Revenue growth, margin expansion through delivery of better solutions, increased cash flow and earnings growth and a strong balance sheet, to generate attractive returns for shareholders in the future. Statements Required by the Irish Takeover Rules Additional information about Willis Towers Watson's directors and executive officers is contained in Willis Towers Watson's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, filed with the SEC on February 26, 2020, and its Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, dated and filed with the SEC on April 3, 2019. The factors identified above are not exhaustive. Aon today confirms that it does not intend to pursue this business combination. While Aon and WTW are working to complete their combination as soon as possible during the third quarter of 2021,the completion remains subject to the receipt of required regulatory approvals and clearances, including with respect to United States antitrust laws, as well as other customary closing conditions. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the possibility that the proposed combination will not be consummated, failure to obtain necessary shareholder or regulatory approvals or to satisfy any of the other conditions to the proposed combination, adverse effects on the market price of Aon UK, Aon Ireland and/or Willis Towers Watson securities and on Aon UK's, Aon Ireland's and/or Willis Towers Watson's operating results for any reason, including, without limitation, because of the failure to consummate the proposed combination, the failure to realize the expected benefits of the proposed combination (including anticipated revenue and growth synergies), the failure to effectively integrate the combined companies following consummation of the proposed combination, negative effects of an announcement of the proposed combination, changes in global, political, economic, business, competitive, market and regulatory forces, future exchange and interest rates, changes in tax laws, regulations, rates and policies, future business acquisitions or disposals, or any announcement relating to the proposed consummation of or failure to consummate the proposed combination on the market price of Aon UK, Aon Ireland and/or Willis Towers Watson securities, significant transaction and integration costs or difficulties in connection with the proposed combination and/or unknown or inestimable liabilities, potential litigation associated with the proposed combination, the potential impact of the announcement or consummation of the proposed combination on relationships, including with suppliers, customers, employees and regulators, and general economic, business and political conditions (including any epidemic, pandemic or disease outbreak) that affect the combined companies following the consummation of the proposed combination. Forward-looking statements should therefore be construed in the light of such factors. "Going forward, our focus remains steadfast on our colleagues, our clients and our shareholders. Aon remains positioned to further build on the firm's track record of over a decade of progress on key financial metrics and achievement of external commitments. All statements other than statements of historical facts that address activities, events or developments that Aon and/or WTW expects or anticipates may occur in the future, including such things as its or their outlook, goals and expectations with respect to performance, business strategies, competitive strengths, goals, plans, references to future successes, the termination of the Combination, the termination of litigation relating to the Combination and payment of the termination fee under the BCA, are forward-looking statements. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the directors of Willis Towers Watson (who have taken all reasonable care to ensure such is the case), the information contained in this document for which they respectively accept responsibility is in accordance with the facts and does not omit anything likely to affect the import of such information. Aon and Willis had agreed to sell $3.6bn worth of assets to their rival Gallagher to smooth that aspect of the deal. Aon, WTW and their respective subsidiaries operate in a dynamic business environment in which new risks may emerge frequently. "We announced this combination knowing that the complementary capabilities of our two firms would allow us to deliver more value to clients and opportunities for colleagues. 1 There are various material assumptions underlying the synergies, which may result in the synergies and other cost reductions being materially greater or less than estimated. Aon may update, amend, supplement or otherwise alter the information contained in any such materials by subsequent presentations, reports, filings, or other means without notice. Subject to the right of Aon UK (and Aon Ireland, as applicable) to implement the proposed combination by way of a Takeover Offer as an alternative to the Scheme, and subject to the provisions of the Business Combination Agreement and with the Irish Takeover Panel's consent, the proposed combination will be implemented solely by means of the Scheme documentation, which will contain the full terms and conditions of the proposed combination, including details of how Willis Towers Watson shareholders may vote in respect of the proposed combination. This also marks the end of the litigation with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). Eversheds Sutherland Offices The directors of WTW accept responsibility for the information contained in this document relating to WTW. The combined firm is committed to maintaining long-term financial goals of mid-single digit or greater organic revenue growth and double-digit free cash flow growth; and is expected to maintain Aon's current credit