Mercer Human Resource Consulting Acquires Watson Wyatt New Zealand Business; Latest Transaction Follows Acquisition in April of the Australian Operations of Mellon Human Resources & Investor Solutions and Its Subsidiaries

Business Wire, August 19, 2005

NEW YORK -- Mercer Human Resource Consulting, a global leader for trusted human resources and related financial advice, products and services, today announced signing an agreement to acquire the shares of Watson Wyatt New Zealand Limited. The transaction consolidates Mercer's position as a leading consultancy for such services in New Zealand.

The agreement was signed today, with the acquisition expected to finalize during September 2005 by way of share transfer.

"The acquisition is an excellent fit for our business and is consistent with Mercer's global growth strategy," said Brian Storms, Chief Executive Officer and President of Mercer Human Resource Consulting. "Companies around the world look to Mercer to help them solve some of the most important issues they face today. This includes consulting advice to our clients regarding financial and retirement security for employees, health, productivity and employment relationships."

"We have achieved a reputation regionally for delivering industry-leading advisory content in tandem with innovative, effective bundled products and solutions," said Peter Promnitz, Chief Executive Officer of Mercer Human Resource Consulting for Australia/New Zealand. "It follows our acquisition in April of the Australian operations of Mellon Human Resources & Investor Solutions and its subsidiaries."

"We are a leader in the superannuation business in New Zealand," noted Mr. Promnitz. "We offer the full range of human capital, and investment consulting services. Now that we are joined by professionals of Watson Wyatt New Zealand, we have the opportunity to continue to grow our business in this market and leverage our scale. Our aim is a seamless transfer of client relationships and information. We look forward to working with our new colleagues and clients."

Tim Jenkins, Mercer New Zealand head, will assume leadership of the acquired business and will manage the transition process.

On finalization, the acquired business will be renamed Mercer Human Resource Consulting (NZ) Ltd, trading under Mercer Human Resource Consulting.

Mercer Human Resource Consulting acquired the Australian operations of Mellon Human Resources & Investor Solutions and its subsidiaries on 29 April, 2005 by way of a share transfer, boosting Mercer's position as the leading superannuation provider in Australia in the new Choice of Fund environment.

Mercer Human Resource Consulting is the global leader for trusted HR and related financial advice, products, and services, with more than 14,000 employees serving clients in 149 cities and 41 countries and territories worldwide. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc., which lists its stock (ticker symbol:MMC) on the New York, Chicago, Pacific, and London stock exchanges. For more information, visit mercerHR.com.