UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K10-K/A

Amendment No. 1

(Mark One)

x
(Mark One)
þ
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012

or

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011
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 PUBLIC

LIMITED COMPANY

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Ireland 98-0352587
Ireland

(Jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 98-0352587

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

c/o Willis Group Limited

51 Lime Street, London EC3M 7DQ, England

(Address of principal executive offices)

(011) 44-20-3124-6000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each Class
Ordinary Shares, nominal value $0.000115 per share
 Name of each exchange on which registered
Ordinary Shares, nominal value $0.000115 per shareNew York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  þx    No  o¨

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    Yes  o¨    No  þx

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  þx    No  o¨

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 ofRegulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  þx    No  o¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 ofRegulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the Registrant’s knowledge, in definite proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of thisForm 10-K or any amendment to thisForm 10-K.  ¨þ

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definition of ‘large accelerated filer’, ‘accelerated filer’ and ‘smaller reporting company’ inRule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filerxAccelerated filer¨
Non-accelerated filerLarge accelerated filer þ¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)Accelerated filer oNon-accelerated filer oSmaller reporting companyo¨
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined inRule 12b-2 of the Act).    Yes  o¨    No  þx

As of February 17, 2012, the

The aggregate market value of the voting stockcommon equity held by non-affiliates of the Registrant, computed by reference to the last reported price at which the Registrant’s common equity was approximately $5,813,892,215.

sold on June 30, 2012 (the last day of the Registrant’s most recently completed second quarter) was $6,321,819,520.

As of February 17, 2012,April 24, 2013, there were outstanding 174,139,971173,924,866 ordinary shares, nominal value $0.000115 per share, of the Registrant.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions

None.


Table of Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company’s Proxy Statement for its 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part I and Part III of thisForm 10-K.Contents


Certain Definitions
The following definitions apply throughout this annual report unless the context requires otherwise:
‘We’, ‘Us’, ‘Company’, ‘Group’, ‘Willis’ or ‘Our’Willis Group Holdings and its subsidiaries.
‘Willis Group Holdings’ or ‘Willis Group Holdings plc’Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company, a company organized under the laws of Ireland.
‘Willis-Bermuda’Willis Group Holdings Limited, a company organized under the laws of Bermuda.
‘shares’The ordinary shares of Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company, nominal value $0.000115 per share.
‘HRH’Hilb Rogal & Hobbs Company.

2

Explanatory Note


Table Of Contents
   i  

PART III

   Page
Forward-Looking Statements4
PART I1  
10

 6
14
23
24
24
24
PART II
25
28
29
62
67
152
152
154
PART III

  1551

 

  15714

 

  15762

 

  15766

 157
PART IV

   67

  
71

Item 15

—Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

  15871

Signatures

  163
EX-10.1477
EX-10.45
EX-10.46
EX-21.1
EX-23.1
EX-31.1
EX-31.2
EX-32.1
EX-32.2
EX-101 INSTANCE DOCUMENT
EX-101 SCHEMA DOCUMENT
EX-101 CALCULATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
EX-101 LABELS LINKBASE DOCUMENT
EX-101 PRESENTATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
EX-101 DEFINITION LINKBASE DOCUMENT


3


Explanatory Note

Willis Group Holdings plc
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 that address activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate may occur in the future, including such things as our outlook, future capital expenditures, growth in commissions and fees, business strategies, competitive strengths, goals, the 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 the following:
•  the impact of any regional, national or global political, economic, business, competitive, market, environmental or regulatory conditions on our global business operations;
•  the impact of current financial market conditions on our results of operations and financial condition, including as a result of those associated with the current Eurozone sovereign debt crisis any insolvencies of or other difficulties experienced by our clients, insurance companies or financial institutions;
•  our ability to implement and realize anticipated benefits of the 2011 Operational Review or any revenue generating initiatives;
•  the volatility or declines in insurance markets and premiums on which our commissions are based, but which we do not control;
•  our ability to continue to manage our significant indebtedness;
•  our ability to compete effectively in our industry, including the impact of our refusal to accept contingent commissions from carriers in the non-Employee Benefit areas of our retail brokerage business;
•  material changes in commercial property and casualty markets generally or the availability of insurance products or changes in premiums resulting from a catastrophic event, such as a hurricane, or otherwise;
•  our ability to retain key employees and clients and attract new business;
•  the timing and ability to carry out share repurchases and redemptions;
•  the timing or ability to carry out refinancing or take other steps to manage our capital and the limitations in our long-term debt agreements that may restrict our ability to take these actions;
•  any fluctuations in exchange and interest rates that could affect expenses and revenue;
•  the potential costs and difficulties in complying with a wide variety of foreign laws and regulations and any related changes, given the global scope of our operations;
•  rating agency actions that could inhibit our ability to borrow funds or the pricing thereof;
•  a significant decline in the value of investments that fund our pension plans or changes in our pension plan liabilities or funding obligations;
•  our ability to achieve the expected strategic benefits of transactions;
•  the impairment of the goodwill of one of our reporting units, in which case we may be required to record significant charges to earnings;
•  our ability to receive dividends or other distributions in needed amounts from our subsidiaries;
•  changes in the tax or accounting treatment of our operations;
•  any potential impact from the US healthcare reform legislation;
•  our involvements in and the results of any regulatory investigations, legal proceedings and other contingencies;


4


About Willis
•  underwriting, advisory or reputational risks associated with non-core operations as well as the potential significant impact our non-core operations (including our Loan Protector operations) can have on our financial results;
•  our exposure to potential liabilities arising from errors and omissions and other potential claims against us; and
•  the interruption or loss of our information processing systems or failure to maintain secure information systems.
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.
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 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.


5


(“Willis Group Holdings, plc
PART I
Item” the “Registrant” or the “Company” and, together with our subsidiaries, “we,” “us” or “our”) is filing this Amendment No. 1 — Business
History and Development ofto the Company
Willis Group Holdings is the ultimate holding companyAnnual Report on Form 10-K (this “Amendment”) to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Group. We trace our history to 1828 and are one of the largest insurance brokers in the world.
Willis Group Holdings was incorporated in Ireland on September 24, 2009 to facilitate the change of the place of incorporation of the parent company of the Group from Bermuda to Ireland (the ‘Redomicile’). Atfiscal year ended December 31, 2009, the common shares of Willis-Bermuda were canceled, the Willis-Bermuda common shareholders received, on aone-for-one basis, new ordinary shares of Willis Group Holdings, and Willis Group Holdings became the ultimate parent company for the Group.
For administrative convenience, we utilize the offices of a subsidiary company as our principal executive offices. The address is:
Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company
c/o Willis Group Limited
The Willis Building
51 Lime Street
London EC3M 7DQ
England
Tel: +44 203 124 6000
For several years, we have focused on our core retail and specialist broking operations. In 2008, we acquired HRH, at the time the eighth largest insurance and risk management intermediary in the United States. The acquisition almost doubled our North America revenues and created critical mass in key markets including California, Florida, Texas, Illinois, New York, Boston, New Jersey and Philadelphia. In addition, we have made a number of smaller acquisitions around the world and increased our ownership in several of our associates and existing subsidiaries, which were not wholly-owned, where doing so strengthened our retail network and our specialty businesses.
Available Information
The Company files annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information2012 (the “Original Form 10-K”) that was originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the ‘SEC’“SEC”). You may on February 28, 2013.

This Amendment is being filed solely to include the information required in Part III (Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14) of Form 10-K that was previously omitted from the Original Form 10-K in reliance on General Instruction G(3) to Form 10-K. General Instruction G(3) to Form 10-K allows such omitted information to be filed as an amendment to the Original Form 10-K or incorporated by reference from the Company’s definitive proxy statement which involves the election of directors not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by the Original Form 10-K. As of the date of this Amendment, the Company does not intend to file a definitive proxy statement containing the information required in Part III within such 120-day period. Accordingly, the Company is filing this Amendment to include such omitted information as part of the Original Form 10-K.

Except as expressly set forth herein, this Amendment does not reflect events that occurred after the date of the Original Form 10-K and does not modify or update any of the other disclosures contained therein in any way. This Amendment No. 1 should be read in conjunction with the Original Form 10-K and copy any documents we file at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE Washington, DC 20549. Please call the SEC at1-800-SEC-0330 for information on the Public Reference Room. The SEC maintains a website that contains annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements andCompany’s other information that issuers (including Willis Group Holdings) file electronicallyfilings with the SEC. The SEC’s website is www.sec.gov.

The Company makes available, freeThis Amendment consists solely of charge through our website, www.willis.com, our annual report onForm 10-K, our quarterly reports onForm 10-Q, our proxy statement, current reports onForm 8-Kthe preceding cover page, this explanatory note, Part III (Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and Forms 3, 4,14), the signature page and 5the certifications required to be filed on behalf of directors and executive officers, as well as any amendmentsexhibits to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the ‘Exchange Act’) as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. Unless specifically incorporated by reference, information on our website is not a part of this Amendment.

i


Form 10-K.PART III

The Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, Audit Committee Charter, Risk Committee Charter, Compensation Committee Charter

Item 10—Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Directors

The following table sets forth, as of April 24, 2013, the name, age and summary background of each of our current directors and director nominees. Directors are elected by our shareholders at our Annual General Meeting of Shareholders and serve until the next Annual General Meeting of Shareholders or until his or her earlier resignation or removal. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Charter are available on(the “Governance Committee”) has reviewed the needs of the Board and the qualities, experience and performance of each director.

At the Governance Committee’s recommendation, the Board has renominated all current directors except Joseph J. Plumeri, our website, www.willis.com, in the Investor Relations-Corporate Governance section, or upon request. Requests for copiesformer CEO of these documents should be directed in writing to the Company Secretaryc/o Office of General Counsel, Willis Group Holdings Public Limitedplc, who is retiring as Chairman and as a director on July 7, 2013, and Joseph A. Califano and Jeffrey B. Lane, who have informed the Board of their respective decision not to stand for re-election at the Company’s 2013 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders. In addition, the Board has nominated Jeffrey W. Ubben for election to the Board.

Director and Director Nominees  Age  Director
Since
  Summary Background

Joseph A. Califano, Jr.

  81  2004  Former U.S. Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare

Dominic Casserley

  55  2013  CEO of Willis Group Holdings plc

Anna C. Catalano

  53  2006  Former Group Vice President, Marketing for BP plc

Sir Roy Gardner

  67  2006  Chairman of Compass Group, PLC

The Rt. Hon. Sir Jeremy Hanley, KCMG

  67  2006  Former Member of Parliament for Richmond and Barnes

Robyn S. Kravit

  61  2008  Chief Executive Officer of Tethys Research, LLC

Jeffrey B. Lane

  70  2008  Former Chairman and CEO of Bear Stearns Asset Management

Wendy E. Lane

  61  2004  Chairman of Lane Holdings, Inc.

James F. McCann

  61  2004  Chairman and CEO of 1-800-Flowers

Joseph J. Plumeri

  69  2001  Former CEO of Willis Group Limited plc

Douglas B. Roberts

  65  2003  Professor and the Director for Institute of Public Policy and Social Research - Michigan State University

Dr. Michael J. Somers

  70  2010  Former CEO of Irish National Treasury Management Agency

Jeffrey W. Ubben

  51  Nominee  Founder and CEO of ValueAct Capital Management

Nominees for Election

The Company One World Financial Center, 200 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10281.


6


About Willis
General
We provideis a broad range ofleading global insurance brokerage, reinsurancebroker and risk advisor. Through its subsidiaries, Willis develops and delivers professional insurance, reinsurance, risk management, financial and human resources consulting and actuarial services to our clients worldwide. We have significant market positions incorporations, public entities and institutions around the United States, in the United Kingdom and, directly and through our associates, in many other countries. We are a recognized leader in providing specialized risk management advisory and other services on a global basis to clients in various industries including aerospace, marine, construction and energy.
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, helping clients determine the best means of managing risk, and negotiating and placing insurance with insurance carriers through our global distribution network.
We assist clients in the assessment of their risks, advise on the best ways of transferring suitable risk to the global insurance and reinsurance markets and then execute the transactions at the most appropriate available price, terms and conditions for our clients. Our global distribution network enables us to place the risk in the most appropriate insurance or reinsurance market worldwide.
We also offer clients a broad range of services to help them to identify and control their risks. These services range from strategic risk consulting (including providing actuarial analyses), to a variety of due diligence services, to the provision of practicalon-site risk control services (such as health and safety or property loss control consulting) as well as analytical and advisory services (such as hazard modeling and reinsurance optimization studies). We assist clients in planning how to manage incidents or crises when they occur. These services include contingency planning, security audits and product tampering plans. We are not an insurance company and therefore we do not underwrite insurable risks for our own account.
We and our associates serve a diverse base of clients including major multinational and middle-market companies in a variety of industries, as well as public institutions and individual clients. Many of our client relationships span decades.world. We have approximately 20,00021,000 employees around the world (including approximately 3,3003,400 at our associate companies) and a network of in excess of 400 offices in nearlyapproximately 120 countries.
We believe we

Directors are oneresponsible for overseeing the Company’s business around the globe consistent with their fiduciary duties. This requires highly-skilled individuals with various qualities, attributes and professional experience. The Governance Committee believes that the slate of onlynominees as a few insurance brokerswhole reflects the collective knowledge, integrity, reputation, and leadership abilities, and, as discussed more below, the diversity of skills and experience with respect to accounting and financial services, government and regulation, marketing and operations and global markets that the governance of the Company requires.

Qualifications

When recommending a person for new or continued membership on the Board, the Governance Committee considers each nominee’s individual qualifications in light of the overall mix of attributes represented on the Board and the Company’s current and future needs. In its assessment of each nominee, the Governance Committee considers the person’s integrity, experience, reputation, independence and when the person is a current director of the Company, his or her performance as a director. The Governance Committee considers each director’s ability to devote the time and effort necessary to fulfill responsibilities to the Company and, for current directors, whether each director has attended at least 75% of the aggregate of the total number of meetings held by the Board and any committee on which he or she served. In 2012 each director satisfied this requirement. The Governance Committee believes service on other public or private boards (including international companies) also enhances a director’s knowledge and board experience. It considers the experience of a director on other boards and board committees in both this nomination decision and in recommending the membership slate for each of the Company Board’s Committees.

The Governance Committee believes that including directors having current and previous leadership positions is important to the Board’s ability to oversee management. Extensive knowledge of the Company’s business and the industry is an important quality for directors. Additionally, because of the Company’s global reach, international experience or knowledge of a key geographic area is also important. As the Company’s business also requires continuous compliance with regulatory requirements and agencies, it is imperative for some directors to have legal, governmental, political or diplomatic expertise. If a person has served or currently serves in the world possessing the global operating presence, broad product expertisepublic arena (whether through political service, employment as a CEO of a public company or membership on a board of a public company), his or her integrity and extensive distribution network necessary to meet effectively the global risk management needsreputation is also a matter of many of our clients.

Business Strategy
Our aim is to be the insurance broker and risk adviser of choice globally.
Our business model is aligned to the needs of each client segment:
•  Insurer — platform-neutral capital management and advisory services;
•  Large Accounts — delivering Willis’s global capabilities through client advocacy;
•  Mid-Market — mass-customization through our Sales 2.0 model;
•  Commercial — providing product and services to networks of retail brokers; and
•  Personal — focused on affinity models and High Net Worth segments.
Our business model has three elements:
•  Organic growth;
•  Recruitment of teams and individuals; and
•  Strategic acquisitions.


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Willis Group Holdings plc
To meet the needs of our clients, we realigned our business model in 2011 to further grow the company and position us to deliver the Willis Cause:
•  we thoroughly understand our clients’ needs and their industries;
•  we develop client solutions with the best markets, price and terms;
•  we relentlessly deliver quality client service; and
•  we get claims paid quickly
...With Integrity
Our Business
Insurance and reinsurance is a global business,public record on which Company and its participants are affected byshareholders may rely. The Governance Committee also believes that the Company distinguishes itself from its competitors through marketing and, as a result, a strong marketing perspective should be represented. In light of its public and global trendsnature (including conducting business in capacitydifferent countries and pricing. Accordingly, we operatecurrencies), the Company also seeks international experience and a high level of financial literacy and experience on the Board and Audit Committee.

Diversity

The Company is committed to maintaining diversity on the Board as one global business which ensures all clients’ interests are handled efficiently and comprehensively, whatever their initial point of contact. We organize our business into three segments: North America and International, which together comprise our principal retail operations, and Global. In 2011 and 2010, approximately 50 percent of our total revenue was generated from within the US, with no other country contributing in excess of 20 percent. For information regarding revenues, operating income and total assets per segment, see Note 27 of the Consolidated Financial Statements contained herein.

Global
Our Global business provides specialist brokerage and consulting services to clients worldwide for the risks arising from specific industrial and commercial activities. In these operations, we have extensive specialized experience handling diverse lines of coverage, including complex insurance programs, and acting as an intermediary between retail brokers and insurers. We increasingly provide consulting services on risk management with the objective of assisting clients to reduce the overall cost of risk. Our Global business serves clients in over 150 countries, primarily from officesprovided in the United Kingdom, although we also serve clients from offices inCompany’s Corporate Governance Guidelines. The Board and the United States, Continental EuropeGovernance Committee believe that diversity on the Board is important to ensuring a rounded perspective. Diversity is broadly interpreted by the Board to include viewpoints, background, experience, industry knowledge, and Asia.
The Global business is divided into:
•  Global Specialties;
•  Willis Re;
•  Willis Faber & Dumas (formerly London Market Wholesale); and
•  Willis Capital Markets & Advisory.
Global Specialties
Global Specialties has strong global positions in Aerospace, Energy, Marine, Construction, Financial and Executive Risksgeography, as well as Financial Solutions.
•  Aerospace
We are highly experienced in the provision of insurance and reinsurance brokerage and risk management services to Aerospace clients worldwide, including aircraft manufacturers, air cargo handlers and shippers, airport managers and other general aviation companies. Advisory services provided by Aerospace include claims recovery, contract and leasing risk management, safety services and market information. Aerospace’s clients include approximately one third of the world’s airlines. The specialist Inspace division is also prominent in supplying the space industry through providing insurance and risk management services to approximately 30 companies.


8


About Willis
•  Energy
Our Energy practice provides insurance brokerage services including property damage, offshore construction, liability and control of well and pollution insurance to the energy industry. Our Energy practice clients are worldwide. We are highly experienced in providing insurance brokerage for all aspects of the energy industry including exploration and production, refining and marketing, offshore construction and pipelines.
•  Marine
Our Marine unit provides marine insurance and reinsurance brokerage services, including hull, cargo and general marine liabilities. Marine’s clients include ship owners, ship builders, logistics operators, port authorities, traders and shippers, other insurance intermediaries and insurance companies. Marine insurance brokerage is our oldest line of business dating back to our establishment in 1828.
•  Construction
Our Construction practice provides risk management advice and brokerage services for a wide range of UK and international construction activities. The clients of the Construction practice include contractors, project owners, project managers, project financiers, professional consultants and insurers. We are a broker for a number of the leading global construction firms.
•  Financial and Executive Risks
Our Financial and Executive Risks unit specializes in broking directors’ and officers’ insurance as well as professional indemnity insurance for corporations and professional firms.
•  Financial Solutions
Financial Solutions is a global business unit which incorporates our political risk unit, as well as structured finance and credit teams. It also places structured crime and specialist liability insurance for clients across the broad spectrum of financial institutions as well as specializing in strategic risk assessment and transactional risk transfer solutions.
Willis Re
We are one of the world’s largest intermediaries for reinsurance and have a significant market share in all of the world’s major markets. Our clients are both insurance and reinsurance companies.
We operate this business on a global basis and provide a complete range of transactional capabilities, including, in conjunction with Willis Capital Markets & Advisory, a wide variety of capital markets based products. Our services are underpinned by leading modeling, financial analysis and risk management advice. We bolster and enhance all of these services with the cutting edge knowledge derived from our Willis Research Network, the insurance industry’s largest partnership with global academic research.
Willis Faber & Dumas
This business unit was created on January 1, 2011 and amalgamates Faber & Dumas and Global Markets International. Prior to January 1, 2012, this unit was known as London Market Wholesale.
•  Faber & Dumas
Faber & Dumas, our wholesale brokerage division, comprises London-based operation, Glencairn, together with our Fine Art, Jewelry and Specie, Special Contingency Risk and Hughes-Gibb units.
•  Glencairn principally provides property, energy, casualty and personal accident insurance to independent wholesaler brokers worldwide who wish to access the London, European and Bermudan markets.
•  The Fine Art, Jewelry and Specie unit provides specialist risk management and insurance services to fine art, diamond and jewelry businesses and operators of armored cars. Coverage is also obtained for vault and bullion risks.
•  The Special Contingency Risks unit specializes in producing packages to protect corporations, groups and individuals against special contingencies such as kidnap and ransom, extortion, detention and political repatriation.
•  The Hughes-Gibb unit principally services the insurance and reinsurance needs of the horse racing and horse breeding industry and is successfully diversifying its portfolio into Agriculture/Crop sector.


9


Willis Group Holdings plc
•  Global Markets International
Global Markets International works closely with other Global business units to further develop access for our retail clients to global markets, and provide structuring and placing skills in the relevant areas of property, casualty, terrorism, accident & health, facultative and captives.
Willis Capital Markets & Advisory
Willis Capital Markets & Advisory, with offices in New York and London, provides advice to companies involved in the insurance and reinsurance industry on a broad array of mergers and acquisition transactions as well as capital markets products, including acting as underwriter or agent for primary issuances, operating a secondary insurance-linked securities trading desk and engaging in general capital markets and strategic advisory work.
Retail operations
Our North America and International retail operations provide services to small, medium and large corporate clients, accessing Global’s specialist expertise when required.
North America
Our North America business provides risk management, insurance brokerage, related risk services, and employee benefits brokerage and consulting to a wide array of industry and client segments in the United States, Canada and Mexico. With around 120 locations, organized into seven geographical regions including Canada and Mexico, Willis North America locally delivers our global and national resources and specialist expertise through this retail distribution network.
In addition to being organized geographically and by specialty, our North America business focuses on four client segments: global, large national/middle-market, small commercial, and private client, with service, marketing and sales platform support for each segment.
•  Construction
The largest industry practice group in North America is Construction, which specializes in providing risk management, insurance brokerage, and surety bonding services to the construction industry. Willis Construction provided these services to around 25 percent of theEngineering News RecordTop 400 contractors (a listing of the largest 400 North American contractors based on revenue). In addition, this practice group has expertise in owner-controlled insurance programs for large projects and insurance for national homebuilders.
•  Employee Benefits
Willis Employee Benefits, fully integrated into the North America platform, is our largest product-based practice group and provides health, welfare and human resources consulting, and brokerage services to all of our commercial client segments. This practice group’s value lies in helping clients control employee benefit plan costs, reducing the amount of time human resources professionals spend administering their companies’ benefit plans and educating and training employees on benefit plan issues.
•  Executive Risks
Another industry-leading North America practice group is Willis Executive Risks, a national team of technical professionals who specialize in meeting the directors and officers, employment practices, fiduciary liability insurance risk management, and claims advocacy needs of public and private corporations and organizations. This practice group also has expertise in professional liability, especially internet risks.
•  CAPPPS
The Captive, Actuarial, Programs, Pooling, Personal Lines and Strategic Outcomes (CAPPPS) group has a network of actuaries, certified public accountants, financial analysts and pooled insurance program experts who assist clients in developing and implementing alternative risk management solutions. The program business is a leader in providing national insurance programs to niche industries including ski resorts, auto dealers, recycling, environmental, and specialty workers’ compensation. Through our Loan Protector business, a specialty business acquired as part of the


10


About Willis
HRH business, this group also works with financial institutions to confirm their loans are properly insured and their interests are adequately protected.
•  Other industry practice groups
Other industry practice groups include Healthcare, serving the professional liability and other insurance and risk management needs of private andnot-for-profit health systems, hospitals and physicians groups; Financial Institutions, serving the needs of large banks, insurers and other financial services firms; and Mergers & Acquisitions, providing due diligence, and risk management and insurance brokerage services to private equity and merchant banking firms and their portfolio companies.
International
Our International business comprises our operations in Eastern and Western Europe, the United Kingdom and Ireland, Asia-Pacific, Russia, the Middle East, South Africa and Latin America.
Our offices provide services to businesses locally in over 120 countries around the world, making use of skills, industry knowledge and expertise available elsewhere in the Group.
The services provided are focused according to themore traditional characteristics of each market and vary across offices, but generally include direct risk management and insurance brokerage, specialist and reinsurance brokerage and employee benefits consulting.
As part of our on-going strategy, we continue to look for opportunities to strengthen our International market share through acquisitions and strategic investments. A list of significant subsidiaries is included in Exhibit 21.1 to this document.
We have also invested in associate companies; our significant associates at December 31, 2011 were GS & Cie Groupe (‘Gras Savoye’), a French organization (30 percent holding) and Al-Futtaim Willis Co. LLC, organized under the laws of Dubai (49 percent holding). In connection with many of our investments we retain the right to increase our ownership over time, typically to a majority or 100 percent ownership position. In addition, in certain instances our co-shareholders have a right, typically based on some price formula of revenues or earnings, to put some or all of their shares to us. On December 17, 2009 as part of a reorganization of the share capital of Gras Savoye our interest in that company reduced from 48 percent to 31 percent. In 2011 our ownership reduced further to 30 percent following issuance of additional share capital as part of an employee share incentive scheme. In addition, we have the option to acquire a 100 percent interest in the capital of Gras Savoye in 2015. For further information on the Gras Savoye capital reorganization see ‘Item 8—Financial Statements and Supplementary Data — Note 14 — Investments in Associates’.
We believe the combined total revenues of our International subsidiaries and associates provide an indication of the spread and capability of our International network. The team generated over 30 percent of the Group’s total consolidated commissions and fees in 2011.
Customers
Our clients operate on a global and local scale in a multitude of businesses and industries throughout the world and generally range in size from major multinational corporations to middle-market companies. Further, many of our client relationships span decades, for instance our relationship with The Tokio Marine and Fire Insurance Company Limited dates back over 100 years. No one client accounted for more than 10 percent of revenues for fiscal year 2011. Additionally, we place insurance with approximately 5,000 insurance carriers, none of which individually accounted for more than 10 percent of the total premiums we placed on behalf of our clients in 2011.
Competition
We face competition in all fields in which we operate based on global capability, product breadth, innovation, quality of service and price. According to the Directory of Agents and Brokers published by Business Insurance in July 2011, the 140 largest commercial insurance brokers globally reported brokerage revenues totaling $42 billion in 2010, of which


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Willis Group Holdings plc
Marsh & McLennan Companies Inc. had approximately 25 percent, Aon Corporation had approximately 25 percent and Willis had approximately 8 percent.
We compete with Marsh & McLennan and Aon, the two other providers of global risk management services, as well as with numerous specialist, regional and local firms. Competition for business is intense in all of our business lines and in every insurance market, and the other two providers of global risk management services have substantially greater market share than we do. Competition on premium rates has also exacerbated the pressures caused by a continuing reduction in demand in some classes of business. For example, rather than purchase additional insurance through brokers, many insureds have been retaining a greater proportion of their risk portfolios than previously. Industrial and commercial companies increasingly rely upon their own subsidiary insurance companies, known as captive insurance companies, self-insurance pools, risk retention groups, mutual insurance companies and other mechanisms for funding their risks, rather than buy insurance. Additional competitive pressures arise from the entry of new market participants,diversity, such as banks, accounting firmsrace and insurance carriers themselves, offering risk management or transfer services.
In 2005, we, along with Marsh & McLennan and Aon, agreed with New York State and other regulators through an Assurance of Discontinuance, to implement certain business reforms which included codification of our October 2004 voluntary termination of contingent commission arrangements with insurers. Most other special, regional, and local insurance brokers, however, continued to accept contingent compensation and did not disclose the compensation received in connection with providing policy placement services to its customers. In February 2010, we entered into an Amended and Restated Assurance of Discontinuance with the Attorney General of the State of New York and the Amended and Restated Stipulation with the Superintendent of Insurance of the State of New York which ended many of the requirements previously imposed upon us. The new agreement no longer limited the type of compensation we could receive and simplified our compensation disclosure requirements.
Following the introduction of health care reform legislation in 2010, some major health insurance carriers in North America began to change their compensation practices in particular lines of business in certain locations. In response to market pressures those changes caused, we announced in July 2011 that in order to remain competitive, we would begin accepting standard compensation based on volume, but would continue to resist traditional contingent commissions and bonus payments because, while legal, we believe these forms of compensation create conflicts with our clients. After several months of review under changing market conditions, we have concluded that we cannot be fully competitive on Employee Benefits business if we continue to refuse these legal forms of compensation. Consequently, we will begin to accept all forms of compensation from Employee Benefits providers effective April 1, 2012. While accepting contingent compensation is legal, and while we will only accept them in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations and consistent with ethical business practices, in the past it has been the subject of regulatory action and civil litigation and we cannot predict whether our position will cause regulatory or other scrutiny.
We will continue to refuse to accept contingent commissions from carriers in the non-Employee Benefit areas of our retail brokerage business unless similar external factors such as legislative change make our position untenable. However, we do not believe such a change is likely. To our knowledge, we are the only insurance broker that takes this stance. We seek to increase revenue through higher commissions and fees that we disclose to our clients, and to generate profitable revenue growth by focusing on the provision of value-added risk advisory services beyond traditional brokerage activities. Although we continue to believe in the success of our strategy, we cannot be certain that such steps will help us to continue to generate profitable organic commissions and fees growth. If we are unable to compete effectively against our competitors who are accepting or may accept contingent commissions, we may suffer lower revenue, reduced operating margins, and loss of market share which could materially and adversely affect our business.
Regulation
Our business activities are subject to legal requirements and governmental and quasi-governmental regulatory supervision in virtually all countries in which we operate. Also, such regulations may require individual or company licensing to conduct our business activities. While these requirements may vary from location to location they are generally designed to protect our clients by establishing minimum standards of conduct and practice, particularly regarding the provision of advice and product information as well as financial criteria. Our three most significant regulatory regions are described below:


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About Willis
United States
Our activities in connection with insurance brokerage services within the United States are subject to regulation and supervision by state authorities. Although the scope of regulation and form of supervision may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, insurance laws in the United States are often complex and generally grant broad discretion to supervisory authorities in adopting regulations and supervising regulated activities. That supervision generally includes the licensing of insurance brokers and agents and the regulation of the handling and investment of client funds held in a fiduciary capacity. Our continuing ability to provide insurance brokerage in the jurisdictions in which we currently operate is dependent upon our compliance with the rules and regulations promulgated from time to time by the regulatory authorities in each of these jurisdictions.
European Union
The European Union Insurance Mediation Directive introduced rules to enable insurance and reinsurance intermediaries to operate and provide services within each member state of the EU on a basis consistent with the EU single market and customer protection aims. Each EU member state in which we operate is required to ensure that the insurance and reinsurance intermediaries resident in their country are registered with a statutory body in that country and that each intermediary meets professional requirements in relation to their competence, good repute, professional indemnity cover and financial capacity.
United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, the statutory body is the Financial Services Authority (‘FSA’). The FSA has prescribed the methods by which our insurance and reinsurance operations are to conduct business, and has a wide range of rule-making, investigatory and enforcement powers aimed at meeting its overall aim of promoting efficient, orderly and fair markets and helping retail consumers achieve a fair deal. The FSA conducts monitoring visits to assess our compliance with regulatory requirements.
Certain of our activities are governed by other regulatory bodies, such as investment and securities licensing authorities. In the United States, our Willis Capital Markets & Advisory business operates through our wholly-owned subsidiary Willis Securities, Inc., a US-registered broker-dealer and investment advisor, member FINRA/SIPC, primarily in connection with investment banking-related services and advising on alternative risk financing transactions. Willis Capital Markets provides advice on securities or investments in the EU through our wholly-owned subsidiary Willis Capital Markets & Advisory Limited, which is authorized and regulated by the FSA.
Our failure, or that of our employees, to satisfy the regulators that we comply with their requirements or the legal requirements governing our activities, can result in disciplinary action, fines, reputational damage and financial harm.
All companies carrying on similar activities in a given jurisdiction are subject to regulations which are not dissimilar to the requirements for our operations in the United States and United Kingdom. We do not consider that these regulatory requirements adversely affect our competitive position.
See Part I,Item 1A-Risk Factors ‘Legal and Regulatory Risks’ for discussion of how actions by regulatory authorities or changes in legislation and regulation in the jurisdictions in which we operate may have an adverse effect on our business.
Employees
As of December 31, 2011 we had approximately 17,000 employees worldwide of whom approximately 3,400 were employed in the United Kingdom and 6,200 in the United States, with the balance being employed across the rest of the world. In addition, our associates had approximately 3,300 employees, all of whom were located outside the United Kingdom and the United States.


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Willis Group Holdings plc
Item 1A—Risk Factors
Risks Relating to our Business and the Insurance Industry
This section describes material risks affecting the Group’s business. These risks could materially affect the Group’s business, its revenues, operating income, net income, net assets, liquidity and capital resources and ability to achieve its financial targets and, accordingly should be read in conjunction with any forward-looking statements in this Annual Report onForm 10-K.
Competitive Risks
Worldwide economic conditions, including those associated with the current Eurozone sovereign debt crisis, could have an adverse effect on our business, prospects, operating results, financial condition and cash flows.
Our business and operating results are materially affected by worldwide economic conditions. Current global economic conditions, including those associated with the current Eurozone sovereign debt crisis, coupled with declining customer and business confidence, increasing energy prices, and other challenges, may have a significant negative impact on the buying behavior of some of our clients as their businesses suffer from these conditions. For example, our employee benefits practice may be adversely affected as businesses continue to downsize during this period of economic turmoil and our construction business may be adversely affected by the lack of new construction. Our North American and UK and Irish retail operations have been particularly impacted by the weakened economic climate and continued soft market from 2009 through 2011 with no material improvement in rates across most sectors. The global economic downturn is negatively affecting some of the international economies that have supported the strong growth in our International operations.
A growing number of insolvencies associated with an economic downturn could adversely affect our brokerage business through the loss of clients or by hampering our ability to place insurance and reinsurance business. While it is difficult to predict consequences of any further deterioration in global economic conditions on our business, any significant reduction or delay by our clients in purchasing insurance or making payment of premiums could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, the potential for a significant insurer to fail, be downgraded or withdraw from writing certain lines of insurance coverages that we offer our clients could negatively impact overall capacity in the industry, which could then reduce the placement of certain lines and types of insurance and reduce our revenues and profitability. The potential for an insurer to fail or be downgraded could also result in errors and omissions claims by clients.
The credit and economic conditions within certain European Union countries, in particular, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal and Spain, have continued to deteriorate and have contributed to the instability in the global credit and financial markets. While the outcome of these events cannot be predicted, it is possible that such events could have a negative effect on the global economy as a whole, and our business, operating results and financial condition. If the European debt crisis continues or further deteriorates, there will likely be a negative effect on our European business (which constitutes approximately 40 percent of our business in terms of revenue), as well as the businesses of our European clients. If the euro dissolved entirely, the legal and contractual consequences for holders of euro-denominated obligations would be determined by laws in effect at such time. A significant devaluation of the euro would cause the value of our financial assets that are denominated in Euros to be significantly reduced. Any of these conditions could ultimately harm our overall business, prospects, operating results, financial condition and cash flows.
In light of the current global economic uncertainty, we strive to vigorously manage our cost base in order to fund further growth initiatives. While we completed an operational review and commenced certain revenue generating initiatives in 2011 (such as Sales 2.0, WillPlace and Global Solutions), we cannot be certain whether we will be able to realize benefits from these initiatives or any new initiatives that we may implement.


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Risk factors
We do not control the premiums on which our commissions are based, and volatility or declines in premiums may seriously undermine our profitability.
We derive most of our revenues from commissions and fees for brokerage and consulting services. We do not determine insurance premiums on which our commissions are generally based. Premiums are cyclical in nature and may vary widely based on market conditions. For a three-year period in early 2000s, we benefitted from a ‘hard’ market with premium rates stable or increasing. Since that time, we saw a rapid transition from a hard market to a ‘soft’ market, with premium rates falling in most markets which impacted our commission revenues and operating margin. In 2009, the stabilization of rates in the reinsurance market and some specialty markets was offset by the continuing soft market in other sectors and the adverse impact of the weakened economic environment across the globe. Our North American and UK and Irish retail operations have been particularly impacted by the weakened economic climate and continued soft market from 2009 through 2011 with no material improvement in rates across most sectors. This resulted in declines in 2009 revenues in these operations with a modest improvement in 2010 followed by declines in 2011, particularly amongst our smaller clients who have been especially vulnerable to the economic downturn.
In addition, as traditional risk-bearing insurance carriers continue to outsource the production of premium revenue to non-affiliated agents or brokers such as ourselves, those insurance carriers may seek to reduce further their expenses by reducing the commission rates payable to those insurance agents or brokers. The reduction of these commission rates, along with general volatilityand/or declines in premiums, may significantly undermine our profitability.
Competition in our industry is intense, and if we are unable to compete effectively, we may suffer lower revenue, reduced operating margins and lose market share which could materially and adversely affect our business.
We face competition in all fields in which we operate, based on global capability, product breadth, innovation, quality of service and price. We compete with Marsh & McLennan and Aon, the two other providers of global risk management services, as well as with numerous specialist, regional and local firms. Competition for business is intense in all of our business lines and in every insurance market, and the other two providers of global risk management services have substantially greater market share than we do. Competition on premium rates has also exacerbated the pressures caused by a continuing reduction in demand in some classes of business. For example, rather than purchase additional insurance through brokers, many insureds have been retaining a greater proportion of their risk portfolios than previously. Industrial and commercial companies increasingly rely upon their own subsidiary insurance companies, known as captive insurance companies, self-insurance pools, risk retention groups, mutual insurance companies and other mechanisms for funding their risks, rather than buy insurance. Additional competitive pressures arise from the entry of new market participants, such as banks, accounting firms and insurance carriers themselves, offering risk management or transfer services.
In 2005, we, along with Marsh & McLennan and Aon, agreed with New York State and other regulators through an Assurance of Discontinuance, to implement certain business reforms which included codification of our October 2004 voluntary termination of contingent commission arrangements with insurers. Most other special, regional, and local insurance brokers, however, continued to accept contingent compensation and did not disclose the compensation received in connection with providing policy placement services to its customers. In February 2010, we entered into an Amended and Restated Assurance of Discontinuance with the Attorney General of the State of New York and the Amended and Restated Stipulation with the Superintendent of Insurance of the State of New York which ended many of the requirements previously imposed upon us. The new agreement no longer limited the type of compensation we could receive and simplified our compensation disclosure requirements.
Following the introduction of health care reform legislation in 2010, some major health insurance carriers in North America began to change their compensation practices in particular lines of business in certain locations. In response to market pressures those changes caused, we announced in July 2011 that in order to remain competitive, we would begin accepting standard compensation based on volume, but would continue to resist traditional contingent commissions and bonus payments because, while legal, we believe these forms of compensation create conflicts with our clients. After several months of review under changing market conditions, we have concluded that we cannot be fully competitive on Employee Benefits business if we continue to refuse these legal forms of compensation. Consequently, we will begin to accept all forms of compensation from Employee Benefits providers effective April 1, 2012. While accepting contingent compensation is legal, and while we will only accept them in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations and


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Willis Group Holdings plc
consistent with ethical business practices, in the past it has been the subject of regulatory action and civil litigation and we cannot predict whether our position will cause regulatory or other scrutiny.
We will continue to refuse to accept contingent commissions from carriers in the non-Employee Benefit areas of our retail brokerage business unless similar external factors such as legislative change make our position untenable. However, we do not believe such a change is likely. To our knowledge, we are the only insurance broker that takes this stance. We seek to increase revenue through higher commissions and fees that we disclose to our clients, and to generate profitable revenue growth by focusing on the provision of value-added risk advisory services beyond traditional brokerage activities. Although we continue to believe in the success of our strategy, we cannot be certain that such steps will help us to continue to generate profitable organic revenue growth. If we are unable to compete effectively against our competitors who are accepting or may accept contingent commissions, we may suffer lower revenue, reduced operating margins, and loss of market share which could materially and adversely affect our business.
Dependence on Key Personnel — The loss of our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer or a number of our senior management or a significant number of our brokers could significantly impede our financial plans, growth, marketing and other objectives.
The loss of our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, a number of our senior management or a significant number of our brokers could significantly impede our financial plans, growth, marketing and other objectives. Our success depends to a substantial extent not only on the ability and experience of our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Joseph J. Plumeri and other members of our senior management, but also on the individual brokers and teams that service our clients and maintain client relationships. The insurance and reinsurance brokerage industry has in the past experienced intense competition for the services of leading individual brokers and brokerage teams, and we have lost key individuals and teams to competitors.gender. We believe that our future successcommitment is demonstrated by the current structure of our Board and the varied backgrounds and skill sets of our current directors and nominees, which include three women, a person of Asian descent and a mix of American, British and Irish citizens.

Biographical Information

Set forth below is each current director’s and each director nominee’s biographical information. Below such information is a summary of some of the key qualifications, attributes, skills and experiences discussed above that were considered by the Governance Committee for each person nominated for election at our next Annual General Meeting of Shareholders. (The absence of a particular bullet-point for a director does not mean that the director does not possess other qualifications or skills in that area).

Joseph A. Califano, Jr. — Mr. Califano, age 81, joined the Board on April 21, 2004 and currently serves as a member of the Company’s Governance Committee and the Executive Committee. Mr. Califano will dependnot be standing for re-election at the 2013 annual general meeting of shareholders. He is the Founder and Chairman Emeritus of the Board of the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University (“CASA”) in part on our abilityNew York City and previously served as CASA’s Chairman from 1992 to attract2011. Mr. Califano has served as Adjunct Professor of Public Health at Columbia University’s Medical School and retain additional highly skilledSchool of Public Health and qualified personnel andis a member of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences. Mr. Califano was a senior partner of the Washington, D.C. office of the law firm Dewey Ballantine from 1983 to expand, train and manage our employee base. We may not continue to be successful in doing so because the competition for qualified personnel in our industry is intense.

Legal and Regulatory Risks
Our compliance systems and controls cannot guarantee that we are in compliance with all applicable federal and state or foreign laws and regulations, and actions by regulatory authorities or changes in applicable laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which we operate may have an adverse effect on our business.
Our activities are subject to extensive regulation under the laws of1992. Mr. Califano served as the United States Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare from 1977 to 1979, and as President Lyndon B. Johnson’s Assistant for Domestic Affairs from 1965 to 1969. He is the United Kingdomauthor of 12 books. He is a director and member of the Audit Committee and the European UnionNominating and itsCorporate Governance Committee of CBS, Inc. and he formerly served as a director of Chrysler, Automatic Data Processing, Midway Games, Inc. and Viacom.

Dominic Casserley — Mr. Casserley, age 55, joined the Company, as our new CEO and as a director on January 7, 2013 and currently serves as a member states, and the other jurisdictions in which we operate. Indeed, over the last few years, there has been a general increase in focus and developments in these laws and regulations. Compliance with laws and regulations that are applicable to our operations is complex and may increase our cost of doing business. These laws and regulations include insurance industry regulations, economic and trade sanctions and laws against financial crimes such as money laundering, bribery or other corruption, such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. In most jurisdictions, governmental and regulatory authorities have the ability to interpret and amend these laws and regulations and impose penalties for non-compliance, including sanctions, civil remedies, fines, injunctions, revocation of licenses or approvals, suspension of individuals, limitations on business activities or redress to clients.

Given the increased interest expressed by US and UK regulators in the effectiveness of compliance controls relating to financial crime in our market sector in particular, we began a voluntary internal review of our policies and controls five years ago. This review includes analysis and advice from external experts on best practices, review of public regulatory decisions, and discussions with government regulators in the US and UK. In addition, the UK FSA conducted an investigation of Willis Limited’s, our UK brokerage subsidiary, compliance systems and controls between 2005 and 2009. On July 21, 2011, we and the FSA announced a settlement under which the FSA concluded its investigation by assessing a £7 million ($11 million) fine on Willis Limited for lapses in its implementation and documentation of its controls to counter the risks of improper payments being made to non-FSA authorized overseas third parties engaged to help win business, particularly in high risk jurisdictions.


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Risk factors
As a result of the FSA settlement, we are conducting a further internal review of all payments made between 2005 and 2009. We also continue to fully cooperate with our US regulators, however we are unable to predict at this time when our discussions with them will be concluded. We do not believe that this further internal review or our discussions withCompany’s Executive Committee. Before joining the US regulators will result in any material fines or sanctions, but there can be no assurance that any resolution will not have an adverse impact on our ability to conduct our business in certain jurisdictions. While we believe that our current systems and controls are adequate and in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations, we cannot assure that such systems and controls will prevent any violations of applicable laws and regulations.
Our business, results of operations, financial condition or liquidity may be materially adversely affected by actual and potential claims, lawsuits, investigations and proceedings.
We are subject to various actual and potential claims, lawsuits, investigations 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. Because we often assist our clients with matters, including the placement of insurance coverage and the handling of related claims, involving substantial amounts of money, errors and omissions claims against us may arise which allege our potential liability for all or part of the amounts in question.
Claimants can seek large damage awards and these claims can involve potentially significant defense costs. Such claims, lawsuits and other proceedings could, for example, include allegations of damages for our employees orsub-agents improperly failing to place coverage or notify claims on behalf of clients, to provide insurance carriers with complete and accurate information relating to the risks being insured or to appropriately apply funds that we hold for our clients on a fiduciary basis. 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 respect of self-insured risks, we have established provisions against these items which we believe to be adequate in the light of current information and legal advice, and we adjust such provisions from time to time according to developments. Our business, results of operations, financial condition and liquidity may be adversely affected if in the future our insurance coverage proves to be inadequate or unavailable or there is an increase in liabilities for which we self-insure. Our ability to obtain professional indemnity insurance in the amounts and with the deductibles we desire in the future may be adversely impacted by general developments in the market for such insurance or our own claims experience.
We are also subject to actual and potential claims, lawsuits, investigations and proceedings outside of errors and omissions claims. An example of material claims for which we are subject that are outside of the error and omissions claims context relate to those arising out of the collapse of The Stanford Financial Group, for which we acted as brokers of record on certain lines of insurance.
The ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be ascertained and liabilities in indeterminate amounts may be imposed on us. It is thus possible that future results of operations or cash flows for any particular quarterly or annual period could be materially affected by an unfavorable resolution of these matters. In addition, these matters continue to divert management and personnel resources away from operating our business. Even if we do not experience significant monetary costs, there may also be adverse publicity associated with these matters that could result in reputational harm to the insurance brokerage industry in general or to us in particular that may adversely affect our business, client or employee relationships.
Interruption to or loss of our information processing capabilities or failure to effectively maintain and upgrade our information processing systems or data security breaches could cause material financial loss, loss of human resources, regulatory actions, reputational harm or legal liability.
Our business depends significantly on effective information systems. Our capacity to service our clients relies on effective storage, retrieval, processing and management of information. Our information systems also rely on the commitment of significant resources to maintain and enhance existing systems and to develop new systems in order to keep pace with continuing changes in information processing technology or evolving industry and regulatory standards.


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Willis Group Holdings plc
Computer viruses, hackers and other external hazards could expose our data systems to security breaches. These increased risks, and expanding regulatory requirements regarding data security, could expose us to data loss, monetary and reputational damages and significant increases in compliance costs.
If the information we rely on to run our business were found to be inaccurate or unreliable or if we fail to maintain effective and efficient systems (including through a telecommunications failure, failure to replace or update redundant or obsolete computer applications or software systems or if we experience other disruptions), this could result in material financial loss, regulatory action, reputational harm or legal liability.
Our inability to successfully recover should we experience a disaster or other significant disruption to business continuity could have a material adverse effect on our operations.
Our ability to conduct business may be adversely affected, even in the short-term, by a disruption in the infrastructure that supports our business and the communities where we are located. This may include a disruption caused by restricted physical site access, terrorist activities, disease pandemics, or outages to electrical, communications or other services used by our company, our employees or third parties with whom we conduct business. Although we have certain disaster recovery procedures in place and insurance to protect against such contingencies, such procedures may not be effective and any insurance or recovery procedures may not continue to be available at reasonable prices and may not address all such losses or compensate us for the possible loss of clients occurring during any period that we are unable to provide services. Our inability to successfully recover should we experience a disaster or other significant disruption to business continuity could have a material adverse effect on our operations.
Improper disclosure of personal data could result in legal liability or harm our reputation.
One of our significant responsibilities is to maintain the security and privacy of our clients’ confidential and proprietary information and the personal data of their employees. We maintain policies, procedures and technological safeguards designed to protect the security and privacy of this information in our database. However, we cannot entirely eliminate the risk of improper access to or disclosure of personally identifiable information. Our technology may fail to adequately secure the private information we maintain in our databases and protect it from theft, computer viruses, hackers or inadvertent loss. In such circumstances, we may be held liable to our clients, which could result in legal liability or impairment to our reputation resulting in increased costs or loss of revenue. Further database privacy, identity theft, and related computer and internet issues are matters of growing public concern and are subject to frequently changing rules and regulations. Our failure to adhere to or successfully implement processes in response to changing regulatory requirements in this area could result in legal liability or impairment to our reputation in the marketplace.
Financial Risks
Our outstanding debt could adversely affect our cash flows and financial flexibility.
We had total consolidated debt outstanding of approximately $2.4 billion as of December 31, 2011 and our 2011 interest expense was $156 million. Although management believes that our cash flows will be sufficient to service this debt, there may be circumstances in which required payments of principaland/or interest on this debt could adversely affect our cash flows and this level of indebtedness may:
•  require us to dedicate a significant portion of our cash flow from operations to payments on our debt, thereby reducing the availability of cash flow to fund capital expenditures, to pursue other acquisitions or investments in new technologies, to pay dividends and for general corporate purposes;
•  increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic conditions, including if we borrow at variable interest rates, which makes us vulnerable to increases in interest rates generally;
•  limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes or challenges relating to our business and industry; and


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Risk factors
•  put us at a competitive disadvantage against competitors who have less indebtedness or are in a more favorable position to access additional capital resources.
The terms of our current financings also include certain limitations. For example, the agreements relating to the debt arrangements and credit facilities contain numerous operating and financial covenants, including requirements to maintain minimum ratios of consolidated EBITDA to consolidated cash interest expense and maximum levels of consolidated funded indebtedness in relation to consolidated EBITDA, in each case subject to certain adjustments.
A failure to comply with the restrictions under our credit facilities and outstanding notes could result in a default under the financing obligations or could require us to obtain waivers from our lenders for failure to comply with these restrictions. The occurrence of a default that remains uncured or the inability to secure a necessary consent or waiver could cause our obligations with respect to our debt to be accelerated and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Our pension liabilities may increase which could require us to make additional cash contributions to our pension plans reducing the cash available for other uses.
We have two principal defined benefit plans: one in the United Kingdom and the other in the United States, and in addition, we have several smaller defined benefit pension plans in certain other countries in which we operate. Cash contributions of approximately $142 million will be required in 2012 for these pension plans, although we may elect to contribute more. Total cash contributions to these defined benefit pension plans in 2011 were $135 million. Future estimates are based on certain assumptions, including discount rates, interest rates, mortality, fair value of assets and expected return on plan assets.
In early 2012 we provisionally agreed a revised funding strategy with the UK plan’s trustee. Whilst the proposed new funding strategy has not been definitively agreed at the date of this report, we expect this to occur by the end of March 2012, and we expect the cash contributions to the scheme in 2012 to be approximately equal to those in 2011.
We have taken actions to manage our pension liabilities, including closing our UK and US plans to new participants and restricting final pensionable salaries. Future benefit accruals in the US pension plan were also stopped, or frozen, on May 15, 2009. Nevertheless, the determination of pension expense and pension funding is based on a variety of rules and regulations. Changes in these rules and regulations could impact the calculation of pension plan liabilities and the valuation of pension plan assets. They may also result in higher pension costs, additional financial statement disclosure, and accelerate and increase the need to fully fund our pension plans through increased cash contributions. Further, a significant decline in the value of investments that fund our pension plan, if not offset or mitigated by a decline in our liabilities, may significantly alter the values and actuarial assumptions used to calculate our future pension expense and we could be required to fund our plan with significant additional amounts of cash. In addition to the critical assumptions described above, our plans use certain assumptions about the life expectancy of plan participants and surviving spouses. Periodic revision of those assumptions can materially change the present value of future benefits and therefore the funded status of the plans and the resulting periodic pension expense. Changes in our pension benefit obligations, the related net periodic costs or credits, and the required level of future cash contributions, may occur in the future due to any variance of actual results from our assumptions and changes in the number of participating employees. The need to make additional cash contributions may reduce the Company’s financial flexibility and increase liquidity risk by reducing the cash available to meet our other obligations, including the payment obligations under our credit facilities and other long-term debt, or other needs of our business.
We could incur substantial losses, including with respect to our own cash and fiduciary cash held on behalf of insurance companies and clients, if one of the financial institutions we use in our operations failed.
The deterioration of the global credit and financial markets has created challenging conditions for financial institutions, including depositories. As the fallout from the credit crisis persists, the financial strength of these institutions may continue to decline. We maintain significant cash balances at various US depository institutions that are significantly in excess of the US Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limits. We also maintain significant cash balances in


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Willis Group Holdings plc
foreign financial institutions. A significant portion of this fiduciary cash is held on behalf of insurance companies or clients. If one or more of the institutions in which we maintain significant cash balances were to fail, our ability to access these funds might be temporarily or permanently limited, and we could face a material liquidity problem and potentially material financial losses. We could also be liable to claims made by the insurance companies or our clients regarding the fiduciary cash held on their behalf.
A downgrade to our corporate credit rating and the credit ratings of our outstanding debt may adversely affect our borrowing costs and financial flexibility.
A downgrade in our corporate credit rating or the credit ratings of our debt would increase our borrowing costs including those under our credit facilities, and reduce our financial flexibility. In addition, certain downgrades would trigger astep-up in interest rates under the indentures for our 6.2% senior notes due 2017 and our 7.0% senior notes due 2019,which would increase our interest expense. If we need to raise capital in the future, any credit rating downgrade could negatively affect our financing costs or access to financing sources. This may in turn impact the assumptions when performing our goodwill impairment testing which may reduce the excess of fair value over carrying value of the reporting units.
We face certain risks associated with the acquisition or disposition of businesses or reorganization of existing investments.
In pursuing our corporate strategy, we may acquire or dispose of or exit businesses or reorganize existing investments. The success of this strategy is dependent upon our ability to identify appropriate opportunities, negotiate transactions on favorable terms and ultimately complete such transactions. Once we complete acquisitions or reorganizations there can be no assurance that we will realize the anticipated benefits of any transaction, including revenue growth, operational efficiencies or expected synergies. For example, if we fail to recognize some or all of the strategic benefits and synergies expected from a transaction, goodwill and intangible assets may be impaired in future periods. In addition, we may not be able to integrate acquisitions successfully into our existing business, and we could incur or assume unknown or unanticipated liabilities or contingencies, which may impact our results of operations. If we dispose of or otherwise exit certain businesses, there can be no assurance that we will not incur certain disposition related charges, or that we will be able to reduce overheads related to the divested assets. We also own an interest in a number of associates, such as Gras Savoye, where we do not exercise management control and we are therefore unable to direct or manage the business to realize the anticipated benefits that we can achieve through full integration.
We are a holding company and, therefore, may not be able to receive dividends or other distributions in needed amounts from our subsidiaries.
Willis Group Holdings is organizedCompany, he served as a holding company that conducts no businesssenior partner of its own. We are dependent upon dividends and other payments from our operating subsidiaries to meet our obligations for paying principal and interest on outstanding debt obligations, for paying dividends to shareholders and for corporate expenses. Legal and regulatory restrictions, foreign exchange controls, as well as operating requirements of our subsidiaries, may limit our ability to obtain cash from these subsidiaries. In the event our operating subsidiaries are unable to pay dividends and make other payments to Willis Group Holdings, we may not be able to service debt, pay obligations or pay dividends on ordinary shares.
If our goodwill becomes impaired, we may be required to record significant charges to earnings.
We have a substantial amount of goodwill on our balance sheet as a result of acquisitions we have completed. We review goodwill for impairment annually or whenever events or circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred.
Application of the impairment test requires judgment, including the identification of reporting units, assignment of assets, liabilities and goodwill to reporting units and determination of fair value of each reporting unit. A significant deterioration


20


Risk factors
McKinsey & Company, which he joined in a key estimate or assumption or a less significant deterioration to a combination of assumptions or the sale of a part of a reporting unit could resultNew York in an impairment charge in the future, which could have a significant adverse impact on our reported earnings.
Our annual goodwill impairment analysis is performed each year1983. During his 29-years at October 1. At October 1, 2011 our analysis showed the estimated fair value of each reporting unitMcKinsey & Company, Mr. Casserley was in excess of the carrying value, and therefore did not result in an impairment charge (2010: $nil, 2009: $nil). The fair values of the Global and International reporting units were significantly in excess of their carrying values. The fair value of the North American unit exceeded its carrying value by approximately 14 percent.
In the fourth quarter of 2011 our North America segment continued to be hampered by declining Loan Protector business results, the effect of the soft economybased in the U.S. for 12 years, Asia for five and, declining retention rates primarily relatedfrom 2000 until 2012, he worked across Europe from the London office. During his time at McKinsey & Company, Mr. Casserley led McKinsey’s Greater China Practice and its UK and Ireland Practice. Mr. Casserley was a member of McKinsey’s Shareholder Council, the firm’s global board, from 1999 to M&A activity2012 and lost legacy HRH business. Consequently,for four years served as the annual impairment test described above included additional sensitivity analysis,Chairman of its Finance Committee. Mr. Casserley is a graduate of Cambridge University.

International Business Experience — Mr. Casserley’s expertise in the global financial services industry, including experience with insurance companies, and the opportunities of expanding into new markets, was obtained during his 29-year tenure at McKinsey where he spent 17 years working in Asia, Europe and London and, during which time, he led the firm’s Greater China Practice and its UK and Ireland Practice.

CEO/Management Experience — Mr. Casserley has served as the Company’s current Chief Executive Officer since January 7, 2013. In addition to serving as a senior partner at McKinsey & Company he served on the company’s global board for over 10 years and served as Chairman of the Finance Committee of that board for four.

Anna C. Catalano — Ms. Catalano, age 53, joined the Board on July 21, 2006 and above that we would usually perform, in relation to our North America segment’s goodwill impairment review. This additional analysis included reductions to assumed rates of revenue growth, increases to assumed rates of expense growth and flexing the assumed weighted average cost of capital. Although our testing concluded there is no impairment, the analysis indicated that in respectcurrently serves as a member of the North America segment, inCompany’s Governance Committee and Risk Committee. She was Group Vice President, Marketing for BP plc from 2001 to 2003. Prior to that she held various executive positions at BP and Amoco, including Group Vice President, Emerging Markets at BP; Senior Vice President, Sales and Operations at Amoco; and President of Amoco Orient Oil Company. She

currently serves on the eventBoard and Compensation Committee and Governance Committee of either a significant deterioration in a key estimate or assumption or a less significant deterioration to a combinationMead Johnson Nutrition and on the Boards and Compensation Committees of assumptions orChemtura Corporation and Kraton Performance Polymers. She serves on the sale of partExecutive Committee of the reporting unit there could be an impairment toHouston Chapter of the carrying value in future periods.

For further information on our testing for goodwill impairment, see ‘Critical Accounting Estimates’ under Item 7, Management’s DiscussionAlzheimer’s Association and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
International Risks
Our significant non-US operations, particularly our London market operations, expose us to exchange rate fluctuations and various risks that could impact our business.
A significant portion of our operations is conducted outside the United States. Accordingly, we are subject to legal, economic and market risks associated with operating in foreign countries, including devaluations and fluctuations in currency exchange rates; imposition of limitations on conversion of foreign currencies into pounds sterling or dollars or remittance of dividends and other payments by foreign subsidiaries; hyperinflation in certain foreign countries; imposition or increase of investment and other restrictions by foreign governments; and the requirement of complying withserves as a wide variety of foreign laws.
We report our operating results and financial condition in US dollars. Our US operations earn revenue and incur expenses primarily in US dollars. In our London market operations, however, we earn revenue in a number of different currencies, but expenses are almost entirely incurred in pounds sterling. Outside the United States and our London market operations, we predominantly generate revenue and expenses in the local currency. The table gives an approximate analysis of revenues and expenses by currency in 2011.
                 
  US
 Pounds
   Other
  Dollars Sterling Euros currencies
 
Revenues  58%   9%   14%   19% 
Expenses  51%   23%   10%   16% 
Because of devaluations and fluctuations in currency exchange rates or the imposition of limitations on conversion of foreign currencies into US dollars, we are subject to currency translation exposuredirector on the profits of our operations, in addition to economic exposure. Furthermore, the mismatch between pounds sterling revenues and expenses, together with any net sterling balance sheet position we hold in our US dollar denominated London market operations, creates an exchange exposure.
For example, as the pound sterling strengthens, the US dollars required to be translated into pounds sterling to cover the net sterling expenses increase, which then causes our results to be negatively impacted. However, any net sterling asset we


21


Willis Group Holdings plc
are holding will be more valuable when translated into US dollars. Given these facts, the strengthNational Board of the pound sterling relative toAlzheimer’s Association. Ms. Catalano formerly served on the US dollar hasboards of SSL International plc, Hercules Incorporated, Aviva plc and U.S. Dataworks and as an advisory board member of BT Global Services. Ms. Catalano holds a BS degree in Business Administration from the past had a material negative impact on our reported results. This risk could have a material adverse effect on our business financial condition, cash flow and resultsUniversity of operations in the future.
Where possible, we hedge part of our operating exposure to exchange rate movements, but such mitigating attempts may not be successful.
In conducting our businesses around the world, we are subject to political, economic, legal, market, nationalization, operational and other risks that are inherent in operating in many countries.
In conducting our businesses and maintaining and supporting our global operations, we are subject to political, economic, legal, market, nationalization, operational and other risks. Our businesses and operations continue to expand into new regions throughout the world, including emerging markets. The possible effects of economic and financial disruptions throughout the world could have an adverse impact on our businesses. These risks include:
Illinois, Champaign-Urbana.

International Business— Ms. Catalano has significant executive experience in international business operations through her roles as: Group Vice President, Marketing at BP plc; Group Vice President, Emerging Markets at BP; Senior Vice President, Sales and Operations at Amoco; and President of Amoco Orient Oil Company. In 2001, Ms. Catalano was recognized by Fortune Magazine as being among the “Most Powerful Women in International Business.”

 

Marketing Experience — Ms. Catalano has over 25 years of experience in global marketing and operations. During her tenure as the general economichead of marketing for BP plc, she was instrumental in the internal and political conditions in foreign countries, for example,the potential dissolutionexternal repositioning of the euroBP brand and was a primary voice behind the campaign to establish BP’s “Beyond Petroleum” positioning. She is also a frequent speaker on strategic and global branding.

Board and Committee Experience — Ms. Catalano has significant experience as a director and committee member from her service on other public company boards including her current service as a current member of the Governance Committee of Mead Johnson Nutrition and the 2010 devaluationCompensation Committees of the Venezuelan Bolivar;

•  the imposition of controls or limitations on the conversion of foreign currencies or remittance of dividendsMead Johnson Nutrition, Chemtura Corporation and other payments by foreign subsidiaries;
•  imposition of withholding and other taxes on remittances and other payments from subsidiaries;
•  imposition or increase of investment and other restrictions by foreign governments;
•  difficulties in controlling operations and monitoring employees in geographically dispersed and culturally diverse locations; and
•  the potential costs and difficulties in complying, or monitoring compliance, with a wide variety of foreign laws (some of which may conflict with US or other sources of law), laws and regulations applicable to US business operations abroad, including rules relating to trade sanctions administered by the US Office of Foreign Assets Control, the EU, the UK and the UN, and the requirements of the US Foreign Corrupt Practices ActKraton Performance Polymers as well as other anti-briberyher former service on the international company boards of SSL International plc and corruption rules and requirements in the countries in which we operate.Aviva plc.

LegislativeSir Roy Gardner — Sir Roy Gardner, age 67, joined the Board on April 26, 2006 and regulatory action could materially and adversely affect us and our effective tax rate may increase.

There is uncertainty regardingcurrently serves as the tax policiesChairman of the jurisdictions where we operate (which includeCompany’s Risk Committee and a member of the potential legislative actions described below),Executive Committee. He is a Chartered Certified Accountant and our effective tax rate may increasewill serve as Chairman of Compass Group PLC, a food and any such increase may be material. Additionally,support services company, until his retirement from the tax lawsposition in February 2014. He also serves as Chairman of Irelandthe Nominating Committee of Compass Group PLC. He is a Senior Advisor to Credit Suisse and other jurisdictions could change inalso a Director and Chairman of the future,Nominating Committee of Mainstream Renewable Power Limited, Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Energy Futures Lab of Imperial College London, President of Carers UK, Chairman of the Apprenticeship Ambassadors Network and such changes could cause a material change in our effective tax rate. For example, legislative action may be taken by the US Congress which, if ultimately enacted, could override tax treaties upon which we rely or could broaden the circumstances under which we would be considered a US resident, eachChairman and member of which could materially and adversely affect our effective tax rate and cash tax position. We cannot predict the outcomeseveral board committees of any specific legislative proposals. However, if proposals were enacted that had the effect of limiting our ability to take advantage of tax treaties between Ireland and other jurisdictions (including the US), we could be subjected to increased taxation.Enserve Group Ltd. In addition, any future amendments to the current income tax treatieshe was Chairman of Connaught plc between IrelandMay and other jurisdictions could subject us to increased taxation.
Irish law differs from the laws in effect in the United States and may afford less protection to holders of our securities.
It may not be possible to enforce court judgments obtained in the United States against us in Ireland based on the civil liability provisions of the US federal or state securities laws. In addition, there is some uncertainty as to whether the courts of Ireland would recognize or enforce judgments of US courts obtained against us or our directors or officers based on the civil liabilities provisions of the US federal or state securities laws or hear actions against us or those persons based on those laws. We have been advised that the United States currently does not have a treaty with Ireland providing


22


Risk factors
for the reciprocal recognition and enforcement of judgments in civil and commercial matters. Therefore, a final judgment for the payment of money rendered by any US federal or state court based on civil liability, whether or not based solely on US federal or state securities laws, would not be directly enforceable in Ireland. While not directly enforceable, it is possible for a final judgment for the payment of money rendered by any US federal or state court based on civil liability to be enforced in Ireland through common law rules. However, this process is subject to numerous established principles and would involve the commencement of a new set of proceedings in Ireland to enforce the judgment.
As an Irish company, Willis Group Holdings is governed by the Irish Companies Acts, which differ in some material respects from laws generally applicable to US corporations and shareholders, including, among others, differences relating to interested director and officer transactions and shareholder lawsuits. Likewise, the duties of directors and officers of an Irish company generally are owed to the company only. Shareholders of Irish companies generally do not have a personal right of action against directors or officers of the company and may exercise such rights of action on behalf of the Company only in limited circumstances. Accordingly, holders of Willis Group Holdings securities may have more difficulty protecting their interests than would holders of securities of a corporation incorporated in a jurisdiction of the United States.
Our non-core operations pose certain underwriting, advisory or reputational risks and can have, such as our Loan Protector business, a significant adverse impact on our financial results.
We provide a broad range of brokerage, reinsurance and risk management consulting services to our clients worldwide. We also engage in certain non-core operations. For example, our Willis Capital Markets & Advisory business provides advice to insurance and reinsurance companies on a broad array of mergers and acquisition transactions as well as capital markets products, including acting as underwriter or agent for primary issuances, operating a secondary insurance-linked securities trading desk and engaging in general capital markets and strategic advisory work. These operations may pose certain underwriting, advisory or reputational risks to our core business.
In addition, these non-core operations, although not material to the GroupSeptember 2010. He previously held positions as a whole may, in any period, have a material effect on our resultsformer Chief Executive of operations. For example, our Willis Capital Markets & Advisory business is transaction-based which can cause results to differ fromperiod-to-period. In addition, our financial results in 2011 were adversely impacted by the significant deteriorationCentrica plc, Chairman of the financial resultsManchester United plc, Finance Director of our Loan Protector business driven by the lossBritish Gas plc, Managing Director of clients through attritionGEC-Marconi Ltd, Director of GEC plc and M&A activity, industry-wide commission pressures and a slowdown in foreclosures.
Item 1B — Unresolved Staff Comments
The Company had no unresolved comments from the SEC’s staff.


23Director of Laporte plc.


