Claims News Service, Jan.24, 11:40 a.m. EST — The AonCorporation, a provider of risk management services, insurance andreinsurance brokerage, human capital and management consulting, andspecialty insurance underwriting, has agreed to sever ties withIran by April 1 in response to concerns raised about corporateconnections to terrorist-sponsoring nations, New York City'sComptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. announced today.

“After carefully reviewing Aon Corporation's business relatingto Iran and considering recent actions and statements of theGovernment of Iran, Aon's Policy Committee has decided to suspendindefinitely all Aon business activities relating to Iran,effective April 1, 2006,” Aon's Executive Chairman, Patrick G.Ryan, wrote to Thompson. “As of that date, neither Aon nor any ofits subsidiaries will maintain an office or other physicalpresences in Iran or do work for government or business entitiesdomiciled there.”

“Aon has made the right decision, and one that I hope othercompanies will achieve as well,” Thompson said. “I am pleased thatAon has examined its overseas operations and realized that itscorporate connections to Iran were not in the best interests of itsshareholders, and this country.”