollars in thousands)




                                                            Year ended December 31,
Environmental Impairment Liability
                                                       1997         1996         1995
                                                       ----         ----         -----
                                                                     
Gross reserves for losses and
  LAE at the beginning of the year                  $ 12,981     $ 11,938     $ 14,200
Ceded reserves for losses and
  LAE at the beginning of the year                     4,177        3,958        5,100
Net reserves for losses and
  LAE at the beginning of the year                     8,804        7,980        9,100
Add: Provision for losses and
  LAE for claims occurring in prior years               (845)       1,598            3
Less: Losses and LAE payments
  for claims occurring in prior years                  1,159          774        1,123
Reserves for net losses and LAE at end of year         6,800        8,804        7,980
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses               5,200        4,177        3,958
Reserves for gross losses and LAE at end of year    $ 12,000     $ 12,981     $ 11,938









                                                          Year ended December 31,
Asbestos-related Liability
                                                       1997         1996         1995
                                                       ----         ----         -----
                                                                         

Gross reserves for losses and
  LAE at the beginning of the year                  $  4,121     $  1,700     $  4,050
Ceded reserves for losses and
  LAE at the beginning of the year                     3,110        1,060        3,350
Net reserves for losses and
  LAE at the beginning of the year                     1,011          640          700
Add: Provision for losses and
  LAE for claims occurring in prior years                847          583          612
Less: Losses and LAE payments for
  claims occurring in prior years                        143          212          672
Reserves for net losses and LAE at end of year         1,715        1,011          640
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses               2,500        3,110        1,060
Reserves for gross losses and LAE at end of year    $  4,215     $  4,121     $  1,700



        At December 31, 1997,  the reserve for unpaid  environmental  impairment
losses and  related  LAE was  approximately  $6.8  million,  net of  reinsurance
recoverables  deemed probable of collection by the Company of approximately $5.2
million. The range of gross reserves for unpaid environmental  impairment losses
and LAE is  estimated  to be $12.0  million  to $20.0  million  and the range of
reserves, net of reinsurance  recoverable,  for unpaid environmental  impairment
losses and LAE is estimated to be approximately $6.8 million to $9.5 million.

        At December 31, 1997,  the reserve for unpaid  asbestos-  related losses
and  related  LAE was  $1.7  million,  net of  reinsurance  recoverables  deemed
probable of collection by the Company of approximately  $2.5 million.  The range
of gross reserves for unpaid  asbestos-related losses and LAE is estimated to be
$4.2  million to $9.4  million  and the range of  reserves,  net of  reinsurance
recoverable,  for  unpaid  asbestos-related  losses and LAE is  estimated  to be
approximately $1.7 million to $3.3 million.

        There are  significant  uncertainties  in  estimating  the amount of the
Company's  environmental  impairment and asbestos- related liabilities resulting
from a lack of historical  data,  long reporting  delays,  uncertainty as to the
number and identity of insureds with potential exposure, and complex, unresolved
legal  issues  regarding  policy  coverage and the extent and timing of any such
contractual liability.  Courts have reached different and sometimes inconsistent
conclusions as to when a loss occurred and what policies provide coverage,  what
claims are covered, whether there is an insured obligation to defend, how policy
limits are determined,  how policy  exclusions are applied and interpreted,  and
whether cleanup costs are includible as insured  property  damage.  These issues
are not likely to be resolved in the near future.  As a result of these  issues,
the  ultimate  number and cost of these  claims may  generate  losses  that vary
materially from the amounts currently recorded and could have a material adverse
effect on the Company's  results of operations  and financial  condition.  While
management believes the Company's reserves for these coverages are appropriately
established,  because  of the  uncertainty  of  circumstances  surrounding  many
critical  factors  that affect  environmental  impairment  and  asbestos-related
liabilities,  there can be no  assurance  that the  Company's  reserves  for and
losses from these claims will not increase in the future.




4.     Reinsurance

        Certain  premiums  and  losses  are  assumed  from  and  ceded  to other
insurance  companies under various reinsurance  agreements.  The Company cedes a
portion of its business  through quota share  treaties,  excess of loss treaties
and facultative  placements,  and generally  retains net amounts of risk ranging
from $100,000 to $500,000 per risk.

        The following table sets forth the significant  reinsurance  receivables
due from reinsurers as of December 31, 1997.




                                                  Year ended December 31, 1997
                                                      (Dollars in thousands)
                                                   Reinsurance      A.M. Best's
Reinsurer                                          Receivables        Rating
                                                   -----------      -----------
                                                              
American Re-Insurance Company                      $   19,684          A+
Signet Star Reinsurance Corporation                    10,853          A
Odyssey Reinsurance Corporation                        10,507          A -
St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company             10,224          A+
First Excess & Reinsurance Corporation                  9,430          A
Lloyd's Underwriters                                    9,310          *
Great Lakes American Reinsurance Company                8,884          A -
Swiss Reinsurance America Corp.                         7,589          A





*  A.M. Best does not assign ratings to Lloyd's syndicates.

        The amount and cost of reinsurance  available to companies  specializing
in property and casualty  insurance  are subject,  in large part,  to prevailing
market  conditions  beyond the control of the Company.  The Company's ability to
provide  insurance  at  competitive  premium  rates  and  coverage  limits  on a
continuing  basis  depends to a  significant  extent  upon its ability to obtain
adequate  reinsurance in amounts and at rates that will not adversely affect its
competitive position.

        For the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995,  amounts  relating
to assumed and ceded reinsurance  premiums written and earned and losses and LAE
incurred  reflected  in  the  accompanying  consolidated  statements  of  income
approximated the following:




                                                        Year ended December 31,
                                                    1997          1996         1995
                                                    ----          ----         ----
                                                        (Dollars in thousands)
                                                                   
Premiums Written:
  Assumed                                        $     3,315   $     2,390  $     2,076
  Ceded                                               45,792        62,330       66,805
Premiums Earned:
  Assumed                                        $     3,715   $     2,209  $     1,715
  Ceded                                               48,179        63,824       66,064
Losses & LAE Incurred:
  Assumed                                        $    14,617    $    4,455  $     2,585
  Ceded                                               46,569        42,052       52,089


        At December 31, 1997 the Company held letters of credit of approximately
$7.7 million securing amounts due from reinsurers.

        During  1997,  Associated  maintained a six-layer  property  catastrophe
reinsurance program which covered 95% of the annual aggregate amount of property
claims up to $138.0  million  per  occurrence,  subject to a  retention  of $2.5
million per occurrence.




        Associated  limits its net retention to $100,000 per risk for difference
in conditions ("DIC").  Until October 1, 1996,  Associated retained $250,000 per
risk for casualty,  architects' and engineers' professional liability, specialty
lines,  and  commercial  auto and up to $500,000  per risk for non-DIC  property
policies.  Calvert  reinsured  various  lines of  business  through  quota share
treaties,  excess of loss  treaties and  facultative  placements  which  limited
Calvert's  net  retention  per risk to a maximum of $200,000  for  property  and
casualty.

        Effective  October  1,  1996,  the  Company's  reinsurance  program  was
restructured  to  provide  protection  for loss  events  covering  property  and
casualty classes of business, excluding DIC and certain other property business.
The program  provides for $24.5 million of coverage in excess of a new retention
of $500,000  for each and every  event.  Certain  business is covered by a quota
share treaty that limits the  Company's  net  retention per risk to a maximum of
$250,000.

        Reinsurance   ceded   contracts  do  not  relieve  the  Company  of  its
obligations to  policyholders.  The Company remains liable to its  policyholders
for the portion  reinsured  to the extent that any  reinsurer  does not meet its
obligations  for  reinsurance  ceded to it  under  the  reinsurance  agreements.
Failure of reinsurers to honor their  obligations  could result in losses to the
Company. In addition, as is often the case in the normal course of business, the
Company  is  involved  in  disputes  with  reinsurers   regarding  certain  loss
recoverables. Although the Company believes that such issues will be resolved in
the Company's favor, there can be no assurance that the Company will prevail; an
unfavorable  resolution could have a material effect on the Company's  financial
statements.