Willis Group Holdings plc
Item 2 — Properties
We own and lease a number of properties for use as offices throughout the world and believe that our properties are generally suitable and adequate for the purposes for which they are used. The principal properties are located in the United Kingdom and the United States. Willis maintains over 4.2 million square feet of space worldwide.
London
In London we occupy a prime site comprising 491,000 square feet spread over a 28 story tower and adjoining 10 story building. We have a25-year lease on this property which expires June 2032 and wesub-let the 10-story adjoining building. In September 2011 approximately 17,500 square feet of the 28 story tower was sublet to a third party, a further 52,000 square feet is being marketed.
North America
In North America, outside of New York and Chicago, we lease approximately 1.9 million square feet over 120 locations.
New York
In New York, we occupy 205,000 square feet of office space at One World Financial Center under a 20 year lease, expiring September 2026.
Chicago
In Chicago, we occupy 140,000 square feet at the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower), under a lease expiring February 2025.
Nashville
In 2010 we renegotiated our lease and began a major restack of our operations facility in Nashville. The first stage was completed in December 2010 and the remainder was completed in May 2011. We reduced our square footage from 327,000 square feet to 160,000 square feet eliminating sublet space.
Rest of World
Outside of North America and London we lease approximately 1.5 million square feet of office space in over 150 locations. Two of our properties in Ipswich, United Kingdom have liens on the land and buildings in connection with a revolving credit facility.
Item 3 — Legal Proceedings
Information regarding claims, lawsuits and other proceedings is set forth in Note 21 ‘Commitments and Contingencies’ to the Consolidated Financial Statements appearing under Part II, Item 8 of this report and incorporated herein by reference.
Item 4 — Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.


24


Share data and dividends
Part II
Item 5 —Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Share data
Our shares have been traded on the New York Stock Exchange (‘NYSE’) under the symbol ‘WSH’ since June 11, 2001. The high and low sale prices of our shares, as reported by the NYSE, are set forth below for the periods indicated.
         
  Price Range
 
  of Shares 
  High  Low 
 
2010:
        
First Quarter $32.14  $26.07 
Second Quarter $34.98  $28.94 
Third Quarter $32.29  $28.91 
Fourth Quarter $34.71  $30.55 
2011:
        
First Quarter $40.36  $34.37 
Second Quarter $42.42  $39.06 
Third Quarter $42.21  $33.11 
Fourth Quarter $40.70  $33.04 
2012:
        
Through February 17, 2012 $39.85  $33.81 
On February 17, 2012, the last reported sale price of our shares as reported by the NYSE was $34.10 per share. As of February 17, 2012 there were approximately 1,716 shareholders on record of our shares.
Dividends
We normally pay dividends on a quarterly basis to shareholders of record on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31. The dividend payment dates and amounts are as follows:
  

International Business and Board Experience — The United Kingdom is an important market for the Company. Sir Roy Gardner is a well-respected British businessman who began his career in 1963 and has held leadership positions at or held director positions on the boards of a number of UK and other European companies.

 
Payment Date $ Per Share

CEO/Management Experience — Sir Roy Gardner’s senior leadership roles include his position as former Chief Executive of Centrica plc for 9 1/2 years. Centrica plc is a large multinational utility company that is based in the United Kingdom but also has interests in North America. It is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index.

 
January 15, 2010 $0.260
April 16, 2010$0.260
July 16, 2010$0.260
October 15, 2010$0.260
January 14, 2011$0.260
April 15, 2011$0.260
July 15, 2011$0.260
October 14, 2011$0.260
January 13, 2012$0.260

Extensive Knowledge of the Company’s Business — Sir Roy Gardner’s seven years of experience on the Board, his financial background as a UK-Chartered Certified Accountant and his former service as the Chairman of the Company’s Compensation Committee provides him with an extensive knowledge of the Company’s business and allows him to serve as an effective Chairman of the Company’s Risk Committee.

There are no governmental laws, decrees or regulations in Ireland which will restrict

The Rt. Hon. Sir Jeremy Hanley, KCMG — Sir Jeremy Hanley, age 66, joined the remittance of dividends or other payments to non-resident holdersBoard on April 26, 2006 and currently serves as a member of the Company’s shares.

In circumstances where one of Ireland’s many exemptions from dividend withholding tax (‘DWT’) does not apply, dividends paid by the Company will be subject to Irish DWT (currently 20 percent). Residents of the US should be exempted from Irish DWT provided relevant documentation supporting the exemption has been put in place. While the US-Ireland Double Tax Treaty contains provisions reducing the rate of Irish DWT in prescribed circumstances, it should generally be unnecessary for US residents to rely on the provisions of this treaty due to the wide scope of exemptions from DWT available under Irish domestic law. Irish income tax may also arise in respect of dividends paid by the


25


Willis Group Holdings plc
Company. However, US residents entitled to an exemption from Irish DWT generally have no Irish income tax liability on dividends. An exception to this position applies whereAudit Committee. He is a shareholder holds shares in the Company through a branch or agency in Ireland through which a trade is carried on.
With respect to non-corporate US shareholders, certain dividends received before January 1, 2011 from a qualified foreign corporation may be subject to reduced rates of taxation. A foreign corporation is treated as a qualified foreign corporation with respect to dividends received from that corporation on shares that are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States, such as our shares. Non-corporate US shareholders that do not meet a minimum holding period requirement for our shares during which they are not protected from the risk of loss or that elect to treat the dividend income as ‘investment income’ pursuant to section 163(d)(4) of the Code will not be eligible for the reduced rates of taxation regardless of our status as a qualified foreign corporation. In addition, the rate reduction will not apply to dividends if the recipient of a dividend is obligated to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property. This disallowance applies even if the minimum holding period has been met. US shareholders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the application of these rules given their particular circumstances.
Total Shareholder Return
The following graph demonstrates a five-year comparison of cumulative total returns for the Company, the S&P 500Chartered Accountant and a peer group compriseddirector of the Company, Aon Corporation, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., Brown & Brown Inc., and Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. The comparison charts the performance of $100 invested in the Company, the S&P 500 and the peer group on December 31, 2006, assuming full dividend reinvestment.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
During the quarter ended December 31, 2011, no shares were issued by the Company without registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.


26


Share data and dividends
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
The Company is authorized to repurchase or redeem shares underWillis Limited, a variety of methods and will consider whether to do so from time to time, based on many factors, including market conditions. There remains approximately $922 million under the current authorization. The Company did not repurchase or redeem any shares in 2011 or 2010. In February 2012, the Company announced that in 2012 it intends to buyback up to $100 million of shares through open market or privately negotiated transactions, from time to time, depending on market conditions. As at February 23, 2012 the Company acquired 75,000 shares at a total price of approximately $3 million.
The information under ‘Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans’ under Part III, Item 12 ‘Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owner and Management and Related Stockholder Matters’ is incorporated herein by reference.


27


Willis Group Holdings plc
Item 6 —Selected Financial Data
Selected Historical Consolidated Financial Data
The selected consolidated financial data presented below should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statementssubsidiary of the Company, and the related notesa director and Item 7 — ‘Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations’ included elsewhere in this report.
The selected historical consolidated financial data presented below as of and for eachmember of the five years ended December 31, 2011 have been derivedAudit and Remuneration Committees of Langbar International Limited and of London Asia Capital plc. He also serves on the International Advisory Committee for Lottomatica S.p.A. Sir Jeremy was a Member of Parliament for Richmond and Barnes from 1983 to 1997 and held a number of ministerial position in the audited consolidated financial statementsU.K. government, including Under Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Minister of State for the Armed Forces, Cabinet Minister without Portfolio at the same time as being Chairman of the Company, which have been preparedConservative Party and Minister of State for Foreign & Commonwealth Affairs. He retired from politics in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in1998. He also served on the United StatesBoards of America (‘US GAAP’).
                     
  Year ended December 31, 
  2011  2010  2009  2008(i)  2007 
  (millions, except per share data) 
 
Statement of Operations Data
                    
Total revenues $3,447  $3,332  $3,253  $2,827  $2,578 
Operating income  566   753   690   503   620 
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and interest in earnings of associates  239   587   516   398   554 
Income from continuing operations  203   470   455   323   426 
Discontinued operations, net of tax  1      4   1    
Net income attributable to Willis Group Holdings $204  $455  $438  $303  $409 
                     
Earnings per share on continuing operations — basic $1.17  $2.68  $2.58  $2.04  $2.82 
Earnings per share on continuing operations — diluted $1.15  $2.66  $2.57  $2.04  $2.78 
                     
Average number of shares outstanding                    
 — basic  173   170   168   148   145 
 — diluted  176   171   169   148   147 
                     
                     
Balance Sheet Data (as of year end)
                    
Goodwill $3,295  $3,294  $3,277  $3,275  $1,648 
Other intangible assets, net  420   492   572   682   78 
Total assets(ii)
  15,728   15,850   15,625   16,402   12,969 
Net assets  2,517   2,608   2,229   1,895   1,395 
Total long-term debt  2,354   2,157   2,165   1,865   1,250 
Shares and additional paid-in capital  1,073   985   918   886   41 
Total stockholders’ equity  2,486   2,577   2,180   1,845   1,347 
                     
Other Financial Data
                    
Capital expenditures (excluding capital leases) $111  $83  $96  $94  $185 
Cash dividends declared per share $1.04  $1.04  $1.04  $1.04  $1.00 
Lottomatica S.p.A., Onslow Suffolk Limited, Mountfield Group Limited, Nymex London Limited and ITE Group plc. and the Audit Committee of the Joint Arab British Chamber of Commerce.

(i)On October 1, 2008, we completed the acquisition

Legal, Governmental, Political or Diplomatic Expertise — Sir Jeremy Hanley has a deep understanding of HRH, at the time the eighth largest insuranceUK governmental and risk management intermediaryregulatory affairs and public policy based on his 14 years as a member of Parliament and significant ministerial positions in the United States. The acquisition has significantly enhanced our North America revenuesUK government. Sir Jeremy Hanley’s background is important for his role as a director of Willis Limited, a subsidiary of the Company regulated by the Financial Services Authority, the regulator of the financial services industry in the UK.

Financial Background — Sir Jeremy Hanley, a member of the Company’s Audit Committee, is a UK-Chartered accountant which qualifies him as an audit committee financial expert.

International Board and the combined operations have critical mass in key markets across the US. We recognized goodwill and other intangible assetsCommittee Experience — Sir Jeremy Hanley also brings experience from his service on numerous international boards, including his former service on the HRH acquisitionBoard and Audit Committee of approximately $1.6 billion and $651 million, respectively.

(ii)Lottomatica S.p.A., an Italian company.The Company collects premiums from insureds and, after deducting its commissions, remits the premiums to the respective insurers; the Company also collects claims or refunds from insurers which it then remits to insureds. Uncollected premiums from insureds and uncollected claims or refunds from insurers (‘fiduciary receivables’) are recorded as fiduciary assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. Unremitted insurance premiums, claims or refunds (‘fiduciary funds’) are also recorded within fiduciary assets.


28


Business discussion
Item 7 —Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
This discussion includes forward-looking statements, including underRobyn S. Kravit — Ms. Kravit, age 61, joined the headings ‘Executive Summary’, ‘LiquidityBoard on April 23, 2008 and Capital Resources’, ‘Critical Accounting Estimates’ and ‘Contractual Obligations’. Please see ‘Forward-Looking Statements’ for certain cautionary information regarding forward-looking statements and a list of factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted in the forward-looking statements.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Business Overview
We provide a broad range of insurance broking, risk management and consulting services to our clients worldwide and organize our business into three segments: Global, North America and International.
Our Global business provides specialist brokerage and consulting services to clients worldwide arising from specific industries and activities including Aerospace; Energy; Marine; Construction; Financial and Executive Risks; Fine Art, Jewelry and Specie; Special Contingency Risks; and Reinsurance.
North America and International comprise our retail operations and provide services to small, medium and large corporations and the employee benefits practice, our largest product-based practice group, provides health, welfare and human resources consulting and brokerage services.
In our capacity as advisor and insurance broker, we act as an intermediary between our clients and insurance carriers by advising our clients on their risk management requirements, helping clients determine the best means of managing risk, and negotiating and placing insurance with insurance carriers through our global distribution network.
We derive most of our revenues from commissions and fees for brokerage and consulting services and do not determine the insurance premiums on which our commissions are generally based. Commission levels generally follow the same trend as premium levels as they are derived from a percentage of the premiums paid by the insureds. Fluctuations in these premiums charged by the insurance carriers can therefore have a direct and potentially material impact on our results of operations.
Due to the cyclical nature of the insurance market and the impact of other market conditions on insurance premiums, commission revenues may vary widely between accounting periods. A period of low or declining premium rates, generally knowncurrently serves as a ‘soft’ or ‘softening’ market, generally leads to downward pressure on commission revenues and can have a material adverse impact on our commission revenues and operating margin. A ‘hard’ or ‘firming’ market, during which premium rates rise, generally has a favorable impact on our commission revenues and operating margin.
Market Conditions
The years 2005 through 2010 were almost universally viewed as soft market years across most of our product offerings and our commission revenues and operating margins throughout that period were negatively impacted, although in 2009 the market experienced modest stabilization in the reinsurance market and certain specialty markets.
Our North America and UK and Irish retail operations were particularly impacted by the weakened economic climate and continued soft market throughout 2009 and 2010 with no material improvement in rates across most sectors in these geographic regions. This resulted in declines in revenues in these operations, particularly amongst our smaller clients who have been especially vulnerable to the economic downturn.
In 2011, we saw some modest increases in catastrophe-exposed property insurance and reinsurance pricing levels driven by significant 2011 catastrophe losses including the Japanese earthquake and tsunami, the New Zealand earthquake, the


29


Willis Group Holdings plc
mid-west US tornadoes and Thailand floods. However, in general, we continued to be negatively impacted by the soft insurance market and challenging economic conditions across other sectors and most geographic regions.
We believe that, in the absence of a significant catastrophe loss or capital impairment in the industry, a universal turn in market rates is not likely to occur. However, more recently we have not seen the same reduction in rates globally that were faced in early 2011 and during 2010 and 2009. There have been recent signs that the unprofitability of certain business lines such as property catastrophe and workers compensation is slowly firming rates in those lines. Additionally, there has been some evidence of firming or hardening in certain sectors of the reinsurance market in early 2012.
Financial Performance
General
This discussion includes references to non-GAAP financial measures as defined in Regulation G of the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘SEC’). We present such non-GAAP financial measures, specifically, organic growth in commissions and fees, adjusted operating margin, adjusted operating income, adjusted net income from continuing operations and adjusted earnings per diluted share from continuing operations, as we believe such information is of interest to the investment community because it provides additional meaningful methods of evaluating certain aspectsmember of the Company’s operating performance from period to period on a basis that may not be otherwise apparent on a GAAP basis. Organic growthAudit Committee. She is an international business executive with almost 30 years of experience in commissionsestablishing and fees excludes the impact of acquisitions and disposals, year over year movements in foreign exchange, legacy contingent commissions assumed as part of the HRH acquisition, and investment and other income from growth in revenues and commissions and fees. Adjusted operating margin, adjusted net income from continuingdirecting significant China-based operations and adjusted earnings per diluted share from continuing operations are calculated by excluding the impact of certain specified items from net income from continuing operations, the most directly comparable GAAP measure. These financial measures should be viewed in addition to, not in lieu of, the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011.
Consolidated Financial Performance
2011 compared to 2010
Despite difficult market conditions, total revenues in 2011 of $3,447 million increased by $115 million, or 3%, compared to 2010. This included organic growth in commissions and fees of 2% driven by our International and Global operations. Our North America operations reported a revenue decline of 4%, including a 4% decline in organic commissions and fees reflecting lower revenues generated by Loan Protector, a specialty business acquired as part of the HRH business, and the continued adverse impact of difficult economic conditionsengaged in the US.
Total expenses in 2011international trading of $2,881 million increased $302 million compared to 2010, primarily due to incremental expense relating to the 2011 Operational Review (discussed later in this section),industrial raw materials. Ms. Kravit co-founded Tethys Research LLC, a $22 million write-off of an uncollectible accounts receivable balance relating to periods prior to January 1, 2011, also discussed later in this section, continued investment to support future growth, increased incentives amortization relating to our cash retention awards, reinstatement of salary reviews for all associates in March 2011 and 401(k) matching contributions for our US associates from January 2011, unfavorable foreign currency translation and an $11 million UK FSA regulatory settlement. These increases were partially offset by cost savings arising from implementation of the 2011 Operational Review, reduced pension expense of $24 million and theyear-on-year $8 million benefit from the release of funds and reserves related to potential legal liabilities.
Net income attributable to Willis shareholders from continuing operations was $203 million or $1.15 per diluted share in 2011 compared to $455 million or $2.66 per diluted share in 2010. The $252 million reduction in net income compared to 2010 primarily reflects the increase in total expenses described above and the $131 million post-tax cost relating to the make-whole amounts on the repurchase and redemption of $500 million of our senior debt and the write-off of related unamortized debt issuance costs, partly offset by revenue growth achieved during the year. Net income was also adversely impacted by an $11 million reduction in interest in earnings of associates, net of tax, mainly due to declining performance in our principal associate, Gras Savoye.


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Business discussion
2010 compared to 2009
Total revenues in 2010 of $3,332 million increased by $79 million, or 2%, compared to 2009, reflecting organic growth in commissions and fees of 4% being partly offset by a 1% adverse impact from foreign currency translation and decreased investment and other income. Total expenses in 2010 of $2,579 million, were $16 million higher compared to 2009. Salaries and benefits expense increased by $46 million, primarily due to a $60 million increase in incentive expense, partly offset by reduced severance costs and favorable foreign currency translation. Other operating expenses declined by $26 million, driven by reduced losses on our forward hedging program and a reduction in the amortization of intangible assets of $18 million due to a lower amortization charge for HRH-related intangibles.
Net income attributable to Willis shareholders from continuing operations was $455 million or $2.66 per diluted share in 2010 compared to $434 million or $2.57 per diluted share in 2009. The $21 million increase in net income compared to 2009 primarily reflects the revenue growth described above, partly offset by the $16 million increase in total expenses, an increase in the effective tax rate from 18% in 2009 to 24% in 2010 and a $10 million reduction in interest in earnings of associates, net of tax following the December 2009 reduction from 49% to 31% in our ownership interest in Gras Savoye.
Adjusted Operating Income, Adjusted Net Income from Continuing Operations and Adjusted Earnings per Diluted Share from Continuing Operations
Adjusted operating income, adjusted net income from continuing operations and adjusted earnings per diluted share from continuing operations are calculated by excluding the impact of certain items from operating income and net income from continuing operations respectively, the most directly comparable GAAP measures. We believe that excluding these items, as applicable, from operating income and net income from continuing operations provides a more complete and consistent comparative analysis of our results of operations. We use these and other measures to establish Group performance targets and evaluate the performance of our operations. The Company also uses both adjusted earnings per diluted share from continuing operations and adjusted operating margin measures to form the basis of establishing and assessing components of compensation. As set out in the tables below, adjusted operating margin at 22.5% in 2011, was down 50 basis points compared to 2010, while adjusted net income from continuing operations at $482 million was $12 million higher than in 2010 and adjusted earnings per diluted share from continuing operations was $2.74 in 2011, compared to $2.75 in 2010.
A reconciliation of adjusted operating income to reported operating income, the most directly comparable GAAP measure, is as follows (in millions, except percentages):
             
  Year Ended December 31, 
  2011  2010  2009 
 
Operating Income, GAAP basis $566  $753  $690 
Excluding:            
Net (gain)/loss on disposal of operations  (4)  2   (13)
2011 Operational Review(a)
  180       
FSA regulatory settlement(b)
  11       
Venezuela currency devaluation(c)
     12    
Write-off of uncollectible accounts receivable balance(d)
  22       
HRH integration costs        18 
Accelerated amortization of intangible assets        7 
Costs associated with the redomicile of the Company’s parent company        6 
             
Adjusted Operating Income $775  $767  $708 
             
Operating Margin, GAAP basis, or Operating Income as a percentage of Total Revenues  16.4%  22.6%  21.2%
             
Adjusted Operating Margin, or Adjusted Operating Income as a percentage of Total Revenues  22.5%  23.0%  21.8%
             
(a)Charge relating to the 2011 operational review, including $98 million of severance costs related to the elimination of approximately 1,200 positions for the full year 2011.
(b)Regulatory settlement with the UK Financial Services Authority (FSA).


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Willis Group Holdings plc
(c)With effect from January 1, 2010 the Venezuelan economy was designated as hyper-inflationary. The Venezuelan government also devalued the Bolivar Fuerte in January 2010. As a result of these actions, the Company recorded a one-time charge in other operating expenses to reflect the re-measurement of its net assets denominated in Venezuelan Bolivar Fuerte.
(d)Write-off of uncollectible accounts receivable balance relating to periods prior to January 1, 2011, see ‘Correction of commissions and fees overstatement relating to 2011 and prior periods’, below.
A reconciliation of adjusted net income from continuing operations and adjusted earnings per diluted share from continuing operations to reported net income from continuing operations and reported earnings per diluted share from continuing operations, the most directly comparable GAAP measures, is as follows (in millions, except per share data):
                         
  Year Ended
  Per diluted share
 
  December 31,  Year Ended December 31, 
  2011  2010  2009  2011  2010  2009 
 
Net Income from Continuing Operations, GAAP basis $203  $455  $434  $1.15  $2.66  $2.57 
Excluding:                        
Net (gain) loss on disposal of operations, net of tax ($nil), ($(1)), ($2)  (4)  3   (11)  (0.02)  0.02   (0.06)
2011 Operational Review, net of tax ($52), ($nil), ($nil)(a)
  128         0.73       
FSA regulatory settlement, net of tax ($nil), ($nil), ($nil)(b)
  11         0.06       
HRH integration costs, net of tax ($nil), ($nil), ($(5))        13         0.08 
Costs associated with the redomicile of the Company’s parent company, net of tax ($nil), ($nil), ($nil)        6         0.03 
Accelerated amortization of intangible assets, net of tax ($nil), ($nil), ($(3))        4         0.02 
Premium on early redemption of 2010 bonds, net of tax ($nil), ($nil), ($(1))        4         0.02 
Make-whole amounts on repurchase and redemption of Senior Notes and write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs, net of tax ($50), ($nil), ($nil)  131         0.74       
Write-off of uncollectible accounts receivable balance, net of tax ($9), ($nil), ($nil)(c)
  13         0.08       
Venezuela currency devaluation, net of tax ($nil), ($nil), ($nil)(d)
     12         0.07    
                         
Adjusted Net Income from Continuing Operations $482  $470  $450  $2.74  $2.75  $2.66 
                         
Average diluted shares outstanding, GAAP basis  176   171   169             
                         
(a)Charge relating to the 2011 Operational Review, including $98 million pre-tax of severance costs related to the elimination of approximately 1,200 positions for the full year 2011.
(b)Regulatory settlement with the UK Financial Services Authority (FSA).
(c)Write-off of uncollectible accounts receivable balance relating to periods prior to January 1, 2011, see ‘Correction of commissions and fees overstatement relating to 2011 and prior periods’, below.
(d)With effect from January 1, 2010 the Venezuelan economy was designated as hyper-inflationary. The Venezuelan government also devalued the Bolivar Fuerte in January 2010. As a result of these actions the Company recorded a one-time charge in other operating expenses to reflect the re-measurement of its net assets denominated in Venezuelan Bolivar Fuerte.
2011 Operational review
In order to fund the higher anticipated salaries and benefits expense and continued investment for the future, we implemented a review of all our businesses in 2011 to better align our resources with our growth strategies. In connection with this review, we incurred pre-tax charges of $180 million in 2011 including:
• $98 million of severance costs (including $9 million relating to the waiver of retention awards) relating to approximately 1,200 positions which have been, or are in the process of being, eliminated;
• $37 million of other salaries and benefits expense to buy out previously existing incentive schemes and other contractual arrangements that no longer align with the Group’s overall remuneration strategy; and
• $45 million of other operating expenses, including: property and systems rationalization costs; related accelerated systems depreciation of $5 million; and re-negotiation of sourcing contracts.


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Business discussion
The full year cost of the 2011 Operational Review at $180 million represents an increase of $20 million from our third quarter 2011 estimate. This is the result of the identification of additional opportunities to achieve efficiencies.
In 2011 we realized total cost savings attributable to the 2011 Operational Review of approximately $80 million. We now expect to achieve annualized savings of approximately $135 million beginning in 2012, an increase from our previous estimate of $115 million to $125 million, and represents incremental savings in 2012 compared to 2011 of approximately $55 million.
The statements under ‘2011 Operational Review’ constitute forward-looking statements. Please see ‘Forward-Looking Statements’ for certain cautionary information regarding forward-looking statements and a list of factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted in the forward-looking statements.
Make-whole on repurchase and redemption of senior notes and write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs
We issued $800 million of new debt in March 2011, comprised of $300 million 4.125% senior notes due 2016 and $500 million 5.750% senior notes due 2021. Net proceeds of approximately $787 million were used in part to repurchase and redeem $500 million 12.875% senior notes due 2016 and make related make-whole payments totaling $158 million. In addition to the make-whole payment we also wrote off unamortized debt issuance costs of $13 million.
Correction of commissions and fees overstatement relating to 2011 and prior periods
In the first quarter of 2012, we identified through our internal financial control process an uncollectible accounts receivable balance of approximately $28 million in a stand-alone business unit that appears to be due to fraudulent overstatements of Commissions and Fees from the years 2005 to 2011. This matter was brought to management’s attention after we had announced our fourth quarter and annual earnings on February 14, 2012.
The Company is conducting an internal investigation into this matter with the assistance of our professional advisors. Based on the results of the investigation to date, we believe that the overstatements resulted from the conduct of a few associates within or dealing with our Employee Benefits group who colluded to misapply certain current cash receipts to older outstanding accounts receivable balances. We have concluded that the overstatements we uncovered did not materially affect our previously-issued financial statements for any of the prior periods.
For the year ended December 31, 2011, we have corrected the misstatement of Commissions and Fees from prior periods by recognizing a $22 million charge to Other Operating Expenses to write off the uncollectible receivable at January 1, 2011, and by reversing the $6 million balance of Commissions and Fees which had been recorded during 2011. We have also reversed $2 million of Salaries and Benefits representing an over-accrual of production bonuses relating to the overstated revenue. As a result of correcting these misstatements, our financial statements for 2011 differ in certain immaterial respects, including a net $0.01 reduction in adjusted earnings per diluted share, from the unaudited financial statements included in our press release issued on February 14, 2012.
The associates in question, who have been placed on administrative leave pending completion of the investigation, have not been members of Willis executive management or played a significant role in internal control over financial reporting. Based on the results of our investigation to date, we do not believe that any client or carrier funds were misappropriated or that any other business units were affected.
We have taken steps to enhance our internal controls in relation to the business unit in question, including enhanced procedures over handling of cash receipts, increased segregation of duties between the operating unit and the accounting and settlement function, and additional central sign off on revenue recognition.


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Willis Group Holdings plc
Cash retention awards
We started making cash retention awards in 2005 to a small number of employees. With the success of the program, we expanded it over time to include more staff and we believe it is a contributing factor to the reduction in employee turnover we have seen in recent years.
Salaries and benefits do not reflect the unamortized portion of annual cash retention awards made to employees. Employees must repay a proportionate amount of these cash retention awards if they voluntarily leave our employ (other than in the event of retirement or permanent disability) within a certain time period, currently three years. We make cash payments to our employees in the year we grant these retention awards and recognize these payments ratably over the period they are subject to repayment, beginning in the quarter in which the award is made.
During 2011, we made $210 million of cash retention award payments compared with $196 million in 2010 and $148 million in 2009. Salaries and benefits in 2011 include $185 million of amortization of cash retention award payments made on or before December 31, 2011, compared with $119 million in 2010 and $88 million in 2009. As of December 31, 2011, December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, we included $196 million, $173 million and $98 million, respectively, within other current assets and other non-current assets on the balance sheet, which represented the unamortized portion of cash retention award payments made on or before those dates.
Pension Expense
We recorded a net pension charge on our UK and US defined benefit pension plans in 2011 of $6 million, and $nil respectively, compared with $28 million and $1 million respectively in 2010 and $25 million and $7 million respectively in 2009. On our international defined benefit pension plans, we recorded a net pension charge of $5 million in 2011, compared with $6 million in 2010 and $10 million in 2009.
The UK plan charge was $22 million lower compared to 2010 as the benefits of higher asset returns, lower amortization of prior period losses and a lower service cost reflecting certain changes to plan benefits were partly offset by an increased interest cost. The UK pension charge was $3 million higher in 2010 compared to 2009 as the benefit from higher asset returns was more than offset by a higher service cost, higher amortization of prior period losses and higher interest cost.
The US pension charge was $1 million lower in 2011 compared with 2010 reflecting an increased asset return from a higher asset base partly offset by a reduction in amortization of prior period losses. The US pension charge was $6 million lower in 2010 compared to 2009 reflecting an increased asset return, a reduction in the amortization of prior period losses and the first full year’s benefit from closing the scheme to future accrual in May 2009, partly offset by the non-recurrence of a $12 million curtailment gain in 2009.
See ‘Contractual Obligations’ below for further information on our obligations relating to our pension plans.
Acquisitions and Disposals
During first quarter 2011, we acquired a 23% interest in a South African brokerage at a total cost of $2 million. During third quarter 2011, we acquired a 100% interest in a Polish brokerage, Brokerskie Centrum Ubezpieczeniowe, at a total cost of $2 million. In the fourth quarter 2011, we acquired 100% of Broking Italia, a Rome-based employee benefits broker at a total cost of $12 million.
During 2010, we acquired an additional 39% of our Chinese operations at a total cost of approximately $17 million, bringing our ownership to 90% and an additional 15% of our Colombian operations at a total cost of approximately $7 million, bringing our ownership to 80% at December 31, 2010.
On December 31, 2011, we disposed of Global Special Risks, LLC, Faber & Dumas Canada Ltd and the trade and assets of Maclean, Oddy & Associates, Inc. We have recorded within Discontinued Operations, net income of $1 million in 2011


34


Business discussion
associated with these entities, comprising a net loss for the year of $1 million offset by the benefit of a $2 million net gain on disposal.
Business Strategy
Our aim is to be the insurance broker and risk adviser of choice globally.
Our business model is aligned to the needs of each client segment:
•  Insurer — platform-neutral capital management and advisory services;
•  Large Accounts — delivering Willis’s global capabilities through client advocacy;
•  Mid-Market — mass-customization through our Sales 2.0 model;
•  Commercial — providing products and services to networks of retail brokers; and
•  Personal — focused on affinity models and High Net Worth segments.
Our business model has three elements:
•  Organic growth;
•  Recruitment of teams and individuals; and
•  Strategic acquisitions.
To meet the needs of our clients, we realigned our business model in 2011 to further grow thebiotechnology company, and position us to deliver the Willis Cause:
•  we thoroughly understand our clients’ needs and their industries;
•  we develop client solutions with the best markets, price and terms;
•  we relentlessly deliver quality client service; and
•  we get claims paid quickly
...With Integrity


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Willis Group Holdings plc
REVIEW OF CONSOLIDATED RESULTS
The following table is a summary of our revenues, operating income, operating margin, net income from continuing operations and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations (in millions, except per share data and percentages):
             
  Year Ended December 31, 
  2011  2010  2009 
 
REVENUES            
Commissions and fees $     3,414  $     3,293  $     3,200 
Investment income  31   38   50 
Other income  2   1   3 
             
Total revenues  3,447   3,332   3,253 
             
EXPENSES            
Salaries and benefits  (2,087)  (1,868)  (1,822)
Other operating expenses  (656)  (564)  (590)
Depreciation expense  (74)  (63)  (64)
Amortization of intangible assets  (68)  (82)  (100)
Net gain (loss) on disposal of operations  4   (2)  13 
             
Total expenses  (2,881)  (2,579)  (2,563)
             
OPERATING INCOME  566   753   690 
Make-whole on repurchase and redemption of senior notes and write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs  (171)      
Interest expense  (156)  (166)  (174)
             
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND INTEREST IN EARNINGS OF ASSOCIATES  239   587   516 
Income taxes  (32)  (140)  (94)
             
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INTEREST IN EARNINGS OF ASSOCIATES  207   447   422 
Interest in earnings of associates, net of tax  12   23   33 
             
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS  219   470   455 
Discontinued operations, net of tax  1      4 
             
NET INCOME  220   470   459 
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interests  (16)  (15)  (21)
             
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS $204  $455  $438 
             
Salaries and benefits as a percentage of total revenues  61%  56%  56%
Other operating expenses as a percentage of total revenues  19%  17%  18%
Operating margin (operating income as a percentage of total revenues)  16%  23%  21%
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations $1.15  $2.66  $2.57 
Average diluted number of shares outstanding  176   171   169 


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Business discussion
Consolidated Results for 2011 compared tohas acted as its Chief Executive Officer since 2000. From 2001 through 2010,
Revenues
                             
              Change attributable to:    
           Foreign
  Acquisitions
     Organic
 
           currency
  and
  Contingent
  commissions and
 
Year ended December 31, 2011  2010  % Change  translation  disposals  Commissions(b)  fees growth(a) 
  (millions)                
 
Global(c)
 $1,073  $987   9%  2%  %  %  7%
North America(d)
  1,314   1,369   (4)%  %  %  %  (4)%
International  1,027   937   10%  5%  %  %  5%
                             
Commissions and fees $3,414  $3,293   4%  2%  %  %  2%
                             
Investment income  31   38   (18)%                
Other income  2   1   100%                
                             
Total revenues $3,447  $3,332   3%                
                             
(a)Organic commissions and fees growth excludes: (i) the impact of foreign currency translation; (ii) the first twelve months of net commission and fee revenues generated from acquisitions; (iii) the net commission and fee revenues related to operations disposed of in each period presented; (iv) in North America, legacy contingent commissions assumed as part of the HRH acquisition that had not been converted into higher standard commission; and (v) investment income and other income from reported revenues.
(b)Included in North America reported commissions and fees were legacy HRH contingent commissions of $5 million in 2011 compared with $11 million in 2010.
(c)Reported commissions and fees and organic commissions and fees growth for Global for 2011 included a 2011 favorable impact from a change in accounting methodology in a Global Specialty business of $6 million.
(d)Reported commissions and fees included a favorable impact from a change in accounting methodology in a specialty business in North America of $7 million in the year ended December 31, 2010.
Our methods of calculating these measures may differ from those used by other companies and therefore comparability may be limited.
Revenue increased by $115 million, or 3%, in 2011 compared to 2010. Commissions and fees increased by $121 million or 4%, including organic growth in commissions and fees of 2%, which comprised 4% net new business growth driven by solid new business generation and higher retention of existing clients, and a 2% negative impact from renewal fluctuations and other market factors.
There Ms. Kravit was a net 2%year-over-year benefit to revenue growth from foreign currency translation driven byDirector of FONZ, the weakening of the US dollar against a number of currencies inorganization which we earn our revenues.
The 2% growth in organic commissionsmanages commercial and fees comprised net growth in our operating segments:
•  Global achieved 7% growth, including growth in our Reinsurance, Global Specialties and Willis Faber and Dumas (formerly London Market Wholesale) businesses, together with a $6 million 2011 benefit from a change in accounting within a Global Specialty business to conform to current Group accounting policy;
•  International achieved 5% organic growth driven primarily by our Latin America and Eastern Europe regions; and
•  North America reported a 4% decline in organic commissions and fees, primarily driven by the revenue decline in Loan Protector (a small specialty business acquired as part of the HRH business that works with financial institutions to confirm their loans are properly insured and interests are adequately protected). Excluding Loan Protector, the North America segment recorded a 2% decline in organic commissions and fees as the benefit of new business generation was more than offset by a 1% decline in client retention levels, the continued negative impact of the soft market and ongoing weakened economic conditions in the US.
Investment income in 2011 at $31 million was $7 million lower than in 2010,educational activities for Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park, serving two terms as low interest rates across the globe, in particular in the UKPresident and US, together with the roll-off of our interest rate hedge program continued to impact our investment income.


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Willis Group Holdings plc
Organic commissions and fees growth by segment is discussed further in ‘Operating Results — Segment Information’, below.
Salaries and Benefits
Salaries and benefits increased $219 million, or 12% in 2011, compared with 2010, primarily reflecting additional expense in 2011 of $135 million associated with our 2011 Operational Review, a $66 million increase from the amortization of cash retention awards and theyear-on-year net adverse impact from foreign currency translation, driven primarily by the movement of the US dollar against the Pound sterling (in which our London Market based operations incur the majority of their expenses). Furthermore, we incurred an additional $10 million expense relating to the reinstatement of our 401(k) match plan for our North America employees from January 2011 and incremental expense following reinstatement of annual salary reviews for all employees from April 2011. These increases were partly offset by cost savings arising from implementation of the 2011 Operational Review, reduced payments of non-retentive incentives and a $24 million decrease in pension expense driven by a higher return on assets and lower amortization of prior period gains and losses.
Other Expenses
Other operating expenseswere $92 million, or 16%, higher in 2011 compared with 2010, primarily reflecting $40 million of additional expense associated with the 2011 Operational Review, a $22 million write-off of an uncollectible accounts receivable balance relating to periods prior to January 1, 2011, and discussed earlier in this section, the $11 million second quarter UK FSA regulatory settlement and increased expense in support of revenue growth initiatives. These were partly offset by cost savings arising from implementation of the 2011 Operational Review, theyear-over-year favorable comparison due to the $12 million 2010 charge relating to the devaluation of the Venezuelan currency, the $8 millionyear-over-year benefit from the release of funds and reserves related to potential legal liabilities and positiveyear-over-year foreign currency translation, driven primarily by gains in 2011 on our forward rate hedging program, compared to losses in 2010.
Depreciation expensewas $74 million in 2011, compared with $63 million in 2010. The increase primarily reflects accelerated depreciation expense of $5 million in 2011 relating to systems rationalization in connection with the 2011 Operational Review and depreciation of newly capitalized systems project costs in 2011.
Amortization of intangible assetswas $68 million in 2011, a reduction of $14 million compared to 2010. The decrease primarily reflects theyear-over-year benefit of the 2010 amortization of the HRH non-compete agreement acquired in 2008, which was fully amortized in 2010.
Make-whole on repurchase and redemption of senior notes and write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs
As described above, we issued $800 million of new debt in March 2011 and net proceeds of approximately $787 million were used to repurchase and redeem $500 million of 12.875% senior notes due 2016 and make related make-whole payments totaling $158 million. In addition to the make-whole payment we also wrote off unamortized debt issuance costs of $13 million.
Interest Expense
Interest expense was $156 million in 2011, a reduction of $10 million compared to 2010. The decrease in interest expense primarily reflects the lower coupon payable on our new debt issued in March 2011, theperiod-over-period decrease in the outstanding balance on our5-year term loan facility and net gains recognized on our forward rate hedging program. These benefits were partially offset by the $10 million fourth quarter expense relating to the write-off of debt issuance costs following the refinancing of our bank facility.


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Business discussion
Income Taxes
The effective tax rate on ordinary income for 2011 was 24%, compared with 26% for 2010, with the reduction driven primarily by the benefit from the higher tax rates at which costs associated with the 2011 Operational Review are relieved and a different geographic mix of business. The effective tax rate on ordinary income is calculated before the impact of certain discrete items. The significant discrete items occurring in 2011 are:
•  tax related to the make-whole payment on repurchase and redemption of senior notes and write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs which are relieved at a higher rate than the underlying rate;
•  the net impact of gains and losses on disposals recorded in continuing operations;
•  tax related to the write-off of an uncollectible accounts receivable balance which is relieved at a higher rate than the underlying rate;
•  the impact of the UK FSA regulatory settlement expense for which no tax relief is available;
•  the impact of the change in rate of UK corporate income tax being applied to the Company’s opening temporary differences; and
•  adjustments made in respect of tax on profits of prior periods to bring in line the Company’s tax provisions to filed tax positions.
Including the impact of discrete items, the effective tax rate was 13% in 2011 compared to 24% in 2010.
Interest in Earnings of Associates, net of Tax
We own an interest in a number of associates, such as Gras Savoye, where we do not exercise management control and we are therefore unable to direct or manage the business to realize the anticipated benefits that we can achieve through full integration. Interest in earnings of associates, net of tax, was $12 million in 2011, compared with $23 million in 2010. The decline was mainly driven by a reduction in net income reported by our principal associate, Gras Savoye, following recent refinancing actions taken by the company, ongoing restructuring activity and the negative impact on their results from adverse economic conditions in France and other parts of Europe.
Discontinued Operations, net of Tax
Net income from discontinued operations in 2011 relates to our fourth quarter disposal of Global Special Risks, LLC, Faber & Dumas Canada Ltd and the trade and assets of Maclean, Oddy & Associates, Inc. We recorded net income from discontinued operations of $1 million in 2011, comprising a net loss for the year of $1 million offset by the benefit of a $2 million net gain on disposal.


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Willis Group Holdings plc
Consolidated Results for 2010 compared to 2009
Revenues
                             
              Change attributable to:    
           Foreign
  Acquisitions
     Organic
 
           currency
  and
  Contingent
  commissions and
 
Year ended December 31 2010  2009  % Change  translation  disposals  Commissions(b)  fees growth(a) 
  (millions)                
 
Global $987  $921   7%  %  %  %  7%
North America(c)
  1,369   1,381   (1)%  %  %  (1)%  %
International  937   898   4%  (2)%  1%  %  5%
                             
Commissions and fees $3,293  $3,200   3%  (1)%  %  %  4%
                             
Investment income  38   50   (24)%                
Other income  1   3   (67)%                
                             
Total revenues $3,332  $3,253   2%                
                             
(a)Organic commissions and fees growth excludes: (i) the impact of foreign currency translation; (ii) the first twelve months of net commission and fee revenues generated from acquisitions; (iii) the net commission and fee revenues related to operations disposed of in each period presented; (iv) in North America, legacy contingent commissions assumed as part of the HRH acquisition and that had not been converted into higher standard commission; and (v) investment income and other income from reported revenues.
(b)Included in North America reported commissions and fees were legacy HRH contingent commissions of $11 million in 2010, compared with $27 million in 2009.
(c)Reported commissions and fees included a favorable impact from a change in accounting methodology in a specialty business in North America of $7 million in the year ended December 31, 2010.
Our methods of calculating these measures may differ from those used by other companies and therefore comparability may be limited.
Revenue increased $79 million, or 2%, in 2010 compared to 2009, reflecting organic growth in commissions and fees of 4%, offset by a 1% adverse impact from foreign currency translation and decreased investment and other income. Our Global segment achieved 7% organic growth in commission and fees and the International segment achieved 5% growth. North America organic commissions and fees growth was flat with the positive benefit from strong growth in our specialty businesses, driven by good business growth, together with a $7 million increase in commissions and fees from a change in accounting in an acquired specialty business to conform to current Group accounting policy, 3% growth in our employee benefits practice, good net new business generation and improved client retention, offset by the impact of the continued soft market and ongoing weakened economic conditions.
Investment income was $12 million lower in 2010 compared to 2009 with the impact of lower interest rates across the globe, particularly on our Euro-denominated deposits, partially mitigated by our forward hedging program.
Organic commissions and fees growth by segment is discussed further in ‘Operating Results — Segment Information’ below.
Salaries and Benefits
Salaries and benefits increased by $46 million, or 3% in 2010 compared to 2009, primarily due to a $60 million increase in incentive expenses, comprising a $31 million increase in the amortization of cash retention awards and a $29 million increase in the accrual for non-retentive incentive compensation due to increased headcount and improved performance across many regions. The increase in incentive expense was partially offset by reduced severance costs in 2010 and favorable foreign currency translation, primarily theyear-on-year strengthening of the US dollar against the Pound Sterling.


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Business discussion
Other Expenses
Other operating expensesdeclined by $26 million in 2010 compared to 2009 as the benefit from $25 million of lower losses on our forward hedging program, the release of a $7 million previously established legal reserve and continued disciplined management of discretionary expenses were partially offset by a $12 million first quarter 2010 charge relating to the devaluation of the Venezuelan currency and expense increases in support of revenue growth initiatives.
Amortization of intangible assetsdeclined by $18 million in 2010 compared to 2009 due to the declining charge for the HRH customer relationship intangible and theyear-on-year benefit from a $7 million accelerated amortization in 2009 relating to the HRH brand name.
Net gain (loss) on disposal of operationsdeclined by $15 million in 2010 compared to 2009 primarily due to the recording in 2009 of a $10 million gain on sale following the part-disposal of the Group’s holding in Gras Savoye.
Interest Expense
Interest expense in 2010 was $8 million lower than in 2009, as interest expense savings arising from the reduction in average term loan and revolving credit facility balances was partly offset by the effect of the higher coupon payable on the $500 million 12.875% senior unsecured notes issued in March 2009.
Income Taxes
The effective tax rate was 24% for 2010 compared to 18% in 2009 as a $22 million benefit in 2010 from prior year tax adjustments was more than offset by the adverse impact from the $12 million charge relating to the devaluation of the Venezuelan currency for which no tax credits are available and positive impacts on the 2009 effective tax rate from a $27 million release relating to a 2009 change in tax law and an $11 million release relating to uncertain tax positions due to the closure of the statute of limitations on assessments for previously unrecognized tax benefits. Excluding these items, the effective tax rate of 26% on ordinary income for 2010 was broadly in line with 2009.
Interest in Earnings of Associates, net of Tax
Interest in earnings of associates, net of tax, in 2010 of $23 million was $10 million lower than in 2009, primarily due to the reduction from 49% to 31% in our ownership interest in Gras Savoye, as part of the reorganization of their capital structure in December 2009. Interest receivable on the vendor financing we provided as part of the capital reorganization is recorded under this caption.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Debt
Total debt, total equity and the capitalization ratio at December 31, 2011 and 2010 were as follows (in millions, except percentages):
         
  December 31, 2011  December 31, 2010 
 
Long-term debt $     2,354  $     2,157 
Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt $15  $110 
         
Total debt $2,369  $2,267 
         
Total equity $2,517  $2,608 
         
Capitalization ratio  48%  47%
         


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Willis Group Holdings plc
In March 2011 we issued $800 million of new debt, comprised of $300 million 4.125% senior notes due 2016 and $500 million 5.750% senior notes due 2021. We received net proceeds, after underwriting discounts and expenses of approximately $787 million, which were used largely in part to repurchase and redeem $500 million 12.875% senior notes due 2016 and make related make-whole payments totaling $158 million, which represented a slight discount to the make-whole redemption amount provided in the indenture governing this debt. In addition to the make-whole payments of $158 million, we also wrote off unamortized debt issuance costs of $13 million.
In December 2011 we refinanced our bank facility, comprising a new5-year $300 million term loan and a new5-year $500 million revolving credit facility. The $300 million term loan repaid the majority of the $328 million balance outstanding on our $700 million5-year term loan facility and the $500 million revolving credit facility replaces our existing $300 million and $200 million revolving credit facilities. Unamortized debt issuance costs of $10 million relating to these facilities were written off in December 2011 following completion of the refinancing. In 2011, we made $83 million of mandatory repayments against the5-year term loan before repaying the $328 million balance in December 2011.
These refinancing actions have lengthened our debt maturity profile. At December 31, 2011, we have $nil outstanding under both the $500 million and the existing $20 million facility compared with December 31, 2010 when we had $90 million outstanding under our $300 million facility and $nil outstanding under our $200 million and $20 million facilities. At December 31, 2011 the only scheduled debt repayments falling due over the next 12 months are scheduled repayments on our new $300 million5-year term loan totaling $11 million and repayment of the $4 million 6% loan notes due 2012.
Liquidity
Our principal sources of liquidity are cash from operations and $520 million available under our revolving credit facilities, of which the $20 million UK facility is solely for use by our main regulated UK entity in certain exceptional circumstances. At December 31, 2011 we had $436 million of cash and cash equivalents, of which approximately $100 million is available for general corporate purposes.
As of December 31, 2011, our short-term liquidity requirements consisted of $125 million payment of interest on debt, $11 million of mandatory repayments under our5-year term loan, a $4 million mandatory repayment of our 6.000% loan notes due 2012, $1 million of revolving credit facility commitment fees, capital expenditure and working capital requirements. In addition, our estimated pension contributions for 2012 are $142 million. Our long-term liquidity requirements consist of the principal amount of outstanding notes and borrowings under our5-year term loan facility.
Based on current market conditions and information available to us at this time, we believe that we have sufficient liquidity to meet our cash needs for at least the next 12 months.
Pensions
UK plan
In early 2012 we provisionally agreed a revised funding strategy with the UK plan’s trustee. Whilst the proposed new funding strategy has not been definitively agreed at the date of this report, we expect this to occur by the end of March 2012, and we expect the cash contributions to the scheme in 2012 to be approximately equal to those in 2011, of $92 million.
US plan
We will make cash contributions of approximately $40 million to the US plan in 2012, compared to contributions of $30 million in 2011. We also intend to make lump sum payments to specific classes of US plan members in settlement of


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Business discussion
their pension obligations. Such payments will only be made in limited tranches. Whilst such payments will have a positive impact on the overall liabilities of the US plan they may require us to provide additional funding to the plan.
Summary consolidated cash flow information (in millions):
             
  Year Ended December 31, 
  2011  2010  2009 
 
Cash provided by operating activities
            
Net cash provided by continuing operating activities $     441  $     491  $     421 
Net cash used in discontinued operations  (2)  (2)  (2)
             
Total net cash provided by operating activities  439   489   419 
Cash flows from investing activities
            
Total net cash (used in) provided by continuing investing activities  (101)  (94)  102 
             
Increase in cash and cash equivalents from operating and investing activities  338   395   521 
Cash flows from financing activities
            
Total net cash used in continuing financing activities  (214)  (293)  (516)
             
Increase in cash and cash equivalents  124   102   5 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents  (4)  (7)  11 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year  316   221   205 
             
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year $436  $316  $221 
             
This summary consolidated cash flow should be viewed in addition to, not in lieu of, the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Consolidated Cash Flow for 2011 compared to 2010
Operating Activities
Total net cash provided by continuing operating activities was $439 million in 2011, compared with $489 million in 2010. The decrease of $50 million primarily reflects the $57 millionyear-on-year increase in accounts receivable, reflecting increased revenue but also slower collections in the US due to current economic conditions; cash outflows of approximately $120 million relating to the 2011 Operational Review; and the $24 millionyear-on-year increase in payments for cash retention awards. These were partly offset by realized cash savings resulting from the 2011 Operational Review and other working capital movements.
Investing Activities
Total net cash used in continuing investing activities was $101 million in 2011 compared to $94 million in 2010. The $101 million net outflow was mainly due to capital spend including fit-out of our Nashville office and IT project investments.
Financing Activities
Total net cash used in continuing financing activities was $214 million in 2011 compared to $293 million in 2010. We issued $800 million of new debt in March 2011 and net proceeds of approximately $787 million were used to repurchase and redeem $500 million of 12.875% senior notes due 2016. As part of this debt refinancing we made a $158 million make-whole payment on the redemption of our 12.875% senior notes due 2016. Other significant financing activities in 2011 include refinancing our bank facility in December 2011, dividend payments of $180 million and receipt of $60 million from the issue of shares.


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Willis Group Holdings plc
Consolidated Cash Flow for 2010 compared to 2009
Operating Activities
Total net cash provided by continuing operating activities was $489 million in 2010 compared with $419 million in 2009. The $70 million increase compared with 2009 primarily reflected the benefits of a $142 million increase in net income from continuing operations before non-cash items offset by a $48 million increase in pension scheme contributions, a $48 million increase in cash retention award payments, the timing of cash collections and other working capital movements.
Investing Activities
Total net cash outflow from continuing investing activities was $94 million in 2010 compared with a net cash inflow of $102 million in 2009. The 2010 outflow was primarily due to capital spend and $21 million of payments for acquisitions of subsidiaries, mainly in respect of prior year acquisitions. In 2009, capital spend of $96 million was offset by net receipts of $113 million from changes in our ownership interest in Gras Savoye, $42 million net proceeds from sale of discontinued operations, mainly attributable to the second quarter 2009 disposal of Bliss & Glennon and $21 million proceeds from the sale of short-term investments.
Financing Activities
Net cash used in continuing financing activities was $293 million in 2010 compared with $516 million in 2009. The net decrease in cash used in financing activities of $223 million was mainly attributable to a $90 million drawdown against the revolving credit facilities in 2010 and debt refinancing actions in 2009 that resulted in $102 million higher debt repayments net of debt issuance in that year.
Own funds
As of December 31, 2011, we had cash and cash equivalents of $436 million, compared with $316 million at December 31, 2010 and $520 million remained available to draw under our revolving credit facilities, compared with $430 million at December 31, 2010.
Fiduciary funds
As an intermediary, we hold funds generally in a fiduciary capacity for the account of third parties, typically as the result of premiums received from clients that are in transit to insurers and claims due to clients that are in transit from insurers. We report premiums, which are held on account of, or due from, clients as assets with a corresponding liability due to the insurers. Claims held by, or due to, us which are due to clients are also shown as both assets and liabilities. Fiduciary funds are generally required to be kept in certain regulated bank accounts subject to guidelines which emphasize capital preservation and liquidity; such funds are not available to service the Company’s debt or for other corporate purposes. Notwithstanding the legal relationships with clients and insurers, the Company is entitled to retain investment income earned on fiduciary funds in accordance with industry custom and practice and, in some cases, as supported by agreements with insureds.
Share redemptions or repurchases
The Company is authorized to repurchase or redeem shares under a variety of methods and will consider whether to do so from time to time, based on many factors, including market conditions. There remains approximately $922 million under the current authorization. The Company did not repurchase or redeem any shares in 2011 or 2010. In February 2012, the Company announced that in 2012 it intends to buyback up to $100 million of shares through open market or privately


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Business discussion
negotiated transactions, from time to time, depending on market conditions. As at February 23, 2012 the Company acquired 75,000 shares at a total price of approximately $3 million.
Dividends
Cash dividends paid in 2011 were $180 million compared with $176 million in 2010 and $174 million in 2009, with the year-on-year increases due to increases in share count over each year.
In February 2012, we declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.27 per share, an annual rate of $1.08 per share, an increase of 3.8% over the prior 12 month period.
REVIEW OF SEGMENTAL RESULTS
We organize our business into three segments: Global, North America and International. Our Global business provides specialist brokerage and consulting services to clients worldwide for risks arising from specific industries and activities. North America and International comprise our retail operations and provide services to small, medium and major corporations.
The following table is a summary of our operating results by segment for the three years ended December 31, 2011 (in millions except percentages):
                                     
  2011  2010  2009 
     Operating
  Operating
     Operating
  Operating
     Operating
  Operating
 
  Revenues  Income  Margin  Revenues  Income  Margin  Revenues  Income  Margin 
 
Global(a)
 $1,082  $352   33% $996  $320   32% $938  $311   33%
                                     
North America(b)(c)
  1,323   271   20%  1,385   320   23%  1,399   328   23%
International  1,042   221   21%  951   226   24%  916   216   24%
                                     
Total Retail  2,365   492   21%  2,336   546   23%  2,315   544   23%
Corporate & Other     (278)  n/a      (113)  n/a      (165)  n/a 
                                     
Total Consolidated $3,447  $566   16% $3,332  $753   23% $3,253  $690   21%
                                     
(a)Reported commissions and fees include a 2011 benefit of $6 million from a change in accounting within a Global Specialty business to conform to current Group accounting policy.
(b)Included in North America reported commissions and fees were legacy HRH contingent commissions of $5 million in 2011, $11 million in 2010 and $27 million in 2009.
(c)Reported commissions and fees included a favorable impact from a change in accounting methodology in a specialty business in North America of $7 million in the year ended December 31, 2010.
Global
Our Global operations comprise Global Specialties, Reinsurance, Willis Faber & Dumas (formerly London Market Wholesale), and as of 2010, Willis Capital Markets & Advisory (WCMA). From January 1, 2011, Willis Faber & Dumas also includes our Global Markets International unit. We have retrospectively adjusted our segmental information disclosures within this discussion to reflect this change to our reporting structure.


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Willis Group Holdings plc
The following table sets out revenues, operating income, organic commissions and fees growth and operating margin for the three years ended December 31, 2011 (in millions, except percentages):
             
  2011  2010  2009 
 
Commissions and fees(a)
 $     1,073  $     987  $     921 
Investment income  9   9   17 
             
Total revenues $1,082  $996  $938 
             
Operating income $352  $320  $311 
Revenue growth  9%  6%  2%
Organic commissions and fees growth  7%  7%  4%
Operating margin  33%  32%  33%
(a)Reported commissions and fees include a $6 million first quarter 2011 benefit from a change in accounting within a Global Specialty business to conform to current Group accounting policy.
2011 compared to 2010
Revenues
Commissions and fees of $1,073 million were $86 million, or 9%, higher in 2011 compared with 2010, reflecting organic commissions and fees growth of 7% and a net benefit from foreign currency translation of 2%. Organic growth included the benefit of net new business generation despite the adverse impact of the continued difficult economic environment and soft market in many of the specialty classes.
Organic growth included positive growth across Reinsurance, Global Specialties, Willis Faber & Dumas and WCMA businesses, together with a $6 million first quarter 2011 benefit from a change in accounting within a Global Specialty business to conform to current Group accounting policy.
Organic growth in Reinsurance in 2011 was led by growth in North America and Asia-Pacific, and included the benefit of new business growth and a profitability initiative that may or may not recur. Overall Reinsurance showed stable pricing with modest increases in some lines and geographies, particularly those affected by catastrophe losses.
Organic growth in Global Specialties was led by strong contributions from Marine, Energy, Financial Solutions and Aerospace, reflecting good new business, high retention levels, targeted hiring of producer talent and connectivity between the retail network and specialty businesses. However, the operating environment remains challenging across most Global Specialty businesses with depressed world trade and transit volumes, industry consolidation and pressure on financing of construction projects still evident.
Willis Faber & Dumas reported positive organic commissions and fees growth in 2011 and our WCMA business was marginally positive compared to 2010.
The 2% net benefit to revenue growth from foreign currency translation in 2011 primarily reflected theperiod-over-period positive impact of the weakening of the US dollar against both the Euro and Pound sterling, in which we earn a significant portion of Global revenues.
Productivity in Global, measured in terms of revenue per FTE employee, increased to $386,000 for 2011 compared with $366,000 for 2010.
Client retention levels improved to 91% for 2011, compared with 90% for 2010.


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Business discussion
Operating margin
Operating margin was 33% in 2011 compared to 32% in 2010 as the benefit of 7% organic commissions and fees growth discussed above and an $18 million decrease in pension expense was offset by a net negative impact from foreign currency movements, an $8 million increase in incentive expense, including amortization of cash retention award payments and the impact of costs associated with continued support of current and future growth.
Operating margin is impacted by foreign exchange movements as the London market operations earn revenues in US dollars, Pounds sterling and Euros and primarily incur expenses in Pounds sterling. In addition, they are exposed to exchange risk on certain Pound sterling-denominated balances.
Theperiod-over-period net negative impact from foreign currency movements in 2011 primarily reflected the increased US dollar value of our Pound sterling expense base as a result of the weakening of the US dollar versus the Pound sterling and the net negative impact of translation of non-USD assets and liabilities into US dollar in our London market operations. These factors were partially offset by the US dollar weakening against the Pound sterling and the Euro, increasing the US dollar value of our Pound and Euro denominated revenues.
2010 compared to 2009
Revenues
Commissions and fees were $66 million, or 7%, higher in 2010 compared with 2009 which was driven by 7% organic commissions and fees growth.
Our Reinsurance and Global Specialties businesses reported mid-single digit organic growth in 2010, driven by net new business generation despite the adverse impact of the difficult rate environment and soft market in many of the specialty classes.
Reinsurance reported strong new business growth in 2010 and client retention levels remained high. Organic growth in Global Specialties was led by strong contributions from Financial and Executive Risks, Construction and Energy, reflecting strong new business, improved retention, targeted hiring of producer talent and improved cooperation across the retail and specialty businesses.
Our WCMA business contributed to organic growth in 2010, substantially due to a $9 million fee on a single capital markets transaction in the second quarter.
Within Willis Faber & Dumas, revenues in Faber & Dumas were slightly lower than 2009, mainly reflecting the soft wholesale market, together with continued pressure on the most economically sensitive lines such as bloodstock, jewelry and fine arts.
Productivity in Global, measured in terms of revenue per FTE employee, increased to $366,000 for 2010 compared with $352,000 for 2009.
Client retention levels remained high at 90% for 2010, in line with 2009.
Operating margin
Operating margin was 32% in 2010 compared with 33% in 2009. This decrease primarily reflected the adverse impact of foreign currency translation, as the positive effect on our Pound sterling expense base from the strengthening US dollar, was more than offset by the adverse impact of foreign currency movements on sterling-denominated balances.


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Willis Group Holdings plc
Excluding the impact of this foreign currency translation, Global’s operating margin remained flat as the benefits of good organic commissions and fees growth and disciplined cost control were offset by the impact of costs associated with continued support of current and future growth.
North America
Our North America business provides risk management, insurance brokerage, related risk services and employee benefits brokerage and consulting to a wide array of industry and client segments in the United States, Canada and as of January 1, 2011, Mexico retail. We have retrospectively adjusted our segmental information disclosures within this discussion to reflect the allocation of Mexico retail operations to our North America segment.
The following table sets out revenues, operating income, organic commissions and fees growth and operating margin for the three years ended December 31, 2011 (in millions, except percentages):
             
  2011  2010  2009 
 
Commissions and fees(a)(b)
 $     1,314  $     1,369  $     1,381 
Investment income  7   15   15 
Other income  2   1   3 
             
Total revenues $1,323  $1,385  $1,399 
             
Operating income $271  $320  $328 
Revenue growth  (4)%  (1)%  49%
Organic commissions and fees growth  (4)%  0%  (4)%
Operating margin  20%  23%  23%
(a)Included in North America reported commissions and fees were legacy HRH contingent commissions of $5 million in 2011, compared with $11 million in 2010 and $27 million in 2009.
(b)Reported commissions and fees included a favorable impact from a change in accounting methodology in a specialty business in North America of $7 million in the year ended December 31, 2010.
2011 compared to 2010
Revenues
Commissions and fees of $1,314 million were $55 million, or 4%, lower in 2011 compared with 2010 of which $6 million was attributable to the decrease in legacy contingent commissions assumed as part of the HRH acquisition from $11 million in 2010 to $5 million in 2011.
Organic commissions and fees growth declined 4% in 2011 compared with 2010, as the benefits of new business generation and growth in some regions were more than offset by declining Loan Protector revenues and the impact of the soft market conditions and weakened economy across most sectors.
The decline in the financial performance of our Loan Protector business had a 2% negative impact on North America organic growth in commissions and fees and for the full year 2011 negatively impacted the segment’s revenue by $27 million. The Loan Protector decline was driven by the loss of clients through attrition and M&A activity, industry-wide commission pressures and a slowdown in foreclosures in the US in 2011.
Following the introduction of health care reform legislation in 2010, some major health insurance carriers in North America began to change their compensation practices in particular lines of business in certain locations. In response to market pressures those changes caused, we announced in July 2011 that in order to remain competitive, we would begin accepting standard compensation based on volume, but would continue to resist traditional contingent commissions and bonus payments because, while legal, we believe these forms of compensation create conflicts with our clients. After


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Business discussion
several months of review under changing market conditions, we have concluded that we cannot be fully competitive on Employee Benefits business if we continue to refuse these legal forms of compensation. Consequently, we will begin to accept all forms of compensation from Employee Benefits providers effective April 1, 2012 in North America.
Despite the decline in revenues, productivity in North America, measured in terms of revenue per FTE employee, increased to $235,000 for 2011 compared with $234,000 for 2010.
Client retention levels were 91% in 2011 compared to 92% in 2010.
Operating margin
Operating margin in North America was 20% in 2011 compared with 23% in 2010, reflecting the adverse impact from the 4% decline in organic commissions and fees growth discussed above, aperiod-over-period increase in 401(k) match expense of $10 million followinglater chairing its reinstatement in January 2011 and a $7 million increase in incentive expense, including amortization of cash retention award payments. These were partly offset by a $5 million decrease in stock-based compensation expense and the benefit of cost reductions driven by the 2011 Operational Review and continued focus on expense management.
2010 compared to 2009
Revenues
Commissions and fees of $1,369 million were $12 million, or 1%, lower for 2010 compared with 2009. Excluding the $16 million decrease in legacy contingency commissions assumed as part of the HRH acquisition, there was a modest increase in commissions and fees.
Organic commissions and fees growth was flat for 2010. We experienced strong performance in our specialty businesses, driven by good business growth together with a $7 million increase in commissions and fees from a change in accounting of an acquired specialty business in North America to conform to Group accounting policy. Our employee benefits practice recorded 3% growth despite the soft labor market and we achieved good net new business generation, with improved client retention. This was offset by a negative 2% impact from rate declines and other market factors and a further decline in our Construction business and smaller declines elsewhere reflecting continued soft market conditions and the weak US economy.
Despite the small decline in revenues, productivity in North America, measured in terms of revenue per FTE employee, increased to $234,000 for 2010 compared with $223,000 for 2009.
Client retention levels increased to 92% for 2010, compared with 91% for 2009.
Operating margin
Operating margin in North America was 23% in both 2010 and 2009, as the benefits of continued disciplined cost control and underlying lower pension expense in 2010 were offset by a $16 million reduction in legacy HRH contingent commissions, increased incentive expense, including the impact of increased amortization of cash retention award payments and the non-recurrence of a $9 million benefit in 2009 from the curtailment of the US pension plan relating to our North America retail employees.
International
Our International business comprises our retail operations in Eastern and Western Europe, the United Kingdom and Ireland, Asia-Pacific, Russia, the Middle East, South Africa and Latin America. The services provided are focused


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Willis Group Holdings plc
according to the characteristics of each market and vary across offices, but generally include direct risk management and insurance brokerage and employee benefits consulting.
The following table sets out revenues, operating income, organic commissions and fees growth and operating margin for the three years ended December 31, 2011(in millions, except percentages):
             
  2011  2010  2009 
 
Commissions and fees $     1,027  $     937  $     898 
Investment income  15   14   18 
             
Total revenues $1,042  $951  $916 
             
Operating income  221   226   216 
Revenue growth  10%  4%  (4)%
Organic commissions and fees growth  5%  5%  5%
Operating margin  21%  24%  24%
2011 compared to 2010
Revenues
Commissions and fees of $1,027 million were $90 million, or 10%, higher in 2011 compared with 2010, comprising 5% organic growth and a net 5% positive impact from foreign currency translation. Organic growth included net new business growth of 7%, partly offset by the negative impact from rates and other market factors.
There were strong contributions to 2011 organic commissions and fees growth from most regions, including double-digit growth in our Latin America and Eastern Europe regions, together with single-digit growth in Asia and Western Europe. In particular, there was strong growth in Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Russia and China.
The single-digit organic commissions and fees growth in our large retail operation in Continental Europe was primarily driven by strong growth in Italy, Spain and Germany, despite the ongoing challenging economic conditions in this region, offset by lower commissions and fees in Denmark and the Netherlands.
Organic commissions and fees growth in our UK and Ireland retail operations, declined 2% in 2011, compared with the same period 2010, driven by the economic pressures that continue to affect both the UK and Ireland.
A significant part of International’s revenues are earned in currencies other than the US dollar, most notably the Euro, Pound sterling and Australian dollar. The net 5% benefit from foreign currency translation in 2011 primarily reflected the weakening of the US dollar against these and other currencies in which we earn International revenues.
Productivity in our International business, measured in terms of revenue per FTE employee, increased to $160,000 for 2011 compared with $150,000 for 2010.
Client retention levels increased to 94% for 2011, compared with 93% for 2010.
Operating margin
Operating margin in International was 21% in 2011, compared with 24% in 2010, with the decrease primarily reflecting a $17 million increase in incentive expenses including amortization of cash retention award payments, the impact of the reinstated annual salary review for all employees from April 2011 and increased spending on initiatives to drive future growth, including investment hires. These increases were partly offset by the benefit from organic commissions and fees growth and favorable foreign currency movements as discussed above and reduced pension expense.


