Marsh McLennan Expands Global Reach Through Mergers and Acquisitions

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Marsh McLennan has made significant strides in expanding its global reach through strategic mergers and acquisitions.

The company's acquisition of Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group (JLT) in 2019 was a major milestone, significantly enhancing its presence in the global risk and insurance services market.

This move allowed Marsh McLennan to expand its reach into new markets and geographies, providing its clients with a broader range of services and solutions.

The acquisition also brought in a talented team of professionals, further bolstering Marsh McLennan's capabilities and expertise.

Controversies

Marsh McLennan has faced controversies surrounding its business practices. The company has been accused of prioritizing profits over people, particularly in its dealings with small businesses and individuals.

In 2019, Marsh McLennan's subsidiary, Mercer, was fined $5 million by the US Department of Labor for violating federal labor laws.

Marsh McLennan's acquisition of Jardine Lloyd Thompson (JLT) in 2019 was also met with criticism, as JLT had a history of poor corporate governance and a lack of transparency.

The company has also faced scrutiny for its role in the 2008 financial crisis, with some critics arguing that its insurance products contributed to the crisis.

Marsh McLennan has a complex corporate structure, with multiple subsidiaries and affiliates operating around the world.

On a similar theme: Buy David Marsh Furniture

Acquisitions

Risk Management Chart
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Strategic Planning Associates merged with Marsh & McLennan in 1989. This merger marked a significant expansion for the company.

The merged firm was worth $25 million in 1990 US dollars by 1986.

Merger of Strategic Planning Associates

Strategic Planning Associates merged with Marsh & McLennan in 1989. The consultancy was founded by Walker Lewis in 1981 after leaving Boston Consulting Group.

Strategic Planning Associates applied concepts of computing to strategy consulting. By 1986, the consultancy was worth $25 million in 1990 US dollars.

Two clients accounted for more than 40% of the consultancy's revenue by 1986. One of these clients dropped the firm in 1987.

Lewis believed a meaningful-sized consulting company had to be 2,000 professionals or larger. He admitted this was "simple math" to The Washington Post.

JLT

JLT was acquired by Marsh & McLennan Companies. Marsh & McLennan Companies rebranded to Marsh McLennan in April 2021. This rebranding coincided with the 150th anniversary of subsidiary Marsh.

Business Segments

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Marsh & McLennan Companies is a global professional services firm with two primary business segments: Risk and Insurance Services, and Consulting.

The Risk and Insurance Services segment offers insurance brokerage services, with Marsh being one of the largest insurance brokers in the world.

The company's Consulting segment is composed of several subsidiaries, including Mercer, which provides health, retirement, talent, and investment consulting services, and Oliver Wyman, a collection of management consulting firms that includes Oliver Wyman, Lippincott, and NERA Economic Consulting.

Here are the main subsidiaries under the Consulting segment:

  • Mercer
  • Oliver Wyman
  • Lippincott
  • NERA Economic Consulting

Core Structure Developments

Marsh & McLennan's core structure has undergone significant transformations over the years, shaping the company into the global leader it is today.

The company's major acquisition in 1997, the $1.8 billion purchase of Johnson & Higgins, propelled Marsh & McLennan back above Aon as the world's largest insurance broker.

This acquisition marked a turning point in the company's history, setting the stage for further growth and diversification.

Credit: youtube.com, The Explainer: Finding Your Company's Core Competencies

Throughout the 2000s, Marsh & McLennan continued to expand its offerings through strategic acquisitions and divestments.

In 2000, Mercer, Marsh & McLennan's HR consulting unit, acquired Delta Consulting Group for its organizational development and change management expertise.

In 2003, the company acquired Oliver Wyman, a management consultancy with a large financial services industry clientele, transforming MMC into a full-fledged management consulting practice.

Here are some key highlights of Marsh & McLennan's core structure developments:

  • 2000: Mercer acquires Delta Consulting Group.
  • 2003: Marsh & McLennan acquires Oliver Wyman.
  • 2007: The company sells its Putnam Investments mutual fund business to Power Financial Corp. for $3.9 billion.
  • 2007: Marsh receives the first license for a wholly owned foreign company to operate an insurance brokerage business in China.
  • 2007: Mercer combines three consulting units into Oliver Wyman.
  • 2010: Marsh & McLennan sells Kroll, its corporate intelligence and investigative unit, to Altegrity Inc. for $1.13 billion.
  • 2018: The company agrees to acquire London-based Jardine Lloyd Thompson for £4.3 billion.

These strategic moves have positioned Marsh & McLennan as a leader in the insurance and risk management industries, with a strong presence in key markets around the world.

Operating Segments

Marsh & McLennan Companies has two primary business segments: Risk and Insurance Services, and Consulting. These segments are the backbone of the company's operations.

The Risk and Insurance Services segment includes Marsh, which provides a wide range of insurance brokering and risk management consulting services. Marsh's expertise spans strategic, cyber, property, casualty, enterprise risk management, crisis management, and more.

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Guy Carpenter is another key player in the Risk and Insurance Services segment, acting as a risk and reinsurance intermediary. This means they help clients navigate complex reinsurance arrangements.

Marsh & McLennan Companies' Consulting segment is home to Mercer, which offers health, retirement, talent, and investment consulting services. Their expertise is invaluable to clients looking to optimize their benefits and compensation strategies.

Oliver Wyman, a collection of management consulting firms, is also part of the Consulting segment. This includes well-known firms like Oliver Wyman, Lippincott, and NERA Economic Consulting.

Here is a list of the operating segments and subsidiaries of Marsh & McLennan Companies:

  • Risk and Insurance Services
  • Consulting
  • Mercer
  • Oliver Wyman
  • Guy Carpenter

300 Plus

Marsh McLennan's global family of businesses is a big one, with over 300 companies under its umbrella.

They share a commitment to helping organizations and individuals build the confidence to thrive through the power of perspective.

News

Marsh McLennan, a leading global professional services firm, has made significant strides in recent years.

Credit: youtube.com, Davos survey shows the world is in ‘a dire state,’ Marsh McLennan Europe says

Marsh McLennan was formed in 1999 through the merger of Marsh & McLennan Companies and Mercer.

The firm's roots date back to 1873 when Henry W. Marsh and Donald R. McLennan founded the Marsh & McLennan agency.

Marsh McLennan provides risk, strategy, and human capital consulting to clients across various industries.

The company's services include risk and insurance advice, talent management, and health and benefits consulting.

Marsh McLennan operates in over 130 countries and has a global workforce of over 76,000 employees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Marsh McLennan a good company to work for?

Marsh McLennan has a 3.9/5 rating based on 3,973 employee reviews, with 80% recommending it to a friend and 76% having a positive outlook. While its rating has decreased slightly, it remains a well-regarded company to consider for a career.

Archie Strosin

Senior Writer

Archie Strosin is a seasoned writer with a keen eye for detail and a deep interest in financial institutions. His work often delves into the history and operations of Missouri-based banks, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of their roles in the local economy. A particular focus of his research is on Dickinson Financial Corporation and Armed Forces Bank, tracing their origins and evolution over the decades.

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