Willis Adds ABSL to Willis Commercial Network

Willis Group Holdings (NYSE:WSH), the global risk adviser, insurance and reinsurance broker, announced today that the Allianz owned company, Allianz Business Services Limited (ABSL), trading as Premierline, has joined the Willis Commercial Network (WCN).
Lancaster based ABSL joins WCN as part of a deal that includes the sale of Willis's Businesscare business located in Preston, which focuses on micro and small enterprises.

Commenting on the news, Sara Fardon, Managing Director of Willis Commercial Network, said: "I am thrilled to welcome ABSL to the Willis Commercial Network and I look forward to working closely with them as they expand their business into this market."

Steve Hearn, Deputy CEO of Willis Group, added: "In the UK we are focused on delivering the very best of Willis's global expertise and capabilities to be highly responsive to the needs of our corporate and complex clients. Willis Commercial Network is dedicated to servicing the small and medium sized (SME) business arena in the UK. This transaction supports that strategy and builds on our already thriving partnership of UK independent brokers."

David Martin, director, SME markets, Allianz Commercial, said: "Joining Willis Commercial Network and buying the Businesscare branch office is a natural next step, as we align our business model to meet the changing demands of the micro and small business market. We are looking forward to providing a more advice-based solution to the customers who require it and maximising the leads that we generate by running a panel of insurers."

About Willis
Willis Group Holdings plc is a leading global risk adviser, insurance and reinsurance broker. With roots dating to 1828, Willis operates today on every continent with more than 18,000 employees in over 400 offices. Willis offers its clients superior expertise, teamwork, innovation and market-leading products and professional services in risk management and transfer. Our experts rank among the world's leading authorities on analytics, modelling and mitigation strategies at the intersection of global commerce and extreme events. Find more information at our website, www.willis.com, our leadership journal, Resilience, or our up-to-the-minute blog on breaking news, WillisWire. Across geographies, industries and specialisms, Willis provides its local and multinational clients with resilience for a risky world.

Notes to Editors

• Willis Commercial Network (WCN) is a thriving partnership between independent UK insurance brokers, the Willis Group and a panel of leading insurers.
       
• WCN members are independent general insurance brokers of any size handling predominantly commercial lines SME business.
       
• Established in 1999, the Network has grown steadily, extending into Scotland and Northern Ireland, and today comprises more than 145 members.
       
• Allianz Business Services Limited (ABSL), trading as Premierline, is a specialist in providing business insurance solutions to the financial services industry.