Willis Group Champions Call For Transparency

Embracing changes to the global insurance broking industry, challenging assumptions and breaking molds, Willis Group Holdings (NYSE:WSH) continued its outspoken leadership on transparency - actively disclosing fees to clients and encouraging other brokers to follow suit.

As a reflection of its industry-leading position on this issue, Willis was the only global broker invited to share its experience of transparency at a public hearing in Brussels today on business insurance that was hosted by the European Commission (EC).

At today's public panel discussions, the EC presented the preliminary findings of a Europe-wide Sector Inquiry into competition in member states in relation to business insurance. Speaking on behalf of Willis, Richard Bucknall, Vice Chairman, reiterated the Group's continued commitment to transparency citing it as a fundamental component to the broker-client relationship. "In representing our clients, we subscribe to the very simple view that they should know what we earn in exchange for the services and value we deliver, and that applies to all clients, small, medium and large," Bucknall said. He went on to say, "Brokers who ignore their clients' best interests do so at their own peril."

In conclusion, Bucknall said that while implementing transparency may have been something of a challenge given the vast number of changes needed - and the need for people to change the way they think - the benefits have created a more open and professional partnership between Willis and its clients.

Willis Group Holdings Limited is a leading global insurance broker, developing and delivering professional insurance, reinsurance, risk management, financial and human resource consulting and actuarial services to corporations, public entities and institutions around the world. With over 300 offices in more than 100 countries, its global team of 15,400 Employees and Associates serves clients in some 190 countries. Willis is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: WSH). Additional information on Willis may be found on its web site: www.willis.com. -- www.tsx.com