BY Fraser Tennant
Willis Group Holdings and Tower Watson have announced that they are to merge in an $18bn transaction that will create a major integrated global advisory, broking and solutions provider.
The signing of a definitive merger agreement between the pair - two highly complementary businesses combining in an all-stock merger of equals transaction – will, they say, "create an integrated global platform to drive long-term growth and market share gain in traditional and new businesses".
Upon completion of the merger, Willis shareholders will own approximately 50.1 percent and Towers Watson shareholders will own approximately 49.9 percent of the combined company on a fully diluted basis. The combined company will be named Willis Towers Watson.
The combination is also expected to result in a $100-125m cost saving within three years of closing – due mainly to increased efficiencies and the elimination of duplicate corporate costs and economies.
“These are two companies with world-class brands and shared values," said Dominic Casserley, CEO of Willis. “The rationale for the merger is powerful – at one stroke, the combination fast-tracks each company’s growth strategy and offers a truly compelling value proposition to our clients. Together we will help our clients achieve superior performance through effective risk, people and financial management. We will advise over 80 percent of the world’s top-1000 companies, as well as having a significant presence with mid-market and smaller employers around the world.”
Unanimously approved by both the board of directors of both companies, the combined entity will have approximately 39,000 employees in over 120 countries.
“Our organisations share a client-first mentality and a focus on providing services and solutions that consistently exceed clients’ expectations," said John Haley, chairman and chief executive of Towers Watson. “As we bring these two companies together, we are confident associates across both organisations will enjoy increased development opportunities as part of a stronger and more global growth company.”
In terms of the leadership structure of Willis Towers Watson, James McCann (previously non-executive chairman of the Willis board) will become chairman; John Haley will be chief executive and Dominic Casserley will be president and deputy CEO. The board will consist of 12 directors in total: six nominated by Willis and six by Towers Watson.
Mr Casserley said: “We look forward to bringing Towers Watson’s innovative solutions to our clients alongside our broking and advisory services. The opportunity to deliver significant savings to our growing middle market client base with Towers Watson’s market-leading private exchange platform is particularly attractive.”
News: Willis Group and Towers Watson merge in $18bn deal