NEW YORK - Marsh McLennan (NYSE:MMC), a prominent player in risk, strategy, and people advisory, has announced its plan to acquire McGriff Insurance Services, LLC, a subsidiary of TIH, for $7.75 billion in cash. The acquisition is expected to bolster Marsh McLennan Agency's offerings in commercial property and casualty, employee benefits, management liability, and personal lines.
McGriff, which reported $1.3 billion in revenue for the year ended June 30, 2024, is recognized for its insurance broking and risk management services in the United States. The transaction, which will be financed through cash on hand and debt proceeds, also includes Marsh McLennan assuming a deferred tax asset valued at approximately $500 million.
Subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions, the deal is anticipated to be finalized by the end of the year. Upon closing, McGriff's team of over 3,500 employees, led by CEO Read Davis, will join Marsh McLennan Agency and continue operating from their current offices.
John Doyle, President and CEO of Marsh McLennan, expressed enthusiasm for the future collaboration, citing McGriff's leadership, talent, and growth track record as valuable assets. David Eslick, Chairman and CEO of Marsh McLennan Agency, echoed this sentiment, highlighting McGriff's client-focused culture and successful history as complementary to their own.
Read Davis of McGriff also commented on the merger, noting the benefits of Marsh McLennan's global resources and insights for their clients and team's growth and development.
Marsh McLennan, with a presence in 130 countries and annual revenue of $23 billion, advises clients through its four businesses: Marsh, Guy Carpenter, Mercer (NASDAQ:MERC), and Oliver Wyman. McGriff, established in 1886, provides a range of insurance solutions to businesses and individuals across the U.S.
The information for this report is based on a press release statement.
In other recent news, Marsh & McLennan, a global leader in professional services, has reported strong second-quarter results, with earnings per share (EPS) of $2.41 and a 6% growth in underlying revenue. The firm also noted an 11% increase in adjusted operating income compared to the previous year. These developments are part of the company's broader strategy, which includes the READY initiative aimed at rationalizing expenses and driving margin expansion.
In addition to financial performance, Marsh & McLennan has been active in acquisitions, recently finalizing its purchase of The Horton Group. This move is expected to enhance the company's service offerings and extend its reach, particularly in the Midwest and Florida. Other key acquisitions include Cardano and Veritas Total Solutions, further positioning the company for growth.
Analysts have been closely monitoring Marsh & McLennan's progress. Barclays initiated coverage on the company, assigning an Equalweight rating and setting a price target of $236.00. However, Barclays also expressed concern over the significant portion of the company's business in the consulting sector, suggesting that the risks associated with this segment might not be fully accounted for in current estimates.
InvestingPro Insights
Marsh McLennan's acquisition of McGriff Insurance Services aligns well with the company's strong market position and financial performance. According to InvestingPro data, Marsh McLennan boasts a substantial market capitalization of $110.12 billion, reflecting its significant presence in the insurance industry.
The company's revenue growth of 9.44% over the last twelve months as of Q2 2024 indicates a robust expansion trajectory, which could be further accelerated by this strategic acquisition. Additionally, Marsh McLennan's strong profitability is evident from its impressive operating income margin of 26.92% for the same period.
InvestingPro Tips highlight Marsh McLennan's consistent dividend performance, having raised its dividend for 15 consecutive years and maintained payments for 54 years. This demonstrates the company's commitment to shareholder returns, which may be attractive to investors considering the stock's current dividend yield of 1.46%.
It's worth noting that Marsh McLennan is trading near its 52-week high, with a price-to-earnings ratio of 27.61. While this suggests investor confidence, it also indicates that the stock may be priced at a premium. Potential investors should consider this valuation in light of the company's growth prospects, including the McGriff acquisition.
For those interested in a deeper analysis, InvestingPro offers 11 additional tips for Marsh McLennan, providing a more comprehensive view of the company's financial health and market position.
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