50


Business discussion
2010 compared to 2009
Revenues
Commissions and fees of $937 million were $39 million, or 4%, higher for 2010 compared with 2009, as the benefits of 5% organic commissions and fees growth and 1% from the net effect of acquisitions and disposals were partly offset by a 2% adverse impact from foreign currency translation. Organic growth included net new business growth of 8% and there was a negative 3% impact from rates and other market factors.
There were strong contributions to organic commissions and fees growth from most regions, led by growth in Latin America, Asia-Pacific and Western Europe. There was further positive growth in our Eastern Europe operations, driven by a strong contribution from Russia. Organic commissions and fees growth was also positive in our UK and Irish retail operations, driven by new business growth in the UK. Our employee benefits practice, which represents approximately 10% of International commissions and fees, performed well in 2010 with growth in the mid single digits.
A significant part of International’s revenues are earned in currencies other than the US dollar. The US dollar strengthened against a number of these currencies in 2010 compared with 2009, most notably the Euro, Venezuelan Bolivar Fuerte, Danish Kroner and Pound Sterling. The adverse impact of this strengthening was partly offset by the weakening of the US dollar against the Australian dollar. The net impact of these movements was a 2% reduction in 2010 revenues compared to 2009.
Productivity in our International business, measured in terms of revenue per FTE employee, increased to $150,000 for 2010 compared with $147,000 for 2009.
Client retention levels remained high at 93% for 2010.
Operating margin
Operating margin in International was 24% in both 2010 and 2009. Benefits from 5% organic commissions and fees growth and continued focus on disciplined expense management were offset by the adverse impact from foreign currency translation due to the strengthening of the US dollar against the Euro and other currencies in which we earn a significant portion of our operating income, increased incentive expenses, including amortization of cash retention award payments, a reduction in investment income, driven by lower interest rates particularly in the Eurozone, and spending on initiatives to drive future growth.
Corporate & Other
The Company evaluates the performance of its operating segments based on organic commissions and fees growth and operating income. For internal reporting and segmental reporting, items for which segmental management are not held responsible for are held within ‘Corporate & Other’.


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Willis Group Holdings plc
Corporate & Other comprises the following (in millions):
             
  2011  2010  2009 
 
Amortization of intangible assets $     (68) $     (82) $     (100)
Foreign exchange hedging  5   (16)  (42)
Foreign exchange gain (loss) on the UK pension plan asset     3   (6)
HRH integration costs        (18)
Net gain (loss) on disposal of operations  4   (2)  13 
2011 Operational Review  (180)      
UK FSA Regulatory settlement  (11)      
Venezuela currency devaluation     (12)   
Write-off of uncollectible accounts receivable balance in North America  (22)      
Redomicile of parent company costs        (6)
Other(a)
  (6)  (4)  (6)
             
Total corporate and other $(278) $(113) $(165)
             
(a)Other includes $12 million in 2011 from the release of funds and reserves related to potential legal liabilities (2010: $7 million, 2009: $nil).
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
Our accounting policies are described in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Management considers that the following accounting estimates or assumptions are the most important to the presentation of our financial condition or operating performance. Management has discussed its critical accounting estimates and associated disclosures with our Audit Committee.
Pension expense
We maintain defined benefit pension plans for employees in the US and UK. Both these plans are now closed to new entrants and, with effect from May 15, 2009 we closed our US defined benefit plan to future accrual. New entrants in the UK are offered the opportunity to join a defined contribution plan and in the United States are offered the opportunity to join a 401(k) plan. We also have smaller defined benefit schemes in Ireland, Germany, Norway and the Netherlands. These international schemes have combined total assets of $128 million and a combined net liability for pension benefits of $3 million as of December 31, 2011. Elsewhere, pension benefits are typically provided through defined contribution plans.
We recorded a net pension charge on our UK and US defined benefit pension plans in 2011 of $6 million, and $nil respectively, compared with $28 million and $1 million respectively in 2010. On our international defined benefit pension plans, we recorded a net pension charge of $5 million in 2011, compared with $6 million in 2010.
Based on December 31, 2011 assumptions, we expect the net pension charge in 2012 to decrease by $11 million for the UK plan, increase by $3 million for the US plan and increase a net $1 million for the international plans.
We make a number of assumptions when determining our pension liabilities and pension expense which are reviewed annually by senior management and changed where appropriate. The discount rate will be changed annually if underlying rates have moved whereas the expected long-term return on assets will be changed less frequently as longer term trends in asset returns emerge or long term target asset allocations are revised. Other material assumptions include rates of participant mortality, the expected long-term rate of compensation and pension increases and rates of employee termination. Our approach to determining appropriate assumptions for our UK and US pension plans is set out below.


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Business discussion
UK plan
                 
     Impact of a
       
  As disclosed
  0.50 percentage
  Impact of a
    
  using
  point increase
  0.50 percentage
  One year
 
  December 31,
  in the expected
  point increase
  increase in
 
  2011
  rate of return
  in the discount
  mortality
 
  assumptions  on assets(a)  rate(a)  assumption(b) 
  (millions) 
 
Estimated 2012 (income)/ expense $(5) $(12) $(19) $7 
Projected benefit obligation at December 31, 2011  2,217   n/a   (194)  44 
(a)With all other assumptions held constant.
(b)Assumes all plan participants are one year younger.
Discount rate
During 2011, we moved from an index based approach to determining the discount rate to a duration based approach which more closely matches the actual timings of expected cash flows to the applicable discount rate. The selected rate used to discount UK plan liabilities was 4.80% compared with 5.45% at December 31, 2010 with the decrease reflecting a reduction in UK long-term bond rates in 2011. Under the old approach, the discount rate at the end of 2011 would have been 4.65%. We estimate the impact of this change was to:
•  increase the 2011 funded status by approximately $54 million; and
•  reduce the 2012 estimated pension expense by approximately $5 million.
The lower discount rate generated an actuarial loss of approximately $240 million at December 31, 2011.
Expected and actual asset returns
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets are developed from the expected future returns of the various asset classes using the target asset allocations. The expected long-term rate of return used for determining the net UK pension expense in 2011 was 7.50% (2010: 7.75%), equivalent to an expected return in 2011 of $161 million (2010: $141 million). The decrease in the expected long-term rate of return followed a change in the underlying target asset mix.
The expected and actual returns on UK plan assets for the three years ended December 31, 2011 were as follows:
         
     Actual
 
  Expected
  return
 
  return on
  on plan
 
  plan assets  assets 
  (millions) 
 
2011 $     161  $     269 
2010  141   245 
2009  127   234 
Mortality
During 2011, we amended the mortality assumptions to more closely align them to those used in the most recent funding valuation. The mortality assumption is now the 90 / 105% PNA00 table for males / females (2010: 100% PNA00 table without an age adjustment).
This change gave rise to an approximate $85 million increase in the 2011 projected benefit obligation compared to using the 2010 mortality assumptions.


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Willis Group Holdings plc
As an indication of the longevity assumed, our calculations assume that a UK male retiree aged 65 at December 31, 2011 would have a life expectancy of 24 years.
US plan
                 
     Impact of a
       
     0.50 percentage
  Impact of a
    
  As disclosed
  point increase
  0.50 percentage
  One year
 
  using
  in the expected
  point increase
  increase in
 
  December 31, 2011
  rate of return
  in the discount
  mortality
 
  assumptions(a)  on assets(b)  rate(b)  assumption(b)(c) 
  (millions) 
 
Estimated 2012 expense / (income) $     2  $     (3) $     (1) $     2 
Projected benefit obligation at December 31, 2011  897   n/a   (58)  25 
(a)Except for expected rate of return updated to 7.25%.
(b)With all other assumptions held constant.
(c)Assumes all plan participants are one year younger.
Discount rate
The rate used to discount US plan liabilities at December 31, 2010 was 5.58%, determined based on expected plan cash flows discounted using a corporate bond yield curve. Since the end of 2010, AA corporate bond spot yields have fallen and spreads of long term AA bonds over gilts have widened. Consequently, the discount rate at December 31, 2011 was 4.63%, a reduction of 95 basis points from 2010 year end. The impact of the lower discount rate in 2011 increased the projected benefit obligation by approximately $100 million.
Expected and actual asset returns
The expected long-term rate of return used for determining the net US pension scheme expense in 2011 was 7.50%, a reduction of 0.25% from 2010. Effective January 1, 2012, the expected long-term rate of returnshe was further decreasedappointed to 7.25%, following a change in the underlying target asset mix.
The expected and actual returns on US plan assets for the three years ended December 31, 2011 were as follows:
         
     Actual
 
  Expected
  return
 
  return on
  on plan
 
  plan assets  assets 
  (millions) 
 
2011 $     44  $     34 
2010  42   70 
2009  36   86 
Mortality
The mortality assumption at December 31, 2011 is the RP-2000 Mortality Table (blended for annuitants and non-annuitants), projected by Scale AA to 2019 for annuitants and 2027 for non-annuitants (December 31, 2010: projected to 2011 by Scale AA). This change more closely aligns assumptions made for accounting purposes to those for funding purposes. The impact of the change in mortality assumptions increased the projected benefit obligation at December 31, 2011 by approximately $27 million.


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Business discussion
As an indication of the longevity assumed, our calculations assume that a US male retiree aged 65 at December 31, 2011, would have a life expectancy of 19 years.
Intangible assets
Intangible assets represent the excess of cost over the value of net tangible assets of businesses acquired. We classify our intangible assets into three categories;
•  Goodwill;
•  ‘Customer and Marketing Related’ which includes client lists, client relationships, trade names and non-compete agreements; and
•  ‘Contract-based, Technology and Other’ which includes all other purchased intangible assets.
Client relationships acquiredtwo-year term on the HRH acquisition are amortized over twenty years in line with the pattern in which the economic benefits of the client relationships are expected to be consumed. Over 80% of the client relationships intangible will have been amortized after 10 years. Non-compete agreements acquired in connection with the HRH acquisition were amortized over two years on a straight line basis. Intangible assets acquired in connection with other acquisitions are amortized over their estimated useful lives on a straight line basis. Goodwill is not subject to amortization.
To determine the allocation of intangible assets between goodwill and other intangible assets and the estimated useful lives in respect of the HRH acquisition we considered a report produced by a qualified independent appraiser. The calculation of the allocation is subject to a number of estimates and assumptions. We base our allocation on assumptions we believe to be reasonable. However, changes in these estimates and assumptions could affect the allocation between goodwill and other intangible assets.
Goodwill impairment review
We review goodwill for impairment annually or whenever events or circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred.
The goodwill impairment test is a two step analysis. Step One requires the fair value of each reporting unit to be compared to its book value. If the fair value of a reporting unit is determined to be greater than the carrying value of the reporting unit, goodwill is not to be impaired and no further testing is necessary. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying value, we perform Step Two. Step Two requires the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill to be compared with the carrying amount of that goodwill. Determining the implied fair value of goodwill requires a valuation of the reporting unit’s tangible and intangible assets and liabilities in a manner similar to the allocation of the purchase price in a business combination. Any excess of the value of a reporting unit over the amounts assigned to its assets and liabilities is referred to as the implied fair value of goodwill. If the carrying amount of reporting unit goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.
Application of the impairment test requires judgment, including the identification of reporting units, assignment of assets, liabilities and goodwill to reporting units and determination of fair value of each reporting unit.
Determination of reporting units
We have determined our reporting units to be consistent with our operating segments: North America; International and Global. Goodwill is allocated to these reporting units based on the original purchase price allocation for acquisitions within the reporting units.


55


WillisStanding Advisory Group Holdings plc
Fair value of reporting units
The fair value of each reporting unit is estimated using a discounted cash flow methodology and, in aggregate, validated against our market capitalization.
Determining the fair value of a reporting unit is judgmental in nature and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions include estimations of future cash flows which are dependent on internal forecasts, long-term rate of growth for our business and determination of our weighted average cost of capital.
We base our fair value estimates on assumptions we believe to be reasonable but that are unpredictable and inherently uncertain. Therefore changes in these estimates and assumptions could materially affect the determination of fair value and result in goodwill impairment.
In addition, we make certain judgments and assumptions in allocating shared assets and liabilities to determine the carrying values for each of our reporting units.
Annual goodwill impairment analysis
Our annual goodwill impairment analysis is performed each year at October 1. At October 1, 2011 our analysis showed the estimated fair value of each reporting unit was in excess of the carrying value, and therefore did not result in an impairment charge (2010: $nil, 2009: $nil). The fair values of the Global and International reporting units were significantly in excess of their carrying values. The fair value of the North American unit exceeded its carrying value by approximately 14%.
In the fourth quarter of 2011 our North America segment continued to be hampered by declining Loan Protector business results, the effect of the soft economy in the U.S. and declining retention rates primarily related to M&A activity and lost legacy HRH business. Consequently, the annual impairment test described above included additional sensitivity analysis, over and above that we would usually perform, in relation to our North America segment’s goodwill impairment review. This additional analysis included reductions to assumed rates of revenue growth, increases to assumed rates of expense growth and flexing the assumed weighted average cost of capital. Although our testing concluded there is no impairment, the analysis indicated that in respect of the North America segment, in the event of either a significant deterioration in a key estimate or assumption or a less significant deterioration to a combination of assumptions or the sale of part of the reporting unit there could be an impairment to the carrying value in future periods.
Income taxes
We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the estimated future tax consequences of events attributable to differences between the financial statements carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating and capital loss and tax credit carry-forwards. We estimate deferred tax assets and liabilities and assess the need for any valuation allowances using tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to be recovered or settled taking into account our business plans and tax planning strategies.
At December 31, 2011, we had gross deferred tax assets of $432 million (2010: $294 million) against which a valuation allowance of $102 million (2010: $87 million) had been recognized. To the extent that:
•  the actual future taxable income in the periods during which the temporary differences are expected to reverse differs from current projections;
•  assumed prudent and feasible tax planning strategies fail to materialize;
•  new tax planning strategies are developed; or
•  material changes occur in actual tax rates or loss carry-forward time limits,


56


Business discussion
we may adjust the deferred tax asset considered realizable in future periods. Such adjustments could result in a significant increase or decrease in the effective tax rate and have a material impact on our net income.
Positions taken in our tax returns may be subject to challenge by the taxing authorities upon examination. We recognize the benefit of uncertain tax positions in the financial statements when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on examination by the tax authorities. The benefit recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized on settlement with the tax authority, assuming full knowledge of the position and all relevant facts. The Company adjusts its recognition of these uncertain tax benefits in the period in which new information is available impacting either the recognition or measurement of its uncertain tax positions. In 2011, there was a net increase in uncertain tax positions of $3 million compared to a net decrease of $4 million in 2010. The Company recognizes interest relating to unrecognized tax benefits and penalties within income taxes. Accrued interest and penalties are included within the related tax liability line in the consolidated balance sheet.
Commitments, contingencies and accrued liabilities
We purchase professional indemnity insurance for errors and omissions claims. The terms of this insurance vary by policy year and self-insured risks have increased significantly over recent years. We have established provisions against 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. Such provisions cover claims that have been reported but not paid and also claims that have been incurred but not reported. These provisions are established based on actuarial estimates together with individual case reviews and are believed to be adequate in the light of current information and legal advice.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
The Company’s contractual obligations as at December 31, 2011 are presented below:
                     
  Payments due by 
Obligations Total  2012  2013-2014  2015-2016  After 2016 
  (millions) 
 
5-year term loan facility expires 2016
 $     300  $     11  $     30  $     259  $     — 
Interest on term loan  28   6   12   10    
Revolving $500 million credit facility commitment fees  6   1   3   2    
6.000% loan notes due 2012  4   4          
5.625% senior notes due 2015  350         350    
Fair value adjustments on 5.625% senior notes due 2015  20         20    
4.125% senior notes due 2016  300         300    
6.200% senior notes due 2017  600            600 
7.000% senior notes due 2019  300            300 
5.750% senior notes due 2021  500            500 
Interest on senior notes  744   119   238   200   187 
                     
Total debt and related interest  3,152   141   283   1,141   1,587 
Operating leases(a)
  1,307   146   203   151   807 
Pensions  386   91   181   114    
Other contractual obligations(b)
  164   72   13   37   42 
                     
Total contractual obligations $5,009  $450  $680  $1,443  $     2,436 
                     
(a)Presented gross of sublease income.
(b)Other contractual obligations include capital lease commitments, put option obligations and investment fund capital call obligations, the timing of which are included at the earliest point they may fall due.


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Willis Group Holdings plc
Debt obligations and facilities
The Company’s debt and related interest obligations at December 31, 2011 are shown in the above table.
In March 2011 we issued $800 million of new debt, comprised of $300 million of 4.125% senior notes due 2016 and $500 million of 5.750% senior notes due 2021. We received net proceeds, after underwriting discounts and expenses of approximately $787 million, which were used, to repurchase and redeem $500 million of 12.875% senior notes due 2016 and make related make-whole payments totaling $158 million, which represented a slight discount to the make-whole redemption amount provided in the indenture governing this debt. In addition to the make-whole payments of $158 million, we also wrote off unamortized debt issuance costs of $13 million.
In December 2011 we refinanced our bank facility, comprising a new5-year $300 million term loan and a new5-year $500 million revolving credit facility. The $300 million term loan repaid the majority of the $328 million balance outstanding on our $700 million5-year term loan facility and the $500 million revolving facility replaces our existing $300 million and our $200 million revolving credit facilities. Unamortized debt issuance costs of $10 million relating to these facilities were written off in December 2011 following completion of the refinancing.
Conditions to borrowing under the banking facility include the accuracy and completeness in all material respects of all representations and warranties in the loan documentation and that no default under the banking facility then existed or would result from such borrowing or the application of the proceeds thereof. Voluntary prepayments are permitted without penalty or premium (subject to minimum amounts) and mandatory prepayments are required in certain circumstances.
We are subject to various affirmative and negative covenants and reporting obligations under the banking facility. These include, among others, limitations on subsidiary indebtedness, liens, sale and leaseback transactions, certain investments, fundamental changes, assets sales and restricted payments, and maintenance of certain financial covenants. Events of default under the banking facility include non-payment of amounts due to the lenders, violation of covenants, incorrect representations, defaults under other material indebtedness, judgments and specified insolvency-related events, certain ERISA events and invalidity of loan documents, subject to, in certain instances, specified thresholds, cure periods and exceptions.
At December 31, 2011 the only mandatory debt repayments falling due over the next 12 months are scheduled repayments on our new $300 million5-year term loan totaling $11 million and repayment of the $4 million 6% loan notes due 2012.
Operating leases
The Company leases certain land, buildings and equipment under various operating lease arrangements. Original non-cancellable lease terms typically are between 10 and 20 years and may contain escalation clauses, along with options that permit early withdrawal. The total amount of the minimum rent is expensed on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.
As of December 31, 2011, the aggregate future minimum rental commitments under all non-cancellable operating lease agreements are as follows:
             
  Gross rental
  Rentals from
  Net rental
 
  commitments  subleases  commitments 
  (millions) 
 
2012 $146  $(14) $132 
2013  109   (14)  95 
2014  94   (13)  81 
2015  79   (12)  67 
2016  72   (11)  61 
Thereafter  807   (32)  775 
             
Total $     1,307  $     (96) $     1,211 
             


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Business discussion
The Company leases its main London building under a25-year operating lease, which expires in 2032. The Company’s contractual obligations in relation to this commitment included in the table above total $715 million (2010: $744 million). Annual rentals are $30 million per year and the Company has subleased approximately 29% of the premises under leases up to 15 years. The amounts receivable from subleases, included in the table above, total $82 million (2010: $87 million; 2009: $100 million).
Rent expense amounted to $127 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 (2010: $131 million; 2009: $154 million). The Company’s rental income from subleases was $18 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 (2010: $22 million; 2009: $21 million).
Pensions
Contractual obligations for our pension plans reflect the contributions we expect to make over the next five years into our US, UK and international plans. These contributions are based on current funding positions and may increase or decrease dependent on the future performance of the plans.
UK plan
We made total cash contributions to our UK defined benefit pension plan of $92 million in 2011 (including amounts in respect of the salary sacrifice contribution) compared with $88 million in 2010 and $49 million in 2009.
In the UK we are required to agree to a funding strategy for our UK defined benefit plan with the plan’s trustees. In February 2009, we agreed to make full year contributions to the UK plan of approximately $39 million for 2009 through 2011, excluding amounts in respect of the salary sacrifice scheme. In addition, if certain funding targets were not met at the beginning of any of those years, a further contribution of approximately $39 million was required for that year. The additional funding requirement was triggered in both 2010 and 2011.
The amounts included as contractual obligations in the table above reflect those payable under the current funding strategy which expires in March 2015, including amounts in respect of the salary sacrifice arrangements. Negotiations between the Company and the plan trustees on a revised funding strategy are continuing as set out in the ‘Liquidity and Capital Resources’ section.
US plan
We made total cash contributions to our US defined benefit pension plan of $30 million in 2011, compared with $30 million in 2010 and $27 million in 2009.
We expect to make contributions of approximately $40 million in 2012 through 2016 under US pension legislation based on our December 31, 2011 balance sheet position.
International plans
We made total cash contributions to our international defined benefit pension plans of $13 million in 2011, compared with $12 million in 2010 and $6 million in 2009.
In 2012, we expect to contribute approximately $12 million to our international plans.
Based on the current UK funding strategy and as shown in the table above, the total contracted contributions for all plans are currently estimated to be approximately $91 million in 2012, excluding amounts of approximately $12 million in respect of the salary sacrifice scheme. However, a revised UK funding strategy, and hence 2012 contribution, is expected


59


Willis Group Holdings plc
to be finalized shortly and the final 2012 contribution for all plans is expected to be approximately $142 million, including salary sacrifice which compares to an equivalent 2011 total contribution of $135 million.
Guarantees
Guarantees issued by certain of Willis Group Holdings’ subsidiaries with respect to the senior notes and revolving credit facilities are discussed in Note 21 — Commitments and Contingencies — in these consolidated financial statements.
Certain of Willis Group Holdings’ subsidiaries have given the landlords of some leasehold properties occupied by the Company in the UK and the US guarantees in respect of the performance of the lease obligations of the subsidiary holding the lease. The operating lease obligations subject to such guarantees amounted to $828 million and $855 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
In addition, the Company has given guarantees to bankers and other third parties relating principally to letters of credit amounting to $3 million and $11 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Willis Group Holdings also guarantees certain of its UK and Irish subsidiaries’ obligations to fund the UK and Irish defined benefit plans.
Other Contractual Obligations
For certain subsidiaries and associates, the Company has the right to purchase shares (a call option) from co-shareholders at various dates in the future. In addition, the co-shareholders of certain subsidiaries and associates have the right to sell (a put option) their shares to the Company at various dates in the future. Generally, the exercise price of such put options and call options is formula-based (using revenues and earnings) and is designed to reflect fair value.
At December 31, 2011 the Company owned 50.1% of Gras Savoye Re., a company we consolidate in our financial statements. In January 2012 the co-shareholders of Gras Savoye exercised a put option for the Company to acquire the remaining 49.9% of Gras Savoye Re. for approximately $30 million and we anticipate concluding this transaction in March 2012.
Based on current projections of profitability and exchange rates, and assuming the put options are exercised, the potential amount payable from these options, including Gras Savoye Re., is not expected to exceed $72 million (2010: $40 million).
In July 2010, the Company made a capital commitment of $25 million to Trident V Parallel Fund, LP, an investment fund managed by Stone Point Capital. This replaced a capital commitment of $25 million that had been made to Trident V, LP in December 2009. As at December 31, 2011 there have been approximately $6 million of capital contributions.
In May 2011, the Company made a capital commitment of $10 million to Dowling Capital Partners I, LP. As at December 31, 2011 there had been no capital contributions.
Other contractual obligations at December 31, 2011 also include the capital lease on the Company’s Nashville property of $63 million, payable from 2012 onwards.
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (‘FASB’) issued new guidance to provide a consistent definition of fair value and ensure that fair value measurements and disclosure requirements are similar between US GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (‘IFRS’). The guidance changes certain fair value measurement principles and enhances the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements.
In June 2011, the FASB issued new guidance to revise the manner in which entities present comprehensive income in their financial statements, requiring that the components of comprehensive income be presented in either a single


60


Business discussion
continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The amendments do not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income (OCI) or when an item of OCI must be reclassified to net income.
In September 2011, the FASB also issued guidance to allow an entity the option to make a qualitative evaluation about the likelihood of goodwill impairment to determine whether it should calculate the fair value of a reporting unit. All of the above accounting changes become effective for the Company from first quarter 2012.
Further details of the changes are described in Note 2 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Other than the changes described above, there were no new accounting standards issued during 2011 that would impact on the Company’s reporting.
OFF BALANCE SHEET TRANSACTIONS
Apart from commitments, guarantees and contingencies, as disclosed in Note 21 to the 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.


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Willis Group Holdings plc
Item 7A —Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Financial Risk Management
We are exposed to market risk from changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. In order to manage the risk arising from these exposures, we enter into a variety of interest rate and foreign currency derivatives. We do not hold financial or derivative instruments for trading purposes.
A discussion of our accounting policies for financial and derivative instruments is included in Note 2 — Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, and further disclosure is provided in Note 25 — Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities.
Foreign Exchange Risk Management
Because of the large number of countries and currencies we operate in, movements in currency exchange rates may affect our results.
We report our operating results and financial condition in US dollars. Our US operations earn revenue and incur expenses primarily in US dollars. Outside the United States, we predominantly generate revenues and expenses in the local currency with the exception of our London market operations which earns revenues in several currencies but incurs expenses predominantly in pounds sterling.
The table below gives an approximate analysis of revenues and expenses by currency in 2011.
                 
  US
 Pounds
   Other
  Dollars Sterling Euros currencies
 
Revenues  58%   9%   14%   19% 
Expenses  51%   23%   10%   16% 
Our principal exposures to foreign exchange risk arise from:
•  our London market operations; and
•  translation.
London market operations
In our London market operations, we earn revenue in a number of different currencies, principally US dollars, pounds sterling, Euros and Japanese yen, but incur expenses almost entirely in pounds sterling.
We hedge this risk 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
•  to the extent our London market operations 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.


62


Market risk
In addition, we are also exposed to foreign exchange risk on any net sterling asset or liability position in our London market operations.
However, where the foreign exchange risk relates to any sterling pension assets benefit or liability for pensions benefit, we do not hedge the risk. Consequently, if our London market operations have a significant pension asset or liability, we may be exposed to accounting gains and losses if the US dollar and pounds sterling exchange rate changes. We do, however, hedge the pounds sterling contributions into the pension plan.
Translation risk
Outside our US and London market operations, we predominantly earn revenues and incur expenses in the local currency. When we translate the results and net assets of these operations into US dollars for reporting purposes, movements in exchange rates will affect reported results and net assets. For example, if the US dollar strengthens against the euro, the reported results of our Eurozone operations in US dollar terms will be lower.
We do not hedge translation risk.
The table below provides information about our foreign currency forward exchange contracts, which are sensitive to exchange rate risk. The table summarizes the US dollar equivalent amounts of each currency bought and sold forward and the weighted average contractual exchange rates. All forward exchange contracts mature within three years.
                         
  Settlement date before December 31, 
  2012  2013  2014 
     Average
     Average
     Average
 
  Contract
  contractual
  Contract
  contractual
  Contract
  contractual
 
December 31, 2011 amount  exchange rate  amount  exchange rate  amount  exchange rate 
  (millions)     (millions)     (millions)    
 
Foreign currency sold
                        
US dollars sold for sterling $156  $1.55=£1  $63  $1.57=£1  $16  $1.62=£1 
Euro sold for US dollars  86  1=$1.39   43  1=$1.39       
Japanese yen sold for US dollars  26  ¥ 85.93=$1   18  ¥ 81.96=$1   6  ¥ 78.33=$1 
                         
Total $268      $124      $22     
                         
Fair Value(i)
 $2      $(1)     $(1)    
                         
  Settlement date before December 31, 
  2011  2012  2013 
     Average
     Average
     Average
 
  Contract
  contractual
  Contract
  contractual
  Contract
  contractual
 
December 31, 2010 amount  exchange rate  amount  exchange rate  amount  exchange rate 
  (millions)     (millions)     (millions)    
 
Foreign currency sold
                        
US dollars sold for sterling $209  $1.53=£1  $91  $1.51=£1  $15  $1.49=£1 
Euro sold for US dollars  86  1=$1.40   61  1=$1.39   10  1=$1.38 
Japanese yen sold for US dollars  26  ¥ 91.69=$1   23  ¥ 86.38=$1   15  ¥ 82.38=$1 
                         
Total $321      $175      $40     
                         
Fair Value(i)
 $3      $3      $     
(i)Represents the difference between the contract amount and the cash flow in US dollars which would have been receivable had the foreign currency forward exchange contracts been entered into on December 31, 2011 or 2010 at the forward exchange rates prevailing at that date.


63


Willis Group Holdings plc
Income earned within foreign subsidiaries outside of the UK is generally offset by expenses in the same local currency but the Company does have exposure to foreign exchange movements on the net income of these entities. The Company does not hedge net income earned within foreign subsidiaries outside of the UK.
Interest rate risk management
Our operations are financed principally by $2,050 million fixed rate senior notes issued by the Group and $300 million under a new5-year term loan facility. Of the fixed rate senior notes, $350 million are due 2015, $300 million are due 2016, $600 million are due 2017, $300 million are due 2019, and $500 million are due 2021. The5-year term loan facility is repayable in quarterly installments and a final repayment of $225 million is due in the forth quarter of 2016. As of December 31, 2011 we had access to $520 million under revolving credit facilities and no drawings had been made under those facilities. The interest rate applicable to the bank borrowing is variable according to the period of each individual drawdown.
We are also subject to market risk from exposure to changes in interest rates based on our investing activities where our primary interest rate risk arises from changes in short-term interest rates in both US dollars and pounds sterling.
As a result of our operating activities, we receive cash for premiums and claims which we deposit in short-term investments denominated in US dollars and other currencies. We earn interest on these funds, which is included in our consolidated financial statements as investment income. These funds are regulated in terms of access and the instruments in which it may be invested, most of which are short-term in maturity. In order to manage interest rate risk arising from these financial assets, we enter into interest rate swaps to receive a fixed rate of interest and pay a variable rate of interest in the various currencies related to the short-term investments. The use of interest rate contracts essentially converts groups of short-term variable rate investments to fixed rates. However, in the fourth quarter of 2011, we stopped renewing hedged positions on their maturity given the current flat yield curve environment.
During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company entered into a series of interest rate swaps for a total notional amount of $350 million to receive a fixed rate and pay a variable rate on a semi-annual basis, with a maturity date of July 15, 2015. The Company has designated and accounts for these instruments as fair value hedges against its $350 million 5.625% senior notes due 2015. The fair values of the interest rate swaps are included within other assets or other liabilities and the fair value of the hedged element of the senior notes is included within the principal amount of the debt.
The table below provides information about our derivative instruments and other financial instruments that are sensitive to changes in interest rates. For interest rate swaps, the table presents notional principal amounts and average interest rates analyzed by expected maturity dates. Notional principal amounts are used to calculate the contractual payments to be exchanged under the contracts. The duration of interest rate swaps varies between one and five years, with re-fixing periods of three to six months. Average fixed and variable rates are, respectively, the weighted-average actual and market rates for the interest hedges in place. Market rates are the rates prevailing at December 31, 2011 or 2010, as appropriate.


64


Market risk
                                 
  Expected to mature before December 31,     Fair
December 31, 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Thereafter Total Value(i)
  ($ millions, except percentages)
 
Fixed rate debt
                                
Principal ($)  4           350   300   1,400   2,054   2,214 
Fixed rate payable  6.00%          5.625%  4.125%  6.18%  5.92%    
Floating rate debt
                                
Principal ($)  11   15   15   17   242       300   300 
Variable rate payable  2.05%  2.10%  2.25%  2.83%  3.4%      3.29%    
Interest rate swaps
                                
Variable to Fixed
                                
Principal ($)  40   225   305   170           740   11 
Fixed rate receivable  1.84%  2.31%  1.95%  2.24%          2.20%    
Variable rate payable  0.55%  0.60%  0.81%  1.33%          0.88%    
Principal (£)  74   49   56   62           241   3 
Fixed rate receivable  4.06%  2.30%  2.59%  2.66%          3.00%    
Variable rate payable  1.27%  1.15%  1.30%  1.65%          1.35%    
Principal (€)  29   44   44   26           143   1 
Fixed rate receivable  1.93%  1.93%  2.67%  2.80%          2.31%    
Variable rate payable  1.29%  0.98%  1.25%  2.10%          1.33%    
Fixed to Variable
                                
Principal (€)              350           350   26 
Fixed rate payable              2.71%          2.71%    
Variable rate receivable              0.44%          0.44%    
                                 
  Expected to mature before December 31,     Fair
December 31, 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Thereafter Total Value(i)
  ($ millions, except percentages)
 
Fixed rate debt
                                
Principal ($)      4           350   1,400   1,754   2,059 
Fixed rate payable      6.00%          5.63%  8.56%  8.14%    
Floating rate debt
                                
Principal ($)  110   109   282               501   501 
Variable rate payable  2.70%  3.05%  3.53%              3.36%    
Interest rate swaps
                                
Variable to Fixed
                                
Principal ($)  240   40   225   220           725   11 
Fixed rate receivable  4.14%  1.84%  2.31%  1.81%          2.44%    
Variable rate payable  0.65%  0.78%  1.07%  2.51%          1.33%    
Principal (£)  56   74   50   49           229   3 
Fixed rate receivable  5.77%  4.18%  2.28%  2.44%          3.16%    
Variable rate payable  0.93%  1.52%  1.81%  2.86%          1.88%    
Principal (€)  53   31   46   25           155   1 
Fixed rate receivable  4.19%  1.99%  1.86%  2.12%          2.18%    
Variable rate payable  1.30%  1.60%  1.74%  2.39%          1.81%    
Fixed to Variable
                                
Principal (€)                  350       350   14 
Fixed rate payable                  2.71%      2.71%    
Variable rate receivable                  2.04%      2.04%    
(i)Represents the net present value of the expected cash flows discounted at current market rates of interest or quoted market rates as appropriate.

65


Willis Group Holdings plc
Liquidity Risk
Our objective is to ensure we have the ability to generate sufficient cash either from internal or external sources, in a timely and cost-effective manner, to meet our commitments as they fall due. Our management of liquidity risk is embedded within our overall risk management framework. Scenario analysis is continually undertaken to ensure that our resources can meet our liquidity requirements. These resources are supplemented by access to $520 million under two revolving credit facilities. We undertake short-term foreign exchange swaps for liquidity purposes.
See ‘Liquidity’ section under Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”.


66


Financial statements
Item 8 — Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Page
68
69
70
72
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity and Comprehensive Income for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 201174
76


67


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company
Dublin, Ireland
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company and subsidiaries (the ‘Company’) as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require(PCAOB), established by Congress to oversee the audits of public companies. She currently serves on the Advisory Council of Johns Hopkins University’s Whiting School of Engineering and the Board of Governors of the Washington Foreign Law Society. She previously served on the Board of InovaChem Inc. Ms. Kravit holds a BA in East Asian Studies from Vassar College, and a MA in East Asian Studies from Harvard University.

International Experience — China is an emerging market for the Company and Ms. Kravit’s almost 30 years of experience in international business, focusing on the Far East markets, provides the Company with an extensive knowledge base. She is fluent in Mandarin Chinese. She has established and directed significant China-based operations engaged in the international trading of industrial raw materials and has experience in devising marketing plans that adapt to evolving political and economic environments. She also has extensive experience in the management of foreign trade transactions and international risk management.

CEO/Management Experience — Ms. Kravit founded and since 2000 has been the Chief Executive Officer of Tethys Research LLC, a biotechnology company, and is responsible for contract, administrative and financial operations. Prior to Tethys, as Managing Director for Asian operations, Ms. Kravit functioned as CEO of a major business unit within a complex multinational corporation.

Financial Background — Ms. Kravit is a member of the Company’s Audit Committee and was recently appointed to a two-year term on the Standing Advisory Group of the PCAOB. The Standing Advisory Group advises the PCAOB on issues relating to the development of auditing standards.

Jeffrey B. Lane — Mr. Lane, age 70, joined the Board on April 30, 2008 and currently serves as a member of the Company’s Compensation Committee. Mr. Lane will not be standing for re-election at the 2013 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders. He is the current Chairman of the Board of CASA. He served as Chief Executive Officer of Modern Bank, a private bank, from July 1, 2008 to October 31, 2010. Prior to joining Modern Bank, he was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Bear Stearns Asset Management and before that, we planVice Chairman of Lehman Brothers, Co-Chairman of Lehman Brothers Asset Management and performAlternatives Division, and Chairman of Neuberger Berman Inc. He has also held senior management positions with Travelers Group, including Vice Chairman of that company’s Smith Barney division, and with Shearson Lehman Brothers.

Wendy E. Lane — Ms. Lane, age 61, joined the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whetherBoard on April 21, 2004 and currently serves as the financial statements are freeChairman of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, onthe Company’s Compensation Committee and member of the Audit Committee and Executive Committee. She was a test basis, evidence supporting member of

the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management,CEO Search Committee as well as evaluatingother ad hoc Board Committees convened from time to time. She has been Chairman of Lane Holdings, Inc., an investment firm, since 1992. Prior to forming Lane Holdings, Inc., Ms. Lane was a Principal and Managing Director of Donaldson, Lufkin and Jenrette Securities Corporation, an investment banking firm, serving in these and other positions from 1981 to 1992. Ms. Lane is also a director, and member of the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provideNominating and Corporate Governance and Audit Committees of Laboratory Corporation of America, and a reasonable basisdirector and Audit Committee member of UPM-Kymmene Corporation, a Finnish publicly-held corporation. Ms. Lane holds a BA from Wellesley College and a MBA from Harvard Business School.

Financial Background — Ms. Lane has more than 15 years of experience in investment banking, including financings, mergers and acquisitions and advisory projects. Prior to forming her own investment firm in 1992, Ms. Lane was a Principal and Managing Director of Donaldson, Lufkin and Jenrette Securities Corporation, an investment banking firm, serving in these and other positions from 1981 to 1992. From 1977 to 1980, she was an investment banker at Goldman Sachs. Ms. Lane’s financial background qualifies her as an audit committee financial expert.

Extensive Knowledge of the Company’s Business — Ms. Lane’s service as a director of the Company for nine years, financial expertise, current dual service as the Chairman of the Company’s Compensation Committee and member of the Audit Committee and former service as a member of the Company’s Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee have provided Ms. Lane with an invaluable knowledge base of the Company and a deep understanding of the interrelationships of issues and decisions between the Committees. She was also part of the Search Committee formed by the Board in connection with appointing a new CEO.

International Board Experience — Ms. Lane has served for seven years on the board of UPM-Kymmene Corporation, a Finnish publicly held corporation with worldwide operations and revenues exceeding $11.5 billion.

Board and Committee Experience — As well as serving on almost all of Willis’ Committees, Ms. Lane has chaired the Audit and Compensation Committees of Laboratory Corporation of America, serves on the Audit Committees at Laboratory Corporation of America and UPM-Kymmene Corporation, serves on the Nominating and Governance Committee of Laboratory Corporation of America and has extensive committee experience on all of her current and past boards.

James F. McCann — Mr. McCann, age 61, joined the Board on April 21, 2004 and currently serves as the Board’s Presiding Independent Director, the Chairman of the Company’s Governance Committee, and as a member of the Company’s Compensation Committee and Executive Committee. On April 23, 2013, the Board appointed Mr. McCann to serve as non-executive Chairman of the Board, effective July 8, 2013, succeeding Mr. Plumeri upon his retirement from the Board. Mr. McCann was a member of the CEO Search Committee as well as other ad hoc Board Committees convened from time to time. He has served since 1976 as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc., a florist and gift shop company. He also serves as a director for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects,Dearborn National and JPMorgan Chase Regional Advisory Board. He previously served as a director and Compensation Committee member of Lottomatica S.p.A. and a director of Gateway, Inc. and The Boyds Collection, Ltd.

CEO/Management Experience — Mr. McCann has substantial management, strategic and operational experience as Chairman and CEO of 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. The knowledge and experience he has gained through his leadership of a consumer-product and service-based public company for over 30 years continues to benefit the Company both in his role as a director, the Presiding Independent Director, the Chairman of the Governance Committee, and a member of the Compensation Committee.

Extensive Knowledge of the Company’s Business — Mr. McCann’s service as a director of the Company for nine years, service as the Board’s Presiding Independent Director, Chairman of the Governance Committee and member of the Company’s Compensation Committee has provided him with an in-depth knowledge of the Company’s business and structure. He was also part of the Search Committee formed by the Board in connection with appointing a new CEO.

Board and Committee Experience — Mr. McCann, as a current member of the Compensation Committee, has benefited from his service as a former director and member of the Compensation Committee of Lottomatica S.p.A., an Italian headquartered company.

Joseph J. Plumeri —Mr. Plumeri, age 69, joined the financial positionBoard on February 8, 2001 and currently serves as non-Executive Chairman and will serve until his retirement on July 7, 2013. Mr. Plumeri served as CEO of Willis Group Holdings plc from 2001 until January 2013. Prior to joining the Willis Group, Mr. Plumeri spent 32 years as an executive with Citigroup Inc. and its predecessors, where his responsibilities included overseeing the 450 North American retail branches of Citigroup’s Citibank unit. Before that, Mr. Plumeri served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Citigroup’s Primerica Financial Services from 1995 to 1999. In 1994, Mr. Plumeri was appointed Vice Chairman of Citigroup’s predecessor, Travelers Group Inc. In 1993, Mr. Plumeri became the President of a

predecessor of Citigroup’s Salomon Smith Barney unit after overseeing the merger of Smith Barney and Shearson and serving as the President and Managing Partner of Shearson since 1990. He is also a board member of a number of organizations, including The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, and formerly served as a director of Commerce Bancorp Inc. and The Board of Visitors of the College of William & Mary and a Trustee for the Granum Value Fund.

Douglas B. Roberts — Mr. Roberts, age 65, joined the Board on February 13, 2003 and currently serves as the Chairman of the Company’s Audit Committee and a member of the Executive Committee. He is the former Treasurer for the State of Michigan, a position held from April 2001 to December 2002 and from January 1991 to November 1998. From January 1999 to March 2001 he was Vice President of Business Development and Best Practices at Lockheed Martin IMS. Prior to January 1991, Mr. Roberts worked in the Michigan Senate as Director, Senate Fiscal Agency from April 1988 to December 1990 and as Deputy Superintendent of Public Limited Company and subsidiaries asInstruction for the Department of December 31, 2011 and 2010,Education. Mr. Roberts holds a doctorate in Economics from Michigan State University. Currently, Mr. Roberts is both a Professor and the results of their operationsDirector for the Institute for Public Policy and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on the criteria established inInternal Control — Integrated Frameworkissued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 29, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
/s/ Deloitte LLP
London, United Kingdom
February 29, 2012


68Social Research at Michigan State University.


Financial statements
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                 
     Years ended December 31, 
  Note  2011  2010  2009 
     (millions, except per share data) 
 
REVENUES                
Commissions and fees     $3,414  $3,293  $3,200 
Investment income      31   38   50 
Other income      2   1   3 
                 
Total revenues      3,447   3,332   3,253 
                 
EXPENSES                
Salaries and benefits  3   (2,087)  (1,868)  (1,822)
Other operating expenses      (656)  (564)  (590)
Depreciation expense  11   (74)  (63)  (64)
Amortization of intangible assets  13   (68)  (82)  (100)
Net gain (loss) on disposal of operations  6   4   (2)  13 
                 
Total expenses      (2,881)  (2,579)  (2,563)
                 
OPERATING INCOME      566   753   690 
Make-whole on repurchase and redemption of senior notes and write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs      (171)      
Interest expense  19   (156)  (166)  (174)
                 
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND INTEREST IN EARNINGS OF ASSOCIATES      239   587   516 
Income taxes  7   (32)  (140)  (94)
                 
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INTEREST IN EARNINGS OF ASSOCIATES      207   447   422 
Interest in earnings of associates, net of tax  14   12   23   33 
                 
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS      219   470   455 
Discontinued operations, net of tax  8   1      4 
                 
NET INCOME      220   470   459 
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interests      (16)  (15)  (21)
                 
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS     $204  $455  $438 
                 
AMOUNTS ATTRIBUTABLE TO WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS SHAREHOLDERS                
Income from continuing operations, net of tax     $203  $455  $434 
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax      1      4 
                 
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS     $204  $455  $438 
                 
EARNINGS PER SHARE — BASIC AND DILUTED  9             
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE                
 — Continuing operations     $1.17  $2.68  $2.58 
                 
DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE                
 — Continuing operations     $1.15  $2.66  $2.57 
                 
CASH DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER SHARE     $1.04  $1.04  $1.04 
                 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements


69


Willis Group Holdings plc
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
             
     December 31, 
  Note  2011  2010 
     (millions, except share data) 
 
ASSETS            
CURRENT ASSETS            
Cash and cash equivalents     $436  $316 
Accounts receivable, net      910   839 
Fiduciary assets  10   9,338   9,569 
Deferred tax assets  7   44   36 
Other current assets  15   259   340 
             
Total current assets      10,987   11,100 
             
NON-CURRENT ASSETS            
Fixed assets, net  11   406   381 
Goodwill  12   3,295   3,294 
Other intangible assets, net  13   420   492 
Investments in associates  14   170   161 
Deferred tax assets  7   22   7 
Pension benefits asset  18   145   182 
Other non-current assets  15   283   233 
             
Total non-current assets      4,741   4,750 
             
TOTAL ASSETS     $15,728  $15,850 
             
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES            
Fiduciary liabilities     $9,338  $9,569 
Deferred revenue and accrued expenses      320   298 
Income taxes payable      15   57 
Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt  19   15   110 
Deferred tax liabilities  7   26   9 
Other current liabilities  16   282   266 
             
Total current liabilities      9,996   10,309 
             
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES            
Long-term debt  19   2,354   2,157 
Liability for pension benefits  18   270   167 
Deferred tax liabilities  7   32   83 
Provisions for liabilities  20   196   179 
Other non-current liabilities  16   363   347 
             
Total non-current liabilities      3,215   2,933 
             
Total liabilities      13,211   13,242 
             
(Continued on next page)


70


Financial statements
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Continued)
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

             
     December 31, 
  Note  2011  2010 
     (millions, except share data) 
 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES  21         
EQUITY            
Ordinary shares, $0.000115 nominal value; Authorized: 4,000,000,000; Issued 173,829,693 shares in 2011 and 170,883,865 shares in 2010          
Ordinary shares, €1 nominal value; Authorized: 40,000; Issued 40,000 shares in 2011 and 2010          
Preference shares, $0.000115 nominal value; Authorized: 1,000,000,000; Issued nil shares in 2011 and 2010          
Additional paid-in capital      1,073   985 
Retained earnings      2,160   2,136 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax  22   (744)  (541)
Treasury shares, at cost, 46,408 shares in 2011 and 2010, and 40,000 shares, €1 nominal value, in 2011 and 2010      (3)  (3)
             
Total Willis Group Holdings stockholders’ equity      2,486   2,577 
Noncontrolling interests      31   31 
             
Total equity      2,517   2,608 
             
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY     $15,728  $15,850 
             
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


71


Willis Group Holdings plc
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                 
     Years ended December 31, 
  Note  2011  2010  2009 
     (millions) 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES                
Net income     $220  $470  $459 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to total net cash provided by operating activities:                
Income from discontinued operations      (1)     (4)
Net (gain) loss on disposal of operations, fixed and intangible assets      (6)  3   (14)
Depreciation expense      74   63   64 
Amortization of intangible assets      68   82   100 
Provision for doubtful accounts      4      (1)
Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes      17   77   (21)
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements      (5)  (2)  (1)
Share-based compensation  4   41   47   39 
Make-whole on repurchase and redemption of senior notes and write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs      171       
Undistributed earnings of associates      (5)  (18)  (21)
Non-cash Venezuela currency devaluation         12    
Effect of exchange rate changes on net income      14   6   (4)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from purchase of subsidiaries:                
Accounts receivable, net      (92)  (35)  77 
Fiduciary assets      162   78   776 
Fiduciary liabilities      (162)  (78)  (776)
Other assets      (43)  (230)  (103)
Other liabilities      (32)  61   (193)
Movement on provisions      16   (45)  44 
                 
Net cash provided by continuing operating activities      441   491   421 
Net cash used in discontinued operating activities      (2)  (2)  (2)
                 
Total net cash provided by operating activities      439   489   419 
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES                
Proceeds on disposal of fixed and intangible assets      13   10   20 
Purchases of fixed assets      (111)  (83)  (96)
Acquisitions of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired      (10)  (21)   
Acquisition of investments in associates      (2)  (1)  (42)
Investment in Trident V Parallel Fund, LP      (5)  (1)   
Proceeds from reorganization of investments in associates  6         155 
Proceeds from sale of continuing operations, net of cash disposed         2   4 
Proceeds from sale of discontinued operations, net of cash disposed      14      40 
Proceeds on sale of short-term investments            21 
                 
Total net cash (used in) provided by continuing investing activities      (101)  (94)  102 
                 
(Continued on next page)


72


Financial statements
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

                 
     Years ended December 31, 
  Note  2011  2010  2009 
     (millions) 
 
INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS FROM OPERATING AND INVESTING ACTIVITIES     $338  $395  $521 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES                
(Repayment on) proceeds from draw down of revolving credit facility  19   (90)  90    
Repayments of debt  19   (911)  (209)  (1,089)
Senior notes issued      794      800 
Debt issuance costs      (12)     (22)
Proceeds from issue of term loan      300       
Make-whole on repurchase and redemption of senior notes      (158)      
Proceeds from issue of shares      60   36   18 
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements      5   2   1 
Dividends paid      (180)  (176)  (174)
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests      (9)  (10)  (33)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests      (13)  (26)  (17)
                 
Total net cash used in continuing financing activities      (214)  (293)  (516)
                 
INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS      124   102   5 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents      (4)  (7)  11 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR      316   221   205 
                 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR     $436  $316  $221 
                 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


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Willis Group Holdings plc
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
                 
     December 31, 
  Note  2011  2010  2009 
     (millions, except share data) 
 
SHARES OUTSTANDING (thousands)                
Balance, beginning of year      170,884   168,661   166,758 
Shares issued         14   486 
Exercise of stock options and release of non-vested shares      2,946   2,209   1,417 
                 
Balance, end of year      173,830   170,884   168,661 
                 
ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL                
Balance, beginning of year     $985  $918  $886 
Issue of shares under employee stock compensation plans and related tax benefits      49   37   18 
Issue of shares for acquisitions         1   12 
Share-based compensation      39   47   39 
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests         (18)  (33)
Repurchase of out of the money options            (4)
                 
Balance, end of year      1,073   985   918 
                 
RETAINED EARNINGS                
Balance, beginning of year      2,136   1,859   1,593 
Net income attributable to Willis Group Holdings(a)
      204   455   438 
Dividends      (180)  (178)  (172)
                 
Balance, end of year      2,160   2,136   1,859 
                 
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS, NET OF TAX                
Balance, beginning of year      (541)  (594)  (630)
Foreign currency translation adjustment(b)
      (28)  (6)  27 
Unrealized holding gain (loss)(c)
         2   (1)
Pension funding adjustment(d)
      (172)  51   (33)
Net (loss) gain on derivative instruments(e)
      (3)  6   43 
                 
Balance, end of year  22   (744)  (541)  (594)
                 
TREASURY SHARES                
Balance, beginning of year      (3)  (3)  (4)
Shares reissued under stock compensation plans            1 
                 
Balance, end of year      (3)  (3)  (3)
                 
TOTAL WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY     $2,486  $2,577  $2,180 
                 
(Continued on next page)


74


Financial statements
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Continued)
                 
     December 31, 
  Note  2011  2010  2009 
     (millions, except share data) 
 
NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS                
Balance, beginning of year     $31  $49  $50 
Net income      16   15   21 
Dividends      (15)  (26)  (17)
Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interests, net         (5)  (10)
Additional noncontrolling interests            5 
Foreign currency translation      (1)  (2)   
                 
Balance, end of year      31   31   49 
                 
TOTAL EQUITY     $2,517  $2,608  $2,229 
                 
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS(a+b+c+d+e)
     $1  $508  $474 
                 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements


75


Willis Group Holdings plc
1.  NATURE OF OPERATIONS
Willis provides a broad range of insurance and reinsurance broking and risk management consulting services to its clients worldwide, both directly and indirectly through its associates. The Company provides both specialized risk management advisory and consulting services on a global basis to clients engaged in specific industrial and commercial activities, and services to small, medium and large corporations through its retail operations.
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

Redomicile to Ireland
On September 24, 2009, Willis Group Holdings was incorporated in Ireland, in order to effectuate the change of the place of incorporation of the parent company of the Group. Willis Group Holdings operated as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Willis-Bermuda until December 31, 2009, when the outstanding common shares of Willis-Bermuda were canceled and Willis Group Holdings issued ordinary shares with substantially the same rights and preferences on aone-for-one basis to the holders of the Willis-Bermuda common shares that were canceled. Upon completion of this transaction, Willis Group Holdings replaced Willis-Bermuda as the ultimate parent company and Willis-Bermuda became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Willis Group Holdings. On July 29, 2010 Willis-Bermuda was liquidated.
This transaction was accounted for as a merger between entities under common control; accordingly, the historical financial statements of Willis-Bermuda for periods prior to this transaction are considered to be the historical financial statements of Willis Group Holdings. No changes in capital structure, assets or liabilities resulted from this transaction, other than Willis Group Holdings providing a guarantee of amounts due under certain borrowing arrangements of one of its subsidiaries as described in Note 29.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure
In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (‘FASB’) issued Accounting Standards Update (‘ASU’)No. 2011-04,Fair Value Measurement: Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs.The new guidance was issued to provide a consistent definition of fair value and ensure that fair value measurements and disclosure requirements are similar between US GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (‘IFRS’). The guidance changes certain fair value measurement principles and enhances the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements.
This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011 and is applied prospectively.
Other Comprehensive Income
In June 2011, the FASB issued ASUNo. 2011-05,Presentation of Comprehensive Incometo revise the manner in which entities present comprehensive income in their financial statements. These changes require that components of comprehensive income be presented in either a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The amendments do not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income or when an item of other comprehensive income must be reclassified to net income.
This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011 and is applied retrospectively.


76


Notes to the financial statements
2.  BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
ASU No.2011-05 also requires entities to present on the face of the financial statements reclassification adjustments for items that are reclassified from other comprehensive income to net income in the statement(s) where the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income are presented. In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-12 in order to defer those changes in ASU No. 2011-05 that relate to the presentation of reclassification adjustments.
Goodwill impairment testing
In September 2011, the FASB issued ASUNo. 2011-08,Intangibles — Goodwill and Other: Testing Goodwill for Impairment. The new guidance was issued to reduce complexity and costs by allowing an entity the option to make a qualitative evaluation about the likelihood of goodwill impairment to determine whether it should calculate the fair value of a reporting unit.
This guidance is effective for interim and annual goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011.
The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the financial statements.
Significant Accounting Policies
These consolidated financial statements conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (‘US GAAP’). Presented below are summaries of significant accounting policies followed in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements.
Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to conform to the current year presentation.
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Willis Group Holdings and its subsidiaries, which are controlled through the ownership of a majority voting interest. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated on consolidation.
Foreign Currency Translation
Transactions in currencies other than the functional currency of the entity are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities in currencies other than the functional currency are translated at the rates of exchange prevailing at the balance sheet date and the related transaction gains and losses are reported in the statements of operations. Certain intercompany loans are determined to be of a long-term investment nature. The Company records transaction gains and losses from remeasuring such loans as a component of other comprehensive income.
Upon consolidation, the results of operations of subsidiaries and associates whose functional currency is other than the US dollar are translated into US dollars at the average exchange rate and assets and liabilities are translated at year-end exchange rates. Translation adjustments are presented as a separate component of other comprehensive income in the financial statements and are included in net income only upon sale or liquidation of the underlying foreign subsidiary or associated company.


77


Willis Group Holdings plc
2.  BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the year. In the preparation of these consolidated financial statements, estimates and assumptions have been made by management concerning: the valuation of intangible assets and goodwill (including those acquired through business combinations); the selection of useful lives of fixed and intangible assets; impairment testing; provisions necessary for accounts receivable, commitments and contingencies and accrued liabilities; long-term asset returns, discount rates and mortality rates in order to estimate pension liabilities and pension expense; income tax valuation allowances; and other similar evaluations. Actual results could differ from the estimates underlying these consolidated financial statements.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents primarily consist of time deposits with original maturities of three months or less.
Fiduciary Assets and Fiduciary Liabilities
In its capacity as an insurance agent or broker, the Company collects premiums from insureds and, after deducting its commissions, remits the premiums to the respective insurers; the Company also collects claims or refunds from insurers which it then remits to insureds.
Fiduciary Receivables
Fiduciary receivables represent uncollected premiums from insureds and uncollected claims or refunds from insurers.
Fiduciary Funds
Fiduciary funds represent unremitted premiums received from insureds and unremitted claims or refunds received from insurers. Fiduciary funds are generally required to be kept in certain regulated bank accounts subject to guidelines which emphasize capital preservation and liquidity. Such funds are not available to service the Company’s debt or for other corporate purposes. Notwithstanding the legal relationships with insureds and insurers, the Company is entitled to retain investment income earned on fiduciary funds in accordance with industry custom and practice and, in some cases, as supported by agreements with insureds.
In certain instances, the Company advances premiums, refunds or claims to insurance underwriters or insureds prior to collection. Such advances are made from fiduciary funds and are reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as fiduciary assets.
Fiduciary Liabilities
The obligations to remit these funds to insurers or insureds are recorded as fiduciary liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The period for which the Company holds such funds is dependent upon the date the insured remits the payment of the premium to the Company and the date the Company is required to forward such payment to the insurer. Balances arising from insurance brokerage transactions are reported as separate assets or liabilities unless such balances are due to or from the same party and a right of offset exists, in which case the balances are recorded net.


78


Notes to the financial statements
2.  BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable are stated at estimated net realizable values. Allowances are recorded, when necessary, in an amount considered by management to be sufficient to meet probable future losses related to uncollectible accounts.
Fixed Assets
Fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Expenditures for improvements are capitalized; repairs and maintenance are charged to expenses as incurred. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of assets.
Depreciation on buildings and long leaseholds is calculated over the lesser of 50 years or the lease term. Depreciation on leasehold improvements is calculated over the lesser of the useful life of the assets or the remaining lease term. Depreciation on furniture and equipment is calculated based on a range of 3 to 10 years. Freehold land is not depreciated.
Recoverability of Fixed Assets
Long-lived assets are tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstance indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of a long-lived asset is not recoverable and exceeds its fair value. Recoverability is determined based on the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset or asset group. Long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangible assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell.
Operating Leases
Rentals payable on operating leases are charged straight line to expenses over the lease term as the rentals become payable.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of businesses acquired over the fair market value of identifiable net assets at the dates of acquisition. The Company reviews goodwill for impairment annually and whenever facts or circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. In testing for impairment, the fair value of each reporting unit is compared with its carrying value, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the amount of an impairment loss, if any, is calculated by comparing the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill.
Acquired intangible assets are amortized over the following periods:
  

Legal, Governmental, Political or Diplomatic Experience — Mr. Roberts has a deep understanding of public finance and other public policy matters from his 28-year tenure in state government, including his years as a Michigan state treasurer and his current academic position. As Michigan state treasurer, he oversaw the state’s revenue and cash positions during a period of rebirth in Michigan’s finances and economy which included five ratings upgrades. In addition, the state Treasurer is the sole fiduciary of the state’s pension systems valued at approximately $50 billion.

 
Expected
Amortization basislife (years)
Acquired intangible assetsStraight line

Financial Background and Extensive Knowledge of the Company’s Business — Mr. Roberts’ business experience and education also qualify him as an audit committee financial expert and have positioned him well to serve as a Company’s director for 10

Acquired HRH customer relationshipsIn line with underlying cashflows20
Acquired HRH non-compete agreementsStraight line2
Acquired HRH trade namesStraight line4 years and as the Chairman of our Audit Committee since 2004.

Amortizable intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable.


79


Willis Group Holdings plc
2.  BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
Investments in AssociatesDr. Michael J. Somers
Investments are accounted for using — Dr. Somers, age 70, joined the equity methodBoard on April 21, 2010 and currently serves as a member of accounting if the Company hasCompany’s Risk Committee. He was Chief Executive Officer of the abilityIrish National Treasury Management Agency from 1990, when it was established, until the end of 2009. The Agency, which is a commercial entity outside the civil service, was initially set up to exercise significant influence, but not control, overarrange Ireland’s borrowing and manage its national debt. Its remit was extended to establish and manage the investee. Significant influence is generally deemed to exist ifNational Pensions Reserve Fund, of which Dr. Somers was a Commissioner, and the Company has an equity ownershipNational Development Agency, of which he was Chairman. It also incorporated the State Claims Agency, which handles claims against the State and against hospitals and other medical institutions. Dr. Somers previously worked in the voting stockIrish Department of Finance and the Central Bank and served as Secretary General of the investee between 20Department of Defense from 1985 to 1987. He was the Irish member of the EU Monetary Committee from 1987 to 1990 and 50 percent, although other factors, such as representationchaired the EU group that established the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. He served on the board of the Irish Stock Exchange until the end of 2009. He is currently the Irish Director on the Board of the European Investment Bank and also serves on the Boards of Allied Irish Banks plc, St. Vincent’s Healthcare Group Ltd., the Institute of Directors, Hewlett Packard International Bank plc, Fexco Holdings Ltd., and as Chairman of Goodbody Stockbrokers, a subsidiary of Fexco. He also serves as Chairman of the Audit Committees of Hewlett Packard International Bank plc and St. Vincent’s Healthcare Group and Chairman of the Risk Committee of the AIB Bank. He was awarded the honor of Chevalier of the Légion d’Honneur by the President of France. He previously served as a Council Member of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce and Ulysses Securitization plc, a government established special purpose entity whose purpose has expired and assets have been liquidated. He holds various degrees, including a master’s degree in economic science and a doctorate from University College Dublin. He is President of the Ireland Chapter of the Ireland-U.S. Council.

Financial Background — Dr. Somers has an extensive finance background as a result of his experience relating to Ireland’s borrowing and managing its national debt as well as his experience as the Irish member of the EU Monetary Committee.

International Business and Board Experience — Dr. Somers has extensive knowledge and experience in serving the Irish and European financial, business and governmental communities, including through his service on a number of Irish Boards. The Irish market is important to the Company which completed its redomicile to Ireland, in part, to facilitate business expansion. Dr. Somers also brings his experience on the Audit Committee and Risk Committee of various entities.

Jeffrey W. Ubben — Mr. Ubben, age 51, is a nominee for election to the Board at the 2013 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders and, if elected, will serve until the Company’s 2014 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders. If elected, it is expected that the Board will appoint Mr. Ubben to the Risk Committee. Mr. Ubben is a Founder, Chief Executive Officer and the impactChief Investment Officer of commercial arrangements, are consideredValueAct Capital. Prior to founding ValueAct Capital in determining whether2000, Mr. Ubben was a Managing Partner at Blum Capital Partners for more than five years. Previously, Mr. Ubben spent eight years at Fidelity Investments where he managed the equity methodFidelity Value Fund. Mr. Ubben is a former director and member of accountingthe Compensation Committee of Acxiom Corp., a former director and member of the Compensation Committee of Gartner Group, Inc., a former director and member of the Audit and Finance Committee of Misys, plc, a former director and member of the Nomination and Governance Committee of Omnicare, Inc., a former director and member of the Audit and Finance Committee of Sara Lee Corp. and a former director of several other public and private companies. In addition, Mr. Ubben serves as chairman of the national board of the Posse Foundation, is appropriate. Underon the equity methodboard of accountingtrustees of Northwestern University, and is also on the investment is carriedboard of the American Conservatory Theater. He has a B.A. from Duke University and an M.B.A. from the J. L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management at cost of acquisition, plusNorthwestern University.

Financial Background — Mr. Ubben has more than 20 years of experience in the investment management business.

CEO/Management Experience — Mr. Ubben’s leadership roles include serving as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer of ValueAct Capital since 2000 and as Managing Partner at Blum Capital Partners for more than five years prior to joining ValueAct.

Board and Committee Experience — Mr. Ubben also brings experience from his prior service as a director and board committee member of numerous global public companies.

On April 25, 2013, the Company entered into a Nomination Agreement with ValueAct pursuant to which the Company’s equityBoard of Directors agreed to nominate Mr. Ubben for election at the 2013 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders. In addition, ValueAct agreed, subject to exceptions, not to engage in undistributed net income since acquisition, less any dividends received since acquisition.

Thecertain transactions regarding the Company periodically reviewsand its investments in associates for which fair value is less than cost to determine if the decline in value is other than temporary. If the decline in value is judged to be other than temporary, the cost basis of the investment is written down to fair value. The amount of any write-down is includedsecurities until a date specified in the statements of operations as a realized loss.
All other equity investments where the Company does not have the ability to exercise significant influence are accounted for by the cost method. Such investments are not publicly traded.
Nominating Agreement.

Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company uses derivative financial instruments for other than trading purposes to alter the risk profile of an existing underlying exposure. Interest rate swaps are used to manage interest risk exposures. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are used to manage currency exposures arising from future income and expenses. The fair values of derivative contracts are recorded in other assets and other liabilities. The effective portions of changes in the fair value of derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting as cash flow hedges are recorded in other comprehensive income. Amounts are reclassified from other comprehensive income into earnings when the hedged exposure affects earnings. If the derivative is designated as and qualifies as an effective fair value hedge, the changes in the fair value of the derivative and of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are both recognized in earnings. The amount of hedge ineffectiveness recognised in earnings is based on the extent to which an offset between the fair value of the derivative and hedged item is not achieved. Changes in fair value of derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting, together with any hedge ineffectiveness on those that do qualify, are recorded in other operating expenses or interest expense as appropriate.
Income Taxes
The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the estimated future tax consequences of events attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating and capital loss and tax credit carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of changes in tax rates is recognized in the statement of operations in the period in which the enactment date changes. Deferred tax assets are reduced through the establishment of a valuation allowance at such time as, based on available evidence, it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company adjusts valuation allowances to measure deferred tax assets at the amount considered realizable in future periods if the Company’s facts and assumptions change. In making such determination, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial operations.
Positions taken in the Company’s tax returns may be subject to challenge by the taxing authorities upon examination. The Company recognizes the benefit of uncertain tax positions in the financial statements when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on examination by the tax authorities upon lapse of the relevant statute of limitations, or when positions are effectively settled. The benefit recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely to be realized on settlement with the tax authority, assuming full knowledge of the position and all


80Executive Officers


Notes to the financial statements
2.  BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
relevant facts. The Company adjusts its recognition of these uncertain tax benefits in the period in which new information is available impacting either the recognition or measurement of its uncertain tax positions. These differences will be reflected as increases or decreases to income tax expense in the period in which they are determined.
Changes in tax laws and rates could also affect recorded deferred tax assets and liabilities in the future. Management is not aware of any such changes that would have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows or financial position.
The Company recognizes interest and penalties relating to unrecognized tax benefits within income taxes.
Provisions for Liabilities
The Company is subject to various actual and potential claims, lawsuits and other proceedings. The Company records liabilities for such contingencies including legal costs when it is probable that a liability has been incurred before the balance sheet date and the amount can be reasonably estimated. To the extent such losses can be recovered under the Company’s insurance programs, estimated recoveries are recorded when losses for insured events are recognized and the recoveries are likely to be realized. Significant management judgment is required to estimate the amounts of such contingent liabilities and the related insurance recoveries. The Company analyzes its litigation exposure based on available information, including consultation with outside counsel handling the defense of these matters, to assess its potential liability. Contingent liabilities are not discounted.
Pensions
The Company has two principal defined benefit pension plans which cover approximately half of employees in the United States and United Kingdom. Both these plans are now closed to new entrants. New entrants in the United Kingdom are offered the opportunity to join a defined contribution plan and in the United States are offered the opportunity to join a 401(k) plan. In addition, there are smaller plans in certain other countries in which the Company operates. Elsewhere, pension benefits are typically provided through defined contribution plans.
Defined benefit plans
The net periodic cost of the Company’s defined benefit plans are measured on an actuarial basis using the projected unit credit method and several actuarial assumptions the most significant of which are the discount rate and the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets. Other material assumptions include rates of participant mortality, the expected long-term rate of compensation and pension increases and rates of employee termination. Gains and losses occur when actual experience differs from actuarial assumptions. If such gains or losses exceed ten percent of the greater of plan assets or plan liabilities the Company amortizes those gains or losses over the average remaining service period of the employees.
In accordance with US GAAP the Company records on the balance sheet the funded status of its pension plans based on the projected benefit obligation.
Defined contribution plans
Contributions to the Company’s defined contribution plans are recognized as they fall due. Differences between contributions payable in the year and contributions actually paid are shown as either other assets or other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.


