<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.42




                               PURCHASE AGREEMENT

                                     AMONG

                        GREAT AMERICAN INSURANCE COMPANY

                                      AND

                        AMERICAN EAGLE INSURANCE COMPANY

                                      AND

                           AMERICAN EAGLE GROUP, INC.

                              DATED APRIL 11, 1997
<PAGE>   2
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            Page
                                                                            ----
<S>                                                                          <C>
SECTION 1.    Purchase and Sale of Aviation Business  . . . . . . . . . . . .  1

SECTION 2.    Purchase of Other Assets  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  1

SECTION 3.    Reinsurance of Later Business   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  2

SECTION 4.    Closing   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  2

SECTION 5.    Purchase Price and Other Payments   . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  3

       Section 5.1   Purchase Price   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  3
       Section 5.2   Additional Payments  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  5

SECTION 6.    Assumption of Liabilities   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  6

SECTION 7.    Change in Name  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  6

SECTION 8.    Further Assurances  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  7

SECTION 9.    Representations, Warranties and Covenants of Seller and AEGI  .  7

SECTION 10.   Representations, Warranties and Covenants of Purchaser  . . . . 13

SECTION 11.   Covenants of Seller   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

SECTION 12.   Conditions to Closing - Purchaser   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

SECTION 13.   Conditions to Closing - Seller  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

SECTION 14.   Shareholder Approval  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

SECTION 15.   Regulatory Approvals  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

SECTION 16.   Certain Terminations  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

SECTION 17.   Noncompete/No Solicitation and Other Actions  . . . . . . . . . 19

SECTION 18.   Termination   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

SECTION 19.   Effect of Termination   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
</TABLE>
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                                     - ii -


<TABLE>
<S>                                                                         <C>
SECTION 20.     Indemnification   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

       Section 20.1  General Indemnification Obligation of Seller and AEGI  . 21
       Section 20.2  General Indemnification Obligation of Purchaser  . . . . 22
       Section 20.3  Method of Asserting Claims, Etc.   . . . . . . . . . . . 22
       Section 20.4  Payment  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
       Section 20.5  Other Rights and Remedies Not Affected   . . . . . . . . 24
       Section 20.6  Limitations on Amount -- Seller and AEGI   . . . . . . . 24
       Section 20.7  Limitations on Amount - Purchaser  . . . . . . . . . . . 24

SECTION 21.     Compliance with Bulk Sales Laws   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

SECTION 22.     Default under the Agreement   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

SECTION 23.     Transition  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

SECTION 24.     Survival of Representations and Warranties  . . . . . . . . . 25

SECTION 25.     Fees and Expenses   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

SECTION 26.     Press Releases  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

SECTION 27.     Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

SECTION 28.     Miscellaneous   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27


SCHEDULES

Schedule 1      Schedule of Aviation Business Assets
Schedule 2      Balance Sheet
Schedule 9(d)   Uncollectible Accounts Receivable
Schedule 9(g)   Existing Condition of Business
Schedule 9(i)   Condition of Tangible Assets
Schedule 9(l)   Ownership of Software
Schedule 9(p)   Agents and Brokers
Schedule 9(r)   Legal Actions
Schedule 9(t)   Schedule of Reinsurance Contracts
Schedule 9(u)   Consents and Authorizations
Schedule 9(w)   Schedule of Material Contracts
Schedule 10(c)  Consents Required of Purchaser
Schedule 17(b)  Schedule of Excluded Employees
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   4
                                    - iii -



<TABLE>
<S>             <C>
EXHIBITS

Exhibit A       Quota Share Reinsurance Agreement
Exhibit B       Reinsurance Agreement
Exhibit C       Claims Servicing Agreement
Exhibit D       Computer System Use Agreement
Exhibit E       Mutual Release
Exhibit F       Commitment of Mason Best
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   5

                               PURCHASE AGREEMENT


       THIS PURCHASE AGREEMENT, dated as of April 11, 1997, is entered into
among GREAT AMERICAN INSURANCE COMPANY, an Ohio corporation (hereinafter called
the "Purchaser"), AMERICAN EAGLE INSURANCE COMPANY, a Texas corporation
(hereinafter called the "Seller") and AMERICAN EAGLE GROUP, INC., a Delaware
corporation (hereinafter called "AEGI").

                                    RECITALS

       WHEREAS, Purchaser desires to purchase from Seller and AEGI and Seller
and AEGI desire to sell to Purchaser certain aviation insurance business and
other rights and assets in connection therewith, all as more fully set forth
herein; and

       NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, the Purchase Price
(as hereinafter defined), the release of certain claims, the mutual agreements
and other consideration hereinafter set forth, Purchaser and Seller hereby
agree as follows:


SECTION 1.    PURCHASE AND SALE OF AVIATION BUSINESS.

       On the basis of the representations and warranties herein contained, for
the consideration and subject to the terms and conditions herein set forth,
Seller hereby agrees to convey, sell, assign, transfer and deliver to Purchaser
on the Closing Date (as defined in Section 4 below), and Purchaser agrees to
acquire, receive, assume and accept assignment, transfer  and delivery from
Seller on the Closing Date, Seller's right, title, interest and obligations in,
to and under all aviation insurance business, as more fully described on
Schedule 1 attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference, which was
written or assumed by Seller, during the period commencing January 1, 1993 and
ending March 31, 1997 (the "Aviation Business") which Aviation Business, when
and if renewed through the respective agents and brokers therefor, shall be
effected by the issuance of policies by Purchaser.


SECTION 2.    PURCHASE OF OTHER ASSETS.

       In addition to the Aviation Business, the following assets will be sold
and conveyed by Seller to Purchaser on the Closing Date (the Aviation Business
and the following assets, collectively referred to as the "Assets"):

(a)    All assets and properties reflected on the March 31, 1997 ("Balance
       Sheet Date") Balance Sheet, attached hereto as Schedule 2 (the "Balance
       Sheet").
<PAGE>   6
                                     - 2 -

(b)    All right, title and interest of Seller and AEGI in and to the computer
       equipment and software used in connection with the Aviation Business,
       and the Reinsured Business (as hereinafter defined)  including, without
       limitation, any license agreement relating thereto;

(c)    All right, title and interest of Seller and AEGI in and to the lease for
       the eighth and ninth floors located in the building in which Seller's
       offices at 12801 North Central Expressway, Dallas, Texas are located
       (the "Office Lease");

(d)    All right, title and interest of Seller and AEGI in and to the names
       "American Eagle Insurance Company" and "American Eagle Group, Inc."
       including, without limitation, any and all trademarks or trademark
       applications pertaining thereto and all patents, trademarks, tradenames,
       service marks, copyright, the Software (as hereinafter defined), trade
       secrets or know-how used in the Aviation Business (the "Intellectual
       Property");

(e)    All right, title and interest of Seller in and to the Reinsurance
       Contracts (as hereinafter defined);

(f)    All right, title and interest of Seller and AEGI in and to all
       furniture, fixtures and tangible personal property used in connection
       with the Aviation Business or the Reinsured Business; and

(g)    All right, title and interest of Seller and AEGI in and to all other
       tangible and intangible property relating to or used in connection with
       the Aviation Business or the Reinsured Business; provided, however, the
       assets listed on the attached Schedule 2 shall not be included in the
       definition of Assets hereunder.


SECTION 3.    REINSURANCE OF LATER BUSINESS.

       Seller and Purchaser will enter into a Quota Share Reinsurance Agreement
in the form attached hereto marked Exhibit A and incorporated herein by this
reference effective as of the date hereof pursuant to which Purchaser will
reinsure all aviation business of Seller in force as of April 1, 1997 and all
aviation business, written or renewed by Seller after March 31, 1997 and before
such time as Purchaser is qualified to issue directly its own policies as
contemplated by Section 23(a) (the "Reinsured Business").


SECTION 4.    CLOSING.

The closing for the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall take
place at the offices of Seller, or such other place as may be agreed to in
writing by Purchaser and Seller, within three (3) business days of the
satisfaction of the conditions of closing set forth in Sections 12 and 13 of
this Agreement, but not later than July 31, 1997 (the "Termination Date"),
unless extended by mutual
<PAGE>   7
                                     - 3 -

consent in writing by the parties hereto.  The date and time of the closing are
referred to herein as the "Closing Date" and the consummation of the
transactions to be consummated on the Closing Date is referred to herein as the
"Closing".


SECTION 5.    PURCHASE PRICE AND OTHER PAYMENTS.

       Section 5.1   Purchase Price.  Subject to the terms and conditions
herein stated, the parties hereto agree that, effective as of the Closing Date:

(a)    Seller shall deliver and convey to Purchaser assets having a market
       value equal to all liabilities of the Aviation Business and the
       Reinsured Business, including, without limitation, all loss and loss
       adjustment expense reserves and reserves for incurred but not reported
       losses, all as reflected on the Balance Sheet.

