-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, LUelvAXlRHLhAiabf7MR0A8DYwUB7ldjc1veBQpyFQp2rTdZj8X8jcDqbCs4m8kT AdIZGeKd8HijVgh45TiGcQ== 0001047469-07-008834.txt : 20071109 0001047469-07-008834.hdr.sgml : 20071109 20071109122219 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001047469-07-008834 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-Q PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 6 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20070930 FILED AS OF DATE: 20071109 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20071109 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LTD CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001140536 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: INSURANCE AGENTS BROKERS & SERVICES [6411] IRS NUMBER: 000000000 STATE OF INCORPORATION: D0 FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-Q SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-16503 FILM NUMBER: 071229504 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: TEN TRINITY SQUARE CITY: LONDON ENGLAND STATE: X0 ZIP: 00000 BUSINESS PHONE: 0114402074 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: TEN TRINITY SQUARE CITY: LONDON ENGLAND STATE: X0 ZIP: 00000 10-Q 1 a2180622z10-q.htm FORM 10-Q

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Table of Contents



UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)  

ý

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarter ended September 30, 2007

or

o

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission file number: 001-16503


WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Bermuda
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
  98-0352587
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

c/o Willis Group Limited
Ten Trinity Square, London EC3P 3AX, England
(Address of principal executive offices)

(011) 44-20-7488-8111
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý    No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of "accelerated filer and large accelerated filer" in rule 12b-2 of the exchange act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer ý   Accelerated filer o   Non-accelerated filer o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o    No ý

As of October 31, 2007 there were outstanding 142,900,861 shares of common stock, par value $0.000115 per share of the registrant.





WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED

QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q

FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2007

Table of Contents

 
Information Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

PART I—Financial Information
 
Item 1—Financial Statements
 
Item 2—Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
Item 3—Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
 
Item 4—Controls and Procedures

PART II—Other Information
 
Item 1—Legal Proceedings
 
Item 1A—Risk Factors
 
Item 2—Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
Item 3—Defaults upon Senior Securities
 
Item 4—Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
 
Item 5—Other Information
 
Item 6—Exhibits
 
Signatures

2



INFORMATION CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

We have included in this document "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created by those laws. These forward-looking statements include information about possible or assumed future results of our operations. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this document that address activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate may occur in the future, including such things as our outlook and guidance regarding future operating margin and adjusted EPS, future capital expenditures, expected growth in commissions and fees, business strategies, competitive strengths, goals, the anticipated benefits of new initiatives, growth of our business and operations, plans, and references to future successes are forward-looking statements. Also, when we use the words such as "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "plan", "probably", or similar expressions, we are making forward-looking statements.

There are important uncertainties, events and factors that could cause our actual results or performance to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements contained in this document, including regional, national or global political, economic, business, competitive, market and regulatory conditions and the following:

    our ability to implement and realize anticipated benefits of the Shaping Our Future initiative and other new initiatives,

    the extent and timing of, and prices paid in connection with, any share repurchases under existing or future programs,

    our ability to retain existing clients and attract new business, and our ability to retain key employees,

    changes in commercial property and casualty markets, or changes in premiums and availability of insurance products due to a catastrophic event such as a hurricane,

    volatility or declines in other insurance markets and the premiums on which our commissions are based,

    impact of competition,

    fluctuations in exchange and interest rates that could affect expenses and revenue,

    rating agency actions that could inhibit ability to borrow funds or the pricing thereof,

    legislative and regulatory changes affecting both our ability to operate and client demand,

    potential costs and difficulties in complying with a wide variety of foreign laws and regulations, given the global scope of our operations,

    changes in the tax or accounting treatment of our operations,

    our exposure to potential liabilities arising from errors and omissions claims against us,

    the results of regulatory investigations, legal proceedings and other contingencies, and

    the timing of any exercise of put and call arrangements with associated companies.

The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive and new factors may emerge from time to time that could also affect actual performance and results. See also Part I, Item 1A "Risk Factors" included in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 filed on February 28, 2007 for additional factors.

Although we believe that the assumptions underlying our forward-looking statements are reasonable, any of these assumptions, and therefore also the forward-looking statements based on these assumptions, could themselves prove to be inaccurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent

3



in the forward-looking statements included in this document, our inclusion of this information is not a representation or guarantee by us that our objectives and plans will be achieved.

Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made and we will not update these forward-looking statements unless the securities laws require us to do so. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed in this document may not occur, and we caution you against unduly relying on these forward-looking statements.

4


PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1—Financial Statements


WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 
  Three months ended
September 30,

  Nine months ended
September 30,

 
 
  2007
  2006
  2007
  2006
 
 
  (millions, except per share data)

 
 
  (unaudited)

 
REVENUES                          
  Commissions and fees   $ 549   $ 519   $ 1,867   $ 1,743  
  Investment income     25     24     72     64  
   
 
 
 
 
    Total revenues     574     543     1,939     1,807  
   
 
 
 
 
EXPENSES                          
  Salaries and benefits     (352 )   (383 )   (1,089 )   (1,082 )
  Other operating expenses     (116 )   (138 )   (341 )   (351 )
  Depreciation expense and amortization of intangible assets     (16 )   (17 )   (49 )   (46 )
  Gain on disposal of London headquarters     3     99     9     99  
  Net loss on disposal of operations         (7 )       (7 )
   
 
 
 
 
    Total expenses     (481 )   (446 )   (1,470 )   (1,387 )
   
 
 
 
 
OPERATING INCOME     93     97     469     420  
  Interest expense     (17 )   (9 )   (48 )   (27 )
   
 
 
 
 
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES, INTEREST IN EARNINGS OF ASSOCIATES AND MINORITY INTEREST     76     88     421     393  
INCOME TAXES     (12 )   (3 )   (116 )   (101 )
   
 
 
 
 
INCOME BEFORE INTEREST IN EARNINGS OF ASSOCIATES AND MINORITY INTEREST     64     85     305     292  
INTEREST IN EARNINGS OF ASSOCIATES, NET OF TAX     5     6     20     20  
MINORITY INTEREST, NET OF TAX     (2 )   (2 )   (11 )   (11 )
   
 
 
 
 
NET INCOME   $ 67   $ 89   $ 314   $ 301  
   
 
 
 
 
EARNINGS PER SHARE (Note 3)                          
  —Basic   $ 0.47   $ 0.57   $ 2.15   $ 1.92  
  —Diluted   $ 0.46   $ 0.56   $ 2.12   $ 1.89  
   
 
 
 
 
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING (Note 3)                          
  —Basic     143     157     146     157  
  —Diluted     145     159     148     159  
   
 
 
 
 
CASH DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE   $ 0.250   $ 0.235   $ 0.750   $ 0.705  
   
 
 
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

5



WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 
  September 30,
2007

  December 31,
2006

 
 
  (millions, except share data)

 
 
  (unaudited)

 
ASSETS              
  Cash and cash equivalents   $ 210   $ 288  
  Fiduciary funds—restricted     1,690     1,772  
  Short-term investments     48     58  
  Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $34 million in 2007 and $32 million in 2006     8,604     8,756  
  Fixed assets, net of accumulated depreciation of $212 million in 2007 and $202 million in 2006     279     167  
  Goodwill and other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $162 million in 2007 and $152 million in 2006     1,727     1,656  
  Investments in associates     195     173  
  Net deferred tax assets     45     72  
  Pension benefits asset     313     166  
  Other assets     281     270  
   
 
 
TOTAL ASSETS   $ 13,392   $ 13,378  
   
 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY              
  Accounts payable   $ 9,811   $ 10,062  
  Deferred revenue and accrued expenses     351     430  
  Income taxes payable (Note 2)     103     54  
  Long-term debt (Note 6)     1,200     800  
  Liability for pension benefits     20     34  
  Other liabilities     570     502  
   
 
 
    Total liabilities     12,055     11,882  
   
 
 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 5)              

MINORITY INTEREST

 

 

40

 

 

42

 

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Common shares, $0.000115 par value; Authorized: 4,000,000,000; Issued and outstanding, 142,842,327 shares in 2007 and 153,002,802 shares in 2006          
  Additional paid-in capital (Note 11)     50     388  
  Retained earnings (Note 12)     1,404     1,250  
  Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax (Note 8)     (152 )   (178 )
  Treasury stock, at cost, 89,017 shares in 2007 and 165,979 shares in 2006     (5 )   (6 )
   
 
 
    Total stockholders' equity     1,297     1,454  
   
 
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY   $ 13,392   $ 13,378  
   
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

6



WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 
  Nine months ended
September 30,

 
 
  2007
  2006
 
 
  (millions)

 
 
  (unaudited)

 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES              
  Net income   $ 314   $ 301  
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:              
    Net gain on disposal of operations, fixed and intangible assets and short-term investments     (14 )    
    Gain on disposal of London headquarters     (9 )   (99 )
    Depreciation expense and amortization of intangible assets     49     46  
    Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes     22     (1 )
    Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements     (8 )   (8 )
    Share-based compensation     26     15  
    Undistributed earnings of associates     (14 )   (14 )
    Other     (25 )   3  
  Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from purchase of subsidiaries:              
    Fiduciary funds—restricted     141     (425 )
    Accounts receivable     316     (1,116 )
    Accounts payable     (448 )   1,600  
    Additional funding of UK and US pension plans     (96 )   (165 )
    Other assets     (24 )   (62 )
    Other liabilities     3      
   
 
 
      Net cash provided by operating activities     233     75  
   
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES              
  Proceeds on disposal of fixed and intangible assets     21     58  
  Additions to fixed assets     (135 )   (35 )
  Net cash proceeds from disposal of operations, net of cash disposed         4  
  Acquisitions of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired     (76 )   (47 )
  Investments in associates     (1 )   (25 )
  Proceeds on sale of short-term investments     12     10  
   
 
 
      Net cash used in investing activities     (179 )   (35 )
   
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES              
  Proceeds from drawdown on revolving credit facility         35  
  Repayment of debt     (200 )    
  Senior notes issued, net of debt issuance costs     594      
  Repurchase of shares     (457 )   (32 )
  Proceeds from issue of shares     20     12  
  Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements     8     8  
  Dividends paid     (107 )   (108 )
   
 
 
      Net cash used in financing activities     (142 )   (85 )
   
 
 
DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS     (88 )   (45 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents     10     6  
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD     288     193  
   
 
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD   $ 210   $ 154  
   
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

7



WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

1.    NATURE OF OPERATIONS

Willis Group Holdings Limited ("Willis Group Holdings") and subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company") provide a broad range of value-added risk management consulting, reinsurance and insurance brokerage services, both directly and indirectly through its associates, to a diverse base of clients internationally. The Company provides specialized risk management advisory and other services on a global basis to clients in various industries, including aerospace, marine, energy and construction. In its capacity as an advisor and insurance broker, the Company acts as an intermediary between clients and insurance carriers by advising clients on risk management requirements, helping clients determine the best means of managing risk, and negotiating and placing insurance risk with insurance carriers through the Company's global distribution network.

2.    BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements ("Interim Financial Statements") have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("US GAAP").

The Interim Financial Statements are unaudited but include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) which the Company's management considers necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position as of such dates and the operating results and cash flows for those periods. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with US GAAP have been condensed or omitted. The results of operations for the nine month period ended September 30, 2007 may not necessarily be indicative of the operating results for the entire fiscal year.

The December 31, 2006 balance sheet was derived from audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by US GAAP. However, the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. These Interim Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the related consolidated statements of operations, cash flows and changes in stockholders' equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2006 included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Accounting Changes

The Company adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 ("FIN 48"), with effect from January 1, 2007. FIN 48 changed the test for recognition of uncertain tax positions to a 'more-likely-than-not recognition threshold' which is defined as 'greater than 50 percent'. Once the threshold is crossed, the enterprise then recognizes its best estimate of the amount that will ultimately be sustained upon review by the relevant tax authorities.

As a consequence of adopting FIN 48, the Company recorded a $4 million increase in income taxes payable and charged a cumulative adjustment of $4 million to opening retained earnings at January 1, 2007.

Total unrecognized tax benefits as of January 1, 2007 totaled $30 million which, if recognized, would all impact the Company's effective tax rate. During the nine months ended September 30, 2007, the Company recognized approximately $10 million of tax benefits related to the release of provisions no

8



longer required due to either settlement through negotiation or closure of the statute of limitations on assessment.

Total unrecognized tax benefits as at September 30, 2007 totaled $20 million which, if recognized, would all impact the Company's effective tax rate. During the next 12 months it is reasonably possible that the Company will recognize approximately $5 million of tax benefits related to the release of provisions no longer required due to either settlement through negotiation or closure of the statute of limitations on assessment.

The Company recognizes interest and penalties relating to unrecognized tax benefits as part of its income taxes expense. Total accrued interest as of January 1, 2007 was $2 million.

The Company files tax returns in the various tax jurisdictions in which it operates, principally the United States and United Kingdom. In 2006, the Company resolved all issues related to the IRS examination of the 2003 federal income tax return. The 2003 US tax year closed in 2007 upon the expiration of the statute of limitations on assessment. US tax returns for tax years 2004, 2005 and 2006 have been filed. The Company has not received any indication that the IRS will be conducting an audit of either of these open years. Texas is the only state with an active income tax audit. The Company has not extended the federal statute of limitations for assessment in the US. All UK tax returns have been timely filed and are in the normal process of being reviewed, with the HM Revenue & Customs making enquiries to obtain additional information. As previously noted the Company resolved all issues relating to enquiries into restructurings in respect of the 2001 tax year. All UK enquiries into the 2002 tax year have been cleared in 2007, but tax years 2003 and 2004 are still subject to on-going enquiries. No enquiries have yet been received in relation to tax year 2005. The 2006 UK returns will be timely filed. The earliest UK tax year the Company has kept open is 1995 in relation to foreign tax relief calculations.

The following table illustrates the incremental effect of applying FIN 48 on individual line items on the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2007.

 
  September 30, 2007
 
  Before
application
of FIN 48

  Effect of
FIN 48
application

  After
Application
of FIN 48

 
  (millions)

Income taxes payable   $ 99   $ 4   $ 103
Total liabilities     12,051     4     12,055
Retained earnings     1,408     (4 )   1,404
Total stockholders' equity     1,301     (4 )   1,297
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity   $ 13,392   $   $ 13,392

3.    EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic and diluted earnings per share are calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during each period. The computation of diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if dilutive securities were exercised or converted into shares or resulted in the issue of shares that then shared in the net income of the Company. At

9


September 30, 2007, time-based and performance-based options to purchase 14.3 million and 0.3 million (2006: 16.2 million and 0.6 million) shares, respectively, and 1.6 million (2006: 0.8 million) restricted stock units, were outstanding.