5.     Federal Income Taxes

        The  Company  uses  an  asset  and  liability   approach  for  financial
accounting and reporting for income taxes. Under the asset and liability method,
deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded based on the difference between
the  financial  statement  and tax bases of assets and  liabilities  and the tax
rates in effect when these temporary  differences  are expected to reverse.  The
principal  assets and liabilities  giving rise to such  differences are loss and
LAE reserves,  unearned  premiums,  deferred policy  acquisition  costs, and net
unrealized investment gains (losses).

        The components of the net deferred income tax asset are as follows:



                                                       Year ended December 31,
                                                    1997                     1996
                                                    ----                     ----
                                                        (Dollars in thousands)
                                                                    
Discount on loss reserves                        $   12,769               $   12,270
Unearned premium reserve                              3,204                    3,477
Alternative minimum tax credit                        1,099                    1,099
Other, net                                              130                      129
Deferred income tax asset                            17,202                   16,975
Deferred policy acquisitions costs                   (4,147)                  (4,345)
Unrealized gains on investments                      (2,117)                  (1,977)
Other, net                                             (369)                    (371)
Deferred income tax liability                        (6,633)                  (6,693)
Net deferred income tax asset                    $   10,569               $   10,282



        The Company has not established a valuation reserve because it believes,
based on its tax-planning  strategies and projected future earnings,  that it is
likely that the net deferred tax asset will be fully realized.




        A  reconciliation  of income  taxes  computed at the  statutory  federal
income tax rate to the income tax provision is presented below:




                                 1997                   1996                     1995
                             % of Pre-Tax           % of Pre-Tax             % of Pre-Tax
                            Amount   Income        Amount   Income          Amount   Income
                            ---------------        ---------------          ---------------
                                               (Dollars in thousands)
                                                                 
Taxes based on statutory
 federal income tax rate  $ 3,767    35.0%         $ 2,176    35.0%         $ 5,909    35.0%
Add (deduct):
   Tax exempt interest     (1,994)  (18.5)          (2,338)  (37.6)          (2,131)  (12.6)
   Other, net                 196     1.8              215     3.5              181     1.1
Total income taxes        $ 1,969    18.3%         $    53     0.9%         $ 3,959    23.5%


6.     Long-Term Debt

        In  September  1995,  the Company  purchased  1.5 million  shares of its
common stock beneficially owned by Willis Corroon Group plc for a purchase price
of $25.5 million,  including related expenses. The Company financed its purchase
through an unsecured term loan from commercial lending  institutions.  This loan
matures  in  varying  amounts  through  2002  with  interest  payable  at  least
quarterly.  The term loan interest rate is equivalent to either the bank's prime
rate or the London  Interbank  Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus 1%, at the discretion
of the Company. The term loan agreement contains certain restrictive  covenants,
including  restrictions  on the  Company's  ability  to  declare or pay any cash
dividends to its  shareholders.  As of December 31, 1997,  the weighted  average
interest  rate was  6.89%,  and the fair  value  of the  loan  approximated  the
carrying value.

       Principal payments due on the term loan are as follows:

 Year ending December 31,          Principal Amount
                                (Dollars in thousands)
       1998                          $ 3,625
       1999                            4,125
       2000                            4,625
       2001                            5,000
       2002                            3,750
       Total                         $21,125

        In  October  1995,  the  Company  entered  into an  interest  rate  swap
agreement with a commercial lending institution in order to reduce the impact of
interest rate  fluctuations  on the Company's  term loan. The interest rate swap
was  effected  with respect to the first $15.5  million of  scheduled  principal
amortizations of the $25.5 million loan. The impact of the swap was to create an
effective  fixed  rate of 6.97% on the $15.5  million  principal  amount.  As of
December 31, 1997,  the fair value of the interest  rate swap  approximated  the
carrying value.

7.     Fair Value of Financial Instruments

        The Company follows SFAS No. 119, "Disclosure about Derivative Financial
Instruments  and Fair Value of  Financial  Instruments."  SFAS No. 119  requires
disclosure  of an  estimate  of the fair  value of  financial  instruments.  The
Statement defines the fair value of financial instruments as the amount at which
the  instruments  could be exchanged in a current  transaction  between  willing
parties.  The following table  summarizes the carrying amount and estimated fair
value of the Company's financial instruments at December 31, 1997 and 1996.




                                       Year ended December 31
                                   1997                           1996
                                           (Dollars in thousands)
                           Carrying     Estimated        Carrying    Estimated
                            Amount      Fair Value        Amount     Fair Value
                           --------     ----------       --------    ----------
                                                         
Financial assets:
 Investments and cash      $313,082     $313,082         $303,869    $303,869
Financial liabilities:
 Long-term debt              21,125       21,129           24,625      24,651


        The  following  methods and  assumptions  were used to estimate the fair
value of each class of financial instrument:

Investments and cash

        The fair values of fixed  maturities  are based on quoted market prices.
The fair value of short-term  instruments  approximates amortized cost. The fair
value of cash and cash equivalents approximates amortized cost.




Long-term debt

        The fair value of the Company's long-term debt is estimated based on the
quoted market prices for the same or similar  issues or on current rates offered
to the  Company for debt of the same  maturities.  The fair value  includes  the
effect of the interest rate swap.

8.     Commitments and Contingencies

Leases

        The Company and its  subsidiaries  lease certain  office  facilities and
computer  equipment.  Minimum rental commitments for these leases,  exclusive of
escalations due to real estate taxes and operating expenses, are as follows:


   Year ending December 31,         (Dollars in thousands)
         1998                                 $1,163
         1999                                  1,130
         2000                                    964
         2001                                    755
         2002                                    784
         Thereafter                            4,728
                                              $9,524

        Total  rent  expense  for all  leases  was  $1,469,000,  $1,310,000  and
$959,000 in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

9.     Dividends and Stockholders' Equity

Dividends

        Associated,  a California domiciled company, and Calvert, a Pennsylvania
domiciled  company,  are  required to file with the  Department  of Insurance of
various states an annual convention  statement,  which is prepared in conformity
with  accounting  practices  prescribed or permitted by the  respective  states.
These practices vary from GAAP principally in that policy  acquisition costs are
charged  to  expense  when  incurred,  deferred  federal  income  taxes  are not
recognized,  investments are reflected at amortized cost, and nonadmitted assets
are excluded from the balance sheet.

        Under  state  insurance  laws of  Pennsylvania,  the  maximum  amount of
dividends  which  can be  paid  by  Pennsylvania-domiciled  insurance  companies
without prior approval of the Insurance  Commissioner  is limited to the greater
of 10% of surplus as regards  policyholders  as of the preceding year end or the
insurance company's net income for the previous year. Under state insurance laws
of California, Associated is permitted to pay as dividends to the Company, after
advance notice to the California  Insurance  Department,  an amount equal to the
greater of 10% of Associated's policyholders surplus at the end of the preceding
year or its statutory net income for the preceding year.  Dividends in excess of
these amounts require the prior approval of the California Insurance Department.
Dividends may be paid only out of earned surplus. As such, at December 31, 1997,
the  maximum  amount of  dividends  that  Associated  could pay in 1998  without
California  Insurance Department approval amounted to approximately $9.0 million
and the maximum  amount of  dividends  that  Calvert  could pay in 1998  without
Pennsylvania  Insurance  Department  approval  amounted  to  approximately  $2.0
million.