rating. DUBLIN, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Aon plc (NYSE: AON) and Willis Towers Watson (NASDAQ: WLTW) announced today that the firms have agreed to terminate their business combination agreement and end litigation with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). Neither Aon nor WTW is under, and each expressly disclaims, any obligation to update or alter any forward-looking statement that it may make from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. These factors may be revised or supplemented in subsequent reports filed with the SEC. These factors may be revised or supplemented in subsequent reports filed with the SEC. Any or all of Aon's and WTW's forward-looking statements may turn out to be inaccurate, and there are no guarantees about Aon's or WTW's performance. In particular, a person will be treated as having an interest by virtue of the ownership or control of securities, or by virtue of any option in respect of, or derivative referenced to, securities. About Aon You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. The parties expect the transaction to close in the first half of 2021, subject to satisfaction of these conditions. Upon completion of the Reorganization, it is expected that the Aon Ireland Directors will be the same as the current Aon UK Directors. Aon expressly disclaims any obligation to review, update or correct these materials after the date thereof. <br><br>Significant experience across Insurance, Markets, International Banking, Corporate Banking, Retail Banking and Wealth businesses. DUBLIN, July 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Aon plc (NYSE: AON) and Willis Towers Watson (NASDAQ: WLTW) announced today that the firms have agreed to terminate their business combination agreement. Forward-looking statements can often, but not always, be identified by the use of words such as "plans," "expects," "is subject to," "budget," "scheduled," "estimates," "forecasts," "looking forward," "potential," "probably," "continue," "intends," "anticipates," "believes," or variations of such words, and statements that certain actions, events or results "may," "could," "should," "would," "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Safe Harbor Statement The Board of Directors will comprise proportional members from Aon and Willis Towers Watson's current directors. Allocation of any divestiture proceeds according to Aon's ROIC framework, in which the firm expects that share buyback will continue to be its highest return activity. Operations Manchester United Aon reserves the right within the next 12 months to set aside this announcement where so permitted under Rule 2.8 (including Rule 2.8 (c) (ii)). LONDON, U.K. - Aon plc (NYSE:AON) and Willis Towers Watson (NASDAQ: WLTW) today announced a definitive agreement to combine in an all-stock transaction (the "Proposed Combination") with an implied combined equity value of approximately $80 billion. Aon's financial advisor in respect of the Proposed Combination is Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC and its legal advisors are Latham & Watkins, LLP, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP and Arthur Cox. ,Date,News 1,News 2,News 3,News 4,News 5,News 6,News 7,News 8,News 9,News 10,FinBERT score 0,2020-10-01,A standoff over further federal aid and concern over the pandemic's duration are pushing companies to eliminate jobs.,With few people traveling and lawmakers deadlocked on a stimulus package American Airlines and United Airlines are cutting more than 30000 jobs.,After Tuesday's debacle . Our 50,000 colleagues in 120 countries empower results for clients by using proprietary data and analytics to deliver insights that reduce volatility and improve performance. Aon and Willis Towers Watson, the second and third biggest firms in the global insurance brokerage business, are part of the "Big Three" alongside leading player Marsh & McLennan Cos., the DOJ alleged in its June 16 antitrust complaint. . The directors of Willis Towers Watson accept responsibility for the information contained in this document relating to Willis Towers Watson and the directors of Willis Towers Watson and members of their immediate families, related trusts and persons connected with them, except for the statements made by Aon UK in respect of Willis Towers Watson. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the directors of Aon (who have taken all reasonable care to ensure that such is the case), the information contained in this announcement for which they accept responsibility is in accordance with the facts and does not omit anything likely to affect the import of such information. The. Further information concerning Aon UK and its businesses, including economic, competitive, governmental, regulatory, technological and other factors that could materially affect Aon UK's results of operations and financial condition (and which shall apply equally to Aon Ireland following the completion of the reorganization of Aon UK as described in Aon UK's Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, dated and filed with the SEC on December 20, 2019), is contained in Aon UK's filings with the SEC. Upon completion of the combination, existing Aon shareholders will own approximately 63% and existing Willis Towers Watson shareholders will own approximately 37% of the combined company on a fully diluted basis. Forward-looking statements should therefore be construed in the light of such factors. Income was down from $398 million, $1.70 per share, a year ago, but revenue rose by. We appreciate and deeply respect all the Aon colleagues we got to know through this process.". *All intraday prices are subject to a delay of fifteen (15) minutes. ", "This combination will create a more innovativeplatform capable of deliveringbetter outcomes for all stakeholders, including clients, colleagues, partners and investors," said