Basic and diluted earnings per share are as follows:

 
  Three months ended
September 30,

  Nine months ended
September 30,

 
 
  2007
  2006
  2007
  2006
 
 
  (millions, except per share data)

 
Net income   $ 67   $ 89   $ 314   $ 301  
   
 
 
 
 
Basic weighted average number of shares outstanding     143     157     146     157  
Dilutive weighted effect of potentially issuable shares     2     2     2     2  
   
 
 
 
 
Diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding     145     159     148     159  
   
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per share   $ 0.47   $ 0.57   $ 2.15   $ 1.92  
Dilutive weighted effect of potentially issuable shares     (0.01 )   (0.01 )   (0.03 )   (0.03 )
   
 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings per share   $ 0.46   $ 0.56   $ 2.12   $ 1.89  
   
 
 
 
 

Options to purchase 1.8 million shares were not included in the computation of the dilutive effect of stock options for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2007 because the effect was antidilutive (2006: 12.9 million shares).

10



4.    PENSION PLANS

The components of the net periodic benefit cost of the UK and US defined benefit plans are as follows:

 
  Three months ended
September 30,

  Nine months ended
September 30,

 
UK pension benefits

 
  2007
  2006
  2007
  2006
 
 
  (millions)

 
Components of net periodic benefit cost:                          
  Service cost   $ 12   $ 13   $ 35   $ 38  
  Interest cost     29     25     84     72  
  Expected return on plan assets     (46 )   (36 )   (135 )   (105 )
  Amortization of unrecognized prior service gain     (1 )       (2 )   (2 )
  Amortization of unrecognized actuarial loss     1     3     3     10  
   
 
 
 
 
    Net periodic benefit (income) cost   $ (5 ) $ 5   $ (15 ) $ 13  
   
 
 
 
 

 


 

Three months ended
September 30,


 

Nine months ended
September 30,


 
US pension benefits

 
  2007
  2006
  2007
  2006
 
 
  (millions)

 
Components of net periodic benefit cost:                          
  Service cost   $ 5   $ 5   $ 16   $ 15  
  Interest cost     8     8     26     24  
  Expected return on plan assets     (11 )   (10 )   (33 )   (30 )
  Amortization of unrecognized prior service gain             (1 )    
   
 
 
 
 
    Net periodic benefit cost   $ 2   $ 3   $ 8   $ 9  
   
 
 
 
 

As of September 30, 2007, the Company had contributed $112 million and $23 million to the UK and US defined benefit pension plans (2006: $64 million and $31 million), respectively. The Company expects to contribute a total of $170 million to the UK and US defined benefit pension plans for the full year 2007.

5.    COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Claims, Lawsuits and Other Proceedings

The Company is subject to various actual and potential claims, lawsuits and other proceedings relating principally to alleged errors and omissions in connection with the placement of insurance and reinsurance in the ordinary course of business. Similar to other corporations, the Company is also subject to a variety of other claims, including those relating to the Company's employment practices. Some of the claims, lawsuits and other proceedings seek damages in amounts which could, if assessed, be significant.

Errors and omissions claims, lawsuits and other proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business are covered in part by professional indemnity or other appropriate insurance. The terms of this insurance vary by policy year and self-insured risks have increased significantly in recent years. In

11



respect of self-insured risks, the Company has established provisions which are believed to be adequate in the light of current information and legal advice, and the Company adjusts such provisions from time to time according to developments.

On the basis of current information, the Company does not expect that the actual claims, lawsuits and other proceedings, to which the Company is subject, or potential claims, lawsuits and other proceedings relating to matters of which it is aware will ultimately have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. Nonetheless, given the large or indeterminate amounts sought in certain of these actions, and the inherent unpredictability of litigation, it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain matters could, from time to time, have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations or cash flows in particular quarterly or annual periods.

Inquiries and Investigations

In April 2005, the Company entered into an Assurance of Discontinuance ("NY AOD") with the New York Attorney General and the New York Superintendent of Insurance resolving the investigation commenced by the New York Attorney General in April 2004 which concerned, among other things, arrangements pursuant to which insurers compensated insurance brokers for distribution and other services provided to insurers and, as the investigation of brokers and insurers continued, broadened into an investigation of other possible violations of law, including violations of fiduciary duty, securities laws, and antitrust laws. Pursuant to the NY AOD, the Company has paid $50 million to eligible customers. The Company also agreed to continue certain business reforms it had already implemented and to implement certain other business reforms. These reforms include an agreement not to accept contingent compensation; and an undertaking to disclose to customers any compensation the Company will receive in connection with providing policy placement services to the customer. The Company also resolved a similar investigation commenced by the Minnesota Attorney General by entering into an Assurance of Discontinuance pursuant to which the Company paid $1 million to Minnesota customers and implemented the business reforms described in the NY AOD. In July 2007 the Company resolved a similar investigation by the Florida Attorney General, the Florida Department of Financial Services and the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation by agreeing to reimburse approximately $2.6 million to Florida public entities who were customers and to reimburse the state for its investigatory costs.

The Company continues to respond to requests for documents and information by the regulators and/or attorneys general of more than twenty other states, the District of Columbia, one US city, Canada, and Australia that are conducting similar investigations. The Company is co-operating fully with these investigations and has engaged in discussions with regulators and attorneys general about their investigations but cannot predict at this time how or when those investigations will be resolved.

The Company's operations in nine European countries have received questionnaires from either the European Commission pursuant to its Sector Inquiry or, in respect of Norway, the European Free Trade Association Surveillance Authority, related to insurance business practices, including compensation arrangements for brokers. At least 150 other European brokers received similar questionnaires. The Company responded to the European Commission questionnaires and has filed the European Free Trade Association Surveillance Authority for two of its Norwegian entities. The Company has received and responded to further questionnaires relating to reinsurance and co-insurance. The European Commission reported on a final basis on September 25, 2007 expressing

12



concerns over potential conflicts of interest in the industry relating to remuneration and binding authorities when assuming a dual role for clients and insurers and also over the nature of the coinsurance market. The Company continues to cooperate with both the European Commission and the European Free Trade Association Surveillance Authority.

Since August 2004, various plaintiffs have filed purported class actions in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, the Northern District of Illinois, the Northern District of California, the New Jersey District court, and the Circuit Court for the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit in and for Seminole County, Florida Civil Division, under a variety of legal theories, including state tort, contract, fiduciary duty and statutory theories, and federal antitrust and RICO theories. Other than a federal suit in Illinois that was voluntarily dismissed by the plaintiff in May 2005, all of the federal actions have been consolidated into two actions in federal court in New Jersey. One of the consolidated actions addresses employee benefits, while the other consolidated action addresses all other lines of insurance. In addition to the two federal actions, the Company was also named as a defendant in a purported class action in the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit in and for Seminole County, Florida Civil Division. Both the consolidated federal actions and the Florida state action name various insurance carriers and insurance brokerage firms, including the Company, as defendants. The complaints seek monetary damages and equitable relief and make allegations regarding the practices and conduct that has been the subject of the investigation of state attorneys general and insurance commissioners, including allegations that the brokers have breached their duties to their clients by entering into contingent compensation agreements with either no disclosure or limited disclosure to clients and entered into other improper activities. The complaints also allege the existence of a conspiracy among the insurance carriers and brokers and the federal court complaints allege violations of the federal RICO statute. In July 2007, class action suits, similar to the suits consolidated in New Jersey, were filed in the United States District Courts in the Southern District of Florida and the Southern District of New York. In separate decisions issued in August and September 2007, the Judge in the two consolidated federal actions dismissed the antitrust and RICO claims with prejudice and dismissed certain of the state claims without prejudice. Plaintiffs have filed a notice of appeal regarding these dismissal rulings. The Company disputes the allegations in all of these suits and intends to defend itself vigorously against these actions. The outcomes of these lawsuits, however, including any losses or other payments that may occur as a result, cannot be predicted at this time.

Sovereign/WFUM

Sovereign, a wholly owned subsidiary, operated as an insurance company in the United Kingdom and from 1972 Sovereign's underwriting activities were managed by another wholly owned subsidiary, Willis Faber (Underwriting Management) Limited, or WFUM. WFUM also provided underwriting agency and other services to third-party insurance companies, which are referred to as the stamp companies. As part of its services as agent, WFUM underwrote insurance and reinsurance business on behalf of Sovereign and the stamp companies and arranged reinsurance on their behalf. In 1991, Sovereign and the stamp companies ceased underwriting new business. Sovereign entered provisional liquidation in 1997.

In 2004, the solvent stamp companies entered into a settlement agreement whereby Willis Group Limited and all its subsidiaries received certain immediate releases and other releases staged in return

13



for certain staged payments. The final staged payment was made on May 11, 2007 and consequently, Willis and its subsidiaries were released from further potential liabilities to the solvent stamp companies arising out of WFUM's agency role.

On January 5, 2000, a scheme of arrangement proposed by Sovereign to its creditors became effective. The stated purpose of the scheme of arrangement is to resolve Sovereign's liabilities and provide that Sovereign's business is run off in as orderly a manner as possible. The scheme administrators have announced payments to creditors at a payment percentage of 40 percent payable out of Sovereign's assets. Since entering provisional liquidation, Sovereign has been managed by KPMG on behalf of the creditors and Sovereign's assets are therefore separate and distinct from the Company's, and any payment from Sovereign will have no effect on the Company's results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.

Sovereign in common with all the solvent stamp companies has commenced the process of attempting to enter into final cut-off schemes of arrangements with their creditors. Votes took place at creditors' meetings on October 27, 2006 and sufficient voters (by number and by value) have approved the scheme proposals. The schemes were approved by the English and US courts in 2007.

Sovereign has expressed concern about the enforceability of certain reinsurance put in place by WFUM on behalf of Sovereign. The failure of Sovereign to collect reinsurance following any adverse arbitration awards would increase the likelihood of Sovereign pursuing potential claims, including shortfalls in reinsurance recoveries, against WFUM. Sovereign has reserved its rights generally in respect of such potential claims, and WFUM, Willis Group and certain brokerage subsidiaries have entered into standstill agreements with Sovereign which preserve its rights with respect to its potential claims. The Company believes that any such claim will be covered by errors and omissions insurance.

Reinsurance Market Dispute

Various legal proceedings are pending, have been concluded or may commence between reinsurers, reinsureds and in some cases their intermediaries, including reinsurance brokers, relating to personal accident excess of loss reinsurance for the years 1993 to 1998. The proceedings principally concern allegations by reinsurers that they have sustained substantial losses due to an alleged abnormal "spiral" in the market in which the reinsurance contracts were placed, the existence and nature of which, as well as other information, was not disclosed to them by the reinsureds or their reinsurance broker. A "spiral" is a market term for a situation in which reinsureds and reinsurers reinsure each other with the effect that the same loss or portion of that loss moves through the market multiple times.

The reinsurers concerned have taken the position that, despite their decisions to underwrite risks or a group of risks, they are no longer bound by their reinsurance contracts. As a result, they have stopped settling claims and are seeking to recover claims already paid. The Company also understands that there have been at least two arbitration awards in relation to a spiral, among other things, in which the reinsurer successfully argued that it was no longer bound by parts of its reinsurance program. Willis Limited, the Company's principal insurance brokerage subsidiary in the United Kingdom, acted as the reinsurance broker or otherwise as intermediary, but not as an underwriter, for numerous personal accident reinsurance contracts, including two contracts that were involved in one of the arbitrations. Due to the small number of reinsurance brokers generally, Willis Limited was one of a small number of

14



brokers active in the market for this reinsurance during the relevant period. The Company also utilized other brokers active in this market as sub-agents, including brokers who are parties to the legal proceedings described above, for certain contracts and may be responsible for any errors and omissions they may have made. In July 2003, one of the reinsurers received a judgment in the English High Court against certain parties, including a sub-broker the Company used to place two of the contracts involved in this trial. Although neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries were a party to this proceeding or any arbitration, the Company entered into tolling agreements with certain of the principals to the reinsurance contracts tolling the statute of limitations pending the outcome of proceedings between the reinsureds and reinsurers.

Recently one former client of the Company, American Reliable Insurance Company ("ARIC"), terminated its tolling agreement with the Company and commenced litigation in the English Commercial Court against Willis Limited alleging conspiracy between a Company employee and the ARIC underwriter as well as negligence in connection with placements of personal accident reinsurance in the excess of loss market in London and elsewhere. The Company disputes these allegations and intends to vigorously defend itself against these actions. The Company cannot predict at this time what, if any, damages might result from this action but believes the claims will be fully covered by errors and omissions insurance. Various arbitrations continue to be active and from time to time the principals request cooperation from the Company and suggest that claims may be asserted against the Company. Such claims may be made against the Company if reinsurers do not pay claims on policies issued by them. The Company cannot predict at this time whether any such claims will be made or the damages that may be alleged.

Gender Discrimination Class Action

A federal district court action was commenced against the Company in 2001 on behalf of an alleged nationwide class of present and former female officer and officer equivalent employees alleging that the Company discriminated against them on the basis of their gender and seeking injunctive relief, money damages, attorneys' fees and costs. The court denied plaintiffs' motions to certify a nationwide class or to grant nationwide discovery, but did certify a class of female officers and officer equivalent employees based in the Northeast (New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts) offices. The class consists of approximately 200 women. In June 2007 the parties reached a settlement in principle on the class claims and with the two remaining named plaintiffs on their individual claims for an amount that will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. The parties must agree on the terms of the written settlement agreement including the terms of the injunctive relief that the Company will agree to provide under the settlement. A former female employee, whose motion to intervene in the class action was denied, has filed a purported class action with almost identical allegations as those contained in this suit, except seeking a class period of 1998 to the time of trial. The Company's motion to dismiss this suit was denied. The Company is seeking permission from the court to immediately file an appeal from the denial of its motion to dismiss. The Company cannot predict at this time what, if any, damages might result from this action.

15


6.    LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt consists of the following:

 
  September 30,
2007

  December 31,
2006

 
  (millions)

5.125% Senior notes due 2010   $ 250   $ 250
5.625% Senior notes due 2015     350     350
6.200% Senior notes due 2017     600    
Revolving credit facility         200
   
 
    $ 1,200   $ 800
   
 

On March 28, 2007, the Company completed a senior notes offering of $600 million, 10 year notes priced at 6.200 percent. The net proceeds of the offering were used to repurchase common stock pursuant to the Company's stock repurchase program and to repay the outstanding $200 million borrowings under the revolving credit facility.

On November 7, 2007, the Company executed an amendment to its revolving credit facility which increases the covenant leverage ratio from 2.5:1.0 to 3.0:1.0.

