Willis Towers Watson has entered into exclusive negotiations with top French aviation broker OOAGC to acquire the Paris-based business.

 

The acquisition would transfer OAAGC’s 16-person team and book of business to Willis Towers Watson, which operates in France as Gras Savoye. The French broker’s existing client base would continue to get service from the same experts.

 

The latest transaction, the terms of which were not disclosed, is still subject to consultation with workers’ councils. The deal is seen to make Willis Towers Watson the leading aviation broker in France.

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“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,” said Gilles Bénéplanc, head of Willis Towers Watson France.

 

Willis Towers Watson has a 40-year business relationship with OAAGC, which was founded in 1898. John Rooley, the brokerage giant’s global head of aerospace, said that the acquisition of the French broker is 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,” Rooley said.

 

“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,” added Alastair Swift, global head of transportation at Willis Towers Watson.