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Willis Group Holdings plc
2.  BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
Share-Based Compensation
The Company accounts for share-based compensation as follows:
•  the cost resulting from all equity awards is recognized in the financial statements at fair value estimated at the grant date;
•  the fair value is recognized (generally as compensation cost) over the requisite service period for all awards that vest; and
•  compensation cost is not recognized for awards that do not vest because service or performance conditions are not satisfied.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue includes insurance commissions, fees for services rendered, certain commissions receivable from insurance carriers, investment income and other income.
Brokerage income and fees negotiated in lieu of brokerage are recognized at the later of policy inception date or when the policy placement is complete. Commissions on additional premiums and adjustments are recognized when approved by or agreed between the parties and collectability is reasonably assured.
Fees for risk management and other services are recognized as the services are provided. Consideration for negotiated fee arrangements for an agreed period covering multiple insurance placements, the provision of risk managementand/or other services are allocated to all deliverables on the basis of their relative selling prices. The Company establishes contract cancellation reserves where appropriate: at December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, such amounts were not material.
Investment income is recognized as earned.
Other income comprises gains on disposal of intangible assets, which primarily arise on the disposal of books of business. Although the Company is not in the business of selling intangible assets, from time to time the Company will dispose of a book of business (a customer list) or other intangible assets that do not produce adequate margins or fit with the Company’s strategy.
3.  EMPLOYEES
The average number of persons, including Executive Directors, employed by the Company is as follows:
             
  Years ended December 31, 
  2011  2010  2009 
 
Global  4,042   3,931   3,815 
             
North America  6,479   6,710   7,116 
International  6,634   6,460   6,202 
             
Total Retail  13,113   13,170   13,318 
             
Total average number of employees for the year  17,155   17,101   17,133 
             


82


Notes to the financial statements
3.  EMPLOYEES (Continued)
Salaries and benefits expense comprises the following:
             
  Years ended December 31, 
  2011  2010  2009 
  (millions) 
 
Salaries and other compensation awards including amortization of cash retention awards of $185 million, $119 million and $88 million (see below) $1,776  $1,618  $1,570 
Share-based compensation  41   47   39 
Severance costs  89   15   24 
Social security costs  130   119   117 
Retirement benefits — defined benefit plan expense  11   35   42 
Retirement benefits — defined contribution plan expense  40   34   30 
             
Total salaries and benefits expense $2,087  $1,868  $1,822 
             
Severance Costs
As part of the Company’s 2011 Operational Review, the Company incurred severance costs of $89 million in the year ended December 31, 2011. These costs relate to approximately 1,200 positions that have been eliminated.
$81 million of these severance costs for these employees were recognized pursuant to a one-time benefit arrangement, with the remaining $8 million recognized pursuant to the terms of employees’ existing benefit arrangements or employee arrangements. All of these costs have been recognized within salaries and benefits.
In addition to the severance incurred as part of the 2011 Operational Review, an additional charge of $9 million in the year ended December 31, 2011 was recognized within salaries and benefits relating to the write-off of retention awards held on the balance sheet for the approximately 1,200 positions that have been eliminated.
The Company’s severance liability under the 2011 Operational Review was:
     
  December 31,
 
  2011 
  (millions) 
 
Balance at January 1, 2011 $ 
Severance costs accrued  89 
Cash payments  (64)
Foreign exchange  (1)
     
Balance at December 31, 2011 $24 
     
The Company evaluates the performance of its operating segments based on organic commissions and fees growth and operating income. For internal reporting and segmental reporting, segmental management are not held accountable for certain items deemed to be centrally-controlled costs and initiatives, which includes the 2011 Operational Review. See Note 27 — Segment Information for an analysis of centrally-controlled costs and initiatives, including the 2011 Operational Review costs, disclosed within ‘Corporate and Other’.
Severance costs also arise in the normal course of business and these charges amounted to a nominal amount in the year ended December 31, 2011 (2010: $15 million; 2009: $24 million). These relate to approximately 100 positions (2010: 550 positions; 2009: 450 positions) that have been, or are in the process of being, eliminated.


83


Willis Group Holdings plc
3.  EMPLOYEES (Continued)
Cash Retention Awards
As part of the Company’s incentive compensation, the Company makes annual cash retention awards to its employees. Employees must repay a proportionate amount of these awards if they voluntarily leave the Company’s employ (other than in the event of retirement or permanent disability) before a certain time period, currently up to three years. The Company makes cash payments to its employees in the year it grants these retention awards and recognizes these payments ratably over the period they are subject to repayment, beginning in the quarter in which the award is made. The unamortized portion of cash retention awards is recorded within other current assets and other non-current assets.
The following table sets out the amount of cash retention awards made and the related amortization of those awards for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009:
             
  Years ended December 31, 
  2011  2010  2009 
  (millions) 
 
Cash retention awards made $210  $196  $148 
Amortization of cash retention awards included in salaries and benefits  185   119   88 
Unamortized cash retention awards totaled $196 millionforth, as of December 31, 2011 (2010: $173 million; 2009: $98 million).
April 24, 2013, the name, age and position of each of our executive officers. Executive officers are elected by, and serve at the pleasure of, our Board of Directors.

4.  NameSHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
On December 31, 2011, the Company had a number of open share-based compensation plans, which provide for the grant of time-based options and performance-based options, restricted stock units and various other share-based grants to employees. All of the Company’s share-based compensation plans under which any options, restricted stock units or other share-based grants are outstanding as at December 31, 2011 are described below. The compensation cost that has been recognized for those plans for the year ended December 31, 2011 was $41 million (2010: $47 million; 2009: $39 million). The total income tax benefit recognized in the statement of operations for share-based compensation arrangements for the year ended December 31, 2011 was $11 million (2010: $14 million; 2009: $12 million).
2008 Share Purchase and Option Plan
This plan, which was established on April 23, 2008, provides for the granting of time and performance-based options, restricted stock units and various other share-based grants at fair market value to employees of the Company. There are 8,000,000 shares available for grant under this plan. Options are exercisable on a variety of dates, including from the third, fourth or fifth anniversary of grant. Unless terminated sooner by the Board of Directors, the 2008 Plan will expire 10 years after the date of its adoption. That termination will not affect the validity of any grant outstanding at that date.
2001 Share Purchase and Option Plan
This plan, which was established on May 3, 2001, provides for the granting of time-based options, restricted stock units and various other share-based grants at fair market value to employees of the Company. The Board of Directors has adopted severalsub-plans under the 2001 plan to provide employee sharesave schemes in the UK, Ireland and internationally. The 2001 Plan (and allsub-plans) expired on May 3, 2011 and no further grants will be made under the plan. Options are exercisable on a variety of dates, including from the first, second, third, sixth or eighth anniversary of grant, although for certain options the exercisable date may accelerate depending on the achievement of certain performance goals.


84


Notes to the financial statements
AgePosition
4.  

Celia Brown

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Continued)59Willis Group Human Resources Director
HRH Option Plans
Options granted under the Hilb Rogal and Hamilton Company 2000 Stock Incentive Plan (‘HRH 2000 Plan’) and the Hilb Rogal & Hobbs Company 2007 Stock Incentive Plan (the ‘HRH 2007 Plan’) were converted into options to acquire shares of Willis Group Holdings. No further grants are to be made under the HRH 2000 Plan. Willis is authorized to grant equity awards under the HRH 2007 Plan until 2017 to employees who were formerly employed by HRH and to new employees who have joined Willis or one of its subsidiaries since October 1, 2008, the date that the acquisition of HRH was completed.
Employee Stock Purchase Plans
The Company has adopted the Willis Group Holdings 2001 North America Employee Share Purchase Plan, which expired on May 31, 2011 and the Willis Group Holdings 2010 North America Employee Stock Purchase Plan. They provide certain eligible employees to the Company’s subsidiaries in the US and Canada the ability to contribute payroll deductions to the purchase of Willis Shares at the end of each offering period.
Option Valuation Assumptions
The fair value of each option is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model that uses the assumptions noted in the following table. Expected volatility is based on historical volatility of the Company’s stock. With effect from January 1, 2006, the Company uses the simplified method set out in Accounting Standard Codification (‘ASC’)718-10-S99 to derive the expected term of options granted. The risk-free rate for periods within the expected life of the option is based on the US Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant.
             
  Years ended December 31,
  2011 2010 2009
 
Expected volatility  31.4%  30.4%  32.4%
Expected dividends  2.5%  3.4%  3.9%
Expected life (years)  6   5   5 
Risk-free interest rate  2.2%  2.2%  3.0%


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Willis Group Holdings plc
4.  SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Continued)
A summary of option activity under the plans at December 31, 2011, and changes during the year then ended is presented below:
                 
        Weighted
    
     Weighted
  Average
    
     Average
  Remaining
  Aggregate
 
     Exercise
  Contractual
  Intrinsic
 
(Options in thousands) Options  Price(i)  Term  Value 
           (millions) 
 
Time-based stock options
                
Balance, beginning of year  11,449  $32.73         
Granted  140  $30.30         
Exercised  (1,769) $29.44         
Forfeited  (521) $32.46         
Expired  (125) $32.17         
                 
Balance, end of year  9,174  $33.35   3 years  $50 
                 
Options vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2011  8,896  $33.51   3 years  $49 
Options exercisable at December 31, 2011  7,702  $34.07   3 years  $38 
                 
Performance-based stock options
                
Balance, beginning of year  9,449  $32.14         
Granted  1,523  $41.40         
Exercised  (96) $29.61         
Forfeited  (3,593) $36.23         
                 
Balance, end of year  7,283  $32.09   6 years  $49 
                 
Options vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2011  6,227  $32.30   6 years  $44 
Options exercisable at December 31, 2011  1,879  $32.80   5 years  $11 
(i)

Dominic Casserley

Certain options are exercisable in pounds sterling and are converted to dollars using the exchange rate at December 31, 2011.55Chief Executive Officer of Willis Group Holdings plc; Director
The weighted average grant-date fair value of time-based options granted during the year ended December 31, 2011 was $9.49 (2010: $5.25; 2009: $5.87). The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the year ended December 31, 2011 was $17 million (2010: $8 million; 2009: $3 million). At December 31, 2011 there was $7 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested share-based compensation arrangements under time-based stock option plans; that cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2 years.
The weighted average grant-date fair value of performance-based options granted during the year ended December 31, 2011 was $10.26 (2010: $7.11; 2009: $5.89). The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the year ended December 31, 2011 was $1 million (2010: $nil; 2009: $1 million). At December 31, 2011 there was $26 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested share-based compensation arrangements under performance-based stock option plans; that cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3 years.


86


Notes to the financial statements
4.  SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Continued)
A summary of restricted stock unit activity under the Plans at December 31, 2011, and changes during the year then ended is presented below:
         
     Weighted
 
     Average
 
     Grant Date
 
(Units awarded in thousands) Shares  Fair Value 
 
Nonvested shares (restricted stock units)
        
Balance, beginning of year  1,798  $28.82 
Granted  346  $40.77 
Vested  (918) $29.31 
Forfeited  (34) $27.18 
         
Balance, end of year  1,192  $31.96 
         
The total number of restricted stock units vested during the year ended December 31, 2011 was 918,480 shares at an average share price of $39.52 (2010: 744,633 shares at an average share price of $32.17). At December 31, 2011 there was $17 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested share-based compensation arrangements under the plan; that cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2 years.
Cash received from option exercises under all share-based payment arrangements for the year ended December 31, 2011 was $60 million (2010: $37 million; 2009: $19 million). The actual tax benefit realized for the tax deductions from option exercises of the share-based payment arrangements totaled $18 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 (2010: $10 million; 2009: $5 million).
5.  AUDITORS’ REMUNERATION
An analysis of auditors’ remuneration is as follows:
             
  Years ended December 31, 
  2011  2010  2009 
  (millions) 
 
Audit of group consolidated financial statements $4  $4  $3 
Other assurance services  3   3   3 
Other non-audit services  1   1    
             
Total auditors’ remuneration $8  $8  $6 
             
6.  NET GAIN (LOSS) ON DISPOSAL OF OPERATIONS
A gain on disposal of $4 million is recorded in the consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2011 following conclusion of the accounting for the Gras Savoye December 2009 leveraged transaction — see Note 14 — Investments in Associates.
Total proceeds from the disposal of operations for 2010 were $4 million, comprising $2 million relating to 2010 disposals of operations and $2 million of deferred proceeds relating to prior year. A loss on disposal of $2 million is recorded in the consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2010.
Total proceeds from the disposal of operations for 2009 were $315 million, including $281 million for 18 percent of the Group’s 49 percent interest in Gras Savoye and $39 million for 100 percent of Bliss & Glennon. A gain on disposal of


87


Willis Group Holdings plc
6.  NET GAIN (LOSS) ON DISPOSAL OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
$13 million is recorded in the statement of consolidated operations for the year ended December 31, 2009, of which $10 million relates to Gras Savoye as shown below.
On December 17, 2009, the Company completed a leveraged transaction with the original family shareholders of Gras Savoye and Astorg Partners, a private equity fund, to reorganize the capital of Gras Savoye (‘December 2009 leveraged transaction’), its principal investment in associates. The Company, the family shareholders and Astorg owned equal stakes of 31 percent in Gras Savoye and had equal representation of one third of the voting rights on its board. The remaining shareholding was held by a large pool of Gras Savoye managers and minority shareholders. The Company’s interest was reduced from 31 percent to 30 percent in 2011 following issuance of additional share capital as part of an employee share incentive scheme.
As a result of the December 2009 leveraged transaction the Company recognized a gain of $10 million in the consolidated statement of operations from the reduction of its interest in Gras Savoye from 49 percent to 31 percent.
The Company received total proceeds of $281 million, comprising cash and interest bearing vendor loans and convertible bonds issued by Gras Savoye. An analysis of the proceeds and the calculation of the gain is as follows:
     
  (millions) 
 
Proceeds:    
Cash $155 
Vendor Loans  47 
Convertible Bonds  79 
     
Net proceeds  281 
Less net assets disposed of  (97)
Less interest in new liabilities of Gras Savoye  (174)
     
Gain on disposal $10 
     
7.  INCOME TAXES
An analysis of income from continuing operations before income taxes and interest in earnings of associates by location of the taxing jurisdiction is as follows:
             
  Years ended December 31, 
  2011  2010  2009 
  (millions) 
 
Ireland $(39) $3  $(2)
US  (25)  84   2 
UK  (58)  183   204 
Other jurisdictions  361   317   312 
             
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and interest in earnings of associates $239  $587  $516 
             


88


Notes to the financial statements
7.  INCOME TAXES (Continued)
The provision for income taxes by location of the taxing jurisdiction consisted of the following:
             
  Years ended December 31, 
  2011  2010  2009 
  (millions) 
 
Current income taxes:            
Irish corporation tax $  $1  $ 
US federal tax     (30)  40 
US state and local taxes  1      17 
UK corporation tax  (33)  54   17 
Other jurisdictions  42   41   52 
             
Total current taxes  10   66   126 
             
Non-current taxes:            
US federal tax  5   (3)  (9)
US state and local taxes     (3)  (2)
UK corporation tax  (4)      
Other jurisdictions  4   3    
             
Total non-current taxes  5   (3)  (11)
             
Deferred taxes:            
US federal tax  (6)  57   (24)
US state and local taxes  1   9   (3)
UK corporation tax  20   3   1 
Other jurisdictions  2   8   5 
             
Total deferred taxes  17   77   (21)
             
Total income taxes $32  $140  $94 
             


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Willis Group Holdings plc
7.  INCOME TAXES (Continued)
The reconciliation between US federal income taxes at the statutory rate and the Company’s provision for income taxes on continuing operations is as follows:
             
  Years ended December 31, 
  2011  2010  2009 
  (millions, except percentages) 
 
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and interest in earnings of associates $239  $587  $516 
             
US federal statutory income tax rate  35%  35%  35%
             
Income tax expense at US federal tax rate  84   205   181 
Adjustments to derive effective rate:            
Non-deductible expenditure  15   7   4 
Movement in provision for non-current taxes  3   (3)  (11)
Release of provision for unremitted earnings        (27)
Impact of change in tax rate on deferred tax balances  (3)  (4)   
Adjustment in respect of prior periods  (13)  (22)  (6)
Non-deductible Venezuelan foreign exchange loss     4    
Non-taxable profit on disposal of Gras Savoye     1   (3)
Effect of foreign exchange and other differences  1   11   2 
Changes in valuation allowances applied to deferred tax assets  5       
Net tax effect of intra-group items  (31)  (26)   
Tax differentials of foreign earnings:            
UK earnings  6   (13)  (13)
Other jurisdictions and US state taxes  (35)  (20)  (33)
             
Provision for income taxes $32  $140  $94 
             
The net tax effect of intra-group items principally relates to transactions, the pre-tax effect of which has been eliminated in arriving at the Company’s consolidated income from continuing operations before income taxes. The prior-year comparative analysis is restated to separately disclose these items, which were previously included as part of the effect of foreign exchange and other differences.


90


Notes to the financial statements
7.  INCOME TAXES (Continued)
The significant components of deferred income tax assets and liabilities and their balance sheet classifications are as follows:
         
  December 31, 
  2011  2010 
  (millions) 
 
Deferred tax assets:        
Accrued expenses not currently deductible $116  $34 
US state net operating losses  56   47 
US federal net operating losses  23    
UK net operating losses  1   2 
Other net operating losses  7   3 
UK capital losses  45   49 
Accrued retirement benefits  105   62 
Deferred compensation  45   46 
Stock options  34   51 
         
Gross deferred tax assets  432   294 
Less: valuation allowance  (102)  (87)
         
Net deferred tax assets $330  $207 
         
Deferred tax liabilities:        
Cost of intangible assets, net of related amortization $149  $155 
Cost of tangible assets, net of related amortization  42   25 
Prepaid retirement benefits  36   50 
Accrued revenue not currently taxable  26   7 
Cash retention award  63   10 
Tax-leasing transactions  2   3 
Financial derivative transactions  4   6 
Other      
         
Deferred tax liabilities  322   256 
         
Net deferred tax asset (liability) $8  $(49)
         
         
  December 31, 
  2011  2010 
  (millions) 
 
Balance sheet classifications:        
Current:        
Deferred tax assets $44  $36 
Deferred tax liabilities  (26)  (9)
         
Net current deferred tax assets  18   27 
         
Non-current:        
Deferred tax assets  22   7 
Deferred tax liabilities  (32)  (83)
         
Net non-current deferred tax liabilities  (10)  (76)
         
Net deferred tax asset (liability) $8  $(49)
         


91


Willis Group Holdings plc
7.  INCOME TAXES (Continued)
At December 31, 2011 the Company had valuation allowances of $102 million (2010: $87 million) to reduce its deferred tax assets to estimated realizable value. The valuation allowances at December 31, 2011 relate to the deferred tax assets arising from UK capital loss carryforwards ($45 million) and other net operating losses ($6 million), which have no expiration date and to the deferred tax assets arising from US State net operating losses ($51 million). US State net operating losses will expire by 2030. Capital loss carryforwards can only be offset against future UK capital gains.
                     
     Additions/
          
     (releases)
        Balance
 
  Balance at
  charged to
     Foreign
  at
 
  beginning
  costs and
  Deductions/Other
  exchange
  end of
 
Description of year  expenses  movements  differences  year 
  (millions) 
 
Year ended December 31, 2011                    
Deferred tax valuation allowance  87      15      102 
                     
Year ended December 31, 2010                    
Deferred tax valuation allowance  92      (4)  (1)  87 
                     
Year ended December 31, 2009                    
Deferred tax valuation allowance  85      2   5   92 
                     
At December 31, 2011 the Company had deferred tax assets of $330 million (2010: $207 million), net of the valuation allowance. Management believes, based upon the level of historical taxable income and projections for future taxable income, it is more likely than not that the Company will realize the benefits of these deductible differences, net of the valuation allowance. However, the amount of the deferred tax asset considered realizable could be adjusted in the future if estimates of taxable income are revised.
The Company recognizes deferred tax balances related to the undistributed earnings of subsidiaries when the Company expects that it will recover those undistributed earnings in a taxable manner, such as through receipt of dividends or sale of the investments. The Company does not, however, provide for income taxes on the unremitted earnings of certain other subsidiaries where, in management’s opinion, such earnings have been indefinitely reinvested in those operations, or will be remitted either in a tax free liquidation or as dividends with taxes substantially offset by foreign tax credits. It is not practical to determine the amount of unrecognized deferred tax liabilities for temporary differences related to these investments.
Unrecognized tax benefits
Total unrecognized tax benefits as at December 31, 2011, totaled $16 million. During the next 12 months it is reasonably possible that the Company will recognize approximately $1 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.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
             
  2011  2010  2009 
  (millions) 
 
Balance at January 1 $13  $17  $33 
Reductions due to a lapse of the applicable statute of limitation     (7)  (11)
Adjustment to assessment of acquired HRH balances        (8)
Other movements  3   3   3 
             
Balance at December 31 $16  $13  $17 
             


92


Notes to the financial statements
7.  INCOME TAXES (Continued)
All of the unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2011 would, if recognized, favorably affect the effective tax rate in future periods.
The Company files tax returns in the various tax jurisdictions in which it operates. The 2007 US tax year closed in 2011 upon the expiration of the statute of limitations on assessment. US tax returns have been filed timely. The Company has received notice that the IRS will be examining the 2009 tax return. The Company has not extended the federal statute of limitations for assessment in the US.
All UK tax returns have been filed timely and are in the normal process of being reviewed, with HM Revenue & Customs making enquiries to obtain additional information. There are no material ongoing enquiries in relation to filed UK returns. In other jurisdictions the Company is no longer subject to examinations prior to 2002.
8.  DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
On December 31, 2011, the Company disposed of Global Special Risks, LLC, Faber & Dumas Canada Ltd and the trade and assets of Maclean, Oddy & Associates, Inc.. Gross proceeds were $15 million.
The net assets at December 31, 2011 were $11 million, of which $9 million related to identifiable intangible assets and goodwill. In addition, there were costs and income taxes relating to the transaction of $2 million. The gain (net of tax) on this disposal was $2 million.
Amounts of revenue and pre-tax income reported in discontinued operations include the following:
             
  Years ended December 31, 
  2011  2010  2009 
  (millions) 
 
Revenues $8  $7  $19 
             
Income before income taxes  (1)     6 
Income taxes        (2)
             
Income from discontinued operations $(1) $  $4 
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax  2       
             
Discontinued operations, net of tax $1  $  $4 
             
Net assets and liabilities of discontinued operations consist of the following:
     
  At
 
  December 31,
 
  2011 
  (millions) 
 
Cash and cash equivalents $1 
Fiduciary assets  17 
Goodwill  3 
Other intangible assets, net  6 
Other current assets  2 
     
Total assets  29 
     
Fiduciary liabilities  (17)
Other current liabilities  (1)
     
Total liabilities  (18)
     
Net assets of discontinued operations $11 
     


93


Willis Group Holdings plc
9.  EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic and diluted earnings per share are calculated by dividing net income attributable to Willis Group Holdings by the 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 and other contracts to issue shares were exercised or converted into shares or resulted in the issue of shares that then shared in the net income of the Company.
For the year ended December 31, 2011, time-based and performance-based options to purchase 9.2 million and 7.3 million (2010: 11.5 million and 9.4 million; 2009: 13.4 million and 8.9 million) shares, respectively, and 1.2 million restricted stock units (2010: 1.8 million; 2009: 2.2 million), were outstanding.
Basic and diluted earnings per share are as follows:
             
  Years ended December 31, 
  2011  2010  2009 
  (millions, except per share data) 
 
Net income attributable to Willis Group Holdings $204  $455  $438 
             
Basic average number of shares outstanding  173   170   168 
Dilutive effect of potentially issuable shares  3   1   1 
             
Diluted average number of shares outstanding  176   171   169 
             
Basic earnings per share:            
Continuing operations $1.17  $2.68  $2.58 
Discontinued operations  0.01      0.03 
             
Net income attributable to Willis Group Holdings shareholders $1.18  $2.68  $2.61 
             
Dilutive effect of potentially issuable shares  (0.02)  (0.02)  (0.02)
             
Diluted earnings per share:            
Continuing operations $1.15  $2.66  $2.57 
Discontinued operations  0.01      0.02 
             
Net income attributable to Willis Group Holdings shareholders $1.16  $2.66  $2.59 
             
Options to purchase 4.1 million shares for the year ended December 31, 2011 were not included in the computation of the dilutive effect of stock options because the effect was antidilutive (2010: 13.9 million shares; 2009: 16.1 million shares).
10.  FIDUCIARY ASSETS
The Company collects premiums from insureds and, after deducting its commissions, remits the premiums to the respective insurers; the Company also collects claims or refunds from insurers which it then remits to insureds. Uncollected premiums from insureds and uncollected claims or refunds from insurers (‘fiduciary receivables’) are recorded as fiduciary assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. Unremitted insurance premiums, claims or refunds (‘fiduciary funds’) are also recorded within fiduciary assets.
Fiduciary assets therefore comprise both receivables and funds held in a fiduciary capacity.
Fiduciary funds, consisting primarily of time deposits with original maturities of less than or equal to three months, were $1,688 million as of December 31, 2011 (2010: $1,764 million). Accrued interest on funds is recorded as other assets.


94


Notes to the financial statements
11.  FIXED ASSETS, NET
An analysis of fixed asset activity for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 are as follows:
                 
  Land and
  Leasehold
  Furniture and
    
  buildings(i)  improvements  equipment  Total 
  (millions) 
 
Cost: at January 1, 2010 $51  $184  $473  $708 
Additions  24   13   69   106 
Disposals     (4)  (45)  (49)
Foreign exchange  (2)  (1)  (9)  (12)
                 
Cost: at December 31, 2010  73   192   488   753 
Additions     24   87   111 
Disposals     (13)  (52)  (65)
Foreign exchange     7   (14)  (7)
                 
Cost: at December 31, 2011 $73  $210  $509  $792 
                 
                 
Depreciation: at January 1, 2010 $(24) $(46) $(286) $(356)
Depreciation expense provided(ii)
  (2)  (12)  (49)  (63)
Disposals     2   39   41 
Foreign exchange  1      5   6 
                 
Depreciation: at December 31, 2010  (25)  (56)  (291)  (372)
Depreciation expense provided(ii)
  (3)  (15)  (58)  (76)
Disposals     13   45   58 
Foreign exchange     (3)  7   4 
                 
Depreciation: at December 31, 2011 $(28) $(61) $(297) $(386)
                 
Net book value:                
At December 31, 2010 $48  $136  $197  $381 
                 
At December 31, 2011 $45  $149  $212  $406 
                 
(i)

Stephen Hearn

Included within land and buildings are assets held under capital leases. At December 31, 2011, cost and accumulated depreciation were $23 million and $2 million respectively (2010: $23 million and $1 million, respectively; 2009 $nil and $nil, respectively). Depreciation in the year ended December 31, 2011 was $1 million (2010: $1 million; 2009: $nil).
  
(ii)46The depreciation charge for the year ended December 31, 2011 includes an element that is disclosed in salaries and benefits, separate to the depreciation charge line, of $2 million (2010: $nil).Group Deputy CEO
12.  GOODWILL
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of businesses acquired over the fair market value of identifiable net assets at the dates of acquisition. Goodwill is not amortized but is subject to impairment testing annually and whenever facts or circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable.
The Company’s annual goodwill impairment test for 2011 has not resulted in an impairment charge (2010: $nil; 2009: $nil).
When a business entity is sold, goodwill is allocated to the disposed entity based on the fair value of that entity compared to the fair value of the reporting unit in which it is included.


95


Willis Group Holdings plc
12.  GOODWILL (Continued)
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by operating segment for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 are as follows:
                 
     North
       
  Global  America  International  Total 
  (millions) 
 
Balance at January 1, 2010 $1,065  $1,780  $432  $3,277 
Purchase price allocation adjustments     6      6 
Other movements(i)
     (3)     (3)
Foreign exchange  (2)     16   14 
                 
Balance at December 31, 2010 $1,063  $1,783  $448  $3,294 
Purchase price allocation adjustments        2   2 
Goodwill acquired during the period        10   10 
Goodwill disposed of during the year     (3)     (3)
Other movements(i) (ii)
  60   2   (61)  1 
Foreign exchange  (1)     (8)  (9)
                 
Balance at December 31, 2011 $1,122  $1,782  $391  $3,295 
                 
(i)

Victor Krauze

53Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Willis North America — $(1) million (2010: $3 million) tax benefit arising on the exercise of fully vested HRH stock options which were issued as part of the acquisition of HRH in 2008.
(ii)Effective January 1, 2011, the Company changed its internal reporting structure: Global Markets International, previously reported within the International segment, is now reported in the Global segment; and Mexico Retail, which was previously reported within the International segment, is now reported in the North America segment. As a result of these changes, goodwill of $60 million has been reallocated from the International segment into the Global segment for Global Markets International, and $1 million has been reallocated from the International segment into the North America segment for Mexico Retail. Goodwill has been reallocated between segments using the relative fair value allocation approach.
13.  OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET
Other intangible assets are classified into the following categories:
•  ‘Customer and Marketing Related’, including

Michael K. Neborak

•  client relationships,
  •  56client lists,
  •  non-compete agreements,Group Chief Financial Officer
•  trade names; and
•  ‘Contract based, Technology and Other’ includes all other purchased intangible assets.


96


Notes to the financial statements
13.  OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET (Continued)
The major classes of amortizable intangible assets are as follows:
                         
  December 31, 2011  December 31, 2010 
  Gross carrying
  Accumulated
     Gross carrying
  Accumulated
    
  amount  amortization  Net carrying amount  amount  amortization  Net carrying amount 
  (millions) 
 
Customer and Marketing Related:                        
Client Relationships $686  $(269) $417  $695  $(207) $488 
Client Lists  8   (7)  1   9   (7)  2 
Non-compete Agreements  36   (36)     36   (36)   
Trade Names  11   (10)  1   11   (10)  1 
                         
Total Customer and Marketing Related  741   (322)  419   751   (260)  491 
                         
Contract based, Technology and Other  4   (3)  1   4   (3)  1 
                         
Total amortizable intangible assets $745  $(325) $420  $755  $(263) $492 
                         
The aggregate amortization of intangible assets for the year ended December 31, 2011 was $68 million (2010: $82 million; 2009: $100 million). The estimated aggregate amortization of intangible assets for each of the next five years ended December 31 is as follows:
     
  (millions) 
 
2012 $61 
2013  53 
2014  45 
2015  38 
2016  33 
Thereafter  190 
     
Total $ 420 
     
14.  INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATES
The Company holds a number of investments which it accounts for using the equity method. The Company’s approximate interest in the outstanding stock of the more significant associates is as follows:
             
    December 31,
  Country 2011 2010
 
Al-Futtaim Willis Co. L.L.C.   Dubai   49%   49% 
GS & Cie Groupe  France   30%   31% 
The Company’s principal investment as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 is GS & Cie Groupe (‘Gras Savoye’), France’s leading insurance broker.
The Company’s original investment in Gras Savoye was made in 1997, when it acquired a 33 percent ownership interest. Between 1997 and December 2009 this interest was increased by a series of incremental investments to 49 percent.
On December 17, 2009, the Company completed a leveraged transaction with the original family shareholders of Gras Savoye and Astorg Partners, a private equity fund, to reorganize the capital of Gras Savoye (‘December 2009 leveraged


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Willis Group Holdings plc
14.  INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATES (Continued)
transaction’). The Company, the original family shareholders and Astorg now own equal stakes of 30 percent in Gras Savoye and have equal representation of one third of the voting rights on its board. The remaining shareholding is held by a large pool of Gras Savoye managers and minority shareholders.
A put option that was in place prior to the December 2009 leveraged transaction, and which could have increased the Company’s interest to 90 percent, has been canceled and the Company now has a new call option to purchase 100 percent of the capital of Gras Savoye. If the Company does not waive the new call option before April 30, 2014, then it must exercise the new call option in 2015 or the other shareholders may initiate procedures to sell Gras Savoye. Except with the unanimous consent of the supervisory board and other customary exceptions, the parties are prohibited from transferring any shares of Gras Savoye until 2015. At the end of this period, shareholders are entitled to pre-emptive and tag-along rights.
As a result of the December 2009 leveraged transaction the Company recognized a gain of $10 million in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2009 from the reduction of its interest in Gras Savoye from 49 percent to 31 percent. The Company received total proceeds of $281 million, comprising cash and interest bearing vendor loans and convertible bonds issued by Gras Savoye. See Note 6 — Net Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Operations for an analysis of the proceeds and the calculation of the gain.
In 2011 the Company’s ownership of Gras Savoye reduced from 31 percent to 30 percent following issuance of additional share capital as part of an employee share incentive scheme.
The carrying amount of the Gras Savoye investment as of December 31, 2011 includes goodwill of $82 million (2010: $88 million) and interest bearing vendor loans and convertible bonds issued by Gras Savoye of $43 million and $85 million respectively (2010: $44 million and $78 million, respectively).
A gain of $4 million was recorded in 2011 following conclusion of the accounting for the December 2009 leveraged transaction.
As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company’s other investments in associates, individually and in the aggregate, were not material to the Company’s operations.
Unaudited condensed financial information for associates, in the aggregate, as of and for the three years ended December 31, 2011, is presented below. For convenience purposes: (i) balance sheet data has been translated to US dollars at the relevant year-end exchange rate, and (ii) condensed statements of operations data has been translated to US dollars at the relevant average exchange rate.
             
  2011 2010 2009
  (millions)
 
Condensed statements of operations data(i):
            
Total revenues $527  $510  $534 
Income before income taxes  5   61   96 
Net income  (2)  43   64 
Condensed balance sheets data(i):
            
Total assets  1,882   2,043   2,204 
Total liabilities  (1,736)  (1,825)  (1,767)
Stockholders’ equity  (146)  (218)  (437)
(i)

Adam L. Rosman

Disclosure is based on the Company’s best estimate of the results of its associates and is subject to change upon receipt of their financial statements for 2011.47Group General Counsel
For the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company recognized $4 million (2010: $5 million; 2009: $12 million) in respect of dividends received from associates.


98


Notes to the financial statements
15.  OTHER ASSETS
An analysis of other assets is as follows:
         
  December 31, 
  2011  2010 
  (millions) 
 
Other current assets        
Unamortized cash retention awards $120  $125 
Prepayments and accrued income  45   73 
Income taxes receivable  30   69 
Derivatives  14   17 
Debt issuance costs  3   8 
Other receivables  47   48 
         
Total other current assets $259  $340 
         
Other non-current assets        
Unamortized cash retention awards $76  $48 
Deferred compensation plan assets  89   114 
Derivatives  38   30 
Debt issuance costs  15   27 
Other receivables  65   14 
         
Total other non-current assets $283  $233 
         
Total other assets $542  $573 
         


99


Willis Group Holdings plc
16.  OTHER LIABILITIES
An analysis of other liabilities is as follows:
         
  December 31, 
  2011  2010 
  (millions) 
 
Other current liabilities        
Accounts payable $59  $39 
Accrued dividends payable  46   46 
Other taxes payable  45   41 
Accrued interest payable  37   21 
Derivatives  7   6 
Other payables  88   113 
         
Total other current liabilities $282  $266 
         
Other non-current liabilities        
Incentives from lessors $165  $150 
Deferred compensation plan liability  106   120 
Capital lease obligation  26   23 
Other taxes payable  5    
Other payables  61   54 
         
Total other non-current liabilities $363  $347 
         
Total other liabilities $645  $613 
         
17.  ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS
Accounts receivable are stated at estimated net realizable values. The allowances shown below as at the end of each period, are recorded as the amounts considered by management to be sufficient to meet probable future losses related to uncollectible accounts.
                     
     Additions/
          
     (releases)
          
  Balance at
  charged to
  Deductions
  Foreign
  Balance at
 
  beginning
  costs and
  / Other
  exchange
  end
 
Description of year  expenses  movements  differences  of year 
  (millions) 
 
Year ended December 31, 2011                    
Allowance for doubtful accounts $12  $4  $(3) $  $13 
Year ended December 31, 2010                    
Allowance for doubtful accounts $16  $  $(4) $  $12 
Year ended December 31, 2009                    
Allowance for doubtful accounts $20  $(1) $(4) $1  $16 
18.  PENSION PLANS
The Company maintains two principal defined benefit pension plans that cover the majority of our employees in the United States and United Kingdom. Both of these plans are now closed to new entrants. New entrants in the United Kingdom are offered the opportunity to join a defined contribution plan and in the United States are offered the opportunity to join a 401(k) plan. In addition to the Company’s UK and US defined benefit pension plans, the Company


100


Notes to the financial statements
18.  PENSION PLANS (Continued)
has several smaller defined benefit pension plans in certain other countries in which it operates. Elsewhere, pension benefits are typically provided through defined contribution plans. It is the Company’s policy to fund pension costs as required by applicable laws and regulations.
Effective May 15, 2009, the Company closed the US defined benefit plan to future accrual. Consequently, a curtailment gain of $12 million was recognized during the year ended December 31, 2009.
At December 31, 2011, the Company recorded, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets:
•  a pension benefit asset of $145 million (2010: $182 million) representing:
•  $136 million (2010: $179 million) in respect of the UK defined benefit pension plan; and
•  $9 million (2010: $3 million) in respect of the international defined benefit pension plans.
•  a total liability for pension benefits of $270 million (2010: $167 million) representing:
•  $258 million (2010: $154 million) in respect of the US defined benefit pension plan; and
•  $12 million (2010: $13 million) in respect of the international defined benefit pension plans.
UK and US defined benefit plans
The following schedules provide information concerning the Company’s UK and US defined benefit pension plans as of and for the years ended December 31:
                 
  UK Pension Benefits  US Pension Benefits 
  2011  2010  2011  2010 
  (millions) 
 
Change in benefit obligation:                
Benefit obligation, beginning of year $1,906  $1,811  $756  $686 
Service cost  36   37       
Interest cost  106   100   41   40 
Employee contributions  2   2       
Actuarial loss  272   84   127   57 
Benefits paid  (72)  (72)  (29)  (27)
Foreign currency changes  (23)  (56)      
Plan amendments  (10)         
                 
Benefit obligations, end of year  2,217   1,906   895   756 
                 
Change in plan assets:                
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year  2,085   1,880   602   529 
Actual return on plan assets  269   245   34   70 
Employee contributions  2   2       
Employer contributions  92   88   30   30 
Benefits paid  (72)  (72)  (29)  (27)
Foreign currency changes  (23)  (58)      
                 
Fair value of plan assets, end of year  2,353   2,085   637   602 
                 
Funded status at end of year $136  $179  $(258) $(154)
                 
Components on the Consolidated Balance Sheets:                
Pension benefits asset $136  $179  $  $ 
Liability for pension benefits        (258)  (154)


101

Timothy D. Wright


Willis Group Holdings plc
18.  PENSION PLANS (Continued)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss consist of:
                 
  UK Pension Benefits US Pension Benefits
  2011 2010 2011 2010
    (millions)  
 
Net actuarial loss $698  $571  $303  $169 
Prior service gain  (35)  (30)      
The accumulated benefit obligations for the Company’s UK and US defined benefit pension plans were $2,217 million and $895 million, respectively (2010: $1,906 million and $756 million, respectively).
The components of the net periodic benefit cost and other amounts recognized in other comprehensive loss for the UK and US defined benefit plans are as follows:
                         
  Years ended December 31, 
  UK Pension Benefits  US Pension Benefits 
  2011  2010  2009  2011  2010  2009 
        (millions)       
 
Components of net periodic benefit cost:                        
Service cost $36  $37  $28  $  $  $7 
Interest cost  106   100   96   41   40   40 
Expected return on plan assets  (161)  (141)  (127)  (44)  (42)  (36)
Amortization of unrecognized prior service gain  (5)  (5)  (5)         
Amortization of unrecognized actuarial loss  30   37   33   3   3   8 
Curtailment gain                 (12)
                         
Net periodic benefit cost (income) $6  $28  $25  $  $1  $7 
                         
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income (loss):                        
Net actuarial (gain) loss $164  $(20) $102  $137  $29  $(31)
Amortization of unrecognized actuarial loss(i)
  (30)  (37)  (33)  (3)  (3)  (12)
Prior service gain  (10)               
Amortization of unrecognized prior service gain  5   5   5          
Curtailment gain                 12 
                         
Total recognized in other comprehensive (loss) income $129  $(52) $74  $134  $26  $(31)
                         
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income $135  $(24) $99  $134  $27  $(24)
                         
(i)2009 US Pension Benefits figure includes $4 million due to curtailment.
The estimated net loss and prior service cost for the UK and US defined benefit plans that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year are:
         
  UK Pension
 US Pension
  Benefits Benefits
  (millions)
 
Estimated net loss $40  $8 
Prior service gain  6    


102


Notes to the financial statements
18.  PENSION PLANS (Continued)
The following schedule provides other information concerning the Company’s UK and US defined benefit pension plans:
                 
  Years ended December 31, 
  UK Pension Benefits  US Pension Benefits 
  2011  2010  2011  2010 
 
Weighted-average assumptions to determine benefit obligations:                
Discount rate  4.8%  5.5%  4.6%  5.6%
Rate of compensation increase  2.1%  2.6%  N/A   N/A 
                 
Weighted-average assumptions to determine net periodic benefit cost:                
Discount rate  5.5%  5.8%  5.6%  6.1%
Expected return on plan assets  7.5%  7.8%  7.5%  8.0%
Rate of compensation increase  2.6%  2.5%  N/A   N/A 
                 
The expected return on plan assets was determined on the basis of the weighted-average of the expected future returns of the various asset classes, using the target allocations shown below. The expected returns on UK plan assets are: UK and foreign equities 8.80 percent, debt securities 4.52 percent and real estate 6.48 percent. The expected returns on US plan assets are: US and foreign equities 9.25 percent and debt securities 5.25 percent.
The Company’s pension plan asset allocations based on fair values were as follows:
                 
  Years ended December 31, 
  UK Pension Benefits  US Pension Benefits 
Asset Category 2011  2010  2011  2010 
 
Equity securities  42%  51%  43%  54%
Debt securities  35%  24%  56%  45%
Hedge funds  18%  20%  %  %
Real estate  4%  4%  %  %
Cash  1%  1%  1%  1%
                 
Total  100%  100%  100%  100%
                 
In the UK the pension trustees in consultation with the Company maintain a diversified asset portfolio and this together with contributions made by the Company is expected to meet the pension scheme’s liabilities as they become due. The UK plan’s assets are divided into 12 separate portfolios according to asset class and managed by 11 investment managers. The broad target allocations are UK and foreign equities (51 percent), debt securities (22 percent), hedge funds (22 percent) and real estate (5 percent). In the US the Company’s investment policy is to maintain a diversified asset portfolio, which together with contributions made by the Company is expected to meet the pension scheme’s liabilities as they become due. The US plan’s assets are currently invested in 11 funds representing most standard equity and debt security classes. The broad target allocations are US and foreign equities (55 percent) and debt securities (45 percent).
Fair Value Hierarchy
The fair value hierarchy has three levels based on the reliability of the inputs used to determine fair value:
•  Level 1: refers to fair values determined based on quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets;
•  Level 2: refers to fair values estimated using observable market based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data; and
•  Level 3: includes fair values estimated using unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.


103


Willis Group Holdings plc
18.  PENSION PLANS (Continued)
The following tables present, at December 31, 2011 and 2010, for each of the fair value hierarchy levels, the Company’s UK pension plan assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
                 
  UK Pension Plan 
December 31, 2011 Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total 
     (millions)    
 
Equity securities:                
US equities $422  $93  $  $515 
UK equities  278   41      319 
Other equities  15   137      152 
Fixed income securities:                
US Government bonds            
UK Government bonds  599         599 
Other Government bonds  1         1 
UK corporate bonds  63         63 
Other corporate bonds  23         23 
Derivatives     158      158 
Real estate        86   86 
Cash  28         28 
Other investments:                
Hedge funds        414   414 
Other     (7)  2   (5)
                 
Total $1,429  $422  $502  $2,353 
                 
                 
  UK Pension Plan 
December 31, 2010 Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total 
     (millions)    
 
Equity securities:                
US equities $421  $90  $  $511 
UK equities  303   97      400 
Other equities     149      149 
Fixed income securities:                
US Government bonds  49         49 
UK Government bonds  348         348 
Other Government bonds  17         17 
UK corporate bonds  57         57 
Other corporate bonds  14         14 
Derivatives     22      22 
Real estate        83   83 
Cash  31         31 
Other investments:                
Hedge funds        415   415 
Other     (13)  2   (11)
                 
Total $1,240  $345  $500  $2,085 
                 
The UK plan’s real estate investment comprises UK property and infrastructure investments which are valued by the fund manager taking into account cost, independent appraisals and market based comparable data. The UK plan’s hedge fund


104


Notes to the financial statements
18.  PENSION PLANS (Continued)
investments are primarily invested in various ‘fund of funds’ and are valued based on net asset values calculated by the fund and are not publicly available. Liquidity is typically monthly and is subject to liquidity of the underlying funds.
The following tables present, at December 31, 2011 and 2010, for each of the fair value hierarchy levels, the Company’s US pension plan assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
                 
  US Pension Plan 
December 31, 2011 Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total 
     (millions)    
 
Equity securities:                
US equities $172  $  $  $172 
Non US equities  106         106 
Fixed income securities:                
US Government bonds     55      55 
US corporate bonds     252      252 
Non US Government bonds  48         48 
Cash     4      4 
Other investments:                
Other            
                 
Total $326  $311  $  $637 
                 
                 
  US Pension Plan 
December 31, 2010 Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total 
     (millions)    
 
Equity securities:                
US equities $201  $  $  $201 
Non US equities  127         127 
Fixed income securities:                
US Government bonds  112         112 
US corporate bonds  111         111 
Non US Government bonds  47         47 
Cash     5      5 
Other investments:                
Other     (1)     (1)
                 
Total $598  $4  $  $602 
                 
Equity securities comprise:
•  common stock and preferred stock which are valued using quoted market prices; and
•  pooled investment vehicles which are valued at their net asset values as calculated by the investment manager and typically have daily or weekly liquidity.
Fixed income securities comprise US, UK and other Government Treasury Bills, loan stock, index linked loan stock and UK and other corporate bonds which are typically valued using quoted market prices.
As a result of the inherent limitations related to the valuations of the Level 3 investments, due to the unobservable inputs of the underlying funds, the estimated fair value may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a market for those investments existed.


105


Willis Group Holdings plc
18.  PENSION PLANS (Continued)
The following table summarizes the changes in the UK pension plan’s Level 3 assets for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010:
     
  UK Pension
 
  Plan 
  Level 3 
  (millions) 
 
Balance at January 1, 2010 $328 
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net  156 
Unrealized gains relating to instruments still held at end of year  22 
Foreign exchange  (6)
     
Balance at December 31, 2010 $500 
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net  2 
Unrealized gains relating to instruments still held at end of year  5 
Foreign exchange  (5)
     
Balance at December 31, 2011 $502 
     
In 2012, the Company expects to make contributions to the UK plan approximately equal to those made in 2011 of $92 million, of which approximately $12 million is in respect of salary sacrifice contributions, and $40 million to the US plan.
The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are estimated to be paid by the UK and US defined benefit pension plans:
         
  UK Pension
  US Pension
 
Expected future benefit payments Benefits  Benefits 
  (millions) 
 
2012 $73  $33 
2013  76   36 
2014  78   39 
2015  81   42 
2016  82   44 
2017-2021  450   256 
Willis North America has a 401(k) plan covering all eligible employees of Willis North America and its subsidiaries. The plan allows participants to make pre-tax contributions which the Company, at its discretion may match. During 2009, the Company had decided not to make any matching contributions other than for former HRH employees whose contributions were matched up to 75 percent under the terms of the acquisition. In January 2011, 401(k) matching was reinstated for our US associates. All investment assets of the plan are held in a trust account administered by independent trustees. The Company’s 401(k) matching contributions for 2011 were $10 million (2010: $nil; 2009: $5 million).


106


Notes to the financial statements
18.  PENSION PLANS (Continued)
International defined benefit pension plans
In addition to the Company’s UK and US defined benefit pension plans, the Company has several smaller defined benefit pension plans in certain other countries in which it operates.
A $3 million net pension benefit liability (2010: $10 million) has been recognized in respect of these schemes.
The following schedules provide information concerning the Company’s international defined benefit pension plans:
         
  International Pension
 
  Benefits 
  2011  2010 
  (millions) 
 
Change in benefit obligation:        
Benefit obligation, beginning of year $135  $150 
Service cost  4   4 
Interest cost  7   7 
Actuarial (gain) loss  (4)  (4)
Benefits paid  (6)  (15)
Curtailment  (1)  1 
Foreign currency changes  (4)  (8)
         
Benefit obligations, end of year  131   135 
         
Change in plan assets:        
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year  125   120 
Actual return on plan assets  1   15 
Employer contributions  13   12 
Benefits paid  (6)  (15)
Foreign currency changes  (5)  (7)
         
Fair value of plan assets, end of year  128   125 
         
Funded status at end of year $(3) $(10)
         
Components on the Consolidated Balance Sheets:        
Pension benefits asset $9  $3 
Liability for pension benefits $(12) $(13)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss consist of a net actuarial loss of $10 million (2010: $10 million).
The accumulated benefit obligation for the Company’s international defined benefit pension plans was $128 million (2010: $131 million).


107


Willis Group Holdings plc
18.  PENSION PLANS (Continued)
The components of the net periodic benefit cost and other amounts recognized in other comprehensive loss for the international defined benefit plans are as follows:
             
  International Pension Benefits 
  2011  2010  2009 
  (millions) 
 
Components of net periodic benefit cost:            
Service cost $4  $4  $6 
Interest cost  7   7   8 
Expected return on plan assets  (6)  (6)  (6)
Amortization of unrecognized actuarial loss  1      2 
Curtailment (gain) loss  (1)  1    
Other         
             
Net periodic benefit cost $5  $6  $10 
             
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income (loss):            
Amortization of unrecognized actuarial loss $(1) $  $(2)
Net actuarial gain  2   (13)  (2)
             
Total recognized in other comprehensive loss  1   (13)  (4)
             
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive (loss) income $6  $(7) $6 
             
The estimated net loss for the international defined benefit plans that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year is $3 million.
The following schedule provides other information concerning the Company’s international defined benefit pension plans:
         
  International
 
  Pension Benefits 
  2011  2010 
 
Weighted-average assumptions to determine benefit obligations:        
Discount rate  3.30% – 5.30%   4.00% – 5.10% 
Rate of compensation increase  2.50% – 3.00%   2.50% – 3.00% 
Weighted-average assumptions to determine net periodic benefit cost:        
Discount rate  4.00% – 5.10%   5.00% – 5.30% 
Expected return on plan assets  4.80% – 5.73%   4.60% – 6.31% 
Rate of compensation increase  2.50% – 3.00%   2.00% – 3.00% 
The determination of the expected long-term rate of return on the international plan assets is dependent upon the specific circumstances of each individual plan. The assessment may include analyzing historical investment performance, investment community forecasts and current market conditions to develop expected returns for each asset class used by the plans.


108


Notes to the financial statements
18.  PENSION PLANS (Continued)
The Company’s international pension plan asset allocations at December 31, 2011 based on fair values were as follows:
         
  International
 
  Pension Benefits 
Asset Category 2011  2010 
 
Equity securities  35%  44%
Debt securities  58%  42%
Real estate  4%  4%
Other  3%  10%
         
Total  100%  100%
         
The investment policies for the international plans vary by jurisdiction but are typically established by the local pension plan trustees, where applicable, and seek to maintain the plans’ ability to meet liabilities of the plans as they fall due and to comply with local minimum funding requirements.
Fair Value Hierarchy
The following tables present, at December 31, 2011 and 2010, for each of the fair value hierarchy levels, the Company’s international pension plan assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
                 
  International Pension Plans 
December 31, 2011 Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total 
     (millions)    
 
Equity securities:                
US equities $20  $  $  $20 
UK equities  4         4 
Overseas equities  18      1   19 
Unit linked funds            
Fixed income securities:                
Other Government bonds  48   1      49 
Real estate        5   5 
Cash  4         4 
Other investments:                
Derivative instruments     22      22 
Other investments        5   5 
                 
Total $94  $23  $11  $128 
                 


109


Willis Group Holdings plc
18.  PENSION PLANS (Continued)
                 
  International Pension Plans 
December 31, 2010 Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total 
     (millions)    
 
Equity securities:                
US equities $21  $  $  $21 
UK equities  4         4 
Overseas equities  20         20 
Unit linked funds  7         7 
Fixed income securities:                
Other Government bonds  29   2      31 
Real estate        5   5 
Cash  11         11 
Other investments:                
Derivative instruments     21      21 
Other investments        5   5 
                 
Total $92  $23  $10  $125 
                 
Equity securities comprise:
•  common stock which are valued using quoted market prices; and
•  unit linked funds which are valued at their net asset values as calculated by the investment manager and typically have daily liquidity.
Fixed income securities comprise overseas Government loan stock which is typically valued using quoted market prices. Real estate investment comprises overseas property and infrastructure investments which are valued by the fund manager taking into account cost, independent appraisals and market based comparable data. Derivative instruments are valued using an income approach typically using swap curves as an input.
Assets classified as Level 3 investments did not materially change during the year ended December 31, 2011.
In 2012, the Company expects to contribute $12 million to the international plans.
The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are estimated to be paid by the international defined benefit pension plans:
     
  International
 
  Pension
 
Expected future benefit payments Benefits 
  (millions) 
 
2012 $3 
2013  4 
2014  4 
2015  4 
2016  4 
2017-2021  23 

110


Notes to the financial statements
19.  DEBT
Short-term debt and current portion of the long-term debt consists of the following:
         
  December 31, 
  2011  2010 
  (millions) 
 
Current portion of5-year term loan facility expires 2016
 $11  $ 
Current portion of5-year term loan facility repaid 2011
     110 
6.000% loan notes due 2012  4    
         
  $15  $110 
         
Long-term debt consists of the following:
         
  December 31, 
  2011  2010 
  (millions) 
 
5-year term loan facility expires 2016
 $289  $ 
5-year term loan facility repaid 2011
     301 
Revolving $300 million credit facility     90 
6.000% loan notes due 2012     4 
5.625% senior notes due 2015  350   350 
Fair value adjustment on 5.625% senior notes due 2015  20   12 
12.875% senior notes due 2016     500 
4.125% senior notes due 2016  299    
6.200% senior notes due 2017  600   600 
7.000% senior notes due 2019  300   300 
5.750% senior notes due 2021  496    
         
  $2,354  $2,157 
         
Until December 22, 2010, all direct obligations under the 5.625%, 6.200% and 7.000% senior notes were guaranteed by Willis Group Holdings, Willis Netherlands B.V., Willis Investment UK Holdings Limited, TA I Limited, TA II Limited, TA III Limited, Trinity Acquisition plc, TA IV Limited and Willis Group Limited.
On that date and in connection with a group reorganization, TA II Limited, TA III Limited and TA IV Limited transferred their obligations as guarantors to the other Guarantor Companies. TA II Limited, TA III Limited and TA IV Limited entered member’s voluntary liquidation on December 31, 2010.
Debt issuance
In December 2011 we refinanced our bank facility, comprising a5-year $300 million term loan and a5-year $500 million revolving credit facility. The $300 million term loan replaces the $328 million balance on our $700 million5-year term loan facility and the $500 million revolving facility replaces our $300 million and our $200 million revolving credit facilities. Unamortized debt issuance costs of $10 million relating to these facilities were written off in December 2011 following completion of the refinancing. In 2011, we made $83 million of mandatory repayments against the5-year term loan before repaying the $328 million balance in December 2011.
The5-year term loan facility expiring 2016 bears interest at LIBOR plus 1.50% and is repayable in quarterly installments and a final repayment of $225 million is due in the fourth quarter of 2016. Drawings under the new revolving $500 million credit facility bear interest at LIBOR plus 1.50% and the facility expires on December 16, 2016. As of


111


Willis Group Holdings plc
19.  DEBT (Continued)
December 31, 2011 $nil was outstanding under the revolving credit facility. These margins apply while the Company’s debt rating remains BBB-/Baa3.
The agreements relating to our5-year term loan facility expiring 2016 and the revolving $500 million credit facility contain requirements to maintain maximum levels of consolidated funded indebtedness in relation to consolidated EBITDA and minimum level of consolidated EBITDA to consolidated cash interest expense, subject to certain adjustments. In addition, the agreements relating to our credit facilities and senior notes include, in the aggregate covenants relating to the delivery of financial statements, reports and notices, limitations on liens, limitations on sales and other disposals of assets, limitations on indebtedness and other liabilities, limitations on sale and leaseback transactions, limitations on mergers and other fundamental changes, maintenance of property, maintenance of insurance, nature of business, compliance with applicable laws, maintenance of corporate existence and rights, payment of taxes and access to information and properties. At December 31, 2011, the Company was in compliance with all covenants.
In March 2011, the Company issued $300 million of 4.125% senior notes due 2016 and $500 million of 5.750% senior notes due 2021. The effective interest rates of these senior notes are 4.240% and 5.871% respectively, which include the impact of the discount upon issuance. The proceeds were used to repurchase and redeem $500 million of 12.875% senior notes due 2016 including a make-whole payment (representing a slight discount to the contractual make-whole amount) of $158 million. Following the repurchase the Company wrote off $13 million of unamortized debt issuance costs.
During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company entered into a series of interest rate swaps for a total notional amount of $350 million to receive a fixed rate and pay a variable rate on a semi-annual basis, with a maturity date of July 15, 2015. The Company has designated and accounts for these instruments as fair value hedges against its $350 million 5.625% senior notes due 2015. The fair values of the interest rate swaps are included within other assets or other liabilities and the fair value of the hedged element of the senior notes is included within long-term debt.
On June 22, 2010, a further revolving facility of $20 million was put in place which bears interest at LIBOR plus 1.700% until 2012 and LIBOR plus 1.850% thereafter. The facility expires on December 22, 2012. As at December 31, 2011 no drawings had been made on the facility. This facility is solely for the use of our main UK regulated entity and would be available in certain exceptional circumstances. The facility is secured against the freehold of the UK regulated entity’s freehold property in Ipswich.
Lines of credit
The Company also has available $3 million (2010: $2 million) in lines of credit, of which $nil was drawn as of December 31, 2011 (2010: $nil).


112


Notes to the financial statements
19.  DEBT (Continued)
Analysis of interest expense
The following table shows an analysis of the interest expense for the years ended December 31:
             
  Year ended December 31, 
  2011  2010  2009 
  (millions) 
 
5-year term loan facility repaid 2011
 $14  $17  $26 
Revolving $300 million credit facility  4   3   3 
5.625% senior notes due 2015  12   14   20 
12.875% senior notes due 2016  15   67   55 
4.125% senior notes due 2016  10       
6.200% senior notes due 2017  38   38   38 
7.000% senior notes due 2019  21   21   5 
5.125% senior notes due 2010     3   16 
5.750% senior notes due 2021  23       
Interim credit facility        7 
Other(i)
  19   3   4 
             
Total interest expense $156  $166  $174 
             
(i)Other includes $10 million relating to the write off of unamortized debt issuance fees.
20.  PROVISIONS FOR LIABILITIES
An analysis of movements on provisions for liabilities is as follows:
             
  Claims,
       
  lawsuits and
       
  other
  Other
    
  proceedings(i)  provisions(ii)  Total 
     (millions)    
 
Balance at January 1, 2010 $178  $48  $226 
Net provisions made during the year  19   (7)  12 
Utilised in the year  (50)  (7)  (57)
Foreign currency translation adjustment  (2)     (2)
             
Balance at December 31, 2010 $145  $34  $179 
Net provisions made during the year  45   11   56 
Utilised in the year  (31)  (7)  (38)
Foreign currency translation adjustment  (1)     (1)
             
Balance at December 31, 2011 $158  $38  $196 
             
(i)The claims, lawsuits and other proceedings provision includes E&O cases which represents management’s assessment of liabilities that may arise from asserted and unasserted claims for alleged errors and omissions that arise in the ordinary course of the Group’s business. Where some of the potential liability is recoverable under the Group’s external insurance arrangements, the full assessment of the liability is included in the provision with the associated insurance recovery shown separately as an asset. Insurance recoveries recognised at December 31, 2011 amounted to $6 million (2010: $15 million).
.
(ii)The ‘Other’ category includes amounts relating to vacant property provisions of $20 million (2010: $14 million).


113


Willis Group Holdings plc
21.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Company’s contractual obligations as at December 31, 2011 are presented below:
                     
        Payments due by
       
Obligations Total  2012  2013-2014  2015-2016  After 2016 
  (millions) 
 
5-year term loan facility expires 2016
 $300  $11  $30  $259  $ 
Interest on term loan  28   6   12   10    
Revolving $500 million credit facility commitment fees  6   1   3   2    
6.000% loan notes due 2012  4   4          
5.625% senior notes due 2015  350         350    
Fair value adjustments on 5.625% senior notes due 2015  20         20    
4.125% senior notes due 2016  300         300    
6.200% senior notes due 2017  600            600 
7.000% senior notes due 2019  300            300 
5.750% senior notes due 2021  500            500 
Interest on senior notes  744   119   238   200   187 
                     
Total debt and related interest  3,152   141   283   1,141   1,587 
Operating leases(i)
  1,307   146   203   151   807 
Pensions  386   91   181   114    
Other contractual obligations(ii)
  164   72   13   37   42 
                     
Total contractual obligations $5,009  $450  $680  $1,443  $2,436 
                     
(i)Presented gross of sublease income.
.
(ii)Other contractual obligations include capital lease commitments, put option obligations and investment fund capital call obligations, the timing of which are included at the earliest point they may fall due.
Debt obligations and facilities
The Company’s debt and related interest obligations at December 31, 2011 are shown in the above table.
During 2011, the Company entered into a new revolving credit facility agreement under which $500 million is available. As at December 31, 2011 $nil was outstanding under the revolving credit facility.
This facility is in addition to the remaining availability of $20 million under the Company’s previously existing $20 million revolving credit facility.
The only mandatory repayments of debt over the next 12 months are the scheduled repayment of $11 million current portion of the Company’s5-year term loan and the final payment of the 6.000% loan notes. We also have the right, at our option, to prepay indebtedness under the credit facility without further penalty and to redeem the senior notes at our option by paying a ‘make whole’ premium as provided under the applicable debt instrument.
Operating leases
The Company leases certain land, buildings and equipment under various operating lease arrangements. Original non-cancellable lease terms typically are between 10 and 20 years and may contain escalation clauses, along with options that


114


Notes to the financial statements
21.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)
permit early withdrawal. The total amount of the minimum rent is expensed on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.
As of December 31, 2011, the aggregate future minimum rental commitments under all non-cancellable operating lease agreements are as follows:
             
  Gross rental
  Rentals from
  Net rental
 
  commitments  subleases  commitments 
     (millions)    
 
2012 $146  $(14) $132 
2013  109   (14)  95 
2014  94   (13)  81 
2015  79   (12)  67 
2016  72   (11)  61 
Thereafter  807   (32)  775 
             
Total $1,307  $(96) $1,211 
             
The Company leases its main London building under a25-year operating lease, which expires in 2032. The Company’s contractual obligations in relation to this commitment included in the table above total $715 million (2010: $744 million). Annual rentals are $30 million (2010: $31 million) per year and the Company has subleased approximately 29 percent (2010: 25 percent) of the premises under leases up to 15 years. The amounts receivable from subleases, included in the table above, total $82 million (2010: $87 million; 2009: $100 million).
Rent expense amounted to $127 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 (2010: $131 million; 2009: $154 million). The Company’s rental income from subleases was $18 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 (2010: $22 million; 2009: $21 million).
Pensions
Contractual obligations for our pension plans reflect the contributions we expect to make over the next five years into our US and UK plans. These contributions are based on current funding positions and may increase or decrease dependent on the future performance of the two plans.
In the UK, we are required to agree a funding strategy for our UK defined benefit plan with the plan’s trustees. In February 2009, we agreed to make full year contributions to the UK plan of $39 million for 2009 through 2012, excluding amounts in respect of the salary sacrifice scheme. In addition, if certain funding targets were not met at the beginning of any of the following years, 2010 through 2012, a further contribution of $39 million would be required for that year. In 2010, the additional funding requirement was triggered and we expect to make a similar additional contribution in 2011. A similar, additional contribution may also be required for 2012, depending on actual performance against funding targets at the beginning of 2012.
Based on the current UK funding strategy and as shown in the table above, the total contracted contributions for all plans are currently estimated to be approximately $91 million in 2012, excluding amounts of approximately $12 million in respect of the salary sacrifice scheme. However, a revised UK funding strategy, and hence 2012 contribution, is expected to be finalized shortly and the final 2012 contribution for all plans is expected to be approximately $142 million, including salary sacrifice.
Guarantees
Guarantees issued by certain of Willis Group Holdings’ subsidiaries with respect to the senior notes and revolving credit facilities are discussed in Note 19 — Debt in these consolidated financial statements.


115


Willis Group Holdings plc
21.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)
Certain of Willis Group Holdings’ subsidiaries have given the landlords of some leasehold properties occupied by the Company in the United Kingdom and the United States guarantees in respect of the performance of the lease obligations of the subsidiary holding the lease. The operating lease obligations subject to such guarantees amounted to $828 million and $855 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
In addition, the Company has given guarantees to bankers and other third parties relating principally to letters of credit amounting to $7 million and $11 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Willis Group Holdings also guarantees certain of its UK and Irish subsidiaries’ obligations to fund the UK and Irish defined benefit plans.
Other contractual obligations
For certain subsidiaries and associates, the Company has the right to purchase shares (a call option) from co-shareholders at various dates in the future. In addition, the co-shareholders of certain subsidiaries and associates have the right to sell their shares (a put option) to the Company at various dates in the future. Generally, the exercise price of such put options and call options is formula-based (using revenues and earnings) and is designed to reflect fair value. Based on current projections of profitability and exchange rates and assuming the put options are exercised, the potential amount payable from these options is not expected to exceed $72 million (2010: $40 million).
In July 2010, the Company made a capital commitment of $25 million to Trident V Parallel Fund, LP, an investment fund managed by Stone Point Capital. This replaced a capital commitment of $25 million that had been made to Trident V, LP in December 2009. As at December 31, 2011 there have been approximately $6 million of capital contributions.
In May 2011, the Company made a capital commitment of $10 million to Dowling Capital Partners I, LP. As at December 31, 2011 there had been no capital contributions.
Other contractual obligations at December 31, 2011 also include the capital lease on the Company’s Nashville property of $63 million, payable from 2012 onwards.
Claims, Lawsuits and Other Proceedings
In the ordinary course of business, 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. 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. Regarding 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 and disputes with insurance companies, 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.


