Willis Towers Watson
In 1828 Henry Willis began his career as a merchant selling imported goods on commission in the UK at the Baltic Exchange in London.
Willis applied for membership of Lloyd’s in 1848, where he started to broker insurance for the cargoes of commodities he sold on commission. As his enterprise grew, he became involved in the hull business, establishing himself in marine insurance and founding Henry Willis & Company.
Today WTW, created by the merger of Willis and Towers Watson in 2016, aims to provide data-driven, insight-led solutions in the areas of people, risk and capital to help make organization more resilient, motivate workforces, and maximize performance. It operates in 140 countries and markets.
Aon/WTW merger collapses amid US DOJ lawsuit
Aon is set to pay a $1bn termination fee to WTW as CEO Greg Case says the two businesses "reached an impasse with the US Department of Justice".
ABL boss targets further expansion after WTW buy
CEO Maurice Boyd tells Insurance Age how the recent WTW purchase came about and outlines the GRP-owned firm's future ambitions.
GRP buys WTW's Northern Ireland business
The portfolio will be integrated into GRP-owned ABL Group, doubling the Belfast-based broker's GWP to £107m.
European Commission clears Aon/WTW merger
But the deal is still on hold as a November trial looms in the United States and the New Zealand Commerce Commission also raises competition concerns.
US DoJ files lawsuit to block Aon/WTW merger
The two brokers have said they disagree with the move after the DoJ warns merger would “create a broking behemoth” and “threatens to eliminate competition, raise prices and reduce innovation”.
Dive In calls for active allyship as it confirms dates for 2021 festival
The seventh edition of the global festival for diversity and inclusion will take place on 21-23 September.
Aon/WTW to divest $3.6bn of assets to Gallagher ahead of merger
The sale includes Willis Re and is intended to address questions raised by regulators including the European Commission.
Armco launches Cape Insurance
The consultancy has developed a niche risk and insurance adviser for property investors, developers and the construction sector.
Blog: In search of the digital X-Factor
Dave Ovenden, of Willis Towers Watson, considers how the industry can ensure commercial cover isn't left behind amid the tech revolution.
Motor premiums see biggest drop since 2014
The pandemic along with pricing action needed to meet the FCA's crackdown on dual pricing is expected to cause continued uncertainty in the motor market, according to Confused/Willis Towers Watson.
Acturis buys Brovada from Willis Towers Watson
Deal is the software house's second in the Canadian market.
Aon details plans for its board ahead of AGM
Document outlines two separate scenarios based on whether or not the WTW deal goes through before the meeting in June.
Scheme developed to help women return to insurance
Nine insurers and brokers have created a cross-sector returners programme to encourage more “career break” women to return to the insurance industry.
WTW and Liberty Specialty Markets launch reputational crisis product
The proposition enables transfer of financial risk and is powered by AI data analysis.
Julie Page to head up merged Aon/WTW business in the UK
It is believed WTW head of GB, Nicolas Aubert, will remain with the organisation until the close of the deal.
European Commission to review $30bn Aon/WTW deal
Aon confirms the European watchdog has launched a Phase II review of the merger but insists it is still "on track" to close the combination in the first half of 2021.
Aon seeks European Commission approval for $30bn WTW deal
The EU watchdog is to make a decision by 21 December 2020.
Willis IRM expands into London as it launches Arden Insurance Brokers
Belfast-based broker says it expects its GWP to grow to over £55m within the next twelve months as it hires Mark Hicks to lead the new business and Jonathon de Mendonça joins from Willis Towers Watson.
Industry unites to tackle dementia
Insurers and brokers are working together to raise funds for Insurance United Against Dementia on the Insurance Day of Giving.
Shareholders approve $30bn Aon/WTW deal
The agreement was originally announced in March this year and will see the creation of the world’s largest broker.
People Moves Round-up: 10 - 21 August 2020
Keep up to date with the latest people moves.
Manchester broker launches new arm to fill gap for regional PI and D&O risks
Manchester-based broker Champion Insurance Group has launched a new financial lines arm.
ISS and Glass Lewis urge shareholders to vote in favour of Aon/WTW deal
Both Aon and WTW are holding extraordinary general meetings for shareholders on 26 August.
WTW and Aon address five lawsuits amid deal transaction
The two broking giants describe the legal actions as “without merit”.