7.    SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION

Supplemental disclosures regarding cash flow information and non-cash flow investing and financing activities are as follows:

 
   
  Nine months ended
September 30,

 
 
   
  2007
  2006
 
 
   
  (millions)

 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:              
  Cash payments for income taxes   $ 40   $ 67  
  Cash payments for interest     57     34  
       
 
 
Supplemental disclosures of non-cash flow investing and financing activities:              
  Liabilities accrued for additions to fixed assets   $ 12   $  
  Issue of stock on acquisition of subsidiaries     15     2  
  Deferred payments on acquisitions of subsidiaries     1     8  
  Issue of loan note receivable on disposal of London headquarters         147  
       
 
 
Acquisitions:              
  Fair value of assets acquired   $ 11   $ 71  
  Less:   liabilities assumed     (2 )   (59 )
    cash acquired         (2 )
       
 
 
Net assets acquired, net of cash acquired   $ 9   $ 10  
       
 
 

16


8.    ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS, NET OF TAX

The components of comprehensive income are as follows:

 
  Three months ended
September 30,

  Nine months ended
September 30,

 
 
  2007
  2006
  2007
  2006
 
 
  (millions)

 
Net income   $ 67   $ 89   $ 314   $ 301  
  Other comprehensive income:                          
    Foreign currency translation adjustment (net of tax of $nil, $nil, $nil and $nil)     15     1     29     27  
    Unrealized holding loss (net of tax of $nil, $nil, $nil and $nil)                 (1 )
    Net gain (loss) on derivative instruments (net of tax of $(3) million, $(4) million, $1 million and $(3) million)     7     8     (3 )   5  
   
 
 
 
 
  Other comprehensive income (net of tax of $(3) million, $(4) million, $1 million and $(3) million)     22     9     26     31  
   
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income   $ 89   $ 98   $ 340   $ 332  
   
 
 
 
 

The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, are as follows:

 
  September 30,
2007

  December 31,
2006

 
 
  (millions)

 
Net foreign currency translation adjustment   $ 28   $ (1 )
Net unrealized holding loss     (1 )   (1 )
Net pension benefits liability adjustment     (173 )    
Net minimum pension liability adjustment         16  
Net unrealized loss on derivative instruments     (6 )   (3 )
   
 
 
      (152 )   11  
Net adjustment on initial application of FAS 158         (189 )
   
 
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax   $ (152 ) $ (178 )
   
 
 

9.    SEGMENT INFORMATION

Willis has three segments: Global; North America and International. Global provides specialist brokerage and consulting services to clients worldwide for specific industrial and commercial activities and is organized by specialism. North America and International predominantly comprise our retail operations which provide services to small, medium and major corporates, accessing Global's specialist expertise when required.

The Company evaluates the performance of its operating segments based on organic revenue growth and operating income. For internal reporting and segmental reporting, the following items are excluded from segmental expenses as they are not directly controlled by segment management:

    (i)
    gains and losses on the disposal of operations and major properties;

17


    (ii)
    amortization of intangibles; and

    (iii)
    Shaping our Future expenditure for 2006.

The accounting policies of the operating segments are consistent with those described in Note 2. There are no inter-segment revenues, with segments operating on a revenue-sharing basis equivalent to that used when sharing business with other third-party brokers.

Effective January 1, 2007, the Company's UK and Irish retail operations, which were previously reported within Global, are reported within International which now incorporates all the Company's retail operations outside North America. Comparative data have been adjusted accordingly.

Selected information regarding the Company's operating segments is as follows:

 
  Three months ended September 30, 2007
 
  Commissions
and Fees

  Investment
Income

  Total
Revenues

  Depreciation
and
Amortization

  Operating
Income

  Interest in
Earnings of
Associates,
net of tax

 
  (millions)

Global   $ 161   $ 12   $ 173   $ 4   $ 36   $

North America

 

 

185

 

 

5

 

 

190

 

 

3

 

 

31

 

 

International     203     8     211     6     26     5
   
 
 
 
 
 
Total Retail     388     13     401     9     57     5
   
 
 
 
 
 
Total Operating Segments     549     25     574     13     93     5
Corporate and Other(1)                 3        
   
 
 
 
 
 
Total Consolidated   $ 549   $ 25   $ 574   $ 16   $ 93   $ 5
   
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
Corporate and Other includes the costs of the holding company; certain foreign exchange hedging activities; amortization of intangible assets; net gains and losses on disposal of operations and the net gain on disposal of the Company's London headquarters.

18


 
  Three months ended September 30, 2006
 
  Commissions
and Fees

  Investment
Income

  Total
Revenues

  Depreciation
and
Amortization

  Operating
Income

  Interest in
Earnings of
Associates,
net of tax

 
  (millions)

Global   $ 160   $ 13   $ 173   $ 3   $ 42   $

North America

 

 

180

 

 

5

 

 

185

 

 

3

 

 

27

 

 

International     179     6     185     6     18     6
   
 
 
 
 
 
Total Retail     359     11     370     9     45     6
   
 
 
 
 
 
Total Operating Segments     519     24     543     12     87     6
Corporate and Other(1)                 5     10    
   
 
 
 
 
 
Total Consolidated   $ 519   $ 24   $ 543   $ 17   $ 97   $ 6
   
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
Corporate and Other includes the costs of the holding company; certain foreign exchange hedging activities; amortization of intangible assets; net gains and losses on disposal of operations; $99 million gain on disposal of the Company's London headquarters and $84 million of expenditure on Shaping our Future initiatives which were held centrally.

 
  Nine months ended September 30, 2007
 
  Commissions
and Fees

  Investment
Income

  Total
Revenues

  Depreciation
and
Amortization

  Operating
Income

  Interest in
Earnings of
Associates,
net of tax

 
  (millions)

Global   $ 608   $ 34   $ 642   $ 12   $ 218   $

North America

 

 

570

 

 

15

 

 

585

 

 

9

 

 

106

 

 

International     689     23     712     18     160     20
   
 
 
 
 
 
Total Retail     1,259     38     1,297     27     266     20
   
 
 
 
 
 
Total Operating Segments     1,867     72     1,939     39     484     20
Corporate and Other(1)                 10     (15 )  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Total Consolidated   $ 1,867   $ 72   $ 1,939   $ 49   $ 469   $ 20
   
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
Corporate and Other includes the costs of the holding company; certain foreign exchange hedging activities; amortization of intangible assets; net gains and losses on disposal of operations and the net gain on disposal of the Company's London headquarters.

19


 
  Nine months ended September 30, 2006
 
  Commissions
and Fees

  Investment
Income

  Total
Revenues

  Depreciation
and
Amortization

  Operating
Income

  Interest in
Earnings of
Associates,
net of tax

 
  (millions)

Global   $ 586   $ 33   $ 619   $ 9   $ 224   $

North America

 

 

548

 

 

15

 

 

563

 

 

9

 

 

71

 

 

International     609     16     625     17     122     20
   
 
 
 
 
 
Total Retail     1,157     31     1,188     26     193     20
   
 
 
 
 
 
Total Operating Segments     1,743     64     1,807     35     417     20
Corporate and Other(1)                 11     3    
   
 
 
 
 
 
Total Consolidated   $ 1,743   $ 64   $ 1,807   $ 46   $ 420   $ 20
   
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
Corporate and Other includes the costs of the holding company; certain foreign exchange hedging activities; amortization of intangible assets; net gains and losses on disposal of operations; $99 million gain on disposal of the Company's London headquarters and $84 million of expenditure on Shaping our Future initiatives which were held centrally.

The Company does not routinely evaluate the total asset position by segment, and the following allocations have been made based on reasonable estimates and assumptions:

 
  September 30,
2007

  December 31,
2006

 
  (millions)

Total assets:            
Global   $ 10,054   $ 9,607

North America

 

 

1,632

 

 

1,771
International     1,468     1,679
   
 
Total Retail     3,100     3,450
   
 
Total Operating Segments     13,154     13,057
Corporate and Eliminations     238     321
   
 
Total Consolidated   $ 13,392   $ 13,378
   
 

20


Operating segment revenue by product is as follows:

 
  Three months ended September 30,
 
  2007
  2006
  2007
  2006
  2007
  2006
  2007
  2006
 
  Global
  North America
  International
  Total
 
  (millions)

Commissions and fees:                                                
Retail insurance services   $   $   $ 185   $ 180   $ 203   $ 179   $ 388   $ 359
Specialty insurance services     161     160                     161     160
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total commissions and fees     161     160     185     180     203     179     549     519

Investment income

 

 

12

 

 

13

 

 

5

 

 

5

 

 

8

 

 

6

 

 

25

 

 

24
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Revenues   $ 173   $ 173   $ 190   $ 185   $ 211   $ 185   $ 574   $ 543
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Nine months ended September 30,
 
  2007
  2006
  2007
  2006
  2007
  2006
  2007
  2006
 
  Global
  North America
  International
  Total
 
  (millions)

Commissions and fees:                                                
Retail insurance services   $   $   $ 570   $ 548   $ 689   $ 609   $ 1,259   $ 1,157
Specialty insurance services     608     586                     608     586
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total commissions and fees     608     586     570     548     689     609     1,867     1,743

Investment income

 

 

34

 

 

33

 

 

15

 

 

15

 

 

23

 

 

16

 

 

72

 

 

64
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Revenues   $ 642   $ 619   $ 585   $ 563   $ 712   $ 625   $ 1,939   $ 1,807
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

21


Information regarding the Company's geographic locations is as follows:

 
  Nine months ended September 30,
 
  2007
  2006
 
  (millions)

Commissions and fees(1)            
  UK   $ 639   $ 628
  US     704     671
  Other(2)     524     444
   
 
Total   $ 1,867   $ 1,743
   
 
 
  September 30,
2007

  December 31,
2006

 
  (millions)

Long-lived assets(3)            
  UK   $ 159   $ 89
  US     90     48
  Other(2)     30     30
   
 
Total   $ 279   $ 167
   
 

(1)
Commissions and fees are attributed to countries based upon the location of the subsidiary generating the revenue.

(2)
Other than in the United Kingdom and the United States, the Company does not conduct business in any country in which its commissions and fees and/or long-lived assets exceed 10 percent of consolidated commissions and fees and/or long-lived assets, respectively.

(3)
Long-lived assets include identifiable fixed assets.

10.    SHARE BUYBACKS

On November 1, 2007, the Board authorized a new share buyback program for $1 billion. This replaces the previous $1 billion buyback program and its remaining $308 million authorization. The program is an open-ended plan to repurchase the Company's shares from time to time in the open market or through negotiated sales with persons who are not affiliates of the Company.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2007, the Company repurchased through its accelerated share repurchase program 11.5 million shares, bringing total share repurchases under the previous program to date to 16.9 million shares for a total consideration of $669 million. Repurchased shares were subsequently canceled.

Accelerated Share Repurchase Programs

During the nine months ended September 30, 2007, the Company completed the $150 million November 2006 accelerated share repurchase program, started and completed a $50 million accelerated share repurchase program and started a $400 million accelerated share repurchase program. This program completed on October 18, 2007 with a final settlement of $23 million.

22


The details of the various programs as at September 30, 2007, are as follows:

Start date

  Finish date
  No. of
shares
purchased

  Initial
price

  Adjusted
price on
completion(1)

  Fees and
price
adjustment(1)

November 2006   February 2007   3,786,922   $ 39.61   $ 40.63   $ 3.9 million
March 2007   March 2007   1,274,210   $ 39.26   $ 39.66   $ 0.5 million
March 2007       10,240,655   $ 39.06         $ 3.7 million

(1)
Under the terms of the programs, the shares were subject to a price adjustment based on the volume weighted average share price of Willis' stock and dividend payments during the term of the program.

The $458 million excess of the initial purchase price over nominal price for the two 2007 programs, together with the price adjustments in respect of the completed November 2006 and March 2007 programs has been charged to stockholders' equity; $409 million was charged against additional paid-in capital and $49 million against retained earnings.

11.    ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL

The following table reconciles additional paid-in capital including the effects of the accelerated share repurchase programs as described above in Note 10.

 
  September 30,
2007

  September 30,
2006

 
 
  (millions)

 
Additional paid-in capital:              
  Beginning of period, January 1   $ 388   $ 557  
    Issue of common shares under employee stock compensation plans and related tax benefits     29     15  
    Repurchase of shares     (409 )   (32 )
    Issue of common shares for acquisitions     15     2  
    Share-based compensation     26     15  
    Gains on sale of treasury stock     1     2  
   
 
 
  End of period   $ 50   $ 559  
   
 
 

23


12.    RETAINED EARNINGS

The following table reconciles retained earnings including the effects of the accelerated share repurchase programs as described above in Note 10.

 
  September 30,
2007

  September 30,
2006

 
 
  (millions)

 
Retained earnings:              
  Beginning of period, January 1   $ 1,250   $ 948  
    Adoption of FIN 48 adjustment (Note 2)     (4 )    
   
 
 
      1,246     948  
    Net income     314     301  
    Dividends     (107 )   (111 )
    Repurchase of shares     (49 )    
   
 
 
  End of period   $ 1,404   $ 1,138  
   
 
 

13.    FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR PARENT GUARANTOR, OTHER GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES AND NON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES

On July 1, 2005, Willis North America Inc. ("Willis North America") issued debt securities totaling $600 million under its April 2003 registration statement. On March 28, 2007, Willis North America issued further debt securities totaling $600 million under its June 2006 registration statement (Note 6). The debt securities are jointly and severally, irrevocably and fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Willis Group Holdings, Willis Group Limited, Trinity Acquisition Limited, TA I Limited, TA II Limited, TA III Limited and TA IV Limited.

Presented below is condensed consolidating financial information for: i) Willis Group Holdings, which will be a guarantor, on a parent company only basis; ii) the Other Guarantors which are all 100% owned subsidiaries of the parent; iii) the Issuer, Willis North America; iv) Other, which are the non-guarantor subsidiaries, on a combined basis; v) Eliminations; and vi) Consolidated Company and subsidiaries. The equity method has been used for all investments in subsidiaries.

The entities included in the Other Guarantors column are Willis Group Limited, Trinity Acquisition Limited, TA I Limited, TA II Limited, TA III Limited and TA IV Limited.

Prior to the year ended December 31, 2006 the Company reported inter-company dividends received and paid on a net basis in the condensed consolidating statement of cash flows within the financial information for parent guarantor, other guarantor subsidiaries and non-guarantor subsidiaries. Inter-company dividends received and paid are now reported on a gross basis within the operating activities and the financing activities sections of the cash flow statement respectively. Prior year information has been adjusted to conform to this presentation.

