21.11.2005 14:50:00

Willis Strengthens Presence in Latin America with Two Acquisitions

Willis Group Holdings (NYSE:WSH), the global insurancebroker, today announces that it has strengthened its presence in LatinAmerica with the acquisition of both JH Asesores y Corredores deSeguros S.A. (JHA), a leading broker in Lima, Peru, and K.R. AthosConsultoria e Corretora de Seguro de Vida s/c Ltda (Athos), anemployee benefits company in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Terms of the deals arenot disclosed and the JHA deal is subject to Peruvian regulatoryapproval. Annualized revenue from these transactions totalapproximately $5.2 million.

Willis has been working closely with JHA, one of the largestbrokers in Peru, on a correspondent basis since 2001. This acquisitionis not only consistent with the Company's glocal strategy - globalresources combined with local delivery and service - but also is anatural progression of the business relationship the companiesestablished and have grown since 2001. As part of the agreement,Willis will also acquire JHA's reinsurance operation, JH Corredores deReaseguros S.A.

As an additional indication of its focus on the vibrant, LatinAmerican market, Willis has also acquired Athos and in doing so hasdoubled the size of its employee benefits unit in Sao Paulo. Employeebenefits is the fastest growing broking sector in Brazil and thisacquisition will provide a major boost to our profile in this keyarea.

"Peru is one of the fastest growing insurance markets in LatinAmerica and with the great relationship we already have with JHA andthe strong benefits offerings Athos brings to our existing operationin Brazil, these two acquisitions make a lot of sense for us," saidJoe Plumeri, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Willis. "Bringingthese two strong companies into Willis will allow us to bring ourunique brand of glocal service - global resources delivered locallywith high-touch service - to the region."

"Over the last few years, we have been strengthening ourbusinesses and gaining market share throughout Latin America," saidSarah Turvill, Chief Executive of Willis International Holdings."Making a strong push in this growing market, we decided to enhanceand increase our client offerings with two targeted acquisitions.These two companies add to the local strength we are able to deliverto clients across a range of insurance needs."

Jaime Herrera, Chief Executive Officer of JHA and the futureManaging Director of Willis Peru, said, "After working with Willis forthe past four years we have found that our complementary strengthsmake a winning combination. Now that we are to be fully part ofWillis, we will be better equipped to service clients and continue togrow."

Willis Group Holdings Limited is a leading global insurancebroker, developing and delivering professional insurance, reinsurance,risk management, financial and human resource consulting and actuarialservices to corporations, public entities and institutions around theworld. With over 300 offices in more than 100 countries, its globalteam of 15,800 associates serve clients in some 180 countries.Additional information on Willis may be found on its web sitewww.willis.com.

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