Aon CEO Greg Case. However, there were still. If two or more persons co-operate on the basis of any agreement, either express or tacit, either oral or written, to acquire an interest in relevant securities of Aon UK, Aon Ireland or Willis Towers Watson, they will be deemed to be a single person for the purposes of Rule 8.3 of the Irish Takeover Rules. "Despite regulatory momentum around the world, including the recent approval of our combination by the European Commission, we reached an impasse with the U.S. Department of Justice,"said Aon CEO Greg Case. The combined company, to be named Aon, will be a premier, technology-enabled global professional services firm focused on the areas of risk, retirement and health, the firms say. Aon and Willis Towers Watson have terminated their $30bn mega merger in the face of opposition from the Department of Justice (DoJ) in a move that will send shock waves through the sector. The factors identified above are not exhaustive. 4 "The combination of Willis Towers Watson and Aon is a natural next step in our journey to better serve our clients in the areas of people . 4Calculated as the sum of the market capitalization of Aon UK, based on the closing price of Aon ordinary shares of $214.81 on 6 March 2020, and the equity value of Willis Towers Watson as implied by the Proposed Combination. We are confident that the combination would have accelerated our shared ability to innovate on behalf of clients, but the inability to secure an expedited resolution of the litigation brought us to this point. The proposed combination was first announced on March 9, 2020. It's a message that Aon CEO Greg Case has been . Chicago, Illinois, United States. On the same day the Aon-Willis merger was terminated (July 26), Aon announced that CEO Case and CFO Case had extended their employment agreements until 2026. The combined company, to be named Aon, will be the premier, technology-enabled global professional services firm focused on the areas of risk, retirement and health. Any or all of Aon's and WTW's forward-looking statements may turn out to be inaccurate, and there are no guarantees about Aon's or WTW's performance. [22] The deal was called off on 26 July 2021 after failing to reach agreement with the US Department of Justice. Aon plc(NYSE:AON) is a leading global professional services firm providing a broad range of risk, retirement and health solutions. The company is headquartered in Rolling Meadows, Ill. and has more than 34,000 employees in 56 countries. Accretion to adjusted EPS, reflecting the synergy potential of the combination, consistent with initially announced accretion projections in year three and over the long term. Decision Follows DOJ Lawsuit to Prevent Harmful Consolidation and Preserve Competition Attorney General Merrick B. Garland today released the following statement on Aon plc's and Willis Towers Watson's announcement that the firms agreed to terminate their planned $30 billion merger. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. Lyles made the announcement via Twitter. All statements other than statements of historical facts that address activities, events or developments that Aon and/or WTW expects or anticipates may occur in the future, including such things as its or their outlook, future capital expenditures, growth in commissions and fees, changes to the composition or level of its or their revenues, cash flow and liquidity, expected tax rates, business strategies, competitive strengths, goals, the benefits of new initiatives, growth of its or their business and operations, plans, references to future successes, and expectations with respect to the timing, closing and benefits of the Combination, including divestitures made in connection with the Combination, are forward-looking statements. The proposed $30 billion merger of insurance brokerage giants Aon Plc and Willis Towers Watson Plc would create the world's largest outsourced investment management firm.. Although management believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that these expectations will prove to be correct. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to Aon, WTW and/or any person acting on behalf of any of them are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing paragraphs, and the information contained on any websites referenced in this communication is not incorporated by reference into this communication. Health & Benefits business units in France, Spain and Germany. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aon-and-willis-towers-watson-wtw-take-important-step-toward-the-close-of-proposed-combination-with-agreement-to-sell-set-of-wtw-assets-to-gallagher-301289733.html, Aon and Willis Towers Watson (WTW) Take Important Step Toward the Close of Proposed Combination with Agreement to Sell Set of WTW Assets to Gallagher, Human Resources Business Process Outsourcing, [email protected], http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aon-and-willis-towers-watson-wtw-take-important-step-toward-the-close-of-proposed-combination-with-agreement-to-sell-set-of-wtw-assets-to-gallagher-301289733.html. [23] Carl Hess becomes CEO [ edit] The factors identified above are not exhaustive. Aon anticipates that the transaction will provide annual pre-tax synergies and other cost reductions of $800 million by the third full year of combination, thereby allowing the firm to continue significant investment in innovation and growth. Certain statements made on this web site or in materials accessed in or through this section of our web site are forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks and uncertainties, and Aon's actual results may differ (possibly materially) from those indicated in such statements. The announcement of these leaders follows this week's announcement that the contracts of Case and Aon CFO Christa Davies would be