Stockholders' Equity

        A  reconciliation  of the two  insurance  subsidiaries'  net  income and
stockholders' equity for each of the years in the three years ended December 31,
1997 and as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, as reported to the various regulatory
authorities in accordance with SAP, to the related GAAP amounts  included in the
accompanying consolidated financial statements is as follows:



                                                                                          Stockholders'
                                               Net Income                                    Equity
                                          1997           1996           1995           1997            1996
                                          ----           ----           ----           ----            ----
                                                                (Dollars in thousands)
                                                                                       


Associated's and Calvert's
  statutory basis amounts             $  11,013       $   7,298       $  13,876       $  87,705      $  82,566
Add (deduct):
  Deferred policy
     acquisition costs                     (566)            233           2,388          11,849         12,415
     Deferred income taxes                  426             341            (728)         11,602         11,175
     Nonadmitted assets                                                                   2,781          3,090
     Unauthorized reinsurance                                                             3,862          3,980
     Foreign currency
        translation adjustment                7             (68)           (110)
     Unrealized investment gains                                                          3,931          3,672
     Net income - non
        insurance subsidiaries              794             816
     Other, net                            (197)            (67)             25              98            (33)
Associated's and Calvert's
     GAAP amounts                        11,477           8,553          15,451         121,828        116,865
Holding Company:
     Non-insurance
        company expenses                 (2,683)         (2,390)         (2,526)
     GAAP equity                                                                        (17,319)       (21,729)
Consolidated amounts
     -- GAAP basis                    $   8,794       $   6,163       $  12,925       $ 104,509      $  95,136


10.    Shareholder Rights Plan

        In June 1995,  the Board of  Directors  declared a dividend of one right
for each  outstanding  share of Common Stock.  Each right entitles the holder to
purchase  from the  Company  a unit  consisting  of  1/100 of a share of  Junior
Participating  Cumulative Preferred Stock at a price of $50 per unit. Initially,
the rights will not be exercisable  and will trade with the Common Stock. In the
event a person or group acquires 20% or more of the Common Stock, or commences a
tender offer for the outstanding shares, the rights become exercisable.

        If a person  or group  acquires  20% or more of the  Common  Stock,  the
rights  will  entitle  a holder  (other  than the  acquiring  person or group of
acquiring  persons) to buy shares of Common Stock having a market value of twice
the exercise price of the right.  If the Company is  subsequently  involved in a
merger or other business  combination  with a holder of 20% or more of the stock
of the  Company,  the rights will entitle a holder to buy shares of common stock
of the acquiring  corporation  having a market value of twice the exercise price
of the right.

        The rights may be redeemed by the Company at $.001 per right at any time
prior to the  acquisition by any person or group of 20% or more of the Company's
shares.  The rights have no voting  power and will  expire in June 2005,  if not
previously redeemed.

11.    Property and Equipment

        Property  and  equipment  is   classified   with  other  assets  in  the
accompanying  consolidated  balance  sheets  and  is  stated  at  cost,  net  of
accumulated  depreciation and  amortization.  Depreciation is computed using the
straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related property and
equipment and ranges principally from three to seven years.

        Property and  equipment,  included in Other assets in the balance sheet,
is comprised of the following:




                                                           Year ended December 31,
                                                            1997              1996
                                                            ----              ----
                                                           (Dollars in thousands)
                                                                        
Furniture, fixtures and leasehold improvements          $  2,539          $  2,475
Computers                                                  2,074             1,011
Office equipment                                             416               354
                                                           5,029             3,840
Less:  Accumulated depreciation and amortization           1,715             1,116
                                                        $  3,314          $  2,724


12.    Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plans

        The  Company's  stock option plans provide for granting of stock options
to key employees and non-employee directors.  Options are granted at a price not
less than the market price on the date of grant.  Options that have been granted
under the plans will become exercisable in four annual  installments of 25% each
commencing  on the second  anniversary  of the date of grant and will expire ten
years from the date of grant.




        The Company's  restricted  stock award plan provides for the granting of
up to 100,000 shares of common stock to key employees,  subject to  restrictions
as to continuous  employment  except in the case of death or normal  retirement.
Restrictions  generally  expire  over a  five-year  period  from  date of grant.
Compensation  expense is recognized over the restriction  period. As of December
31, 1997, 76,500 shares are available for issuance under the plan.

        The  Financial   Accounting   Standards   Board  issued  SFAS  No.  123,
"Accounting  for  Stock-Based  Compensation."  SFAS No. 123  provides  an option
either to continue the Company's  current method of accounting  for  stock-based
compensation,  or to adopt the fair value method of accounting  for  stock-based
employee compensation plans, which would require the Company to expense the fair
value of its stock options at the date of grant over the vesting period.

        The Company has continued to elect to follow Accounting  Principle Board
("APB") Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees",  and related
interpretations  in accounting for its stock option and restricted  stock plans.
Accordingly,  no  compensation  expense has been  recognized for its stock-based
compensation plans other than for restricted stock awards.  Although the Company
elected to continue  to follow APB No. 25, it is required to provide  additional
disclosures  including  pro forma net  income and  earnings  per share as if the
Company adopted the fair value method for recognition purposes in 1995.

        A summary of stock option activity as of December 31, 1997, follows:



                                                            Weighted Average of
                               Available                     Exercise Price of
                              for Option     Outstanding    Outstanding Options
                              ----------     -----------    ------------------
                                                   

Balance, December 31, 1994        34,000        366,000       $   13.18
  Authorized                     100,000
  Granted                       (114,000)       114,000           14.89
  Cancelled                       21,000        (21,000)          13.07

Balance, December 31, 1995        41,000        459,000           13.61
  Authorized                     250,000
  Granted                       (162,500)       162,500           17.44
  Exercised                                      (3,925)          13.00
  Cancelled                       59,250        (59,250)          15.03

Balance, December 31, 1996       187,750        558,325           14.58
  Granted                        (46,500)        46,500           16.02
  Exercised                         --          (32,500)          13.00
  Cancelled                       41,250        (41,250)          15.18

Balance, December 31, 1997       182,500        531,075           14.76




        The following table summarizes outstanding and exercisable options as of
December 31, 1997.




                                Options Outstanding                        Options Exercisable
                                     Weighted
          Range of                    Average         Weighted                         Weighted
Year of   Exercise      Number       Remaining         Average            Number        Average
of Grant   Prices    Outstanding  Contractual Life  Exercise Price      Exercisable   Exercise Price
- -------   --------   ----------   ----------------  --------------      -----------   --------------
                                                                     
1993      $13        209,825             6.00          $13.00             148,263        $13.00
1994      $13 - $15   57,500             6.45           14.11              28,750         14.11
1995      $13 - $16  100,250             7.48           14.88              50,125         14.88
1996      $14 - $20  122,000             8.36           17.44              30,500         17.44
1997      $13 - $17   41,500             9.85           16.31                  -          16.31
                     531,075                                              257,638





        The pro  forma  net  income  and basic  earnings  per  share  determined
consistent with SFAS No. 123 is as follows:


       Pro forma (1)               1997       1996      1995
       Net income                  $8,583     $5,974    $12,880
       Basic earnings per share    $1.28      $.90      $1.68


(1)  During  the  initial phase-in period of SFAS  No.  123,  the effects of
applying the standard for either recognizing  compensation cost or providing pro
forma disclosures are not likely to be representative of the effects on reported
net income for future  years,  based on the fact that  options vest over several
years and additional awards generally are made each year.

        The weighted average fair value of options granted during 1997, 1996 and
1995 were $6.62, $7.64 and $6.29, respectively. The Black-Scholes option-pricing
model was used with the following  weighted average  assumptions:  volatility of
22.8%,  and risk-free  interest rate of 5.99% in 1997;  volatility of 24.3%, and
risk-free  interest rate of 6.81% in 1996;  volatility  of 24.3%,  and risk-free
interest rate of 6.18% in 1995. For all periods, a seven-year life is assumed.

13.    Employee Benefits and Incentive Bonus Plans

        The Company maintains a defined contribution  retirement 401(k) & Profit
Sharing Plan. Participation in the plan is available to all employees upon their
satisfaction of specified eligibility  requirements.  Under the 401(k) component
of the plan, the Company matches, on a dollar-for-dollar  basis, each employee's
contribution  up  to 3% of  eligible  compensation.  Under  the  profit  sharing
component of the plan,  annual  contributions  may be authorized by the Board of
Directors  based upon the  Company's  performance  for the  relevant  year.  The
Company's costs are charged to income and amounted to $0.5 million in 1997, $0.5
million in 1996 and $0.4 million in 1995.