116


Notes to the financial statements
21.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)
The material actual or potential claims, lawsuits and other proceedings, of which the Company is currently aware, are:
Assurance of Discontinuance
In connection with the investigation launched by the New York State Attorney General in April 2004 concerning, among other things, contingent commissions paid by insurers to insurance brokers, in April 2005, the Company entered into an Assurance of Discontinuance (‘Original AOD’) with the New York State Attorney General and the Superintendent of the New York Insurance Department and paid $50 million to eligible clients. As part of the Original AOD, the Company also agreed not to accept contingent compensation and to disclose to customers any compensation the Company will receive in connection with providing policy placement services to the customer. The Company also resolved similar investigations launched by the Minnesota Attorney General, the Florida Attorney General, the Florida Department of Financial Services, and the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation for amounts that were not material to the Company.
Similarly, in August 2005, HRH entered into an agreement with the Attorney General of the State of Connecticut and the Insurance Commissioner of the State of Connecticut to resolve all issues related to their investigations into certain insurance brokerage and insurance agency practices and to settle a lawsuit brought in August 2005 by the Connecticut Attorney General alleging violations of the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act and the Connecticut Unfair Insurance Practices Act. As part of this settlement, HRH agreed to take certain actions including establishing a $30 million national fund for distribution to certain clients; enhancing disclosure practices for agency and broker clients; and declining to accept contingent compensation on brokerage business.
On February 16, 2010, the Company entered into the Amended and Restated Assurance of Discontinuance with the Attorney General of the State of New York and the Amended and Restated Stipulation with the Superintendent of Insurance of the State of New York (the ‘Amended and Restated AOD’) on behalf of itself and its named subsidiaries. The Amended and Restated AOD was effective February 11, 2010 and supersedes and replaces the Original AOD.
The Amended and Restated AOD specifically recognizes that the Company has substantially met its obligations under the Original AOD and ends many of the requirements previously imposed. It relieves the Company of a number of technical compliance obligations that have imposed significant administrative and financial burdens on its operations. The Amended and Restated AOD no longer limits the types of compensation the Company can receive and has lowered the compensation disclosure requirements. The Amended and Restated AOD requires the Company, among other things to: (i) in New York, and each of the other 49 states of the United States, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories, provide compensation disclosure that will, at a minimum, comply with the terms of the applicable regulations, as may be amended from time to time, or the provisions of the AOD that existed prior to the adoption of the Amended and Restated AOD; and (ii) maintain its compliance programs and continue to provide appropriate training to relevant employees in business ethics, professional obligations, conflicts of interest, and antitrust and trade practices compliance.
European Commission Sector Inquiry
In 2006, the European Commission issued questionnaires 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, to at least 150 European brokers including our operations in nine European countries. The Company filed responses to the European Commission and the European Free Trade Association Surveillance Authority questionnaires. The European Commission reported on September 25, 2007, expressing concerns over potential conflicts of interest in the industry relating to remuneration and binding authorities and also over the nature of the coinsurance market.
The Company cooperated with both the European Free Trade Association Surveillance Authority and the European Commission to resolve issues raised in its final report regarding coinsurance as required of the industry by the European Commission. The European Commission has appointed Ernst & Young to conduct a review of the coinsurance market and


117


Willis Group Holdings plc
21.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)
we anticipate that, along with our competitors and insurers, our European subsidiaries will receive further questionnaires on this matter this year.
Contingent Compensation Class Action
Since August 2004, the Company and HRH (along with various other brokers and insurers) have been named as defendants in purported class actions in various courts across the United States. All of these actions have been consolidated into a single action in the US District Court for the District of New Jersey (‘MDL’). These actions allege that the brokers breached their duties to their clients by entering into contingent compensation agreements with either no disclosure or limited disclosure to clients and participated in other improper activities. Plaintiffs seek monetary damages, including punitive damages, and certain equitable relief. In May 2011, the majority of defendants, including the Company and HRH, entered into a written settlement agreement with plaintiffs. On June 28, 2011, the Judge entered an Order granting preliminary approval to the settlement agreement. Notice of the settlement was sent to all members of the class and each member was given the opportunity to opt out of the settlement and pursue its own individual claim against any defendant. A total of 84 members of the class have opted out of the settlement. A Fairness Hearing to decide if the settlement should be given final approval took place on September 14, 2011, but the Judge has not yet issued his decision on approval of the settlement. The amount of the proposed settlement to be paid by the Company and HRH is immaterial and was previously reserved.
Additional actions could be brought in the future by individual policyholders. The Company disputes the allegations in all of these suits and has been and intends to continue 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.
Gender Discrimination Class Action
In December 2006, a purported class action was filed against the Company in the United States District Court, Southern District of New York, alleging that the Company discriminated against female officers and officer equivalent employees on the basis of their gender and seeking injunctive relief, monetary damages and attorneys’ fees and costs. In January 2011, the Company reached a settlement with plaintiffs that resolves all individual and class claims. The amount of this settlement is not material. The Court has given preliminary approval to the settlement. Notice of that settlement has been provided to the class members and the Court held a Fairness Hearing on December 12, 2011 to decide if final approval should be given to the settlement. On December 19, 2011, the Court granted final approval of the settlement, and the settlement payments are being distributed to class members.
World Trade Center
The Company acted as the insurance broker, but not as an underwriter, for the placement of both property and casualty insurance for a number of entities which were directly impacted by the September 11, 2001 destruction of the World Trade Center complex, including Silverstein Properties LLC, which acquired a99-year leasehold interest in the twin towers and related facilities from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey in July 2001. Although the World Trade Center complex insurance was bound at or before the July 2001 closing of the leasehold acquisition, consistent with standard industry practice, the final policy wording for the placements was still in the process of being finalized when the twin towers and other buildings in the complex were destroyed on September 11, 2001. There have been a number of lawsuits in the United States between the insured parties and the insurers for several placements. Other disputes may arise in respect of insurance placed by us which could affect the Company including claims by one or more of the insureds that the Company made culpable errors or omissions in connection with our brokerage activities. However, the Company does not believe that our role as broker will lead to liabilities which in the aggregate would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.


118


Notes to the financial statements
21.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)
Stanford Financial Group Litigation
The Company has been named as a defendant in six similar lawsuits relating to the collapse of The Stanford Financial Group (‘Stanford’), for which Willis of Colorado, Inc. acted as broker of record on certain lines of insurance. The complaints in these actions generally allege that the defendants actively and materially aided Stanford’s alleged fraud by providing Stanford with certain letters regarding coverage that they knew would be used to help retain or attract actual or prospective Stanford client investors. The complaints further allege that these letters, which contain statements about Stanford and the insurance policies that the defendants placed for Stanford, contained untruths and omitted material facts and were drafted in this manner to help Stanford promote and sell its allegedly fraudulent certificates of deposit.
The six actions are as follows:
•  Troice, et al. v. Willis of Colorado, Inc., et al., C.A.No. 3:09-CV-01274-N, was filed on July 2, 2009 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas against Willis Group Holdings plc, Willis of Colorado, Inc. and a Willis associate, among others. On April 1, 2011, plaintiffs filed the operative Third Amended Class Action Complaint individually and on behalf of a putative, worldwide class of Stanford investors, adding Willis Limited as a defendant and alleging claims under Texas statutory and common law and seeking damages in excess of $1 billion, punitive damages and costs. On May 2, 2011, the defendants filed motions to dismiss the Third Amended Class Action Complaint, arguing,inter alia, that the plaintiffs’ claims are precluded by the Securities Litigation Uniform Standards Act of 1998 (‘SLUSA’).
•  Ranni v. Willis of Colorado, Inc., et al., C.A.No. 09-22085, was filed on July 17, 2009 against Willis Group Holdings plc and Willis of Colorado, Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The complaint was filed on behalf of a putative class of Venezuelan and other South American Stanford investors and alleges claims under Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (andRule 10b-5 thereunder) and Florida statutory and common law and seeks damages in an amount to be determined at trial. On October 6, 2009,Ranniwas transferred, for consolidation or coordination with other Stanford-related actions (includingTroice), to the Northern District of Texas by the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (the ‘JPML’). The defendants have not yet responded to the complaint inRanni.
•  Canabal, et al. v. Willis of Colorado, Inc., et al., C.A.No. 3:09-CV-01474-D, was filed on August 6, 2009 against Willis Group Holdings plc, Willis of Colorado, Inc. and the same Willis associate named as a defendant inTroice, among others, also in the Northern District of Texas. The complaint was filed individually and on behalf of a putative class of Venezuelan Stanford investors, alleged claims under Texas statutory and common law and sought damages in excess of $1 billion, punitive damages, attorneys’ fees and costs. On December 18, 2009, the parties inTroiceandCanabalstipulated to the consolidation of those actions (under theTroicecivil action number), and, on December 31, 2009, the plaintiffs inCanabalfiled a notice of dismissal, dismissing the action without prejudice.
•  Rupert, et al. v. Winter, et al., Case No. 2009C115137, was filed on September 14, 2009 on behalf of 97 Stanford investors against Willis Group Holdings plc, Willis of Colorado, Inc. and the same Willis associate, among others, in Texas state court (Bexar County). The complaint alleges claims under the Securities Act of 1933, Texas and Colorado statutory law and Texas common law and seeks special, consequential and treble damages of more than $300 million, attorneys’ fees and costs. On October 20, 2009, certain defendants, including Willis of Colorado, Inc., (i) removedRupertto the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, (ii) notified the JPML of the pendency of this related action and (iii) moved to stay the action pending a determination by the JPML as to whether it should be transferred to the Northern District of Texas for consolidation or coordination with the other Stanford-related actions. On April 1, 2010, the JPML issued a final transfer order for the transfer ofRupertto the Northern District of Texas. On January 24, 2012, the Court remandedRupert to Texas State Court (Bexar County), but stayed these cases until further order of the court. The defendants have not yet responded to the complaint inRupert.
•  Casanova, et al. v. Willis of Colorado, Inc., et al., C.A.No. 3:10-CV-01862-O, was filed on September 16, 2010 on behalf of seven Stanford investors against Willis Group Holdings plc, Willis Limited, Willis of Colorado, Inc. and the same Willis associate, among others, also in the Northern District of Texas. The complaint alleges claims under Texas statutory and common law and seeks actual damages in excess of $5 million, punitive damages, attorneys’ fees and costs. The defendants have not yet responded to the complaint inCasanova.


119


Willis Group Holdings plc
21.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)
•  Rishmague, et ano. v. Winter, et al., Case No. 2011CI02585, was filed on March 11, 2011 on behalf of two Stanford investors, individually and as representatives of certain trusts, against Willis Group Holdings plc, Willis of Colorado, Inc., Willis of Texas, Inc. and the same Willis associate, among others, in Texas state court (Bexar County). The complaint alleges claims under Texas and Colorado statutory law and Texas common law and seeks special, consequential and treble damages of more than $37 million and attorneys’ fees and costs. On April 11, 2011, certain defendants, including Willis of Colorado, Inc., (i) removedRishmagueto the Western District of Texas, (ii) notified the JPML of the pendency of this related action and (iii) moved to stay the action pending a determination by the JPML as to whether it should be transferred to the Northern District of Texas for consolidation or coordination with the other Stanford-related actions. On August 8, 2011, the JPML issued a final transfer order for the transfer ofRishmagueto the Northern District of Texas, where it is currently pending. The defendants have not yet responded to the complaint inRishmague.
On May 10, 2011, the court presiding over the Stanford-related actions in the Northern District of Texas entered an order providing that it would consider the applicability of SLUSA to the Stanford-related actions based on the decision in a separate Stanford action not involving a Willis entity,Roland v. Green, Civil ActionNo. 3:10-CV-0224-N. On August 31, 2011, the court issued its decision inRoland, dismissing that action with prejudice under SLUSA
On October 27, 2011, the court inTroiceentered an order (i) dismissing with prejudice those claims asserted in the Third Amended Class Action Complaint on a class basis on the grounds set forth in theRolanddecision discussed above and (ii) dismissing without prejudice those claims asserted the Third Amended Class Action Complaint on an individual basis. Also on October 27, 2011, the court entered a final judgment in the action.
On October 28, 2011, the plaintiffs inTroicefiled a notice of appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Subsequently,Troice, Rolandand a third action captionedTroice, et al. v. Proskauer Rose LLP, Civil ActionNo. 3:09-CV-01600-N, which also was dismissed on the grounds set forth in theRolanddecision discussed above and on appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, were consolidated for purposes of briefing and oral argument. The appeals have been fully briefed and the Fifth Circuit heard oral argument on February 7, 2012. A ruling is expected sometime this year.
Additional actions could be brought in the future by other investors in certificates of deposit issued by Stanford and its affiliates. The Company disputes these allegations and intends to defend itself vigorously against these actions. The outcomes of these actions, however, including any losses or other payments that may occur as a result, cannot be predicted at this time.
Regulatory Investigation
Given the increased interest expressed by US and UK regulators in the effectiveness of compliance controls relating to financial crime in our market sector in particular, we began a voluntary internal review of our policies and controls four years ago. This review includes analysis and advice from external experts on best practices, review of public regulatory decisions, and discussions with government regulators in the US and UK. In addition, during 2010 and 2011 the UK Financial Services Authority (the ‘FSA’) conducted an investigation of Willis Limited’s, our UK brokerage subsidiary, compliance systems and controls between 2005 and 2009. On July 21, 2011, we and the FSA announced a settlement under which the FSA concluded its investigation by assessing a £7 million ($11 million) fine on Willis Limited for lapses in its implementation and documentation of its controls to counter the risks of improper payments being made to non-FSA authorized overseas third parties engaged to help win business, particularly in high risk jurisdictions.
As a result of the FSA settlement, we are conducting a further internal review of all payments made between 2005 and 2009. We also continue to fully cooperate with our US regulators, however we are unable to predict at this time when our discussions with them will be concluded. We do not believe that this further internal review or our discussions with the US regulators will result in any material fines or sanctions, but there can be no assurance that any resolution will not have an adverse impact on our ability to conduct our business in certain jurisdictions. While we believe that our current


120


Notes to the financial statements
21.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)
systems and controls are adequate and in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations, we cannot assure that such systems and controls will prevent any violations of applicable laws and regulations.
22.  ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS, NET OF TAX
The components of comprehensive income (loss) are as follows:
             
  Years ended December 31, 
  2011  2010  2009 
  (millions) 
 
Net income $220  $470  $459 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:            
Foreign currency translation adjustment (net of tax of $nil in 2011, 2010 and 2009)  (29)  (8)  27 
Unrealized holding gain (loss) (net of tax of $nil in 2011, 2010 and 2009)     2   (1)
Pension funding adjustment (net of tax of $84 million in 2011, $(12) million in 2010 and $6 million in 2009)  (172)  51   (33)
Net (loss) gain on derivative instruments (net of tax of $2 million in 2011, $(3) million in 2010 and $(16) million in 2009)  (3)  6   43 
             
Other comprehensive (loss) income (net of tax of $86 million in 2011, $(15) million in 2010 and $(10) million in 2009)  (204)  51   36 
             
Comprehensive income  16   521   495 
Noncontrolling interests  (15)  (13)  (21)
             
Comprehensive income attributable to Willis Group Holdings $1  $508  $474 
             
The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, are as follows:
             
  December 31, 
  2011  2010  2009 
  (millions) 
 
Net foreign currency translation adjustment $(80) $(52) $(46)
Net unrealized holding loss        (2)
Pension funding adjustment  (675)  (503)  (554)
Net unrealized gain on derivative instruments  11   14   8 
             
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, attributable to Willis Group Holdings, net of tax $(744) $(541) $(594)
             


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Willis Group Holdings plc
23.  EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INTEREST
The components of equity and noncontrolling interests are as follows:
                                     
  December 31, 2011  December 31, 2010  December 31, 2009 
  Willis
        Willis
        Willis
       
  Group
        Group
        Group
       
  Holdings’
  Noncontrolling
  Total
  Holdings’
  Noncontrolling
  Total
  Holdings’
  Noncontrolling
  Total
 
  stockholders  interests  equity  stockholders  interests  equity  stockholders  interests  equity 
 
Balance at January 1, $2,577  $31  $2,608  $2,180  $49  $2,229  $1,845  $50  $1,895 
Comprehensive income:                                    
Net income  204   16   220   455   15   470   438   21   459 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax  (203)  (1)  (204)  53   (2)  51   36      36 
                                     
Comprehensive income  1   15   16   508   13   521   474   21   495 
Dividends  (180)  (15)  (195)  (178)  (26)  (204)  (172)  (17)  (189)
Additional paid-in capital  88      88   67      67   32      32 
Shares reissued under stock compensation plans                    1      1 
Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interests              (5)  (5)     (10)  (10)
Additional noncontrolling interests                       5   5 
                                     
Balance at December 31, $2,486  $   31  $2,517  $2,577  $   31  $2,608  $2,180  $   49  $2,229 
                                     
The effects on equity of changes in Willis Group Holdings, ownership interest in its subsidiaries are as follows:
             
  Years ended December 31, 
  2011  2010  2009 
     (millions)    
 
Net income attributable to Willis Group Holdings $204  $455  $438 
Transfers from noncontrolling interest:            
Decrease in Willis Group Holdings’ paid-in capital for purchase of noncontrolling interest     (19)  (23)
Increase in Willis Group Holdings’ paid-in capital for sale of noncontrolling interest        1 
             
Net transfers from noncontrolling interest     (19)  (22)
             
Change from net income attributable to Willis Group Holdings and transfers from noncontrolling interests $204  $436  $416 
             


122


Notes to the financial statements
24.  SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Supplemental disclosures regarding cash flow information and non-cash flow investing and financing activities are as follows:
             
  Years Ended December 31, 
  2011  2010  2009 
  (millions) 
 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:            
Cash payments for income taxes, net $15  $99  $80 
Cash payments for interest  128   163   179 
             
Supplemental disclosures of non-cash flow investing and financing activities:            
Write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs $(23) $  $ 
Assets acquired under capital leases     23    
Non cash proceeds from reorganization of investments in associates (Note 6)        126 
Issue of stock on acquisitions of subsidiaries        1 
Issue of loan notes on acquisitions of noncontrolling interests        13 
Issue of stock on acquisitions of noncontrolling interests        11 
Deferred payments on acquisitions of subsidiaries  3      1 
Deferred payments on acquisitions of noncontrolling interests  8   13   1 
             
Acquisitions:            
Fair value of assets acquired $6  $12  $28 
Less:            
Liabilities assumed  (3)  (18)  (55)
Cash acquired  (3)  ��  (12)
             
Net liabilities assumed, net of cash acquired $  $(6) $(39)
             
25.  DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES
Fair value of derivative financial instruments
In addition to the note below, see Note 26 for information about the fair value hierarchy of derivatives.
Primary risks managed by derivative financial instruments
The main risks managed by derivative financial instruments are interest rate risk and foreign currency risk. The Company’s board of directors reviews and approves policies for managing each of these risks as summarized below.
The Company enters into derivative transactions (principally interest rate swaps and forward foreign currency contracts) in order to manage interest rate and foreign currency risks arising from the Company’s operations and its sources of finance. The Company does not hold financial or derivative instruments for trading purposes.
Interest Rate Risk — Investment Income
As a result of the Company’s operating activities, the Company receives cash for premiums and claims which it deposits in short-term investments denominated in US dollars and other currencies. The Company earns interest on these funds, which is included in the Company’s financial statements as investment income. These funds are regulated in terms of


123


Willis Group Holdings plc
25.  DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES (Continued)
access and the instruments in which they may be invested, most of which are short-term in maturity. In order to manage interest rate risk arising from these financial assets, the Company enters into interest rate swaps to receive a fixed rate of interest and pay a variable rate of interest fixed in the various currencies related to the short-term investments. The use of interest rate contracts essentially converts groups of short-term variable rate investments to fixed rates.
The fair value of these contracts is recorded in other assets and other liabilities. For contracts that qualify as cash flow hedges for accounting purposes, the effective portions of changes in fair value are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income.
At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company had the following derivative financial instruments that were designated as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk:
                   
    December 31, 
          Weighted Average
 
    Notional
  Termination
  Interest Rates 
    Amount(i)  Dates  Receive  Pay 
    (millions)     %  % 
 
2011
                  
US dollar Receive fixed-pay variable $740   2012-2015   2.20   0.88 
Pounds sterling Receive fixed-pay variable  241   2012-2015   3.00   1.35 
Euro Receive fixed-pay variable  143   2012-2015   2.31   1.33 
2010
                  
US dollar Receive fixed-pay variable $725   2011-2014   2.44   1.33 
Pounds sterling Receive fixed-pay variable  229   2011-2014   3.16   1.88 
Euro Receive fixed-pay variable  155   2011-2014   2.18   1.81 
(i)Notional amounts represent US dollar equivalents translated at the spot rate as of December 31.
Interest Rate Risk — Interest Expense
The Company’s operations are financed principally by $2,050 million fixed rate senior notes and $300 million under a5-year term loan facility.
During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company entered into a series of interest rate swaps for a total notional amount of $350 million to receive a fixed rate and pay a variable rate on a semi-annual basis, with a maturity date of July 15, 2015. At the year end the weighted average fixed rate was 2.71% and variable rate was 0.44%. The Company has designated and accounts for these instruments as fair value hedges against its $350 million 5.625% senior notes due 2015. The fair values of the interest rate swaps are included within other assets or other liabilities and the fair value of the hedged element of the senior notes is included within long-term debt.
The Company also has access to $520 million under two revolving credit facilities; as of December 31, 2011 $nil was drawn on these facilities. The5-year term loan facility bears interest at LIBOR plus 1.50%. Drawings under the revolving $500 million credit facility bear interest at LIBOR plus 1.50%. These margins apply while the Company’s debt rating remains BBB-/Baa3. Should the Company’s debt rating change, then the margin will change in accordance with the credit facilities agreements.
At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company’s interest rate swaps were all designated as hedging instruments.


124


Notes to the financial statements
25.  DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES (Continued)
Foreign Currency Risk
The Company’s primary foreign exchange risks arise:
•  from changes in the exchange rate between US dollars and pounds sterling as its London market operations earn the majority of their revenues in US dollars and incur expenses predominantly in pounds sterling, and may also hold a significant net sterling asset or liability position on the balance sheet. In addition, the London market operations earn significant revenues in Euros and Japanese yen; and
•  from the translation into US dollars of the net income and net assets of its foreign subsidiaries, excluding the London market operations which are US dollar denominated.
The foreign exchange risks in its London market operations are hedged as follows:
•  to the extent that forecast pound sterling expenses exceed pound sterling revenues, the Company limits its 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
•  to the extent the UK operations earn significant revenues in Euros and Japanese yen, the Company limits its 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.
The Company does not hedge net income earned within foreign subsidiaries outside of the UK.
The fair value of foreign currency contracts is recorded in other assets and other liabilities. For contracts that qualify as accounting hedges, changes in fair value resulting from movements in the spot exchange rate are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income whilst changes resulting from a movement in the time value are recorded in interest expense. For contracts that do not qualify for hedge accounting, the total change in fair value is recorded in interest expense. Amounts held in comprehensive income are reclassified into earnings when the hedged exposure affects earnings.
At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company’s foreign currency contracts were all designated as hedging instruments except for those relating to short-term cash flows in its London market operations.
The table below summarizes by major currency the contractual amounts of the Company’s forward contracts to exchange foreign currencies for pounds sterling in the case of US dollars and US dollars for Euro and Japanese yen. Foreign currency notional amounts are reported in US dollars translated at contracted exchange rates.
         
  December 31, 
  Sell
  Sell
 
  2011(i)  2010 
  (millions) 
 
US dollar $235  $315 
Euro  129   157 
Japanese yen  50   64 
(i)Forward exchange contracts range in maturity from 2012 to 2014.
In addition to forward exchange contracts we undertake short-term foreign exchange swaps for liquidity purposes, these are not designated as hedges and do not qualify for hedge accounting. Both the fair value and the year to date gain/loss at December 31, 2011 and 2010 were immaterial.


125


Willis Group Holdings plc
25.  DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES (Continued)
Derivative financial instruments
The table below presents the fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments and their balance sheet classification at December 31:
           
    Fair value 
  Balance sheet
 December 31,
  December 31,
 
Derivative financial instruments designated as hedging instruments: classification 2011  2010 
    (millions) 
 
Assets:          
Interest rate swaps (cash flow hedges) Other assets $15  $17 
Interest rate swaps (fair value hedges) Other assets  26   14 
Forward exchange contracts Other assets  11   16 
           
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments   $52  $47 
           
Liabilities:          
Interest rate swaps (cash flow hedges) Other liabilities $  $2 
Forward exchange contracts Other liabilities  11   10 
           
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments   $11  $12 
           
Cash Flow Hedges
The table below presents the effects of derivative financial instruments in cash flow hedging relationships on the consolidated statements of operations and the consolidated statements of equity for years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010:
                 
            Amount of
 
            gain (loss)
 
       Amount of
    recognized
 
       gain (loss)
    in income
 
  Amount of
    reclassified
    on derivative
 
  gain (loss)
    from
    (ineffective
 
  recognized
    accumulated
  Location of gain (loss)
 hedges and
 
  in OCI(i)
  Location of gain (loss)
 OCI(i) into
  recognized in income
 ineffective
 
  on derivative
  reclassified from
 income
  on derivative (ineffective
 element of
 
Derivatives in cash flow
 (effective
  accumulated OCI(i) into
 (effective
  hedges and ineffective
 effective
 
hedging relationships element)  income (effective element) element)  element of effective hedges) hedges) 
  (millions)    (millions)    (millions) 
 
Year ended December 31, 2011
                
Interest rate swaps $13  Investment income $(14) Other operating expenses $ 
Forward exchange contracts  3  Other operating expenses  (7) Interest expense  (2)
                 
Total $16    $(21)   $(2)
                 
Year ended December 31, 2010
                
Interest rate swaps $15  Investment income $(26) Other operating expenses $ 
Forward exchange contracts    Other operating expenses  20  Interest expense   
                 
Total $15    $(6)   $ 
                 
Year ended December 31, 2009
                
Interest rate swaps $16  Investment income $(27) Other operating expenses $(1)
Forward exchange contracts  25  Other operating expenses  45  Interest expense   
    ��            
Total $41    $18    $(1)
                 
Amounts above shown gross of tax.
(i)OCI means other comprehensive income.


126


Notes to the financial statements
25.  DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES (Continued)
For interest rate swaps all components of each derivative’s gain or loss were included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness. For foreign exchange contracts only the changes in fair value resulting from movements in the spot exchange rate are included in this assessment. In instances where the timing of expected cash flows can be matched exactly to the maturity of the foreign exchange contract, then changes in fair value attributable to movement in the forward points are also included.
At December 31, 2011 the Company estimates there will be $2 million of net derivative gains reclassified from accumulated comprehensive income into earnings within the next twelve months.
Fair Value Hedges
The table below presents the effects of derivative financial instruments in fair value hedging relationships on the consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2011 and 2010. The Company did not have any derivative financial instruments in fair value hedging relationships during 2009.
               
       Loss
  Ineffectiveness
 
    Gain
  recognized
  recognized in
 
  Hedged item in fair value
 recognized
  for hedged
  interest
 
Derivatives in fair value hedging relationships hedging relationship for derivative  item  expense 
    (millions) 
 
Year ended December 31, 2011
              
Interest rate swaps 5.625% senior notes due 2015 $7  $(8) $1 
               
Year ended December 31, 2010
              
Interest rate swaps 5.625% senior notes due 2015 $14  $(12) $(2)
               
All components of each derivative’s gain or loss were included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness.


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Willis Group Holdings plc
26.  FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
The Company’s principal financial instruments, other than derivatives, comprise the fixed rate senior notes, the5-year term loan, a revolving credit facility, fiduciary assets and liabilities, and cash deposits.
The following table presents, for each of the fair-value hierarchy levels, the Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
                 
  December 31, 2011 
  Quoted
          
  prices in
          
  active
          
  markets
  Significant
  Significant
    
  for
  other
  other
    
  identical
  observable
  unobservable
    
  assets  inputs  inputs    
  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total 
     (millions)    
 
Assets at fair value:                
Cash and cash equivalents $436  $  $  $436 
Fiduciary funds (included within Fiduciary assets)  1,688         1,688 
Derivative financial instruments     52      52 
                 
Total assets $2,124  $52  $  $2,176 
                 
Liabilities at fair value:                
Derivative financial instruments $  $11  $  $11 
Changes in fair value of hedged debt(i)
     20      20 
                 
Total liabilities $  $31  $  $31 
                 
(i)Changes in the fair value of the underlying hedged debt instrument since inception of the hedging relationship are included in long-term debt.
                 
  December 31, 2010 
  Quoted
          
  prices in
          
  active
          
  markets
  Significant
  Significant
    
  for
  other
  other
    
  identical
  observable
  unobservable
    
  assets  inputs  inputs    
  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total 
     (millions)    
 
Assets at fair value:                
Cash and cash equivalents $316  $  $  $316 
Fiduciary funds (included within Fiduciary assets)  1,764         1,764 
Derivative financial instruments     47      47 
                 
Total assets $2,080  $47  $  $2,127 
                 
Liabilities at fair value:                
Derivative financial instruments $  $12  $  $12 
Changes in fair value of hedged debt(i)
     12      12 
                 
Total liabilities $  $24  $  $24 
                 
(i)Changes in the fair value of the underlying hedged debt instrument since inception of the hedging relationship are included in long-term debt.


128


Notes to the financial statements
26.  FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Continued)
The estimated fair value of the Company’s financial instruments held or issued to finance the Company’s operations is summarized below. Certain estimates and judgments were required to develop the fair value amounts. The fair value amounts shown below are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that the Company would realize upon disposition nor do they indicate the Company’s intent or ability to dispose of the financial instrument.
                 
  December 31, 
  2011  2010 
  Carrying
  Fair
  Carrying
  Fair
 
  amount  value  amount  value 
     (millions)    
 
Assets:                
Cash and cash equivalents $436  $436  $316  $316 
Fiduciary funds (included within Fiduciary assets)  1,688   1,688   1,764   1,764 
Derivative financial instruments  52   52   47   47 
Liabilities:                
Short-term debt $15  $15  $110  $110 
Long-term debt  2,354   2,499   2,157   2,450 
Derivative financial instruments  11   11   12   12 
The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating its fair value disclosure for financial instruments:
Cash and cash equivalents—The estimated fair value of these financial instruments approximates their carrying values due to their short maturities.
Fiduciary funds—Fair values are based on quoted market values.
Long-term debt excluding the fair value hedge—Fair values are based on quoted market values.
Derivative financial instruments—Market values have been used to determine the fair value of interest rate swaps and forward foreign exchange contracts based on estimated amounts the Company would receive or have to pay to terminate the agreements, taking into account the current interest rate environment or current foreign currency forward rates.
27.  SEGMENT INFORMATION
During the periods presented, the Company operated through 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 large corporations, accessing Global’s specialist expertise when required.
The Company evaluates the performance of its operating segments based on organic commissions and fees growth and operating income. For internal reporting and segmental reporting, the following items for which segmental management are not held accountable are excluded from segmental expenses:
(i)   costs of the holding company;
(ii)  foreign exchange loss from the devaluation of the Venezuelan currency;
(iii)  foreign exchange hedging activities, foreign exchange movements on the UK pension plan asset and foreign exchange gains and losses from currency purchases and sales;


129


Willis Group Holdings plc
27.  SEGMENT INFORMATION (Continued)
(iv)  amortization of intangible assets;
(v)   gains and losses on the disposal of operations;
(vi)  significant legal and regulatory settlements which are managed centrally; and
(vii)  costs associated with the 2011 Operational Review.
The accounting policies of the operating segments are consistent with those described in Note 2 — Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies. 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.
Selected information regarding the Company’s operating segments is as follows:
                             
                    Interest in
 
              Depreciation
     earnings of
 
  Commissions
  Investment
  Other
  Total
  and
  Operating
  associates,
 
  and fees  income  income  revenues  amortization  income  net of tax 
           (millions)          
 
Year ended December 31, 2011
                            
Global $1,073  $9  $  $1,082  $23  $352  $ 
North America  1,314   7   2   1,323   28   271    
International  1,027   15      1,042   18   221   12 
                             
Total Retail  2,341   22   2   2,365   46   492   12 
                             
Total Operating Segments  3,414   31   2   3,447   69   844   12 
Corporate and Other(i)
              73   (278)    
                             
Total Consolidated $3,414  $31  $2  $3,447  $142  $566  $12 
                             
Year ended December 31, 2010
                            
Global $987  $9  $  $996  $18  $320  $ 
North America  1,369   15   1   1,385   23   320    
International  937   14      951   22   226   23 
                             
Total Retail  2,306   29   1   2,336   45   546   23 
                             
Total Operating Segments  3,293   38   1   3,332   63   866   23 
Corporate and Other(i)
              82   (113)    
                             
Total Consolidated $3,293  $38  $1  $3,332  $145  $753  $23 
                             
Year ended December 31, 2009
                            
Global $921  $17  $  $938  $15  $311  $ 
North America  1,381   15   3   1,399   23   328    
International  898   18      916   26   216   33 
                             
Total Retail  2,279   33   3   2,315   49   544   33 
                             
Total Operating Segments  3,200   50   3   3,253   64   855   33 
Corporate and Other(i)
              100   (165)    
                             
Total Consolidated $3,200  $50  $3  $3,253  $164  $690  $33 
                             
(i)See the following table for an analysis of the ‘Corporate and other’ line.


130


Notes to the financial statements
27.  SEGMENT INFORMATION (Continued)
             
  Years ended December 31, 
  2011  2010  2009 
  (millions) 
 
Amortization of intangible assets $(68) $(82) $(100)
Foreign exchange hedging  5   (16)  (42)
Foreign exchange gain (loss) on the UK pension plan asset     3   (6)
HRH integration costs        (18)
Net gain (loss) on disposal of operations  4   (2)  13 
2011 Operational Review  (180)      
FSA regulatory settlement  (11)      
Venezuela currency devaluation     (12)   
Write-off of uncollectible accounts receivable balance in North America  (22)      
Redomicile of parent company costs        (6)
Other(a)
  (6)  (4)  (6)
             
Total Corporate and Other $(278) $(113) $(165)
             
(a)Other includes $12 million (2010: $7 million, 2009: $nil) from the release of funds and reserves related to potential legal liabilities.
The following table reconciles total consolidated operating income, as disclosed in the operating segment tables above, to consolidated income from continuing operations before income taxes and interest in earnings of associates.
             
  Years ended December 31, 
  2011  2010  2009 
  (millions) 
 
Total consolidated operating income $566  $753  $690 
Make-whole on repurchase and redemption of senior notes and write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs  (171)      
Interest expense  (156)  (166)  (174)
             
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and interest in earnings of associates $239  $587  $516 
             
The Company does not currently provide asset information by reportable segment as it does not routinely evaluate the total asset position by segment, and as such, no segmental analysis of assets has been disclosed. Segments are evaluated on organic commissions and fees growth and operating margin.
Operating segment revenue by product is as follows:
                                                 
  Years ended December 31, 
  2011  2010  2009  2011  2010  2009  2011  2010  2009  2011  2010  2009 
  Global  North America  International  Total 
  (millions) 
 
Commissions and fees:                                                
Retail insurance services $  $  $  $1,314  $1,369  $1,381  $1,027  $937  $898  $2,341  $2,306  $2,279 
Specialty insurance services  1,073   987   921                     1,073   987   921 
                                                 
Total commissions and fees  1,073   987   921   1,314   1,369   1,381   1,027   937   898   3,414   3,293   3,200 
Investment income  9   9   17   7   15   15   15   14   18   31   38   50 
Other income           2   1   3            2   1   3 
                                                 
Total Revenues $1,082  $996  $938  $1,323  $1,385  $1,399  $1,042  $951  $916  $3,447  $3,332  $3,253 
                                                 
None of the Company’s customers represented more than 10 percent of the Company’s consolidated commissions and fees for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009.

131


Willis Group Holdings plc
27.  SEGMENT INFORMATION (Continued)
Information regarding the Company’s geographic locations is as follows:
             
  Years Ended December 31, 
  2011  2010  2009 
  (millions) 
 
Commissions and fees(i)
            
UK $963  $902  $859 
US  1,461   1,503   1,508 
Other(ii)
  990   888   833 
             
Total $3,414  $3,293  $3,200 
             
         
  December 31, 
  2011  2010 
  (millions) 
 
Fixed assets        
UK $171  $163 
US  194   178 
Other(ii)
  41   40 
         
Total $406  $381 
         
(i)Commissions and fees are attributed to countries based upon the location of the subsidiary generating the revenue.
.
(ii)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 fixed assets exceed 10 percent of consolidated commissions and fees and/or fixed assets, respectively.
28.  SUBSIDIARY UNDERTAKINGS
The Company has investments in the following subsidiary undertakings which principally affect the net income or net assets of the Group.
A full list of the Group’s subsidiary undertakings is included within the Company’s annual return.
  51  
CountryCEO of
Subsidiary nameregistrationClass of sharePercentage ownership
Holding companies
TAI LimitedEngland and WalesOrdinary shares100%
Trinity Acquisition plcEngland and WalesOrdinary shares100%
Willis Faber LimitedEngland and WalesOrdinary shares100%
Willis Group LimitedEngland and WalesOrdinary shares100%
Willis Investment UK Holdings LimitedEngland and WalesOrdinary shares100%
Willis Netherlands Holdings B.VNetherlandsOrdinary shares100%
Willis Europe B.VEngland and WalesOrdinary shares100%
Insurance broking companies
Willis HRH, Inc. USACommon shares100%
Willis LimitedEngland and WalesOrdinary shares100%
Willis North America, Inc. USACommon shares100%
Willis Re, Inc. USACommon shares100%International


132Biographical Information


Notes toThe following sets forth information about our current executive officers other than Dominic Casserley, the financial statements
29.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR PARENT GUARANTOR, OTHER GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES AND NON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES
Willis North America Inc. (‘Willis North America’) has $350 million senior notes outstanding that were issued on July 1, 2005. Willis North America issued a further $600 million of senior notes on March 28, 2007 and another $300 million on September 29, 2009.
Until December 22, 2010, all direct obligations under the senior notes were jointly and severally, irrevocably and fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Willis Group Holdings, Willis Netherlands Holdings B.V., Willis Investment UK Holdings Limited, TA I Limited, TA II Limited, Trinity Acquisition plc, TA III Limited, TA IV Limited and Willis Group Limited. On that date and in connection with an internal group reorganization, TA II Limited, TA III Limited and TA IV Limited transferred their obligations as guarantors to the other guarantor companies. TA II Limited, TA III Limited and TA IV Limited entered voluntary liquidation on December 31, 2010. The assets of these companies were distributed to the other guarantor companies described below (‘Other Guarantors’), either directly or indirectly, as a final distribution paid prior to their entering voluntary liquidation. As such, these transactions did not have a material impact on the guarantees of the senior notes and did not require the consent of the noteholders under the applicable indentures.
The debt securities that were issued by Willis North America and guaranteed by the entities described above, and for which the disclosuresCompany’s CEO, whose qualifications are set forth below relate and are required under applicable SEC rules, were issued under a ‘shelf’ registration statement onForm S-3, including our current June 2009 registration statement (the ‘Willis Shelf’).
Presented below is condensed consolidating financial information for:
(i)   Willis Group Holdings, which is a guarantor, on a parent company only basis;
(ii)  the Other Guarantors, which are all 100 percent directly or indirectly owned subsidiaries of the parent and are all direct or indirect parents of the issuer;
(iii)  the Issuer, Willis North America;
(iv)  Other, which are the non-guarantor subsidiaries, on a combined basis;
(v)   Consolidating adjustments; and
(vi)  the Consolidated Company.
The equity method has been used for investments in subsidiaries in the condensed consolidating balance sheets for the year ended December 31, 2011 of Willis Group Holdings, the Other Guarantors and the Issuer. Investments in subsidiaries in the condensed consolidating balance sheet for Other, represents the cost of investment in subsidiaries recorded in the parent companies of the non-guarantor subsidiaries.
The entities included in the Other Guarantors column for the year ended December 31, 2011 are Willis Netherlands Holdings B.V., Willis Investment UK Holdings Limited, Trinity Acquisition plc, TA I Limited and Willis Group Limited.


133

above.


Willis Group Holdings plc
29.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR PARENT GUARANTOR, OTHER GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES AND NON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES (Continued)
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
                         
  Year ended December 31, 2011 
  Willis
                
  Group
  The Other
  The
     Consolidating
    
  Holdings  Guarantors  Issuer  Other  adjustments  Consolidated 
        (millions)       
 
                         
REVENUES                        
Commissions and fees $  $  $  $3,414  $  $3,414 
Investment income     11   2   29   (11)  31 
Other income           24   (22)  2 
                         
Total revenues     11   2   3,467   (33)  3,447 
                         
EXPENSES                        
Salaries and benefits  (3)     (69)  (2,015)     (2,087)
Other operating expenses  (17)  32   (98)  (571)  (2)  (656)
Depreciation expense        (14)  (60)     (74)
Amortization of intangible assets           (74)  6   (68)
Net gain on disposal of operations           7   (3)  4 
                         
Total expenses  (20)  32   (181)  (2,713)  1   (2,881)
                         
OPERATING (LOSS) INCOME  (20)  43   (179)  754   (32)  566 
Investment income from Group undertakings  35   406   341   (157)  (625)   
Make-whole on repurchase and redemption of senior notes and write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs     (171)           (171)
Interest expense  (34)  (251)  (159)  (332)  620   (156)
                         
(LOSS) INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND INTEREST IN EARNINGS OF ASSOCIATES  (19)  27   3   265   (37)  239 
Income taxes     56   27   (117)  2   (32)
                         
(LOSS) INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INTEREST IN EARNINGS OF ASSOCIATES  (19)  83   30   148   (35)  207 
Interest in earnings of associates, net of tax           4   8   12 
                         
(LOSS) INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS  (19)  83   30   152   (27)  219 
Discontinued operations, net of tax           1      1 
                         
NET (LOSS) INCOME  (19)  83   30   153   (27)  220 
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests           (16)     (16)
EQUITY ACCOUNT FOR SUBSIDIARIES  223   91   (66)     (248)   
                         
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS $204  $174  $(36) $137  $(275) $204 
                         


134


Notes to the financial statements
29.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR PARENT GUARANTOR, OTHER GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES AND NON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES (Continued)
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
                         
  Year Ended December 31, 2010 
  Willis
                
  Group
  The Other
  The
     Consolidating
    
  Holdings  Guarantors  Issuer  Other  adjustments  Consolidated 
        (millions)       
 
REVENUES                        
Commissions and fees $  $  $  $3,293  $  $3,293 
Investment income     10   2   36   (10)  38 
Other income           1      1 
                         
Total revenues     10   2   3,330   (10)  3,332 
                         
EXPENSES                        
Salaries and benefits        (65)  (1,818)  15   (1,868)
Other operating expenses  335   (10)  (45)  (825)  (19)  (564)
Depreciation expense        (9)  (54)     (63)
Amortization of intangible assets           (82)     (82)
Net (loss) gain on disposal of operations  (347)        350   (5)  (2)
                         
Total expenses  (12)  (10)  (119)  (2,429)  (9)  (2,579)
                         
OPERATING (LOSS) INCOME  (12)     (117)  901   (19)  753 
Investment income from Group undertakings     1,683   356   952   (2,991)   
Interest expense     (423)  (157)  (374)  788   (166)
                         
(LOSS) INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND INTEREST IN EARNINGS OF ASSOCIATES  (12)  1,260   82   1,479   (2,222)  587 
Income taxes     16   29   (186)  1   (140)
                         
(LOSS) INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INTEREST IN EARNINGS OF ASSOCIATES  (12)  1,276   111   1,293   (2,221)  447 
Interest in earnings of associates, net of tax           16   7   23 
                         
(LOSS) INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS  (12)  1,276   111   1,309   (2,214)  470 
                         
NET (LOSS) INCOME  (12)  1,276   111   1,309   (2,214)  470 
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests           (15)     (15)
EQUITY ACCOUNT FOR SUBSIDIARIES  467   (823)  (76)     432    
                         
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS $455  $453  $35  $1,294  $(1,782) $455 
                         


135


Willis Group Holdings plc
29.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR PARENT GUARANTOR, OTHER GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES AND NON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES (Continued)
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
                         
  Year ended December 31, 2009 
  Willis
                
  Group
  The Other
  The
     Consolidating
    
  Holdings  Guarantors  Issuer  Other  adjustments  Consolidated 
        (millions)       
 
REVENUES                        
Commissions and fees $  $  $  $3,200  $  $3,200 
Investment income        4   46      50 
Other income           3      3 
                         
Total revenues        4   3,249      3,253 
                         
EXPENSES                        
Salaries and benefits        (28)  (1,803)  9   (1,822)
Other operating expenses     57   (34)  (617)  4   (590)
Depreciation expense        (8)  (56)     (64)
Amortization of intangible assets           (100)     (100)
Net gain on disposal of operations           13      13 
                         
Total expenses     57   (70)  (2,563)  13   (2,563)
                         
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)     57   (66)  686   13   690 
Investment income from Group undertakings     917   492   504   (1,913)   
Interest expense     (415)  (173)  (346)  760   (174)
                         
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND INTEREST IN EARNINGS OF ASSOCIATES     559   253   844   (1,140)  516 
Income taxes     (5)  20   (110)  1   (94)
                         
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INTEREST IN EARNINGS OF ASSOCIATES     554   273   734   (1,139)  422 
Interest in earnings of associates, net of tax           33      33 
                         
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS     554   273   767   (1,139)  455 
Discontinued operations, net of tax           4      4 
                         
NET INCOME     554   273   771   (1,139)  459 
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests           (4)  (17)  (21)
EQUITY ACCOUNT FOR SUBSIDIARIES  438   (156)  (30)     (252)   
                         
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS $438  $398  $243  $767  $(1,408) $438 
                         


136


Notes to the financial statements
29.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR PARENT GUARANTOR, OTHER GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES AND NON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES (Continued)
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
                         
  As at December 31, 2011 
  Willis
                
  Group
  The Other
  The
     Consolidating
    
  Holdings  Guarantors  Issuer  Other  adjustments  Consolidated 
        (millions)       
 
ASSETS                        
CURRENT ASSETS                        
Cash and cash equivalents $  $  $163  $273  $  $436 
Accounts receivable, net  2      3   877   28   910 
Fiduciary assets           9,941   (603)  9,338 
Deferred tax assets     1      43      44 
Other current assets  1   52   21   271   (86)  259 
                         
Total current assets  3   53   187   11,405   (661)  10,987 
                         
Investments in subsidiaries  (1,023)  3,778   1,482   3,848   (8,085)   
Amounts owed by (to) Group undertakings  4,354   (4,716)  476   (114)      
NON-CURRENT ASSETS                        
Fixed assets, net     4   59   345   (2)  406 
Goodwill           1,704   1,591   3,295 
Other intangible assets, net           435   (15)  420 
Investments in associates           (45)  215   170 
Deferred tax assets           22      22 
Pension benefits asset           145      145 
Other non-current assets  5   170   43   192   (127)  283 
                         
Total non-current assets  5   174   102   2,798   1,662   4,741 
                         
TOTAL ASSETS $3,339  $(711) $2,247  $17,937  $(7,084) $15,728 
                         
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES                        
Fiduciary liabilities $  $  $  $9,941  $(603) $9,338 
Deferred revenue and accrued expenses  2         318      320 
Income taxes payable     40      30   (55)  15 
Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt     11      4      15 
Deferred tax liabilities        1   25      26 
Other current liabilities  56   11   57   185   (27)  282 
                         
Total current liabilities  58   62   58   10,503   (685)  9,996 
                         
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES                        
Long-term debt  795   289   1,270         2,354 
Liabilities for pension benefits           270      270 
Deferred tax liabilities     5   35   (9)  1   32 
Provisions for liabilities           198   (2)  196 
Other non-current liabilities     9   9   345      363 
                         
Total non-current liabilities  795   303   1,314   804   (1)  3,215 
                         
TOTAL LIABILITIES $853  $365  $1,372  $11,307  $(686) $13,211 
                         
EQUITY                        
Total Willis Group Holdings stockholders’ equity  2,486   (1,076)  875   6,599   (6,398)  2,486 
Noncontrolling interests           31      31 
                         
Total equity  2,486   (1,076)  875   6,630   (6,398)  2,517 
                         
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY $3,339  $(711) $2,247  $17,937  $(7,084) $15,728 
                         


137


Willis Group Holdings plc
29.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR PARENT GUARANTOR, OTHER GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES AND NON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES (Continued)
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
                         
  As at December 31, 2010 
  Willis
                
  Group
  The Other
  The
     Consolidating
    
  Holdings  Guarantors  Issuer  Other  adjustments  Consolidated 
        (millions)       
 
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS                        
Cash and cash equivalents $  $  $76  $240  $  $316 
Accounts receivable, net  2         809   28   839 
Fiduciary assets           10,167   (598)  9,569 
Deferred tax assets        1   35    �� 36 
Other current assets     23   57   293   (33)  340 
                         
Total current assets  2   23   134   11,544   (603)  11,100 
                         
Investments in subsidiaries  (1,039)  3,814   1,455   3,855   (8,085)   
Amounts owed by (to) Group undertakings  3,659   (4,590)  1,002   (71)      
NON-CURRENT ASSETS                        
Fixed assets, net        52   330   (1)  381 
Goodwill           1,696   1,598   3,294 
Other intangible assets, net           492      492 
Investments in associates           (51)  212   161 
Deferred tax assets           7      7 
Pension benefits asset           182      182 
Other non-current assets     166   41   149   (123)  233 
                         
Total non-current assets     166   93   2,805   1,686   4,750 
                         
TOTAL ASSETS $2,622  $(587) $2,684  $18,133  $(7,002) $15,850 
                         
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES                        
Fiduciary liabilities $  $  $  $10,167  $(598) $9,569 
Deferred revenue and accrued expenses  1         297      298 
Income taxes payable           69   (12)  57 
Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt        110         110 
Deferred tax liabilities     3   1   5      9 
Other current liabilities  44   15   38   189   (20)  266 
                         
Total current liabilities  45   18   149   10,727   (630)  10,309 
                         
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES                        
Long-term debt     500   1,653   4      2,157 
Liabilities for pension benefits           167      167 
Deferred tax liabilities     3   26   54      83 
Provisions for liabilities           183   (4)  179 
Other non-current liabilities     10   16   321      347 
                         
Total non-current liabilities     513   1,695   729   (4)  2,933 
                         
TOTAL LIABILITIES $45  $531  $1,844  $11,456  $(634) $13,242 
                         
EQUITY                        
Total Willis Group Holdings stockholders’ equity  2,577   (1,118)  840   6,646   (6,368)  2,577 
Noncontrolling interests           31      31 
                         
Total equity  2,577   (1,118)  840   6,677   (6,368)  2,608 
                         
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY $2,622  $(587) $2,684  $18,133  $(7,002) $15,850 
                         


138


Notes to the financial statements
29.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR PARENT GUARANTOR, OTHER GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES AND NON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES (Continued)
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
                         
  Year ended December 31, 2011 
  Willis
                
  Group
  The Other
  The
     Consolidating
    
  Holdings  Guarantors  Issuer  Other  adjustments  Consolidated 
        (millions)       
 
NET CASH (USED IN) PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES $(41) $184  $88  $1,269  $(1,061) $439 
                         
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES                        
Proceeds on disposal of fixed and intangible assets           13      13 
Purchases of fixed assets     (4)  (21)  (86)     (111)
Acquisitions of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired           (10)     (10)
Acquisitions of investments in associates           (2)     (2)
Investment in Trident V Parallel Fund, LP           (5)     (5)
Proceeds from sale of discontinued operations, net of cash disposed           14      14 
                         
Net cash used in investing activities     (4)  (21)  (76)     (101)
                         
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES                        
Repayments on revolving credit facility        (90)        (90)
Senior notes issued  794               794 
Debt issuance costs  (7)  (5)           (12)
Proceeds from issue term loan     300            300 
Repayments of debt     (500)  (411)        (911)
Make-whole on repurchase and redemption of senior notes     (158)           (158)
Proceeds from issue of shares  60               60 
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangement           5      5 
Amounts owed (to) by Group undertakings  (626)  187   521   (82)      
Dividends paid  (180)        (1,061)  1,061   (180)
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests     (4)     (5)     (9)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests           (13)     (13)
                         
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities  41   (180)  20   (1,156)  1,061   (214)
                         
INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS        87   37      124 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents           (4)     (4)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR        76   240      316 
                         
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR $  $  $163  $273  $  $436 
                         


139


Willis Group Holdings plc
29.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR PARENT GUARANTOR, OTHER GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES AND NON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES (Continued)
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
                         
  Year Ended December 31, 2010 
  Willis
                
  Group
  The Other
  The
     Consolidating
    
  Holdings  Guarantors  Issuer  Other  adjustments  Consolidated 
        (millions)       
 
NET CASH (USED IN) PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES $(9) $1,170  $83  $1,572  $(2,327) $489 
                         
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES                        
Proceeds on disposal of fixed and intangible assets           10      10 
Additions to fixed assets        (7)  (76)     (83)
Acquisitions of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired           (21)     (21)
Acquisitions of investments in associates           (1)     (1)
Investment in Trident V Parallel Fund, LP           (1)     (1)
Proceeds from sale of continuing operations, net of cash disposed           2      2 
                         
Net cash used in investing activities        (7)  (87)     (94)
                         
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES                        
Proceeds from draw down of revolving credit facility        90         90 
Repayments of debt        (200)  (9)     (209)
Proceeds from issue of shares  36               36 
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangement           2      2 
Amounts owed by (to) Group undertakings  106   (317)  6   205       
Dividends paid  (133)  (849)     (1,521)  2,327   (176)
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests     (4)     (6)     (10)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests           (26)     (26)
                         
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities  9   (1,170)  (104)  (1,355)  2,327   (293)
                         
(DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS        (28)  130      102 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents           (7)     (7)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR        104   117      221 
                         
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR $  $  $76  $240  $  $316 
                         


140


Notes to the financial statements
29.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR PARENT GUARANTOR, OTHER GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES AND NON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES (Continued)
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
                         
  Year Ended December 31, 2009 
  Willis
                
  Group
  The Other
  The
     Consolidating
    
  Holdings  Guarantors  Issuer  Other  adjustments  Consolidated 
        (millions)       
 
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES $  $867  $390  $27  $(865) $419 
                         
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES                        
Proceeds on disposal of fixed and intangible assets           20      20 
Additions to fixed assets        (17)  (79)     (96)
Acquisitions of investments in associates           (42)     (42)
Proceeds from reorganization of investments in associates           155      155 
Proceeds from sale of continuing operations, net of cash disposed           4      4 
Proceeds from sale of discontinued operations, net of cash disposed           40      40 
Proceeds on sale of short-term investments           21      21 
                         
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities        (17)  119      102 
                         
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES                        
Repayments of debt        (1,090)  1      (1,089)
Senior notes issued     500   300         800 
Debt issuance costs     (18)  (4)        (22)
Proceeds from issue of shares           18      18 
Amounts owed by and to Group undertakings     (646)  525   121       
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements           1      1 
Dividends paid     (703)     (336)  865   (174)
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests           (33)     (33)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests           (17)     (17)
                         
Net cash used in financing activities     (867)  (269)  (245)  865   (516)
                         
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS        104   (99)     5 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents           11      11 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR           205      205 
                         
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR $  $  $104  $117  $  $221 
                         


141


Willis Group Holdings plc
30.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR PARENT ISSUER, GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES ANDNON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES
The Company may offer debt securities, preferred stock, ordinary stock and other securities pursuant to the Willis Shelf. On March 17, 2011, the Company issued senior notes totaling $800 million under its existing registration statement. These debt securities are issued by Willis Group Holdings (‘Holdings Debt Securities’) and are guaranteed by certain of the Company’s subsidiaries. Therefore, the Company is providing the condensed consolidating financial information below. The following 100 percent directly or indirectly owned subsidiaries fully and unconditionally guarantee the Holdings Debt Securities on a joint and several basis: Willis Netherlands Holdings B.V., Willis Investment UK Holdings Limited, TA I Limited, Trinity Acquisition plc, Willis Group Limited and Willis North America (the ‘Guarantors’).
The guarantor structure described above differs from the guarantor structure associated with the senior notes issued by Willis North America (the ‘Willis North America Debt Securities’) (and for which condensed consolidating financial information is presented in Note 29) in that Willis Group Holdings is the Parent Issuer and Willis North America is a subsidiary guarantor.
Presented below is condensed consolidating financial information for:
(i)   Willis Group Holdings, which is the Parent Issuer;
(ii)  the Guarantors, which are all 100 percent directly or indirectly owned subsidiaries of the parent;
(iii)  Other, which are the non-guarantor subsidiaries, on a combined basis;
(iv)  Consolidating adjustments; and
(v)   the Consolidated Company.
The equity method has been used for investments in subsidiaries in the condensed consolidating balance sheets for the year ended December 31, 2011 of Willis Group Holdings and the Guarantors. Investments in subsidiaries in the condensed consolidating balance sheet for Other, represents the cost of investment in subsidiaries recorded in the parent companies of the non-guarantor subsidiaries.
The entities included in the Guarantors column for the year ended December 31, 2011 are Willis Netherlands Holdings B.V., Willis Investment UK Holdings Limited, TA I Limited, Trinity Acquisition plc, Willis Group Limited and Willis North America.


142


Notes to the financial statements
30.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR PARENT ISSUER, GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES ANDNON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES (Continued)
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
                     
  Year ended December 31, 2011 
  Willis
             
  Group
             
  Holdings —
             
  the Parent
  The
     Consolidating
    
  Issuer  Guarantors  Other  adjustments  Consolidated 
  (millions) 
 
REVENUES                    
Commissions and fees $  $  $3,414  $  $3,414 
Investment income     13   29   (11)  31 
Other income        24   (22)  2 
                     
Total revenues     13   3,467   (33)  3,447 
                     
EXPENSES                    
Salaries and benefits  (3)  (69)  (2,015)     (2,087)
Other operating expenses  (17)  (66)  (571)  (2)  (656)
Depreciation expense     (14)  (60)     (74)
Amortization of intangible assets        (74)  6   (68)
Net gain on disposal of operations        7   (3)  4 
                     
Total expenses  (20)  (149)  (2,713)  1   (2,881)
                     
OPERATING (LOSS) INCOME  (20)  (136)  754   (32)  566 
Investment income from Group undertakings  35   747   (157)  (625)   
Make-whole on repurchase and redemption of senior notes and write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs     (171)        (171)
Interest expense  (34)  (410)  (332)  620   (156)
                     
(LOSS) INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND INTEREST IN EARNINGS OF ASSOCIATES  (19)  30   265   (37)  239 
Income taxes     83   (117)  2   (32)
                     
(LOSS) INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INTEREST IN EARNINGS OF ASSOCIATES  (19)  113   148   (35)  207 
Interest in earnings of associates, net of tax        4   8   12 
                     
(LOSS) INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS  (19)  113   152   (27)  219 
Discontinued operations, net of tax        1      1 
                     
NET (LOSS) INCOME  (19)  113   153   (27)  220 
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests        (16)     (16)
EQUITY ACCOUNT FOR SUBSIDIARIES  223   61      (284)   
                     
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS $204  $174  $137  $(311) $204 
                     


143


Willis Group Holdings plc
30.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR PARENT ISSUER, GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES ANDNON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES (Continued)
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
                     
  Year Ended December 31, 2010 
  Willis
             
  Group
             
  Holdings —
             
  the Parent
  The
     Consolidating
    
  Issuer  Guarantors  Other  adjustments  Consolidated 
  (millions) 
 
REVENUES                    
Commissions and fees $  $  $3,293  $  $3,293 
Investment income     12   36   (10)  38 
Other income        1      1 
                     
Total revenues     12   3,330   (10)  3,332 
                     
EXPENSES                    
Salaries and benefits     (65)  (1,818)  15   (1,868)
Other operating expenses  335   (55)  (825)  (19)  (564)
Depreciation expense     (9)  (54)     (63)
Amortization of intangible assets        (82)     (82)
Net (loss) gain on disposal of operations  (347)     350   (5)  (2)
                     
Total expenses  (12)  (129)  (2,429)  (9)  (2,579)
                     
OPERATING (LOSS) INCOME  (12)  (117)  901   (19)  753 
Investment income from Group undertakings     2,039   952   (2,991)   
Interest expense     (580)  (374)  788   (166)
                     
(LOSS) INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND INTEREST IN EARNINGS OF ASSOCIATES  (12)  1,342   1,479   (2,222)  587 
Income taxes     45   (186)  1   (140)
                     
(LOSS) INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INTEREST IN EARNINGS OF ASSOCIATES  (12)  1,387   1,293   (2,221)  447 
Interest in earnings of associates, net of tax        16   7   23 
                     
(LOSS) INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS  (12)  1,387   1,309   (2,214)  470 
                     
NET (LOSS) INCOME  (12)  1,387   1,309   (2,214)  470 
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests        (15)     (15)
EQUITY ACCOUNT FOR SUBSIDIARIES  467   (934)     467    
                     
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS $455  $453  $1,294  $(1,747) $455 
                     


144


Notes to the financial statements
30.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR PARENT ISSUER, GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES ANDNON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES (Continued)
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
                     
  Year Ended December 31, 2009 
  Willis
             
  Group
             
  Holdings —
             
  the Parent
  The
     Consolidating
    
  Issuer  Guarantors  Other  adjustments  Consolidated 
  (millions) 
 
REVENUES                    
Commissions and fees $  $  $3,200  $  $3,200 
Investment income     4   46      50 
Other income        3      3 
                     
Total revenues     4   3,249      3,253 
                     
EXPENSES                    
Salaries and benefits     (28)  (1,803)  9   (1,822)
Other operating expenses     23   (617)  4   (590)
Depreciation expense     (8)  (56)     (64)
Amortization of intangible assets        (100)     (100)
Net gain on disposal of operations        13      13 
                     
Total expenses     (13)  (2,563)  13   (2,563)
                     
OPERATING (LOSS) INCOME     (9)  686   13   690 
Investment income from Group undertakings     1,409   504   (1,913)   
Interest expense     (588)  (346)  760   (174)
                     
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND INTEREST IN EARNINGS OF ASSOCIATES     812   844   (1,140)  516 
Income taxes     15   (110)  1   (94)
                     
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INTEREST IN EARNINGS OF ASSOCIATES     827   734   (1,139)  422 
Interest in earnings of associates, net of tax        33      33 
                     
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS     827   767   (1,139)  455 
Discontinued operations, net of tax        4      4 
                     
NET INCOME     827   771   (1,139)  459 
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests        (4)  (17)  (21)
EQUITY ACCOUNT FOR SUBSIDIARIES  438   (429)     (9)   
                     
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS $438  $398  $767  $(1,165) $438 
                     


145


Willis Group Holdings plc
30.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR PARENT ISSUER, GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES ANDNON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES (Continued)
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
                     
  As at December 31, 2011 
  Willis
             
  Group
             
  Holdings —
             
  the Parent
  The
     Consolidating
    
  Issuer  Guarantors  Other  adjustments  Consolidated 
  (millions) 
 
ASSETS                    
CURRENT ASSETS                    
Cash and cash equivalents $  $163  $273  $  $436 
Accounts receivable, net  2   3   877   28   910 
Fiduciary assets        9,941   (603)  9,338 
Deferred tax assets     1   43      44 
Other current assets  1   73   271   (86)  259 
                     
Total current assets  3   240   11,405   (661)  10,987 
                     
Investments in subsidiaries  (1,023)  4,385   3,848   (7,210)   
Amounts owed by (to) Group undertakings  4,354   (4,240)  (114)      
NON-CURRENT ASSETS                    
Fixed assets, net     63   345   (2)  406 
Goodwill        1,704   1,591   3,295 
Other intangible assets, net        435   (15)  420 
Investments in associates        (45)  215   170 
Deferred tax assets        22      22 
Pension benefits asset        145      145 
Other non-current assets  5   213   192   (127)  283 
                     
Total non-current assets  5   276   2,798   1,662   4,741 
                     
                     
TOTAL ASSETS $3,339  $661  $17,937  $(6,209) $15,728 
                     
                     
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY                    
                     
CURRENT LIABILITIES                    
Fiduciary liabilities $  $  $9,941  $(603) $9,338 
Deferred revenue and accrued expenses  2      318      320 
Income taxes payable     40   30   (55)  15 
Short-term debt and current portion on long-term debt     11   4      15 
Deferred tax liabilities     1   25      26 
Other current liabilities  56   68   185   (27)  282 
                     
Total current liabilities  58   120   10,503   (685)  9,996 
                     
                     
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES                    
Long-term debt  795   1,559         2,354 
Liabilities for pension benefits        270      270 
Deferred tax liabilities     40   (9)  1   32 
Provisions for liabilities        198   (2)  196 
Other non-current liabilities     18   345      363 
                     
Total non-current liabilities  795   1,617   804   (1)  3,215 
                     
TOTAL LIABILITIES $853  $1,737  $11,307  $(686) $13,211 
                     
EQUITY                    
Total Willis Group Holdings stockholders’ equity  2,486   (1,076)  6,599   (5,523)  2,486 
Noncontrolling interests        31      31 
                     
Total equity  2,486   (1,076)  6,630   (5,523)  2,517 
                     
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY $3,339  $661  $17,937  $(6,209) $15,728 
                     


146


Notes to the financial statements
30.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR PARENT ISSUER, GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES ANDNON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES (Continued)
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
                     
  As at December 31, 2010 
  Willis
             
  Group
             
  Holdings —
             
  the Parent
  The
     Consolidating
    
  Issuer  Guarantors  Other  adjustments  Consolidated 
  (millions) 
 
ASSETS                    
CURRENT ASSETS                    
Cash and cash equivalents $  $76  $240  $  $316 
Accounts receivable, net  2      809   28   839 
Fiduciary assets        10,167   (598)  9,569 
Deferred tax assets     1   35      36 
Other current assets     80   293   (33)  340 
                     
Total current assets  2   157   11,544   (603)  11,100 
                     
Investments in subsidiaries  (1,039)  4,429   3,855   (7,245)   
Amounts owed by (to) Group undertakings  3,659   (3,588)  (71)      
NON-CURRENT ASSETS                    
Fixed assets, net     52   330   (1)  381 
Goodwill        1,696   1,598   3,294 
Other intangible assets, net        492      492 
Investments in associates        (51)  212   161 
Deferred tax assets        7      7 
Pension benefits asset        182      182 
Other non-current assets     207   149   (123)  233 
                     
Total non-current assets     259   2,805   1,686   4,750 
                     
TOTAL ASSETS $2,622  $1,257  $18,133  $(6,162) $15,850 
                     
                     
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY                    
                     
CURRENT LIABILITIES                    
Fiduciary liabilities $  $  $10,167  $(598) $9,569 
Deferred revenue and accrued expenses  1      297      298 
Income taxes payable        69   (12)  57 
Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt     110         110 
Deferred tax liabilities     4   5      9 
Other current liabilities  44   53   189   (20)  266 
                     
Total current liabilities  45   167   10,727   (630)  10,309 
                     
                     
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES                    
Long-term debt     2,153   4      2,157 
Liabilities for pension benefits        167      167 
Deferred tax liabilities     29   54      83 
Provisions for liabilities        183   (4)  179 
Other non-current liabilities     26   321      347 
                     
Total non-current liabilities     2,208   729   (4)  2,933 
                     
TOTAL LIABILITIES $45  $2,375  $11,456  $(634) $13,242 
                     
EQUITY                    
Total Willis Group Holdings stockholders’ equity  2,577   (1,118)  6,646   (5,528)  2,577 
Noncontrolling interests        31      31 
                     
Total equity  2,577   (1,118)  6,677   (5,528)  2,608 
                     
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY $2,622  $1,257  $18,133  $(6,162) $15,850 
                     


147


Willis Group Holdings plc
30.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR PARENT ISSUER, GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES ANDNON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES (Continued)
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
                     
  Year Ended December 31, 2011 
  Willis
             
  Group
             
  Holdings —
             
  the Parent
  The
     Consolidating
    
  Issuer  Guarantors  Other  adjustments  Consolidated 
  (millions) 
 
NET CASH (USED IN) PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES $(41) $272  $1,269  $(1,061) $439 
                     
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES                    
Proceeds on disposal of fixed and intangible assets        13      13 
Purchases of fixed assets     (25)  (86)     (111)
Acquisitions of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired        (10)     (10)
Acquisitions of investments in associates        (2)     (2)
Investment in Trident V Parallel Fund, LP        (5)     (5)
Proceeds from sale of discontinued operations, net of cash disposed        14      14 
                     
Net cash used in investing activities     (25)  (76)     (101)
                     
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES                    
Repayments on revolving credit facility     (90)        (90)
Senior notes issued  794            794 
Debt issuance costs  (7)  (5)        (12)
Proceeds from issue term loan     300         300 
Repayments of debt     (911)        (911)
Make-whole on repurchase and redemption of senior notes     (158)        (158)
Proceeds from issue of shares  60            60 
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangement        5      5 
Amounts owed (to) by Group undertakings  (626)  708   (82)��     
Dividends paid  (180)     (1,061)  1,061   (180)
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests     (4)  (5)     (9)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests        (13)     (13)
                     
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities  41   (160)  (1,156)  1,061   (214)
                     
INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS     87   37      124 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents        (4)     (4)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR     76   240      316 
                     
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR $  $163  $273  $  $436 
                     


148


Notes to the financial statements
30.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR PARENT ISSUER, GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES ANDNON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES (Continued)
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
                     
  Year Ended December 31, 2010 
  Willis
             
  Group
             
  Holdings —
             
  the Parent
  The
     Consolidating
    
  Issuer  Guarantors  Other  adjustments  Consolidated 
  (millions) 
 
NET CASH (USED IN) PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES $(9) $1,253  $1,572  $(2,327) $489 
                     
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES                    
Proceeds on disposal of fixed and intangible assets        10      10 
Additions to fixed assets     (7)  (76)     (83)
Acquisitions of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired        (21)     (21)
Acquisitions of investments in associates        (1)     (1)
Investment in Trident V Parallel Fund, LP        (1)     (1)
Proceeds from sale of continuing operations, net of cash disposed        2      2 
                     
Net cash used in investing activities     (7)  (87)     (94)
                     
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES                    
Proceeds from draw down of revolving credit facility     90         90 
Repayments of debt     (200)  (9)     (209)
Proceeds from issue of shares  36            36 
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangement        2      2 
Amounts owed by (to) Group undertakings  106   (311)  205       
Dividends paid  (133)  (849)  (1,521)  2,327   (176)
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests     (4)  (6)     (10)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests        (26)     (26)
                     
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities  9   (1,274)  (1,355)  2,327   (293)
                     
(DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS     (28)  130      102 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents        (7)     (7)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR     104   117      221 
                     
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR $  $76  $240  $  $316 
                     


149


Willis Group Holdings plc
30.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR PARENT ISSUER, GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES ANDNON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES (Continued)
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
                     
  Year Ended December 31, 2009 
  Willis
             
  Group
             
  Holdings —
             
  the Parent
  The
     Consolidating
    
  Issuer  Guarantors  Other  adjustments  Consolidated 
  (millions) 
 
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING
ACTIVITIES
 $  $1,257  $27  $(865) $419 
                     
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES                    
Proceeds on disposal of fixed and intangible assets        20      20 
Additions to fixed assets     (17)  (79)     (96)
Acquisitions of investments in associates        (42)     (42)
Proceeds from reorganization of investments in associates        155      155 
Proceeds from sale of continuing operations, net of cash disposed        4      4 
Proceeds from sale of discontinued operations, net of cash disposed        40      40 
Proceeds on sale of short-term investments        21      21 
                     
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities     (17)  119      102 
                     
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES                    
Repayments of debt     (1,090)  1      (1,089)
Senior notes issued     800         800 
Debt issuance costs     (22)        (22)
Proceeds from issue of shares        18      18 
Amounts owed by (to) Group undertakings     (121)  121       
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements        1      1 
Dividends paid     (703)  (336)  865   (174)
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests        (33)     (33)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests        (17)     (17)
                     
Net cash used in financing activities     (1,136)  (245)  865   (516)
                     
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS     104   (99)     5 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents        11      11 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR        205      205 
                     
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR $  $104  $117  $  $221 
                     


150


Notes to the financial statements
31.  QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
Quarterly financial data for 2011 and 2010 were as follows:
                 
  Three Months Ended 
  March 31,  June 30,  September 30,  December 31, 
  (millions, except per share data) 
 
2011
                
Total revenues $1,007  $861  $760  $819 
Total expenses  (768)  (705)  (670)  (738)
Net income  42   89   60   29 
Net income attributable to Willis Group Holdings  34   85   60   25 
Earnings per share — continuing operations                
— Basic $0.20  $0.49  $0.35  $0.14 
— Diluted $0.20  $0.48  $0.34  $0.14 
Earnings per share — discontinued operations                
— Basic $  $  $  $ 
— Diluted $  $  $  $��
                 
2010
                
Total revenues $971  $797  $731  $833 
Total expenses  (669)  (629)  (625)  (656)
Net income  211   91   65   103 
Net income attributable to Willis Group Holdings  204   89   64   98 
Earnings per share — continuing operations                
— Basic $1.21  $0.52  $0.38  $0.57 
— Diluted $1.21  $0.51  $0.37  $0.57 
Earnings per share — discontinued operations                
— Basic $  $  $  $ 
— Diluted $  $  $  $ 


151


Willis Group Holdings plc
Item 9 — Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A — Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of December 31, 2011, 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 ActRule 13a-15(e). Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Group Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of that date, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as defined inRule 13a-15(e) are effective.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined inRule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on the criteria related to internal control over financial reporting described inInternal Control — Integrated Frameworkissued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our evaluation, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2011.
Our independent registered public accountants, Deloitte LLP, who have audited and reported on our financial statements, have undertaken an assessment of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Deloitte’s report is presented below.
February 29, 2012.


