As part of the European Commission’s clearance decision, Watson Wyatt has committed to sell its life insurance actuarial software business, VIPitech. However, the European Commission has agreed that the merged company may retain a license to use the VIPitech software, which will allow it to continue to serve those clients that have implemented this software. Watson Wyatt is currently preparing the business for sale and will be issuing more information in due course.
“This is a key milestone in our progress toward completing the transaction that will bring together our two firms,” said John Haley, Watson Wyatt Chief Executive Officer who will serve as Chief Executive Officer of Towers Watson. “We are very pleased to have received clearance from the Commission on a timescale which will allow the companies to continue plans to finalize the merger by the end of this year. While we are disappointed that we could not retain VIPitech, we are committed to ensuring that VIPitech is sold as a viable business and that all of our VIPitech clients remain fully supported.”
The decision by the European Commission gives Towers Perrin and Watson Wyatt the necessary regulatory approvals to complete the merger. However, the proposed transaction remains subject to additional conditions contained in the merger agreement, including the approval by the shareholders of Towers Perrin and Watson Wyatt. Both companies’ shareholder meetings are scheduled for December 18, 2009. Assuming that the requisite shareholder approvals are obtained and all other conditions are satisfied, the Parties currently anticipate that the merger will become effective on January 1, 2010.
The proposed merger will result in a leading global professional services firm with an enhanced portfolio of services across a range of financial, risk and people management areas.
About Towers Perrin
Towers Perrin is a global professional services firm that helps organizations improve performance through effective people, risk and financial management. The firm provides innovative solutions in the areas of human capital strategy, program design and management, and in the areas of risk and capital management, insurance and reinsurance intermediary services, and actuarial consulting. Towers Perrin has 6,300 employees located in 26 countries and is located on the Web at www.towersperrin.com.
About Watson Wyatt
Watson Wyatt (NYSE, NASDAQ: WW) is the trusted business partner to the world’s leading organizations on people and financial issues. The firm’s global services include: managing the cost and effectiveness of employee benefit programs; developing attraction, retention and reward strategies; advising pension plan sponsors and other institutions on optimal investment strategies; providing strategic and financial advice to insurance and financial services companies; and delivering related technology, outsourcing and data services. Watson Wyatt has 7,500 associates in 33 countries and is located on the Web at www.watsonwyatt.com.