        The Company  maintains an annual  incentive  bonus plan for officers and
other key employees. Bonuses are based upon predetermined objectives established
by the Compensation Committee.  The Company's total incentive bonus plan expense
for the years ended  December 31,  1997,  1996 and 1995 was $0.4  million,  $0.6
million and $1.6 million, respectively.

14.    Concentrations of Business

        Gross  premiums   written  in  the  State  of  California   amounted  to
approximately  $59,696,000,  $68,663,000 and $76,396,000 in 1997, 1996 and 1995,
respectively.  In the State of New York, the Company's  gross  premiums  written
were  $11,190,000,  $11,975,000 and $20,141,000 for the years ended December 31,
1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.  Gross premiums written in any other state do
not exceed 10% of gross premiums written.

        The  Company's   architects'  and  engineers'   professional   liability
insurance  business is produced by Risk  Administration  and Management  Company
("RAMCO"),  an unaffiliated managing general agent. For the years ended December
31,  1997,  1996 and 1995,  direct  premiums  written  by RAMCO for the  Company
amounted   to   approximately   $17,704,000,    $17,843,000   and   $14,452,000,
respectively.

15.    Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)

        Quarterly financial information  (unaudited) for the year ended December
31, 1997 is presented below:


                                           Three months ended
                                       March 31,    June 30,    Sept. 30,      Dec. 31,
                                         1997         1997         1997          1997
                                       --------     --------    ---------      --------
                              (Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)
                                                                


Gross premiums written                   $35,651      $40,747      $37,290      $32,438
Net premiums written                      24,423       27,209       28,223       20,479
Net premiums earned                       23,101       25,917       27,783       27,445
Net investment income                      4,170        4,315        4,344        4,232
Realized gains on investments                 17           12        2,601        3,558
Other income                                 242          256          296          185
  Total revenues                          27,530       30,500       35,024       35,420
Income before income taxes                 2,740        2,475        5,019          529
Net income                                 2,171        2,167        3,697          759
Basic earnings per share                 $  0.33      $  0.32      $  0.55      $  0.11
Weighted average shares outstanding        6,663        6,688        6,688        6,686




      Quarterly financial information (unaudited) for the year
ended December 31, 1996 is presented below:


                                             Three months ended
                                          March 31,      June 30,         Sept. 30,        Dec. 31,
                                             1996          1996              1996            1996
                                          ---------      --------         --------         ---------
                                            (Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)
                                                                                  
Gross premiums written                     $ 34,919        $ 39,017         $ 44,807        $ 38,194
Net premiums written                         21,213          22,585           28,165          22,644
Net premiums earned                          21,951          21,180           22,292          22,506
Net investment income                         4,159           3,921            4,065           4,308
Realized gains (losses)
  on investments                                802            (190)               4             587
Other income                                    270             285              389             115
  Total revenues                             27,182          25,196           26,750          27,516
Income (loss) before income taxes             4,658            (294)           2,249            (397)
Net income                                    3,505             337            1,986             335
Basic earnings per share (1)               $   0.53        $   0.05         $   0.30        $   0.05
Weighted average shares outstanding           6,648           6,656            6,660           6,661





(1)   As  a result of the Company's purchase of its Common Stock, the  average
number of shares outstanding varies from quarter  to quarter,  and the sum of
the quarterly earnings per common  share may not equal the total for the year.




16.    Subsequent Event

        In February 1998,  the Company  agreed to acquire The First  Reinsurance
Company of Hartford ("FRH") and certain  affiliated  entities from Dearborn Risk
Management,  Inc. for a combination of cash and preferred  stock valued at $43.6
million, plus certain other performance-driven contingent consideration.

        The purchase consideration of $43.6 million consists of $31.9 million of
cash  and  $11.7  million  fair  value  of a  new  issue  of  Gryphon  perpetual
convertible  preferred stock. The preferred stock, which will have a face amount
of $14.4  million,  will be  convertible  into 643,672  shares of the  Company's
common  stock,  reflecting  a  conversion  price of $22.44  per  share.  No cash
dividends will be paid or owed during the first four and one-half  years; a cash
dividend  at the rate of 4.0% of the face amount  will be paid  thereafter.  The
preferred shares,  which are non- callable for three years, have no sinking fund
or mandatory  redemption features.  In connection with the transaction,  Gryphon
intends to enter into a $55 million  credit  facility  with a group of financial
institutions,  the proceeds of which will be used to pay the cash portion of the
purchase price and to repay existing bank borrowings.

        The  acquisition  will  be  accounted  for by  the  purchase  method  of
accounting  under Opinion No. 16,  "Business  Combinations,"  of the  Accounting
Principles  Board of the American  Institute of  Certified  Public  Accountants.
Under this accounting  method, any excess of purchase price over the fair market
value of identifiable  assets acquired less liabilities assumed will be recorded
as goodwill.

        The transaction, which is subject only to regulatory approvals and other
customary conditions, is expected to close during the second quarter of 1998.






                      PART 1-FINANCIAL INFORMATION
                Gryphon Holdings Inc. and Subsidiaries
                     Consolidated Balance Sheet

                                                        September 30,          December 31,
Assets                                                     1998                   1997
                                                           ----                   ----
Investments:                                                  (Dollars in thousands)
                                                                         
  Fixed maturities, available for sale,
  at fair value (amortized cost: 9/30/98
  - $371,714; 12/31/97 - $274,506)                       $ 385,403             $ 280,553
  Short-term investments, at cost, which
  approximates market                                          233                   257
  Equity securities, available for sale, at
  fair value (cost: 9/30/98 - $882)                            901                  --
Total investments                                          386,537               280,810
Cash and cash equivalents                                   16,733                32,272
Accrued investment income                                    5,340                 4,071
Premiums receivable                                         36,242                16,151
Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses                      17,068                18,261
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses                   201,051               140,810
Prepaid reinsurance premiums                                34,794                16,573
Deferred policy acquisition costs                           12,746                11,849
Deferred income taxes                                       15,216                10,569
Income taxes receivable                                      1,030                  --
Goodwill                                                    11,368                 1,409
Other assets                                                 9,872                 6,210
Total assets                                             $ 747,997             $ 538,985

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Policy liabilities:
   Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses            $ 448,636             $ 328,911
   Unearned premiums                                        91,555                62,351
Total policy liabilities                                   540,191               391,262
Reinsurance balances payable                                23,212                12,179
Income taxes payable                                          --                     389
Long-term debt                                              55,000                21,125
Other liabilities                                           13,918                 9,521
Total liabilities                                          632,321               434,476
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
  Preferred stock, $.01 par value; 1,000,000
  shares authorized;14,444 issued and outstanding           11,741                  --
    Common stock, $.01 par value; 15,000,000 shares
           authorized; 8,148,050 shares issued                  81                    81
    Additional paid-in capital                              30,581                30,742
    Accumulated other comprehensive income,
    net of tax                                               8,342                 3,585
    Deferred compensation                                     (234)                 (151)
    Retained earnings                                       89,080                95,065
    Treasury stock, at cost; shares 1998:
    1,407,821; 1997: 1,461,169                             (23,915)              (24,813)
Total stockholders' equity                                 115,676               104,509
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity               $ 747,997             $ 538,985




See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
The interim financial statements are unaudited.







