Merger Update

Invitation to Comment

Anticipated acquisition of HSBC Insurance Brokers Limited by Marsh & McLennan Companies Inc

The Office of Fair Trading is considering whether arrangements are in progress or in contemplation which, if carried into effect, will result in the creation of a relevant merger situation under the merger provisions of the Enterprise Act 2002. Should it be found to be a relevant merger situation, the OFT will further consider whether the creation of that situation may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the United Kingdom for goods or services that warrants reference to the Competition Commission for investigation and report.

Affected sector: insurance, reinsurance.

Please send written representations about any competition or public interest issues

to:

Dimitrios Sinaniotis

Office of Fair Trading

Fleetbank House

2-6 Salisbury Square

London EC4Y 8JX

Email: dimitrios.sinaniotis@oft.gsi.gov.uk 

Fax: 020 7211 8916

to arrive by 15 February 2010.