Watson Wyatt to acquire long-time partner in The Netherlands

Watson Wyatt Worldwide announced today the intention to acquire its alliance partner in the Netherlands, Watson Wyatt Brans and Co. A definitive agreement is expected to be signed in the first quarter of 2007.

The two firms have maintained a close relationship for many years. In 1999, the Netherlands office of Watson Wyatt merged with the leading Dutch actuarial consulting firm, Brans and Co., to create Watson Wyatt Brans and Co. Since then, Watson Wyatt Brans and Co has operated as a separate partnership as part of Watson Wyatt Worldwide. The partnership currently has 180 associates located in five offices throughout the country ñ Amsterdam, Eindhoven, Nieuwegein, Purmerend and Rotterdam. Its 2006 revenues were approximately $37 million ( Euro 28m).

ìWe are delighted to bring our long-term partner in the Netherlands fully into the Watson Wyatt fold,î said John Haley, president and chief executive officer of Watson Wyatt. ìThe Netherlands, with its well funded pensions system, is a base for many multinational companies and a very important territory for the firm.î

ìThe decision to become fully integrated into Watson Wyatt represents a natural progression of our long alliance,î said Jobert Koomans, managing partner of Watson Wyatt Brans and Co. ìOur clients are growing ever more global. Integrating our resources and expertise within a single global firm will provide considerable benefits not only for our operations but, more importantly, for our clients.î

Babloo Ramamurthy, Watson Wyattís European manager, said: ìIntegrating our Dutch partner further supports Watson Wyattís strong position in Europe for human capital and financial management consulting, and enhances the service we are able to provide to our clients.î