(b)    In addition to the payment required by subsection 5.1(d) below,
       Purchaser shall pay to Seller, as a commission, an amount equal to
       thirty percent (30%) of unearned premiums to be transferred to
       Purchaser.

(c)    In addition to payments required by subsection 5.1(b) above and 5.1(d)
       below, Purchaser shall pay to Seller an amount equal to the book value,
       adjusted for depreciation (as determined by generally accepted
       accounting principles) of all furniture, fixtures and equipment,
       including electronic data processing equipment included within the
       Assets.

(d)    In consideration for conveyance of the Assets to Purchaser, Purchaser
       shall convey and deliver to Seller all shares of the Series D Preferred
       Stock of AEGI owned by Purchaser, together with undated stock powers
       duly endorsed in blank.  The shares of Series D Preferred Stock shall be
       conveyed free and clear of any liens, mortgages, security interests or
       other claims whatsoever.

(e)    Within twenty (20) days after the Closing, Purchaser shall prepare a
       balance sheet as of the Closing Date ("Closing Date Balance Sheet") for
       the Aviation Business using the same format and methodology employed in
       preparing the Balance Sheet.  Using the amounts reflected on such
       Closing Date Balance Sheet, the following adjustments shall be made to
       the Investment Account (as hereinafter defined):

              (i)    If the total of the Assets reflected on the Closing Date
       Balance Sheet other than Investments (collectively the "Other Assets")
       is greater than the total amount of the Other Assets shown on the
       Balance Sheet, the amount reflected on the Balance Sheet as Investments,
       (hereafter, the "Investment Account") shall be reduced by such amount;
<PAGE>   8
                                     - 4 -

              (ii)   If the total of the Other Assets reflected on the Closing
       Date Balance Sheet is less than the total amount of the Other Assets
       shown on the Balance Sheet, the Investment Account shall be increased by
       such amount;

              (iii)  If the total of the Liabilities reflected on the Closing
       Date Balance Sheet other than Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves
       (which shall be the same as shown on the Balance Sheet) (collectively
       the "Other Liabilities") is greater than the total amount of the Other
       Liabilities shown on the Balance Sheet, the Investment Account shall be
       increased by such amount;

              (iv)   If the total of the Other Liabilities reflected on the
       Closing Date Balance Sheet is less than the total amount of the Other
       Liabilities shown on the Balance Sheet, the Investment Account shall be
       reduced by such amount;

              (v)    The Investment Account shall be reduced by all cash claims
       paid after March 31, 1997 by the Seller with respect to the Aviation
       Business and the Reinsured Business after deducting any amounts paid by
       Purchaser under the Quota Share Reinsurance Agreement;

              (vi)   The Investment Account shall be increased by all
       reinsurance premiums payable to the Purchaser (net of ceding commissions
       due Seller) under the Quota Share Reinsurance Agreement; and

              (vii)  If the amount of the Investment Account as adjusted in
       accordance with (i) through (vi) above increases, the amount of such
       increase shall be paid to Purchaser by delivery of cash or readily
       marketable securities.  If the amount of the Investment Account
       decreases, the amount of such decrease shall be paid to Seller by
       delivery of cash or readily marketable securities.  Any amounts payable
       hereunder shall be due and payable within ten (10) days of the delivery
       of the Closing Date Balance Sheet, if there shall not be any dispute
       with respect thereto, or within five (5) days after the resolution of
       any dispute relating thereto.

(f)    Any dispute which may arise between Seller and Purchaser as to the
       Closing Date Balance Sheet or the proper amount of  the adjustment to
       the Investment Account shall be resolved in the following manner:

              (i)    Seller, if it disputes the Closing Date Balance Sheet or
       the amount of the adjustment to the Investment Account, shall notify
       Purchaser in writing within ten (10) days after the issuance of the
       Closing Date Balance Sheet pursuant hereto that Seller disputes the
       Closing Date Balance Sheet or the amount of the adjustment to the
       Investment Account; such notice shall specify in reasonable detail the
       nature of the dispute;
<PAGE>   9
                                     - 5 -

              (ii)   during the ten (10) day period following the date of such
       notice, Seller and Purchaser shall attempt to resolve such dispute and
       to determine the appropriateness of the Closing Date Balance Sheet or
       the adjustment to Investment Account; and

              (iii)  if at the end of the ten (10) day period specified in
       subsection (ii) above, Seller and Purchaser shall have failed to reach a
       written agreement with respect to such dispute, the matter shall be
       referred to Deloitte & Touche, independent certified public accountants
       (the "Arbitrator"), which shall act as an arbitrator and shall issue its
       report as to the Closing Date Balance Sheet or the adjustment to
       Investment Account within sixty (60) days after such dispute is referred
       to the Arbitrator.  Each of the parties hereto shall bear all costs and
       expenses incurred by it in connection with such arbitration, except that
       the fees and expenses of the Arbitrator hereunder shall be borne equally
       by Seller and Purchaser.  This provision for arbitration shall be
       specifically enforceable by the parties and the decision of the
       Arbitrator in accordance with the provisions hereof shall be final and
       binding and there shall be no right of appeal therefrom.

(g)    Seller shall provide to Purchaser the files and records comprising the
       underwriting, policy, producer and claims files and related daily report
       files maintained by Seller in the operation of the Aviation Business
       (the "Files").

(h)    Purchaser and Seller shall each execute and deliver such instruments,
       and take or cause to be taken such further action as may be reasonably
       necessary or desirable in order to consummate the Closing hereunder.

       Section 5.2   Additional Payments.

(a)    Within 30 days after receipt by Purchaser, Purchaser shall remit to
       Seller an amount equal to all funds collected by Purchaser with respect
       to all Agent's Balances of the Aviation Business which are in excess of
       90 days old as of the Closing Date.

(b)    Purchaser shall pay to Seller a commission equal to Four Percent (4%) of
       the Renewal Premiums (as hereinafter defined ) received by Purchaser
       during the first year following the Closing Date on all Aviation
       Business and Reinsured Business transferred to Purchaser.

(c)    Purchaser shall pay to Seller a commission equal to Two Percent (2%) of
       the Renewal Premiums (as hereinafter defined) received by Purchaser
       during the second year following the Closing Date on all Aviation
       Business and Reinsured Business transferred to Purchaser.

(d)    Purchaser shall pay to Seller a commission equal to One Percent (1%) of
       the Renewal Premiums (as hereinafter defined) received by Purchaser
       during the third year following the Closing Date on all Aviation
       Business and Reinsured Business transferred to Purchaser.
<PAGE>   10
                                     - 6 -

       For purposes of this Agreement, Renewal Premiums shall mean all direct
written premiums on policies renewed after the Closing Date less the sum of any
return premiums or cancellations .  Amounts payable to Seller under Sections
5.2(b), (c) and (d) above shall be paid quarterly in arrears within thirty (30)
days after the end of each quarter.

SECTION 6.    ASSUMPTION OF LIABILITIES.

       At the Closing and except as otherwise specifically provided in this
Section 6, Purchaser shall assume and agree to pay, discharge or perform, as
appropriate, the following liabilities and obligations of Seller:

(a)    All liabilities and obligations of Seller in respect of the Aviation
       Business existing as of the Balance Sheet Date, but only if and to the
       extent that the same are accrued or reserved for on the Balance Sheet
       and remain unpaid and undischarged on the Closing Date except Loss and
       Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves.

(b)    All unpaid losses and unpaid loss adjustment expenses of Seller with
       respect to the Aviation Business arising in the regular and ordinary
       course on or after January 1, 1993.

(c)    The obligations of Seller under the Reinsurance Contracts and the
       Contracts identified on Schedule 9(w).

(d)    Bad faith liability claims arising under policies identified on Schedule
       9(w) and other litigation listed on Schedule 9(r) hereof.

       The foregoing described liabilities and the obligations of the Purchaser
under the Quota Share Reinsurance Agreement (Exhibit "A") and the Reinsurance
Agreement (Exhibit "B") are hereinafter referred to as the "Assumed
Liabilities."

       NOTWITHSTANDING ANY PROVISION HEREIN TO THE CONTRARY, PURCHASER SHALL
NOT ASSUME OR BECOME LIABLE IN ANY MANNER FOR ANY LIABILITY OR OBLIGATION OF
SELLER OR AEGI, AND SELLER AND AEGI SHALL REMAIN SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY AND
ALL LIABILITIES AND OBLIGATIONS OF SELLER AND AEGI, OTHER THAN THE ASSUMED
LIABILITIES.


SECTION 7.    CHANGE IN NAME.