24



Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

 
  Three months ended September 30, 2007
 
 
  Willis
Group
Holdings

  The Other
Guarantors

  The
Issuer

  Other
  Eliminations
  Consolidated
 
 
  (millions)

 
REVENUES                                      
  Commissions and fees   $   $   $   $ 549   $   $ 549  
  Investment income             6     48     (29 )   25  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Total revenues             6     597     (29 )   574  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
EXPENSES                                      
  Salaries and benefits                 (357 )   5     (352 )
  Other operating expenses     (1 )   7     7     (145 )   16     (116 )
  Depreciation expense and amortization of intangible assets             (4 )   (11 )   (1 )   (16 )
  Gain on disposal of London headquarters                 3         3  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Total expenses     (1 )   7     3     (510 )   20     (481 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
OPERATING (LOSS) INCOME     (1 )   7     9     87     (9 )   93  
  Investment income from Group undertakings     425     2,424     119     90     (3,058 )    
  Interest expense     (2 )   (51 )   (16 )   (40 )   92     (17 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES, INTEREST IN EARNINGS OF ASSOCIATES AND MINORITY INTEREST     422     2,380     112     137     (2,975 )   76  
INCOME TAXES         (6 )   1     (44 )   37     (12 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
INCOME BEFORE INTEREST IN EARNINGS OF ASSOCIATES AND MINORITY INTEREST     422     2,374     113     93     (2,938 )   64  
INTEREST IN EARNINGS OF ASSOCIATES, NET OF TAX                 5         5  
MINORITY INTEREST, NET OF TAX                     (2 )   (2 )
EQUITY ACCOUNT FOR SUBSIDIARIES     (355 )   (2,903 )   (134 )       3,392      
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
NET INCOME (LOSS)   $ 67   $ (529 ) $ (21 ) $ 98   $ 452   $ 67  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

25


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

 
  Three months ended September 30, 2006
 
 
  Willis
Group
Holdings

  The Other
Guarantors

  The
Issuer

  Other
  Eliminations
  Consolidated
 
 
  (millions)

 
REVENUES                                      
  Commissions and fees   $   $   $   $ 519   $   $ 519  
  Investment income             4     36     (16 )   24  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Total revenues             4     555     (16 )   543  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
EXPENSES                                      
  Salaries and benefits                 (386 )   3     (383 )
  Other operating expenses         3     (3 )   (144 )   6     (138 )
  Depreciation expense and amortization of intangible assets             (3 )   (12 )   (2 )   (17 )
  Gain on disposal of London headquarters                 99         99  
  Net loss on disposal of operations                 (7 )       (7 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Total expenses         3     (6 )   (450 )   7     (446 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)         3     (2 )   105     (9 )   97  
  Investment income from Group undertakings         53     4     23     (80 )    
  Interest expense     (1 )   (48 )   (16 )   (30 )   86     (9 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
(LOSS) INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES, INTEREST IN EARNINGS OF ASSOCIATES AND MINORITY INTEREST     (1 )   8     (14 )   98     (3 )   88  
INCOME TAXES         10     7     (31 )   11     (3 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
(LOSS) INCOME BEFORE INTEREST IN EARNINGS OF ASSOCIATES AND MINORITY INTEREST     (1 )   18     (7 )   67     8     85  
INTEREST IN EARNINGS OF ASSOCIATES, NET OF TAX                 6         6  
MINORITY INTEREST, NET OF TAX                     (2 )   (2 )
EQUITY ACCOUNT FOR SUBSIDIARIES     90     59     20         (169 )    
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
NET INCOME   $ 89   $ 77   $ 13   $ 73   $ (163 ) $ 89  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

26


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

 
  Nine months ended September 30, 2007
 
 
  Willis
Group
Holdings

  The Other
Guarantors

  The
Issuer

  Other
  Eliminations
  Consolidated
 
 
  (millions)

 
REVENUES                                      
  Commissions and fees   $   $   $   $ 1,867   $   $ 1,867  
  Investment income             16     132     (76 )   72  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Total revenues             16     1,999     (76 )   1,939  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
EXPENSES                                      
  Salaries and benefits                 (1,102 )   13     (1,089 )
  Other operating expenses     (1 )   19     1     (389 )   29     (341 )
  Depreciation expense and amortization of intangible assets             (7 )   (34 )   (8 )   (49 )
  Gain on disposal of London headquarters                 9         9  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Total expenses     (1 )   19     (6 )   (1,516 )   34     (1,470 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
OPERATING (LOSS) INCOME     (1 )   19     10     483     (42 )   469  
  Investment income from Group undertakings     552     2,542     222     155     (3,471 )    
  Interest expense     (7 )   (150 )   (60 )   (123 )   292     (48 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES, INTEREST IN EARNINGS OF ASSOCIATES AND MINORITY INTEREST     544     2,411     172     515     (3,221 )   421  
INCOME TAXES         (12 )   16     (138 )   18     (116 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
INCOME BEFORE INTEREST IN EARNINGS OF ASSOCIATES AND MINORITY INTEREST     544     2,399     188     377     (3,203 )   305  
INTEREST IN EARNINGS OF ASSOCIATES, NET OF TAX                 20         20  
MINORITY INTEREST, NET OF TAX                 (2 )   (9 )   (11 )
EQUITY ACCOUNT FOR SUBSIDIARIES     (230 )   (3,152 )   (260 )       3,642      
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
NET INCOME (LOSS)   $ 314   $ (753 ) $ (72 ) $ 395   $ 430   $ 314  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

27


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

 
  Nine months ended September 30, 2006
 
 
  Willis
Group
Holdings

  The Other
Guarantors

  The
Issuer

  Other
  Eliminations
  Consolidated
 
 
  (millions)

 
REVENUES                                      
  Commissions and fees   $   $   $   $ 1,743   $   $ 1,743  
  Investment income             11     88     (35 )   64  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Total revenues             11     1,831     (35 )   1,807  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
EXPENSES                                      
  Salaries and benefits                 (1,092 )   10     (1,082 )
  Other operating expenses     (1 )   23     (3 )   (413 )   43     (351 )
  Depreciation expense and amortization of intangible assets             (5 )   (33 )   (8 )   (46 )
  Gain on disposal of London headquarters                 99         99  
  Net loss on disposal of operations                 (7 )       (7 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Total expenses     (1 )   23     (8 )   (1,446 )   45     (1,387 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
OPERATING (LOSS) INCOME     (1 )   23     3     385     10     420  
  Investment income from Group undertakings         162     49     89     (300 )    
  Interest expense     (1 )   (145 )   (46 )   (79 )   244     (27 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
(LOSS) INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES, INTEREST IN EARNINGS OF ASSOCIATES AND MINORITY INTEREST     (2 )   40     6     395     (46 )   393  
INCOME TAXES         (6 )   17     (115 )   3     (101 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
(LOSS) INCOME BEFORE INTEREST IN EARNINGS OF ASSOCIATES AND MINORITY INTEREST     (2 )   34     23     280     (43 )   292  
INTEREST IN EARNINGS OF ASSOCIATES, NET OF TAX                 20         20  
MINORITY INTEREST, NET OF TAX                 (2 )   (9 )   (11 )
EQUITY ACCOUNT FOR SUBSIDIARIES     303     243     (17 )       (529 )    
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
NET INCOME   $ 301   $ 277   $ 6   $ 298   $ (581 ) $ 301  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

28


Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

 
  As at September 30, 2007
 
  Willis
Group
Holdings

  The Other
Guarantors

  The
Issuer

  Other
  Eliminations
  Consolidated
 
  (millions)

ASSETS                                    
  Cash and cash equivalents   $ 1   $   $ 62   $ 147   $   $ 210
  Fiduciary funds—restricted             62     1,628         1,690
  Accounts receivable     129     2,888     3,826     10,296     (8,535 )   8,604
  Fixed assets             26     253         279
  Goodwill and other intangible assets                 276     1,451     1,727
  Investments in associates                 241     (46 )   195
  Net deferred tax assets             1     103     (59 )   45
  Pension benefits asset                 313         313
  Other assets     1     92     28     187     21     329
  Equity accounted subsidiaries     1,408     2,055     720     2,636     (6,819 )  
   
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL ASSETS   $ 1,539   $ 5,035   $ 4,725   $ 16,080   $ (13,987 ) $ 13,392
   
 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                                    
  Accounts payable   $ 203   $ 3,593   $ 3,516   $ 11,020   $ (8,521 ) $ 9,811
  Deferred revenue and accrued expenses     1     2     2     359     (13 )   351
  Income taxes payable         123         39     (59 )   103
  Long-term debt             1,200             1,200
  Liability for pension benefits                 20         20
  Other liabilities     38         29     454     49     570
   
 
 
 
 
 
    Total liabilities     242     3,718     4,747     11,892     (8,544 )   12,055
   
 
 
 
 
 
  MINORITY INTEREST                 3     37     40
  STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY     1,297     1,317     (22 )   4,185     (5,480 )   1,297
   
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY   $ 1,539   $ 5,035   $ 4,725   $ 16,080   $ (13,987 ) $ 13,392
   
 
 
 
 
 

29


Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

 
  As at December 31, 2006
 
  Willis
Group
Holdings

  The Other
Guarantors

  The
Issuer

  Other
  Eliminations
  Consolidated
 
  (millions)

ASSETS                                    
  Cash and cash equivalents   $ 2   $ 65   $ 46   $ 175   $   $ 288
  Fiduciary funds—restricted             72     1,700         1,772
  Accounts receivable     15     2,534     4,056     10,529     (8,378 )   8,756
  Fixed assets             20     147         167
  Goodwill and other intangible assets                 258     1,398     1,656
  Investments in associates                 209     (36 )   173
  Net deferred tax assets             5     126     (59 )   72
  Pension benefits asset                 166         166
  Other assets         54     1     393     (120 )   328
  Equity accounted subsidiaries     1,543     2,275     864     2,534     (7,216 )  
   
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL ASSETS   $ 1,560   $ 4,928   $ 5,064   $ 16,237   $ (14,411 ) $ 13,378
   
 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                                    
  Accounts payable   $ 68   $ 3,295   $ 4,286   $ 10,778   $ (8,365 ) $ 10,062
  Deferred revenue and accrued expenses         1     2     419     8     430
  Income taxes payable         132     1     27     (106 )   54
  Long-term debt             800             800
  Liability for pension benefits                 34         34
  Other liabilities     38         52     390     22     502
   
 
 
 
 
 
    Total liabilities     106     3,428     5,141     11,648     (8,441 )   11,882
   
 
 
 
 
 
MINORITY INTEREST                 2     40     42
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY     1,454     1,500     (77 )   4,587     (6,010 )   1,454
   
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY   $ 1,560   $ 4,928   $ 5,064   $ 16,237   $ (14,411 ) $ 13,378
   
 
 
 
 
 

30


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

 
  Nine months ended September 30, 2007
 
 
  Willis
Group
Holdings

  The Other
Guarantors

  The
Issuer

  Other
  Eliminations
  Consolidated
 
 
  (millions)

 
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES   $ 544   $ 2,413   $ 139   $ 184   $ (3,047 ) $ 233  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES                                      
  Additions to fixed assets             (10 )   (125 )       (135 )
  Acquisitions of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired     (36 )           (40 )       (76 )
  Investments in associates                 (1 )       (1 )
  Proceeds on disposal of fixed and intangible assets                 21         21  
  Other                 12         12  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Net cash used in investing activities     (36 )       (10 )   (133 )       (179 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES                                      
  Repayment of debt             (200 )           (200 )
  Senior notes issued, net of debt issuance costs             594             594  
  Repurchase of shares     (457 )                   (457 )
  Amounts owed by and to Group undertakings     38     394     (507 )   75          
  Proceeds from issue of shares     17             3         20  
  Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements                 8         8  
  Dividends paid     (107 )   (2,872 )       (175 )   3,047     (107 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Net cash used in financing activities     (509 )   (2,478 )   (113 )   (89 )   3,047     (142 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
(DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS     (1 )   (65 )   16     (38 )       (88 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents                 10         10  
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD     2     65     46     175         288  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD   $ 1   $   $ 62   $ 147   $   $ 210  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

31


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

 
  Nine months ended September 30, 2006
 
 
  Willis
Group
Holdings

  The Other
Guarantors

  The
Issuer

  Other
  Eliminations
  Consolidated
 
 
  (millions)

 
NET CASH (USED IN) PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES   $ (2 ) $ 39   $ (3 ) $ 92   $ (51 ) $ 75  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES                                      
  Additions to fixed assets             (6 )   (29 )       (35 )
  Acquisitions of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired                 (47 )       (47 )
  Investments in associates                 (25 )       (25 )
  Net cash proceeds from disposal of operations, net of cash disposed                 4         4  
  Proceeds on disposal of fixed and intangible assets                 58         58  
  Other                 10         10  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Net cash used in investing activities             (6 )   (29 )       (35 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES                                      
  Proceeds from drawdown on revolving credit facility             35             35  
  Repurchase of shares     (32 )                   (32 )
  Amounts owed by and to Group undertakings     136     (81 )   (25 )   (30 )        
  Proceeds from issue of shares     6             6         12  
  Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements                 8         8  
  Dividends paid     (108 )           (51 )   51     (108 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities     2     (81 )   10     (67 )   51     (85 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
(DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS         (42 )   1     (4 )       (45 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents                 6         6  
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD     1     42     19     131         193  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD   $ 1   $   $ 20   $ 133   $   $ 154  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

32


14.    FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR PARENT GUARANTOR, OTHER GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES AND NON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES

The Company filed a shelf registration on Form S-3 on June 21, 2006 under which Willis Group Holdings may offer debt securities, preferred stock, common stock and other securities. In addition, Trinity Acquisition Limited may offer debt securities ("the Subsidiary Debt Securities"). The Subsidiary Debt Securities, if issued, will be guaranteed by certain of the Company's subsidiaries.

Presented below is condensed consolidating financial information for: i) Willis Group Holdings, which will be a guarantor, on a parent company only basis; ii) the Other Guarantors, which are all 100% owned subsidiaries of the parent; iii) the Issuer, Trinity Acquisition Limited; iv) Other, which are the non-guarantor subsidiaries, on a combined basis; v) Eliminations; and vi) Consolidated Company and subsidiaries. The equity method has been used for all investments in subsidiaries.

The entities included in the Other Guarantors column are TA I Limited, TA II Limited and TA III Limited.

Prior to the year ended December 31, 2006 the Company reported inter-company dividends received and paid on a net basis in the condensed consolidating statement of cash flows within the financial information for parent guarantor, other guarantor subsidiaries and non-guarantor subsidiaries. Inter-company dividends received and paid are now reported on a gross basis within the operating activities and the financing activities sections of the cash flow statement respectively. Prior year information has been adjusted to conform to this presentation.