152


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company, Dublin, Ireland
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established inInternal Control — Integrated Frameworkissued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board of directors, management, and other personnel 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. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on the criteria established inInternal Control — Integrated Frameworkissued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2011 of the Company and our report dated February 29, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.
/s/ Deloitte LLP
London, United Kingdom
February 29, 2012


153


Wills Group Holdings plc
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There has been no change in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting during the three months ended December 31, 2011 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Item 9B — Other Information
The information set forth in Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Executive Summary — 2011 Operational Review” is incorporated herein by reference.


154


Directors and Officers
PART III
Item 10—Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Except for the information regarding executive officers (other than Joseph J. Plumeri) required by Item 401 ofRegulation S-K which is set forth below, as of February 17, 2012, we incorporate the information required by this item by reference to the headings ‘Election of Directors’, ‘Corporate Governance’, ‘Section 16 Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance’ and ‘Ethical Code’ in our 2012 Proxy Statement.
Celia Brown — Ms. Brown, age 57,59, was appointed an executive officer on January 23, 2012. Ms. Brown joined the Willis Group in 2010 and serves as the Willis Group Human Resources Director. Prior to joining the Willis Group, Ms. Brown spent over 20 years at XL Group plc where she held a number of senior roles. Ms. Brown served from 2006 to 2009 as the Executive Vice President, Head of Global HR and Corporate Relations at XL Group plc. Following XL Group plc, Ms. Brown formed an independent management consultancy, providing human resources services tonot-for-profit, corporate and individual clients.

Adam G. Ciongoli — Mr. Ciongoli, age 43, was appointed an executive officer and Group General Counsel on March 26, 2007. He was appointed Group Secretary on August 1, 2009. Prior to joining the Willis Group, he served as a counselor and law clerk to US Supreme Court Justice Samuel A. Alito, Jr. during the Justice’s first Term on the Court. Previously, Mr. Ciongoli was Senior Vice President and General Counsel for TimeWarner Europe, and the Counselor to United States Attorney General John Ashcroft. Mr. Ciongoli also serves as a special consultant to the New York City Police Department, and as an adjunct professor of law at Columbia University Law School.

PeterStephen Hearn — Mr. Hearn, age 56, was appointed an executive officer on April 10, 2007. Mr. Hearn joined the Willis Group in January 1994 as a Senior Vice President to open and manage the Philadelphia office and was appointed Eastern Region Manager in October 1994 and Executive Vice President in 1997. In 2006, Mr. Hearn was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Willis Re and in 2011 he was appointed Chairman of Willis Re. Prior to joining Willis, Mr. Hearn served as Vice President and Principal of Towers Perrin Reinsurance. Mr. Hearn has 32 years of experience in the insurance brokerage industry.
Stephen Hearn — Mr. Hearn, age 45,46, was appointed an executive officer on January 1, 2012. Mr. Hearn joined the Willis Group in 2008 and was named Chairman and CEO of Willis Global in 2011.2011 and Group Deputy CEO in 2013. Since joining the Willis Group, Mr. Hearn has served as Chairman of Special Contingency Risk, Chairman of Willis Facultative and Chairman and CEO of Glencairn Limited. From 2009 until 2011 he led Faber & Dumas, Global Markets International and Willis Facultative. Prior to joining the Willis Group, Mr. Hearn served as Chairman and CEO of the Glencairn Group Limited and as President and CEO of Marsh Affinity Europe.

Victor P. Krauze — Mr. Krauze, age 52,53, was appointed an executive officer on December 3, 2010 and named Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Willis North America. Previously, Mr. Krauze was President and Chief Operating Officer for Willis North America, a position in which he had served since 2009. Mr. Krauze has also served as President/CEO for Willis’ Minnesota operations, National Partner of the Great Lakes region and Regional Executive Officer (National Partner) of Willis’ Central Region. Prior to joining Willis in 1997, Mr. Krauze gained experience as a casualty marketing specialist with another major global broker where his early roles included Producerproducer and Account Executive.account executive. Mr. Krauze has over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry.

Michael K. Neborak — Mr. Neborak, age 55,56, was appointed an executive officer and Group Chief Financial Officer on July 6, 2010. Mr. Neborak joined Willis from MSCI Inc., a NYSE listed company, where he was Chief Financial Officer. With more than 30 years of experience in finance and accounting, Mr. Neborak also held senior positions with Citigroup, including divisional CFO and co-head of Corporate Strategy & Business Development, from 2000 - 2006, and prior to that, in the investment banking group at Salomon Smith Barney from 1982 - 2000. He began his career as an accountant with Arthur Andersen & Co.


155


Willis Group Holdings plc
Martin J. SullivanAdam L. Rosman — Mr. Sullivan,Rosman, age 57,47, was appointed Group General Counsel on May 7, 2012 and is responsible for legal, corporate secretary, compliance, audit and risk management. He joined Willis in 2009 and served for three years as the company’s Deputy Group General Counsel, responsible for Willis’ worldwide legal operations. Before joining Willis, Adam was Senior Vice President and Associate General Counsel at Cablevision Systems Corporation in Bethpage, NY, and before that he was a partner at the Washington D.C.-based law firm of Zuckerman Spaeder LLP, where he advised public companies and senior executives on a range of topics, including Sarbanes-Oxley. Between 1997 and 2003, Adam was an Assistant United States Attorney in Washington, D.C., where he prosecuted a wide range of matters. He also worked in 2000-2001 as Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy Staff Secretary for President Clinton.

Timothy D. Wright — Mr. Wright, age 51, was appointed an executive officer on September 7, 2010. Mr. Sullivan joined Willis as Deputy Chairman, Willis Group Holdings plc,in 2008 and Chairman andin 2012 was appointed CEO of Willis Global Solutions, which oversees the brokerage and risk management advisory services for Willis’ multinational and global accounts. Mr. Sullivan previously served as President and Chief Executive Officer of American International Group, Inc. (“AIG”), from2005-2008 and was Vice Chairman and Co-Chief Operating Officer from May 2002 until March 2005. He first joined AIG in the UK in 1971 and in the intervening years served in a number of positions of increasing responsibility, culminating in his election as Senior Vice President, Foreign General Insurance in 1996 and Executive Vice President, Foreign General Insurance in 1998. In 1996, he was appointed Chief Operating Officer of AIU in New York and named President in 1997.

Sarah J. Turvill — Ms. Turvill, age 58, was appointed an executive officer on July 1, 2001. Ms. Turvill joined the Willis Group in May 1978 and has held a number of senior management roles in our international business, particularly in Europe where she was Managing Director from 1995 to 2001. Ms. Turvill is currently Chief Executive Officer of Willis International, a position she has held since July 2001, and was additionally appointed Chairman in November 2006. She has 31 years of experience in the insurance brokerage industry, all of which have been with the Willis Group.
Timothy D. Wright —International. Mr. Wright age 50, was appointed an executive officer andserved as Group Chief Operating Officer on September 1, 2008.from 2008 to 2012. Prior to joining the Willis Group, he was a Partner of Bain & Company where he led their Financial Services practice in London. Mr. Wright was previously UK Managing Partner of Booz Allen & Hamilton and led their insurance work globally. He has more than 20 years of experience in the insurance and financial service industries internationally.

Corporate Governance

The Board’s Committees

The Committees and its members, as of April 24, 2013, are described below in further detail:

Audit
Committee
Compensation
Committee
Governance
Committee
Risk
Committee
Executive
Committee

Joseph A. Califano*

XX

Dominic Casserley

X

Anna C. Catalano

XX

Sir Roy Gardner

CX

Sir Jeremy Hanley

X, F

Robyn S. Kravit

X

Jeffrey B. Lane*

X

Wendy E. Lane

X, FCX

James F. McCann

XC, PX

Joseph J. Plumeri*

X

Douglas B. Roberts

C, FX

Michael J. Somers

X

Jeffrey W. Ubben

N

CCommittee Chairman
FFinancial Expert
XCommittee Member
PPresiding Independent Director
NIf elected, it is expected that the Board will appoint director nominee Mr. Ubben to the Risk Committee.
*Messrs. Califano and Lane have elected not to stand for re-election to the Board at the 2013 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders. Messrs. Califano and Lane will serve out their remaining terms on the Board and their respective Committees until the conclusion of the 2013 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders. Mr. Plumeri will retire from the Board and the Committee on which he serves on July 7, 2013.

TheExecutive Committee has the full powers, authorities and discretions of the Board of the Directors, when it is not in session, in the management of the business and affairs of the Company, except as otherwise provided in the resolutions of the Board and under applicable law. The Executive Committee, currently consists of Joseph J. Plumeri (Chairman), Dominic Casserley, James McCann, Joseph A. Califano, Sir Roy Gardner, Wendy E. Lane and Douglas Roberts and did not hold any meetings in 2012. Mr. Plumeri will retire from the Board on July 7, 2013.

TheAudit Committee assists the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities with respect to:

The integrity of the Company’s financial statements;


The selection and oversight of the independent auditors;

The Company’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements;

The independent auditors’ qualifications and independence;

The performance of the independent auditors and the Company’s internal audit function;

The establishment and maintenance of proper internal accounting controls and procedures; and

The treatment of employees’ concerns regarding accounting or auditing matters as reported under the Company’s whistleblower policy.

In addition, the Audit Committee provides an avenue for communication among internal audit, the independent auditors, management and the Board. The Audit Committee also focuses on major financial risk exposures, the steps management has taken to monitor and control such risks, and, if appropriate, discusses with the independent auditor the guidelines and policies governing the process by which senior management and the relevant departments of the Company assess and manage the Company’s financial risk exposure. The Audit Committee operates under a charter, a copy of which can

156be found in the Investor Relations — Corporate Governance section of the Company’s website atwww.willis.com. The Audit Committee currently consists of Douglas B. Roberts (Chairman), Sir Jeremy Hanley, Robyn S. Kravit and Wendy E. Lane and met formally eight times during 2012. In addition to holding formal meetings, the Audit Committee members met informally during the course of the year to discuss and review financial matters related to the Company as well as the Company’s filings with the SEC. After regularly scheduled meetings, the Committee also meets in executive session, which includes meetings with management, the internal auditors and external auditors. Mr. Roberts, Sir Jeremy Hanley and Ms. Lane are considered to be Audit Committee Financial Experts in light of their financial experience described in their biographies above.

TheCompensation Committee determines the Company’s CEO’s compensation and recommends to the Board the compensation of other executive officers and non-employee directors. In addition, the Compensation Committee oversees the administration of the Company’s share-based award plans and, in consultation with senior management, establishes the Company’s general compensation philosophy and oversees the development and implementation of the Company’s compensation programs. In connection with those objectives, the Compensation Committee is also responsible for:

Reviewing and approving annually performance goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of the CEO and other executive officers and evaluating their performance in light of those goals and objectives;

Reviewing and approving compensation policies applicable to the senior management of the Company;

Making recommendations to the Board on the Company’s existing and proposed incentive compensation plans and equity-based plans and overseeing the administration of these plans;

In consultation with senior management, overseeing regulatory compliance with respect to compensation matters;

Reviewing and discussing with senior management the Compensation Discussion and Analysis and approving its inclusion in the Company’s Proxy Statement and Annual Report on Form 10-K;

Reviewing the results of the “say-on-pay” proposals included in the Proxy Statement and the appropriate response;

Annually evaluating the independence of its compensation consultants, legal counsel or other advisors taking into consideration the factors enumerated in the NYSE listing standards and evaluating whether any conflict of interest exists with respect to its Compensation Consultant; and

Reviewing an assessment of compensation risk to determine whether any material risks were deemed to be likely to arise from the Company’s compensation policies and programs, what mitigating factors are in place, and whether these risks would be reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on its business.

The Compensation Committee operates under a charter, a copy of which can be found in the Investor Relations — Corporate Governance section of the Company’s website atwww.willis.com. The Compensation Committee is currently comprised of Wendy E. Lane (Chairman), Jeffrey B. Lane and James F. McCann and met formally six times during 2012. In addition to holding formal meetings, the Compensation Committee members met informally during the course of the year to discuss compensation related matters and acted from time to time by unanimous written consent. After regularly scheduled meetings, the Committee also meets in executive session, which includes meetings with its Compensation Consultant.

TheRisk Committee is responsible for assisting the Board in:

Monitoring oversight of the Company’s enterprise risk management;

Overseeing, on the basis of proposals from management, the creation, and subsequent iteration, of a framework, for approval by the Board, in relation to the management of risk;

Reviewing the adequacy of the Company’s resources to perform its risk management responsibilities;

Reviewing the activities of the Company’s Enterprise Risk Management Committee (“ERMC”), as well as reviewing and approving annually the Company’s Enterprise Risk Management Policy;


Meeting with the chairman and/or other members of the Company’s ERMC and Audit Committee, as needed or advisable, to discuss the Company’s corporate risk management framework and/or related areas; and

Reviewing and recommending any major transactions or decisions affecting the Company’s risk profile or exposure.

The Risk Committee operates under a charter, a copy of which can be found in the Investor Relations — Corporate Governance section of the Company’s website atwww.willis.com. The Risk Committee currently consists of Sir Roy Gardner (Chairman), Anna C. Catalano and Michael J. Somers and met formally five times in 2012. After regularly scheduled meetings, the Committee also meets in executive session.

TheCorporate Governance and Nominating Committee is responsible for assisting the Board in:

Directors’

Developing and auditors’ remunerationrecommending director independence standards to the Board and periodically reviewing those standards;

Developing and recommending to the Board the director selection process for identifying, considering and recommending candidates to the Board and director qualification standards for use in selecting new nominees and periodically reviewing the process and standards;

Recommending to the Board the nominees to stand for election as directors at the next annual shareholder meeting and in the event of director vacancies;

Recommending to the Board, from time to time, changes the Committee believes is desirable to the size of the Board or any Committee thereof;

Recommending to the independent and non-management directors a nominee for Presiding Independent Director and recommending to the Board nominees and chairman for each Board Committee;

Recommending changes to the Board, from time to time, to the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines;

Reviewing the appropriateness of continued service on the Board of members whose circumstances have changed or who contemplate accepting a directorship to another company or an appointment to an audit committee of another company;

Administering and overseeing, on behalf of the Board, the evaluation process for the overall effectiveness of the Board (including the effectiveness of the Committees); and

Assisting the Board in reviewing succession plans prepared by management for all senior management.

The Governance Committee identifies potential director nominees by preparing a candidate profile based upon the current Board’s strengths and needs and from a variety of sources, including engaging search firms or utilizing business contacts of the Board and senior management. Nominees must meet minimum qualification standards with respect to a variety of criteria including integrity, reputation, judgment, experience, maturity, skills and personality, commitment and independence. The Governance Committee may also take into consideration additional factors it deems appropriate, which may include skill, experience with business and other organizations, the interplay of the candidate’s experience with the experience of other Board members and the extent to which the candidate would be a desirable addition to the Board and any committee thereof.

With feedback from the Board members, members of the Governance Committee initiate contact with preferred candidates and, following feedback from interviews conducted by Governance Committee and Board members, recommend candidates to join the Board. The Governance Committee has the authority to retain a search firm to assist with this process. The Governance Committee considers candidates nominated by shareholders and ensures that such nominees are given appropriate consideration in the same manner as other candidates.

The Governance Committee operates under a charter, a copy of which can be found in the Investor Relations — Corporate Governance section of the Company’s website atwww.willis.com. The Governance Committee currently consists of James

McCann (Chairman), Joseph A. Califano and Anna C. Catalano and met formally five times during 2012. After regularly scheduled meetings, the Committee also meets in executive session. Mr. McCann was appointed Chairman of the Governance Committee on October 17, 2012 upon Senator Bradley’s resignation from that role.

2012 Amendments to the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines

In 2012, based on the recommendation of the Governance Committee’s recommendation, the Board amended the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines to include, among other things, the following policies:

Requiring the CEO to seek approval of the Governance Committee before serving on any other public company board;

Restricting directors (other than the CEO who is further restricted as noted above) from serving on the boards of more than 3 publicly-traded companies in addition to the Company’s Board;

Requiring a director who experiences materially changed circumstances to offer his or her resignation from the Board; and

Prohibiting directors and executive officers from having margin accounts and pledging Company shares.

Our Corporate Governance Guidelines and all Board Committee Charters can be found in the Investor Relations — Corporate Governance section of our website atwww.willis.com. Copies are also available free of charge on request from the Company Secretary, Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company, c/o Office of General Counsel, One World Financial Center, 200 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10281-1033.

Ethical Code

The Company has adopted an Ethical Code applicable to all our directors, officers and employees, including our CEO, the Group Chief Financial Officer, the Group Financial Controller and all those involved in the Company’s accounting functions. Our Ethical Code can be found in the Investor Relations — Corporate Governance section of our website atwww.willis.com. A copy is also available free of charge on request from the Company Secretary, c/o Office of the General Counsel, Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company, One World Financial Center, 200 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10281-1033. The Company intends to post on its website any amendments to, or waivers of, a provision of its Ethical Code in accordance with Item 406 of Regulation S-K.

Section 16 Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the Company’s executive officers and directors, and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of the Company’s equity securities, to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership (Forms 3, 4 and 5) with the SEC and the NYSE. Executive officers, directors and such security holders are required by SEC regulation to furnish the Company with copies of all such forms which they file. To the Company’s knowledge, based solely on a review of the copies of such reports furnished to the Company and information provided by the reporting persons, all of its directors and executive officers made all required filings on time during 2012 with the exception of one delinquent report on Form 4 reporting the sale of 29,000 shares by Sarah Turvill on May 1, 2012.

Item 11 — Executive Compensation

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

The following is an overview and analysis of the Compensation Committee’s philosophy and objectives in designing compensation programs for the Group CEO, the Group CFO, and the Company’s three other most highly compensated executive officers, collectively our “named executive officers.” For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, our named executive officers were:

Joseph Plumeri (2012 CEO);

Michael Neborak (Group CFO);

Stephen Hearn (CEO and Chairman, Willis Global);

Timothy Wright (CEO, Willis International); and

Victor Krauze (CEO and Chairman, Willis North America).

Mr. Plumeri resigned as CEO on January 6, 2013 but remained as Chairman of the Board. He will retire as Chairman on July 7, 2013. Mr. Dominic Casserley became the current CEO of the Company, effective January 7, 2013. Mr. Hearn was appointed Deputy CEO, effective January 1, 2013.

1.0Executive Summary of our Named Executive Officer 2012 Compensation

1.1.Background

The Compensation Committee establishes, implements, and monitors the Company’s compensation programs, philosophy, and objectives. The Committee has two primary objectives: (1) to attract and retain highly qualified executives in the competitive marketplace in which the Company operates; and (2) to create appropriate incentives for our executives to improve their individual performance. To achieve these objectives, the Compensation Committee evaluates and sets the total compensation for each of our named executive officers – base salary, annual incentive compensation, and long-term incentive compensation – considering the scope of the named executive officer’s role, level of expertise, individual performance, Company performance, and compensation paid to similarly-situated executives in our peer group companies. To assist the Compensation Committee in all aspects of the named executive officer and the Company’s compensation program, the Compensation Committee has retained Towers Watson as its independent compensation consultant.

The Compensation Committee spent significant time in 2012 reviewing, evaluating, and re-designing our named executive officer compensation program, partly in response to the “say-on-pay” vote at our 2012 Annual General Meeting. While a majority of shareholders approved our 2012 compensation program, the percentage approval was down considerably from 2011 (54% compared to 94%). Although this vote was non-binding, the Board and Compensation Committee wanted to understand why the approval rate was low, especially because our named executive officer compensation program remained essentially unchanged from 2011 to 2012.

Accordingly, at the Board’s and Compensation Committee’s direction, management reached out to the Company’s shareholders to understand their concerns. We learned that there was no single area of shareholder concern. Rather, our shareholders expressed a variety of concerns, not all of which related to compensation and included disappointment in the Company’s financial performance, concern about the level of CEO compensation relative to that performance (structured pursuant to his 2010 employment contract), use of guaranteed bonuses, the use of the same financial metrics for short-term and long-term incentive awards, use of non-traditional share ownership guidelines, and the lack of prohibitions against directors and executive officers entering into margin accounts and pledging shares.

The Committee and Board considered the results of the vote, the various viewpoints expressed by our shareholders and market factors, and adopted several changes to Company policies and our named executive officer compensation program, including:

Revising the Company’s financial metrics for its 2013 annual incentive compensation awards and performance-based long-term incentive awards to emphasize both short-term and long-term financial performance. The annual and long-term incentive awards will have different metrics, all of which will be key drivers to increase cash flow and, therefore, important constituents of shareholder value enhancement.

Confirming our philosophy that incentive pay should be performance driven and not guaranteed. Accordingly, unless there are compelling circumstances (i.e., on a limited basis, in connection with new hires), the Compensation Committee will not approve guaranteed incentive awards.

Lowering our new CEO’s total target pay package by 26% compared to Mr. Plumeri and lowering his amount of fixed pay by almost 45%.

1.2The Company’s 2012 Financial Performance and Named Executive Officer Compensation

2012 was characterized by an ongoing challenging macroeconomic environment, especially in two of our key geographic regions, Western Europe and North America. Reported EPS was ($2.58) and Adjusted EPS was $2.58 ($2.52 excluding the impact of foreign exchange) and our reported Operating Margin was (6.0%) and Adjusted Operating Margin was 21.6% (20.9% excluding the impact of foreign exchange). This compares to 2011 reported EPS of $1.15 and Adjusted EPS of $2.74 and reported Operating Margin of 16.4% and Adjusted Operating Margin of 22.5%. We refer to organic growth in commissions and fees, Adjusted EPS and Adjusted Operating Margin, which are Non-GAAP financial measures. A reconciliation of our GAAP to Non-GAAP financial information can be found in Exhibit A.

In a difficult environment, however, the Company also delivered the following:

1.3% reported commissions and fees growth and 3.1% organic commissions and fees growth;

Significant improvement in the Company’s financial performance in the fourth quarter, with 7.5% organic commissions and fees growth (representing the best organic growth result in over six years) and improved Adjusted Operating Margin by 40 basis points; and

Substantive progress on key growth initiatives (pipelines development and management, producer retention, and recruitment) and operational initiatives (Financial Transformation Project, global brokerage systems, global placement system).

While these results showed positive momentum moving into 2013, they did not meet established incentive targets, and, accordingly, the payout of our named executive officers’ 2012 annual incentive compensation awards was below target.

Mr. Plumeri’s annual incentive compensation award was calculated under the heading ‘Executive Compensation’terms of his 2010 employment agreement, and was based on the Company’s performance measured by growth in Adjusted EPS (for 50% of the award) and Adjusted Operating Margin (for the remaining 50%). The Committee set “threshold,” “target” and “stretch” payout goals of 250%, 375% and 500%, respectively, of his base salary. After the 2012 budget had been approved, however, because of slow EPS growth compared to 2011, Mr. Plumeri proposed and the Compensation Committee agreed, to reduce his target payout from 375% to 250%. Based on the Company’s performance in 2012, Mr. Plumeri was awarded an annual incentive compensation award of $905,963, representing 24% of his original target payout and 36% of his revised target payout.

The annual incentive compensation awards for our four other named executive officers were based on a combination of the Company’s performance (60%) and individual and business unit performance (40%)1. Based on that formula, the annual incentive compensation awards to our named executive officers were as follows:

Michael Neborak was awarded $528,000, representing 88% of his target payout.

Stephen Hearn was awarded £815,000 (or $1,291,775), representing 93% of his target payout.

Timothy Wright was awarded £775,000 (or $1,228,375), representing 89% of his target payout.

Victor Krauze was awarded $910,000. While he does not have a formal annual incentive compensation award target, this represents 74% of the target used for Messrs. Hearn and Wright.

Each named executive officer also received long-term incentive awards. Based on the Company’s financial performance, the performance-based portion of the awards were reduced to 88% of the grant value. As a result, the value of the 2012 long-term incentive awards for our named executive officers were as follows: Joseph Plumeri ($5,280,000); Michael Neborak ($940,000); Stephen Hearn £1,304,732 (or $2,068,000); Timothy Wright £889,590 (or $1,410,000); and Victor Krauze ($1,128,000). Stephen Hearn also received 6,500 restricted stock units in connection with his promotion to Chairman and CEO of Willis Global.

2.0The Company’s Named Executive Officer Compensation Program

The Compensation Committee is responsible for establishing, implementing and monitoring the Company’s compensation programs, philosophy and objectives. The Company has two primary objectives in designing compensation programs for our named executive officers: (1) to attract and retain highly qualified and talented executives and professionals in the highly competitive marketplace in which the Company operates (which includes large financial services companies); and (2) to create appropriate incentives for our executives to improve their individual performance with the objective of improving the Company’s long-term performance, thereby creating value and wealth for our shareholders. Against those objectives, we consider each named executive officer’s total compensation in the context of compensation paid to similarly-situated executives in our peer group companies, the scope of the role, the individual’s level of expertise and other market factors, and the performance of the individual, his or her business unit and the Company.

2.1Compensation Committee Consultant

The Compensation Committee has the independent authority to hire external consultants and, accordingly, has retained Towers Watson since April 2011 to provide advice to the Compensation Committee on all matters related to the senior executives’ compensation and compensation programs. The Compensation Committee has the independent authority to terminate Towers Watson’s services at its discretion. Representatives from Towers Watson attended all of the Compensation Committee’s regularly scheduled meetings in 2012.

Towers Watson reports directly to the Compensation Committee and provides data on U.S. and U.K. executive compensation trends in the sectors in which the Company competes for senior executive talent as well as the broader market. In 2012 Proxy Statementand 2013, Towers Watson advised the Compensation Committee on the redesign of the named executive officer compensation program and, in particular, the compensation package of Mr. Casserley, the Company’s new CEO, and certain changes to the compensation packages for the Company’s other executive officers. Towers Watson also assists with selecting appropriate peer companies and assessing non-employee director compensation. The fees paid to Towers Watson in 2012 for these services totaled $167,866.

The Compensation Committee uses the data and analysis provided by Towers Watson to better ensure that the Company’s compensation practices are consistent with the Company’s compensation philosophy and objectives for both the amount and composition of executive compensation, including that of the CEO. Based on the data and analysis provided by Towers Watson as well as information from management and outside counsel, the

1

The Company performance portion (60%) was calculated measuring Adjusted EPS against a target of $2.74 (50%) and Adjusted Operating Margin against a target of 21.8% (50%).

Compensation Committee applies business judgment in recommending compensation awards, taking into account the dynamic nature of the insurance sector internationally and the adaptability and response required by the Company’s leadership to manage significant changes that arise during the course of a year.

Before its appointment as the consultant to the Compensation Committee in 2011, Towers Watson had been providing investment advisory services for the Company’s UK pension plan and was engaged directly by the fiduciary trustees of the plan. These trustees operate independently of the Company’s management. In addition, Towers Watson also provides human resource consulting services to certain of the Company’s subsidiaries (the majority of which are international subsidiaries where Towers Watson was hired by local management). The additional services provided to the Company’s significant subsidiaries totaled $957,181 for 2012, of which $854,462 related to the services provided for UK pension plan and $102,719 related to the human resource consulting services. The decision to engage Towers Watson for the human resource consulting services before 2011 was originally approved by management and since that time the Compensation Committee has reviewed and approved such services. None of the Towers Watson representatives that advise the Compensation Committee provide any other services to the Company’s subsidiaries. The Compensation Committee determined that those services, based on the independence factors specified in the NYSE listing rules, produced no conflicts of interest.

2.2Analysis of Alignment of Pay and Performance

In advance of the impending requirement under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, the Compensation Committee directed Towers Watson to analyze the alignment of total executive officers’ pay in relation to the Company’s performance as compared to the peer companies’ performance over a three-year performance measurement period (2009 – 2011). We evaluated our named executive officers’ performance over this period using the following key metrics: total shareholder return, Adjusted EPS growth and Adjusted Operating Margin. This performance was then compared to “realizable/earned pay,” which is incorporated hereindefined as the actual value of compensation earned for the three-year measurement period and includes base pay, annual incentive compensation paid, “in the money” value of stock option grants, market value of time-vested RSUs and market/cash value of performance based awards. The analysis indicated in aggregate a strong alignment between our executive officers’ realizable/earned pay (62nd percentile of our peer group) and the Company’s composite performance over the three-year measurement (75th percentile of our peer group) period.

2.3Peer Group and Market Data

As providers of insurance brokerage and risk consultancy services, we have no direct competitors of comparable financial size in our marketplace. However, we compete for talent with brokers of all sizes, with insurance carriers, and with companies in other financial services sectors. Accordingly, to assist the Compensation Committee in judging the reasonableness of its compensation recommendations, we typically use data related to a group of peer companies in the insurance sector, some of whom do not directly operate as insurance brokers.

The Compensation Committee reviews its peer group on an annual basis to ensure that it remains reasonable and justifiable. It seeks to avoid changes unless there is some significant rationale. The 2012 peer group, which has remained unchanged from 2010, was approved by reference. Nothingthe Compensation Committee following a review by Towers Watson and subsequent discussions between the Compensation Committee, Towers Watson and management. The peer group is a combination of large and small insurance brokers and insurance carriers and consists of:

Insurance BrokersInsurance Carriers

AON plc

Ace Limited

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

Arch Capital Group Limited

Brown & Brown Inc.

Axis Capital Holdings Limited

Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group plc

The Chubb Corporation

Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.

XL Group plc

Our executive officers are based in both the United States and the United Kingdom. The country of each executive officer’s primary location is taken into account when reviewing and determining his or her annual base salary and, particularly, benefits.

In order to attract and retain exceptional senior executives, the Compensation Committee generally sets the executive officer’s base salary at the median but evaluates the executive officer’s total compensation (defined as base salary, annual incentive compensation and long-term incentive compensation) in the context of compensation paid to similarly-situated executives in our peer group companies, considering the scope of the role, the individual’s level of expertise and other market factors as well as both the performance of the individual and the Company.

The Compensation Committee reviews each element of compensation separately, as well as the total compensation of named executive officers. Compensation differences among the named executive officers reflect their different roles, their contributions, and the different market pay relating to those roles.

2.4Redesign of Our Named Executive Officer Compensation for 2013 in Response to Advisory Vote

At our 2012 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, a majority of votes (72,159,795 votes or approximately 54%) were cast in favor of the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers. Although this report shall be construed to incorporate by referencevote was non-binding, the Board and the Compensation Committee sought to understand why the approval rate was low, especially because our executive pay program had remained substantially the same as the program that received 94% support the previous year. Accordingly, at the Board and Compensation Committee’s request and under their guidance, management began an outreach program to the Company’s shareholders to gather feedback and enable the Board and the Compensation Committee to better understand shareholder concerns.

We solicited feedback through a survey and direct outreach to shareholders representing approximately 73% of the Company’s shares. We then engaged in substantial discussions with investors representing over 40% of our outstanding shares. During these discussions, we learned that there was no single area of shareholder concern. Rather, our shareholders expressed a variety of concerns, not all of which related to compensation and included disappointment in the Company’s financial performance, concern about the level of CEO compensation relative to that performance (structured pursuant to his 2010 employment contract), use of guaranteed bonuses, the use of the same financial metrics for short-term and long-term incentive awards, use of non-traditional share ownership guidelines, and the lack of prohibitions against directors and executive officers entering into margin accounts and pledging shares.

The Board and Compensation Committee considered the vote results and the viewpoints expressed by shareholders through the Company’s outreach efforts and, as a result, with input from their outside advisors, adopted several changes to Company policies and to the Company’s executive compensation program. It is important to note, however, that most of these changes did not take effect until 2013 and therefore will not be reflected until our 2014 Proxy Statement. The Board and Compensation Committee, with assistance from management, responded to the outreach program by:

Seeking advice from its independent compensation consultant, Towers Watson, regarding the design of its new CEO compensation package, including the level of pay relative to the market, the mix of fixed to variable pay components and the relationship of the CEO’s pay level compared to the other named executive officers’ compensation.

Revising Company financial metrics for its annual incentive compensation awards and performance-based long-term incentive awards to differentiate between and to emphasize both short-term and long-term financial performance.

For annual incentive compensation awards for 2013, the Board and the Compensation Committee replaced previously used metrics, Adjusted EPS and Adjusted Operating Margin, with organic commissions and fees growth and Adjusted EBITDA. The Board selected those metrics because they believe they are key drivers of increasing cash flow and, therefore, important constituents of shareholder value enhancement. Additionally, Adjusted EBITDA (which excludes the impact of non-cash expenses, depreciation and amortization) is an appropriate short-term metric because it measures cash-based operating income and ensures that appropriate investment in the Company is encouraged.

For the long-term incentive compensation awards for 2013, the Board and the Compensation Committee eliminated the one-year performance period targets and adopted three-year performance period targets to encourage sustained financial performance. They also replaced previously used metrics, Adjusted EPS and Adjusted Operating Margin, with organic commissions and fees growth and Adjusted EBIT (modified by a cost of capital charge for acquisitions or a cost of capital credit for dispositions made during the performance period). Adjusted EBIT (modified as described above) is an appropriate long-term metric because it provides management accountability for investment decisions (mergers and acquisitions and capital expenditures) over time.

Adopting a strict policy prohibiting directors and executive officers from entering into margin accounts or pledging shares.

Confirming our philosophy that incentive pay should be performance driven and not guaranteed. Accordingly, unless there are material and compelling circumstances (i.e., on a limited basis, in connection with new hires), the Compensation Committee will not approve guaranteed incentive awards. As discussed further below, our new Chief Executive Officer’s compensation does not include any guaranteed annual incentive compensation awards.

Revising our executive officer share ownership guidelines to require each executive officer to own shares equivalent in value to a multiple of his or her base salary, as set forth below:

Position

Multiple

Group CEO

6.0 x base salary

Executive Officers Leading Major Business Units and Group CFO

3.0 x base salary

Other Executive Officers

2.0 x base salary

Executives are required to retain at least 50% of shares received under equity award programs until the ownership guidelines are met.

Finally, as discussed below, we changed the design of our new CEO’s compensation.

In January 2013, the Board appointed Dominic Casserley as the Company’s new CEO. The Company recruited Mr. Casserley from McKinsey & Company, where he led McKinsey’s Greater China Practice and its UK and Ireland Practice and served as a senior partner and member of the firm’s global board. Consistent with the Compensation Committee’s and Board’s compensation philosophy for 2013 and beyond, we structured the CEO compensation as follows:

Lowered the CEO’s total target pay package by over 25% compared to Mr. Plumeri resulting in less disparity between the compensation of the CEO and other named executive officers.

Lowered the CEO’s amount of fixed pay by almost 45%, increased the proportion of long-term incentive compensation relative to annual incentive compensation, as illustrated below, and added a cap on his annual incentive compensation awards.

Provided the CEO, as a transition payment, with a one-time sign-on cash award of $1,500,000, which will not be paid until the start of his second year of service. We believed this payment was reasonable and consistent with market practice given that our CEO was moving from McKinsey & Company’s all-cash based compensation system to a system that combines cash and equity.

Provided that the CEO’s 2013 annual incentive compensation awards, if any, will be paid partially in equity.

Revised the CEO’s 2013 annual incentive compensation award to be based 80% on the Company’s financial metrics and 20% on strategic goals, with no guaranteed payment.

Continued the practice of providing a double trigger for accelerating vesting of the CEO’s equity upon a change of control.

2.5Summary Chart of the Components of Our Named Executive Officers Compensation

The chart below sets forth the main components, objectives, key features and details of our named executive officer compensation program. It also highlights certain features adopted by the Compensation Committee in response to the Company’s shareholder outreach program that will be included within our 2013 named executive officer compensation and reflected in the 2014 proxy. As discussed in more detail in Section 3.0, the three components of our named executive officers’ compensation are: base salary, annual incentive compensation, and long-term incentive compensation.

ComponentObjectiveKey Features/DetailForward-Looking Changes

BASE SALARY

(Fixed)

•        Provide secure base of cash compensation

•        Attract and retain highly talented executives

•        Positioned at/around median level in our peer group companies

•        Salary adjustments made only to reflect changes in responsibilities or when competitive market conditions warrant

•        Lowered the CEO’s amount of fixed pay by almost 45%.

ANNUAL INCENTIVE COMPENSATION

(Variable)

•        Incent and reward executive officer contribution in generating:

•        strong financial performance at Company

•        strong financial/strategic performance at their business/functional unit

•        Retain strong performers

•        Provide annual performance-driven wealth creation

•        Awards for the CEO were based 100% and awards for the other named executive officers were based 60% on the Company’s performance against established targets for certain financial metrics(1)(2) that include:

•        Adjusted Operating Margin

•        Adjusted EPS

•        Paid entirely in the form of cash(3)

•        Payout determined using annual incentive sliding scale that incorporated symmetrical relationship between performance and payouts

•        Company financial metrics had a higher performance threshold for the CEO than the other named executive officers and the pool established for other employees (resulting in a zero payout to Mr. Plumeri with respect to the Adjusted EPS measure)

•        The Company utilized a high ratio of variable pay to fixed pay to tie compensation to performance. For example, because performance metrics were not achieved, Mr. Plumeri’s annual incentive award was reduced to 24% of his original target payout and 36% of his reduced target payout.

•        Annual incentive compensation awards for 2013 performance period will be determined using new revenue and profit metrics(4):

•        Organic Commissions and Fees Growth

•        Adjusted EBITDA

•        Compensation Committee confirmed its philosophy that incentive pay should be performance driven and not guaranteed(5)

•        Company financial metrics have a higher performance threshold for the CEO and other named executive officers than the pool established for other employees

•        A cap has been added to the CEO’s annual incentive compensation awards

•        For the CEO, lowered the proportion of target annual incentive compensation relative to long-term incentive compensation

LONG-TERM INCENTIVE COMPENSATION

(Variable)

•        Align executive officers’ interests with those of our shareholders

•        Incent long-term decision making

•        Reward exceptional performance by executive officers

•        Retain strong performers

•        Grants made in the form of

•        performance-based RSUs

•        time-based options

•        time-based RSUs

•        Earned performance-based RSUs were based on the Company’s performance against established targets for certain financial
metrics
(2)(3) that include:

•        Adjusted Operating Margin

•        Adjusted EPS

•        Earned performance-based RSUs were determined using long-term incentive sliding scale that incorporates symmetrical relationship between performance and payouts

•        Dividends were not payable on any performance-based RSUs

•        Earned performance portion of 2013 long-term incentive compensation will be determined using new revenue and profitmetrics that are different from annual incentive compensation metrics(4):

•        Organic Commissions and Fees Growth

•        Adjusted EBIT (with Cost of Capital Modifier)

•        2013 Long-Term Incentive Program will include three-year performance period to better reflect pay for long-term performance

•        For CEO, increased the proportion of long-term incentive compensation relative to annual incentive compensation

(1)These financial metrics represented how the Company manages its profitability (Adjusted Operating Margin) and enhances growth in shareholder value (Adjusted EPS).
(2)These financial metrics were the same for all employees in the Company and its subsidiaries, who received annual incentive compensation awards or performance-based equity.
(3)From time to time, the Company may pay a portion of annual incentive compensation awards in the form of RSUs, provided there is sufficient available share capacity.
(4)The Board and Compensation Committee believe these metrics are key drivers of cash flow and shareholder value creation.
(5)Accordingly, unless there are material and compelling circumstances (i.e., on a limited basis, in connection with new hires), the Compensation Committee will not approve guaranteed incentive awards.

3.0Named Executive Officer Compensation for 2012

3.1The Company’s 2012 Financial Performance

2012 was characterized by an ongoing challenging macroeconomic environment, especially in two of our key geographic regions, Western Europe and North America. Reported EPS was ($2.58) and Adjusted EPS was $2.58 ($2.52 excluding the impact of foreign exchange) and our reported Operating Margin was (6.0%) and Adjusted Operating Margin was 21.6% (20.9% excluding the impact of foreign exchange). This compares to 2011 reported EPS of $1.15 and Adjusted EPS of $2.74 and reported Operating Margin of 16.4% and Adjusted Operating Margin of 22.5%.

As discussed below, these results were below the incentive targets established by our Compensation Committee and, accordingly, the Committee and the Board reduced our named executive officers’ incentive awards. However, the Company also delivered the following in 2012:

1.3% reported commissions and fees growth and 3.1% organic commissions and fees growth:

6.1% organic commissions and fees growth in our Global segment;

4.9% organic commissions and fees growth in our International segment; and

(0.6)% decline in organic commissions and fees in our North America segment, representing a significant improvement over the prior year.

Significant improvement in the Company’s financial performance in the fourth quarter, with 7.0% reported commissions and fees growth, 7.5% organic commissions and fees growth (representing the best quarterly organic growth result in over six years) and improvement in Adjusted Operating Margin by 40 basis points.

2012 cash flow from operating activities of $525 million, up $86 million, or 20%, from the prior year.

$285 million returned to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends.

Substantive progress on key growth initiatives (pipeline development and management, producer retention and recruitment) and operational initiatives (Financial Transformation Project, global brokerage systems, global placement system).

3.2Named Executive Officers’ Annual Compensation

The key components of our named executive officers’ annual compensation are:

Base salary;

Annual incentive compensation (payable in cash and/or equity awards); and

Long-term incentive compensation.

Base Salary — Base salary is intended to provide a fixed level of remuneration to fairly compensate and retain executives for their time and effort based on the individual’s role, experience and skill. The Compensation Committee strives to set base salary at a competitive level in the relevant markets in which our executive officers operate. Base salaries are reviewed by the Compensation Committee for all the Company’s executive officers relative to our peer group and, from time to time, against other U.S. or U.K. survey data, as applicable. The base salary levels are generally positioned around the median of our peer group companies. In line with our compensation philosophy, exceptional performance by our executive officers is generally rewarded through annual and/or long-term incentive compensation and not through base salaries. Before he resigned as CEO effective January 6, 2013, Mr. Plumeri’s base salary had not changed since he joined Willis in October 2000. This reflects the Company’s and Mr. Plumeri’s shared view that his pay was best aligned with shareholder interests if most of his annual compensation was at risk and tied to the Company’s performance.

Adjustments to base salaries are made by the Compensation Committee to reflect changes in responsibilities or when competitive market conditions warrant. The following reflects the changes to the base salaries of our named executive officers during the past year:

Based on the results of a market review, effective April 2012, Mr. Neborak received an increase to his annual base salary to $600,000 from $500,000.

As a result of the increase in responsibilities related to his promotion to Chairman and CEO of Willis Global, Mr. Hearn received an increase in his annual base salary to £500,000 ($792,500) from £400,000 ($634,000), effective January 1, 2012. As a result of the increase in responsibilities related to his promotion to Deputy CEO, Mr. Hearn received a further increase in his annual base salary to £530,000 ($840,050), effective January 1, 2013.

As a result of increase of responsibilities related to his promotion to CEO of Willis International, Mr. Wright received an increase in his annual base salary to £500,000 (or $792,500) from £405,000 (or $641,925).

Based on the increased scope of his role and increasingly competitive market conditions, effective April 2012, Mr. Krauze received an increase to his annual base salary $700,000 from $625,000.

Annual Incentive Compensation — Our annual incentive compensation plan is designed to incent and reward our named executive officers for their contribution in generating strong financial performance at the Company, strong financial or strategic performance at their business or functional unit, as well as to retain strong performers.

The Compensation Committee set Mr. Plumeri’s annual incentive compensation for 2012 in accordance with his 2010 employment agreement. Other than Mr. Plumeri, each named executive officer is eligible to receive an annual incentive compensation award under the Company’s Annual Incentive Plan (“AIP”). AIP awards are an integral component of the executive officer’s total compensation and are based on specific company financial results as well as individual executive officer strategic objectives. The AIP is intended to deliver exceptional pay for exceptional performance and provides a well-timed link between recent performance and individual compensation, which is especially pertinent with the de-emphasis on regular base-pay increases.

Annual incentive compensation, which may be paid in cash and/or equity, is granted under the Willis Group Senior Management Incentive Plan (the “SMIP”) to the extent named executive officers are “covered employees” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Section 162(m)”). Generally, annual incentive compensation awards to the executive officers are approved and, for named executive officers who are “covered employees” under Section 162(m), are typically certified by the Compensation Committee in February, with payments made in March. Previously, if annual incentive compensation awards were paid in the form of a cash retention award, then the executive officer would be required to repay a proportionate amount of the award if he or she voluntarily left the Company’s employment before a specified date, which was generally three years. In December 2012, the Board changed its Company-wide remuneration policy and eliminated the repayment requirement from prior annual cash retention awards. Awards for 2012 were in the form of standard cash bonuses which do not include a repayment requirement. Current and prior annual incentive compensation awards continue to remain subject to the clawback provisions discussed in Section 4.0.

Annual Incentive Compensation Award for Joseph Plumeri (2012 CEO)

Pursuant to Mr. Plumeri’s 2010 employment agreement, Mr. Plumeri’s annual incentive compensation award was based 100% on the achievement by the Company of certain performance targets. Accordingly, pursuant to that 2010 agreement, each fiscal year the Compensation Committee established a threshold, target, and stretch financial performance goals (with maximum goals being no greater than 110% of the target goal). In February 2012, consistent with 2011 and based on the criteria in his employment agreement, the Compensation Committee approved annual incentive compensation performance goals of:

Threshold Payout

Target Payout

Stretch Payout

250% of his base salary if 95% of the performance targets were achieved.375% of his base salary if 100% of the performance targets were achieved.500% of his base salary if 105% of the performance targets were achieved.

Upon final approval of the 2012 budget, however, in consideration for the lack of growth in the Adjusted EPS target for 2012 relative to 2011, Mr. Plumeri proposed and the Compensation Committee agreed, to reduce his target payout to 250% (down from 375%) if 100% of the financial targets were achieved. This change is reflected in the revised payout column in the table below entitled “Summary of Annual Incentive Compensation Calculation For all Named Executive Officers.”

In 2012, the Company financial measures used for determining Mr. Plumeri’s annual incentive compensation award were Adjusted EPS (for 50% of the payment) and Adjusted Operating Margin (for 50% of the payment). These are measures that represent how the Company manages its profitability (through the use of the Adjusted Operated Margin) and enhances growth in shareholder value (as measured by the Adjusted EPS).

Applying the Company’s performance against Mr. Plumeri’s Adjusted EPS target produced the following opportunity:

Adjusted
EPS Target
  Payout
         Opportunity        
as a % of
Base  Salary
(Original)
 Payout
         Opportunity        
as a % of
Base Salary
(Revised)
(Stretch) $2.88  250% 250%
(Target) $2.74  187.5% 125%
(Threshold) $2.60  125% 83.5%
<$2.60  0% 0%

As set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on ExecutiveForm 10-K for the year ended 2012, the Company reported Adjusted EPS of $2.58. The Compensation Committee, however, eliminated the positive impact of foreign exchange (deemed outside of management’s control) and thus reduced, for compensation purposes, 2012 Adjusted EPS to $2.52. Because the Company did not achieve the Adjusted EPS threshold of $2.60, this portion of Mr. Plumeri’s annual incentive compensation award was $0.

Applying the Company’s performance against Mr. Plumeri’s Adjusted Operating Margin target produced the following result:

Adjusted
Operating
Margin
Target
  Payout
         Opportunity        
as a % of
Base Salary
(Original)
 Payout
         Opportunity        
as a % of
Base Salary
(Revised)
(Stretch) 22.9%  250% 250%
(Target) 21.8%  187.5% 125%
(Threshold) 20.7%  125% 83.5%
<20.7%  0% 0%

As set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended 2012, the Company reported Adjusted Operating Margin of 21.6%. The Compensation Committee eliminated the positive impact of foreign exchange and this reduced, for compensation purposes, 2012 Adjusted Operating Margin to 20.9%. Because the Company exceeded the 20.7% threshold and met 96% of the 21.8% target, this portion of Mr. Plumeri’s annual incentive compensation award was 48% of his target payout opportunity or 72% of his revised total target payout opportunity or $905,963.

Accordingly, based on the formula discussed above, combining the results of both the Adjusted EPS and Adjusted Operating Margin formulas, the Compensation Committee approved an annual incentive compensation award to Mr. Plumeri of $905,963 (i.e., 24% of his total target payout opportunity of $3,750,000 or 36% of his revised total target payout opportunity of $2,500,000). Because Mr. Plumeri is no longer serving as the Company’s CEO and will retire as Chairman of the Board on July 7, 2013, the Compensation Committee elected to pay Mr. Plumeri’s 2012 annual incentive compensation award 100% in cash rather than partially in equity and partially in cash as in prior years.

Annual Incentive Compensation Awards for Michael Neborak, Stephen Hearn, Timothy Wright and Victor Krauze

The 2012 annual incentive compensation awards under the AIP for Messrs. Neborak, Hearn, Wright and Krauze were structured by the Compensation Committee as follows:

60% based on the following Company financial results:

30% based on how the Company performed against an Adjusted EPS target of $2.74 per share (the same target used for the payout pool for all Company employees in the AIP); and

30% based on how the Company performed against an Adjusted Operating Margin target of 21.8% (the same target used for the payout pool for all Company employees in the AIP); and

40% based on how the named executive officer performed against individual strategic objectives, which for Messrs. Hearn, Wright and Krauze was largely based on the financial performance of their business units.

The resulting percentage was applied against the officer’s annual incentive compensation target award, which is a percentage of the officer’s base salary. Under Mr. Hearn’s amendment to his employment agreement as a result of his promotion to Chairman and CEO of Willis Global in early 2012, he was entitled to receive a minimum AIP for the first year in his new role. Based on his performance as described below, Mr. Hearn’s actual AIP award exceeded this minimum. No executive officer has any guaranteed annual incentives for 2013.

Company Performance Portion of Annual Incentive Compensation (60% of AIP)

With respect to the EPS-based component of the award, the following scale applied:

Adjusted
EPS
Target
  Payout
as % of
Base Salary
$2.88  110%
$2.74  100%
$2.60  90%
$2.47  80%
$2.33  70%
<$2.33  0%

As stated above, the Company reported 2012 Adjusted EPS of $2.58, but the Compensation Committee eliminated the positive impact of foreign exchange, reducing Adjusted EPS to $2.52. Based on the above sliding scale, because the Adjusted EPS result was between the $2.74 and $2.60, this portion of each named executive officer’s annual incentive award was funded at 84%.

With respect to the Adjusted Operating Margin component of the award, the following scale applied:

Adjusted
Operating
Margin
Target
 Payout
Measurement
22.9% 110%
21.8% 100%
20.7% 90%
19.6% 80%
18.5% 70%
<18.5% 0%

As stated above, the Company reported 2012 Adjusted Operating Margin of 21.6%, but the Compensation Committee eliminated the positive impact of foreign exchange, reducing Adjusted Operating Margin to 20.9%. Based on the above sliding scale, this produced a payout percentage of 92% for this portion of each of the named executive officer’s annual incentive award.

Based on the application of the above two scales, the blended payout percentage for the Company’s performance against the Adjusted EPS and Adjusted Operating Margin targets was 88% of target. This comprised 60% of each of the named executive officer’s annual incentive compensation award.

Individual Strategic Objectives and Business Unit Financial Goals (40% of AIP)

The Compensation Committee then considered the individual strategic objectives and business unit financial goals based on operating income and organic commissions and fees growth for Messrs. Neborak, Hearn, Wright and Krauze which were established at the beginning of 2012. The Compensation Committee reviewed the executives’ performance against those objectives in the context of the overall Company financial and strategic performance. Key factors and resulting payout decisions are set forth below:

Michael Neborak

Led efforts to contain group-wide expense growth.

Made significant progress in Financial Transformation Project.

Completed 3-year Financial Operating Model.

As a result of the achievement of these goals, the Compensation Committee funded this portion of his annual incentive compensation award at 88%.

Stephen Hearn

Willis Global achieved $372 million operating income and 6.1% organic commissions and fees growth.

Demonstrated leadership in development of a vision and strategy for the alignment of the Global business.

Made significant progress in the deployment of an enterprise-wide placement initiative.

Demonstrated leadership and support during the CEO transition.

As a result of the achievement of these goals, the Compensation Committee funded this portion of his annual incentive compensation award at 100%.

Timothy Wright

Willis International achieved operating income of $183 million and 4.9% organic commissions and fees growth.

Achieved notable year-over-year commissions and fees growth despite poor economies in major markets, with growing momentum in the second half of 2012.

Supported the deployment of enterprise-wide placement initiative in all major countries.

As a result of the achievement of these goals, the Compensation Committee funded this portion of his annual incentive compensation award at 89%.

Victor Krauze

Willis North America achieved $240 million of operating income. Despite a full-year decline in organic commissions and fees of (0.6)%, it achieved substantial shift in growth momentum culminating in 3.1% organic growth in the fourth quarter of 2012.

Expanded emphasis on producer recruitment resulting in 3.2% net producer growth in 2012.

Continued to successfully deploy Sales 2.0.

Despite these achievements, the Compensation Committee funded this portion of his annual incentive compensation award at 54%, reflecting the overall impact of Willis North America’s financial results on Company performance.

The following table sets forth the calculation for 2012 annual incentive compensation awards all named executive officers:

Summary of Annual Incentive Compensation Calculation for all Named Executive Officers

       Payout % Relating to
Company Portion of AIP
      

Named Executive Officer

  2012
Salary
 Bonus
Target as
% of
Salary ($/£)
 Adjusted
EPS
 Adjusted
Operating
Margin
 Payout %
Relating to
Individual
Portion of
AIP
 Total
Payout
as a % of
Bonus
Target
 Bonus
Payout $/£

Joseph Plumeri (original target)

  $1,000,000 375%

($3,750,000)

 0% 92% N/A 24% $905,963

Joseph Plumeri (revised target)

  $1,000,000 250%

($2,500,000)

 0% 92% N/A 36% $905,963

Michael Neborak

  $600,000 100%

($600,000)

 84% 92% 88% 88% $528,000

Stephen Hearn(1)

  £500,000
or
($792,500)
 175%

(£875,000)
or
($1,386,875)

 84% 92% 100% 93% £815,000
or
($1,291,775)

Timothy Wright(1)

  £500,000
or
($792,500)
 175%

(£875,000)
or
($1,386,875)

 84% 92% 89% 89% £775,000
or
($1,228,375)

Victor Krauze

  $700,000 N/A(2) 84% 92% 54% 74% $910,000

(1)Messrs. Hearn and Wright receive their salaries and bonuses in pounds sterling; the above figures have been converted into dollars at the average exchange rate for 2012 (£1:$1.585).
(2)Mr. Krauze did not have a formal bonus target. To calculate Mr. Krauze’s 2012 bonus the Compensation Committee utilized the same bonus target as Messrs. Hearn and Wright (175% of salary).

All annual incentive compensation awards were paid in cash. Further details of the 2012 annual incentive compensation awards made to our named executive officers are shown in the Bonus and Non-Equity Incentive Plan Columns of the “Summary Compensation” table.

Further details regarding the changes made to the 2013 annual incentive compensation program of our CEO and other named executive officers are reflected in Section 2.4, “The Redesign of Our Named Executive Officer Compensation for 2013 in Response to Advisory Vote” and Section 2.5 “Summary Chart of the Components of Our Named Executive Officers Compensation.”

Long-Term Incentive Compensation

Our long-term incentives are a significant element of our executive officers’ compensation and have typically been in the form of equity awards. For several years, we did not have a consistent long-term incentive program and. in 2010, in light of economic conditions, we did not make regular equity awards to our named executive officers except to satisfy pre-existing commitments or in connection with sign-on equity awards made to attract new competitive talent to the Company. In 2011, we implemented a Long-Term Incentive Program for senior leaders. In that year, we granted options and deferred cash as a portion of the long-term incentive plan as an alternative to the use of RSUs due to the lack of share availability under the Company’s equity plans at the time.

2012 Long-Term Incentive Program

In April 2012, the Compensation Committee adopted the 2012 Long-Term Incentive Program (the “2012 LTI Program”), which had both performance-based and time-based components to both reward performance and help ensure retention. Grants of options, performance-based RSUs and time-based RSUs were made in December 2012 and, for the performance-based equity, included performance targets established in the second quarter of 2012. All named executive officers, other than Mr. Plumeri, were eligible to participate and, as a result, Messrs. Neborak, Hearn, Wright and Krauze received awards under the 2012 LTI Program.

For the named executive officers, their individual 2012 awards were comprised of:

Options  Performance-Based RSUs Time-Based RSUs
 25 50% 25%

The equity granted under the 2012 LTI Program was made under the recently adopted Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2012 Plan”). The options, time-based RSUs and performance-based RSUs earned based on the performance of the 2012 targets discussed below, will vest 50% on the second and third anniversaries of the grant date (i.e., December 26, 2014 and December 26, 2015), subject to the continued employment of the participant during the vesting period. Dividends are not payable on any of the equity granted under the 2012 LTI Program.

Similar to the annual incentive compensation awards, the amount of performance-based RSUs granted under the 2012 LTI Program would be earned 50% based on the achievement of an Adjusted EPS target of $2.74 and 50% based on the achievement of an Adjusted Operating Margin target of 21.8%. However, if the targets were not achieved at 100%, the earned amount of the performance-based RSU award would be reduced in accordance with the following sliding scales:

Performance
Against

Applicable
Adjusted
EPS Target
 % of Earned
Performance
Based-RSUs
$2.74 100%
$2.60 90%
$2.47 80%
<$2.47 0%

Performance
Against

Adjusted
Operating
Margin
Target
 % of  Earned
Performance
Based-RSUs
21.8% 100%
20.7% 90%
19.6% 80%
<19.6% 0%

The Compensation Committee applied the same analysis in determining financial performance against applicable targets that they used in determining the annual incentive compensation awards for the named executive officers. As a result, 88% of the performance-based RSUs granted under the 2012 LTI Program were earned by the respective named executive officer and they received long-term incentive awards equal in value to: Michael Neborak ($940,000); Stephen Hearn £1,304,732 (or $2,068,000); Timothy Wright £889,590 (or $1,410,000); and Victor Krauze ($1,128,000).

Grants to 2012 Named Executive Officers Outside of the 2012 Long-Term Incentive Program

In 2012, under the terms of his 2010 employment agreement, performance-based RSUs were granted to Mr. Plumeri. This was the last equity grant required under Mr. Plumeri’s employment agreement.

The RSUs were 100% performance related and similar to the performance-based RSUs granted under the 2012 LTI Program, 50% of the award would be earned if an Adjusted EPS target of $2.74 was met and 50% of the award would be earned if an Adjusted Operating Margin of 21.8% was met. However, if the targets were not achieved at 100%, the amount of the performance-based RSU award would be reduced in accordance with the same equity sliding scale as the 2012 LTI Program. The Compensation Committee applied the same analysis in determining financial performance against applicable targets that they used in determining the annual incentive compensation awards and the 2012 LTI Program for the named executive officers. As a result, 88% of the performance-based RSUs granted to Mr. Plumeri were earned and Mr. Plumeri received a long-term incentive award value equal to $5,280,000.

In connection with his promotion in January 2012 from CEO of Willis Re to Chairman and CEO of Willis Global, Mr. Hearn received 6,500 time-based RSUs. These RSUs vest in equal tranches on the first, second and third anniversaries of the grant date.

Details of the 2012 equity award grants made to the named executive officers and the awards earned as a result of the Company’s financial performance are contained in the compensation tables “Grant of Plan-Based Awards” and “Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End.” Details concerning the employment agreements of the named executive officers are set forth in the sections entitled “Compensation Tables — Joseph Plumeri’s Employment Agreement (2012 CEO)” and “— Other Named Executive Officers’ Employment Agreements.”

Long-term incentive awards that are intended to be “qualified performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) were granted under the SMIP or under a combination of the SMIP and one of the Company’s equity plans or any sub-plans thereto, including the 2012 Proxy Statement.

Plan, the Willis Group Holdings 2008 Share Purchase and Option Plan (the “2008 Plan”), the 2000 Hilb, Rogal and Hamilton Share Incentive Plan (the “2000 HRH Plan”) and the 2007 Hilb Rogal and Hobbs Share Incentive Plan (the “2007 HRH Plan” and together with the 2012 Plan, the 2008 Plan and the 2000 HRH Plan, the “Plans”).

Further details regarding the changes made to the 2013 long-term incentive compensation program of our CEO and other named executive officers are reflected in Section 2.4, “The Redesign of Our Named Executive Officer Compensation for 2013 in Response to Advisory Vote” and Section 2.5 “Summary Chart of the Components of Our Named Executive Officers Compensation.”

3.3Perquisites and Other Benefits

The Company does not believe that providing generous executive perquisites is either necessary to attract and retain executive talent or consistent with our pay-for-performance philosophy. Therefore, other than the benefits described in the “Summary Compensation” table, we do not provide perquisites such as personal use of aircraft, excise tax gross-ups, financial planning services, club memberships or vacation homes to our executive officers. Our corporate aircraft use policy permits a guest of an executive officer or director to accompany them on a business flight on Company aircraft if a seat is available and they reimburse the Company the equivalent of a first-class airline ticket.

In order for Mr. Plumeri to exercise stock options or to receive RSUs when they vest under our equity programs, he is required by federal law to file a notification and report form under the Hart–Scott–Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976. The Compensation Committee determined that the Company should pay the filing fee and associated legal costs, since otherwise Mr. Plumeri would not receive the same benefit from the equity compensation components as other executive officers of the Company. Accordingly, “Other Compensation” for Mr. Plumeri in the “Summary Compensation Table” includes the filing fee paid on his behalf during 2012.

In addition, the Company provides retirement, life insurance and medical benefits to our executive officers to be competitive with the marketplace in which our executive officers operate (which are the same as those provided to other employees in the workplace).

Retirement income is provided to Mr. Plumeri and some other executive officers through our defined benefit retirement plans. The U.S. defined benefit plan was closed to new hires on January 1, 2007 and was frozen on May 15, 2009. Newly hired executive officers only participate in defined contribution plans. The Company also maintains the Willis Pension Scheme (UK), an approved U.K. defined benefit plan. The Willis Pension Scheme (UK) was closed to new members beginning on January 1, 2006. In 2006, it was replaced by a defined contribution plan for new employees. Details of the retirement benefits received by the named executive officers are contained in the compensation tables in the section entitled “Pension Benefits.”

For U.S. employees, a 401(k) Plan is available for saving towards retirement. In order to provide the opportunity to accumulate retirement income and improve retention, the Company reinstated a matching contribution (which had been suspended in recent years) to the 401(k) Plan effective as of January 1, 2011. The matching contribution was made on December 31, 2012 for eligible employees who were still employed by the Company on that date.

We also maintain a deferred compensation plan for certain U.S. employees whose annual salary is in excess of $225,000 that allows them to plan their tax position through a deferral of part of their annual compensation. Messrs. Plumeri and Krauze both currently participate in this plan. The Company may also make certain contributions to the deferred compensation plan on behalf of Mr. Plumeri. As provided in his 2010 employment agreement, the Company contributes $800,000 annually on behalf of Mr. Plumeri to provide him with retirement income. The final installment of the contribution for Mr. Plumeri’s under this plan was paid on April 15, 2013, reflecting a pro-rata payment for 2013.

4.0Clawback Policy

Under the Company’s clawback policy, the Board, or any of its committees, may to the extent permitted by applicable law, cancel or require reimbursement of any incentive payments or equity-based awards received by an executive officer after December 31, 2008, if and to the extent that (i) the incentive payment or equity award was based on the achievement of Company financial results which are subsequently restated, (ii) the Compensation Committee determines that the executive officer engaged in fraud, negligence or other misconduct that contributed to the need to restate the Company’s financial results and (iii) the incentive payments or equity-based award values made to the executive officer would have been lower if the Company’s results had been properly reported. In such cases, the Company will seek to recover from the executive officer the amount by which the actual incentive payment or equity award for the relevant period exceeded the amount that the executive officer would have received based on the restated results. The Company’s clawback policy is posted on its website under Investor Relations — Corporate Governance.

The Company will comply, and has modified its award agreements to so indicate, with the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act, and will adopt a revised mandatory clawback policy that will require the Company, in the event of

a restatement, to recover from current and former executives any incentive-based compensation, for the three years preceding the restatement, that would not have been awarded under the restated financial statements. The Compensation Committee periodically reviews the Company’s clawback policy and, to ensure full compliance, will propose its final recommendations to the full Board once it has had the benefit of reviewing the SEC’s proposed and final rules for the legislation.

5.0Executive Officer and Outside Director Share Ownership Guidelines

We maintain share ownership guidelines under which executive officers and outside directors are expected to acquire a meaningful level of share ownership in the Company, so as to further align their interests with those of our shareholders. In February 2013, the Compensation Committee revised the executive officer share ownership guidelines to require them to own shares equivalent in value to a multiple of his or her base salary, as set forth below:

Position

Multiple

Group CEO

6.0 x base salary

Executive Officers Leading Major Business Units and Group CFO

3.0 x base salary

Other Executive Officers

2.0 x base salary

Executives are encouraged to comply with their applicable guideline as soon as practical given their individual circumstances and no later than five years from (i) March 1, 2013 (the date of the implementation of the policy (i.e., March 1, 2018)) or (ii) the date of the executive’s hiring or promotion. The failure to comply with or make reasonable progress towards meeting the share ownership guidelines in a timely fashion will result in the executive being required to retain all net shares acquired by him or her under the exercise of share options or the vesting of RSUs (net of shares surrendered for the payment of the exercise price and any taxes).

For purposes of meeting the executive officer share ownership guidelines, the related value using the three-month average share price of the following shares will be counted towards achieving and maintaining compliance: shares owned outright; shares or units held in Willis broad-based share purchase plans (i.e., the ESPP, UK Sharesave); unvested RSUs and RSUs subject to time-based vesting; and unvested earned performance-based RSUs. Options and unearned performance RSUs are not counted as shares owned for purposes of the guidelines.

Executives are required to retain at least 50% of the net shares received under equity award programs until the ownership guidelines are met.

As discussed below under “Outside Director Compensation,” outside directors are required to hold shares equal to the lesser of 3.5 times the directors’ cash retainer of $100,000 (i.e., $350,000) or 10,000 shares.