       On the Closing Date, Seller and AEGI shall deliver to Purchaser all such
executed documents as may be required to change Seller's and AEGI's names on
that date to names bearing no similarity to American Eagle, including but not
limited to a name change amendments with the Secretaries of State of Texas and
Delaware.  Within one hundred eighty days (180) after the Closing Date, AEGI
and Seller shall file appropriate name change notices for each state where
Seller and AEGI are
<PAGE>   11
                                     - 7 -

qualified to do business.  Seller and AEGI hereby appoint Purchaser as their
attorney-in-fact to file all such documents on or after the Closing Date.


SECTION 8.    FURTHER ASSURANCES.

       Seller and AEGI from time to time after the Closing, at Purchaser's
request, will, execute, acknowledge and deliver to Purchaser such other
instruments of conveyance and transfer and will take such other actions and
execute and deliver such other documents, certifications and further assurances
as Purchaser may reasonably require in order to vest more effectively in
Purchaser, or to put Purchaser more fully in possession of, any of the Assets,
or to better enable Purchaser to complete, perform or discharge any of the
Assumed Liabilities.  Each of the parties hereto will cooperate with the other
and execute and deliver to the other parties hereto such other instruments and
documents and take such other actions as may be reasonably requested from time
to time by any other party hereto as necessary to carry out, evidence and
confirm the intended purposes of this Agreement.


SECTION 9.    REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS OF SELLER AND AEGI.

       Seller and AEGI represent, warrant and covenant to Purchaser as follows:

(a)    Corporate Existence, Corporate Power.  Each of the Seller and AEGI is a
       corporation, duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under
       the laws of the state of its incorporation, and, subject to receipt of
       requisite shareholder approval, each has the requisite corporate power
       and authority to consummate the transactions contemplated and to perform
       its respective obligations under this Agreement.  The Board of Directors
       of Seller and AEGI have approved the execution of this Agreement and
       Seller and AEGI will have, prior to the Closing Date, taken all other
       corporate action required by law, its respective certificate of
       incorporation, by-laws or otherwise, to authorize the execution,
       delivery and performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the
       transactions contemplated hereby.

(b)    Enforceability.  This Agreement and the other transaction documents have
       been, or on or prior to the Closing Date will be, duly executed and
       delivered on behalf of the Seller and AEGI, and constitute, or will
       constitute, the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Seller and
       AEGI, enforceable against them in accordance with their terms, except as
       enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency,
       reorganization, moratorium, or similar laws affecting the enforcement of
       creditors' rights generally and by general principles of equity
       (regardless of whether enforcement is sought in a proceeding in equity
       or at law).

(c)    Balance Sheets.  The Balance Sheet, including the related notes, fairly
       present the financial position, assets and liabilities (whether accrued,
       absolute, contingent or otherwise) of the Aviation Business  as of the
       Balance Sheet Date.  The Balance Sheet specifically identifies
<PAGE>   12
                                     - 8 -

       the assets and liabilities which, if the Closing had been held on the
       Balance Sheet Date, would have been transferred to or assumed by
       Purchaser in accordance herewith.

(d)    Accounts Receivable.  The accounts receivable of Seller arising from the
       Aviation Business and Reinsured Business as set forth on the Balance
       Sheet are valid and genuine; have arisen solely out of bona fide sales
       and deliveries of goods, performance of services and other business
       transactions in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
       practice; are not subject to valid defenses, set-offs or counterclaims;
       and except as set forth on Schedule 9(d), to Seller's knowledge, are
       collectible within ninety (90) days after billing at the full recorded
       amount thereof less, in the case of accounts receivable appearing on the
       Balance Sheet, the recorded allowance for collection losses on the
       Balance Sheet.

(e)    Tax and Other Returns and Reports.  The Seller and AEGI have filed or
       caused to be filed all tax returns which are required to be filed in
       connection with the Aviation Business and the Reinsured Business and all
       taxes shown to be due and payable on said returns or on any assessments
       made against Seller or AEGI, any of their property, and all other taxes,
       fees or other charges imposed on Seller or AEGI, or any of their
       property by any governmental authority that are due and payable, have
       been paid (other than any taxes, fees or other charges the amount or
       validity of which are currently being contested in good faith by
       appropriate proceedings and with respect to which adequate reserves in
       conformity with GAAP have been provided on the books of the Seller or
       AEGI); to the knowledge of Seller and AEGI, no tax lien has been filed
       and no claim is being asserted, with respect to any such tax, fee or
       other charge.

(f)    Books of Account.  The books, records and accounts of Seller have been
       maintained accurately and fairly reflect, in reasonable detail, the
       transactions and the assets and liabilities of Seller with respect to
       the Aviation Business and Reinsured Business.  Seller has not engaged in
       any transaction with respect to the Aviation Business and Reinsured
       Business, maintained any bank account for the Aviation Business and
       Reinsured Business or used any of the funds of Seller in the conduct of
       the Aviation Business and Reinsured Business except for transactions,
       bank accounts and funds which have been and are reflected in the
       normally maintained books and records of the business.

(g)    Existing Condition.  Except as set forth on Schedule 9(g), since the
       Balance Sheet Date, Seller with respect to the Aviation Business and
       Reinsured Business has not:

       (i)    incurred any liabilities, other than liabilities incurred in the
              ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, or
              discharged or satisfied any lien or encumbrance, or paid any
              liabilities, other than in the ordinary course of business
              consistent with past practice, or failed to pay or discharge when
              due any liabilities of which the failure to pay or discharge has
              caused or will cause any material damage or risk of material loss
              to it or any of its assets or properties;
<PAGE>   13
                                     - 9 -

       (ii)   sold, encumbered, assigned or transferred any assets or
              properties, except for the sale of inventory in the ordinary
              course of business consistent with past practice;

       (iii)  made or suffered any amendment or termination of any material
              agreement, contract, commitment, lease or plan to which it is
              party or by which it is bound, or cancelled, modified or waived
              any substantial debts or claims held by it or waived any rights
              of substantial value, whether or not in the ordinary course of
              business; or

       (iv)   entered into any transaction other than in the ordinary course of
              business consistent with past practice.

(h)    Title to Properties.  Seller has good and valid title to all of its
       properties and assets, real, personal and mixed, which are included in
       the Assets (except for inventory sold since the date thereof in the
       ordinary course of business consistent with past practice), which Assets
       shall be on the Closing Date free and clear of all mortgages, liens,
       pledges, security interests, charges, claims, restrictions, other third
       party interests, and other encumbrances and defects of title of any
       nature whatsoever, except for liens for current real or personal
       property taxes not yet due and payable.

(i)    Condition of Tangible Assets.  All buildings, structures, facilities,
       equipment and other material items of tangible property and assets which
       are included in the Assets are in good operating condition and repair,
       subject only to normal wear and maintenance, are usable in the regular
       and ordinary course of business and conform to all applicable laws,
       ordinances, codes, rules and regulations, and authorizations relating to
       their construction, use and operation.  No person other than Seller owns
       any equipment or other tangible assets or properties situated on the
       premises of Seller or necessary to the operation of the Aviation
       Business, except for leased items disclosed on Schedule 9(i).

(j)    Employee Benefit Plans and Arrangements.

       (i)    For the purposes hereof, the term "employee benefit plan"
              includes all plans, funds, programs, policies, arrangements,
              practices, customs and understandings providing benefits of
              economic value to any employee, former employee, or present or
              former beneficiary, dependent or assignee of any such employee or
              former employee other than regular salary, wages or commissions
              paid substantially concurrently with the performance of the
              services for which paid.  Without limitation, the term "employee
              benefit plan" includes all employee welfare benefit plans within
              the meaning of section 3(1) of the Employee Retirement Income
              Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"), all employee pension
              benefit plans within the meaning of section 3(2) of ERISA.
<PAGE>   14
                                     - 10 -

       (ii)   Seller has not directly or indirectly acted in any manner or
              incurred any obligation or liability, and will not directly or
              indirectly act in any manner in the future or incur any
              obligation or liability in the future with respect to any
              employee benefit plan which has or could give rise to any liens
              on any of the Assets, or which could result in any liability or
              obligation to Purchaser, whether arising out of the
              establishment, operation, administration or termination of such
              benefit plan or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

       (iii)  Seller has timely provided or will timely provide all notices and
              any continuation of health benefit coverage (including, without
              limitation, medical and dental coverage) required to be provided
              to employees, former employees or the beneficiaries or dependents
              of such employees or former employees, under Part 6 of Subtitle B
              of Title I of ERISA or, as applicable, COBRA to the extent such
              notices and continuation of health benefit coverage are required
              to be provided by reason of the events occurring prior to or on
              the Closing Date or by reason of the transactions contemplated by
              this Agreement.  To the extent required by COBRA, Seller will
              treat its employees (and their dependents and beneficiaries) as
              of the Closing Date as having incurred a "qualifying event"
              (within the meaning of ERISA Section 603 and, as applicable, Code
              Section 4980B(f)(3)) on the Closing Date.  Seller will continue
              the health benefit coverage required by COBRA.