33



Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

 
  Three months ended September 30, 2007
 
 
  Willis
Group
Holdings

  The Other
Guarantors

  The
Issuer

  Other
  Eliminations
  Consolidated
 
 
  (millions)

 
REVENUES                                      
  Commissions and fees   $   $   $   $ 549   $   $ 549  
  Investment income                 54     (29 )   25  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Total revenues                 603     (29 )   574  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
EXPENSES                                      
  Salaries and benefits                 (357 )   5     (352 )
  Other operating expenses     (1 )       (1 )   (130 )   16     (116 )
  Depreciation expense and amortization of intangible assets                 (15 )   (1 )   (16 )
  Gain on disposal of London headquarters                 3         3  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Total expenses     (1 )       (1 )   (499 )   20     (481 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
OPERATING (LOSS) INCOME     (1 )       (1 )   104     (9 )   93  
  Investment income from Group undertakings     425     1,352     490     791     (3,058 )    
  Interest expense     (2 )   (3 )   (9 )   (95 )   92     (17 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES, INTEREST IN EARNINGS OF ASSOCIATES AND MINORITY INTEREST     422     1,349     480     800     (2,975 )   76  
INCOME TAXES         1     (13 )   (37 )   37     (12 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
INCOME BEFORE INTEREST IN EARNINGS OF ASSOCIATES AND MINORITY INTEREST     422     1,350     467     763     (2,938 )   64  
INTEREST IN EARNINGS OF ASSOCIATES, NET OF TAX                 5         5  
MINORITY INTEREST, NET OF TAX                     (2 )   (2 )
EQUITY ACCOUNT FOR SUBSIDIARIES     (355 )   (1,879 )   (978 )       3,212      
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
NET INCOME (LOSS)   $ 67   $ (529 ) $ (511 ) $ 768   $ 272   $ 67  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

34


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

 
  Three months ended September 30, 2006
 
 
  Willis
Group
Holdings

  The Other
Guarantors

  The
Issuer

  Other
  Eliminations
  Consolidated
 
 
  (millions)

 
REVENUES                                      
  Commissions and fees   $   $   $   $ 519   $   $ 519  
  Investment income                 40     (16 )   24  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Total revenues                 559     (16 )   543  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
EXPENSES                                      
  Salaries and benefits                 (386 )   3     (383 )
  Other operating expenses                 (144 )   6     (138 )
  Depreciation expense and amortization of intangible assets                 (15 )   (2 )   (17 )
  Gain on disposal of London headquarters                 99         99  
  Net loss on disposal of operations                 (7 )       (7 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Total expenses                 (453 )   7     (446 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
OPERATING INCOME                 106     (9 )   97  
  Investment income from Group undertakings             41     39     (80 )    
  Interest expense     (1 )       (9 )   (85 )   86     (9 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
(LOSS) INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES, INTEREST IN EARNINGS OF ASSOCIATES AND MINORITY INTEREST     (1 )       32     60     (3 )   88  
INCOME TAXES             (11 )   (3 )   11     (3 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
(LOSS) INCOME BEFORE INTEREST IN EARNINGS OF ASSOCIATES AND MINORITY INTEREST     (1 )       21     57     8     85  
INTEREST IN EARNINGS OF ASSOCIATES, NET OF TAX                 6         6  
MINORITY INTEREST, NET OF TAX                     (2 )   (2 )
EQUITY ACCOUNT FOR SUBSIDIARIES     90     77     62         (229 )    
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
NET INCOME   $ 89   $ 77   $ 83   $ 63   $ (223 ) $ 89  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

35


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

 
  Nine months ended September 30, 2007
 
 
  Willis
Group
Holdings

  The Other
Guarantors

  The
Issuer

  Other
  Eliminations
  Consolidated
 
 
  (millions)

 
REVENUES                                      
  Commissions and fees   $   $   $   $ 1,867   $   $ 1,867  
  Investment income                 148     (76 )   72  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Total revenues                 2,015     (76 )   1,939  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
EXPENSES                                      
  Salaries and benefits                 (1,102 )   13     (1,089 )
  Other operating expenses     (1 )       (3 )   (366 )   29     (341 )
  Depreciation expense and amortization of intangible assets                 (41 )   (8 )   (49 )
  Gain on disposal of London headquarters                 9         9  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Total expenses     (1 )       (3 )   (1,500 )   34     (1,470 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
OPERATING (LOSS) INCOME     (1 )       (3 )   515     (42 )   469  
  Investment income from Group undertakings     552     1,353     570     996     (3,471 )    
  Interest expense     (7 )   (5 )   (26 )   (302 )   292     (48 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES, INTEREST IN EARNINGS OF ASSOCIATES AND MINORITY INTEREST     544     1,348     541     1,209     (3,221 )   421  
INCOME TAXES         1     (30 )   (105 )   18     (116 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
INCOME BEFORE INTEREST IN EARNINGS OF ASSOCIATES AND MINORITY INTEREST     544     1,349     511     1,104     (3,203 )   305  
INTEREST IN EARNINGS OF ASSOCIATES, NET OF TAX                 20         20  
MINORITY INTEREST, NET OF TAX                 (2 )   (9 )   (11 )
EQUITY ACCOUNT FOR SUBSIDIARIES     (230 )   (2,102 )   (1,235 )       3,567      
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
NET INCOME (LOSS)   $ 314   $ (753 ) $ (724 ) $ 1,122   $ 355   $ 314  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

36


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

 
  Nine months ended September 30, 2006
 
 
  Willis
Group
Holdings

  The Other
Guarantors

  The
Issuer

  Other
  Eliminations
  Consolidated
 
 
  (millions)

 
REVENUES                                      
  Commissions and fees   $   $   $   $ 1,743   $   $ 1,743  
  Investment income                 99     (35 )   64  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Total revenues                 1,842     (35 )   1,807  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
EXPENSES                                      
  Salaries and benefits                 (1,092 )   10     (1,082 )
  Other operating expenses     (1 )       (3 )   (390 )   43     (351 )
  Depreciation expense and amortization of intangible assets                 (38 )   (8 )   (46 )
  Gain on disposal of London headquarters                 99         99  
  Net loss on disposal of operations                 (7 )       (7 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Total expenses     (1 )       (3 )   (1,428 )   45     (1,387 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
OPERATING (LOSS) INCOME     (1 )       (3 )   414     10     420  
  Investment income from Group undertakings             120     180     (300 )    
  Interest expense     (1 )       (26 )   (244 )   244     (27 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
(LOSS) INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES, INTEREST IN EARNINGS OF ASSOCIATES AND MINORITY INTEREST     (2 )       91     350     (46 )   393  
INCOME TAXES             (35 )   (69 )   3     (101 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
(LOSS) INCOME BEFORE INTEREST IN EARNINGS OF ASSOCIATES AND MINORITY INTEREST     (2 )       56     281     (43 )   292  
INTEREST IN EARNINGS OF ASSOCIATES, NET OF TAX                 20         20  
MINORITY INTEREST, NET OF TAX                 (2 )   (9 )   (11 )
EQUITY ACCOUNT FOR SUBSIDIARIES     303     277     236         (816 )    
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
NET INCOME   $ 301   $ 277   $ 292   $ 299   $ (868 ) $ 301  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

37


Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

 
  As at September 30, 2007
 
  Willis
Group
Holdings

  The Other
Guarantors

  The
Issuer

  Other
  Eliminations
  Consolidated
 
  (millions)

ASSETS                                    
  Cash and cash equivalents   $ 1   $   $   $ 209   $   $ 210
  Fiduciary funds—restricted                 1,690         1,690
  Accounts receivable     129     425     1,644     14,941     (8,535 )   8,604
  Fixed assets                 279         279
  Goodwill and other intangible assets                 276     1,451     1,727
  Investments in associates                 241     (46 )   195
  Net deferred tax assets                 104     (59 )   45
  Pension benefits asset                 313         313
  Other assets     1     1         306     21     329
  Equity accounted subsidiaries     1,408     1,419     731     5,445     (9,003 )  
   
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL ASSETS   $ 1,539   $ 1,845   $ 2,375   $ 23,804   $ (16,171 ) $ 13,392
   
 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                                    
  Accounts payable   $ 203   $ 528   $ 760   $ 16,841   $ (8,521 ) $ 9,811
  Deferred revenue and accrued expenses     1             363     (13 )   351
  Income taxes payable             68     94     (59 )   103
  Long-term debt                 1,200         1,200
  Liability for pension benefits                 20         20
  Other liabilities     38             483     49     570
   
 
 
 
 
 
    Total liabilities     242     528     828     19,001     (8,544 )   12,055
   
 
 
 
 
 
  MINORITY INTEREST                 3     37     40
  STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY     1,297     1,317     1,547     4,800     (7,664 )   1,297
   
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY   $ 1,539   $ 1,845   $ 2,375   $ 23,804   $ (16,171 ) $ 13,392
   
 
 
 
 
 

38


Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

 
  As at December 31, 2006
 
  Willis
Group
Holdings

  The Other
Guarantors

  The
Issuer

  Other
  Eliminations
  Consolidated
 
  (millions)

ASSETS                                    
  Cash and cash equivalents   $ 2   $   $   $ 286   $   $ 288
  Fiduciary funds—restricted                 1,772         1,772
  Accounts receivable     15     24     1,576     15,519     (8,378 )   8,756
  Fixed assets                 167         167
  Goodwill and other intangible assets                 258     1,398     1,656
  Investments in associates                 209     (36 )   173
  Net deferred tax assets                 131     (59 )   72
  Pension benefits asset                 166         166
  Other assets                 448     (120 )   328
  Equity accounted subsidiaries     1,543     1,498     897     5,337     (9,275 )  
   
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL ASSETS   $ 1,560   $ 1,522   $ 2,473   $ 24,293   $ (16,470 ) $ 13,378
   
 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                                    
  Accounts payable   $ 68   $ 22   $ 782   $ 17,555   $ (8,365 ) $ 10,062
  Deferred revenue and accrued expenses                 422     8     430
  Income taxes payable             99     61     (106 )   54
  Long-term debt                 800         800
  Liability for pension benefits                 34         34
  Other liabilities     38             442     22     502
   
 
 
 
 
 
    Total liabilities     106     22     881     19,314     (8,441 )   11,882
   
 
 
 
 
 
  MINORITY INTEREST                 2     40     42
  STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY     1,454     1,500     1,592     4,977     (8,069 )   1,454
   
 
 
 
 
 
  TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY   $ 1,560   $ 1,522   $ 2,473   $ 24,293   $ (16,470 ) $ 13,378
   
 
 
 
 
 

39


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

 
  Nine months ended September 30, 2007
 
 
  Willis
Group
Holdings

  The Other
Guarantors

  The
Issuer

  Other
  Eliminations
  Consolidated
 
 
  (millions)

 
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES   $ 544   $ 1,349   $ 540   $ 847   $ (3,047 ) $ 233  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES                                      
  Additions to fixed assets                 (135 )       (135 )
  Acquisitions of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired     (36 )           (40 )       (76 )
  Investments in associates                 (1 )       (1 )
  Proceeds on disposal of fixed and intangible assets                 21         21  
  Other                 12         12  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Net cash used in investing activities     (36 )           (143 )       (179 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES                                      
  Repayment of debt                 (200 )       (200 )
  Senior notes issued, net of debt issuance costs                 594         594  
  Repurchase of shares     (457 )                   (457 )
  Amounts owed by and to Group undertakings     38     103     (90 )   (51 )        
  Proceeds from issue of shares     17             3         20  
  Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements                 8         8  
  Dividends paid     (107 )   (1,452 )   (450 )   (1,145 )   3,047     (107 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Net cash used in financing activities     (509 )   (1,349 )   (540 )   (791 )   3,047     (142 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS     (1 )           (87 )       (88 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents                 10         10  
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD     2             286         288  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD   $ 1   $   $   $ 209   $   $ 210  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

40


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

 
  Nine months ended September 30, 2006
 
 
  Willis
Group
Holdings

  The Other
Guarantors

  The
Issuer

  Other
  Eliminations
  Consolidated
 
 
  (millions)

 
NET CASH (USED IN) PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES   $ (2 ) $   $ 90   $ 38   $ (51 ) $ 75  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES                                      
  Additions to fixed assets                 (35 )       (35 )
  Acquisitions of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired                 (47 )       (47 )
  Investment in associates                 (25 )       (25 )
  Net cash proceeds from disposal of operations, net of cash disposed                 4         4  
  Proceeds on disposal of fixed and intangible assets                 58         58  
  Other                 10         10  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Net cash used in investing activities                 (35 )       (35 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES                                      
  Proceeds from drawdown on revolving credit facility                 35         35  
  Repurchase of shares     (32 )                   (32 )
  Amounts owed by and to Group undertakings     136         (93 )   (43 )        
  Proceeds from issue of shares     6             6         12  
  Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements                 8         8  
  Dividends paid     (108 )           (51 )   51     (108 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities     2         (93 )   (45 )   51     (85 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS             (3 )   (42 )       (45 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents                 6         6  
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD     1         3     189         193  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD   $ 1   $   $   $ 153   $   $ 154  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

41


Item 2—Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

This discussion includes references to non-GAAP financial measures as defined in Regulation G of SEC rules. We present such non-GAAP financial measures, as we believe such information is of interest to the investment community because it provides additional meaningful methods of evaluating certain aspects of the Company's operating performance from period to period on a basis that may not be otherwise apparent on a GAAP basis. These financial measures should be viewed in addition to, not in lieu of, the Company's condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007.

SUMMARY

Overview

The difficult market conditions in first half 2007 have continued into the third quarter 2007 with further rate decreases across most sectors of the market in which we operate. We believe premium rate declines are between 15 to 20 percent in the United States and 5 to 20 percent elsewhere.

In the reinsurance market, we have seen a combination of declining rates, a reduction in amounts reinsured and other changes, including recent changes in Florida legislation which significantly increased capacity and reduced prices. Although premium rates have declined by between 5 and 10 percent on average, the most significant impact on reinsurance growth has been higher retentions at the primary underwriters. We expect the reinsurance market to continue to soften in light of favorable loss trends and the strong reserves and returns on equities achieved by the insurance companies.

Despite these difficult trading conditions, we reported 4 percent organic commissions and fee growth for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and a 1 percentage point increase in our operating margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared with 2006. We continue to execute on our Shaping our Future strategy to deliver productivity improvements and profitable growth. This has contributed to improved margins in our North America and International retail businesses and mitigated the margin decrease in our Global operations which reflected investments made in analytics and capital market capabilities in our reinsurance operations and an adverse impact from foreign exchange.

Results for third quarter 2007

Total revenues at $574 million for third quarter 2007 were $31 million, or 6 percent, higher than in 2006 mainly reflecting strong net new business in International.

Operating margin was 16 percent for third quarter 2007 compared with 18 percent for the same period in 2006. The year on year movement in third quarter margin reflected:

    the gain on disposal of our London headquarters in 2006 (equivalent to approximately a 18 percentage point reduction in margin);

    the $84 million expenditure in third quarter 2006 to launch our Shaping our Future strategy (equivalent to approximately a 15 percentage point increase in margin);

    the benefit of 2007 cost savings relating to our Shaping our Future strategy, a lower pension charge and good expense control; and

    an adverse year on year impact from foreign currency translation (equivalent to approximately a 1 percentage point decrease in margin).

