BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Jan. 23, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Willis North America (WNA), a unit of Willis Group Holdings (NYSE:WSH), the global risk advisor, insurance and reinsurance broker, announced today it has acquired the employee benefits consulting division of Birmingham, AL-based Capital Strategies Group, Inc.
Capital Strategies Group's employee benefits consulting division, led by George Gould, has been a leading provider of employee benefits plan design, consulting and brokerage services to some of the leading firms in Alabama and throughout the Southeast for over 17 years. Capital Strategies' employee benefits consulting team will merge its operations with Willis of Alabama, Inc. and continue to serve clients out of Willis's Birmingham office. Capital Strategies' George Gould will serve as Senior Vice President and report to Rob Allen, President of Willis of Alabama, Inc.
Willis of Alabama provides human capital and risk management solutions to a wide range of industries supported by approximately 130 Associates from offices in Birmingham, Mobile, Montgomery and Madison.
Willis's Human Capital Practice delivers innovative solutions to help organizations manage and maximize their human capital investment. The industry-leading practice offers teams of experts specializing in customized employer solutions including best-in-market insurance programs, Total Rewards consulting, turnkey wellness and employee engagement programs, consultation on legislative and compliance issues and a private health insurance exchange platform, the Willis Advantage.
Commenting on the transaction, Rob Allen said, "We are thrilled to expand our footprint in the human capital space in Alabama and we see ample opportunity for growth. Organizations are facing a rapidly evolving environment with respect to health care, employee benefit programs, regulation and talent – all while trying to control costs. In this context, we see strong demand for innovative solutions. Willis has long admired and respected George and his team, and we are pleased to have our two practices join together as one."
George Gould said, "We are excited to combine forces with Willis to build on our success over the past 17 years and join a global, state-of-the-art firm. Willis greatly enhances the resources and depth of expertise we can now offer our clients."
About Willis
Willis Group Holdings plc is a leading global risk advisor, insurance and reinsurance broker. With roots dating to 1828, Willis operates today on every continent with more than 17,500 employees in over 400 offices. Willis offers its clients superior expertise, teamwork, innovation and market-leading products and professional services in risk management and transfer. Our experts rank among the world's leading authorities on analytics, modelling and mitigation strategies at the intersection of global commerce and extreme events. Find more information at our website,www.willis.com, our leadership journal, Resilience, or our up-to-the-minute blog on breaking news, WillisWire. Across geographies, industries and specialisms, Willis provides its local and multinational clients with resilience for a risky world.