(k)    Intellectual Property Matters.  The Seller in the conduct of the
       Aviation Business does not infringe upon or unlawfully or wrongfully use
       any Intellectual Property owned or claimed by another.

(l)    The Software.

       (i)    Performance.  The computer software of Seller included in the
              Intellectual Property (the "Software") contains all computer
              programs, materials, tapes, know-how, object and source codes,
              other written materials, know-how and processes used in
              connection with the Aviation Business and the Reinsurance
              Business.  Seller has delivered to the Purchaser complete and
              correct copies of all user and technical documentation related to
              the Software.

       (ii)   Title.  Except as set forth on Schedule 9(l), all right, title
              and interest in and to the Airpack System and Eagle Express
              System is owned by Seller, free and clear of all liens, claims,
              charges or encumbrances, are fully transferable to the Purchaser,
              and no party other than Seller has any interest in the Software,
              including without limitation, any security interest, license,
              contingent interest or otherwise.  Seller's development, use,
              sale or exploitation of the Software does not violate, any rights
              of any other person or entity and Seller has not received any
              communication alleging such a violation.  Seller does not have
              any obligation to compensate any person for the development, use,
              sale or exploitation of the Software nor has Seller granted to
<PAGE>   15
                                     - 11 -

              any other person or entity any license, option or other rights to
              develop, use, sell or exploit in any manner the Software, whether
              requiring the payment of royalties or not.

       (iii)  Delivery of All Copies.  All copies of the Software embodied in
              physical form are being delivered to the Purchaser at or prior to
              the Closing.

(m)    Environmental Matters.  Except for any violation which, individually or
       in the aggregate, would not have a material adverse effect on the
       Assets, the Aviation Business or Reinsurance Business, Seller is not in
       violation of any laws, rules or regulations relating to pollution or
       protection of the environment, including regulations relating to
       emissions, discharges, releases or threatened releases of pollutants,
       contaminants, chemicals, or industrial, toxic or hazardous substances or
       wastes into the environment (including, without limitation, ambient air,
       surface water, groundwater, or land), or otherwise relating to the
       manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage,
       disposal, transport, or handling of pollutants, contaminants, chemicals,
       or industrial, toxic or hazardous substances or wastes.

(n)    Assets.  Except for licenses, permits and governmental authorizations
       required to operate the Aviation Business and the Reinsurance Business
       which are not transferable, the Assets include all rights and property
       essential to the conduct of the Aviation Business by Purchaser in the
       manner it is presently conducted by Seller and no property excluded from
       the Assets constitutes property or rights material to the Aviation
       Business.

(o)    Solvency.  After giving effect to the transactions contemplated by this
       Agreement, each of the Seller and AEGI, individually and on a
       consolidated basis, will be solvent, able to pay its debts as they
       mature, have capital sufficient to carry on its business and all
       businesses in which it is about to engage, and

       (i)    the assets of each of Seller and AEGI, individually and on a
              consolidated basis, at a fair valuation, exceed the total
              liabilities (including contingent, subordinated, unmatured and
              unliquidated liabilities) of Seller and AEGI;

       (ii)   current projections which are based on underlying assumptions
              which provide a reasonable basis for the projections and which
              reflect Seller's judgment based on present circumstances, the
              most likely set of conditions and Seller's most likely course of
              action for the period projected, demonstrate that Seller and
              AEGI, individually and on a consolidated basis, will have
              sufficient cash flow to enable them to pay their debts as the
              mature or the Seller is reasonably satisfied that it will be able
              to refinance such debt at or prior to maturity on commercially
              reasonable terms; and

       (iii)  Seller and AEGI do not have an unreasonably small capital base
              with which to engage in its anticipated business.
<PAGE>   16
                                     - 12 -

(p)    Agents and Brokers.  Schedule 9(p) is a true, complete and accurate list
       of the agents and brokers which have generated Aviation Business and
       Reinsured Business that is currently in-force with Seller.

(q)    Information.  The Files include the underwriting, policy, producer and
       claims information and records normally generated and maintained by
       Seller in the ordinary course of its operation of the Aviation Business
       and the Reinsured Business.

(r)    Legal Actions.  As of the date hereof, except as set forth on Schedule
       9(r), to the knowledge of Seller and AEGI, there are no legal actions,
       arbitrations, suits or proceedings (other than claims pending for
       benefits under insurance policies) in any court or before any
       governmental agency or instrumentality pending against the Seller or
       AEGI which could materially adversely effect the Aviation Business or
       the Reinsured Business.  As of the date hereof, to the knowledge of
       Seller and AEGI, there are no legal actions, arbitrations, suits, or
       proceedings pending in any court or before any governmental agency or
       instrumentality against the Seller or AEGI which would prevent the
       carrying out of this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated
       hereby or declare the same unlawful or cause the rescission thereof.
       Except as disclosed on Schedule 9(r), the Seller has not been charged
       with or, to its knowledge, been threatened with or is under any
       investigation with respect to, any charge concerning any material
       violation of any provision of any federal, state, local or foreign law,
       regulation, ordinance, order or administrative ruling affecting the
       Insurance Business or the Reinsured Business, and, except as disclosed
       on Schedule 9(r), neither Seller nor AEGI is, to its knowledge, in
       default with respect to any order, writ, injunction or decree of any
       court, arbitration panel, agency or instrumentality affecting the
       Aviation Business or the Reinsured Business.

(s)    Absence of Conflicts.  Assuming the receipt of all consents referred to
       in Section 9(u), the execution, delivery, and performance of this
       Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby
       will not (i) violate, or be in conflict with the charter or by-laws of
       the Seller or AEGI, (ii) result in the creation of any security
       interest, claim, lien, charge or encumbrance upon the Aviation Business
       or the Reinsured Business, (iii) violate any provision of, or result in
       the breach of any, applicable law, rule or regulation of any
       governmental body or (iv) violate any order, judgment or decree
       applicable to the Seller or AEGI, which would materially adversely
       affect the Aviation Business or the Reinsured Business or the ability of
       the Seller or AEGI to consummate the transactions contemplated by this
       Agreement and to perform their obligations hereunder.

(t)    Reinsurance Contract.  Schedule 9(t) contains a list of all reinsurance
       treaties and agreements currently in effect with respect to the Aviation
       Business and the Reinsured Business (the "Reinsurance Contracts").

(u)    No Legal Bar.  Except as set forth on Schedule 9(u), no consent,
       authorization, order or approval of, or notice, filing or registration
       with, any governmental commission, board or
<PAGE>   17
                                     - 13 -

       other regulatory body or any private party is required for or in
       connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Seller
       and AEGI and the consummation by Seller and AEGI of the transactions
       contemplated hereby, except for those as to which the failure to obtain
       or give would not materially adversely affect the consummation of the
       transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

(v)    Participation by Third Parties.  Seller and AEGI shall indemnify and
       hold the Purchaser harmless with respect to any claim for any broker's
       or finder's fees or commissions with respect to the transactions
       contemplated hereby by anyone found to have been acting on behalf of the
       Seller or AEGI.

(w)    Contracts.  Schedule 9(w) sets forth all leases, subleases, license
       agreements, assumption of liability agreements and fronting arrangements
       (collectively the "Contracts") to be conveyed by Seller to Purchaser on
       the Closing Date.  Except as set forth on Schedule 9(w) all of the
       Contracts are in full force, do not require consent, are enforceable in
       accordance with their terms and there exists no default or event of
       default, occurrence, condition or act, including, without limitation,
       the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the
       transactions contemplated hereby, which constitutes or would constitute
       (with notice or lapse of time or both) a default under any such
       Contract.

(x)    Disclosure.  No representation or warranty made by Seller or AEGI in
       this Agreement or in any other document furnished in connection herewith
       contains any misrepresentation of a material fact or omits to state any
       material fact necessary to make the statements herein or therein not
       misleading.



SECTION 10.   REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS OF PURCHASER.

       Purchaser represents, warrants and covenants to Seller and AEGI as
       follows:

(a)    Corporate Existence/Corporate Power.  Purchaser is a corporation duly
       organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
       State of Ohio, and has the requisite corporate power and authority to
       consummate the transactions contemplated and perform its obligations
       under this Agreement and has or will have, prior to the Closing Date,
       taken all corporate action required by law, its certificate of
       incorporation, by-laws or otherwise, to authorize the execution,
       delivery and performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the
       transactions contemplated hereby.