Net income for third quarter 2007 was $67 million, or $0.46 per diluted share, compared with $89 million, or $0.56 per diluted share, in 2006. Net income in 2006 was significantly affected by the $91 million post-tax gain on the disposal of our London headquarters (equivalent to $0.57 per diluted

42



share) and the $59 million post-tax expenditure to launch our Shaping our Future strategy (equivalent to $0.37 per diluted share).

Results for the nine months ended September 30, 2007

Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was $314 million, or $2.12 per diluted share, compared with $301 million, or $1.89 per diluted share, in 2006. Total revenues at $1,939 million were $132 million, or 7 percent, higher than in 2006 of which 5 percent was attributable to net new business largely arising in our International and North America operations.

Operating margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was 24 percent compared with 23 percent in 2006.

Shaping our Future

In the nine months ended September 30, 2007 we have continued to execute on the Shaping our Future strategy that we initiated in 2006. This strategy aims to drive profitable growth over the next few years. Achievements to date include:

    the delivery of our Eclipse technology, the new end-to-end process for our London Market businesses, with benefits to date in excess of $6 million. This was successfully implemented in Aerospace, our pilot division, at the beginning of April 2007 and will be rolled out to our Global Markets and Financial Institutions businesses by the end of 2007;

    realized benefits of $10 million from our International efficiency programs; and

    a $15 million benefit to date from our client profitability program. This program is now being rolled out to our retail network, including North America, Australia and our major European operations.

Future outlook

For full year 2007, we expect:

    that there will be continued organic growth in commissions and fees;

    to expand our adjusted operating margin (operating margin excluding net gains and losses on disposals and other one-time items) to approximately 24 percent compared with 23 percent for full year 2006. In particular, we expect the 2006 expenditure on Shaping our Future initiatives to generate a benefit, net of incremental real estate costs relating to our new US and UK headquarters buildings, of approximately $20 million in 2007;

    that, given current exchange rates and the foreign exchange gains we recognized last year, there will be a negative impact on 2007 earnings compared with 2006 due to foreign exchange;

    that our underlying tax rate, excluding the tax effects of the disposal of our London headquarters, and share-based compensation, and the release of tax provisions relating to the resolution of prior period tax positions, will be approximately 31 percent on the assumption that there is no material change in the geographical mix of our profits; and

    our adjusted earnings per diluted share (earnings per diluted share excluding net gains and losses on disposals and other one-time items) for full year 2007 will be in the range of $2.60 to $2.70.

We announced at our Investor Day on November 2, 2007 that, following the tangible results of our Shaping our Future strategy, we expect to invest further in key profitable growth initiatives in 2008.

43



Therefore, we expect adjusted operating margin to remain at 24 percent in 2008 and then expand in 2009 and 2010 to reach our previously stated goal of 28 percent or more for full year 2010.

We also announced our long-term financial goals at our Investor Day relating to adjusted earnings per diluted share: specifically we announced our goal to deliver adjusted earnings per diluted share in the range of $2.85 to $2.95 in 2008, $3.30 to $3.40 in 2009, and $4.00 to $4.10 in 2010. These figures assume $0.15 accretion in 2008 increasing to $0.30 by 2010 as a result of share buybacks.

Acquisitions

In second quarter 2007, we acquired Chicago-based InsuranceNoodle and an additional 17 percent stake in Coyle Hamilton Willis, our Irish subsidiary.

InsuranceNoodle is an internet distributor of US small business property-casualty insurance with annual revenues of approximately $6 million. We believe that InsuranceNoodle's web-enabled business model, combined with its strong carrier relationships and distribution through over 2,500 agents across the United States, offers us a greatly improved, lower-cost way to reach and service this key US market.

Cash and financing

Cash at September 30, 2007 was $210 million; $78 million lower than at December 31, 2006. Net cash from operating activities of $233 million, together with cash brought forward, were used to fund dividend payments of $107 million; fixed asset additions of $135 million of which $85 million related to our new US and UK headquarters buildings; and acquisitions of $77 million.

Total long-term debt at September 30, 2007 was $1,200 million (December 31, 2006: $800 million) and total stockholders' equity was $1,297 million (December 31, 2006: $1,454 million) giving a capitalization ratio (total long-term debt to total long-term debt and stockholders' equity) of 48 percent at September 30, 2007 compared with 35 percent at December 31, 2006. The increase in this ratio was principally attributable to a $600 million debt issue and share repurchases totaling $458 million in 2007.

In March 2007, we issued $600 million of 10 year senior notes at 6.20 percent. We used the proceeds of the notes to fund share buybacks in the period and to repay outstanding borrowings of $200 million under our revolving credit facility.

On November 1, 2007, the Board authorized a new share buyback program for $1 billion. This replaces our previous $1 billion buyback program and its remaining $308 million authorization.

In addition, on November 7, 2007, we amended our revolving credit facility to increase the permitted leverage ratio (defined as net indebtedness to consolidated EBITDA for the prior four quarters) from 2.5:1.0 to 3.0:1.0. At September 30, 2007, our leverage ratio was approximately 1.4:1.0, up from 0.8:1.0 at December 31, 2006. We believe this amendment provides us with flexibility to increase our leverage and that we can manage our capital efficiently whilst maintaining our investment grade credit ratings.

We continue to generate strong cash flows and we believe that these allow us flexibility in our capital planning. Our investment grade credit ratings were reaffirmed when we issued the $600 million of notes in the latter part of March 2007.

Reporting structure

Effective January 1, 2007, we changed our reporting structure. Our UK and Irish retail operations, Willis UK and Ireland, which were previously reported within our Global division, are now reported with our other international units as a single International segment which incorporates all our retail operations outside North America.

44


BUSINESS AND MARKET OVERVIEW

We provide a broad range of insurance brokerage and risk management consulting services to our worldwide clients. Our core businesses include Aerospace; Captives; Construction; Employee Benefits; Energy; Engineering and Consultancy; Financial Institutions; Fine Art, Jewelry and Specie; Healthcare; Marine; Programs; Real Estate; Reinsurance; and Sports Entertainment.

In our capacity as an advisor and insurance broker, we act as an intermediary between our clients and insurance carriers by advising our clients on their risk management requirements, assisting clients to determine the best means of managing risk, and negotiating and placing insurance risk with insurance carriers through our global distribution network.

From the late 1980s through late 2000, insurance premium rates generally trended downwards as a result of a number of factors. However, following several years of underwriting losses, the declines in world equity markets and lower interest rates, many insurance carriers began to increase premium rates in 2000. The tragic events of September 11, 2001 acted as a catalyst, especially in areas such as aerospace, and rates generally continued to rise through 2003.

During 2004, we saw a rapid transition from a hard market, with premium rates stable or increasing, to a soft market, with premium rates falling in most markets. The soft market continued throughout 2005, although the rate of decline moderated in the latter part of the year. During 2006, the insurance market remained highly competitive and, outside of catastrophe-exposed markets, rates in most sectors continued to decline.

In 2007, the market has softened further with decreases in many of the market sectors in which we operate, including declines of between 5 and 20 percent in many territories.

OPERATING RESULTS

Revenues

 
   
   
   
  Change attributable to:
   
 
Three months ended September 30,

  2007
  2006(i)
  %
change

  Foreign
currency
translation

  Acquisitions
and
disposals

  Market
remuneration

  Organic
revenue
growth(ii)

 
 
  (millions)

   
   
   
   
   
 
Global   $ 161   $ 160   1 % (1 )% 0 % 0 % 2 %
North America     185     180   3 % 0 % 1 % 0 % 2 %
International     203     179   13 % 6 % 0 % 0 % 7 %
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commissions and fees   $ 549   $ 519   6 % 2 % 0 % 0 % 4 %
Investment income     25     24   4 % 9 % 1 % 0 % (6 )%
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenues   $ 574   $ 543   6 % 2 % 1 % 0 % 3 %
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Nine months ended September 30,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Global   $ 608   $ 586   4 % 1 % 1 % 0 % 2 %
North America     570     548   4 % 0 % 0 % 0 % 4 %
International     689     609   13 % 6 % 0 % 0 % 7 %
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commissions and fees   $ 1,867   $ 1,743   7 % 2 % 1 % 0 % 4 %
Investment income     72     64   13 % 8 % 1 % 0 % 4 %
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenues   $ 1,939   $ 1,807   7 % 2 % 1 % 0 % 4 %
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(i)
Effective January 1, 2007 we changed our management structure. Our UK and Irish retail operations, Willis UK and Ireland, which were previously within our Global division, have been combined with our other international units to create a single International segment (Q3 2006 revenue reclassification of $69 million, Q3 YTD 2006 $214 million). The new International

45


    segment incorporates all our retail operations outside North America. Our energy business previously reported in our North America division is now reported within our Global division (Q3 2006 revenue reclassification of $5 million, Q3 YTD 2006 $13 million). Our prior period revenue analysis has been adjusted to reflect our new internal reporting structure.

(ii)
Organic revenue growth excludes the impact of foreign currency translation, acquisitions and disposals, and market remuneration from reported revenues. We use organic growth as a measure of business growth generated by operations that were part of the Group at the end of the period. Our method of calculating this measure may differ from that used by other companies and therefore comparability may be limited.

Third quarter 2007 revenues at $574 million were $31 million, or 6 percent, higher than in third quarter 2006 of which 2 percent was attributable to foreign currency translation and 1 percent to net acquisitions and disposals. Revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 were $1,939 million, or 7 percent, higher than in 2006 of which 2 percent was attributable to foreign currency translation and 1 percent to net acquisitions and disposals.

Our International and Global operations earn a portion of their revenues in currencies other than the US dollar. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, reported revenues in International benefited significantly from the year on year effect of foreign currency translation, in particular due to the weakening of the dollar against sterling and the euro, compared with 2006.

Net acquisitions and disposals added a net 1 percent to total revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 which was primarily attributable to Willis Gras Savoye Re, a new venture with Gras Savoye, whose revenues to date were mainly earned in the first quarter of the year.

Organic growth in commissions and fees was 4 percent for both third quarter 2007 and the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared with 2006, mainly reflecting net new business growth of 6 percent in third quarter 2007 and 5 percent for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, together with the benefit of maintaining client retention levels in excess of 90 percent.

Organic growth in commissions and fees for third quarter 2007 included a negative 2 percent impact from premium rates and other market factors, with the impact of the significant rate decreases largely offset by the benefit of other market factors, including higher commission rates, client profitability analyses, higher insured values and changes in limits or exposures. There was a negative 1 percent impact from rates and other market factors on organic growth in the nine months ended September 30, 2007.

Global:    In our Global operations, which comprise our reinsurance and global specialties businesses, organic revenue growth was 2 percent for both third quarter 2007 and the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared with 2006. Third quarter 2007 revenue growth in Global Specialties was offset by negative growth in reinsurance.

Global Specialties reported double digit revenue growth in third quarter 2007, reflecting the benefit of one-time income from satellite launches, together with good performances from Energy, Financial Institutions, Construction and Niche. This revenue growth was achieved despite significant rate reductions, with Aerospace and Marine rates decreasing by some 20 percent year on year and Financial Institutions, Energy and Niche experiencing year on year decreases of some 10 to 15 percent.

Reinsurance organic revenue growth was negative in third quarter 2007 and broadly neutral for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and was adversely impacted by a combination of declining rates, a reduction in amounts reinsured and other changes, including recent changes in Florida legislation which significantly increased capacity and reduced prices. Although premium rates have declined by between 5 and 10 percent on average, the most significant impact on reinsurance growth has been higher retentions at the primary underwriters. Client retention rates, however, remain high. We expect the reinsurance market to continue to soften in the light of favorable loss trends, and the strong reserves and returns on equities achieved by the insurance companies.

46



North America:    North America reported 2 percent year on year organic growth for third quarter 2007 and 4 percent for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. Rates continue to decline in the United States: MarketScout data for third quarter 2007 showed property and casualty rate declines for each month, with an average decline of about 14 percent for the quarter. Despite the declining rates, we saw good growth in the Southeast, Central, West and New York regions and in programs business this quarter.

The rate of organic revenue growth in our North America operations has moderated this year compared to previous years as we moderated the pace of hiring compared with 2005 and have concentrated on profitable growth: over the last two years we have increased our revenue per full-time-equivalent ("FTE") employee to approximately $250,000 which has contributed to margin expansion.

International:    Organic revenue growth in commissions and fees was 7 percent for both third quarter 2007 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared with 2006 despite declining rates in most countries, with decreases of between 5 and 20 percent.

We have seen consistent growth in our International business over the last two years, with the last six quarters all showing growth of 6 percent or higher. This continues to be driven by very strong growth in the emerging markets, particularly Latin America, Russia, China and Asia, all of which continue to generate strong double-digit growth. The emerging market growth was complemented by high single digit growth in mainland Europe, especially in eastern Europe. However, there was a modest third quarter decline in our UK and Irish operations revenues compared with 2006 primarily due to the declining rates environment, with decreases averaging between 15 and 20 percent.

General and administrative expenses

 
  Three months ended
September 30,

  Nine months
ended
September 30,

 
 
  2007
  2006
  2007
  2006
 
 
  (millions, except percentages)

 
Salaries and benefits   $ 352   $ 383   $ 1,089   $ 1,082  
(after charging share-based compensation of     8     7     26     15 )
Other     116     138     341     351  
   
 
 
 
 
General and administrative expenses   $ 468   $ 521   $ 1,430   $ 1,433  
   
 
 
 
 
Salaries and benefits as a percentage of revenues     61 %   71 %   56 %   60 %

Third quarter 2007

General and administrative expenses at $468 million were $53 million, or 10 percent, lower than in third quarter 2006 despite a negative 3 percent impact from foreign currency translation. This decrease was mainly attributable to third quarter 2006 strategic initiative expenditure of $75 million relating to the launch of our Shaping our Future strategy, of which $43 million related to salaries and benefits and $32 million to other operating expenses.

Salaries and benefits were 61 percent of third quarter 2007 revenues, compared with 71 percent in third quarter 2006, with the decrease reflecting:

    the $43 million benefit as a result of third quarter 2006 strategic initiative expenditure, equivalent to approximately 8 percentage points;

    the benefits of cost controls and our Shaping our Future initiatives; and

47


    a $9 million reduction in pension charges, equivalent to approximately 2 percentage points. This decrease was mainly attributable to the increased return on assets in the UK plan reflecting higher asset levels due to the significant additional contributions we made in 2006;

partly offset by

    an adverse impact from foreign currency translation, equivalent to approximately 3 percentage points; and

    continued hiring in targeted development areas, including energy, construction, marine, financial institutions, reinsurance analytics and employee benefits. Our past experience shows that new brokers generally take 18 to 24 months before they are profitable. The compensation ratio is therefore adversely impacted by the elapse of time between the higher salaries and recruitment costs and the benefit of the incremental revenue streams.

