SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER 2002
WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Ten Trinity Square
London EC3P 3AX, England
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or
will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F of Form 40-F.)
Form 20-F x Form 40-F ___
(Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by
furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby
furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule
12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.)
Yes ___ No x
------
(If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the
registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82- .)
( BW)(NY-WILLIS-GROUP)(WSH) Willis Acquires Leading Sports and
Entertainment Insurance Brokerage
Business Editors
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 18, 2002--Willis Group Holdings
(NYSE: WSH), the global insurance broker, today announces that it has
signed an agreement to acquire the assets of Special Risk Advisors
International, LLC of Marietta, Georgia, one of the leading sports and
entertainment insurance brokerage firms in the world.
Terms of the transaction are not disclosed.
Founded in 1998, Special Risk Advisors has developed significant
relationships with teams and companies in both the sports and
entertainment industries. The firm helps manage the risks associated
with contracts within the athletic and entertainment arena. Special
Risk Advisors also works with companies involved in the management of
events and promotions, assisting them with event cancellation and
prize indemnity insurance.
As part of the transaction, Michael Wright, president of Special
Risk Advisors, will become Practice Group Leader for Willis' Sports
and Entertainment Practice.
"Michael Wright has shown tremendous leadership and
entrepreneurialism in building Special Risk Advisors into a formidable
company in the sports and entertainment industries." said Joe Plumeri,
Chairman and CEO of Willis. "Blending its industry knowledge with a
creative approach to risk management, Special Risk Advisors is able to
meet its clients' unique insurance needs with an eye on budget
concerns.
"This acquisition is consistent with our growth strategy of
building our presence in key targeted industries and reflects the
Willis model of combining access to global resources with industry
expertise and close client relationships," continued Plumeri.
Joining Mr. Plumeri in making the announcement, Michael Wright
added, "As a global insurance broker promoting entrepreneurialism and
exhibiting a passion for client service, Willis is a unique company in
the current insurance landscape. By joining Willis, we bring their
access to global markets and strong practice groups directly to our
clients. We are excited at the prospects that lie ahead."
Willis Group Holdings 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 world-wide, Willis' global team of 13,000
Associates serves clients in 180 countries. Willis has particular
expertise in serving the needs of clients in such major industries as
construction, aerospace, marine and energy. In June 2001, Willis
returned to public ownership and is listed on the New York Stock
Exchange. Additional information on Willis may be found on its web
site www.willis.com .
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CONTACT: Willis Group Holdings
Investors:
Kerry K. Calaiaro
+1 212 837-0880
Email: calaiaro_ke@willis.com
or
Media:
Nicholas Jones
+1 44 20 7488-8190
Email: jonesnr@willis.com
or
Dan Prince
+1 212 837-0806
Email: prince_da@willis.com
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by
the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED
By: /s/ Mary E. Caiazzo
------------------------------------
Mary E. Caiazzo
Assistant General Counsel
Date: DECEMBER 18, 2002