Aon’s $30bn (£25bn) takeover of Willis Towers Watson has been put in question after the US government sued it over competition concerns.
In a complaint filed yesterday, the Department of Justice said: “the merger threatens to eliminate competition, raise prices, and reduce innovation for American businesses, employers, and unions that rely on these important services”.
The merger between Aon and Willis Towers Watson would combine two of the “Big Three” insurance brokers. The US attorney general said they can offer global service, sophisticated data and analytics, and a breadth and depth of knowledge and expertise that other brokers do not offer. The complaint says Aon and Wills Towers Watson operate “in an oligopoly” and “will have even more [leverage] when [the] Willis deal is closed.”
If permitted to merge, Aon and Willis Towers Watson could use their increased leverage to raise prices and reduce the quality of products relied on by thousands of American businesses — and their customers, employees, and retirees.
The US Justice Department says that Aon and Willis Towers Watson have agreed to certain divestitures in connection with investigations by various international competition agencies, the complaint alleges these proposed remedies are inadequate to protect consumers in the United States. The complaint also alleges the US-focused divestitures in health benefits and commercial risk broking, in particular, are wholly insufficient to resolve the department’s significant concerns.
Aon plc is incorporated in Ireland and headquartered in London. It has approximately 50,000 employees and offices in approximately 120 countries, including over 100 offices in the United States. In 2020, Aon reported revenues of more than $11 billion.
Willis Towers Watson plc is incorporated in Ireland and headquartered in London. It has approximately 45,000 employees and offices in more than 80 countries, including over 80 offices in the United States. In 2020, Willis Towers Watson reported revenues of more than $9 billion.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said: “Today’s action demonstrates the Justice Department’s commitment to stopping harmful consolidation and preserving competition that directly and indirectly benefits Americans across the country.
“American companies and consumers rely on competition between Aon and Willis Towers Watson to lower prices for crucial services, such as health and retirement benefits consulting. Allowing Aon and Willis Towers Watson to merge would reduce that vital competition and leave American customers with fewer choices, higher prices, and lower quality services.”
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