Net headcount on a full time equivalent ("FTE") basis was approximately 13,000 at both September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006. For the twelve months to September 30, 2007 revenues per FTE employee were approximately $192,000 compared with $182,000 per FTE employee for the twelve months to September 30, 2006, an increase of 5 percent. This increase reflected the benefit of improvements in our retail operations in North America and International. Revenues per FTE employee in our Global operations were broadly in line with 2006, with the benefit of productivity improvements largely offset by lower revenues in reinsurance reflecting the difficult trading environment.

Other expenses were 20 percent of revenues in third quarter 2007 compared with 25 percent in 2006. This decrease reflects an improvement of 6 percentage points attributable to the non-recurrence of our third quarter 2006 strategic initiative expenditure, together with the benefits of our continued focus on cost control, partly offset by the rental on our new London headquarters and the impact of foreign currency translation.

Other expenses in third quarter 2007 include $3 million of rent on our existing London headquarters building, following its sale and leaseback in September 2006. We expect to terminate this lease by the end of September 2008. Of the $121 million pre-tax gain on the sale of the building, $22 million was deferred and is being recognized over the expected two year life of the lease, of which $3 million was recognized in third quarter 2007.

Practical completion of our new London building occurred at the end of June 2007 giving us control of the building. Rent has to be expensed from when we took control of the building rather than from when we occupy the building. Therefore, we recognized additional rental expense in respect of our new building of $8 million in third quarter 2007.

Nine months ended September 30, 2007

General and administrative expenses at $1,430 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 were $3 million lower than in 2006 despite a 4 percent adverse impact from foreign currency translation.

Salaries and benefits were $1,089 million, or 56 percent of revenues, in the first nine months of 2007 compared with $1,082 million, or 60 percent of revenues in 2006. The decrease in the compensation ratio (salaries and benefits as a percentage of revenues) was mainly attributable to:

    the $43 million expenditure on strategic initiatives in third quarter 2006, equivalent to approximately 2 percentage points;

48


    a $25 million reduction in the pension charge, equivalent to approximately 1 percentage point. This decrease was mainly attributable to the increased return on assets in the UK plan reflecting higher asset levels due to the significant additional contributions we made in 2006; and

    cost controls and the benefits of our 2006 expenditure on Shaping our Future initiatives;

partly offset by

    an adverse impact from foreign currency translation, equivalent to approximately 4 percentage points; and

    continued hiring in targeted development areas, including energy, construction, marine, financial institutions, reinsurance analytics and employee benefits.

Other expenses at $341 million were $10 million, or 3 percent lower, than in 2006 despite a 1 percent adverse impact from foreign currency.

Other expenses were 18 percent of revenues in the first nine months of 2007 compared with 19 percent in 2006 with the decrease reflecting the benefits of good cost control partly offset by increased property costs, including the rental on our new London headquarters building and the $9 million rent on our existing London headquarters building, following its sale and leaseback in September 2006.

Operating income and margin (operating income as a percentage of revenues)

 
  Three months ended September 30,
 
 
  2007
  2006
 
 
  Revenues
  Operating
Income

  Operating
margin

  Revenues
  Operating
Income

  Operating
margin

 
 
  (millions)

   
  (millions)

   
 
Global   $ 173   $ 36   21 % $ 173   $ 42   24 %

North America

 

 

190

 

 

31

 

16

%

 

185

 

 

27

 

15

%
International     211     26   12 %   185     18   10 %

Total Retail

 

 

401

 

 

57

 

14

%

 

370

 

 

45

 

12

%
Corporate & other(1)           n/a         10   n/a  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Consolidated   $ 574   $ 93   16 % $ 543   $ 97   18 %
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Nine months ended September 30,
 
 
  2007
  2006
 
 
  Revenues
  Operating
Income

  Operating
margin

  Revenues
  Operating
Income

  Operating
margin

 
 
  (millions)

   
  (millions)

   
 
Global   $ 642   $ 218   34 % $ 619   $ 224   36 %

North America

 

 

585

 

 

106

 

18

%

 

563

 

 

71

 

13

%
International     712     160   22 %   625     122   20 %

Total Retail

 

 

1,297

 

 

266

 

21

%

 

1,188

 

 

193

 

16

%
Corporate & other(1)         (15 ) n/a         3   n/a  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Consolidated   $ 1,939   $ 469   24 % $ 1,807   $ 420   23 %
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
Corporate & other includes the costs of our holding company; certain foreign exchange hedging activities; amortization of intangibles; net gains and losses on the disposal of operations; and, in 2006, the $99 million profit on disposal of our London headquarters and the $84 million expenditure on Shaping our Future initiatives which were held centrally.

49


Third quarter 2007

Operating margin was 16 percent in third quarter 2007 compared with 18 percent in third quarter 2006. This decrease reflected the impact of:

    the $99 million pre-tax gain on the sale of our London headquarters in 2006 (equivalent to 18 percentage points); and

    a 300 basis point margin reduction in our Global operations, mainly reflecting the difficult reinsurance trading environment, partly offset by the benefit of our productivity initiatives and the benefit of a lower pension charge in our UK operations;

partly offset by

    the $84 million of expenditure to launch our Shaping our Future strategic initiatives in third quarter 2006 (equivalent to 15 percentage points); and

    a 200 basis point improvement in our retail margin, reflecting increased margins in both International and North America as a result of our focus on productivity and profitable growth, together with the benefit of a lower pension charge in our UK and US operations.

Nine months ended September 30, 2007

Operating margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was 24 percent compared with 23 percent in 2006. This increase reflected the impact of:

    the $88 million of expenditure in 2006 in support of our Shaping our Future strategic initiatives; and

    a 500 basis point improvement in our retail margin, reflecting the increased margins in both North America and International as a result of our focus on productivity and profitable growth, together with the benefit of a lower pension charge in our UK and US operations;

partly offset by

    the $99 million pre-tax gain on the sale of our London headquarters; and

    a 200 basis point reduction in Global's operating margin mainly reflecting the difficult reinsurance trading environment, partly offset by the benefit of our productivity initiatives and the benefit of a lower pension charge in our UK operations.

Income taxes

 
  Three months ended
September 30,

  Nine months ended
September 30,

 
 
  2007
  2006
  2007
  2006
 
 
  (millions, except percentages)

 
Income before taxes   $ 76   $ 88   $ 421   $ 393  
Income taxes     12     3     116     101  
Effective tax rate     16 %   3 %   28 %   26 %

Third quarter 2007

The effective tax rates for both third quarter 2007 and 2006 benefited from the release of tax provisions relating to prior tax periods following the resolution of tax issues surrounding prior debt refinancings. In addition, the third quarter 2006 effective tax rate benefited from a low tax rate on the sale of our London headquarters.

50


Nine months ended September 30, 2007

The increase in the effective tax rate from 26 percent in 2006 to 28 percent in 2007 mainly reflected the low rate of tax on the disposal of our London headquarters in 2006 partly offset by the implementation of tax strategies in 2007 and a change in the geographical mix of income.

Net income and earnings per diluted share

 
  Three months ended
September 30,

  Nine months ended
September 30,

 
  2007
  2006
  2007
  2006
 
  (millions, except per share data)

Net income   $ 67   $ 89   $ 314   $ 301
Earnings per diluted share   $ 0.46   $ 0.56   $ 2.12   $ 1.89
Average diluted number of shares outstanding     145     159     148     159

Third quarter 2007

Net income for third quarter 2007 was $67 million, or $0.46 per diluted share, compared with $89 million, or $0.56 per diluted share, in 2006 with the movement mainly reflecting the impact of:

    the $91 million post-tax gain on the sale of our London headquarters in third quarter 2006 (equivalent to $0.57 per diluted share); and

    a $6 million increase in post-tax interest expense reflecting increased long term borrowing to fund share buybacks and additional pension contributions (equivalent to $0.04 per diluted share);

partly offset by

    the $59 million post-tax impact of expenditure in 2006 to launch our Shaping our Future strategic initiatives (equivalent to $0.37 per diluted share); and

    increased revenues and the improved margin in third quarter 2007 as discussed above.

Foreign currency translation had a $0.02 adverse year on year impact on earnings per diluted share.

Average sharecount reduced from 159 million in third quarter 2006 to 145 million in third quarter 2007 primarily reflecting the 15 million shares repurchased under accelerated share repurchase programs in November 2006 and March 2007. After taking into account incremental funding costs, there was a $0.02 benefit to third quarter 2007 diluted earnings per share from these share buybacks.

Nine months ended September 30, 2007

Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was $314 million, or $2.12 per diluted share, compared with $301 million, or $1.89 per diluted share, in 2006 with the improvement mainly reflecting the impact of:

    the $59 million post-tax impact of expenditure in 2006 to launch our Shaping our Future strategic initiatives (equivalent to $0.37 per diluted share); and

    increased revenues and the improved margin in 2007 as discussed above;

partly offset by

    the $91 million post-tax gain on the sale of our London headquarters in third quarter 2006 (equivalent to $0.57 per diluted share); and

51


    a $15 million post-tax increase in interest expense reflecting increased long term borrowing to fund share buybacks and additional pension contributions (equivalent to $0.10 per diluted share).

Foreign currency translation had a $0.01 negative year on year impact on earnings per diluted share.

Average sharecount reduced from 159 million in the first nine months of 2006 to 148 million in the first nine months of 2007 primarily reflecting the impact of the 15 million shares repurchased under accelerated share repurchase programs in November 2006 and March 2007. After taking into account incremental funding costs, there was a $0.07 benefit to diluted earnings per share from these share buybacks for the first nine months of 2007.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

The accounting estimates or assumptions that management considers to be the most important to the presentation of the Company's financial condition or operating performance were discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006. There were no significant additions or changes to these assumptions in the first nine months of 2007.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

On November 1, 2007, the Board authorized a new share buyback program for $1 billion. This replaces our previous $1 billion buyback program and its remaining $308 million authorization.

In March 2007, we issued $600 million of 10 year senior notes at 6.20%. We used the proceeds of the notes to fund share buybacks in the period and to repay outstanding borrowings of $200 million under our revolving credit facility.

Under our previous $1 billion share buyback authorization, we repurchased 11.5 million shares at a cost of $458 million in the first nine months of 2007 through accelerated share repurchase programs. A $400 million accelerated share repurchase program that commenced in March 2007 was completed on October 18, 2007 with a final settlement of $23 million. We currently have no outstanding accelerated share repurchase programs.

On November 7, 2007, we executed an amendment to our revolving credit facility which increases our covenant leverage ratio from 2.5:1 to 3.0:1.

We continue to generate strong cash flows and we believe that these and the amendment to our revolving credit facility allow us flexibility in our capital planning. Our investment grade credit ratings were reaffirmed when we issued the $600 million of notes in the latter part of March 2007.

Operating activities

Net cash provided by operations, which excludes fiduciary cash movements, was $233 million in the first nine months of 2007 compared with $75 million in 2006. The $158 million increase reflects an $89 million increase in net income before gains relating to investment activities and the benefit of a $69 million reduction in incremental contributions to our UK and US defined benefit pension funds.

Investing activities

Total net cash used in investing activities was $179 million for the first nine months of 2007 compared with $35 million a year ago. The $144 million increase was mainly attributable to:

    a $100 million increased investment in fixed assets primarily reflecting capital spend on our new US and UK headquarters buildings; and

    cash proceeds on disposal of fixed and intangible assets of $21 million in the first nine months of 2007 compared with $58 million in 2006 which included $49 million relating to the first

52


      installment on the sale of our London headquarters. The remaining proceeds on the sale of our London headquarters of $153 million were received in November 2006.

Financing activities

Cash used in financing activities amounted to $142 million in the first nine months of 2007 with the $594 million proceeds, net of costs, of the March 2007 debt issue being more than offset by the $457 million repurchase of shares and the $200 million repayment on our revolving credit facility.

Cash dividends paid in the first nine months of 2007 were $107 million compared with $108 million a year ago as the cost of an increased dividend per share was offset by an 11 million reduction in basic shares outstanding, principally as a result of our share buyback program. In February 2007, the quarterly cash dividend declared was increased by 6 percent to $0.250 per share, an annual rate of $1.00 per share. At this rate, the expected annual cost of dividends payable in 2007 will be approximately $143 million. We have funded dividends from cash generated internally by operations and expect to do so in the future.

As of September 30, 2007, we had cash and cash equivalents of $210 million, compared with $288 million at December 31, 2006, and all of our $300 million revolving credit facility remained available to draw.

Contractual obligations

Our contractual obligations at September 30, 2007 were:

 
   
  Due within
   
Obligations

  Total at
September 30,
2007

  Due after
48 months

  12 months
  12–36 months
  36–48 months
 
  (millions)

5.125% Senior Notes due 2010   $ 250   $   $ 250   $   $
5.625% Senior Notes due 2015     350                 350
6.200% Senior Notes due 2017     600                 600
Interest on Senior Notes     550     70     139     114     227
Operating leases     1,300     72     119     128     981
Pensions     395     153     229     13    
Put options relating to subsidiaries and associates(i)     508     427     69         12
   
 
 
 
 
Total contractual obligations   $ 3,953   $ 722   $ 806   $ 255   $ 2,170
   
 
 
 
 

(i)
Based on the earliest dates on which options could be exercised.

On March 28, 2007, we issued $600 million of 10 year senior notes at 6.20%. We used the proceeds of the notes to fund share buybacks and to repay outstanding borrowings of $200 million under our revolving credit facility.

In November 2004, we entered into a 25 year agreement with British Land plc relating to our new UK headquarters in London. Construction commenced in early 2005 and our occupancy is targeted for early 2008.

Following changes to UK pensions legislation in 2005, we are now required to agree a funding strategy for our UK defined benefit plan with the plan's trustees. In July 2007, we agreed to make full year contributions of $153 million for 2007, 2008 and 2009 and $51 million of full year contributions for 2010.

53



In connection with many of our investments in less than wholly-owned subsidiaries and associates, we retain rights to increase our ownership percentage over time, typically to a majority or 100 percent ownership position. In addition, in certain instances, the other owners have a right, typically at a price calculated pursuant to a formula based on revenues or earnings, to put some or all of their shares to us.

As part of the 1997 acquisition of our initial 33 percent shareholding of Gras Savoye, we entered into a put arrangement, whereby the other shareholders in Gras Savoye (primarily two families, two insurance companies and Gras Savoye's executive management team) could put their shares to us. Until 2011, we will be obligated to buy the shares of certain shareholders to the extent those shareholders put their shares, potentially increasing our ownership from 38 percent to 90 percent if all shareholders put their shares, at a price determined by a contractual formula based on earnings and revenue. We acquired an additional 5 percent of Gras Savoye at a cost of $25 million under these arrangements in September 2006. Management shareholders of Gras Savoye (representing approximately 10 percent of shares) do not have general put rights before 2011, but have certain put rights on their death, disability or retirement from which payments, at December 31, 2006 based on the formula would not have exceeded $64 million. The shareholders may put their shares individually at any time during the put period.

