Acquisition of HRH set to complete in Q4.

Willis has announced that the US Federal Trade Commission has cleared review of Willis' pending acquisition of Hilb Rogal & Hobbs under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act by granting early termination of the waiting period.

The transaction, which is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2008, remains subject to the satisfaction of other conditions, including approval by HRH's shareholders and other required regulatory clearances.

Joe Plumeri, chairman and CEO of Willis, said: "We are very pleased that the FTC chose to grant us early termination of the waiting period and has given us the green light.

"We believe this is a transformational transaction that will help us accelerate growth and increase client value."