The deal will lead to head count cuts of between 2 and 5 per cent, according to media reports. JLT employs more than 4,000 people in the UK, suggesting between 80 and 200 UK roles could be lost.
The transaction has been approved by both organisations’ boards of directors. The transaction will be funded by a combination of cash on hand and proceeds from debt financing.
JLT was created in 1997 when Jardine Insurance Brokers plc, which was formed almost 50 years ago, merged with Lloyd Thompson Group plc. The firm now operates in 40 countries with particular strength in the UK and Australia as well as in key emerging markets across Asia and Latin America.
JLT’s Employee Benefits team acts as advisors, brokers and service providers in the areas of pensions consultancy and administration, employee benefits and wellness, life insurance, and wealth management.
Through its specialty business, JLT provides risk and insurance broking advice to energy, mining, healthcare, construction, marine, and aerospace sectors as well as in financial lines, political risk and trade credit. JLT Re delivers risk analysis and risk transfer solutions across treaty and facultative reinsurance.
MMC president and CEO Dan Glaser says: “The acquisition of Jardine Lloyd Thompson creates a compelling value proposition for our clients, our colleagues and our shareholders. The complementary fit between our companies creates a platform to deliver exceptional service to clients and opportunities for our colleagues. On a personal level, I have come to know, and respect, Dominic Burke and his management team from my time both at MMC and as an underwriter. I am confident that with the addition of the talented colleagues of JLT, Marsh & McLennan will be an even stronger and more dynamic company.”
JLT group chief executive Dominic Burke will join MMC as vice chairman and become a member of MMC’s executive committee.
Burke says: “I am enormously proud of what JLT has achieved, founded on our people, our culture and our unwavering commitment to our clients. MMC is, and always has been, one of our most respected competitors and I believe that, combined, we will create a group that will truly stand as a beacon for our industry.”