                                     Gryphon Holdings Inc. and Subsidiaries
                                       Consolidated Statements of Income



                                                   Three months ended                  Nine months ended
                                                       September 30,                      September 30,
                                                 1998              1997              1998               1997
                                                 ----              ----              ----               ----
                                                             (Dollars and shares in thousand,
                                                                  except per-share data)
                                                                                         
Revenues
Gross premiums written                       $  48,629          $  37,290         $ 127,137          $ 113,688
Net premiums written                            29,123             28,223            76,089             79,855

Net premiums earned                             28,418             27,783            72,849             76,801
Net investment income                            5,407              4,344            13,809             12,829
Realized gains on investments                      648              2,601             1,945              2,630
Other income                                      --                  296              --                  794
Total revenues                                  34,473             35,024            88,603             93,054

Expenses
Losses and loss adjustment
expenses                                        21,225             17,895            63,946             47,862
Underwriting, acquisition, and
insurance expenses                              12,089             11,712            34,265             33,730
Interest expense                                   819                398             1,508              1,228
  Total expenses                                34,133             30,005            99,719             82,820

Income (loss) before income
taxes                                              340              5,019           (11,116)            10,234
Provision for income taxes
(benefit):
  Current                                          486                872            (1,226)             2,070
  Deferred                                        (970)               450            (4,136)               129
Total income taxes (benefit)                      (484)             1,322            (5,362)             2,199

Net income (loss) before accretion
of preferred stock                           $     824          $   3,697         ($  5,754)         $   8,035
Accretion of preferred stock                       111                                  111
Net income (loss) attributable to
common stockholders                                713              3,697            (5,865)             8,035
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
  Unrealized investment gains (losses),
  net of reclassification
  adjustments                                    4,879              1,284             4,872                698
  Foreign currency translation
  adjustments                                     (162)                 3              (237)                (9)

Comprehensive income (loss)                  $   5,430          $   4,984         ($  1,230)         $   8,724

Basic net earnings (loss)
per share                                    $    0.11          $    0.55         ($   0.87)         $    1.20

Diluted net earnings (loss)
per share                                    $    0.11          $    0.55         ($   0.87)         $    1.20

Basic comprehensive income (loss)
per share                                    $    0.81          $    0.75         ($   0.18)         $    1.31

Diluted comprehensive income (loss)
per share                                    $    0.75          $    0.75         ($   0.18)         $    1.31

Weighted average shares
outstanding                                      6,740              6,688             6,726              6,680




See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
These statements are unaudited.








                           Gryphon Holdings Inc. and Subsidiaries
                           Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows



                                                            Nine months ended September 30,
                                                                1998               1997
                                                                ----               ----
                                                                (Dollars in thousands)
Operating activities
                                                                           
Net (loss) income                                            ($  5,865)          $   8,035
Adjustments to reconcile net income to
net cash provided by operating activities:
  Deferred income tax provision                                 (4,136)                129
  Amortization and depreciation                                    696                 573
  Amortization of bond discount, net                               747                 352
  Realized gains on investments                                 (1,945)             (2,630)
  Change in assets and liabilities, net of
  effect of purchase acquisition
    Increase in net policy liabilities                          24,678               2,811
    Increase in premiums receivable                            (11,129)              1,263
    Decrease (increase) in deferred
    acquisition costs                                              739              (1,231)
    Change in other assets and liabilities                      (2,005)             (4,160)
    Increase (decrease) in reinsurance balances
    payable                                                      4,589              (3,940)
    Decrease (increase) in accrued investment
    income                                                        (267)                272
Net cash provided by operating activities                        6,102               1,474

Investing activities
Sales of fixed maturities                                      215,046             304,542
Purchases of fixed maturities                                 (241,373)           (298,471)
Maturities or calls of fixed maturities                           --                 1,800
Payment for the purchase acquisition,
net of cash acquired                                           (39,924)               --
Capital expenditures                                              (562)               (959)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing
activities                                                     (66,813)              6,912

Financing activities
Proceeds from long-term debt                                    55,000                --
Debt issue costs                                                  (686)               --
Repayment of long-term debt                                    (21,125)             (2,625)
Issuance of common stock                                           738                 342
Issuance of preferred stock                                     11,630                --
Deferred compensation                                             (148)                 60
Net cash used in financing activities                           45,409              (2,223)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash                           (237)                 (9)

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents                          (15,539)              6,154
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
of period                                                       32,272              23,398
Cash and cash equivalents at end
of period                                                    $  16,733           $  29,552

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
Income taxes paid                                            $      75           $     530
Interest paid                                                $   1,508           $   1,228




See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
These statements are unaudited.



                  Gryphon Holdings Inc. and Subsidiaries
                Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1.      Basis of Presentation

Gryphon  Holdings Inc. (the  "Company")  operates  through its main  subsidiary,
Gryphon Insurance Group Inc., as a specialty property and casualty  underwriting
organization.  The Company's  wholly owned insurance  company  subsidiaries  are
Associated  International  Insurance Company  ("Associated"),  Calvert Insurance
Company  ("Calvert") and, since July 13, 1998, The First Reinsurance  Company of
Hartford  ("First  Re").  The  accompanying  consolidated  financial  statements
include  the  accounts  and   operations  of  Gryphon   Holdings  Inc.  and  its
subsidiaries.

2.      Principles of Consolidation

The  accompanying  consolidated  financial  statements have been prepared on the
basis of generally accepted accounting principles,  which as to the three wholly
owned  insurance  company  subsidiaries  differ  from the  statutory  accounting
practices  prescribed  or permitted by regulatory  authorities,  and include the
accounts of the  Company  and its  subsidiaries.  All  significant  intercompany
accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

3.      Acquisition

On July 13, 1998,  the Company  acquired  all of the capital  stock of The First
Reinsurance  Company of  Hartford,  Oakley  Underwriting  Agency,  Inc.  and F/I
Insurance  Agency,  Incorporated  (collectively,  "First Re") from Dearborn Risk
Management, Inc. for a combination of cash and preferred stock with an estimated
value  of  $43.6  million,  plus  certain  other  performance-driven  contingent
consideration. First Re, a Connecticut corporation with headquarters in Chicago,
is a specialty insurer of professional  liability and program risks. Through its
affiliate,  Oakley Underwriting  Agency,  First Re provides Directors & Officers
and  Errors  &  Omissions   coverages  for  corporations,   professional  firms,
not-for-profit entities, and public entities.

The total estimated  purchase  consideration of $43.6 million consisted of $31.9
million of cash and $11.7 million fair value of a new issue of Gryphon perpetual
convertible  preferred stock.  The preferred  stock,  which has a face amount of
$14.4 million, is convertible into 643,672 shares of the Company's common stock,
reflecting a conversion  price of $22.44 per share.  No cash  dividends  will be
paid or owed during the first four and one-half years; a cash dividend at a rate
of  4.0%  of the  face  amount  will be paid  thereafter.  The  discount  on the
preferred shares  attributable to the period in which no cash dividends are paid
is accreted over that four and one-half years. The preferred  shares,  which are
non-callable  for three  years,  have no sinking  fund or  mandatory  redemption
features.  In  connection  with the  transaction,  Gryphon  entered into a $55.0
million credit facility with a group of financial institutions,  the proceeds of
which were used to pay the cash portion of the purchase price, including related
expenses of the acquisition, and to repay existing bank borrowings.

The  acquisition  was accounted for by the purchase  method of accounting  under
Opinion No. 16, "Business  Combinations," of the Accounting  Principles Board of
the American  Institute of Certified Public  Accountants.  Under this accounting
method,  the results of First Re are included in the Financial  Statements  from
the date of the acquisition and any excess of purchase price and direct costs of
acquisition over management's  preliminary estimates of the fair market value of
identifiable  assets  acquired  less  liabilities  assumed have been recorded as
goodwill (approximately $10.0 million) and amortized over 40 years.




As part of the Stock Purchase Agreement the final  determination of the purchase
price is subject to adjustment due to contingencies.  The contingencies  include
final  determination and agreement as to the closing balance sheet amounts.  The
allocation of the purchase price of the  acquisition is subject to revision when
additional information concerning asset and liability valuations are obtained.