6.0Anti-Hedging Policies

The Company prohibits executive officers and directors from pledging any Company shares, entering into margin accounts, short selling any Company shares, selling shares “against the box” and buying or selling puts or calls relating to Company shares.

7.0Share Award Policy

The Board of Directors’ has a policy governing the granting of options and other share-based awards under the Company’s Plans.

It is the Company’s policy to neither backdate option grants or other share-based awards to take advantage of a lower share price nor to schedule grants of options or other share-based awards before or after specific events to take advantage of anticipated movements in the price of our shares.

It is also the Company’s policy to grant options with an exercise price no less than the closing sales price as quoted on the NYSE on the date of grant, except in the case of any sharesave sub-plans adopted by the Company for non-U.S. taxpayers outside of the U.S., for which the exercise price of the option is set at a 5% or 10% discount off the closing sales price on the date before employees are invited to participate, consistent with past practice to incent employee ownership.

In addition to approving Share-based awards to executive officers, the Compensation Committee is responsible for approving the overall allocation of Share-based awards to the employees of the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates for the forthcoming year. Implementation of the granting of such awards within the agreed annual plan is delegated to the Share Award Committee consisting of the CEO, the Group Chief Financial Officer and the Group Human Resources Director. The members of the Share Award Committee work closely with the Chairman of the Compensation Committee to ensure that, in particular, the timing of grants is appropriate.

Awards may be made at a time when the Company is in possession of material non-public information, so long as the timing of the award is not motivated by an intention to improperly use any such material non-public information for the benefit of the recipient.

Under this policy, annual share-based awards are authorized by the Compensation Committee and the grant date shall be the date of that meeting or a date specified by the Compensation Committee no later than 30 days following that meeting. Except as directed by the Compensation Committee, share-based awards granted in connection with a new hire, a promotion or the assignment of additional responsibilities to an existing employee or for retention purposes will be considered granted on March 5th, May 10th, August 10th, November 10th or December 5th (or if the applicable grant date is not a trading day, the next trading day) on the date most closely following the month in which such recipient’s employment or promotion or assignment of new responsibilities commenced and such retention award was approved.

8.0Tax and Accounting Implications

The Compensation Committee considers the anticipated tax treatment to the Company and to the executive officers in its review and establishment of compensation programs and payments. Section 162(m) imposes a limit on the amount the Company may deduct for U.S. tax purposes for compensation paid to our CEO and our three most highly compensated executive officers employed at the end of the year (other than the Chief Financial Officer). However, compensation which qualifies as “performance-based” under Section 162(m) is excluded from the limit if, among other requirements, the compensation is payable only upon the attainment of pre-established, objective performance goals under a plan approved by the Company’s shareholders.

The SMIP, which was approved by shareholders at the 2005 Annual General Meeting, is intended to comply with the provisions of, and to be administered in compliance with the requirements of, Section 162(m). The Company is also authorized to grant equity awards that qualify as “performance-based” compensation under certain of the Company’s Plans.

The SMIP provides for an annual incentive compensation award equal to 5% of the Company’s earnings for the fiscal year, which the Compensation Committee may reduce (but not increase) in its discretion. For this purpose, “earnings” means the Company’s operating income before taxes and extraordinary loss as reported in its audited consolidated financial statements, as adjusted to eliminate the effect of certain events specified in the SMIP. The Compensation Committee also takes other performance metrics into consideration in determining amounts payable under the SMIP (including, among other things, revenue and profit metrics), but the amounts payable under the SMIP may not exceed the amount described above. The Compensation Committee designates the executive officers who participate in the SMIP.

The Compensation Committee may consider the following performance criteria when granting performance-based awards: (i) annual revenue, (ii) budget comparisons, (iii) controllable profits, (iv) EPS or Adjusted EPS, (v) expense management, (vi) improvements in capital structure, (vii) net income, (viii) net or gross sales, (ix) operating income (pre- or post-tax), (x) profit margins, (xi) operating or gross margin, (xii) profitability of an identifiable business unit or product, (xiii) return on investments, (xiv) return on sales, (xv) return on stockholders’ equity, (xvi) total return to stockholders, (xvii) assets under management, (xviii) investment management performance, (xix) mutual and other investment fund performance, (xx) cash flow, operating cash flow, or cash flow or operating cash flow per share (before or after dividends), (xxii) price of the shares or any other publicly traded securities of the Company, (xxiii) reduction in costs, (y) return on capital, including return on total capital or return on invested capital, (xiv) improvement in or attainment of expense levels or working capital levels, and (xv) performance of the Company relative to a peer group of companies and/or relevant indexes on any of the foregoing measures.

Interpretations of and changes in applicable tax laws and regulations as well as other factors beyond the control of the Compensation Committee can affect deductibility of compensation and there can be no assurance that compensation paid to our executive officers who are covered by Section 162(m) will be treated as qualified performance-based compensation. Our general policy is to preserve the tax deductibility of compensation paid to the CEO and other named executive officers, including annual incentives and equity awards under the terms of the Company’s Plans. The Compensation Committee reserves the right to use its judgment to authorize compensation payments that may not be deductible when the Compensation Committee believes that such payments are appropriate and in the best interests of the Company, taking into consideration changing business conditions and the performance of its employees.

The Compensation Committee will continue to monitor developments and assess alternatives for preserving the deductibility of compensation payments and benefits to the extent reasonably practicable, consistent with its compensation policies and as determined to be in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders.

It is also the Company’s general policy to deliver equity-based compensation to employees in as tax-efficient a manner as possible, taking into consideration the overall cost to the Company, for which the Company accounts in accordance with FAS 123R.

9.0Payments on Change of Control and Termination

Historically, the Company has been selective in providing for potential payments relating to a change of control. The Compensation Committee may enter into such agreements when in its business judgment it believes that such payments are appropriate and in the best interests of the Company. No named executive officer is entitled to any automatic payments in connection with a change of control of the Company. However, certain equity awards held by our named executive officers vest in part or in full upon a change of control and the deferred cash awards held by our named executive officers may, in the discretion of the Compensation Committee, become payable upon a change of control. Treatment of equity awards in this manner (as opposed to cash payments that are not automatically accelerated) ensures that our executives are motivated primarily by the needs of the businesses for which they are responsible, rather than circumstances that are outside the ordinary course of business—i.e., circumstances that might lead to the termination of an executive’s employment or that might lead to a change in control of the Company. Generally, this is achieved by assuring our named executive officers that they will receive their equity awards if their employment is adversely affected in these circumstances, subject to certain conditions. We believe that these benefits help ensure that affected executives act in the best interests of our shareholders, even if such actions are otherwise contrary to their personal interests. This is critical because these are circumstances in which the actions of our named executive officers may have a material impact upon our shareholders.

The Company provides severance protection to key employees in limited circumstances primarily where the employee is terminated by the Company without cause or the employee resigns for good reason. The Compensation Committee believes that severance benefits are a necessary component of a competitive compensation program and, in certain cases, are in consideration for an executive’s agreement not to compete. Messrs. Plumeri, Casserley and Hearn are also entitled to enhanced severance benefits in the event their employment is terminated by us without cause or by the executive for good reason in connection with a change of control in order to avoid any associated distractions. The Compensation Committee believes that its use of severance benefits is not significantly different from the severance benefits typically in place at other companies.

Joseph Plumeri (2012 CEO)

Mr. Plumeri resigned as the Company’s CEO on January 6, 2013 but will continue to serve as non-executive chairman and as an employee of Willis North America, Inc., a subsidiary of the Company through July 7, 2013.

Change of control provisions were included in Mr. Plumeri’s employment agreement when he originally joined the Company. At that time, the Company was privately owned, predominantly by Kohlberg, Kravis & Roberts (“KKR”). In order to recruit an individual of the right caliber to fill the role of Chairman and CEO of the Company as then existed, and given the range of exit strategies available to KKR, it was considered appropriate at that time to include provisions in his employment agreement which provided protection in the case of a change of control.

During 2009, the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors determined that it would be in the best interests of the Company to ensure Mr. Plumeri’s continued services as the Company’s Chairman and CEO until July of 2013. In addition, Mr. Plumeri, the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors agreed that Mr. Plumeri’s prior employment agreement should be updated to reflect the evolution of best pay practices over the last several years. At the time, two members of the Compensation Committee, Sir Roy Gardner and Mr. McCann, participated in all discussions with Mr. Plumeri regarding his employment agreement and were advised during the negotiations by the Compensation Committee’s consultant.

Specifically, it was determined that the provision in Mr. Plumeri’s employment agreement allowing the executive to voluntarily terminate his employment for any reason following a change of control and receive severance payments was inconsistent with best pay practices as well as the Company’s compensation philosophy and objectives. Consequently, the amended employment agreement, which Mr. Plumeri entered into in January 2010, provided that Mr. Plumeri could no longer voluntarily terminate his employment following a “change of control” (as defined in his employment agreement) and receive severance. Instead, it provided that he is eligible to receive severance payments and benefits only if he is involuntarily terminated without “cause” or terminates employment for “good reason” (each as defined in his employment agreement). However, if Mr. Plumeri terminated his employment without “good reason” following a “change of control,” he would be credited with the amount that the Company would have contributed to his deferred compensation benefit account had he remained until the end of his contract of employment, on July 7, 2013. Further information regarding Mr. Plumeri’s employment agreement and details of the change of control and severance provisions are contained in the sections entitled “Compensation Tables — Joseph Plumeri’s Employment Agreement (2012 CEO);” “— Potential Payments to Mr. Plumeri Upon Termination or Change of Control.”

Dominic Casserley (Current CEO)

Under his employment agreement dated as of October 16, 2012, in the event that Mr. Casserley’s employment is terminated by the Company without “cause,” Mr. Casserley resigns for “good reason” (as such terms are defined in his employment agreement) or Mr. Casserley is terminated as a result of the non-renewal of his employment agreement by the Company within the first four years of employment (a “Qualifying Termination”), Mr. Casserley would be entitled to receive severance payments and benefits, including partial service vesting credit (but not performance-vesting credit) for his annual equity-based long-term incentive awards. In the event of a Qualifying Termination within two years following a “change of control” (as such term is defined in his employment agreement), certain of Mr. Casserley’s severance payments would be paid in a lump sum (rather than installments) and Mr. Casserley would receive full service-vesting credit (but not performance-vesting credit) for each of the annual equity-based long-term incentive awards granted to him. Lastly, upon termination of employment (other than for “cause”) concurrent with or following the expiration of the full five-year term of the agreement, Mr. Casserley would be entitled to partial service-vesting credit (but not performance-vesting credit) for each of the annual equity-based long-term incentive awards granted to him and such termination will be treated as retirement for purposes of compensation previously paid or payable to him. Further information regarding Mr. Casserley’s employment agreement and details of the change of control and severance provisions are contained in the section entitled “Compensation Tables — Dominic Casserley’s Employment Agreement (Current CEO).”

Other Named Executive Officers

Michael Neborak

In order to attract Mr. Neborak as the new Group CFO, the Company agreed in his employment agreement that all of his earned and unvested RSUs and options shall immediately vest in the event of a Change of Control (as such term is defined in the applicable Plans and/or RSU agreement). In the event Mr. Neborak is involuntarily terminated without “cause” (as such term is defined in his employment agreement) he is eligible to receive severance payments. Mr. Neborak has also entered into a restrictive covenant agreement with the Company that provides, in part, that we may require that Mr. Neborak refrain from working for, engaging or generally having a financial interest in certain of our competitors after the termination of his employment, in exchange for providing severance payments and continued healthcare coverage to him during such non-compete period.

Stephen Hearn

At the same time the Board appointed Mr. Casserley as the Company’s new CEO, it promoted Mr. Hearn to the new role of Deputy CEO. Mr. Hearn has been employed by the Company for almost four years and in January 2012 was promoted to Chairman and CEO of Willis Global, encompassing the Company’s global reinsurance, placement and specialty, operations. The Board believes the combination of Mr. Casserley’s external perspective and broad global experience and Mr. Hearn’s internal perspective and deep industry experience is a powerful partnership to drive the Company’s strategic direction.

On October 16, 2012, in connection with this promotion to Deputy CEO, Mr. Hearn entered into an amended employment agreement which became effective on January 1, 2013. Under the amended contract, in the event that Mr. Hearn’s employment is terminated without “cause” or Mr. Hearn resigns for “good reason” (as such terms are defined in his employment agreement), Mr. Hearn would be entitled to receive severance payments and benefits including partial acceleration of his long-term incentive awards. In the event that Mr. Hearn’s employment is terminated without “cause” or Mr. Hearn resigns for “good reason” within two years following a “change in control” (as such term is defined in his employment agreement), Mr. Hearn would be entitled to receive an enhanced severance payment.

Timothy Wright

On July 19, 2012, Mr. Wright entered into an amendment to his employment agreement which provides that in the event Mr. Wright is terminated by the Company for any reason other than for “cause” (as such term is defined in his amendment), he will be entitled to receive a severance payment.

Victor Krauze

In order to retain the services of Mr. Krauze during the transition from Mr. Plumeri to Mr. Casserley as the Group’s CEO, on October 16, 2012, a Company subsidiary entered into an amendment to Mr. Krauze’s April 8, 2011 promotion letter. Under the amendment, Mr. Krauze is eligible for enhanced severance payments and benefits if before December 31, 2013, he is involuntarily terminated by the Company other than for “good cause” (as such term is defined in the amendment to his promotion letter) or he resigns for “good reason”. “Good reason” in the amendment to his employment agreement means, (i) a material diminution in status, position, authority or duties which in Mr. Krauze’s reasonable judgment is materially inconsistent with and has a material adverse impact on his status, position, authority or duties, (ii) beginning on April 2, 2013 and ending on December 31, 2013, Mr. Krauze’s dissatisfaction with the strategy, policies or operating procedures adopted by Mr. Casserley and (iii) other events constituting good reason. Further, Mr. Krauze’s employment agreement provides that we may require that Mr. Krauze refrain from undertaking any activity deemed to be in competition with the Company for a period of up to 12 months following termination of employment in exchange for monthly payments equivalent to his base salary and continued healthcare coverage to him during the non-compete period. Such payments may be reduced by the amount of any other post-employment payments paid to Mr. Krauze.

Further information regarding Messrs. Neborak, Hearn, Wright and Krauze’s employment agreements and Mr. Neborak’s and Mr. Krauze’s restrictive covenant agreements and details of the applicable termination provisions are contained in the sections entitled “Compensation Tables — Other Named Executive Officers’ Employment Agreements” and “— Potential Payments to Other Named Executive Officers Other than the CEO Upon Termination or Change of Control.”

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT

This report is submitted to the shareholders of Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. The Compensation Committee consists solely of non-executive directors who are independent, as determined by the Board in accordance with the Company’s guidelines and NYSE listing standards.

The Compensation Committee has reviewed, and discussed with management, the Compensation Discussion and Analysis contained in this Amendment to the Annual Report on Form 10-K, and based on this review and discussion, recommended to the Board that it be included in this Amendment to the Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Submitted by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors

Wendy E. Lane (Chairman), Jeffrey B. Lane and James F. McCann.

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION

None of our executive officers serves as a member of the Board of Directors or compensation committee of any entity that has one or more of its executive officers serving as a member of the Compensation Committee. In addition, none of our executive officers serves as a member of the compensation committee of any entity that has one or more of its executive officers serving as a member of our Board of Directors.

COMPENSATION TABLES

Summary Compensation Table

The following table sets forth the total compensation earned for services rendered in 2012 by the Company’s former CEO, Mr. Joseph Plumeri (who resigned as CEO on January 6, 2013 and will retire as Chairman of the Board on July 7, 2013), the Group CFO and each of the three most highly compensated executive officers of the Company.

Name and Principal
Position

  Year   Salary
($)
   Bonus
($)(1)
   Share
Awards($)(2)
   Option
Awards
($)(2)
   Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation(3)
   Change in
Pension Value
and
Nonqualified

Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
($)(4)
  All Other
Compensation
($)(5)
   Total
($)
 

Joseph Plumeri
Former 2012 CEO

   2012     1,000,000     —       6,911,420     —       905,963     (17,281  1,016,660     9,834,043  
   2011     1,000,000     —       8,539,014     —       729,166     10,164    1,197,933     11,476,277  
   2010     1,000,000     —       8,106,213     —       2,031,250     (21,461  974,584     12,090,586  

Michael Neborak
Group CFO

   2012     575,000     528,000     749,955     249,993     —       —      5,000     2,107,948  
   2011     500,000     450,000     —       182,891     281,250     —      4,167     1,418,308  
   2010     244,318     500,000     500,007     —       —       —      —       1,244,325  

Stephen Hearn(6)
Deputy CEO; CEO & Chairman Willis Global

   2012     792,500     1,291,775     1,879,742     549,994     —       —      95,100     4,609,111  

Timothy Wright(6)
CEO, Willis International

   2012     792,500     1,228,375     1,124,965     374,993     —       —      33,085     3,553,918  

Victor Krauze
CEO & Chairman, Willis North America

   2012     681,250     910,000     899,979     299,993     —       257,453    23,230     2,814,452  
   2011     625,000     750,000     1,037,750     243,851     375,000     134,232    9,971     3,175,554  
                 
                 
                 
                 

(1)The Bonus column reflects only that portion of the annual incentive compensation award paid in cash to the named executive officers for services rendered for the relevant fiscal year. Because any RSUs or option awards granted as part of an annual compensation award are granted in March of the year following the one in which services are rendered, these equity awards are reflected in the Share Awards and Option Awards columns for the next year. In 2012, all named executive officers were paid 100% of their annual incentive compensation in cash. In 2010 and 2011, Mr. Plumeri’s annual incentive compensation award was paid 50% in cash and 50% in RSUs. Due to the nature of Mr. Plumeri’s employment agreement, his annual incentive compensation is reflected in the column “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” discussed in footnote (3) below.
(2)The Share Awards and Option Awards columns include any RSUs or option awards granted in the recently completed fiscal year as part of an annual incentive compensation award for services rendered in the preceding year as well as any other equity awards made during the course of the relevant fiscal year. The actual earned awards are set forth in the footnotes to the “Grant of Plan-Based Awards” table.

For awards subject to performance conditions, the amount included in the table is the full fair value at the grant date based on the probable outcome with respect to the satisfaction of the performance condition consistent with the recognition criteria in FASB ASC Topic 718 (excluding the effect of estimated forfeiture). For more information regarding the equity awards, see the “Grant of Plan-Based Awards” table and the “Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End” table.

(3)For 2012, the Non-Equity Incentive Plan column reflects the annual incentive compensation award paid 100% in cash to Mr. Plumeri.
(4)The US Pension share was closed to new hires on January 1, 2007 and frozen on May 15, 2009. The Willis Pension Scheme (UK) was closed to new members beginning on January 1, 2006.

The Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings column includes the aggregate earnings Mr. Plumeri receives under the non-qualified deferred compensation plan, which for 2012 was ($25,741), reflecting investment earnings of $801 offset by Social Security and Medicare taxes totaling $26,542. The Change in Pension Value of $8,460 reflects changes in valuation assumptions required by applicable accounting rules and actuarial standards and a one-year increase in the executive’s age.

(5)For 2012, the All Other Compensation column for the named executive officers consisted of:

a.For Mr. Plumeri, (i) a deferred compensation credit of $800,000 pursuant to the terms of his previous employment agreement, which he receives for each year he continues to be with the Company and which is paid into a non-qualified deferred compensation plan on his behalf, after the payment of Social Security and Medicare taxes, (ii) the $200,000 Hart–Scott–Rodino Antitrust report filing fee and associated legal fees described in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” section and (iii) car charges.

b.For Mr. Neborak, the Company’s contribution to his 401(k) Plan.

c.For Mr. Hearn, the Company’s contribution to his defined contribution plan.

d.For Mr. Wright, contributions to a personal pension arrangement set up by Mr. Wright for his own personal benefit. The Company has no ongoing role in the governance or management of the plan and no residual liabilities in respect of it. The contributions made by the Company to the Willis Stakeholder Pension Scheme in respect of Mr. Wright includes $11,621 in lieu of entitlement to a car allowance.

e.For Mr. Krauze, (i) $18,230 tax-gross up for the 2010 calendar year to which he was entitled before his employment contract was amended to eliminate such tax gross-ups and (ii) the Company’s contribution to his defined contribution plan.

(6)Messrs. Hearn and Wright receive their salaries and bonuses in pounds sterling and the above figures have been converted into dollars at the average exchange rate for 2012 (£1:$1.585).

Grant of Plan-Based Awards

The following table sets forth the grants of plan-based awards made to the named executive officers during 2012.

        Estimated
Future
Payouts
Under
Non-
Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards
        Estimated
Future
Payouts
Under
Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards
        All
Other
Stock
Awards:
Number
of Shares
of Stocks
or Units

(#)
  All Other
Awards
Number
of
Securities
Underlying
Options

(#)
  Exercise
or Base
Price of
Option
Awards

($/Share)
  Grant Date
Fair
Value
of Stock
and
Option
Awards

($)
 

Name

 Grant
Date
  Approval
Date
  Threshold
($)
  Target
($)
  Maximum
($)
  Threshold
(#)
  Target
(#)
  Maximum
(#)
     

Joseph Plumeri

  —   (1)   —      1,250,000    1,875,000    2,500,000    —      —      —      —      —      —      —    
  3/1/12(2)   2/7/12    —      —      —      —      —      —      25,783    —      —      911,429  
  5/7/12(3)   4/24/12    —      —      —      66,079    165,198    165,198    —      —      —      5,999,991  

Michael Neborak

  12/26/12(4)   12/10/12    —      —      —      —      —      —      —      34,059    33.54    249,993  
  12/26/12(5)   12/10/12    —      —      —      5,963    14,907    14,907    —      —      —      499,981  
  12/26/12(6)   12/10/12    —      —      —      —      —      —      7,453    —      —      249,974  

Stephen Hearn

  3/1/12(7)   2/7/12    —      —      —      —      —      —      6,500    —      —      229,775  
  12/26/12(4)   12/10/12    —      —      —      —      —      —      —      74,931    33.54    549,994  
  12/26/12(5)   12/10/12    —      —      —      13,118    32,796    32,796    —      —      —      1,099,978  
  12/26/12(6)   12/10/12    —      —      —      —      —      —      16,398    —      —      549,989  

Victor Krauze

  12/26/12(4)   12/10/12    —      —      —      —      —      —      —      40,871    33.54    299,993  
  12/26/12(5)   12/10/12    —      —      —      7,156    17,889    17,889    —      —      —      599,997  
  12/26/12(6)   12/10/12    —      —      —      —      —      —      8,944    —      —      299,982  

Timothy Wright

  12/26/12(4)   12/10/12    —      —      —      —      —      —      —      51,089    33.54    374,993  
  12/26/12(5)   12/10/12    —      —      —      8,944    22,361    22,361    —      —      —      749,988  
  12/26/12(6)   12/10/12    —      —      —      —      —      —      11,180    —      —      374,977  

(1)Pursuant to Mr. Plumeri’s employment agreement, it was originally intended that Mr. Plumeri would receive his 2012 annual incentive compensation 50% in cash and 50% in RSUs, as in prior years. The amounts above represent the target, threshold and maximum cash amounts Mr. Plumeri may receive under his employment agreement. In March 2012, Mr. Plumeri and the Compensation Committee agreed to reduce his target payout to 250% of his base salary if 100% of his performance targets were achieved. As a result of Mr. Plumeri’s resignation as CEO in January 2013, the Compensation Committee determined to pay the 2012 annual incentive compensation 100% in cash. The actual cash amount paid to Mr. Plumeri for his 2012 annual incentive compensation is included in the Non-Equity Incentive Plan Column of the “Summary Compensation” table.
(2)As part of Mr. Plumeri’s 2011 annual incentive compensation, time-based RSUs were granted on March 1, 2012 and will vest and settle on July 7, 2013. Dividend equivalents will be paid when the RSUs vest equal to the dividend rate applicable to all record holders on record dates falling between the time of grant and the time of vest.
(3)Under Mr. Plumeri’s employment agreement, performance-based RSUs were granted on May 7, 2012, 50% of which were earned if an Adjusted EPS target for 2012 was met and 50% of the award was earned if an Adjusted Operating Margin target for 2012 was met. If the targets were not achieved at 100%, the amount of the award would be reduced on a sliding scale basis. The target and maximum amounts above reflect both the Adjusted EPS and Adjusted Operating Margins hitting at 100%. The threshold amounts reflect the minimum amount that would be earned if performance conditions were met for only one of the two applicable metrics (i.e., if 90% of either the Adjusted Operating Margin or Adjusted EPS target were met, then 80% of the performance-based RSUs as to the applicable Adjusted Operating Margin or Adjusted EPS target will become earned).

Based on the applicable performance metrics described in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis — Long Term Incentive Compensation,” 145,374 of the performance-based RSUs were earned. These earned RSUs will vest and settle on July 7, 2013.

(4)Time-based options were granted on December 26, 2012 under the 2012 LTI Program. The options will vest 50% on each of the second and third anniversaries of the grant date.
(5)Performance-based RSUs were granted on December 26, 2012 under the 2012 LTI Program, 50% of which were earned if an Adjusted EPS target for 2012 was met and 50% of the award was earned if an Adjusted Operating Margin target for 2012 was met. If the targets were not achieved at 100%, the amount of the award would be reduced on a sliding scale basis. The target and maximum amounts above reflect both the Adjusted EPS and Adjusted Operating Margins hitting at 100%. The threshold amounts reflect the minimum amount that would be earned if performance conditions were met for only one of the two applicable metrics (i.e., if 90% of either the Adjusted Operating Margin or Adjusted EPS target were met, then 80% of the performance-based RSUs as to the applicable Adjusted Operating Margin or Adjusted EPS target will become earned).

Based on the applicable performance metrics described in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Named Executive Officers’ Annual Compensation — Long Term Incentive Compensation,” the following performance-based RSUs were earned: Mr. Neborak (13,119), Mr. Hearn (28,860), Mr. Krauze (15,743) and Mr. Wright (19,677). Earned RSUs will vest 50% on each of the second and third anniversaries of the grant date.

(6)Time-based RSUs were granted on December 26, 2012 under the 2012 LTI Program. The RSUs will vest 50% on each of the second and third anniversaries of the grant date.
(7)Time-based RSUs were granted on March 1, 2012. The RSUs will vest 33%, 33% and 34% on the first, second and third anniversaries of the grant date, respectively.

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End

The following table sets forth the options and share-based awards held by the named executive officers as of December 31, 2012.

Name

  Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Exercisable
  Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Unexercisable
  Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options (#)
   Option
Exercise
Price
   Option
Expiration
Date
   Number of
Shares or
Units of
Stock
That Have
Not
Vested (#)
  Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested
($)(1)
   Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights
That Have
Not
Vested(#)
  Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Market or
Payout
Value of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights
That Have
Not Vested
(#)(1)
 

Joseph Plumeri

   100,000(2)   —      —       38.06     3/19/2014     —      —       —      —    
   500,000(3)   —      —       32.78     6/20/2014     —      —       —      —    
   650,000(4)   —      —       37.06     5/6/2015     —      —       —      —    
   —      —      —       —       —       25,783(5)   864,504     —      —    
           57,388(6)   1,924,220     —      —    
   —      —      —       —       —       66,200(7)   2,219,686     —      —    
   —      —      —       —       —       —      —       165,198(8)   5,539,089  

Michael Neborak

   —      16,234(9)   —       41.51     5/2/2019     —      —       —      —    
   —      34,059(10)   —       33.54     12/26/2020     —      —       —      —    
   —      —      —       —       —       2,719(11)   91,168     —      —    
   —      —      —       —       —       2,719(12)   91,168     —      —    
   —      —      —       —       —       7,453(13)   249,899     —      —    
   —      —      —       —       —       —      —       14,907(14)   499,832  

Stephen Hearn

   6,249    2,083(15)   —       25.79     11/3/15     —      —       —      —    
   —      16,234(9)   —       41.51     5/2/2019     —      —       —      —    
   —      74,931(10)   —       33.54     12/26/2020     —      —       —      —    
   —      —      —       —       —       3,400(16)   114,002     —      —    
   —      —      —       —       —       6,500(17)   217,945     —      —    
   —      —      —       —       —       16,398(13)   549,825     —      —    
   —      —      —       —       —       —      —       32,796(14)   1,099,650  

Victor Krauze

   5,000(18)   —      —       30.75     7/1/2013     —      —       —      —    
   25,000(19)   —      —       38.06     3/19/2014     —      —       —      —    
   26(20)   —      —       36.60     9/22/2014     —      —       —      —    
   50,000(21)   —      —       32.78     6/20/2014     —      —       —      —    
   50,000(22)   —      —       39.96     11/5/2015     —      —       —      —    
   12,499    4,167(23)   —       37.06     5/6/2015     —      —       —      —    
   20,000    20,000(24)   —       26.17     5/5/2017     —      —       —      —    
   12,500    37,500(25)   —       31.02     10/1/2018     —      —       —      —    
   —      21,645(9)   —       41.51     5/2/2019     —      —       —      —    
   —      40,871(10)   —       33.54     12/26/2020     —      —       —      —    
   —      —      —       —       —       16,750(26)   561,628     —      —    
   —      —      —       —       —       8,944(13)   299,892     —      —    
   —      —      —       —       —       —      —       17,889(14)   599,818  

Timothy Wright

   200,000(27)   —      —       34.42     9/1/2016     —      —       —      —    
   20,832    6,943(28)   —       34.42     9/1/2015     —      —       —      —    
   50,000    50,000(24)   —       26.17     5/5/2017     —      —       —      —    
   —      21,645(9)   —       41.51     5/2/2019     —      —       —      —    
   —      51,089(10)   —       33.54     12/26/2020     —      —       —      —    
   —      —      —       —       —       11,180(13)   374,865     —      —    
   —      —      —       —       —       —      —       22,361(14)   749,764  

(1)The market value of shares or units that have not vested has been calculated using the closing price of the Company’s shares on December 31, 2012, as quoted on the NYSE ($33.53), the last business day of the year.
(2)Time-based options were granted on March 19, 2004 and are fully exercisable.
(3)Time-based options were granted on June 20, 2006 and are fully exercisable.
(4)Performance-based options were granted on May 6, 2008 and are fully exercisable.
(5)Time-based RSUs were granted on March 1, 2012 and will vest and settle on July 7, 2013.
(6)Performance-based RSUs were granted on May 3, 2010. The RSUs will vest 33 1/3% on the first, second and third anniversaries of the grant date and will settle on July 7, 2013.
(7)Performance-based RSUs were granted on May 5, 2011. The RSUs will vest 50% on each of the first and second anniversaries of the grant date and will settle on July 7, 2013.
(8)Performance-based RSUs were granted on May 7, 2012, 50% of which are earned if an Adjusted EPS target for 2012 is met and 50% of which are earned if an Adjusted Operating Margin target for 2012 is met. If the targets are not achieved at 100%, the amount of the award is reduced on a sliding scale basis. Earned RSUs will vest and settle on July 7, 2013. Based on the applicable performance metrics described in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis — Named Executive Officers’ Annual Compensation — Long Term Incentive Compensation,” 145,374 of the performance-based RSUs were earned.
(9)Performance-based options were granted on May 2, 2011. The options will vest 50% on each of the third and fourth anniversaries of the grant date.
(10)Time-based options were granted on December 26, 2012. The options will vest 50% on each of the second and third anniversaries of the grant date.

(11)Time-based RSUs were granted on August 2, 2010. The RSUs will vest 33%, 33% and 34% on the first, second and third anniversaries of the grant date, respectively.
(12)Performance-based RSUs were granted on August 2, 2010. The RSUs will vest 33%, 33% and 34% on the first, second and third anniversaries of the grant date, respectively.
(13)Time-based RSUs were granted on December 26, 2012. The RSUs will vest 50% on each of the second and third anniversaries of the grant date.
(14)Performance-based RSUs were granted on December 26, 2012, 50% of which are earned if an Adjusted EPS target for 2012 is met and 50% of which are earned if an Adjusted Operating Margin target for 2012 is met. If the targets are not achieved at 100%, the amount of the award is reduced on a sliding scale basis. Earned RSUs will vest 50% on each of the second and third anniversaries of the grant date. Based on the applicable performance metrics described in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis — Named Executive Officers’ Annual Compensation — Long Term Incentive Compensation,” the following performance-based RSUs were earned: Mr. Neborak (13,119), Mr. Hearn (28,860), Mr. Krauze (15,743) and Mr. Wright (19,677).
(15)Performance-based options were granted on November 3, 2008. The options will become exercisable 50%, 25% and 25% on the third, fourth and fifth anniversaries of the grant date, respectively.
(16)Performance-based RSUs were granted on July 1, 2010. The RSUs will vest 33%, 33% and 34% on the first, second and third anniversaries of the grant date, respectively.
(17)Time-based RSUs were granted on March 1, 2012. The RSUs will vest 33%, 33% and 34% on the first, second and third anniversaries of the grant date, respectively.
(18)Time-based options were granted on July 1, 2003 and are fully exercisable.
(19)Time-based options were granted on March 19, 2004 and are fully exercisable.
(20)Time-based options were granted on September 22, 2004 and are fully exercisable.
(21)Time-based options were granted on June 20, 2006 and are fully exercisable.
(22)Time-based options were granted on November 5, 2007 and are fully exercisable.
(23)Performance-based options were granted on May 6, 2008. The options will become exercisable 50%, 25% and 25% on the third, fourth and fifth anniversaries of the grant date, respectively.
(24)Performance-based options were granted on May 5, 2009. The options will become exercisable 25% on each of the second, third, fourth and fifth anniversaries of the grant date.
(25)Performance-based options were granted on October 1, 2010. The options will become exercisable 25% on each of the second, third, fourth and fifth anniversaries.
(26)Time-based RSUs were granted on May 2, 2011. The RSUs will vest 33%, 33% and 34% on the first, second and third anniversaries of the grant date, respectively.
(27)Time-based options were granted on September 1, 2008 and are fully exercisable.
(28)Performance-based options were granted on September 1, 2008. The options will become exercisable 50% on the third anniversary of the grant date and 25% on each of the fourth and fifth anniversaries of the grant date.

Option Exercises and Shares Vested

The following table sets forth the share options exercised and the RSU vestings during 2012 by the named executive officers.

   Option Awards   Share-Based Awards 

Name

  Number of
Shares
Acquired on
Exercise
(#)
   Value
Realized on
Exercise
($)
   Number of
Shares
Acquired On
Vesting
(#)
  Value
Realized On
Vesting
($)(1)
 

Joseph Plumeri

   —       —       191,591(2)   6,968,136  

Michael Neborak

   —       —       5,276    181,442  

Stephen Hearn

   —       —       3,300    120,417  

Timothy Wright

   —       —       13,600    493,408  

Victor Krauze

   —       —       12,500    454,573  

(1)The value realized in respect of vested RSUs is calculated using the closing price, as quoted on the NYSE, on the date of such RSUs vesting. If a vesting occurred on non-business day, the closing price on the previous business day was used.
(2)Pursuant to the terms of an existing agreement, the settlement of 66,201 RSUs that vested on May 2, 2012, 57,390 RSUs that vested on May 3, 2012 and 68,000 RSUs that vested on May 5, 2012 has been deferred until Mr. Plumeri incurs a separation from service as defined in Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code.

Pension Benefits

Willis North America Inc. Pension Plan — The Company maintains a US retirement program, the Willis North America Inc. Pension Plan, a qualified defined benefits plan. This plan provides members with a pension on normal retirement age of 60 or 65 based on the length of service, pensionable remuneration and when they first joined the plan. Participants are 100% vested in the plan after completing five years of service. Employees also become 100% vested if they are participants in the plan and are employed by Company after reaching age 60. The plan was closed to new hires on January 1, 2007 and was frozen on May 15, 2009.

If participants are vested and married, their surviving spouses may be entitled to survivor benefits from the plan, if the participants die before starting retirement benefits. The default death benefit is the survivor portion of a 50% Joint & Survivor annuity commencing at an early or normal retirement date. If participants are active with 10 or more years of service, the death benefit is 50% of the accrued benefit and commences immediately. If participants are age 55 with 10 or more years of service, they may elect an enhanced survivor benefit.

As of December 31, 2012, Mr. Plumeri had approximately 12 years of vesting service. The accrued annual benefit for Mr. Plumeri, payable as a normal-form annuity beginning on January 1, 2013, is $56,184 (Mr. Plumeri is over 65). At this retirement age, the years of vesting service and annual maximum average salary for Mr. Plumeri are approximately 11 years and $202,000, respectively.

As of December 31, 2012, Mr. Krauze had approximately 16 years of vesting service. The accrued annual benefit for Mr. Krauze, payable as a normal-form annuity beginning at age 65 is $62,043. At a retirement age of 65, the years of vesting service and annual maximum average salary for Mr. Krauze are approximately 28 years and $201,001, respectively. Mr. Krauze can retire early with an unreduced accrued benefit as of February 1, 2022, assuming he remains employed to that date.

Also, Willis North America, Inc. has a 401(k) Plan covering its eligible employees and those of its subsidiaries. Shares are available as an investment option to participants in the Willis 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan. In order to provide the opportunity to accumulate retirement income and improve retention, the Company has reinstated a matching contribution (which was suspended in recent years) to the 401(k) Plan effective as of January 1, 2011. The matching contribution was made on December 31, 2012 for eligible employees who were still employed by the Company on that date.

Willis Pension Scheme (UK) — The Company also maintains a U.K. retirement program consisting of the Willis Pension Scheme, an approved defined benefits plan. The Willis Pension Scheme (UK) was closed to new members beginning on January 1, 2006. In 2006, it was replaced by a defined contribution plan for new employees. The Willis Pension Scheme (UK) provides members with a pension of up to two thirds of pensionable remuneration on normal retirement age. Normal retirement age is 65 for all benefits accruing after July 1, 2011. Some rights earned before July 1, 2011 can be drawn at the age of 60 on a reduced basis. Members accrue pension at a rate of 1/50th or 1/60thof pensionable remuneration, depending on grade and when they first joined the Willis Pension Scheme (UK), in each case subject to a maximum of two-thirds of pensionable remuneration on retirement. Other members may have different accrual rates due to individual circumstances, such as continuation of existing benefits on joining. Members contribute 10% of their pensionable remuneration.

Pensionable remuneration is based on full basic salary less an offset in respect of the U.K. State Pension, currently £5,587, in the case of most members. In addition, pensionable remuneration for members who joined the Scheme after June 1, 1989, is subject to a cap, currently £137,400. On death, pensions based on one half of the members’ pensions are payable to a surviving spouse.

Mr. Hearn and Mr. Wright do not participate in the Willis Pension Scheme because they joined the Company after 2006. Mr. Hearn participates in the Willis UK defined contribution plan and the Willis Stakeholder Pension Scheme, which is a series of individual investment policies established in the names of members and administered by a third party to which the Company contributes. The contributions made by the Company to the Willis Stakeholder Pension Scheme in respect of Mr. Hearn are made at the rate of 12% of basic salary in line with a contractual arrangement transferred from an acquired employer and exceed the standard rates payable to most other associates. Mr. Wright established a personal pension arrangement similar to the Willis UK defined contribution plan to which the Company contributes. The Company has no ongoing role in the governance or management of Mr. Wright’s plan and no residual liabilities in respect of it.

Rest of World — Elsewhere, pension benefits for our employees are typically provided in the country of operation through defined contribution plans.

The following table sets forth the retirement benefits that may be received by the named executive officers that participate in a defined benefit pension scheme:

Name

  

Plan Name

  Number
of Years
Credited
Service
(#)
   Present
Value of
Accumulated
Benefit
($’000)
   Payments
During
Last Fiscal
Year
($)
 

J. Plumeri

  Willis North America Inc. Pension Plan   12     634     —    

V. Krauze

  Willis North America Inc. Pension Plan   16     597     —    

Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation

The following table sets forth the non-qualified deferred compensation to be received by Mr. Plumeri (the Company’s 2012 CEO) and Mr. Krauze. None of the other named executive officers receives deferred compensation.

Name

  Executive
Contributions
in Last Fiscal
Year
($)
  Registrant
Contributions
in Last Fiscal
Year
($)
   Aggregate
Earnings in
Last Fiscal
Year
($)
  Aggregate
Withdrawals/
Distributions
($)
   Aggregate
Balance at
Last Fiscal
Year End
($)
 

J. Plumeri

   800,000(1)   —       (25,741)(2)   —       8,290,384  

V. Krauze

   —      —       175,040    —       1,270,796  

(1)Effective from October 15, 2003, Mr. Plumeri has received an annual deferred compensation credit of $800,000, which is made to a non-qualified deferred compensation plan on his behalf. Actual payments into the plan are made after deducting Social Security and Medicare Taxes from the $800,000 annual credit.
(2)Aggregate earnings are included in Mr. Plumeri’s Change in Pension Value in the “Summary Compensation” table. For 2012, investment earnings of $801 were offset by Social Security and Medicare taxes totaling $26,542.

Joseph Plumeri’s Employment Agreement (2012 CEO)

During 2009, the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors determined that it would be in the best interests of the Company to ensure Mr. Plumeri’s continued services as the Company’s Chairman and CEO until July of 2013. In addition, Mr. Plumeri, the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors agreed that Mr. Plumeri’s prior employment agreement should be updated to reflect the evolution of best pay practices over the last several years. At the time, two members of the Compensation Committee, Sir Roy Gardner and Mr. McCann, participated in all discussions with Mr. Plumeri regarding his employment agreement and were advised during the negotiations by the Compensation Committee’s consultant.

On January 6, 2013 Mr. Plumeri resigned as the Group CEO but will continue to serve as non-executive chairman and as an employee of Willis North America, Inc., a subsidiary of the Company. Until his retirement as non-executive chairman and an employee of Willis North America, Inc. on July 7, 2013, all of the terms of Mr. Plumeri’s existing employment agreement dated as of January 1, 2010, will remain in effect, except as amended on October 16, 2012 to reflect his duties, responsibilities and reduced time commitment to the Company as non-executive chairman beginning on January 7, 2013. The rationale for the new arrangements with Mr. Plumeri was to facilitate a seamless transition with the Company’s new CEO, particularly in light of Mr. Plumeri’s long tenure, deep industry knowledge and relationships. The amendment to Mr. Plumeri’s employment agreement also satisfied the requirements for his retirement or earlier resignation to constitute a “mutual retirement” for purposes of Mr. Plumeri’s unvested RSU awards and, as a result, upon Mr. Plumeri’s retirement or his earlier resignation the service requirements for Mr. Plumeri’s RSU awards will be waived.

Under his employment agreement, Mr. Plumeri’s annual base salary of $1,000,000 until his retirement date on July 7, 2013, which has not increased since he joined Willis in October 2000, will be maintained. Similarly, Mr. Plumeri will be eligible to receive a pro-rata annual incentive compensation award for 2013, subject to the achievement of performance targets to be determined by the Compensation Committee. Unlike previous awards, which were generally paid 50% in cash and 50% in RSUs, Mr. Plumeri’s 2012 award and the pro-rata award for 2013 will be paid 100% in cash. Mr. Plumeri’s employment agreement provides that the threshold, target and maximum annual incentive payout percentages for 2012 and 2013 are 250%, 375% and 500% of base salary. Mr. Plumeri will also continue to receive a pro rata portion of the same annual deferred compensation credit of $800,000, the last installment of which was contributed on April 15, 2013, subject to his continued employment.

In consideration for Mr. Plumeri complying with best pay practices when he amended his agreement in January 2010, at the time the Compensation Committee and Board provided that he would receive a grant of RSUs in 2010 that would vest only upon the achievement of performance and time-based criteria to be determined by the Compensation Committee. The agreement provided that the RSUs would have a grant date value of $6,000,000 and would vest in equal parts over a three-year period. At the time of the execution of the 2010 employment agreement, it was the expectation and intent of the Compensation Committee to award Mr. Plumeri grants of comparable value and containing comparable terms in 2011 and 2012, subject to the Compensation Committee’s good faith evaluation of changes in circumstances of the Company, the performance of the Company and the performance of Mr. Plumeri that justifies as an alternative vehicle or amount of grant. Accordingly, a similar $6,000,000 grant of performance-based RSUs was made in 2011 and 2012. Mr. Plumeri will not be entitled to receive a Long-Term Incentive award during 2013.

The employment agreement also contains non-competition, non-solicitation and confidentiality covenants.

Further information regarding the change of control and severance provisions in Mr. Plumeri’s employment agreement are contained in the section entitled “Compensation Tables—Potential Payments to Mr. Plumeri Upon Termination or Change of Control.”

Dominic Casserley’s Employment Agreement (Current CEO)

In negotiating the agreement with Mr. Casserley, the Company considered, among other things, the Company’s peer group compensation, current market practice regarding CEO pay, ISS and shareholder concerns, pay-for-performance concerns, the Committee’s policy to limit the grants of guaranteed compensation, internal executive compensation practices and the opportunity to split the roles of Chairman of the Board and CEO. These considerations were balanced with the fact that the Company needed to provide competitive pay to attract a high caliber candidate.

On October 16, 2012, Mr. Casserley executed an employment agreement with a subsidiary of the Company. The employment agreement has an initial term ending on December 31, 2015 and will automatically renew for up to two additional

one-year renewal terms, unless either party provides notice of nonrenewal at least 90 days prior to the end of the initial term or first renewal term, as applicable. Upon a “change of control” (as such term is defined in his employment agreement) the term will automatically extend until and expire upon the second anniversary of the “change of control” or, if later, December 31, 2015. Mr. Casserley’s agreement provides for him to be paid, beginning as of his commencement of employment with the Company on January 7, 2013: (i) an annual base salary of $1,000,000, (ii) an annual incentive award with a target value of 225% of his base salary (i.e., $2,250,000), a maximum value of 400% of his base salary (i.e., $4,000,000), and a lesser value for below target performance as may be established by the Board or the Compensation Committee, such annual incentive compensation awards described in further detail below, (iii) an annual equity-based long-term incentive award of 525% of base salary (i.e., $5,250,000) at target, and upon such other terms and conditions as may be established by the Board or the Compensation Committee for officers generally, (iv) reimbursement of his and his family’s relocation costs to the New York metropolitan area from London, England and, following his termination of employment with the Company other than for “cause” (as such term is defined in his employment agreement), his and his family’s return to the London metropolitan area, (v) employee benefits as are provided generally to other similarly-situated senior management employees of the Company, the use of a car and driver at his principal office location and the use of private aircraft owned or leased by the Company for business travel in accordance with the Company’s policy, and (vi) an employment commencement transition award of $1,500,000 to be paid after the completion of one year of service (i.e., January 7, 2014), 50% of which is subject to repayment if Mr. Casserley resigns without “good reason” (as such term is defined in his employment agreement) prior to the completion of two years of service.

With respect to Mr. Casserley’s annual incentive award, if Mr. Casserley is entitled to an annual incentive award exceeding $1,000,000 in respect of the Company’s 2013 fiscal year, then the first $1,000,000 will be paid in cash and any amounts exceeding $1,000,000 up to $2,500,000 will be paid in the form of equity-based awards, with one-third being immediately vested by reason of his completion of one year of service and the remainder subject to vesting on the second and third anniversaries of Mr. Casserley’s employment commencement date if Mr. Casserley is employed by the Company on each of the anniversary dates. One-half of such equity-based awards will be in the form of options to purchase ordinary shares of the Company, and one-half of such equity-based awards will be in the form of RSUs.

In the event that Mr. Casserley’s employment is terminated by the Company without “cause,” Mr. Casserley resigns for “good reason” or Mr. Casserley is terminated as a result of the non-renewal of his employment agreement by the Company within the first four years of employment (a “Qualifying Termination”), Mr. Casserley would be entitled to the following benefits: (i) an amount equal to two times the sum of his annual base salary and target annual incentive award, payable in installments over 24 months (the “Severance Payment”), (ii) a pro-rata portion of his annual incentive award for the year in which the termination of employment occurs, based on actual performance, payable at the same time that annual incentive compensation awards are payable generally, (iii) payment of the employment commencement transition award described above, to the extent unpaid, (iv) continued medical coverage at the active employee rate for Mr. Casserley, his spouse and then covered dependents for up to 18 months, (v) two years of service-vesting credit (but not performance-vesting credit) for one half of the annual equity-based long-term incentive awards granted to him during the first three years of service, (vi) one year of service-vesting credit (but not performance-vesting credit) for the remainder of the annual equity-based long-term incentive awards granted to him, (vii) each vested stock option held by Mr. Casserley will remain exercisable for three years following the termination date or, if earlier, the normal expiration date of the stock option, and (viii) accrued benefits including any annual incentive compensation awards earned but unpaid for any completed fiscal year. For purposes of determining the service-vesting credit described above each annual equity-based long-term incentive award will be deemed to have been granted not later than April 30th of the year of grant and vest at a rate not greater less than 1/3rd per year on each of the first three anniversaries of the date of grant.

In the event of a Qualifying Termination within two years following a “change of control,” Mr. Casserley would be entitled to the severance benefits described above except that the Severance Payment would be paid in a lump sum and Mr. Casserley would receive full service-vesting credit (but not performance-vesting credit) for each of the annual equity-based long-term incentive awards granted to him.

Lastly, upon termination of employment (other than for “cause”) concurrent with or following the expiration of the full five year term of his employment agreement, Mr. Casserley would be entitled to the following benefits: (i) two years of service-vesting credit (but not performance-vesting credit) for each of the annual equity-based long-term incentive awards granted to him, (ii) each vested stock option held by Mr. Casserley will remain exercisable for three years following the termination date or, if earlier, the normal expiration date of the stock option and (iii) such termination will be treated as retirement for purposes of compensation previously paid or payable to him. As described above, for purposes of determining the service-vesting credit described above each annual equity-based long-term incentive award will be deemed to have been granted no later than April 30th of the year of grant and vest at a rate not greater less than 1/3rd per year on each of the first three anniversaries of the date of grant.

The agreement also contains non-competition, non-solicitation and confidentiality covenants.

Other Named Executive Officers’ Employment Agreements

Each of the other named executive officers’ have an employment agreement with a subsidiary of the Company. The material economic terms of such agreements are described below. Each of the agreements also contains non-competition, non-solicitation and confidentiality covenants.

Further information regarding the change of control and severance provisions in Messrs. Neborak, Hearn, Wright and Krauze’s employment and restrictive covenant agreements are contained in the section entitled “Compensation Tables—Potential Payments to Other Named Executive Officers Other than the CEO Upon Termination or Change of Control.”

Michael Neborak

Mr. Neborak’s employment agreement effective as of July 6, 2010 provides for an annual base salary of $500,000, which the Committee increased to $600,000 based on the results of a market review, and an annual incentive award with a target value equal to 100% of his base salary. The employment agreement does not have a fixed term. In the event Mr. Neborak is terminated without “cause,” he will receive severance pay equal to 12 months of base salary. The Company has also entered into a separate restrictive covenant agreement with Mr. Neborak effective as of August 2, 2010, which provides, in part, that we may require that Mr. Neborak refrain from undertaking any activity deemed to be in competition with the Company for a period of up to 12 months following termination of employment, in exchange for monthly payments equivalent to his base salary and the provision of continued medical coverage during such period.

Stephen Hearn

Under Mr. Hearn’s employment agreement that remained in effect until December 31, 2012, he was entitled to (i) an annual base salary of £500,000 (or $792,500) and (ii) an annual incentive compensation award with a target value of 175% of his base salary, provided that his annual incentive compensation award in respect of the Company’s 2012 fiscal year to be no less than 150% of his base salary. Pursuant to this agreement, in 2012, Mr. Hearn also received 6,500 time-based RSUs as a result of his promotion to Chairman and CEO of Willis Global in early 2012. Pursuant to this agreement, if Mr. Hearn was terminated by the Company for any reason other than for Cause (as defined in such employment agreement), he was entitled to receive an amount equal to his contractual notice pay due to him (i.e., 12 months base salary) and an amount equal to his target annual incentive compensation award at the time of his termination.

At the same time the Board appointed Mr. Casserley as the Company’s new CEO, it promoted Mr. Hearn to the new role of Deputy CEO. Mr. Hearn has been employed by the Company for almost four years and in January 2012 was promoted to Chairman and CEO of Willis Global, encompassing the Company’s global reinsurance, placement and specialty, operations. The Board believes the combination of Mr. Casserley’s external perspective and broad global experience and Mr. Hearn’s internal perspective and deep industry experience is a powerful partnership to drive the Company’s strategic direction.

In connection with his promotion to Deputy CEO, on October 16, 2012, Mr. Hearn entered into an amended employment agreement which, when it became effective on January 1, 2013, provides (i) an annual base salary of £530,000 ($840,050), (ii) an annual incentive award with a target value of 200% of his base salary (subject to his prior employment agreement that provided for his annual incentive award in respect of the Company’s 2012 fiscal year to be no less than 150% of his base salary), and (iii) an annual long-term incentive award of 260% of his base salary at target. The employment agreement does not have a fixed term. Pursuant to Mr. Hearn’s amended employment agreement, if Mr. Hearn’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause or by the executive for Good Reason, he would be entitled to: (i) an amount equal to 150% of the sum of his annual base salary and target annual incentive award, which amount will be offset against any pay provided during the 12-month notice period set forth in the employment agreement or any pay in lieu of notice and will be payable in a lump sum, (ii) a pro-rata portion of his annual incentive award for the year in which the termination of employment occurs, based on actual performance, payable at the same time that annual incentive compensation awards are payable generally, (iii) any annual incentive compensation awards earned but unpaid for any prior fiscal year, and (iv) continuation of group medical coverage at the same rate that is applicable to active senior executive officers.

Timothy Wright

Mr. Wright’s employment agreement, dated as of December 17, 2007 and as amended July 19, 2012, provides that Mr. Wright, who originally joined the Company as the Group Chief Operating Officer and currently serves as the CEO of Willis International, is entitled to an annual base salary of £405,000 (or $641,925) and an annual incentive award with a target value equal to 175% of his base salary. As a result of an increase in his responsibilities related to his promotion to CEO of Willis International, Mr. Wright received an increase in his annual base salary to £500,000 (or $792,500). The employment agreement does not have a fixed term. In the event Mr. Wright’s employment is terminated without “Cause” (as defined in his employment agreement), he will receive severance pay equal to the sum of his annual base salary and target annual incentive compensation award at the time he is served with notice of termination.

Victor Krauze

Mr. Krauze’s employment agreement, effective as of December 3, 2010, and promotion letter, dated as of April 8, 2011, provide for a base salary of $625,000 which the Committee increased to $700,000 in response to market conditions. The Company may terminate his employment agreement at any time by providing him 30 days’ prior written notice. In the event he is terminated without “good cause” (as defined in the promotion letter), he will receive severance pay equal to 12 months of base salary, an amount equal to 12 months of COBRA medical coverage premiums and, on or before March 15, 2013, any AIP award for the 2012 performance period. Further, the agreements provide that if we desire Mr. Krauze to refrain from undertaking any activity deemed to be in competition with the Company for a period of up to 12 months following termination of employment, the Company will make monthly payments equivalent to his base salary. Such payments may be reduced by the amount of any other post-employment payments paid to Mr. Krauze, including any severance payments paid to him in connection with a termination without Good Cause.

In order to retain the services of Mr. Krauze during the transition from Mr. Plumeri to Mr. Casserley as the Company’s CEO, on October 16, 2012, a Company subsidiary entered into an amendment to Mr. Krauze’s April 8, 2011 promotion letter. Pursuant to the amendment, Mr. Krauze is eligible for enhanced severance payments and benefits if before December 31, 2013, he is involuntarily terminated by the Company other than for “good cause” or he resigns for “good reason.” The employment agreement does not have a fixed term.

Potential Payments to Mr. Plumeri Upon Termination or Change of Control

The following table shows the estimated payments and benefits that our CEO would have received if his employment had terminated or a Change of Control (defined below) occurred on December 31, 2012.

Joseph J. Plumeri

  Severance
($)
   Deferred
Compensation
($)
   Accrued
Amounts
($)(4)
   Total
Payments on
Termination
($)
   Intrinsic
Value of
Unvested
Share-Based
Awards
($)(5)
 

Termination by the Company without Cause, by the officer with Good Reason(1)

   4,000,000     8,705,727     1,031,762     13,737,489     10,545,990  

Termination on Change of Control(2)(7)

   9,500,000     8,705,727     1,031,762     19,237,489     10,545,990  

Termination for Other Reasons(3)(7)

   —       8,705,727     1,031,762     9,737,489     10,545,990  

Change of Control(6) (7)

   —       —       —       —       10,545,990  

(1)Mr. Plumeri’s employment agreement provided that if he was terminated by the Company without Cause or by himself for Good Reason he would be entitled to a lump sum payment equal to $4,000,000 in addition to any accrued benefits. The accrued benefits included: unpaid salary and vacation pay; any bonus due as a result of actual performance but not yet paid for any completed financial year; a pro rata bonus for the year in which the termination occurs based on the performance achieved in that year; amounts due under medical, life insurance, disability and pension plans; and reimbursable business expenses.

He would also have credited to his deferred compensation benefit account the amounts he would have received had he remained until the end of the term of his employment agreement (July 7, 2013). On departure, the full amount accrued under the deferred compensation plan would become payable.

Further, the RSUs granted to Mr. Plumeri on May 3, 2010, May 2, 2011 and March 1, 2012 would vest in full and the service requirements for the RSUs granted to Mr. Plumeri on May 7, 2012 would be waived.

The table above shows the amount Mr. Plumeri would have received had termination taken place on December 31, 2012, and assuming the Board has exercised its discretion to waive the performance requirements applicable to the RSUs granted to Mr. Plumeri on May 7, 2012.

(2)Mr. Plumeri’s employment agreement provided that in the event the Company was subject to a Change of Control and Mr. Plumeri’s employment was terminated by the Company (or a successor company) without Cause or by himself for Good Reason within six months prior to or within 24 months following such Change of Control, Mr. Plumeri would receive a payment equal to two times the sum of his base salary and target annual bonus during the year in which the termination of employment occurs. Mr. Plumeri would have also continued to be entitled to receive the accrued benefits described in (1) above and he would have credited to his deferred compensation benefit account the amounts he would have received had he remained until the end of the term of his employment agreement (July 7, 2013). On departure, the full amount accrued under the deferred compensation plan would become payable.

Further, in the event the Company was subject to a Change of Control and Mr. Plumeri’s employment was terminated by the Company without Cause or by him for Good Reason, the RSUs granted to Mr. Plumeri on May 3, 2010, May 2, 2011, March 1, 2012 and May 7, 2012 would vest in full.

The table above shows the amount Mr. Plumeri would have received had termination taken place on December 31, 2012 by reason of Change of Control, including the value of Mr. Plumeri’s unvested RSUs.

(3)Where the employment was terminated by the Company for any reason other than as described in (1) and (2) above, including Disability, mutual retirement and retirement, Mr. Plumeri would be entitled to receive the accrued benefits as described in (1) above including the right to receive the full amount accrued under the deferred compensation plan, provided that in the event of a termination for Cause the executive would not be entitled to a pro-rata bonus. Pursuant to Mr. Plumeri’s amended employment agreement, if he terminated his employment without Good Reason following a Change of Control, he would have credited to his deferred compensation benefit account the amounts he would have received had he remained until the end of the term of his employment agreement (July 7, 2013). On departure the full amount accrued under the deferred compensation plan would become payable.

In the event Mr. Plumeri’s termination was due to death, Disability or mutual retirement, the RSUs granted to Mr. Plumeri on May 3, 2010, May 2, 2011 and March 1, 2012 would vest in full and the service requirements for the RSUs granted to Mr. Plumeri on May 7, 2012 would be waived.

The table above shows the amount Mr. Plumeri would have received had termination taken place on December 31, 2012 for any reason other than described in (1) and (2) above, except for Cause, and assuming the Board exercised its discretion to waive the performance requirements applicable to the RSUs granted to Mr. Plumeri on May 7, 2012.

(4)It has been assumed for this calculation that the Board, through the Compensation Committee, would have determined that Mr. Plumeri be paid a cash award in an amount equal to his full 2012 annual incentive award. The above amount reflects the actual cash amount paid to Mr. Plumeri for his 2012 annual incentive compensation as reflected in the Non-Equity Incentive Plan Column of the “Summary Compensation” table.
(5)In addition to the above, it had been agreed that Mr. Plumeri would still retain the benefit of the Company’s directors and officers insurance relating to his services for the period up to and including his date of departure where termination of employment was without Cause or for Good Reason or Change of Control. Also, under the U.S. Pension Plan, in the event of termination of employment for any of the above reasons, Mr. Plumeri would receive the same benefit as other plan participants terminated for similar reasons. For more information please see “Executive Compensation — Compensation Discussion and Analysis — Pension Benefits.”
(6)The occurrence of a Change of Control would not trigger any cash payments to Mr. Plumeri, however, the performance requirements applicable to Mr. Plumeri’s RSUs, to the extent not already achieved, would be waived. In addition, upon a Change of Control, the Board would have had discretion to waive the service requirements applicable to Mr. Plumeri’s RSU awards. For the purpose of this section, it has been assumed that such discretion had been exercised.
(7)The terms “Cause,” “Good Reason,” “Disability,” “mutual retirement,” and “retirement” are used as defined in Mr. Plumeri’s employment agreement. The term “Cause” includes, among other things, conviction of a felony, willful and continuous disregard for, or serious or persistent breach of material duties and responsibilities, gross negligence or any other form of gross misconduct. The term “Good Reason” includes, among other things, any material diminution of duties, responsibilities or authority, or the assignment to Mr. Plumeri of any duties materially inconsistent with his position or any material breach of his contract of employment by the Company.

“Change of Control” is defined in Mr. Plumeri’s agreement as:

(a)the acquisition of ownership, directly or indirectly, beneficially or of record, by any Person or group (within the meaning of Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules of the SEC thereunder as in effect on the date hereof), of equity interests representing more than 30% of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented by the issued and outstanding equity interests of the Company;

(b)occupation of a majority of the seats (other than vacant seats) on the Board of Directors of the Company by Persons who were neither (i) nominated by the Board of Directors of the Company nor (ii) appointed by directors so nominated; provided a Person shall not be deemed so nominated or appointed if such nomination or appointment is the result of a proxy contest or a threatened proxy contest;

(c)the failure of the Company to own, directly or indirectly, at least 50% of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented by the issued and outstanding equity interests of Willis North America, Inc. (or the successor entity owning all or substantially all of the assets previously owned by Willis North America, Inc. if such assets are transferred);

(d)a merger, consolidation or other corporate transaction of the Company (a “Transaction”) such that the shareholders of the Company immediately prior to such Transaction do not own more than 50 percent of the aggregate ordinary voting power of the surviving entity (or its parent) immediately after such Transaction in approximately the same proportion to each other as immediately prior to the Transaction;

(e)the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company; or

(f)approval by the Company’s shareholders of a plan of liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

Mr. Plumeri’s employment agreement further provided that the definition of “Change of Control” may be narrowed in some circumstances, to the extent necessary to comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code.

Potential Payments to Named Executive Officers other than Mr. Plumeri Upon Termination or Change of Control

The following table sets forth the estimated payments and benefits our named executive officers other than the CEO would have received assuming the named executive officer was terminated or a change of control occurred on December 31, 2012.

Name

  Severance
($)
   Value of
Unvested
Deferred
Cash
Awards
($)
   Total
Payments on
Termination
($)
   Welfare/
Other
($)
   Intrinsic
Value of
Unvested
Share-
Based
Awards
($)(1)
 

Michael Neborak

          

Termination by the Company without Cause(2)(5)

   600,000     562,500     1,162,500     17,628     932,067  

Termination by the Company without Cause on a Change of Control(3)

   600,000     562,500     1,162,500     17,628     932,067  

Termination for Other Reasons(4)(5)

   600,000     562,500     1,162,500     17,628     932,067  

Change of Control(6)

   —       562,500     562,500     —       932,067  

Stephen Hearn(7)

          

Termination by the Company without Cause(2)

   2,153,125     562,500     2,715,625     —       1,997,544  

Termination by the Company without Cause on a Change of Control(3)

   2,153,125     562,500     2,715,625     —       1,997,544  

Termination for Other Reasons(4)

   —       562,500     562,500     —       1,997,544  

Change of Control(6)

   —       562,500     562,500     —       1,997,544  

Timothy Wright(7)

          

Termination by the Company without Cause(2)

   2,071,875     750,000     2,821,875     —       1,492,630  

Termination by the Company without Cause on a Change of Control(3)

   2,071,875     750,000     2,821,875     —       1,492,630  

Termination for Other Reasons(4)

   —       750,000     750,000     —       1,492,630  

Change of Control(6)

   —       750,000     750,000     —       1,492,630  

Victor Krauze

          

Termination by the Company without Cause(2)

   1,610,000     2,020,796     3,630,796     12,653     1,702,663  

Termination by the Company without Cause on a Change of Control(3)

   1,610,000     2,020,796     3,630,796     12,653     1,702,663  

Termination for Other Reasons(4)(5)

   700,000     2,020,796     2,720,796     12,653     1,702,663  

Change of Control(6)

   —       2,020,796     2,020,796     —       1,702,663  

(1)Mr. Krauze entered into an amendment to his promotion letter dated October 16, 2012 which provides that in the event Mr. Krauze’s employment is terminated by the Company without Good Cause or by the executive for Good Reason prior to December 31, 2013, all earned and outstanding equity and long-term incentive awards granted to him through calendar year 2012 will vest in full. “Good Cause” is defined as (i) gross neglect of duties, (ii) conviction of a felony, (iii) dishonesty, embezzlement, or fraud by the executive in connection with his employment, (iv) the issuance of any final order for the executive’s removal as an associate of the Company by any state or federal regulatory agency, (v) material willful breach of the “Confidential Information and Work for Hire” or “Employee Loyalty, Non-competition and Non-solicitation” provisions in the executive’s employment agreement, (vi) any material breach of the Company’s Code of Ethics, or (vii) failure to maintain any insurance or other license necessary to the performance of the executive’s duties. “Good Reason” is defined as (i) a material diminution in status, position, authority or duties which in Mr. Krauze’s reasonable judgment is materially inconsistent with and has a material adverse impact on his status, position, authority or duties, (ii) a material reduction in base salary, (iii) a material breach by the Company of any material provision in Mr. Krause’s employment agreement or promotion letter and (iv) beginning on April 2, 2013 and ending on December 31, 2013, Mr. Krauze’s dissatisfaction with the strategy, policies or operating procedures adopted by the then CEO of the Company.

Mr. Hearn’s employment agreement that was in effect on December 31, 2012 did not provide for the acceleration of his equity or long-term incentive awards upon a termination of employment for any reason. However, Mr. Hearn entered into an amended employment agreement on October 16, 2012 that was effective on January 1, 2013 which provides that in the event Mr. Hearn’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause or by the executive for Good Reason, any options, restricted shares, deferred cash or other long term incentive awards due to vest during the twelve month period following the termination date will vest on the termination date. “Cause” is defined as (i) gross and or chronic neglect of duties, (ii) conviction of an offence involving moral turpitude, (iii) dishonesty, embezzlement, fraud or other material willful misconduct in connection with employment, (iv) the issuance of any final order for removal as an associate or officer of the Company by any regulatory authority, (v) violation of any obligation or confidence, fiduciary duty, duty of loyalty or other material obligation owed to the Company in any employment or other agreement with the Company or implied as common law, (vi) material breach of the Company’s code of ethics, or (vii) failure to maintain any insurance or license necessary for the performance of duties to the Company. “Good Reason” is defined as (i) a reduction in base salary or a material adverse reduction in benefits (other than (a) in the case of base salary a reduction offset by an increase in bonus opportunity upon the attainment of reasonable performance goals or (b) a general reduction in compensation or benefits affecting a broad group of employees), (ii) a material adverse reduction in principal duties and responsibilities or (iii) a significant transfer away from his primary service area or primary workplace other than as permitted by existing service contracts.

The Board may, in its discretion, accelerate each of the unvested option, RSU and deferred cash awards held by Messrs. Neborak, Hearn and Wright upon a termination of employment by the Company without cause.

For purposes of this section, it has been assumed that the Company has exercised its discretion to fully vest the option, RSU and deferred cash awards (at the target level of achievement) held by Messrs. Neborak, Hearn and Wright. The table above shows the intrinsic value of all unvested option, RSU and deferred cash awards held by the executives as of December 31, 2012.

(2)Mr. Neborak entered into an employment agreement with the Company dated July 6, 2010. The agreement provides that in the event his employment is terminated by the Company without Cause, the executive will receive severance pay equal to 12 months of base salary. “Cause” is defined as (i) gross and or chronic neglect of duties, (ii) conviction of a felony or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, (iii) material willful dishonesty, embezzlement, fraud or other material willful misconduct in connection with employment, (iv) the issuance of any final order for removal as an associate of the Company by any state or federal regulatory agency, (v) violation of the restrictive covenant provisions in an employment agreement or other agreement with the Company, (vi) material breach of any material duty owed to the Company, including, without limitation the duty of loyalty, (vii) material breach of any other material obligations under an employment or other agreement with the Company, (viii) material breach of the Company’s code of ethics, (ix) failure to achieve reasonable performance goals as specified by the Company or (x) failure to maintain any insurance or license necessary for the performance of duties to the Company.

