6 March 2019

Aon scraps potential merger with Willis Towers Watson

Aon has ruled out a merger with Willis Towers Watson, less than a day after news broke of a potential all-share business combination between the two brokers.

Aon said it regularly evaluates a variety of potential opportunities within and adjacent to its industry.

The brokerage acknowledged it had considered such a possibility with Willis Towers Watson.

However, when this news became public, Aon was required to issue a statement because Willis Towers Watson is an Irish company and is subject to Irish regulatory requirements.

Aon said as a result of media speculation, Irish regulations required Aon to make the disclosure at a very early stage.

Having confirmed it does not intend to pursue a business combination with Willis Towers Watson, Aon said it reserves the right within the next 12 months to set aside this announcement where so permitted under rule 2.8 of the Irish Takeover Rules.