Willis Acquisition Of Hilb Rogal And Hobbs Clears Hart-Scott-Rodino Review

New York, NY (CompNewsNetwork) - Willis Group Holdings Limited announced that the U.S. Federal Trade Commission has cleared review of Willis' pending acquisition of Hilb Rogal and Hobbs.
 
On June 8, 2008, Willis announced its entry into a definitive agreement to combine both companies.  The transaction, which is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2008, remains subject to the satisfaction of other conditions, including approval by HRH's shareholders and
other required regulatory clearances.

"We are very pleased that the FTC chose to grant us early termination of the waiting period and has given us the green light," said Joe Plumeri, Chairman and CEO of Willis, "We believe this is a transformational transaction that will help us accelerate growth and increase client value."

The addition of HRH doubles Willis North America revenues and strengthens its leadership in attractive U.S. geographic growth areas such as California, Texas and Florida.  It also doubles Willis' Employee Benefits business in North America and adds depth and breadth to other key practice areas such as personal lines, construction, complex property and executive risk.

Martin L. Vaughan, III, Chairman and CEO of HRH commented, "We are very happy to be moving forward with the required regulatory approval processes.  Our Board of Directors and senior management team are enthusiastic about the opportunities for our clients and talented
Associates.  Willis brings us global reach and expertise, while we bring added talent and local market presence."

About Willis Group Holdings Limited

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.  Willis has more than 300 offices in some 100 countries, with a global team of approximately 16,000 Associates serving clients in some 190 countries. Additional information on Willis may be found at www.willis.com.

Forward Looking Statements

This communication may contain forward-looking information regarding Willis Group Holdings Limited and Hilb Rogal & Hobbs Company and the combined company after the completion of the transaction that are intended to be covered by the safe harbor for "forward-looking statements" provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to, the potential benefits of the business combination transaction involving Willis and HRH, including future financial and operating results, the combined company's plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements that are not historical facts. Such statements are based on current beliefs, expectations, forecasts and assumptions of Willis's and HRH's management that are subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from these statements. Other risks and uncertainties relating to the proposed transaction include, but are not limited to, the satisfaction of conditions to closing, including receipt of shareholder, regulatory and other approvals on the proposed terms and schedule, the proposed transaction may not be consummated on the proposed terms and schedule, uncertainty of the expected financial performance of Willis following completion of the proposed transaction, Willis may not be able to

achieve the expected cost savings, synergies and other strategic benefits as a result of the proposed transaction or may take longer to achieve the cost savings, synergies and benefits than expected, the integration of HRH with Willis's operations may not be successful or may be materially delayed or may be more costly or difficult than expected, general industry and market conditions, general domestic and international economic conditions and governmental laws and regulations affecting domestic and foreign operations.

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