(b)    Enforceability.  The execution, delivery and performance of this
       Agreement by Purchaser and the consummation of the transactions
       contemplated hereby will not (i) violate or be in conflict with the
       charter or by-laws of Purchaser, (ii) violate any provision of, or
       result in the breach of any, applicable law, rule or regulation of any
       governmental body or (iii) violate any order, judgment or decree
       applicable to Purchaser, which would materially adversely affect
<PAGE>   18
                                     - 14 -

       the ability of Purchaser to consummate the transactions contemplated
       hereby and to perform its obligations hereunder.

(c)    Consents.  No consent, license, authorization, appointment, order or
       approval of, or filing or registration with, any governmental
       commission, board or other regulatory body or any private party is
       required for or in connection with the execution and delivery of this
       Agreement by Purchaser and the consummation by Purchaser of the
       transactions contemplated on its part hereby except as set forth on
       Schedule 10(c) hereto.

(d)    Participation.  No outside parties have participated with respect to the
       negotiation of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby
       on behalf of the Purchaser and the Purchaser shall indemnify and hold
       the Seller harmless with respect to any claim for any broker's or
       finder's fees or commissions with respect to the transactions
       contemplated hereby by anyone found to have been acting on behalf of the
       Purchaser.

(e)    Voting by Purchaser.  Purchaser shall vote all of its shares of common
       and preferred stock of AEGI in favor of the transactions contemplated
       hereby.

SECTION 11.   COVENANTS OF SELLER.

       Seller covenants and agrees with Purchaser as follows:


(a)    Seller shall give Purchaser and its counsel, accountants and other
       representatives access during normal business hours throughout the
       period prior to the Closing Date to all of the properties, books,
       contracts, commitments and records personnel and the other aspects of
       the business of the Seller relating to the Aviation Business and the
       Reinsured Business, and Seller will furnish and provide reasonable
       assistance to Purchaser during such period with all such documents,
       copies of documents and information concerning the Aviation Business and
       the Reinsured Business as Purchaser may reasonably request.  During the
       period from the date of this Agreement through the Closing Date, Seller
       and AEGI shall consult in good faith with members of Purchaser's
       management:  (i) with respect to significant developments, transactions
       and decisions involving the operations of the Seller not prohibited
       under this Agreement; and (ii) with respect to the development and
       implementation of business strategies.

(b)    Between the date of this Agreement and the Closing Date, except as
       otherwise contemplated by this Agreement or permitted by the prior
       consent of Purchaser, and to the extent it is commercially reasonable to
       do so Seller (i) will conduct the Aviation Business and the Reinsured
       Business in the ordinary course of business and perform its obligations
       under all material agreements binding on the Seller relating to the
       Aviation Business and the Reinsured Business; (ii) will enter into
       agreements relating to the Aviation Business and the
<PAGE>   19
                                     - 15 -

       Reinsured Business only in the ordinary course of business; (iii) will
       not make any material change in the operation of the Aviation Business
       and the Reinsured Business; and (iv) will  not make any loss payment
       with respect to the Aviation Business and Reinsured Business in excess
       of One Hundred Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($100,000.00) without prior
       notice to Purchaser.

(c)    Seller shall pay directly to each employee of the Aviation Business that
       portion of all benefits (including the arrangements, plans and programs
       set forth in Schedule 9(j)) which has been accrued on behalf of that
       employee (or is attributable to expenses properly incurred by that
       employee) as of the Closing Date, except accrued vacation and sick days
       which shall be assumed by Purchaser ("Accrued Vacation").  No portion of
       the assets of any plan, fund, program or arrangement, written or
       unwritten, heretofore sponsored or maintained by Seller or AEGI (and no
       amount attributable to any such plan, fund, program or arrangement)
       shall be transferred to Purchaser, and Purchaser shall not be required
       to continue any such plan, fund, program or arrangement after the
       Closing Date.  The amounts payable on account of all benefit
       arrangements (other than as specified in the following subsections)
       shall be determined with reference to the date of the event by reason of
       which such amounts become payable, without regard to conditions
       subsequent, and Purchaser shall not be liable for any claim for
       insurance, reimbursement or other benefits payable by reason of any
       event which occurs prior to the Closing Date.  All employees of Seller
       who are employed by Purchaser on or after the Closing Date shall be new
       employees of Purchaser; provided, however, that for purposes of vacation
       eligibility which Purchaser may make available to its employees, such
       employees shall be credited with their respective years of service with
       Seller.

(d)    Purchaser acknowledges that for business reasons, Seller has not been
       able to compile Schedules referred to in Section 9 hereof (together with
       copies of the documents referred to therein) and Exhibits contemplated
       by this Agreement prior to the date of this Agreement.  Seller covenants
       that it shall deliver to Purchaser final Schedules (together with copies
       of the documents referred to therein) and drafts of the Exhibits within
       twenty (20) business days after the execution and delivery of this
       Agreement.  Purchaser shall have ten (10) business days to review these
       Schedules and to determine in the good faith exercise of its business
       judgment whether the items referenced therein are acceptable to
       Purchaser and review and comment on the Exhibits.  If Purchaser, after
       reasonable consultation with Seller, determines in the good faith
       exercise of its reasonable business judgment that the items referred to
       in the Schedules are not acceptable or the parties are unable to
       negotiate the terms of the Exhibits, Purchaser may terminate this
       Agreement on five (5) business days written notice to Seller and neither
       party shall have any further obligations to the other hereunder.

(e)    Seller shall give detailed written notice to Purchaser promptly upon the
       occurrence of any event that would cause or constitute a material breach
       or would have caused a material breach had such event occurred or been
       known to Seller prior to the date hereof, of any representations or
       warranties of Seller contained in this Agreement or in any Schedule
       referred to herein.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Seller shall have
       the right from time to
<PAGE>   20
                                     - 16 -

       time after the date hereof to update the final versions of the Schedules
       to reflect changes in the Assets or business condition as of the date
       hereof until ten (10) days before the scheduled time of Closing.
       Updated Schedules shall be promptly furnished to Purchaser, which shall
       have five (5) business days to review these Schedules and to determine
       in the good faith exercise of its reasonable business judgment that any
       items referred to therein are acceptable to Purchaser.  If any such
       items are not acceptable to Purchaser, Purchaser may terminate this
       Agreement on written notice thereof to Seller and, neither party shall
       have any further obligations to the other hereunder.



SECTION 12.   CONDITIONS TO CLOSING - PURCHASER.



       The obligations of Purchaser under this Agreement are, at the option of
Purchaser, subject to the satisfaction, at or prior to the Closing Date, of the
following conditions:

(a)    All the terms, covenants and conditions of this Agreement to be complied
       with and performed by Seller on or before the Closing Date shall have
       been complied with and performed.

(b)    Except for changes between the date hereof and the Closing Date
       permitted by the terms of this Agreement, the representations and
       warranties of Seller in this Agreement or in any document or certificate
       delivered to Purchaser pursuant hereto shall be true and correct in all
       material respects as of the Closing Date with the same force and effect
       as though such representations and warranties had been made at and as of
       the Closing Date.

(c)    On the Closing Date, no action or proceeding before any court or
       governmental body shall be pending or threatened wherein an unfavorable
       judgment, decree or order would prevent the carrying out of this
       Agreement or any of the transactions or events contemplated hereby,
       declare unlawful the transactions or events contemplated by this
       Agreement or cause such transactions to be rescinded.

(d)    Seller shall have received the necessary regulatory and any other
       approval or approvals of the transactions contemplated herein as may be
       required by pertinent laws, regulations or agreements.

(e)    Seller shall have entered into (i) a Quota Share Reinsurance Agreement
       in the form attached hereto marked Exhibit A ceding the Reinsured
       Business to Purchaser and (ii) a Reinsurance Agreement in the form of
       Exhibit B hereto transferring the Aviation Business to Purchaser.

(f)    Seller shall have obtained the consent of reinsurers with respect to at
       least eighty percent (80%) of the Aviation Business and the Reinsured
       Business to the transfer to and reinsurance thereof by Purchaser and to
       the assignment to Purchaser of Seller's rights under the Reinsurance
       Contracts with such reinsurers.
<PAGE>   21
                                     - 17 -

(g)    Seller shall have obtained all consents required in order to convey to
       Purchaser the Office Lease.

(h)    Seller shall have entered into a Claims Servicing Agreement in the form
       of Exhibit C and a Computer System Use Agreement in the form set forth
       on Exhibit D.

(i)    Purchaser shall have received an opinion of Seller's and AEGI's counsel,
       in form and substance, reasonably satisfactory to Purchaser.

(j)    Seller shall not have entered into any contract or agreement after
       December 31, 1996 which would adversely affect Purchaser's ability to
       acquire and conduct the Aviation Business and Reinsured Business as
       contemplated hereby.

(k)    Seller shall have executed the Mutual Release substantially in the form
       of the attached Exhibit E.

(l)    Purchaser shall have received such other certificates, documents and
       instruments as counsel for Purchaser shall reasonably request.