In addition,  the seller may earn additional  consideration  over the next three
years at an amount equal to a multiple of net underwriting  income,  net of tax,
on certain program business. Since any amounts that may become due to the seller
under this  agreement  are  entirely  contingent  upon  future  performance,  no
provision for such amounts has been included in the  financial  statements.  The
pro forma  financial  data,  which give effect to the acquisition of First Re as
though  it had  been  completed  January  1,  1997,  for the nine  months  ended
September  30,  1998 and 1997  include  revenues  of $102.4  million  and $103.0
million, net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders of $(6.8) million
and $8.1 million,  basic net earnings (loss) per share of $(1.01) and $1.21, and
diluted net earnings (loss) per share of $(1.01) and $1.16, respectively.

The results of operations in the proforma financial data reflect  adjustments to
give effect to the acquisition as if it had occurred on January 1, 1997, for the
amortization  of  goodwill,  interest  expense  related to the debt  incurred to
finance the  acquisition  and their tax effect.  In addition,  the  accretion of
preferred stock has been reflected as if it had occurred from January 1, 1997.

The pro forma financial information does not purport to represent what Gryphon's
results of operations  or financial  position  would  actually have been had the
acquisition  in fact  occurred  on January 1, 1997 or to project  the  company's
results of operations or financial position for or at any future period or date.

4.      Investments

The Company's  securities  are  classified as available for sale and reported at
fair value,  with  unrealized  gains and losses,  net of deferred  income taxes,
included in stockholders' equity.

Fair values are based on quoted  market  prices,  when  available,  or estimates
based on market prices for similar  securities,  when quotes are not  available.
Short-term investments are carried at cost, which approximates their fair value.
Realized  gains and losses  from the sales or  liquidation  of  investments  are
determined on the basis of the specific  identification  method and are included
in net income.  Investment income is recognized when earned. The amortization of
premium and  accretion of discount for fixed  maturity  securities  are computed
utilizing the interest method.



The major categories of net investment income are summarized as follows:



                                            For the three months                    For the nine months
                                             ended September 30,                     ended September 30,
                                          1998                1997               1998                 1997
                                          ----                ----               ----                 ----
                                                              (Dollars in thousands)
                                                                                        
Fixed maturities                        $ 5,365             $ 4,151             $13,641             $12,212
Cash, cash equivalents and
short-term investments                      340                 441                 975               1,353
Total investment income                   5,705               4,592              14,616              13,565
Less related expenses                       298                 248                 807                 736
Net investment income                   $ 5,407             $ 4,344             $13,809             $12,829





The gross realized gains and losses from sales of fixed maturity  securities are
as follows:







                                            For the three months                    For the nine months
                                             ended September 30,                     ended September 30,
                                          1998                1997               1998                 1997
                                          ----                ----               ----                 ----
                                                              (Dollars in thousands)
                                                                                          

Gross realized gains                    $ 1,703             $ 2,711             $ 3,332             $ 3,879
Gross realized losses                    (1,055)               (110)             (1,387)             (1,249)
Net realized gain on sales              $   648             $ 2,601             $ 1,945             $ 2,630





At September 30, 1998 and December 31, 1997,  the  amortized  cost and estimated
fair  values of  investments  in fixed  maturities  and  equity  securities,  by
categories of securities, and short-term investments were as follows:



                                                               Gross             Gross              Estimated
                                        Amortized            Unrealized        Unrealized             Fair
                                          Cost                 Gains             Losses               Value
                                          ----                 -----             ------               -----
                                                               (Dollars in thousands)
                                                                                           
September 30, 1998
Fixed maturities
  U.S. Treasury securities
  and obligations of U.S.
  government corporations and
  agencies                              $  69,770           $   3,334           ($     17)          $  73,087
  Debt securities issued by
  foreign governments                       6,399                 233                --                 6,632
  Tax-exempt obligations of
  states and political
  subdivisions                            148,990               6,699                  (3)            155,686
  Mortgage-backed securities               81,459               1,968                (131)             83,296
  Corporate securities                     65,096               2,091                (485)             66,702
    Total fixed maturities                371,714              14,325                (636)            385,403
Equity securities
  Preferred stock                             882                  19                --                   901
Short-term investments                        233                --                  --                   233
                                        $ 372,829           $  14,344           ($    636)          $ 386,537

December 31, 1997
U.S. Treasury securities and
obligations of U.S. government
corporations and agencies               $  78,623           $     667           ($     22)          $  79,268
Debt securities issued by
foreign governments                         5,857                 130                  (6)              5,981
Tax-exempt obligations of states
and political subdivisions                108,194               4,322                --               112,516
Mortgage-backed securities                 47,488                 501                 (47)             47,942
Corporate securities                       34,344                 617                (115)             34,846
                                          274,506               6,237                (190)            280,553
Short-term investments                        257                --                  --                   257
                                        $ 274,763           $   6,237           ($    190)          $ 280,810


5. Long-Term Debt

In July 1998,  the Company  borrowed  $55.0  million from a group of  commercial
lending  institutions  to  finance  the  cash  portion  of the  purchase  price,
including related expenses,  of its acquisition of The First Reinsurance Company
of Hartford and its affiliates and repay previously existing bank debt. The loan
matures in varying amounts  through 2004 with interest  payable  quarterly.  The
initial term loan  interest  rate is  equivalent to either the bank's prime rate
plus 62.5 basis points or the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus 162.5
basis points, at the discretion of the Company. The term loan agreement contains
certain restrictive  covenants,  including restrictions on the Company's ability
to declare or pay any cash  dividends to its  shareholders.  As of September 30,
1998, the fair value of the loan approximated the carrying value.

Principal payments due on the term loan are as follows:

                                                   Principal Amount
           Year ending December 31,              (Dollars in thousands)
           ------------------------              ----------------------

                   1998                               $      0
                   1999                                      0
                   2000                                  4,000
                   2001                                  6,000
                   2002                                  7,500
                Thereafter                              37,500
                  Total                               $ 55,000

The Company has entered  into  interest  rate swap  agreements  with  commercial
lending institutions in order to reduce the impact of interest rate fluctuations
on the Company's  term loan.  The interest rate swaps were effected with respect
to the first $43.5  million of scheduled  principal  amortizations  of the $55.0
million  loan.  The impact of the swap was to create an effective  fixed rate of
approximately 7.65% on the $43.5 million principal amount.




6.      Earnings Per Share

In February  1997, the Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board  ("FASB")  issued
Statement of Financial  Accounting  Standards  ("SFAS") No. 128,  "Earnings  Per
Share,"  which  the  Company  implemented  in  1997.  SFAS No.  128  establishes
standards for computing and presenting earnings per share.  Primary earnings per
share have been replaced by basic  earnings per share and calculated by dividing
income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common
shares outstanding during the period. Fully diluted earnings per share have been
replaced by diluted  earnings per share and  calculated by including  additional
common shares that would have been  outstanding if potentially  dilutive  shares
had been issued  during the period.  Prior  period  earnings  per share were not
affected by the adoption of SFAS No. 128.

7.      Comprehensive Income

As  of  January  1,  1998,  the  Company   adopted  SFAS  No.  130,   "Reporting
comprehensive  Income." This statement  establishes  standards for the reporting
and  presentation  of  comprehensive  income and its components in a full set of
financial   statements.   Comprehensive   income   encompasses  all  changes  in
shareholders'  equity (except those arising from transactions with shareholders)
and includes net income,  net  unrealized  capital gains or losses on available-
for-sale securities and foreign currency translation adjustments,  net of taxes.
This new standard  changes only the  presentation of certain  information in the
financial  statements  and does not affect the Company's  financial  position or
results of operations.

