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Marsh to Acquire Majority Stake in Panama-Based Broker Semusa
[June 18, 2014]

Marsh to Acquire Majority Stake in Panama-Based Broker Semusa


PANAMA CITY --(Business Wire)--

Marsh, a global leader in insurance broking and risk management, today announced that it has reached a definitive agreement to acquire a majority stake in Semusa, a leading insurance broker and advisor in Panama and Marsh's long-standing local correspondent broker. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The transaction will strengthen Marsh's leadership position in the Central America and Caribbean region and follows the acquisition of Franco & Acra Tecniseguros in the Dominican Republic last year. Operating under the name Marsh Semusa, the combined entity will bring together the long-established and highly-regarded operations of Semusa, with the global footprint, solutions, and placement capabilities of Marsh to provide an enhanced service to clients of all sizes in Panama.

Semusa is a leading insurance broker in Panama and has been Marsh's local correspondent for 15 years. Upon closing, Samuel Urrutia, President of Semusa Group, will become Chairman of the Board of Marsh Semusa, reporting to Ricardo Brockmann, CEO of Marsh Latin America and Caribbean. Emanuel Abadia, currently CEO of Semusa, will become CEO of Marsh Semusa, reporting to Jose Vergara, Head of Marsh Central America and the Caribbean.

Peter Zaffino, President and CEO of Marsh LLC, said: "Panama is one of the fastest growing economies in the world, and I am excited that Marsh's first office in Central America will be located in one of its most dynamic business environments. The country has seen significant expansion across the financial services, infrastructure, construction, energy, logistics and transportation sectors. We look forward to offering companies in Panama the full range of our global and regional capabilities."

Commenting on the transaction, Samuel Urrutia said: "Strong economic growth in recent years has increased the demad for a higher level of risk advice from companies looking to expand. By further cementing our relationship with Marsh, we will strengthen and enhance the capabilities that Semusa has built up over many years and present the most comprehensive risk and insurance offering in the local market."



David Batchelor, President of Marsh's International Division, added: "This transaction consolidates the successful relationship Marsh has had with Semusa since 1999. We look forward to working with their respected local management team and colleagues to further broaden their already deep client relationships."

The transaction is anticipated to close in the third quarter of 2014.


About Marsh

Marsh is a global leader in insurance broking and risk management. We help clients succeed by defining, designing, and delivering innovative industry-specific solutions that help them effectively manage risk. We have approximately 27,000 colleagues working together to serve clients in more than 100 countries. Marsh is a wholly owned subsidiary of Marsh & McLennan Companies (NYSE: MMC), a global professional services firm offering clients advice and solutions in the areas of risk, strategy, and human capital. With more than 54,000 employees worldwide and approximately $12 billion in annual revenue, Marsh & McLennan Companies is also the parent company of Guy Carpenter, a global leader in providing risk and reinsurance intermediary services; Mercer, a global leader in talent, health, retirement, and investment consulting; and Oliver Wyman, a global leader in management consulting. Follow Marsh on Twitter (News - Alert) @MarshGlobal.

About Seguros Morrice y Urrutia S.A.

Seguros Morrice y Urrutia S.A. (Semusa), is one of the leading insurance brokers in Panama, offering a broad range of products and services related to insurance brokerage. As of 30 March 2014, Semusa had $2.8 million in assets and more than 75,000 clients. Based in Panama City, the firm has 196 professionals and a national presence.


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