Founded in 2000, Kepler currently advises over 16 per cent of FTSE350 remuneration committees, as well as a growing number of companies overseas. The brand will be retained, operating as ‘Kepler, a brand of Mercer’.
Kepler is based in London and employs over 20 staff, and offers expertise in providing objective counsel to remuneration committees. Since inception in 2000, Kepler has delivered remuneration services to over 500 listed and privately-held companies of all sizes.
The price of the acquisition has not been disclosed.
Kepler founder and managing partner Gordon Clark will become UK head of executive reward and will be a Mercer partner, as will co-founders Peter Smith and Jenny Martin. The Kepler team will join the UK Talent business, led by Mark Quinn.
Mercer EuroPac president Simon O’Regan says: “Mercer helps clients develop the wealth, health and careers of their employees and expanding our executive rewards business in Europe is central to that mission. Mercer is prepared to invest in areas where we see an opportunity to anticipate client needs and in areas where we can strengthen our advisory capabilities.
“Our intention is to build Mercer’s executive rewards capabilities globally and this marks a great step forward in the growth of our Talent business,” said Ilya Bonic, president of Mercer’s talent business, “In the UK, the majority of Kepler appointments are to board-level remuneration committees while Mercer’s strength is management and employee reward consulting and information services. This acquisition enables us to combine Kepler’s skills in Executive Reward with Mercer’s capabilities in the UK and globally. We will be providing an unrivalled service in an increasingly globalised pay environment.”
Clark says: “Kepler will now go to market as ‘Kepler, a brand of Mercer’ highlighting that for our clients and employees it is business as usual – our clients will continue to be supported by the same team providing the same quality service but with enhanced capabilities. For Kepler consultants, who are all transitioning to Mercer, it is an exciting development and we are happy and impatient to start working with our new colleagues. We share the same philosophy and business principles, and this will help ensure a seamless transition for our clients.”
“The combined businesses of Mercer and Kepler will be uniquely positioned to advise the management and remuneration committees of organisations across the UK and Europe”, said Fiona Dunsire, Mercer’s UK market leader and chief executive. “We are looking forward to having them on the team”.