The  summary of the  Accumulated  other  comprehensive  income,  net of tax,  as
reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are as follows:



                                       As at September 30,        As at December 31,
                                              1998                       1997
                                              ----                       ----
                                    (Dollars in thousands)     (Dollars in thousands)
                                                                 
Unrealized investment gains,
net of tax                                   $8,925                    $3,931
Foreign currency translation
adjustments, net of tax                        (583)                     (346)
Accumulated other comprehensive
income, net of tax                           $8,342                    $3,585



The  following  table  provides a summary of the  components  of net  unrealized
investment gains (losses), as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Income:



                                            For the three months                   For the nine months
                                            ended September 30,                     ended September 30,
                                          1998               1997                1998                 1997
                                          ----               ----                ----                 ----
                                                              (Dollars in thousands)
                                                                                           


Unrealized gains arising during
the period (net taxes of
$2,784 and $2,758 in 1998,
respectively and $567 and $187
in 1997, respectively)                  $ 5,172             $ 1,053             $ 5,122             $   348
 Less: reclassification
 adjustments for realized
 gains (losses) included in net
 income (net of taxes of $158
 and $134 in 1998, respectively
 and $(124) and $(188) in 1997,
 respectively)                              293                (231)                250                (350)
Net unrealized investment gains
on securities                           $ 4,879             $ 1,284             $ 4,872             $   698



8.      New Accounting Standards

In June 1997,  the FASB issued SFAS No. 131,  "Disclosure  about  Segments of an
Enterprise  and  Related  Information".  SFAS No. 131  redefines  how  operating
segments  are  determined  and  requires  disclosure  of certain  financial  and
descriptive  information about a company's  operating  segments.  This statement
relates to  presentation  of  information  and will have no impact on results of
operations or financial  condition.  An annual  presentation is required for the
year ending December 31, 1998 and interim financial information will be required
beginning in 1999 (with comparative 1998 information).  The Company is currently
evaluating the segment information disclosures required by SFAS No. 131.




In December 1997, the American  Institute of Certified Public Accountants issued
Statement of Position No. 97-3  "Accounting  by Insurance and Other  Enterprises
for Insurance-related  Assessments" ("SOP 97-3"). SOP 97-3 establishes standards
for  accounting  for   guaranty-fund   and  certain  other   insurance   related
assessments. SOP 97-3 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15,
1998 and  requires  any  impact  of  adoption  to be  reported  as a  change  in
accounting  principle.  The adoption of this statement is not expected to have a
material effect on the Company's  results of operations or financial  condition.
In June 1998,  the  Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board issued SFAS No. 133,
"Accounting for Derivative  Instruments and Hedging Activities",  which requires
companies to record all  derivatives  on the balance  sheet as either  assets or
liabilities  and measure those  instruments  at fair value.  The manner in which
companies are to record gains or losses  resulting from changes in the values of
those derivatives  depends on the use of the derivative and whether it qualifies
for hedge  accounting.  This standard is effective  January 1, 2000,  with early
adoption  permitted.  The  Company  is  currently  evaluating  the impact of the
adoption of this  statement and the potential  effect on its financial  position
and results of operations.

9.      Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

In the opinion of management,  the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial
statements  contain all  adjustments  necessary to present fairly the results of
operations and financial position of the Company for the periods ended September
30, 1998 and 1997. The unaudited  consolidated  financial  statements  should be
read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes
to financial statements as contained in the Company's 1997 Annual Report on Form
10-K.  The results of operations  for the period  presented are not  necessarily
indicative of the results to be expected for the entire year.




Item 7b.  PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION

                                  Introduction

The  following  Pro  Forma  Financial  Information  is based  on the  historical
financial  statements  of  Markel  Corporation  adjusted  to give  effect to the
acquisition of Gryphon Holdings, Inc. (Gryphon).  The Consolidated Statements of
Income and Comprehensive Income for the nine months ended September 30, 1998 and
the year ended  December  31, 1997 for Gryphon  include the effect of  Gryphon's
July 13, 1998  acquisition of First  Reinsurance  Company of Hartford as if that
acquisition  had  occurred  on  January  1,  1997.  The Pro  Forma  Consolidated
Statements of Income and  Comprehensive  Income give effect to the  Registrant's
acquisition  of Gryphon as if it had occurred on January 1, 1997.  The Pro Forma
Consolidated Balance Sheet gives effect to the acquisition as if it had occurred
on September 30, 1998. In the opinion of management, the historical consolidated
financial statements of Markel Corporation reflect all adjustments, which are of
a normal  recurring  nature,  to present fairly Markel's  financial  position at
September 30, 1998 and results of operations for the nine months ended September
30, 1998 and the year ended  December 31, 1997.  The pro forma  adjustments  are
based  upon  available  information  and  certain  assumptions  that  management
believes are reasonable.

The  acquisition  of Gryphon  was  accounted  for using the  purchase  method of
accounting.  The  purchase  price  for the  acquisition  has been  allocated  to
tangible  and  identifiable   intangible   assets  and  liabilities  based  upon
management's  estimates  of their fair value with the excess of  purchase  price
over fair value of net assets acquired  allocated to goodwill and amortized over
20 years.  For purposes of presenting pro forma results,  no changes in revenues
and  expenses  have been made to  reflect  the  results of any  modification  to
operations that might have been made had the acquisition been consummated on the
assumed  effective date of the  acquisition.  The pro forma expenses include the
recurring costs, which are directly attributable to the acquisition, such as net
investment  income  forgone on cash and  investments  liquidated to complete the
acquisition, amortization of goodwill and interest expense.

The Pro Forma Financial  Information does not purport to represent what Markel's
results of operations  or financial  position  would  actually have been had the
acquisition  in fact  occurred  on January 1, 1997 or  September  30, 1998 or to
project  Markel's  results of  operations  or  financial  position for or at any
future period or date.







                                                     MARKEL CORPORATION
                                            Pro Forma Consolidated Balance Sheet
                                                  As of September 30, 1998
                                                   (dollars in thousands)
                                                         (Unaudited)

                                                                                                               Markel and
                                                        Markel           Gryphon        Pro Forma               Gryphon
                                                     (historical)     (historical)     Adjustments             Pro Forma
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                            
ASSETS
Investments
Fixed maturities                                        $ 1,115,280         $ 385,403        (60,305)(A)        $ 1,440,378
Equity securities                                           281,981               901        (12,278)(A)            270,604
Short-term                                                   65,599               233        (28,123)(A)             37,709
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total investments                                         1,462,860           386,537       (100,706)             1,748,691
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cash and cash equivalents                                     1,367            16,733                                18,100
Receivables                                                  73,691            36,242                               109,933
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses                    199,957           201,051                               401,008
Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses                       17,844            17,068                                34,912
Deferred policy acquisition costs                            42,338            12,746         (3,000)(C)             52,084
Prepaid reinsurance premiums                                 41,997            34,794                                76,791
Property and equipment                                        9,167             3,283                                12,450
Intangible assets                                            35,806            11,368         42,635 (B)             89,809
Other assets                                                 24,373            28,175          4,095 (E)             56,643
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total assets                                            $ 1,909,400         $ 747,997        (56,976)           $ 2,600,421
============================================================================================================================

LIABILITIES AND
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses                $ 943,738         $ 448,636                           $ 1,392,374
Unearned premiums                                           211,076            91,555                               302,631
Payables to insurance companies                              26,689            23,212                                49,901
Long-term debt                                               93,205            55,000         50,000 (A)            198,205
Other liabilities                                            80,546            13,918          8,700 (D)            103,164
Company-Obligated Mandatorily Redeemable
  Preferred Capital Securities of the Subsidiary
  Trust Holding Solely Junior Subordinated
  Deferrable Interest Debentures of Markel
  Corporation                                               150,000                --                               150,000
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total liabilities                                         1,505,254           632,321         58,700              2,196,275
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Shareholders' equity
Common stock                                                 25,213            30,662        (30,662)(G)             25,213
Preferred Stock                                                  --            11,741        (11,741)(F)(G)              --
Retained earnings                                           286,757            88,846        (88,846)(G)            286,757
Accumulated other comprehensive income                       92,176             8,342         (8,342)(G)             92,176
Treasury stock and other                                         --           (23,915)        23,915 (G)                 --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total shareholders' equity                                  404,146           115,676       (115,676)               404,146
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity              $ 1,909,400         $ 747,997        (56,976)           $ 2,600,421
============================================================================================================================


See accompanying Notes to Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements.


