Willis Acquires Internet Distributor

Willis Group Holdings Limited said it has acquired Chicago-based InsuranceNoodle, an internet distributor of U.S small-business insurance. Transaction terms were not released.

Willis said InsuranceNoodle will provide the insurance brokerage with Web-based technology that facilitates online application and quoting from multiple carriers for a variety of commercial insurance products as well as a cost-effective way to reach and service small business easily and quickly.

InsuranceNoodle's technology platform will also serve as the new foundation for Willis Small Commercial, with InsuranceNoodle's holding company Chief Executive Officer Don Urbanciz named as North American CEO of the new organization.

Kathryn Emmerson will remain CEO of InsuranceNoodle, which will continue to operate under its brand name as a division of Willis Small Commercial.

Andrea Paris, recently promoted to lead the centralization of Willis's Small Commercial Business, will continue in that role while assisting the InsuranceNoodle management team in fully integrating its business model into the company, the brokerage said.

“Willis and InsuranceNoodle are a strong strategic fit and also share the same values and practices,” said Joe Plumeri, Willis chairman and CEO. “We both have a client-centric vision, excellent relationships with carriers, highly skilled and experienced teams, a commitment to aggressive growth targets, and an entrepreneurial, cost-conscious culture.”