SECTION 13.   CONDITIONS TO CLOSING - SELLER.



       The obligations of Seller and AEGI under this Agreement are, at the
option of Seller and AEGI, subject to the satisfaction, at or prior to the
Closing Date, of the following conditions:



(a)    All the terms, covenants and conditions of this Agreement to be complied
       with and performed by Purchaser on or before Closing Date shall have
       been complied with and performed.

(b)    Except for changes between the date hereof and the Closing Date
       permitted by the terms of this Agreement, the representations and
       warranties of Purchaser contained in this Agreement or in any document
       or certificate delivered to Seller pursuant hereto shall be true and
       correct in all material respects at and as of the Closing Date with the
       same force and effect as though such representations and warranties had
       been made as of the Closing Date.

(c)    On the Closing Date, no action or proceeding before any court or
       governmental body shall be pending or threatened wherein an unfavorable
       judgment, decree or order would prevent the carrying out of this
       Agreement or any of the transactions or events contemplated hereby,
       declare unlawful the transactions or events contemplated by this
       Agreement or cause such transactions to be rescinded.

(d)    Purchaser shall have received the necessary regulatory and any other
       approval or approvals of the transactions contemplated herein as may be
       required by pertinent laws, regulations or agreements.
<PAGE>   22
                                     - 18 -

(e)    Purchaser shall have entered into (i) a Quota Share Reinsurance
       Agreement in the form of Exhibit A hereto, and (ii) a Reinsurance
       Agreement in the Form of Exhibit B hereto.

(f)    Purchaser shall have entered into a Claims Servicing Agreement in the
       form of Exhibit C hereto and a Computer System Use Agreement in the form
       set forth on Exhibit D hereto.

(g)    The shareholders of Seller and AEGI shall have approved the terms of
       this Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein.

(h)    Seller shall have received an opinion of Purchaser's counsel, in form
       and substance, reasonably satisfactory to Seller.

(i)    Purchaser and American Financial Group, Inc. shall have executed the
       Mutual Release substantially in the form of the attached Exhibit E
       hereto.

(j)    Seller shall have received such other certificates, documents and
       instruments as counsel for Seller shall reasonably request.

SECTION 14.   SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL.

       The Seller and AEGI shall take such action necessary to obtain
shareholder approval of the transactions contemplated herein as promptly as
practicable after the execution of this Agreement.  As soon as practicable
following the date hereof, the Purchaser and AEGI shall cooperate to prepare
promptly and file with the SEC a Proxy or Information Statement with respect to
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the "Information Statement").
Promptly after the approval by the staff of the Commission of the Information
Statement, AEGI shall mail the Information Statement to all holders of AEGI's
voting securities. The Purchaser and AEGI shall cooperate with each other in
the preparation of the Information Statement and shall advise the other in
writing if, prior to the vote of the shareholders of AEGI, any such party shall
obtain knowledge of any facts that might make it necessary or appropriate to
amend or supplement the Information Statement in order to make the statements
contained or incorporated by reference therein not misleading or to comply with
applicable law.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, each party shall be responsible
for the information and disclosures which it makes or incorporates by reference
in all regulatory filings and the Information Statement.

SECTION 15.   REGULATORY APPROVALS.

       Seller, AEGI and Purchaser shall promptly apply for and use their
commercially reasonable best efforts to obtain all applicable federal and state
regulatory approvals and other approvals required to effectuate the provisions
of this Agreement, including all filings under Hart-Scott-Rodino and with the
appropriate state insurance commissions.
<PAGE>   23
                                     - 19 -


SECTION 16.   CERTAIN TERMINATIONS.

       Upon execution of this Agreement and notwithstanding any subsequent
termination of this Agreement, Purchaser and AEGI's respective obligations
pursuant to Section 5.4 of the Securities Purchase Agreement among the parties
dated November 5, 1996 shall be terminated.


SECTION 17.   NONCOMPETE/NO SOLICITATION AND OTHER ACTIONS.

(a)    After the execution of this Agreement, neither Seller nor AEGI, nor
       anyone acting on behalf of either of them, shall initiate discussions
       with any person, concerning a Competing  Proposal (as hereinafter
       defined).  The Seller and AEGI may (i) furnish information to, an
       offeror that seeks to engage in discussions or negotiations, requests
       information or makes a proposal to acquire the Aviation Business and the
       Reinsured Business pursuant to a Competing Proposal, if the Seller's and
       AEGI's directors determine in good faith that such action is required
       for the discharge of their fiduciary obligations, after consultation
       with independent legal and financial advisors, who may be the Seller's
       and AEGI's regularly engaged legal counsel and financial advisors (a
       "Director Duty"); (ii)  comply with Rule 14d-9 or Rule 14e-2 promulgated
       under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") with
       regard to a tender or exchange offer; (iii) make any disclosure to the
       Seller's and AEGI's shareholders in accordance with a Director Duty;
       (iv) fail to make, modify or amend its recommendations, consents or
       approvals referred to herein in accordance with a Director Duty; (v)
       terminate this Agreement and enter into an agreement providing for a
       Competing Proposal in accordance with a Director Duty; or (vi) take any
       other action as may be appropriate in order for the Seller's and AEGI's
       Board of Directors to act in a manner that is consistent with their
       fiduciary obligations under applicable law.  In the event that the
       Seller or AEGI or any of their officers, directors, employees, agents,
       advisors or other representatives participate in discussions or
       negotiations with, or furnish information to an offeror that seeks to
       engage in such discussions or negotiations, requests information or
       makes a Competing Proposal, then, subject to any confidentiality
       requirements of an offeror (i) the Seller and AEGI shall immediately
       disclose to the Purchaser the decision of the Seller's and AEGI's
       directors; (ii) the identity of the offeror; and (iii) copies of all
       information or material not previously furnished to Purchaser which the
       Seller or AEGI, or their agents, provides or causes to be provided to
       such offeror or any of its officers, directors, employees, agents,
       advisors or representatives.  For purposes of this Agreement, Competing
       Proposal means a bona fide offer to the Seller, AEGI, or the
       stockholders of AEGI from a Qualified Third Party (as hereinafter
       defined).  "Qualified Third Party" means an entity directly or
       indirectly having (i) the underwriting capacity of an insurance carrier
       rated "A" by A.M. Best Company, (ii) policyholders surplus of Two
       Hundred Fifty Million and 00/100 Dollars ($250,000,000.00); and (iii)
       agreed to assume all of Purchaser's reinsurance obligations arising
       under Section 3 hereof.
<PAGE>   24
                                     - 20 -

(b)    As of the Closing Date, Purchaser shall offer employment to, and Seller
       shall use its best efforts to assist Purchaser in employing as new
       employees of Purchaser, all persons presently engaged in the Aviation
       Business except those persons identified on Schedule 17(b) (the
       "Employees").  Seller shall terminate effective as of the Closing Date
       all employment agreements it has with any of the Employees, except for
       employment agreements of Nick Walton and Bob Conrey, which agreements
       shall be assumed by Purchaser.  Until the third (3rd) anniversary of the
       Closing Date, (1) Seller, AEGI and any of their Affiliates will not
       directly or indirectly solicit or offer employment to any Employee (i)
       who did not become an employee of Purchaser, (ii) who is then an
       employee of Purchaser, or (iii) who has terminated such employment
       without the consent of Purchaser within one hundred eighty (180) days of
       such solicitation or offer, and (2) Purchaser will not directly or
       indirectly solicit or offer employment to any person who, after the
       Closing Date is then an employee of Seller or who has terminated such
       employment without the consent of Seller within one hundred eighty (180)
       days of such solicitation or offer.  For purposes hereof, "Affiliate"
       means any Person which directly or indirectly controls, or is controlled
       by, or is under common control with, any Person.  The term "control"
       means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or
       cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether
       through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.
       The term "Affiliate" does not include the Purchaser nor any of its
       subsidiaries or affiliates.  "Person" means an individual, partnership,
       corporation, business trust, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated
       association, joint venture, limited liability company, governmental
       authority or other entity of whatever nature.

(c)    Seller, AEGI and each of their affiliates agrees that for a period of
       three (3) years after the Closing Date, neither Seller, AEGI or any of
       their subsidiaries will, directly or indirectly, own, manage, operate,
       join, control or participate in the ownership, management, operation or
       control of, any business whether in corporate proprietorship or
       partnership form or otherwise as more than a five percent (5%) owner in
       such business where such business is competitive with the Aviation
       Business.  The parties hereto specifically acknowledge and agree that
       the remedy at law for any breach of the foregoing will be inadequate and
       that the Purchaser, in addition to any other relief available to it,
       shall be entitled to temporary and permanent injunctive relief without
       the necessity of proving actual damage.  In the event that the
       provisions of this Section 17 should ever be deemed to exceed the non-
       competition and non-disclosure restrictions provided by applicable law,
       then the parties hereto agree that such provisions shall be reformed to
       set forth the maximum limitations permitted.