                                                  MARKEL CORPORATION
                          Pro Forma Consolidated Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income
                                         Nine Months Ended September 30, 1998
                                     (dollars in thousands, except per share data)
                                                      (Unaudited)


                                                                                                         Markel and
                                                         Markel         Gryphon       Pro Forma            Gryphon
                                                      (historical)    (pro forma)    Adjustments          Pro Forma
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                      
OPERATING REVENUES
Earned premiums                                            $ 248,089       $ 83,230                         $ 331,319
Net investment income                                         53,137         16,201         (4,068)(H)         65,270
Net realized gains from investment sales                      11,434          2,916                            14,350
Other                                                            665             --                               665
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total operating revenues                                     313,325        102,347         (4,068)           411,604
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OPERATING EXPENSES
Losses and loss adjustment expenses                          157,293         70,575                           227,868
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses              86,754         40,447                           127,201
Amortization of intangible assets                              1,525            243          1,782 (I)          3,550
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total operating expenses                                     245,572        111,265          1,782            358,619
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Operating income                                              67,753         (8,918)        (5,850)            52,985
Interest expense                                              15,290          2,809          4,331 (J)         22,430
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income before income taxes                                    52,463        (11,727)       (10,181)            30,555
Income taxes                                                  12,591         (5,265)        (2,940)(K)          4,386
Accretion of preferred stock                                      --            365           (365)(L)             --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income                                                  $ 39,872       $ (6,827)        (6,876)          $ 26,169
======================================================================================================================

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Unrealized gains on securities, net of taxes
       Unrealized gains arising during the
          period                                              14,349          6,258                            20,607
       Less reclassification adjustments for gains
             included in net income                           (7,432)        (1,776)                           (9,208)
Foreign currency translation adjustments                                       (237)                             (237)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Total Other Comprehensive Income                        6,917          4,245             --             11,162
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Comprehensive Income                                 $ 46,789       $ (2,582)        (6,876)          $ 37,331
======================================================================================================================

Net income per share

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Basic                                                         $ 7.25             --                            $ 4.76
======================================================================================================================

Diluted                                                       $ 7.07             --                            $ 4.64
======================================================================================================================


See accompanying Notes to Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements.


                                                  MARKEL CORPORATION
                          Pro Forma Consolidated Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income
                                             Year Ended December 31, 1997
                                     (dollars in thousands, except per share data)
                                                      (Unaudited)


                                                                                                          Markel and
                                                          Markel         Gryphon       Pro Forma           Gryphon
                                                       (historical)    (pro forma)    Adjustments         Pro Forma
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                      
OPERATING REVENUES
Earned premiums                                             $ 332,878     $ 119,773                         $ 452,651
Net investment income                                          68,653        20,977          (6,042)(H)        83,588
Net realized gains from investment sales                       15,834         7,859                            23,693
Other                                                           1,682           979                             2,661
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total operating revenues                                      419,047       149,588          (6,042)          562,593
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OPERATING EXPENSES
Losses and loss adjustment expenses                           210,061        79,483                           289,544
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses              120,076        53,462                           173,538
Amortization of intangible assets                               2,435           324           2,376 (I)         5,135
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total operating expenses                                      332,572       133,269           2,376           468,217
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Operating income                                               86,475        16,319          (8,418)           94,376
Interest                                                       20,124         4,208           5,775 (J)        30,107
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income before income taxes                                     66,351        12,111         (14,193)           64,269
Income taxes                                                   15,924         2,785          (4,136)(K)        14,573
Accretion of preferred stock                                       --           485            (485)(L)            --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income                                                   $ 50,427       $ 8,841          (9,572)         $ 49,696
======================================================================================================================

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Unrealized gains on securities, net of taxes
       Unrealized gains  arising during the
          period                                               51,800         5,598                            57,398
       Less reclassification adjustments for gains
             included in net income                           (10,292)       (5,108)                          (15,400)
Foreign currency translation adjustments                           --          (127)                             (127)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Total Other Comprehensive Income                        41,508           363              --            41,871
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Comprehensive Income                                  $ 91,935       $ 9,204          (9,572)         $ 91,567
======================================================================================================================

Net income per share

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Basic                                                          $ 9.20            --                            $ 9.06
======================================================================================================================

Diluted                                                        $ 8.92            --                            $ 8.79
======================================================================================================================


See accompanying Notes to Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements.



              Notes to Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements
                                   (Unaudited)

1.  Basis of presentation

On January  15,  1999  Markel  (the  Registrant)  acquired  Gryphon  through the
completion of a public tender  offer.  The purchase  price was funded as follows
(in thousands):

      Cash                                             $ 100,706
      Borrowings under existing lines of credit           50,000
                                                       ----------
                                                       $ 150,706
                                                       ==========

In addition, the Registrant  subsequently  refinanced $55.0 million of Gryphon's
debt.

The accompanying  unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated  Balance Sheet and Statements
of Income and Comprehensive  Income are provided to illustrate the effect of the
acquisition on the  Registrant and have been prepared using the purchase  method
of accounting. The unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements reflect
how  the  balance  sheet  might  have  appeared  at  September  30,  1998 if the
acquisition  had been  consummated at that date and how the statements of income
and  comprehensive  income for the nine months ended  September 30, 1998 and for
the year ended December 31, 1997 might have appeared if the acquisition had been
consummated  on  January  1,  1997.  Certain   reclassifications   of  Gryphon's
historical  financial statements have been made to conform with the Registrant's
historical presentation.

Adjustments to Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Balance Sheet

The accompanying  unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September
30, 1998 reflects certain adjustments which are explained below and are based on
assumptions made by management. These adjustments are required to give effect to
matters  directly  attributable to the  acquisition.  The  explanations of these
adjustments are as follows:

(A) To record the cash paid and debt incurred to finance the acquisition.

(B) To adjust the  intangible  assets to  reflect  the excess of cost over the
    fair value of net  assets  acquired  resulting  from the  acquisition  (in
    thousands).

          Fair value of net assets acquired                           $ 96,703
          Excess of cost over fair value of net assets acquired         54,003
                                                                      --------
          Total purchase price                                        $150,706
                                                                      ========

(C) To bring Gryphon's deferred policy  acquisition cost accounting  practices
    into compliance with the Registrant's practices.

(D) To  accrue  severance  as  specified  in  various  employment   contracts,
    investment banking expenses and legal fees.

(E) To record current and deferred tax assets  relating to severance and other
    acquisition costs and the adjustment of the deferred  acquisition costs at
    an assumed 35% statutory rate.
(F) To record the retirement or repurchase of Gryphon's  convertible preferred
    stock.

(G) To record consolidating and eliminating entries.






Adjustments  to  Unaudited  Pro Forma  Consolidated  Statements  of  Income  and
Comprehensive Income

The  accompanying  unaudited  Pro Forma  Consolidated  Statements  of Income and
Comprehensive  Income for the nine months ended  September  30, 1998 and for the
year ended  December 31, 1997 reflect  certain  adjustments  which are explained
below and are based on assumptions  made by management.  These  adjustments  are
required to give effect to matters  directly  attributable to the purchase.  The
explanations of these adjustments are as follows:

(H)   Reduction  in net  investment  income due to net cash used in funding  the
      transactions; the rate of return is calculated at 6%.

(I)   Excess of cost over fair value of net assets  acquired is  amortized  on a
      straight line basis over 20 years.

(J)   Interest on borrowed funds under existing lines of credit is assumed to be
      5.5%.

(K)   Taxes are calculated at an assumed 35% statutory rate.

(L)   To record the retirement or repurchase of Gryphon's  convertible preferred
      stock.

Other Adjustments to unaudited statements

Other Matters

In the  fourth  quarter  of 1998,  Gryphon  recorded  a charge  to  earnings  by
increasing  losses and loss  adjustment  expenses  reserves (loss  reserves) for
environmental,  asbestos and  construction  defect claims by $15.0  million.  An
actuarial  analysis  completed in the fourth quarter  indicated that  additional
loss reserves were required.