extended through April 1, 2026. The move comes. Information regarding the persons who may, under the rules of the SEC, be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of shareholders, including a description of their direct or indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be set forth in the joint proxy statement. Aon Willis Towers Watson Agents & Brokers Mergers & Acquisitions John Haley (left) and Carl Hess Willis Towers Watson PLC on Thursday outlined a bold plan to deliver $10 billion+ in revenues. Our 50,000 colleagues in 120 countries empower results for clients by using proprietary data and analytics to deliver insights that reduce volatility and improve performance. The pending combination with Willis Towers Watson is expected to deliver: Aon andWillis Towers Watson continue to progress with their integration planning, most recently highlighted by the announcement of the future leadership team that, following the close of the combination, will collaborate to deliver new sources of value to clients and create new opportunities for colleagues. About Aon Please watch the NASA video highlighted near the end of Liked by Julia Hodges As laid out in the business combination agreement, Aon will pay Willis a $1 billion termination fee.. The. In a joint statement, Aon and WTW noted their disagreement with the decision. Aon plc and Willis Towers Watson announced a definitive agreement to combine in an all-stock transaction. Forward-looking statements are prospective in nature and are not based on historical facts, but rather current expectations of management about future events. See Willis Towers Watson's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, filed with the SEC on February 26, 2020, and additional documents filed by Willis Towers Watson with the SEC, the contents of which are not incorporated by reference into, nor do they form part of, this Announcement, for a further discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties applicable to Willis Towers Watson 's businesses. This communication should be read in conjunction with, and is subject to, the full text of the Rule 2.5 Announcement (including its Appendices), which shall take precedence in the event of any inconsistency. Our 50,000 colleagues in 120 countries empower results for clients by using proprietary data and analytics to deliver insights that reduce volatility and improve performance. Aon UK, Aon Ireland, Willis Towers Watson and their subsidiaries operate in a dynamic business environment in which new risks may emerge frequently. I am a Manager at Flint Global (London). I work to create solutions people believe in and give value.<br><br>I have broad cross-disciplinary and multi-sector experience and have worked to service rail . The much-awaited merger between Willis Towers Watson plc WLTW and Aon plc AON has been terminated. DUBLIN, May 12, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Aon plc (NYSE: AON) and Willis Towers Watson (NASDAQ: WLTW) today announced they have signed a definitive agreement to sell Willis Re and a set of Willis Towers Watson corporate risk and broking and health and benefits services to Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (Gallagher). I have provided economic analysis and advice in UK, European, and international merger proceedings, follow-on damages cases, and competition litigation. 3There are various material assumptions underlying the synergies and other cost reduction statements in this document which may result in the synergies and other cost reductions being materially greater or less than estimated. This document, if and when filed, as well as Willis Towers Watson's, Aon UK's and Aon Ireland's other public filings with the SEC, may be obtained without charge at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov and, in the case of Aon UK's and Aon Ireland's filings, at Aon UK's website at www.aon.com, and in the case of Willis Towers Watson's filings, at Willis Towers Watson's website at www.willistowerswatson.com. Lebanese are buying home insurance - S&P: Insurance premiums grow by 20% in Kuwait - GAIF announces the establishment of the Arab Actuaries Association - The UAE insurance sector maintains first rank in the Arab world - In Lebanon, compulsory insurance in fresh US$ - World Bank: $34 bn as Turkey earthquake damages - Reinsurance Recap: 2022 . Potential revenue synergies due to complementary capabilitiesare expected but not included in the synergy estimates. Additional information about Aon UK's directors and executive officers is contained in Aon UK's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, filed with the SEC on February 14, 2020, and its Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, dated and filed with the SEC on April 26, 2019. "We've used this time to align our future leadership team around a one-firm culture that will create new opportunities for colleagues, accelerate innovation on behalf of clients and deliver shareholders the long-term value creation they have come to expect from our team.". Both Aon and Willis Towers have made divestitures since the original announcement and European Union regulators are set to rule in early August 2021. While. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to Aon UK, Aon Ireland, Willis Towers Watson and/or any person acting on behalf of any of them are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing paragraphs, and the information contained on any websites referenced in this communication is not incorporated by reference into this communication. Critics worry the giant companies taking over outsourced responsibilities are too big to effectively manage individual investors and that many employers are too small to adequately keep those firms in check. See Aon's and WTW's respective Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 and their respective Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021 for a further discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties applicable to Aon and WTW and their respective businesses. About Willis Towers WatsonWillis Towers Watson is a leading global advisory, broking and solutions company that designs and delivers solutions that manage risk, optimize benefits, cultivate talent and expand the power of capital to protect and strengthen institutions and individuals. ", Case added, "Over the last 16 months, our colleagues have turned potential challenges into opportunities to advance our Aon United strategy. Further information concerning Aon, WTW and their respective businesses, including factors that potentially could materially affect Aon's or WTW's financial results, are contained in Aon's and WTW's respective filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Other unknown or unpredictable factors could also cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Both firms will provide further financial updates and outlooks on their respective Q2 2021 earnings calls, which take place on July 30 for Aon and August 3 for Willis Towers Watson. BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING DECISION, HOLDERS OF AON UK, AON IRELAND AND/OR WILLIS TOWERS WATSON SECURITIES ARE URGED TO READ THOSE FILINGS AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED OR TO BE FILED WITH THE SEC IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSED COMBINATION, INCLUDING ANY DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE THEREIN, CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED COMBINATION AND THE PARTIES TO THE PROPOSED COMBINATION. No statement in this announcement is intended to constitute a profit forecast for any period, nor should any statements be interpreted to mean that earnings or earnings per share will necessarily match or be greater or lesser than those for the relevant preceding financial periods for Aon and/or WTW as appropriate. "We appreciate the extraordinary value these colleagues have delivered to our clients and our company. By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from either historical or anticipated results depending on a variety of factors. The directors of Aon UK accept responsibility for the information contained in this document relating to Aon UK, the directors of Aon UK and members of their immediate families, related trusts and persons connected with them, except for the statements made by Willis Towers Watson in respect of Aon UK or Aon Ireland. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the directors of Aon (who have taken all reasonable care to ensure that such is the case), the information contained in this document for which they accept responsibility is in accordance with the facts and does not omit anything likely to affect the import of such information. Any vote in respect of resolutions to be proposed at the Willis Towers Watson shareholders meetings to approve the proposed combination, the Scheme or related matters, or other responses in relation to the proposed combination, should be made only on the basis of the information contained in the joint proxy statement (including the Scheme documentation). Investegate takes no responsibility for the accuracy of the information within this site. The information contained therein is only current as of the date thereof. Important Additional Information Will Be Filed With The SEC. Aon will maintain operating headquarters in London. "This transaction accelerates that journey by providing our combined teams the opportunity to drive innovation more quickly and deliver more value. The deal's cancellation comes just over a month after the DOJ filed a lawsuit to block the merger. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ from those set forth in or anticipated by the forward-looking statements: the impact of pending or potential lawsuits and other claims against Aon and/or WTW; the impact of, and potential challenges in complying with, legislation and regulation in the jurisdictions in which Aon and/or WTW operates, particularly given the global scope of Aon's and/or WTW's businesses and the possibility of conflicting regulatory requirements across jurisdictions in which Aon and/or WTW does business; the impact of any investigations brought by regulatory authorities in the U.S., Ireland, the UK and other countries; general economic, business and political conditions in different countries in which Aon and/or WTW does business around the world (including any epidemic, pandemic or disease outbreak, including COVID-19); the effects of Irish law on Aon's and/or WTW's operating flexibility and the enforcement of judgments against Aon and/or WTW; the failure to retain and attract qualified personnel, whether as a result of the failure of the Combination or divestitures planned in connection with the Combination or otherwise; adverse effects on the market price of Aon's and/or WTW's securities and/or operating results for any reason, including, without limitation, because of the failure to consummate the Combination or the divestitures that had been proposed to be made in connection with the Combination or the payment of the termination fee under the BCA; the failure to realize the expected benefits of the Combination (including anticipated revenue and growth synergies); significant transaction costs in connection with the terminated Combination, and divestitures that had been planned in connection with the Combination; the potential impact of the termination of the Combination, and divestures planned in connection with the Combination, on relationships, including with suppliers, customers, employees and regulators; and changes in the competitive environment or damage to Aon's and/or WTW's reputation.
Dr Nicholas Warner Salima Ikram,
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