Exhibit 99.1

Willis Acquires The Grande Insurance Brokers in Hong Kong; Continues Asia
Expansion

     LONDON & NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 5, 2004--Willis Group Holdings
(NYSE: WSH), the global insurance broker, announces the purchase of the business
portfolio of Hong Kong-based insurance broker The Grande Insurance Broker
Limited (Grande). Terms of the transaction are not disclosed.
     Willis has assumed responsibility and control of the business with
immediate effect. The integration of the business will be completed by November
1, 2004, at which time all Grande staff will have transferred to Willis offices
at Lee Gardens, Hong Kong.
     The Grande Insurance Brokers Limited is a Hong Kong licensed general
insurance broker serving middle market corporate clients, particularly in the
financial and professional risk sectors. It has annual revenues of around
HK$5,500,000 (US$700,000).
     Welcoming the Grande team to Willis, Joe Plumeri, Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of Willis said: "This acquisition reflects our commitment to
expanding in Asia, where we see excellent opportunities for growth. Following
recent regulatory approval for our Chinese joint venture, Willis Pudong
Insurance Brokers, to operate throughout China, Willis is now the fastest
growing international insurance broker in the Greater China area and we will
continue to seek further opportunities for expansion in the region, including
via acquisition".

     Willis Group Holdings Limited is a leading global insurance broker,
developing and delivering professional insurance, reinsurance, risk management,
financial and human resource consulting and actuarial services to corporations,
public entities and institutions around the world. With over 300 offices in more
than 100 countries, its global team of 13,000 associates serves clients in some
180 countries. Additional information on Willis may be found on its web site
www.willis.com.

     CONTACT: Willis Group Holdings
              Investors Contact:
              Kerry K. Calaiaro, 212-837-0880
              calaiaro_ke@willis.com
              or
              Media Contact:
              Nicholas Jones, +44 20 7488-8190
              jonesnr@willis.com
              or
              Dan Prince, 212-837-0806
              prince_da@willis.com