Marsh, a global leader in insurance broking and risk management, today
announced that it has reached a definitive agreement to acquire a
majority stake in Semusa, a leading insurance broker and advisor in
Panama and Marsh’s long-standing local correspondent broker. Terms of
the transaction were not disclosed.
The transaction will strengthen Marsh’s leadership position in the
Central America and Caribbean region and follows the acquisition of
Franco & Acra Tecniseguros in the Dominican Republic last year.
Operating under the name Marsh Semusa, the combined entity will bring
together the long-established and highly-regarded operations of Semusa,
with the global footprint, solutions, and placement capabilities of
Marsh to provide an enhanced service to clients of all sizes in Panama.
Semusa is a leading insurance broker in Panama and has been Marsh’s
local correspondent for 15 years. Upon closing, Samuel Urrutia,
President of Semusa Group, will become Chairman of the Board of Marsh
Semusa, reporting to Ricardo Brockmann, CEO of Marsh Latin America and
Caribbean. Emanuel Abadia, currently CEO of Semusa, will become CEO of
Marsh Semusa, reporting to Jose Vergara, Head of Marsh Central America
and the Caribbean.
Peter Zaffino, President and CEO of Marsh LLC, said: “Panama is one of
the fastest growing economies in the world, and I am excited that
Marsh’s first office in Central America will be located in one of its
most dynamic business environments. The country has seen significant
expansion across the financial services, infrastructure, construction,
energy, logistics and transportation sectors. We look forward to
offering companies in Panama the full range of our global and regional
capabilities.”
Commenting on the transaction, Samuel Urrutia said: “Strong economic
growth in recent years has increased the demand for a higher level of
risk advice from companies looking to expand. By further cementing our
relationship with Marsh, we will strengthen and enhance the capabilities
that Semusa has built up over many years and present the most
comprehensive risk and insurance offering in the local market.”
David Batchelor, President of Marsh’s International Division, added:
“This transaction consolidates the successful relationship Marsh has had
with Semusa since 1999. We look forward to working with their respected
local management team and colleagues to further broaden their already
deep client relationships.”
The transaction is anticipated to close in the third quarter of 2014.
About Marsh
Marsh
is a global leader in insurance broking and risk management. We help
clients succeed by defining, designing, and delivering innovative
industry-specific solutions that help them effectively manage risk. We
have approximately 27,000 colleagues working together to serve clients
in more than 100 countries. Marsh is a wholly owned subsidiary of Marsh
& McLennan Companies (NYSE: MMC), a global professional services
firm offering clients advice and solutions in the areas of risk,
strategy, and human capital. With more than 54,000 employees worldwide
and approximately $12 billion in annual revenue, Marsh & McLennan
Companies is also the parent company of Guy
Carpenter, a global leader in providing risk and reinsurance
intermediary services; Mercer,
a global leader in talent, health, retirement, and investment
consulting; and Oliver
Wyman, a global leader in management consulting. Follow Marsh on
Twitter @MarshGlobal.
About Seguros Morrice y Urrutia S.A.
Seguros Morrice y Urrutia S.A. (Semusa), is one of the leading insurance
brokers in Panama, offering a broad range of products and services
related to insurance brokerage. As of 30 March 2014, Semusa had $2.8
million in assets and more than 75,000 clients. Based in Panama City,
the firm has 196 professionals and a national presence.
Copyright Business Wire 2014