Mr. Krauze entered into an amendment to his promotion letter dated October 16, 2012 which provides that in the event Mr. Krauze’s employment is terminated by the Company without Good Cause or by the executive for Good Reason (each as defined in footnote 1 above) prior to December 31, 2013, the executive will receive (i) 12 months of base salary and medical benefit continuation, (ii) payment of his annual incentive award for the 2012 fiscal year, subject to the achievement of the performance goals established by the Compensation Committee and (iii) a waiver of the repayment obligations applicable to his cash retention awards.

Mr. Hearn’s employment agreement that was in effect on December 31, 2012 provided that if Mr. Hearn was terminated by the Company for any reason other than for Cause (as defined in footnote 1 above), he was entitled to receive an amount equal to his contractual notice pay due to him (i.e., 12 months base salary) and an amount equal to his target annual incentive compensation award at the time of his termination. Mr. Hearn entered into an amended employment agreement on October 16, 2012 that was effective on January 1, 2013 which provides that in the event Mr. Hearn’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause or by the executive for Good Reason, he would be entitled to: (i) an amount equal to 150% of the sum of his annual base salary and target annual incentive award, which amount will be offset against any pay provided during the 12-month notice period set forth in the employment agreement or any pay in lieu of notice and will be payable in a lump sum, (ii) a pro-rata portion of his annual incentive award for the year in which the termination of employment occurs, based on actual performance, payable at the same time that annual incentive compensation awards are payable generally, (iii) any annual incentive compensation awards earned but unpaid for any prior fiscal year, and (iv) continuation of group medical coverage at the same rate that is applicable to active senior executive officers.

Mr. Wright entered into an amendment to his employment agreement dated July 19, 2012 which provides that in the event he is terminated by the Company for any reason other than for Cause (as defined in footnote 1 above with respect to Mr. Hearn), he will be entitled to receive an amount equal to the sum of his annual base salary and target annual incentive compensation award at the time he is served with notice of termination, which amount will be offset against any pay provided during the six-month notice period set forth in the employment agreement or any pay in lieu of notice and will be payable in a lump sum.

(3)The occurrence of a Change of Control will not trigger any automatic cash payments to Messrs. Neborak, Krauze, Hearn and Wright however, pursuant to his amended employment agreement that was effective on January 1, 2013, upon a termination of employment by the Company without Cause within two years following a Change of Control, Mr. Hearn is entitled to an enhanced severance payment. The enhanced severance payment is equal to 200% (rather than 150%) of the sum of his annual base salary and target annual incentive award, which amount will be offset against any pay provided during the 12-month notice period set forth in his employment agreement or any pay in lieu of notice. Further, the deferred cash awards held by the executives may, in the discretion of the Compensation Committee, vest and become payable. Further, as described below, certain option and RSU awards held by the executives will vest.

The amounts payable to Messrs. Neborak, Krauze, Hearn and Wright in respect of termination of employment on December 31, 2012 in connection with a Change of Control would be calculated on the same basis described inTermination by the Company without Cause above.

Mr. Neborak’s employment agreement provides that in the event of Change of Control all of his RSUs and options will immediately vest in full.

The option award granted to Mr. Krauze on May 6, 2008, the option award granted to Mr. Hearn on November 3, 2008 and the performance-based option award granted to Mr. Wright on September 1, 2008 automatically vest in full upon the occurrence of a Change of Control pursuant to the Company’s 2008 Plan, to the extent such awards are not assumed or substituted. In the event those option awards are assumed or substituted, such options generally vest in full upon a participant’s termination of employment occurring within 24 months following the Change of Control.

All other RSU and option awards may vest upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, in the sole discretion of the Board.

For purposes of the option, RSU and deferred cash awards, “Change of Control” is defined as (i) the acquisition of ownership, directly or indirectly, beneficially or of record, by any person or group (within the meaning of the Exchange Act and the rules of the SEC thereunder as in effect on the date hereof) of the ordinary shares of the Company representing more than 50% of the aggregate voting power represented by the issued and outstanding ordinary shares of the Company; or (ii) occupation of a majority of the seats (other than vacant seats) on the Board of the Company by persons who were neither (a) nominated by the Company’s Board nor (b) appointed by directors so nominated.

For purposes of Mr. Hearn’s amended employment agreement “Change of Control” is defined as: (i) the acquisition of ownership, directly or indirectly, beneficially or of record, by any person or group (within the meaning of the Exchange Act and the rules of the SEC thereunder as in effect on the date hereof) of equity interests representing more than thirty (30%) of the aggregate voting power represented by the issued and outstanding equity interests of the Company; occupation of a majority of the seats (other than vacant seats) on the Board of the Company by persons who were neither (a) nominated by the Company’s Board nor (b) appointed by directors so nominated; (iii) a merger, consolidation or other corporate transaction of the Company such that shareholders of the Company immediately prior to such transaction do not own more than fifty percent (50%) of the aggregate ordinary voting power of the surviving entity (or its parent) immediately after such transaction in approximately the same proportion to each other as immediately prior to the transaction; or (iv) the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company.

For purposes of this section it has been assumed that the Company has exercised its discretion to fully vest the option, RSU and deferred cash awards (at the target level of achievement) held by Mr. Neborak, Krauze, Hearn and Wright to the extent that such awards do not automatically vest in full. The table above shows the intrinsic value of all unvested option, RSU and deferred cash awards held by the executives as of December 31, 2012.

(4)The unvested option, RSU and deferred cash awards held by Messrs. Neborak, Krauze, Hearn and Wright each vest in full upon a termination of employment due to death or permanent disability;provided, that, performance-based option and deferred cash awards only vest to the extent that performance targets have been achieved on the date of termination of employment. In addition, the Board, in its sole discretion, may accelerate the vesting of all option, RSU and deferred cash awards upon a termination of employment due to retirement.

For purposes of this section it has been assumed that the Company has exercised its discretion to fully vest the option, RSU and deferred cash awards (at the target level of achievement) held by Messrs. Neborak, Krauze, Hearn and Wright to the extent that such awards do not automatically vest in full. The table above shows the intrinsic value of all unvested option, RSU and deferred cash awards held by the executives as of December 31, 2012.

(5)Mr. Neborak entered into restrictive covenant agreements with the Company, effective on August 2, 2010. The agreement provides, in part, that for a period of 12 months directly following his termination of employment for any reason the executive must refrain from working for, engaging or generally having a financial interest in certain of the Company’s competitors. During the non-compete period the Company is obligated to make payments to the officer equal to the base salary payments the executive would have received if he had remained in the Company’s employ during such period. In addition, the Company is required to pay for the cost of the officer’s medical coverage during the non-compete period. The Company may elect to shorten the non-competition period for Mr. Neborak, in which case the Company would only be obligated to provide the officer with the base salary payments and medical benefits described above during the shortened non-compete period.

Mr. Krauze’s employment agreement and promotion letter similarly provide that for a period of up to 12 months directly following Mr. Krauze’s termination of employment for any reason the executive must refrain from working for, engaging or generally having a financial interest in certain of the Company’s competitors. During the non-compete period the Company is obligated to make payments to Mr. Krauze equal to the base salary payments the executive would have received if he had remained in the Company’s employ during such period. In addition, the Company is required to pay for the cost of the officer’s medical coverage during the non-compete period. Such payments may be reduced by the amount of any other post—employment payments paid to Mr. Krauze, including any severance payments paid to him in connection with a termination without Good Cause or for Good Reason (each as defined in footnote 2 above). Further, the Company may elect to shorten the non-competition period, in which case the Company would only be obligated to provide Mr. Krauze with the base salary payments described in this footnote 5 during the shortened non-compete period.

The table above shows the payments the officer would have received had a termination of employment taken place on December 31, 2012, assuming that payments and benefits were provided for the full 12 month non-compete period.

(6)The occurrence of a Change of Control will not trigger any automatic cash payments to Messrs. Neborak, Krauze, Hearn and Wright. However, as described inTermination by the Company on Change of Control above, certain option and RSU awards held by the executives automatically vest in full upon the occurrence of a Change of Control and the deferred cash and all other option and RSU awards held by the executives may vest upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, in the sole discretion of the Board.

For the purpose of this section, it has been assumed that the Company has exercised its discretion to fully vest the option, RSU and deferred cash awards (at the target level of achievement) held by Messrs. Neborak, Krauze, Hearn and Wright to the extent that such awards do not automatically vest in full. The table above shows the intrinsic value of all unvested option, RSU and deferred cash awards held by the executives as of December 31, 2012.

(7)Messrs. Hearn and Wright receive their salaries and annual incentive compensation awards in pounds sterling. The dollar figures shown have been calculated at the exchange rate as at December 31, 2012 (£1: $1.625).

Compensation Risk Analysis

In the first quarter of 2010, at the Compensation Committee’s request, its independent Compensation Consultant at the time, Frederick W. Cook & Co., worked with management to conduct a risk assessment of the Company’s compensation programs. This assessment included an inventory of incentive compensation plans then in place at the Company, a review of the design and features of the Company’s compensation programs with key members of management responsible for such programs and an assessment of program design and features relative to compensation risk factors.

With assistance from the Company’s Director of Risk, Frederick W. Cook & Co., also reviewed the Company’s risk profile and related risk management processes and the findings of the compensation risk assessment to determine if any material risks were deemed to be likely to arise from the Company’s compensation policies and programs and to determine whether these risks would be reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on its business. The determination, which was reviewed and affirmed by management and the Compensation Committee, was that the Company’s pay plans and policies were not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company. In the first quarter of 2011, this conclusion was reaffirmed.

In 2012 and 2013, at the request of the Compensation Committee, Towers Watson (its current independent Compensation Consultant) reviewed the risk assessment conducted by the previous Compensation Consultant and confirmed that the methodology used in that assessment remained valid. Towers Watson has worked with Willis to review its compensation programs and to determine if they had materially changed from the time of the initial risk assessment. As a result of this review, Towers Watson found that the only material change that had occurred was the removal in 2012 of the repayment obligation required under certain cash retention awards under Willis’ annual incentive programs. However, Towers Watson concluded that this action did not pose additional compensation risk because the repayment feature originally had been added to address retention risk versus organizational risk. Accordingly, Towers Watson determined that the 2010 risk assessment findings remain applicable. The Compensation Committee reviewed and affirmed this determination and further commissioned a full risk review of the Company’s compensation programs in 2014.

Outside Director Compensation

In 2012, all outside directors (i.e., all directors other than Mr. Plumeri), received an annual cash retainer fee of $100,000. In addition, (i) the Chairman of the Compensation Committee, the Chairman of the Governance Committee and the Chairman of the Risk Committee each received an annual cash fee of $20,000; (ii) the Chairman of the Audit Committee received an annual cash fee of $30,000; and (iii) the other members of the Audit Committee received an annual cash fee of $10,000. The Presiding Independent Director received an annual cash fee of $35,000. In 2012, the Board also authorized a one-time special cash fee of $30,000 for each of Senator Bradley, Wendy E. Lane and James McCann, as members of a CEO Search Committee, for their efforts in selecting a new CEO.

In addition, as part of their annual compensation, each non-employee director who is elected at the Company’s Annual General Meeting of Shareholders also receives time-based equity equivalent in value to $100,000 (based on the closing price of the Company’s shares as quoted on the NYSE on the date of grant) that vest in full on the one-year anniversary of the grant date. On May 7, 2012, the non-employee directors received 2,753 RSUs that will vest in full on May 7, 2013.

In 2013, the Board also approved an annual fee for the Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of $150,000 payable 50% in equity and 50% in cash, provided that the Non-Executive Chairman may elect to receive the fee 100% in stock.

Outside directors are subject to share ownership guidelines that require them to hold Company shares equal to the lesser of 3.5 times the directors’ cash retainer of $100,000 (i.e., $350,000) or 10,000 shares. Incumbent directors must comply by 2016 (i.e., five years of adoption of the guidelines). Ordinary shares, deferred shares, share equivalents, RSUs and restricted shares count toward satisfying the guidelines, but options to purchase shares do not. Each director is prohibited from transferring these shares until six months after he or she leaves Board service (other than to satisfy tax obligations on the vesting/distribution of existing equity awards), but is permitted to transfer any shares in excess of this amount. In the event an outside director has not acquired this threshold of shares, he or she is prohibited from transferring any Company shares (other than to satisfy tax obligations on the vesting/distribution of existing equity awards). In the case of financial hardship, the ownership guidelines would be waived until the hardship no longer applies or such appropriate time as the Compensation Committee determines. All directors currently satisfy the guidelines.

Sir Jeremy Hanley receives an additional annual fee of £50,000 for serving on the board of directors of Willis Limited, the Company’s principal insurance broking subsidiary outside of the USA. He has sat on the Willis Limited board of directors since March 12, 2008 and he also serves on the Willis Limited board of directors’ audit committee.

The following table sets forth cash and other compensation paid or accrued to the non-employee directors of the Company during 2012.

Name of Non-Employee Director

  Fees
Earned
or Paid
in Cash
($)
   Option
Awards
($)
   Share
Awards
($)(1)
   All Other
Compensation
($)(2)
  Total
($)

William Bradley(3)

   192,065     —       99,989     —      292,054

Joseph Califano, Jr.

   100,000     —       99,989     39,548    239,537

Anna Catalano

   100,000     —       99,989     —      199,989

Sir Roy Gardner(4)

   120,000     —       99,989     —      219,989

Sir Jeremy Hanley(5)

   110,000     —       99,989     —      209,989

Robyn Kravit(6)

   110,000     —       99,989     97,034    307,023

Jeffrey Lane

   100,000     —       99,989     —      199,989

Wendy E. Lane(7)

   160,000     —       99,989     —      259,989

James McCann(8)

   141,359     —       99,989     8,531    249,879

Douglas Roberts(9)

   130,000     —       99,989     51,740    281,729

Michael Somers

   100,000     —       99,989     —      199,989

(1)Each of the directors received 2,753 RSUs on May 7, 2012 which will vest in full on May 7, 2013 (other than Senator Bradley whose RSUs were forfeited upon his resignation from the Board). The value shown is the full fair value as at the date of grant.
(2)In connection with the Company’s redomicile to Ireland, the Company agreed to indemnify any director in the event they may need to pay additional taxes as a result of the redomicile. The above amounts reflect the gross-up payment made to the non-employee directors in 2012 in connection with taxes paid by them for the 2011 fiscal year and, in the case of Mr. McCann, the 2010 fiscal year. The Company also hired Ernst & Young in Dublin, Ireland to prepare the directors’ Irish 2012 tax returns which is expected to be less than $50,000 in the aggregate.
(3)The above fees reflect Senator Bradley’s role as the Presiding Independent Director and Chairman of the Governance Committee. He resigned from both positions effective as of October 17, 2012 and resigned from the Board effective as of November 1, 2012. The fees include the one-time special fee approved by the Board of $30,000 for his efforts in selecting a new Group CEO. They also include his 2011 $35,000 fee for serving as the Presiding Independent Director. He originally waived receipt of this fee but subsequently accepted it in 2012.
(4)The above fees reflect Sir Roy Gardner’s role as the Chairman of the Risk Committee.
(5)The above fees reflect Sir Jeremy Hanley’s role as a member of the Audit Committee. As noted above, he also receives an annual cash fee of £50,000 in connection with his service as a director on the Willis Limited board of directors.
(6)The above fees reflect Ms. Kravit’s role as a member of the Audit Committee.
(7)The above fees reflect Ms. Lane’s role as the Chairman of the Compensation Committee and a member of the Audit Committee. The fees also include the one-time special fee approved by the Board of $30,000 for her efforts in selecting a new Group CEO.
(8)The above fees reflect Mr. McCann’s role as Presiding Independent Director and Chairman of the Governance Committee. He was appointed to these positions effective October 17, 2012. They also include the one-time special fee approved by the Board of $30,000 for his efforts in selecting a new Group CEO.
(9)The above fees reflect Mr. Roberts’ role as the Chairman of the Audit Committee.

As of December 31, 2012, the non-employee directors owned the following options to purchase shares and RSUs (which include any RSUs, the settlement of which has been deferred): Mr. Califano held 5,942 RSUs; Ms. Catalano held 30,000 options and 4,114 RSUs; Sir Roy Gardner held 30,000 options and 2,753 RSUs; Sir Jeremy Hanley held 30,000 options and 5,942 RSUs; Ms. Kravit held 4,114 RSUs; Mr. Lane held 2,753 RSUs; Ms. Lane held 2,753 RSUs; Mr. McCann held 4,114 RSUs; Mr. Roberts held 5,942 RSUs; and Mr. Somers held 2,753 RSUs.

In addition to the foregoing options, 30,000 options held by Mr. Califano, 30,000 options held by Ms. Lane, 30,000 options held by Mr. McCann and 30,000 options held by Mr. Roberts, have been amended such that they will receive the intrinsic value in cash upon exercise rather than receive shares upon payment of the exercise price.

For more information regarding the number of shares beneficially owned by each director as of April 24, 2013, see Item 12, “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.”

Item 12 — Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

The following table provides information, as of December 31, 2012, about the securities authorized for issuance under our equity compensation plans, and is categorized according to whether or not the heading ‘Security Ownership-Securityequity plan was previously approved by shareholders:

Plan Category

  Number of
Shares to be
Issued Upon
Exercise of
Outstanding
Options,
Warrants
and Rights
  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price of
Outstanding
Options,
Warrants
and
Rights (1)
   Number of
Shares
Remaining
Available for
Future
Issuance
 

Equity Compensation Plans Approved by Security Holders

   18,761,121 (2)   32.76     11,228,595 (3) 

Equity Compensation Plans Not approved by Security Holders

   433,566 (4)   27.08     690,521 (5) 
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   19,194,687    32.67     11,919,116  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)

The weighted-average exercise price set forth in this column is calculated excluding RSUs or other awards for which recipients are not required to pay an exercise price to receive the shares subject to the awards.

(2)

Includes options and RSUs outstanding under the 2001, 2008 and 2012 Plan.

(3)

Represents shares available for issuance pursuant to awards that may be granted under the 2012 Plan (10,551,524 shares) and the 2010 North American Employee Stock Purchase Plan (677,071 shares).

(4)

Includes options and RSUs outstanding under the following plans that were assumed by Willis in connection with the acquisition by Willis of Hilb, Rogal & Hobbs: the 2000 HRH Plan and the 2007 HRH Plan. No future awards will be granted under the 2000 HRH Plan. The above amounts do not include an aggregate of 120,000 options held by certain non-employee directors pursuant to which they will receive the intrinsic value in cash rather than shares upon exercise of the options.

(5)

Represents shares that remain available for issuance under the 2007 HRH Plan. Willis is authorized to grant awards under the 2007 HRH Plan until 2017 to employees who were formerly employed by Hilb, Rogal & Hobbs and to new employees who have joined Willis or one of its subsidiaries since October 1, 2008, the date that the acquisition of Hilb, Rogal & Hobbs was completed.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management’Management

The following tables show the number of shares beneficially owned, as of April 24, 2013:

By each entity which is known to beneficially own 5% or more of our outstanding shares,

By each of our current directors and ‘Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans’director nominees,

By each named executive officer listed in the 2012 Proxy StatementSummary Compensation Table and

By each of our current directors, director nominees and executive officers as group.

The amounts and percentages of our shares beneficially owned are reported in accordance with Rule 13d-3 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Under these rules, a person is incorporated herein by reference.

deemed to be a beneficial owner of a security if that person has or shares voting power, which includes the power to vote or to direct the voting of that security, or investment power, which includes the power to dispose of or to direct the disposition of that security. A person is also deemed to be a beneficial owner of any securities of which that person has a right to acquire beneficial ownership within 60 days of April 24, 2013 (i.e., June 23, 2013). Also, more than one person may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of the same securities and a person may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of securities as to which that person has no economic interest.

5% Beneficial Owners

Name and Address

  Number of
Shares
Beneficially
Owned
   Percent
Beneficially
Owned

ValueAct Capital(1)

435 Pacific Avenue, Fourth Floor

San Francisco, CA 94133

   16,500,000    9.5%

T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.(2)

100 E. Pratt Street,

Baltimore, MD 21202

   14,681,338    8.4%

Harris Associates L.P.(3)

Harris Associates Inc.

Two North LaSalle Street, Suite 500

Chicago, IL 60602

   11,184,000    6.5%

(1)The information is based on Amendment No. 3 to the Schedule 13D filed with the SEC on March 1, 2013 jointly by ValueAct Capital Master Fund, L.P.; VA Partners I, LLC; ValueAct Capital Management, L.P.; ValueAct Capital Management, LLC; ValueAct Holdings, L.P. and ValueAct Holdings GP, LLC and updated information provided by ValueAct Capital. The amount beneficially owned includes 16,500,000 shares over which there is shared voting power and shared dispositive power among the joint filers. Percentage of our shares beneficially owned is as reported in their Schedule 13D/A and as updated by ValueAct Capital as of April 24, 2013.
(2)The information is based solely on the Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 12, 2013 by T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. The amount beneficially owned includes 4,336,925 shares over which there is sole voting power and 14,681,338 shares over which there is sole dispositive power. Percentage of our shares beneficially owned is as reported in their Schedule 13G as of December 31, 2012.
(3)The information is based solely on the Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 11, 2013 by Harris Associates L.P. and its general partner, Harris Associates Inc. The amount beneficially owned includes 10,891,000 shares over which there is sole voting power and sole dispositive power. As a result of advisory and other relationships with persons who own the shares, Harris Associates L.P. may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of 11,184,000 shares. Percentage of our shares beneficially owned is as reported in their Schedule 13G as of December 31, 2012.

Current Directors, Director Nominees and Executive Officers

Name and Address(1)

  Number of
Shares
Beneficially
Owned(2)
   Percent
Beneficially
Owned
 

Joseph Plumeri(3)

   3,450,562     2.0

Joseph Califano, Jr.(4)

   14,111         

Anna Catalano(5)

   42,111         

Sir Roy Gardner(6)

   47,020         

Sir Jeremy Hanley(7)

   47,676         

Robyn Kravit(8)

   10,283         

Jeffrey Lane(9)

   10,283         

Wendy E. Lane(10)

   10,600         

James McCann(11)

   12,961         

Douglas Roberts(12)

   18,537         

Michael Somers(13)

   5,375         

Jeffrey W. Ubben(14)

   16,500,000     9.5

Dominic Casserley

   27,100         

Stephen Hearn(15)

   10,040         

Victor Krauze(16)

   216,284         

Michael Neborak

   7,144         

Timothy Wright(17)

   311,950         

All of our Current Directors, Director Nominees and Executive Officers (19 persons)

   20,815,588     12.0

*Less than 1%.
(1)Unless otherwise indicated, the address of each of the persons listed below is c/o Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company, Grand Mill Quay, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland.
(2)The number of shares that the directors and executive officers are deemed to have a beneficial interest includes shares under options that will be exercisable and/or RSUs that will vest on or before June 23, 2013 as indicated in the following notes. These shares, however, are not deemed outstanding for purposes of computing percentage of beneficial ownership of any other person.
(3)Mr. Plumeri’s shares beneficially owned include 66,200 performance-based RSUs, which are scheduled to vest on May 2, 2013, 57,390 performance-based RSUs, which are scheduled to vest on May 3, 2013, 1,250,000 options to purchase shares and 380,977 RSUs with deferred settlement until Mr. Plumeri incurs a separation of service from the Company. Mr. Plumeri will retire as Chairman of the Board on July 7, 2013.
(4)Mr. Califano’s shares beneficially owned include 2,753 time-based RSUs, which are scheduled to vest on May 7, 2013, and 3,189 vested RSUs, the settlement of which has been deferred until the earlier of when the director ceases to serve on the Board and January 2, 2017. Additionally, Mr. Califano beneficially owns 30,000 options pursuant to which he will receive the intrinsic value in cash upon exercise rather than receive shares upon payment of the exercise price. These options are not reflected in the above table.
(5)Ms. Catalano’s shares beneficially owned include 30,000 options to purchase shares, 2,753 time-based RSUs, which are scheduled to vest on May 7, 2013, and 1,361 vested RSUs, the settlement of which has been deferred until the earlier of when the director ceases to serve on the Board and January 2, 2017.

(6)Sir Roy Gardner’s shares beneficially owned include 30,000 options to purchase shares and 2,753 time-based RSUs, which are scheduled to vest on May 7, 2013.
(7)Sir Jeremy Hanley’s shares beneficially owned include 30,000 options to purchase shares, 2,753 time-based RSUs, which are scheduled to vest on May 7, 2013, and 3,189 vested RSUs, the settlement of which has been deferred until the earlier of when the director ceases to serve on the Board and January 2, 2017.
(8)Ms. Kravit’s shares beneficially owned include 2,753 time-based RSUs, which are scheduled to vest on May 7, 2013, and 1,361 vested RSUs, the settlement of which has been deferred until the earlier of when the director ceases to serve on the Board and January 2, 2017.
(9)Mr. Lane’s shares beneficially owned include 2,753 time-based RSUs, which are scheduled to vest on May 7, 2013.
(10)Ms. Lane’s shares beneficially owned includes 2,753 time-based RSUs, which are scheduled to vest on May 7, 2013. She also beneficially owns 30,000 options pursuant to which she will receive the intrinsic value in cash upon exercise rather than receive shares upon payment of the exercise price. These options are not reflected in the above table.
(11)Mr. McCann’s shares beneficially owned include 2,753 time-based RSUs, which are scheduled to vest on May 7, 2013 and 1,361 vested RSUs, the settlement of which has been deferred until the earlier of when the director ceases to serve on the Board and January 2, 2017. Additionally, Mr. McCann beneficially owns 30,000 options pursuant to which he will receive the intrinsic value in cash upon exercise rather than receive shares upon payment of the exercise price. These options are not reflected in the above table.
(12)Mr. Roberts’ shares beneficially owned include 2,753 time-based RSUs, which are scheduled to vest on May 7, 2013, and 3,189 vested RSUs, the settlement of which has been deferred until the earlier of when the director ceases to serve on the Board and January 2, 2017. Additionally, Mr. Roberts beneficially owns 30,000 options pursuant to which he will receive the intrinsic value in cash upon exercise rather than receive shares upon payment of the exercise price. These options are not reflected in the above table.
(13)Mr. Somers’ shares beneficially owned include 2,753 time-based RSUs, which are scheduled to vest on May 7, 2013.
(14)Mr. Ubben has been nominated as a director by the Board for election at the 2013 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders. Includes 16,500,000 shares of common stock beneficially owned by ValueAct Capital Master Fund, L.P., as to which Mr. Ubben may be deemed a beneficial owner. Mr. Ubben disclaims beneficial ownership of these shares except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein.
(15)Mr. Hearn’s shares beneficially owned include 6,249 options to purchase shares.
(16)Mr. Krauze’s shares beneficially owned include 8,250 time-based RSUs, which are scheduled to vest on May 2, 2013, 2,512 shares held indirectly by the Theresa L. Krauze Revocable Trust and 184,192 options to purchase shares (of which 10,000 options are scheduled to vest on May 5, 2013 and 4,167 options are scheduled to vest on May 6, 2013).
(17)Mr. Wright’s shares beneficially owned include 295,832 options to purchase shares (of which 25,000 options are scheduled to vest on May 5, 2013).

Item 13 — Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

Review and Approval of Related Person Transactions

Willis has adopted written policies and procedures governing the review and approval of transactions between the Company and any of its directors or executive officers, nominees for directors, any security holder who is known to the Company to own of record or beneficially more than 5% of any class of the Company’s voting securities or their immediate family members (each, a “Related Person”) to determine whether such persons have a direct or indirect material interest. The informationCompany’s directors, nominees for directors and executive officers complete an annual director and officer questionnaire which requires the disclosure of related person transactions. In addition, directors, nominees for directors and executive officers are obligated to advise the Audit Committee of any related person transactions of which they are aware, or become aware, and, in the event that any such transactions involve difficult or complex issues, the directors and executive officers are obligated to advise the Group General Counsel. Further, transactions that are determined to be directly or indirectly material to a Related Person are disclosed in the Company’s Proxy Statement or Annual Report on Form 10 K in accordance with SEC rules. The Audit Committee reviews and approves or ratifies any related person transaction that is required to be disclosed. In the course of its review and approval or ratification of a disclosable related person transaction, the Audit Committee considers, among other factors it deems appropriate:

The position within or relationship of the Related Person with the Company;

The materiality of the transaction to the Related Person and the Company, including the dollar value of the transaction, without regard to profit or loss;

The business purpose for and reasonableness of the transaction (including the anticipated profit or loss from the transaction), taken in the context of the alternatives available to the Company for attaining the purposes of the transaction;

Whether the transaction is comparable to a transaction that could be available on an arms-length basis or is on terms that the Company offers generally to persons who are not Related Persons;

Whether the transaction is in the ordinary course of the Company’s business and was proposed and considered in the ordinary course of business; and

The effect of the transaction on the Company’s business and operations, including on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and system of disclosure controls or procedures, and any additional conditions or controls (including reporting and review requirements) that should be applied to such transaction.

Any member of the Audit Committee who is a Related Person with respect to a transaction under review may not participate in the deliberations or vote regarding the approval or ratification of the transaction, provided, however, that such director may be counted in determining the presence of a quorum at a meeting at which the Audit Committee considers the transaction.

2012 Related Person Transactions Under Item 404 of Regulation S-K

David Hearn is the brother of Peter Hearn, the Chairman of Willis Re and a 2012 executive officer, and is employed by a Willis subsidiary. David Hearn’s 2012 total compensation (including salary, bonus and long-term incentive awards) was $1,225,000. Both David Hearn and Peter Hearn are unrelated to Stephen Hearn, the Group Deputy CEO, CEO and Chairman of Willis Global. No other transactions are required to be disclosed under Item 404 of Regulation S-K.

Board and Committee Member Independence

Based on the recommendation of the Governance Committee, the Board has determined that, with the exception of Mr. Casserley and Mr. Plumeri (who will retire as Chairman and a member of the Board on July 7, 2013), (i) all the directors and director nominees shown above and (ii) the current members of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, Governance Committee and the Risk Committee are independent under the heading ‘Corporate Governance’relevant SEC rules, NYSE listing standards and the Board’s Director Independence Standards. The Board’s Director Independence Standards are part of the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines adopted by the Board and which comply and meet the requirements of the NYSE’s listing standards.

As discussed above, each director nominee has significant experience and affiliations with other organizations. Accordingly, in evaluating the independence of each director, the Governance Committee considered that in the 2012 Proxy Statement is incorporated hereinordinary course of business, the Company provides services (such as insurance broking or consultancy services) to, receives services from or provides charitable donations to organizations affiliated with the directors. This includes a $150,000 charitable contribution made by reference.

the Company to CASA, a charitable organization that employs Messrs. Califano and Lane and whose board includes Messrs. Lane, Califano, and Plumeri. In addition, in the ordinary course of business and on an arm’s length basis, Jeffrey Lane, Robyn Kravit and James McCann receive broking or consultancy services from the Company on a personal basis. However, the Governance Committee determined that, in all of the above cases, the transactions do not impair the relevant director’s independence under the applicable SEC rules, NYSE listing standards or the Company’s Governance Guidelines.

Item 14 — Principal Accounting Fees and Services

The information underfollowing fees have been, or will be, billed by Deloitte LLP and their respective affiliates for professional services rendered to the headings ‘Fees Paid to Independent Auditors’Company for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

   2012   2011 
   ($ in thousands) 

Audit fees(1)

   6,942     6,581  

Audit related fees(2)

   227     215  

Tax fees(3)

   170     124  

All other fees(4)

   980     566  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total fees

   8,319     7,486  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)Fees for the audits of the Company’s annual financial statements and reviews of the financial statements included in the Company’s quarterly reports for that fiscal year, services relating to the Company’s registration statements ($31,000) and U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) accounting consultations and Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 work.
(2)Audit related fees relate primarily to professional services such as employee benefit plan audits and non-statutory audits.
(3)Tax fees comprise fees for various tax compliance engagements.
(4)All other fees in 2012 relate primarily to assist with the Company’s internal review of certain payments made by our U.K. subsidiary between 2005 and 2009, discussed in further detail in the section entitled “Commitments and Contingencies” in Note 22 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included within our Annual Report on Form 10-K, and in 2011 to assist with the Company’s Finance Transformation Project.

The Audit Committee approved all of the services described above in accordance with the Company’s pre-approval policy.

Audit Committee Pre-Approval Process

The Audit Committee has adopted a policy regarding the pre-approval of services provided by the Company’s independent auditors, which can be found in the 2012 Proxy Statement is incorporated hereinInvestor Relations — Corporate Governance section of the Company’s website atwww.willis.com. This policy requires all services provided by referencethe Company’s independent auditors, both audit and as disclosedpermitted non-audit services, to be pre-approved by the Audit Committee or the Chairman of the Audit Committee or, in Note 5his absence, any other member of the Committee. The pre-approval of audit and permitted non-audit services may be given at any time before the commencement of the specified service. The decisions of a designated member of the Audit Committee shall be reported to the consolidated financial statements.


157Audit Committee at each of its regularly scheduled meetings.


EXHIBIT A

RECONCILIATIONOF GAAPTO NON-GAAP INFORMATION

Willis Group Holdings plc

I.Analysis of Commissions and Fees

The following table reconciles organic commissions and fees growth by segment to the percentage change in reported commissions and fees for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2012:

   Three months ended
December 31,
  Change attributable to 
   2012   2011   %
Change
  Foreign
currency
translation
  Acquisitions
and disposals
  Organic
commissions
and fees

growth(a)
 

Global

  $237    $213     11.3  (0.3)%   —    11.6

North America

   331     316     4.7  (0.3)%   —  % (b)   5.0%(b) 

International

   299     281     6.4  (1.0)%   —    7.4
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Commissions and fees

  $867    $810     7.0  (0.5)%   —    7.5
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   Twelve months ended
December 31,
  Change attributable to 
   2012   2011   %
Change
  Foreign
currency
translation
  Acquisitions
and disposals
  Organic
commissions
and fees

growth(a)
 

Global

  $1,124    $1,073     4.8  (1.3)%   —    6.1

North America

   1,306     1,314     (0.6)%   —  %     —  % (c)   (0.6)% 

International

   1,028     1,027     0.1  (4.8)%   —    4.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Commissions and fees

  $3,458    $3,414     1.3  (1.8)%   —    3.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(a)Organic commissions and fees growth excludes: (i) the impact of foreign currency translation; (ii) the first twelve months of net commission and fee revenues generated from acquisitions; (iii) the net commission and fee revenues related to operations disposed of in each period presented; (iv) in North America, legacy contingent commissions assumed as part of the HRH acquisition and that had not been converted into higher standard commission; and (v) investment income and other income from reported revenues.
(b)Results for Willis North America showed organic growth of 5.0% attributable, in part, to the reversal in the fourth quarter of 2011 of revenue that was improperly recorded during 2011. Excluding that revenue reversal, organic growth in Willis North America was 3.1%.
(c)Included in North America reported commissions and fees were legacy HRH contingent commissions of $nil in the fourth quarter of 2012 and the fourth quarter of 2011 and $2 million in 2012 compared with $5 million in 2011.

Our methods of calculating these measures may differ from those used by other companies and therefore comparability may be limited.

II.Adjusted Operating Income

The following table reconciles operating (loss) income, the most directly comparable GAAP measure, to adjusted operating income, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012 and 2011:

   Twelve months ended
December 31,
 
   2012  2011  %
Change
 

Operating (Loss) Income

  $(209 $566    NM  

Excluding:

    

Goodwill impairment charge(a)

   492    —     

Write-off of unamortized cash retention awards(b)

   200    —     

Additional incentive accrual for change in remuneration
policy
(c)

   252    —     

Insurance recovery(d)

   (10  —     

Loss/(gain) on disposal of operations

   3    (4 

Write-off of uncollectible accounts receivable and legal fees(e)

   13    22   

India JV settlement (f)

   11    —     

2011 Operational Review(g)

   —      180   

Financial Services Authority regulatory settlement

   —      11   
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Adjusted Operating Income

  $752   $775    (3.0)% 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Operating Margin, or Operating Income as a percentage of Total Revenues

   (6.0)%   16.4 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Adjusted Operating Margin, or Adjusted Operating Income as a percentage of Total Revenues

   21.6  22.5 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

(a)Non-cash charge recognized related to the impairment of the carrying value of the North America reporting unit’s goodwill.
(b)Write-off of unamortized cash retention awards following decision to eliminate the repayment requirement on past awards.
(c)Additional incentive accrual recognized following the replacement of annual cash retention awards with annual cash bonuses which will not feature a repayment requirement.
(d)Insurance recovery related to previously disclosed improperly recorded revenue in Chicago.
(e)Write-off of an uncollectible accounts receivable balance, together with associated legal fees, related to overstatement of Commissions and Fees from the years 2004 to 2011, in Chicago.
(f)Settlement with former partners related to the termination of a joint venture arrangement in India.
(g)Charge relating to the 2011 Operational Review, including $34 million of severance costs relating to the elimination of approximately 400 position in the fourth quarter of 2011 and $98 million of severance costs relating to the elimination of approximately 1,200 positions for the full year 2011.

III.Adjusted Net Income from Continuing Operations

The following table reconciles net (loss) income from continuing operations and earnings per diluted share from continuing operations, the most directly comparable GAAP measures, to adjusted net income from continuing operations and earnings per diluted share from continuing operations, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012 and 2011:

   Twelve months ended
December 31,
  Per diluted share
Twelve months ended
December 31,
 
   2012  2011  %
Change
  2012  2011  %
Change
 

Net (Loss) Income from Continuing Operations attributable to Willis Group Holding plc

  $(446 $203    NA   $(2.58 $1.15    NM  

Excluding:

       

Goodwill impairment charge, net of tax ($34, $nil)(a)

   458    —       2.60    —     

Write-off of unamortized cash retention awards, net of tax ($62, $nil)(b)

   138    —       0.78    —     

Additional incentive accrual for change in remuneration policy, net of tax ($77, $nil)(c)

   175    —       0.99    —     

Insurance recovery, net of tax ($4, $nil)(d)

   (6  —       (0.03  —     

Loss/(gain) on disposal of operations, net of tax ($nil, $nil)

   3    (4   0.02    (0.02 

India JV settlement, net of tax ($nil, $nil)(e)

   11    —       0.06    —     

Write-off of uncollectible accounts receivable balance and legal fees, net of tax ($5, $9)(f)

   8    13     0.05    0.08   

2011 Operational Review charge, net of tax ($nil, $52)(g)

   —      128     —      0.73   

Financial Services Authority regulatory settlement, net of tax ($nil, $nil)

   —      11     —      0.06   

Make-whole amounts on repurchase and redemption of Senior Notes and write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs, net of tax ($nil, $50)

   —      131     —      0.74   

Deferred tax valuation allowance(h)

   113    —       0.64    —     

Dilutive impact of potentially issuable shares(i)

   —      —       0.05    —     
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

Adjusted Net Income from Continuing Operations

  $454   $482    (5.8)%  $2.58   $2.74    (5.8)% 
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

Diluted shares outstanding

   176    176      
  

 

 

  

 

 

     

(a)Non-cash charge recognized related to the impairment of the carrying value of the North America reporting unit’s goodwill.
(b)Write-off of unamortized cash retention awards following decision to eliminate the repayment requirement on past awards.
(c)Additional incentive accrual recognized following the replacement of annual cash retention awards with annual cash bonuses which will not feature a repayment requirement.
(d)Insurance recovery related to previously disclosed improperly recorded revenue in Chicago.
(e)Settlement with former partners related to the termination of a joint venture arrangement in India.
(f)Write-off of uncollectible accounts receivable balance, together with associated legal fees, related to overstatement of Commissions and Fees from the years 2004 to 2011, in Chicago.
(g)Charge relating to the 2011 Operational Review, including $34 million of severance costs relating to the elimination of approximately 400 positions in the fourth quarter of 2011 and $98 million of severance costs related to the elimination of approximately 1,200 positions for the full year 2011.
(h)Valuation allowance against deferred tax assets.
(i)Diluted earnings per share are calculated by dividing net income by the average number of shares outstanding during each period. However, potentially issuable shares were not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the three months and twelve months ended December 31, 2012 because the Company’s net loss rendered their impact anti-dilutive. The dilutive impact of potentially issuable shares is included on reconciling to adjusted earnings per share from continuing operations.

PART IV

Item 15 Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
The following documents are filed as a part of this report:
(1) Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company consisting of:

(a) Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

(b) Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.
(c) Consolidated Statements of Operations for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011.
(d) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2011 and 2010.
(e) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011.
(3) Exhibits:

  2.1

(f)  Consolidated StatementsScheme of Changes in EquityArrangement between Willis Group Holdings Limited and Comprehensive Incomethe Scheme Shareholders (incorporated by reference to Annex A to Willis Group Holdings Limited’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on November 2, 2009 (SEC File No. 001-16503))

  3.1

Memorandum and Articles of Association of Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit No. 3.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 4, 2010 (SEC File No. 001-16503))

  3.2

Certificate of Incorporation of Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 3.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 4, 2010 (SEC File No. 001-16503))

  4.1

Senior Indenture dated as of July 1, 2005, and First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 1, 2005, among Willis North America Inc., as the Issuer, Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company, TA I Limited, TA II Limited, TA III Limited, Trinity Acquisition plc, TA IV Limited and Willis Group Limited, as the Guarantors, and The Bank of New York (f/k/a JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.), as the Trustee, for eachthe issuance of the three years in5.625% senior notes due 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Willis Group Holdings Limited’s Form 8-K filed on July 1, 2005 (SEC File No. 001-16503))

  4.2

Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of March 28, 2007 among Willis North America Inc., as the period endedIssuer, Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company, TA I Limited, TA II Limited, TA III Limited, Trinity Acquisition plc, TA IV Limited and Willis Group Limited, as the Guarantors, and The Bank of New York, as the Trustee, to the Indenture dated as of July 1, 2005, for the issuance of the 6.200% senior notes due 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Willis Group Holdings Limited’s Form 8-K filed on March 30, 2007 (SEC File No. 001-16503))

  4.3

Third Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 1, 2008 among Willis North America Inc., as the Issuer, Willis Group Holdings Limited, Willis Investment UK Holdings Limited, TA I Limited, TA II Limited, TA III Limited, Trinity Acquisition plc, TA IV Limited and Willis Group Limited, as the Guarantors, and The Bank of New York Mellon, as the Trustee, to the Indenture dated as of July 1, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Willis Group Holdings Limited’s Form 10-Q filed on November 10, 2008 (SEC File No. 001-16503))

  4.4

Fourth Supplemental Indenture dated as of September 29, 2009 among Willis North America Inc., as the Issuer, Willis Group Holdings Limited, Willis Investment UK Holdings Limited, TA I Limited, TA II Limited, TA III Limited, Trinity Acquisition plc, TA IV Limited and Willis Group Public Limited Company, as the Guarantors, and The Bank of New York, as the Trustee, to the Indenture dated as of July 1, 2005, for the issuance of the 7.000% senior notes due 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Willis Group Holdings Limited’s Form 8-K filed on September 29, 2009 (SEC File No. 001-16503))

  4.5

Fifth Supplemental Indenture dated as of December 31, 2011.2009 among Willis North America Inc., as the Issuer, Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company, Willis Group Holdings Limited, Willis Netherlands Holdings B.V., Willis Investment UK Holdings Limited, TA I Limited, TA II Limited, TA III Limited, Trinity Acquisition plc, TA IV Limited and Willis Group Limited, as the Guarantors, and The Bank of New York Mellon, as the Trustee, to the Indenture dated as of July 1, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 4, 2010 (SEC File No. 001-16503))

  4.6

Sixth Supplemental Indenture dated as of December 22, 2010 among Willis North America Inc., as the Issuer, Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company, Willis Netherlands Holdings B.V., Willis Investment UK Holdings Limited, TA I Limited, TA II Limited, TA III Limited, Trinity Acquisition plc, TA IV Limited and Willis Group Limited, as the Guarantors, and The Bank of New York Mellon, as the Trustee, to the Indenture dated as of July 1, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Form 10-K filed on February 28, 2011 (SEC File No. 001-16503))
(g) Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable, or not required, or because the required information is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements or the Notes thereto.
(2) Exhibits:
     
     
 2.1 Scheme of Arrangement between Willis Group Holdings Limited and the Scheme Shareholders (incorporated by reference to Annex A to Willis Group Holdings Limited’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on November 2, 2009 (SEC File No. 001-16503))
     
 3.1 Memorandum and Articles of Association of Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit No. 3.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 4, 2010 (SEC File No. 001-16503))
     
 3.2 Certificate of Incorporation of Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 3.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 4, 2010 (SEC File No. 001-16503))
     
 4.1 Senior Indenture dated as of July 1, 2005, and First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 1, 2005, among Willis North America Inc., as the Issuer, Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company, TA I Limited, TA II Limited, TA III Limited, Trinity Acquisition plc, TA IV Limited and Willis Group Limited, as the Guarantors, and The Bank of New York (f/k/a JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.), as the Trustee, for the issuance of the 5.625% senior notes due 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Willis Group Holdings Limited’s Form 8-K filed on July 1, 2005 (SEC File No. 001-16503))
     
 4.2 Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of March 28, 2007 among Willis North America Inc., as the Issuer, Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company, TA I Limited, TA II Limited, TA III Limited, Trinity Acquisition plc, TA IV Limited and Willis Group Limited, as the Guarantors, and The Bank of New York, as the Trustee, to the Indenture dated as of July 1, 2005, for the issuance of the 6.200% senior notes due 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Willis Group Holdings Limited’s Form 8-K filed on March 30, 2007 (SEC File No. 001-16503))
     
 4.3 Third Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 1, 2008 among Willis North America Inc., as the Issuer, Willis Group Holdings Limited, Willis Investment UK Holdings Limited, TA I Limited, TA II Limited, TA III Limited, Trinity Acquisition plc, TA IV Limited and Willis Group Limited, as the Guarantors, and The Bank of New York Mellon, as the Trustee, to the Indenture dated as of July 1, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Willis Group Holdings Limited’s Form 10-Q filed on November 10, 2008 (SEC File No. 001-16503))


158


Exhibits
(2) Exhibits (continued):
     
     
 4.4 Fourth Supplemental Indenture dated as of September 29, 2009 among Willis North America Inc., as the Issuer, Willis Group Holdings Limited, Willis Investment UK Holdings Limited, TA I Limited, TA II Limited, TA III Limited, Trinity Acquisition plc, TA IV Limited and Willis Group Public Limited Company, as the Guarantors, and The Bank of New York, as the Trustee, to the Indenture dated as of July 1, 2005, for the issuance of the 7.000% senior notes due 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Willis Group Holdings Limited’s Form 8-K filed on September 29, 2009 (SEC File No. 001-16503))
     
 4.5 Fifth Supplemental Indenture dated as of December 31, 2009 among Willis North America Inc., as the Issuer, Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company, Willis Group Holdings Limited, Willis Netherlands Holdings B.V., Willis Investment UK Holdings Limited, TA I Limited, TA II Limited, TA III Limited, Trinity Acquisition plc, TA IV Limited and Willis Group Limited, as the Guarantors, and The Bank of New York Mellon, as the Trustee, to the Indenture dated as of July 1, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 4, 2010 (SEC File No. 001-16503))
     
 4.6 Sixth Supplemental Indenture dated as of December 22, 2010 among Willis North America Inc., as the Issuer, Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company, Willis Netherlands Holdings B.V., Willis Investment UK Holdings Limited, TA I Limited, TA II Limited, TA III Limited, Trinity Acquisition plc, TA IV Limited and Willis Group Limited, as the Guarantors, and The Bank of New York Mellon, as the Trustee, to the Indenture dated as of July 1, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Form 10-K filed on February 28, 2011 (SEC File No. 001-16503))
     
 4.7 Indenture, dated as of March 17, 2011, among Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company, as issuer, Willis Netherlands Holdings B.V., Willis Investment Holdings UK Limited, TA I Limited, Trinity Acquisition plc, Willis Group Limited and Willis North America Inc., as Guarantors, and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on March 17, 2011 (SEC File No. 001-16503))
     
 4.8 First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 17, 2011, among Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company, as Issuer, Willis Netherlands Holdings B.V., Willis Investment Holdings UK Limited, TA I Limited, Trinity Acquisition plc, Willis Group Limited and Willis North America Inc., as guarantors, and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on March 17, 2011 (SEC File No. 001-16503))
     
 10.1 Credit Agreement, dated as of December 16, 2011, among Trinity Acquisition plc, Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company, the Lenders party thereto, Barclays Bank PLC, as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and as an L/C Issuer (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on December 20, 2011 (SEC File No. 001-16503))
     
 10.2 Guaranty Agreement, dated as of December 16, 2011, among Trinity Acquisition plc, Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company, Barclays Bank PLC, as Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on December 20, 2011 (SEC File No. 001-16503))
     
 10.3 Deed Poll of Assumption dated as of December 31, 2009 between Willis Group Holdings Limited and Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 4, 2010 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†
     
 10.4 Willis Group Senior Management Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 4, 2010 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†
     
 10.5 Willis Group Holdings 2010 North America Employee Share Purchase Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2010 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†
     
 10.6 Willis Group Holdings 2001 Share Purchase and Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 4, 2010 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†
     
 10.7 Form of Performance-Based Option Agreement under the Willis Group Holdings 2001 Share Purchase and Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on May 10, 2010 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†
     
 10.8 Form of Performance-Based Option Agreement — 2011 Long Term Incentive Program under the Willis Group Holdings 2001 Share Purchase and Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on May 3, 2011 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†

159


Willis Group Holdings plc
(2) Exhibits (continued):
     
     
 10.9 Form of 2011 Long Term Incentive Program Agreement of Restrictive Covenants and Other Obligations (for US employees) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on May 3, 2011 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†
     
 10.10 Form of 2011 Long Term Incentive Program Agreement of Restrictive Covenants and Other Obligations (for UK employees) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on May 3, 2011 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†
     
 10.11 Form of 2011 Long Term Incentive Program Cash Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on December 20, 2011 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†
     
 10.12 Form of Time-Based Option Agreement under the Willis Group Holdings 2001 Share Purchase and Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 the Company’s Form 10-K filed on February 28, 2011 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†
     
 10.13 Form of Time-Based Restricted Share Unit Award Agreement under the Willis Group Holdings 2001 Share Purchase and Option Plan (for executive officers) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2011 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†
     
 10.14 Form of Restricted Share Unit Award Agreement for Non-employee Directors under the Willis Group Holdings 2001 Share Purchase Option Plan*†
     
 10.15 The Willis Group Holdings 2004 Bonus and Share Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 4, 2010 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†
     
 10.16 Rules of the Willis Group Holdings Sharesave Plan 2001 for the United Kingdom (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 4, 2010 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†
     
 10.17 The Willis Group Holdings Irish Sharesave Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on May 5, 2010 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†
     
 10.18 The Willis Group Holdings International Sharesave Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 4, 2010 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†
     
 10.19 Willis Group Holdings 2008 Share Purchase and Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 4, 2010 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†
     
 10.20 Form of Performance-Based Restricted Share Units Award Agreement under the Willis Group Holdings 2008 Share Purchase and Option Plan (for executive officers) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2011 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†
     
 10.21 Form of Performance-Based Restricted Share Unit Award Agreement granted under the Willis Group Holdings 2008 Share Purchase and Option Plan, dated May 2, 2011, between Joseph J. Plumeri and Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2011 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†
     
 10.22 Form of Performance-Based Option Award Agreement under the Willis Group Holdings 2008 Share Purchase and Option Plan (for executive officers) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2011 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†
     
 10.23 Hilb Rogal and Hamilton Company 2000 Share Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 4, 2010 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†
     
 10.24 Hilb Rogal & Hobbs Company 2007 Share Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 4, 2010 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†
     
 10.25 Form of Time-Based Restricted Share Unit Award Agreement granted under the Hilb Rogal & Hobbs Company 2007 Share Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’sForm 10-Q filed on August 6, 2010 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†
     
 10.26 Form of Performance-Based Restricted Share Unit Award Agreement granted under the Hilb Rogal & Hobbs Company 2007 Share Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2011 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†


160


Exhibits
(2) Exhibits (continued):
     
     
 10.27 Form of Performance-Based Restricted Share Unit Award Agreement granted under the Hilb Rogal & Hobbs Company 2007 Share Incentive Plan, dated May 2, 2011, between Martin Sullivan and Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2011 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†
     
 10.28 Form of Time-Based Option Agreement granted under the Hilb Rogal & Hobbs Company 2007 Share Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on August 6, 2010 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†
     
 10.29 Form of Performance-Based Option Agreement granted under the Hilb Rogal & Hobbs Company 2007 Share Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2011 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†
     
 10.30 Amended and Restated Willis US 2005 Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on November 20, 2009 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†
     
 10.31 First Amendment to the Amended and Restated Willis U.S. 2005 Deferred Compensation Plan, effective June 1, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2011 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†
     
 10.32 Form of Deed of Indemnity of Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company with directors and officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 4, 2010 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†
     
 10.33 Form of Indemnification Agreement of Willis North America Inc. with directors and officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 4, 2010 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†
     
 10.34 2010 Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2010, by and between Willis North America, Inc. and Joseph J. Plumeri (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 22, 2010 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†
     
 10.35 Form of Employment Agreement dated March 13, 2007 between Willis Limited and Grahame J. Millwater (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.2 to Willis Group Holdings Limited’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 10, 2007 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†
     
 10.36 Comprise Agreement, dated as of 2012 by and among Willis Limited, Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company and Grahame J. Millwater (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K filed on December 21, 2011 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†
     
 10.37 Second Compromise Agreement dated as of 2012 by and among Willis Limited, Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company and Grahame J. Millwater (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K filed on December 21, 2011 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†
     
 10.38 Consultancy Agreement as of 2012 by and among Willis Limited and Grahame J. Millwater (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K filed on December 21, 2011 ((SEC File No. 001-16503))†
     
 10.39 Offer Letter dated June 22, 2010 and Form of Employment Agreement between Willis North America, Inc. and Michael K. Neborak (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on June 23, 2010 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†
     
 10.40 Agreement of Restrictive Covenants and Other Obligations dated as of August 2, 2010 between the Company and Michael K. Neborak (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company’s Form 10-K filed on February 28, 2011 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†
     
 10.41 Form of Employment Agreement dated January 24, 1994, between Willis Faber North America, Inc. and Peter C. Hearn (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.28 to Willis Group Holdings Limited’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 27, 2008 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†
     
 10.42 First Amendment to Employment Agreement, effective as of January 1, 2011, between Willis Re Inc. and Peter Hearn (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.1 to Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company’s Form 8-K filed on June 10, 2011 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†
     
 10.43 Agreement of Restrictive Covenants and Other Obligations dated as of May 6, 2008 between the Company and Peter C. Hearn (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Willis Group Holdings Limited’sForm 8-K filed on June 26, 2008 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†


161


Willis Group Holdings plc
(2) Exhibits (continued):
     
     
 10.44 Employment Agreement, dated September 7, 2010, between Willis North America, Inc. and Martin J. Sullivan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 10-Q filed November 5, 2010 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†
     
 10.45 Second Restated Employment Agreement, effective as of December 3, 2010, between Willis North America Inc. and Victor Krauze*†
     
 10.46 Form of Willis Retention Award Letter*†
     
 10.47 Investment and Share Purchase Agreement dated as of November 18, 2009 by and among Willis Europe BV, Astorg Partners, Soleil, Alcee, the Lucas family shareholders, the Gras family shareholders, key managers of Gras Savoye & Cie and other minority shareholders of Gras Savoye (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.37 to the Company’s Form 10-K filed on March 1, 2010 (SEC File No. 001-16503))
     
 10.48 Shareholders Agreement dated as of December 17, 2009 by and among Willis Europe BV, Astorg Partners, Soleil, Alcee, the Lucas family shareholders, the Gras family shareholders, key managers of Gras Savoye & Cie and other minority shareholders of Gras Savoye (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.38 to the Company’s Form 10-K filed on March 1, 2010 (SEC File No. 001-16503))
     
 10.49 Amended and Restated Assurance of Discontinuance between the Attorney General of the State of New York and the Company on behalf of itself and its subsidiaries named therein and the Amended and Restated Stipulation between the Superintendent of Insurance of the State of New York and the Company on behalf of itself and the subsidiaries named therein, effective as of February 11, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 17, 2010 (SEC File No. 001-16503))
     
 21.1 List of subsidiaries*
     
 23.1 Consent of Deloitte LLP*
     
 31.1 Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)*
     
 31.2 Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)*
     
 32.1 Certification Pursuant to 18 USC. Section 1350*
     
 32.2 Certification Pursuant to 18 USC. Section 1350*
     
 101. INS** XBRL Instance Document
     
 101. SCH** XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
     
 101.CAL** XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
     
 101.DEF** XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
     
 101.LAB** XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
     
 101.PRE** XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

  4.7

Indenture, dated as of March 17, 2011, among Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company, as issuer, Willis Netherlands Holdings B.V., Willis Investment Holdings UK Limited, TA I Limited, Trinity Acquisition plc, Willis Group Limited and Willis North America Inc., as Guarantors, and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on March 17, 2011 (SEC File No. 001-16503))

  4.8

First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 17, 2011, among Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company, as Issuer, Willis Netherlands Holdings B.V., Willis Investment Holdings UK Limited, TA I Limited, Trinity Acquisition plc, Willis Group Limited and Willis North America Inc., as guarantors, and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on March 17, 2011 (SEC File No. 001-16503))

10.1

Credit Agreement, dated as of December 16, 2011, among Trinity Acquisition plc, Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company, the Lenders party thereto, Barclays Bank PLC, as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and as an L/C Issuer (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on December 20, 2011 (SEC File No. 001-16503))

10.2

Guaranty Agreement, dated as of December 16, 2011, among Trinity Acquisition plc, Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company, Barclays Bank PLC, as Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on December 20, 2011 (SEC File No. 001-16503))

10.3

Deed Poll of Assumption dated as of December 31, 2009 between Willis Group Holdings Limited and Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 4, 2010 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†

10.4

Willis Group Senior Management Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 4, 2010 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†

10.5

Willis Group Holdings 2010 North America Employee Share Purchase Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on April 27, 2010 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†

10.6

Willis Group Holdings 2001 Share Purchase and Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 4, 2010 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†

10.7

Form of Performance-Based Option Agreement under the Willis Group Holdings 2001 Share Purchase and Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on May 10, 2010 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†

10.8

Form of Time-Based Option Agreement under the Willis Group Holdings 2001 Share Purchase and Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 the Company’s Form 10-K filed on February 28, 2011 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†

10.9

Form of Time-Based Restricted Share Unit Award Agreement under the Willis Group Holdings 2001 Share Purchase and Option Plan (for executive officers) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2011 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†

10.10

Form of Restricted Share Unit Award Agreement for Non-employee Directors under the Willis Group Holdings 2001 Share Purchase Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Company’s Form 10-K filed February 29, 2012 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†

10.11

Form of Performance-Based Option Agreement - 2011 Long Term Incentive Program under the Willis Group Holdings 2001 Share Purchase and Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on May 3, 2011 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†

10.12

Form of 2011 Long Term Incentive Program Agreement of Restrictive Covenants and Other Obligations (for US employees) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on May 3, 2011 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†

10.13

Form of 2011 Long Term Incentive Program Agreement of Restrictive Covenants and Other Obligations (for UK employees) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on May 3, 2011 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†

10.14

Form of 2011 Long Term Incentive Program Cash Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on December 20, 2011 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†

10.15

The Willis Group Holdings 2004 Bonus and Share Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 4, 2010 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†

10.16

Rules of the Willis Group Holdings Sharesave Plan 2001 for the United Kingdom (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 4, 2010 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†

10.17

The Willis Group Holdings Irish Sharesave Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on May 5, 2010 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†

10.18

The Willis Group Holdings International Sharesave Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 4, 2010 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†

10.19

Willis Group Holdings 2008 Share Purchase and Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 4, 2010 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†

10.20

Form of Performance-Based Restricted Share Units Award Agreement under the Willis Group Holdings 2008 Share Purchase and Option Plan (for executive officers) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2011 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†

10.21

Form of Performance-Based Restricted Share Unit Award Agreement granted under the Willis Group Holdings 2008 Share Purchase and Option Plan, dated May 2, 2011, between Joseph J. Plumeri and Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2011 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†

10.22

Form of Performance-Based Option Award Agreement under the Willis Group Holdings 2008 Share Purchase and Option Plan (for executive officers) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2011 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†

10.23

Hilb Rogal and Hamilton Company 2000 Share Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 4, 2010 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†

10.24

Hilb Rogal & Hobbs Company 2007 Share Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 4, 2010 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†

10.25

Form of Time-Based Restricted Share Unit Award Agreement granted under the Hilb Rogal & Hobbs Company 2007 Share Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on August 6, 2010 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†

10.26

Form of Performance-Based Restricted Share Unit Award Agreement granted under the Hilb Rogal & Hobbs Company 2007 Share Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2011 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†

10.27

Form of Time-Based Option Agreement granted under the Hilb Rogal & Hobbs Company 2007 Share Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on August 6, 2010 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†

10.28

Form of Performance-Based Option Agreement granted under the Hilb Rogal & Hobbs Company 2007 Share Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2011 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†

10.29

Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s 8-K filed on April 30, 2012 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†

10.30

Form of Time Based Share Option Award Agreement under the Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2012 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†

10.31

Form of Performance Based Share Option Award Agreement under the Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2012 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†

10.32

Rules of the Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company 2012 Sharesave Sub-Plan for the United Kingdom to the Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company 2012 Equity Incentive Plan(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.32 to the Company’s Form 10-K filed on February 28, 2013 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†

10.33

Form of Time Based Restricted Share Unit Award Agreement under the Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2012 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†

10.34

Form of Performance Based Restricted Share Unit Award Agreement under the Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2012 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†

10.35

Form of Time Based Restricted Share Unit Award Agreement under the Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (for Non-Employee Directors) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2012 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†

10.36

Form of 2012 Long Term Incentive Program Agreement of Restrictive Covenants and Other Obligations (for US employees) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.36 to the Company’s Form 10-K filed on February 28, 2013 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†

10.37

Form of 2012 Long Term Incentive Program Agreement of Restrictive Covenants and Other Obligations (for UK employees) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.37 to the Company’s Form 10-K filed on February 28, 2013 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†

10.38

Amended and Restated Willis US 2005 Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on November 20, 2009 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†

10.39

First Amendment to the Amended and Restated Willis U.S. 2005 Deferred Compensation Plan, effective June 1, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2011 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†

10.40

Instrument Comprising A Guarantee In Favour of Willis Pension Trustees Limited in Respect of the Willis Pension Scheme (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on April 5 2012 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†

10.41

Schedule of Contributions for the Willis Pension Scheme (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on April 5, 2012 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†

10.42

Form of Deed of Indemnity of Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company with directors and officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 4, 2010 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†

10.43

Form of Indemnification Agreement of Willis North America Inc. with directors and officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 4, 2010 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†

10.44

2010 Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2010, by and between Willis North America, Inc. and Joseph J. Plumeri (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 22, 2010 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†

10.45

First Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated as of October 16, 2012, by and between Willis North America Inc., a subsidiary of Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company, and Joseph J. Plumeri (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on October 19, 2012 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†

10.46

Form of Performance Based Restricted Share Unit Award Agreement under the Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company 2012 Equity Incentive Plan, dated May 7, 2012 between Joseph J. Plumeri and Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2012 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†

10.47

Offer Letter dated June 22, 2010 and Form of Employment Agreement between Willis North America, Inc. and Michael K. Neborak (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on June 23, 2010 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†

10.48

Agreement of Restrictive Covenants and Other Obligations dated as of August 2, 2010 between the Company and Michael K. Neborak (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company’s Form 10-K filed on February 28, 2011 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†

10.49

Second Restated Employment Agreement, effective as of December 3, 2010, between Willis North America Inc. and Victor Krauze (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.45 to the Company’s Form 10-K filed on February 29, 2012 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†

10.50

First Amendment to Offer of Promotion dated as of October 16, 2012, by and between Willis North America Inc., a subsidiary of Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company, and Victor P. Krauze. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on October 19, 2012)†

10.51

Employment Agreement, dated as of October 16, 2012, by and between Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company and Dominic Casserley (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on October 19, 2012)†

10.52

Contract of Employment, dated as of February 28, 2011 by and between Willis Limited, a subsidiary of Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company, and Stephen P. Hearn (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.52 to the Company’s Form 10-K filed on February 28, 2013 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†

10.53

Amendment, dated July 19, 2012, to the Contract of Employment, dated as of February 28, 2011 by and between Willis Limited, a subsidiary of Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company, and Stephen P. Hearn (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.53 to the Company’s Form 10-K filed on February 28, 2013 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†

10.54

Contract of Employment, dated as of October 16, 2012 by and between Willis Limited, a subsidiary of Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company, and Stephen P. Hearn (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on October 19, 2012)†

10.55

Contract of Employment, dated as of December 17, 2007 by and between Willis Limited, a subsidiary of Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company, and Tim Wright (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.55 to the Company’s Form 10-K filed on February 28, 2013 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†

10.56

Amendment, dated July 19, 2012, to the Contract of Employment, dated as of December 17, 2007 by and between Willis Limited, a subsidiary of Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company, and Tim Wright (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.56 to the Company’s Form 10-K filed on February 28, 2013 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†

10.57

Confidentiality Agreement dated as of January 17, 2008 between the Willis Group Limited, a subsidiary of Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company, and Tim Wright (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.57 to the Company’s Form 10-K filed on February 28, 2013 (SEC File No. 001-16503))†

10.58

Investment and Share Purchase Agreement dated as of November 18, 2009 by and among Willis Europe BV, Astorg Partners, Soleil, Alcee, the Lucas family shareholders, the Gras family shareholders, key managers of Gras Savoye & Cie and other minority shareholders of Gras Savoye (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.37 to the Company’s Form 10-K filed on March 1, 2010 (SEC File No. 001-16503))

10.59

Shareholders Agreement dated as of December 17, 2009 by and among Willis Europe BV, Astorg Partners, Soleil, Alcee, the Lucas family shareholders, the Gras family shareholders, key managers of Gras Savoye & Cie and other minority shareholders of Gras Savoye (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.38 to the Company’s Form 10-K filed on March 1, 2010 (SEC File No. 001-16503))

10.60

Nomination Agreement, dated April 25, 2013, by and among Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company, ValueAct Capital Master Fund, L.P., VA Partners I, LLC, ValueAct Capital Management, L.P., ValueAct Capital Management, LLC, ValueAct Holdings, L.P., ValueAct Holdings GP, LLC and their respective affiliates (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on April 26, 2013 (SEC File No. 001-16503))

12.1

Statement regarding Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 12.1 to the Company’s Form 10-K filed on February 28, 2013 (SEC File No. 001-16503))

21.1

List of subsidiaries (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 21.1 to the Company’s Form 10-K filed on February 28, 2013 (SEC File No. 001-16503))

23.1

Consent of Deloitte LLP (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 23.1 to the Company’s Form 10-K filed on February 28, 2013 (SEC File No. 001-16503))

31.1

Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)*

31.2

Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)*

32.1

Certification Pursuant to 18 USC. Section 1350 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 32.1 to the Company’s Form 10-K filed on February 28, 2013 (SEC File No. 001-16503))

32.2

Certification Pursuant to 18 USC. Section 1350 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 32.2 to the Company’s Form 10-K filed on February 28, 2013 (SEC File No. 001-16503))

*Filed herewith.
Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
**Pursuant to Rule 406T ofRegulation S-T, the Interactive Data Files on Exhibit 101 hereto are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, are deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections.


162SIGNATURES


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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 PLC
(Registrant)

WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS PLC

(REGISTRANT)

By: 
/s/  Michael K. Neborak
Michael K. Neborak
Group Chief Financial Officer and
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
Date: February 29, 2012
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated this 29th day of February 2012.
By: 

/s/    Dominic Casserley        

 
/s/  

Dominic Casserley

Joseph J. Plumeri



Joseph J. Plumeri
Chairman andGroup Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)



William W. Bradley
Director
/s/  Joseph A. Califano, Jr.


Joseph A. Califano, Jr.
Director


Anna C. Catalano
Director
/s/  Sir Roy Gardner


Sir Roy Gardner
Director
/s/  The Rt. Hon. Sir Jeremy Hanley, KCMG


The Rt. Hon. Sir Jeremy Hanley, KCMG
Director
/s/  Robyn S. Kravit


Robyn S. Kravit
Director
/s/  Jeffrey B. Lane


Jeffrey B. Lane
Director
/s/  Wendy E. Lane


Wendy E. Lane
Director
/s/  James F. McCann


James F. McCann
Director
/s/  Douglas B. Roberts


Douglas B. Roberts
Director
/s/  Michael J. Somers


Michael J. Somers
Director


163Date: April 26, 2013

77