We believe that, should the aggregate amount of Gras Savoye shares be put to us, sufficient funds would be available to satisfy this obligation. In addition, we have a call option to move to majority ownership under certain circumstances and in any event by December 2009. Upon exercising this call option, the remaining Gras Savoye shareholders have a put option.

Off-balance sheet transactions

Apart from commitments, guarantees and contingencies, as disclosed in Note 5 of Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company has no off-balance sheet arrangements that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a material effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

Item 3—Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Except as disclosed below, there has been no material change with respect to market risk from that described in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.

On March 28, 2007, the Company issued $600 million of 10 year senior notes at 6.20 percent, with a fair value as at September 28, 2007, of $603 million. The proceeds of the note issue, together with cash on hand, were used to fund $457 million of share repurchases during the first quarter and to repay the $200 million outstanding under the Company's revolving credit facility.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2007, we reviewed and refined our foreign exchange hedging policy. Our primary foreign exchange rate risk arises from changes in the exchange rate between US dollars and pounds sterling as our UK operations earn revenues in a mixture of currencies and incur expenses predominantly in pounds sterling.

54


Under the amended policy, this risk is hedged as follows:

    To the extent that forecast pound sterling expenses exceed pound sterling revenues, we limit our exposure to this exchange rate risk by the use of forward contracts matched to specific, clearly identified cash outflows arising in the ordinary course of business; and

    Our UK operations also earn significant revenues in Euros and Japanese Yen. We limit our exposure to changes in the exchange rate between the US dollar and these currencies by the use of forward contracts matched to a percentage of forecast cash inflows in specific currencies and periods.

Item 4—Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of September 30, 2007, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and the Group Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e). Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Group Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that the information required to be included in the Company's periodic SEC filings is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to them as appropriate to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

The Company introduced a new Broking system as part of the 'Shaping our Future' initiative in one business unit. The system went live on December 4, 2006, processing policies with inception dates after April 1, 2007 and consequently impacting financial periods commencing after April 1, 2007. The new system has resulted in a change in the controls over initiation, authorization, recording, processing and reporting of 'revenue' in the one business unit. The system is intended, among other things, to enhance the Company's internal controls over financial reporting.

There have been no changes in the Company's internal controls over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2007 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

55


PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1—Legal Proceedings

The information set forth in Note 5 of Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, provided in Part I, Item 1 of this report, is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 1A—Risk Factors

There have been no material changes to the risk factors described in Part I, Item 1A "Risk Factors" included in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.

Item 2—Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

During the quarter ended September 30, 2007, the Company issued a total of 7,641 shares of common stock without registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in reliance upon the exemption under Section 4(2) of such Act relating to sales by an issuer not involving a public offering, none of which involved the sale of more than 1% of the outstanding common stock of the Company.

The following sales of shares related to part consideration for the acquisition of interest in the following companies:

Date of Sale

  Number
of Shares

  Acquisition
September 28, 2007   7,641   Burkart Risk Consulting & Partner AG

The Company did not repurchase any of its own common stock during the quarter covered by this report.

On November 1, 2007, the Board of Directors authorized an open-ended plan to purchase, from time to time in the open market or through negotiated trades with persons who are not affiliates of the Company, shares of the Company's common stock at an aggregate purchase price of up to $1 billion. This authorization replaced the $308 million remaining under the Company's previously announced $1 billion repurchase plan.

Item 3—Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4—Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

None.

Item 5—Other Information

None.

Item 6—Exhibits

10.1
First Amendment dated November 7, 2007 to $300 million Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of October 17, 2005 among Willis North America Inc., Willis Group Holdings Limited, Banc of America Securities Limited, Bank of America, N.A., and the lenders listed therein.
31.1
Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)
31.2
Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)
32.1
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
32.2
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

56



SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

    WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED
(Registrant)

 

 

By:

 

/s/  
PATRICK C. REGAN      
Patrick C. Regan
Group Chief Financial Officer

Dated: November 9, 2007

57



EX-10.1 2 a2180622zex-10_1.htm EX-10.1
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Exhibit 10.1

EXECUTION COPY

AMENDMENT NO. 1

        Amendment No. 1 (this "Amendment"), dated as of November 7, 2007, among WILLIS NORTH AMERICA INC., (the "Borrower"), WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED, (the "Parent") and BANC OF AMERICA SECURITIES LIMITED, as administrative agent for the Lenders (in such capacity, the "Administrative Agent"), which Amendment amends that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of October 17, 2005, (the "Credit Agreement"), among the Borrower, the Parent, the Administrative Agent, and the Lenders and other parties thereto. Capitalized terms used herein but not defined herein are used as defined in the Credit Agreement.

W I T N E S S E T H:

        WHEREAS, the Borrower, the Lenders and the Administrative Agent are currently party to the Credit Agreement; and

        WHEREAS, the Borrower has requested that the Administrative Agent and the Required Lenders agree to amend provisions of the Credit Agreement set forth below.

        NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the covenants and obligations contained herein the parties hereto agree as follows:

    Section 1.    Amendment to Section 6.06

        The Credit Agreement is, effective as of the Amendment Effective Date (hereinafter defined) and subject to the satisfaction (or due waiver) of the conditions set forth in Section 2 (Conditions Precedent to the Effectiveness of this Amendment) hereof, hereby amended by deleting Section 6.06 (Leverage Ratio) in its entirety and inserting in lieu thereof the following:

    Leverage Ratio.  The Parent will not permit the Leverage Ratio as of the end of any fiscal quarter to exceed 3.0 to 1.0.

    Section 2.    Conditions Precedent to the Effectiveness of this Amendment

        This Amendment shall become effective as of the date hereof when each of the following conditions precedent shall have been satisfied (the "Amendment Effective Date") or duly waived by the Administrative Agent or the Lenders:

        (a)   Certain Documents.    The Administrative Agent shall have received each of the following, each dated the Amendment Effective Date (unless otherwise agreed by the Administrative Agent), in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent:

            (i)    this Amendment, duly executed by the Borrower, the Guarantors and the Administrative Agent; and

            (ii)   consents in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A from Lenders constituting the Required Lenders.

        (b)   Certain Payments.    The Administrative Agent shall have received each of the following:

            (i)    the Amendment Fee (as defined below); and

            (ii)   all other amounts due and payable under the Credit Agreement on or prior to the Amendment Effective Date, including, to the extent invoiced, all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses of the Administrative Agent (including, without limitation, the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP, counsel for the Administrative Agent).



        (c)   Representations and Warranties.    The representations and warranties of the Loan Parties set forth in the Loan Documents shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Amendment Effective Date, in each case as if made on and as of such date and except to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically relate to a specific date, in which case such representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all material respects as of such specific date; provided, however, that references therein to the "Credit Agreement" shall be deemed to refer to the Credit Agreement as amended by this Amendment; and

        (d)   No Default or Event of Default.    After giving effect to this Amendment, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

    Section 3.    Representations and Warranties

        On and as of the Amendment Effective Date, after giving effect to this Amendment, the Borrower hereby represents and warrants to the Administrative Agent and each Lender as follows:

        (a)   this Amendment has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Borrower and each Guarantor; and this Amendment and the Credit Agreement, as amended by this Amendment, constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of the Borrower and each Guarantor, enforceable against the Borrower and each Guarantor in accordance with their terms;

        (b)   the representations and warranties of the Loan Parties set forth in the Loan Documents are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Amendment Effective Date, in each case as if made on and as of such date and except to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically relate to a specific date, in which case such representations and warranties are or shall be true and correct in all material respects as of such specific date; provided, however, that references therein to the "Credit Agreement" shall be deemed to refer to the Credit Agreement as amended by this Amendment; and

        (c)   no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

    Section 4.    Amendment Fee

        In consideration of the agreements of the Lenders contained in this Amendment, the Parent and the Borrower jointly agree to pay to the Administrative Agent, for the account of each Lender that delivers an executed consent prior to 4:00 p.m., New York City time, on November 7, 2007, an amendment fee (the "Amendment Fee") in an amount separately disclosed or agreed in writing.

    Section 5.    Reference to the Effect on the Credit Agreement

        (a)   As of the Amendment Effective Date, each reference in the Credit Agreement to "this Agreement," "hereunder," "hereof," "herein," or words of like import, shall mean and be a reference to the Credit Agreement as modified hereby, and this Amendment and the Credit Agreement shall be read together and construed as a single instrument. This Amendment shall constitute a Loan Document.

        (b)   Except as expressly amended hereby, all of the terms and provisions of the Credit Agreement are and shall remain in full force and effect and are hereby ratified and confirmed.

        (c)   The execution, delivery and effectiveness of this Amendment shall not, except as expressly provided herein, operate as a waiver of any right, power or remedy of the Lenders, the Administrative Agent under the Credit Agreement, nor constitute a waiver or amendment of any other provision of the Credit Agreement or for any purpose except as expressly set forth herein.

    Section 6.    Execution in Counterparts

        This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement. Signature pages may be detached


from multiple separate counterparts and attached to a single counterpart so that all signature pages are attached to the same document. Delivery of an executed signature page of this Amendment by facsimile transmission or electronic mail shall be as effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart hereof. A set of the copies of this Amendment signed by all parties shall be lodged with the Borrower and the Administrative Agent.

    Section 7.    Governing Law

        This Amendment and the rights and obligations of the parties hereto shall be governed by, and construed and interpreted in accordance with, the law of the State of New York.

    Section 8.    Section Titles

        The section titles contained in this Amendment are and shall be without substantive meaning or content of any kind whatsoever and are not a part of the agreement between the parties hereto, except when used to reference a section. Any reference to the number of a clause, sub-clause or subsection hereof immediately followed by a reference in parenthesis to the title of the Section containing such clause, sub-clause or subsection is a reference to such clause, sub-clause or subsection and not the entire Section; provided, however, that in the case of direct conflict between the reference to the title and the reference to the number of such Section, the reference to the title shall govern absent manifest error. If any reference to the number of a Section (but not to any clause, sub-clause or subsection thereof) is followed immediately by a reference in parenthesis to the title of a Section, the title reference shall govern in case of direct conflict absent manifest error.

    Section 9.    Notices

        All communications and notices hereunder shall be given in accordance with the Credit Agreement.

    Section 10.    Successors

        This Amendment shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

    Section 11.    Consent of Guarantors

        Each Guarantor hereby consents to this Amendment and agrees that the terms hereof shall not affect in any way its obligations and liabilities under the Loan Documents (as amended and otherwise expressly modified hereby), all of which obligations and liabilities shall remain in full force and effect and each of which is hereby reaffirmed (as amended and otherwise expressly modified hereby).

    Section 12.    Waiver of Jury Trial

        EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY WAIVES TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING WITH RESPECT TO THIS AMENDMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT.

[SIGNATURE PAGES FOLLOW]


        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be executed by their respective officers and general partners thereunto duly authorized, as of the date first written above.

    WILLIS NORTH AMERICA INC.,
as Borrower

 

 

By:


Name:
Title:

 

 

WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED,
as Parent

 

 

By:


Name: Patrick C. Regan
Title:
Chief Financial Officer

 

 

TA I LIMITED,
TA II LIMITED,
TA III LIMITED,
TRINITY ACQUISITION LIMITED,
TA IV LIMITED, AND
WILLIS GROUP LIMITED

each as a Guarantor

 

 

By:


Name: Patrick C. Regan
Title:
Chief Financial Officer

 

 

BANC OF AMERICA SECURITIES LIMITED,

 

 

By:


Name:
Title:


EXHIBIT A

LENDER CONSENT
TO
AMENDMENT NO. 1

        The undersigned is a Lender party to the Credit Agreement, dated as of October 17, 2005 (the "Credit Agreement"), among WILLIS NORTH AMERICA INC., (the "Borrower"), WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED, (the "Parent"), BANC OF AMERICA SECURITIES LIMITED, as administrative agent for the Lenders (in such capacity, the "Administrative Agent"), the Lenders and other parties thereto. Unless otherwise specified herein, all capitalized terms used in this Lender Consent shall have the meaning ascribed to such terms in the Amendment (as defined below) or the Credit Agreement, as the context requires.

        The undersigned hereby: (i) consents, pursuant to and in accordance with Section 9.02 (Waivers; Amendments.) of the Credit Agreement, to amendments and other terms of Amendment No. 1 to the Credit Agreement (the "Amendment") and (ii) acknowledges and agrees (a) to be bound by the terms of the Amendment, (b) that the terms of the Amendment shall not affect the undersigned's obligations and liabilities as a Lender under the Loan Documents (other than as expressly described in such Amendment) and (c) that all of such obligations and liabilities remain in full force and effect and are hereby reaffirmed.

        Delivery of this consent by telecopy or e-mail shall be as effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this consent.

        The terms of this Lender Consent shall be binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, the parties to the Loan Documents (including, without limitation, the Borrower) and their respective successors and assigns.

        This consent shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of the State of New York.

        Dated as of November     , 2007.

   
[Name of Lender]

 

 

By:


Name:
Title:



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AMENDMENT NO. 1
EXHIBIT A
LENDER CONSENT TO AMENDMENT NO. 1
EX-31.1 3 a2180622zex-31_1.htm EX-31.1
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        Exhibit 31.1


CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14(a)

I, Joseph J. Plumeri, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Willis Group Holdings Limited;

2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: November 9, 2007

 
 
 
  By: /s/ JOSEPH J. PLUMERI
   
    Joseph J. Plumeri
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer



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CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14(a)
EX-31.2 4 a2180622zex-31_2.htm EX-31.2
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        Exhibit 31.2


CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14(a)

I, Patrick C. Regan, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Willis Group Holdings Limited;

2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: November 9, 2007

 
 
 
  By: /s/ PATRICK C. REGAN
   
    Patrick C. Regan
Group Chief Financial Officer



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CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14(a)
EX-32.1 5 a2180622zex-32_1.htm EX-32.1
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        Exhibit 32.1


CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

        In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007, of Willis Group Holdings Limited (the "Company"), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Joseph J. Plumeri, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, certify that:

(1)
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2)
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date: November 9, 2007

 
 
 
  By: /s/ JOSEPH J. PLUMERI
   
    Joseph J. Plumeri
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

        A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Willis Group Holdings Limited and will be retained by Willis Group Holdings Limited and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.




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CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
EX-32.2 6 a2180622zex-32_2.htm EX-32.2
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        Exhibit 32.2


CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

        In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007, of Willis Group Holdings Limited (the "Company"), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Patrick C. Regan, Group Chief Financial Officer of the Company, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, certify that:

(1)
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2)
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date: November 9, 2007

 
 
 
  By: /s/ PATRICK C. REGAN
   
    Patrick C. Regan
Group Chief Financial Officer

        A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Willis Group Holdings Limited and will be retained by Willis Group Holdings Limited and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.




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CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
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