Willis Towers Watson to acquire French aviation broker OAAGC

Broker Willis Towers Watson has entered into exclusive negotiations with French aviation brokerage OAAGC to acquire its team and book of business.

The acquisition would transfer OAAGC's book of business and the full OAAGC team to Willis Towers Watson, which also operates in France as  Gras Savoye. OAAGC's existing client base would continue to be serviced by the same experts.

The company said in a statement that this move would make Willis Towers Watson "the leading aviation broker in France."

Paris-based OAAGC (Office d’Assurances Aériennes G. de Cugnac) was founded in 1898 and its team of 16 is dedicated to aviation insurance solutions.

Gilles Bénéplanc, head of Willis Towers Watson France, commented: "I am delighted with this transaction, which would strengthen our company Gras Savoye – Willis Towers Watson. The contribution of OAAGC teams, whose expertise is highly acknowledged in the aviation insurance sector, would help us to better serve our customers in terms of People and Risk advising, brokerage and solutions in the aircraft industry."

John Rooley, global head of aerospace at Willis Towers Watson, added: "I am delighted to welcome the OAAGC team into our family. We already have a deep understanding and working relationship between our companies and this acquisition represents the next natural, logical step. The team and I are extremely excited at the opportunities this presents to continue to serve, develop and broaden our global client base and reach, both now and in the future."

Eric de Cugnac, president of OAAGC, said: "OAAGC has had a long and successful relationship with the Willis Towers Watson group for over 40 years, and that has been further enhanced with the purchase of our partner Gras Savoye. The transaction would allow the expertise of our staff to further develop via full access to the extensive resources of Willis Towers Watson, which in turn would benefit our client’s experience. I am very pleased and proud that I am part of this historic and unique combination."

Alastair Swift, global head of transportation at Willis Towers Watson, said: "We have a strong and well-established relationship with OAAGC. Their team commands a lot of respect in the French market through their dedication and expertise, and we hope they will soon be a key part of our global aviation team."

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