Controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2021
U.S. Justice Department moves to block Aon's acquisition of Willis Towers Watson
Lawsuit filed
In June 2021, the U.S. Justice Department announced it would sue to stop Aon's proposed $30 billion acquisition of Willis Towers Watson. The department cited antitrust concerns and stated that the divestitures proposed by the parties were insufficient to address those concerns. The announcement marked a formal step by the Justice Department toward blocking the transaction.
The U.S. Justice Department said it would sue to stop Aon's proposed $30 billion acquisition of Willis Towers Watson, citing antitrust concerns and stating that proposed divestitures were insufficient.
Stated objective. stop Aon's proposed acquisition of Willis Towers Watson
Source excerpt
The Justice Department on Wednesday announced the antitrust suit filed in federal court in Washington seeking to stop Aon’s proposed $30 billion acquisition of rival benefits and risk consultant Willis Towers Watson.
The Biden administration has sued to block the merger of two of the world’s largest insurance brokers, asserting the deal could eliminate competition, raise prices and hamper innovation for U.S. businesses, employers and unions that use the companies’ services.
The Justice Department said on Wednesday it would sue to stop insurance broker Aon’s $30 billion acquisition of Willis Towers Watson.
2020
EU antitrust review of Aon's proposed Willis Towers Watson acquisition
Investigation
The European Commission's antitrust review of Aon's proposed $30 billion acquisition of Willis Towers Watson formally began. The Commission said the transaction could reduce competition in several markets. The review marked a formal regulatory step in the proposed acquisition, with the Commission assessing the transaction's potential effects on competition across the markets involved.
The European Commission’s antitrust review of Aon’s proposed $30 billion acquisition of Willis Towers Watson formally began. The Commission said the transaction could reduce competition in several markets.
Source excerpt
怡安保險集團(Aon)以300億美元收購韋萊韜悅(Willis Towers Watson)的交易正式進入歐盟反壟斷機關的審查階段，預計審查時間將達5個月。
歐盟執委會表示，該交易可能會減少幾個領域的市場競爭性，包括商業風險經紀服務、再保險經紀，以及對商業客戶提供的退休和健康財富服務。
2016
Merger-disclosure shareholder litigation
After the Willis-Towers Watson combination, shareholders brought Delaware and federal actions concerning the merger process and disclosures. Certain claims were allowed to proceed and reported settlements were reached in 2024.
2015
Opposition and conflict-of-interest allegations during merger process
Some Towers Watson investors opposed the original Willis merger terms, citing valuation concerns and alleged conflicts involving senior leadership. A revised offer was subsequently approved by shareholders.
2011
U.K. anti-bribery and corruption controls fine
The U.K. Financial Services Authority fined Willis Limited £6.895 million after finding inadequate anti-bribery and corruption systems and controls covering activity from 2005 to 2009.
2005
Contingent-commission scrutiny
U.S. authorities examined contingent commissions in commercial insurance broking during a wider industry investigation. Willis Group said it would end the practice and improve transparency.