Hails enhanced client service capabilities; commitment to North West England

Manchester, 26 May 2010 – Brian Duperreault, President and CEO of global professional services firm Marsh & McLennan Companies, this week opened the new Manchester office of subsidiaries Marsh and Mercer at a ceremony attended by many of Manchester’s leading business and community figures.

The event follows the announcement in the second half of last year that the two companies would consolidate their Manchester operations into one location. The companies have signed a 10-year lease to occupy office space in Belvedere, a new city centre development in Booth Street, which will provide accommodation for approximately 400 employees. The building has been highly-rated under the BREEAM (BRE Environmental Assessment Method) rating for low environmental impact.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Duperreault said: “Combining the powerful resources of Marsh and Mercer in this splendid building is evidence of our ambitions, not just in Greater Manchester but throughout North West England. But more than that, it is proof of our commitment, in these challenging times, to deliver value and added efficiencies to clients by enabling them to access all of Marsh & McLennan Companies’ resources easily.

“We believe no other firm can match the breadth of our portfolio, the depth of our expertise, and the strength of our commitment to creating lasting client partnerships.”

Marsh’s Manchester operations provide insurance broking and risk advisory services to organisations throughout the North of England. Mercer is one of the leading companies providing Manchester-based organisations with employee benefit consulting and administration services covering pensions, health and risk benefits and associated investment services.

Belvedere is located at 12 Booth Street, Manchester, M2 4AW.