(d)    Upon the execution of this Agreement, the Purchaser shall have received
       a written commitment from Mason Best Company L.P. substantially in the
       form of the attached Exhibit F that, among other matters,  it will vote
       its shares of the common stock of AEGI in favor of the transactions
       contemplated herein.


SECTION 18.   TERMINATION.
<PAGE>   25
                                     - 21 -


       Notwithstanding any other provision contained herein, this Agreement may
be terminated at any time prior to the Closing Date:

(a)    by mutual written consent of the Seller, AEGI and the Purchaser;

(b)    by the Seller, AEGI or the Purchaser, upon written notice to the other
       party, if the Closing shall not have occurred on or prior to the
       Termination Date, unless such failure of consummation shall be due to
       the failure of the party seeking such termination to perform or observe
       in all material respects the covenants and agreements hereof to be
       performed or observed by such party;

(c)    by the Seller, AEGI or the Purchaser, upon written notice to the other
       parties, if a governmental authority of competent jurisdiction shall
       have issued an injunction, order or decree enjoining or otherwise
       prohibiting the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
       Agreement, and such injunction, order or decree shall have become final
       and non-appealable or if a governmental authority has otherwise made a
       final determination that any required regulatory consent would not be
       forthcoming; provided, however, that the party seeking to terminate this
       Agreement pursuant to this clause has used all commercially reasonable
       efforts to remove such injunction, order or decree;

(d)    by the Seller or AEGI if the Board of Directors of the Seller or AEGI
       determines in accordance with a Director Duty that such termination is
       required by reason of a Competing Proposal;  or

(e)    by the Seller, AEGI or the Purchaser if the Board of Directors of the
       Seller and AEGI shall have withdrawn or modified in a manner materially
       adverse to the Purchaser its approval of the adoption of this Agreement,
       because the Boards of Directors have determined to recommend to the
       Seller's and AEGI's shareholders or approve a Competing Proposal, in
       accordance with a Director Duty; provided, however, that any
       communication that advises that Seller or AEGI has received a Competing
       Proposal shall in no event be deemed a withdrawal or modification
       adverse to the Purchaser of its approval of this Agreement.

SECTION 19.   EFFECT OF TERMINATION.

       In the event that this Agreement is terminated pursuant to clause 18(d)
or 18(e) hereof, then the Purchaser shall be entitled to a cash payment within
five (5) days of the termination date from Seller of One Million Seven Hundred
Fifty Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($1,750,000.00).
<PAGE>   26
                                     - 22 -

SECTION 20.   INDEMNIFICATION.

       Section 20.1  General Indemnification Obligation of Seller and AEGI.
From and after the Closing, each of Seller and AEGI, jointly and severally,
will reimburse, indemnify and hold harmless Purchaser and its successors and
assigns (an "Indemnified Purchaser Party") against and in respect of:

(a)    Any and all damages, losses, deficiencies, liabilities, costs and
       expenses incurred or suffered by any Indemnified Purchaser Party that
       result from, relate to or arise out of:

       (i)    any and all liabilities and obligations of Seller of any nature
              whatsoever, except for the Assumed Liabilities; or

       (ii)   any misrepresentation, breach or warranty or nonfulfillment of
              any agreement or covenant on the part of Seller or AEGI under
              this Agreement, or from any misrepresentation in or omission from
              any certificate, schedule, statement, document or instrument
              furnished to Purchaser pursuant hereto or in connection with the
              negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement; and

(b)    Any and all actions, suits, claims, proceedings, investigations,
       demands, assessments, audits, fines, judgments, costs and other expenses
       (including, without limitation, reasonable legal fees and expenses)
       incident to any of the foregoing or to the enforcement of this Section
       20.1.

       Section 20.2  General Indemnification Obligation of Purchaser.  From and
after the Closing, Purchaser will reimburse, indemnify and hold harmless
Seller, AEGI and their successors or assigns (an "Indemnified Seller Party")
against and in respect of:

(a)    Any and all damages, losses, deficiencies, liabilities, costs and
       expenses incurred or suffered by any Indemnified Seller Party that
       result from, relate to or arise out of:

       (i)    the Assumed Liabilities; or

       (ii)   any misrepresentation, breach of warranty or non-fulfillment of
              any agreement or covenant on the part of Purchaser under this
              Agreement, or from any misrepresentation in or omission from any
              certificate, schedule, statement, document or instrument
              furnished to Seller pursuant hereto or in connection with the
              negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement; and

(b)    any and all actions, suits, claims, proceedings, investigations,
       demands, assessments, audits, fines, judgments, costs and other expenses
       (including, without limitation, reasonable legal fees and expenses)
       incident to any of the foregoing or to the enforcement of this Section
       20.2.
<PAGE>   27
                                     - 23 -

       Section 20.3  Method of Asserting Claims, Etc.  In the event that any
claim or demand for which Seller or AEGI would be liable to an Indemnified
Purchaser Party hereunder is asserted against or sought  to be collected from
an Indemnified Purchaser Party by a third party, the Indemnified Purchaser
Party shall promptly notify Seller and AEGI of such claim or demand, specifying
the nature of such claim or demand and the amount or the estimated amount
thereof to the extent then feasible (which estimate shall not be conclusive of
the final amount of such claim and demand) (the "Claim Notice").  Seller and
AEGI shall have ten (10) days from the personal delivery or mailing of the
Claim Notice (the "Notice Period") to notify the Indemnified Purchaser Party,
(A) whether or not they dispute their liability to the Indemnified Purchaser
Party hereunder with respect to such claim or demand and (B) notwithstanding
any such dispute, whether or not they desire, at their sole cost and expense,
to defend the Indemnified Purchaser Party against such claims or demand.

(a)    In the event that Seller or AEGI notifies the Indemnified Purchaser
       Party within the Notice Period that they desire to defend the
       Indemnified Purchaser Party against such claim or demand then, except as
       hereinafter provided, Seller or AEGI, respectively, shall have the right
       to defend the Indemnified Purchaser Party by appropriate proceedings,
       which proceedings shall be promptly settled or prosecuted by them to a
       final conclusion in such a manner as to avoid any risk of Indemnified
       Purchaser Party becoming subject to liability for any other matter;
       provided, however, Seller and AEGI shall not, without the prior written
       consent of the Indemnified Purchaser Party, consent to the entry of any
       judgment against the Indemnified Purchaser Party or enter into any
       settlement or compromise which does not include, as an unconditional
       term thereof, the giving of the claimant or plaintiff to the Indemnified
       Purchaser Party of a release, in form and substance satisfactory to the
       Indemnified Purchaser Party, as the case may be, from all liability in
       respect of such claim or litigation.  If any Indemnified Purchaser Party
       desires to participate in, but not control, any such defense or
       settlement, it may do so at its sole cost and expense.

(b)    (i)    If Seller or AEGI elects not to defend the Indemnified Purchaser
              Party against such claim or demand, whether by not giving the
              Indemnified Purchaser Party timely notice as provided above or
              otherwise, then the amount of any such claim of demand, or if the
              same be defended by Seller or AEGI or by the Indemnified
              Purchaser Party (but no Indemnified Purchaser Party shall have
              any obligation to defend any such claim or demand), then that
              portion thereof as to which such defense is unsuccessful, in each
              case shall be conclusively deemed to be a liability of Seller and
              AEGI hereunder.

       (ii)   In the event an Indemnified Purchaser Party should have a claim
              against Seller or AEGI hereunder that does not involve a claim or
              demand being asserted against or sought to be collected from it
              by a third party, the Indemnified Purchaser Party shall promptly
              send a Claim Notice with respect to such claim to Seller and
              AEGI.  If Seller or AEGI does not notify the Indemnified
              Purchaser Party within the Notice
<PAGE>   28
                                     - 24 -

              Period that it disputes such claim, the amount of such claim
              shall be conclusively deemed a liability of Seller or AEGI,
              respectively, hereunder.

(c)    All claims for indemnification by an Indemnified Seller Party under this
       Agreement shall be asserted and resolved under the procedures set forth
       above substituting in the appropriate place "Indemnified Seller Party"
       for "Indemnified Purchaser Party" and variations thereof and "Purchaser"
       for "Seller and AEGI."

