Aon to buy Willis for nearly $30 billion in insurance mega-deal

UK-based insurance broker Aon said it would buy Willis Towers Watson for nearly $30 billion.

The all-stock deal will create the world's largest insurance broker in an industry struggling with falling margins.

The deal unifies the sector's current second and third largest players, overtaking current leader Marsh & McLennan, as they face challenges ranging from the coronavirus outbreak to the fallout of climate change.

First mooted a year ago, it also comes after a period of brutal competition which has seen insurance premiums fall while claims continue to grow.

Marsh in the meantime sealed its purchase of British rival Jardine Lloyd Thompson for $5.7 billion last April, cementing its position as the biggest global player.

When the deal closes, existing Aon shareholders will own about 63% and existing Willis investors will own about 37% of the combined company on a fully diluted basis.

The deal is expected to add to Aon's adjusted earnings per share in the first full year of the deal, with savings of $267m, reaching $600m in the second year, with the full $800m achieved in the third year.

Aon will maintain its headquarters in London and the combined firm will be led by Aon chief executive Greg Case and Aon's chief financial officer Christa Davies.