Marsh expands African interests

This transaction follows Marsh's acquisitions last year of Alexander Forbes' South African insurance broking operations, Alexander Forbes' Risk Services and related ancillary operations, as well as Alexander Forbes' insurance broking operations in Botswana, Malawi, Namibia, Uganda, and Zambia.

As a shareholder in its long-standing Nigerian partner, Insurance Brokers of Nigeria Limited (IBN), Marsh also announced its intention to combine the business of its newly-acquired operations in Nigeria with IBN. IBN has enjoyed a long and successful relationship of almost 60 years with Marsh. Subject to regulatory approvals, the combined operations of IBN and FJC will become the leading insurance broker and risk adviser in Nigeria.

Contributing to African growth

Commenting on the acquisition of the interest in FJC, Jurie Erwee, CEO of Marsh Africa said: "We are delighted that our African expansion plans are advancing so well. Nigeria is a very important part of our African strategy. Extensive natural resources, a dynamic consumer market and strong economic development all make Nigeria an ideal market for us to offer the full spectrum of insurance broking and risk advisory services. We look forward to contributing to the country's continuing growth through the provision of our specialist expertise."

Brian Blake, vice chairman of Marsh Africa, added: "Our new team in Nigeria is well placed and resourced to support the country's development, especially in such major economic sectors as agriculture, infrastructure, power and energy. By drawing on Marsh's global industry and placement skills, they will be able to enhance the service they offer local companies. Their clients will benefit from the broad range of risk management expertise Marsh Africa already provides companies across the sub-Saharan region."

According to David Johnson, CEO of FJC: "Companies in Nigeria are looking for business opportunities both within the country and beyond. By making Marsh's extensive global experience and resources available to firms locally we will enable Nigerian firms to meet the challenges of an increasingly complex risk landscape. Marsh's deep industry expertise and insurance market knowledge will be a valuable asset for local enterprises wanting to grow and expand."

Commenting on the announcement of a future merger, Prosper Okpue, executive vice chairman of IBN, said: "For well over half a century, IBN has been a proud member of the Marsh family. Our successful collaboration has resulted in a dramatic expansion in the services and solutions we have offered a growing range of clients. Along with all IBN stakeholders, both colleagues and shareholders, I am excited at the considerable opportunity provided by the intended combination of FJC with our operations."

For more information, go to www.marsh-africa.com.