       Section 20.4  Payment.  Upon the determination of the liability under
Section 20.3 hereof, the appropriate party shall pay to the other, as the case
may be, within ten days after such determination, the amount of any claim for
indemnification made hereunder.  In the event that the indemnified party is not
paid in full for any such claim pursuant to the foregoing provisions promptly
after the other party's obligation to indemnify has been determined in
accordance herewith, it shall have the right, notwithstanding any other rights
that it may have against any other person, firm or corporation, to setoff the
unpaid amount of any such claim against any amounts owed by it under any
agreements entered into pursuant to this Agreement or any of the documents
executed in connection herewith.  Upon the payment in full of any claim, either
by setoff or otherwise, the entity making payment shall be subrogated to the
rights of the indemnified party against any person, firm or corporation with
respect to the subject matter of such claim.

       Section 20.5  Other Rights and Remedies Not Affected.  The
indemnification rights of the parties under this Section 20 are independent of
and in addition to such rights and remedies as the parties may have at law or
in equity or otherwise for any misrepresentation, breach of warranty or failure
to fulfill any agreement or covenant hereunder on the part of any party hereto,
including without limitation the right to seek specific performance, rescission
or restitution, none of which rights or remedies shall be affected or
diminished hereby.

       Section 20.6  Limitations on Amount -- Seller and AEGI.  Seller and AEGI
will have no liability (for indemnification or otherwise) with respect to the
matters described in Section 20.1 until the total of all damages actually paid
or incurred by an Indemnified Purchaser Party with respect to such matters
exceeds One Million and 00/100 Dollars ($1,000,000.00), and then only for the
amount by which such damages actually paid or incurred by an Indemnified
Purchaser Party exceed One Million and 00/100 Dollars ($1,000,000.00).  The
maximum aggregate obligation of Seller and AEGI with respect to all matters for
which an Indemnified Purchaser Party may seek indemnification under Section
20.1(ii) of this Agreement for misrepresentation or breach of warranty shall
not exceed Twenty Million and 00/100 Dollars ($20,000,000.00).

       Section 20.7  Limitations on Amount - Purchaser.  The maximum aggregate
obligation of Purchaser to the Seller and AEGI with respect to all matters for
which AEGI or Seller may seek indemnification under Section 20.2(ii) of this
Agreement for misrepresentation or breach of warranty  shall not exceed Twenty
Million and 00/100 Dollars ($20,000,000.00).
<PAGE>   29
                                     - 25 -

       Section 20.8  Applicable Definitions.  For purposes of this Agreement, a
Person shall be deemed to have "Knowledge" or "knowledge" of a particular fact
or other matter if such individual is actually aware of such fact or other
matter, or an individual who is not negligent could be expected to discover or
otherwise become aware of such fact or other matter in the course of conducting
a reasonably comprehensive investigation of the books and records concerning
the existence of such fact or other matter.  A Person (other than an
individual) will be deemed to have "Knowledge" of a particular fact or other
matter if any individual who is serving, as a director, officer, partner,
executor or trustee of such Person (or in any similar capacity) has, or at any
time had, Knowledge of such fact or other matter.


SECTION 21.   COMPLIANCE WITH BULK SALES LAWS.

       Purchaser and Seller hereby waive compliance by Purchaser and Seller
with the bulk sales law and any other similar laws in any applicable
jurisdiction in respect of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
Seller and AEGI shall indemnify Purchaser from, and hold it harmless against,
any liabilities, damages, costs and expenses resulting from or arising out of
(i) the parties' failure to comply with any of such laws in respect of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, or (ii) any action brought or levy
made as a result thereof, other than those liabilities which have been
expressly assumed, on such terms as expressly assumed, by Purchaser pursuant to
this Agreement.


SECTION 22.   DEFAULT UNDER THE AGREEMENT.

       If any party shall default in the performance of its obligations
hereunder, the non-defaulting parties shall retain all rights and remedies,
whether arising in equity or at law, including actions for specific performance
and damages, as a result of the default by the other party under this
Agreement, unless, the non-defaulting party, after receipt of written notice of
such default elects to consummate the transactions hereunder.


SECTION 23.   TRANSITION.

(a)    Purchaser shall use its best efforts to accomplish as soon as possible
       all necessary operational, systems, contractual and legal requirements
       on its part to issue where commercially desirable, policies of insurance
       as the Aviation Business and the Reinsured Business renews.  This
       undertaking by Purchaser shall terminate, at Purchaser's option, upon
       Purchaser's good faith belief that the Closing shall not occur by the
       Termination Date.

(b)    From and after the Closing Date, upon either party's request, the
       parties shall cooperate with each other in all reasonable respects, and
       execute and deliver such documents and take such other actions as are
       necessary to effectuate the transfer of the Aviation Business and the
<PAGE>   30
                                     - 26 -

       Reinsured Business to Purchaser and Purchaser's continuation thereof as
       contemplated by this Agreement.  In this regard, Seller shall, if
       requested by Purchaser, continue to renew policies of insurance included
       in the Aviation Business and the Reinsured Business in a manner
       consistent with Seller's prior practices and underwriting standards, to
       the extent that, despite Purchaser's best efforts, Purchaser is not
       operationally capable of issuing its own policy of insurance upon
       renewal of such policies; provided, however, that no such policy shall
       be issued by Seller with an effective date after July 31, 1997.


SECTION 24.   SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.

       The representations, warranties, covenants and agreements of Seller,
AEGI and Purchaser contained in this Agreement or in any document delivered
pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, shall survive the Closing hereunder
for a period of one (1) year.


SECTION 25.   FEES AND EXPENSES.

       Each of the parties hereto shall be responsible for their own expenses
(including, but not limited to, legal and accounting expenses) incident to the
execution of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby whether or not such transactions shall be consummated.


SECTION 26.   PRESS RELEASES.

       Neither party shall make any press release or public announcement
concerning this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby without the
consent of the other party.


SECTION 27.   NOTICES.

       All notices, requests, demands and other communications hereunder must
be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given (a) upon receipt if
delivered by hand, and (b) three days after mailing if mailed by first-class,
registered or certified mail, return receipt request, postage and registry fees
prepaid and addressed as follows:

       If to Purchaser:

       Great American Insurance Company
       580 Walnut Street
       Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
       Attention: Gary J. Gruber
<PAGE>   31
                                     - 27 -


       If to Seller:

       American Eagle Insurance Company
       12801 N. Central Expressway, Suite 800
       Dallas, Texas  75243
       Attention:  President

       If to AEGI:

       American Eagle Group, Inc.
       12801 N. Central Expressway, Suite 800
       Dallas, Texas 75243
       Attention:  President

Addresses may be changed by notice in writing signed by the addressee.


SECTION 28.   MISCELLANEOUS.

       This Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with and
governed by the laws of the State of Ohio.  Neither this Agreement nor any
terms hereof may be changed, waived, discharged or terminated orally, but only
by an instrument in writing signed by the party against whom or which
enforcement of such change, waiver, discharge or termination is sought.  In the
event a court of competent jurisdiction modifies any provision of this
Agreement, the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full
force and effect and the modified provision shall be abided by the parties as
so modified by the court.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any term or
provision, or any clause, or portion thereof, of this Agreement shall in no way
impair or affect the validity or enforceability of any other term or provision
of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect.  This Agreement
and the Schedules attached hereto embody the entire agreement and understanding
between the parties hereto and supersede all prior agreements and
understandings relating to the subject matter hereof.  No party hereto has made
any representation, warranty or covenant in connection with the matters set
forth herein except as expressly stated herein.  All the terms of this
Agreement shall be binding upon the successors and assigns of the parties
hereto and shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the parties
hereto, their successors and assigns; provided however, that this Agreement may
not be assigned by either party hereto without the prior written consent of the
other, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.  Failure to insist
upon strict compliance with any terms, covenants or conditions hereof shall not
be deemed a waiver of such terms, covenants or conditions, nor shall any waiver
or relinquishment of such right at any other time or times be deemed a waiver
or relinquishment of such right at any other time or times.  The headings of
this Agreement are for purposes of reference only and shall not limit or
otherwise affect the meaning thereof.  This Agreement may be executed
simultaneously in several counterparts, each of which shall constitute one and
the same instrument.  Schedules and Exhibits are made a part of this Agreement
as though set forth in full herein.
<PAGE>   32
                                     - 28 -



     [Remainder of page intentionally left blank.  Signature Page follows.]
<PAGE>   33
                                     - 29 -

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this Agreement on the
date first above written.



                                           GREAT AMERICAN INSURANCE COMPANY


                                           BY:                                  
                                              ----------------------------------
                                           Name:                                
                                                --------------------------------
                                           Title:                               
                                                 -------------------------------


                                           AMERICAN EAGLE INSURANCE COMPANY


                                           BY:                                  
                                              ----------------------------------
                                           Name:                                
                                                --------------------------------
                                           Title:                               
                                                 -------------------------------


                                           AMERICAN EAGLE GROUP, INC.


                                           BY:                                  
                                              ----------------------------------
                                           Name:                                
                                                --------------------------------
                                           Title:                               
                                                 -------------------------------