A Brief History of Aon plc (AON)

Aon plc, a leading global professional services firm, has grown significantly since its inception. Its roots date back to the early 20th century, and over the decades, it has evolved through strategic mergers and acquisitions to become a powerhouse in the insurance and risk management industry.

Origins and Early Years

• Aon plc was formed in 1982 through the merger of Ryan Insurance Group and Combined International Corporation.
• The name "Aon" is derived from the Gaelic word for "oneness."

Expansion and Growth

• In 1987, Aon acquired Rollins Burdick Hunter, a major international insurance brokerage, significantly expanding its global footprint.
• Throughout the 1990s, Aon continued its aggressive expansion strategy by acquiring several companies, including Hudig-Langeveldt, Alexander & Alexander Services Inc., and Bain Hogg Group.

21st Century Developments

• In 2008, Aon made a significant move by acquiring Benfield Group Limited, a leading reinsurance intermediary.
• In 2010, Aon acquired Hewitt Associates, a global human resources consulting and outsourcing firm, for $4.9 billion, marking its entry into the HR consulting space.
• The company relocated its headquarters from Chicago to London in 2012 to better align with its global business strategy.

Recent Milestones

• In 2020, Aon announced a merger with Willis Towers Watson, another leading global advisory, broking, and solutions company. However, the deal was called off in 2021 due to regulatory challenges.
• Aon continues to innovate and adapt, focusing on providing comprehensive risk solutions, retirement, and health solutions to clients worldwide.

Who Owns Aon plc (AON)

Aon plc (NYSE: AON) is a leading global professional services firm that provides a broad range of risk, reinsurance, retirement, and health solutions. The ownership of Aon plc is diverse, encompassing a variety of institutional investors, mutual funds, and individual stakeholders.

Some of the key stakeholders in Aon plc include:

• Institutional Investors: A significant portion of Aon's shares is owned by institutional investors, which comprises asset management firms, pension funds, insurance companies, and other financial institutions. These entities hold substantial amounts of stock, often influencing corporate governance and strategic decision-making through their voting rights.
• Mutual Funds: Mutual funds are another important category of shareholders. These investment vehicles pool funds from numerous individual and institutional investors to purchase large blocks of Aon’s shares, providing broad exposure to the company among retail and institutional investors.
• Insider Ownership: Insiders, such as executives and board members, also hold a portion of Aon's stock. This insider ownership is crucial as it aligns the interests of the company’s leadership with those of the shareholders, potentially driving better management performance and company growth.
• Individual Investors: While institutional investors own a large portion of Aon's shares, individual investors also make up a part of the company's ownership base. These shareholders vary from retail investors purchasing through brokerage accounts to high-net-worth individuals.

Aon’s diversified ownership structure ensures a broad base of investment and engagement from various sectors of the financial community, contributing to its stability and growth in the competitive global market.

Aon plc (AON) Mission Statement

Aon plc is a leading global professional services firm providing a broad range of risk, retirement, and health solutions. The company’s mission is to empower results for clients by using proprietary data and analytics to deliver insights that reduce volatility and improve performance.

Key elements of Aon's mission statement include:

• Client Empowerment: Aon aims to empower its clients through comprehensive data and analytic solutions.
• Proprietary Data: Utilization of proprietary data to provide unique insights that add value to client operations.
• Risk Management: Offering solutions to reduce volatility and manage risk effectively.
• Performance Improvement: Focusing on improving client performance by delivering actionable insights.
• Global Reach: Operating on a global scale to address diverse client needs across various regions and industries.

By adhering to its mission, Aon strives to be the premier provider of professional services in risk, retirement, and health, consistently creating significant value for its clients and stakeholders.

How Aon plc (AON) Works

Aon plc (AON) is a leading global professional services firm that provides a broad range of risk, retirement, and health solutions. The company operates through several key business segments, each offering specialized services to clients across various industries. Aon's unique approach combines data-driven insights with deep industry knowledge to deliver innovative solutions.

Aon operates primarily through the following segments:

• Commercial Risk Solutions: This segment focuses on helping organizations manage their risk profiles through insurance brokerage, risk consulting, and captive management services. It addresses various risks, including property, liability, and financial risks.
• Reinsurance Solutions: Aon's reinsurance unit works with insurance companies to help them manage their own risk exposures. This includes providing reinsurance brokerage services, capital market solutions, and advisory services.
• Retirement Solutions: This segment offers consulting services related to retirement planning, including actuarial services, investment consulting, and pension administration. It aims to help organizations design and manage effective retirement programs for their employees.
• Health Solutions: Aon provides a range of health and benefits services, including health plan design, global benefits consulting, and health insurance brokerage. The goal is to help clients manage healthcare costs while improving employee health and wellbeing.
• Data & Analytic Services: This segment leverages Aon's extensive data and analytics capabilities to offer insights and solutions that help clients make better-informed decisions. It includes services like risk modeling, benchmarking, and predictive analytics.

One of Aon's key differentiators is its emphasis on technology and innovation. The company invests heavily in data analytics platforms, cybersecurity measures, and digital tools that enable more efficient and effective service delivery. By leveraging advanced technologies, Aon aims to provide tailored, data-driven solutions that meet the unique needs of its clients.

Aon operates in more than 120 countries, offering a truly global footprint. This extensive reach allows the company to serve multinational clients with consistency and local expertise. Aon's global presence also facilitates knowledge-sharing and collaboration across different regions, enhancing the overall quality of its services.

Aon places a strong emphasis on understanding the specific needs and challenges of its clients. The company employs a consultative approach, working closely with clients to develop customized solutions that address their unique risks and opportunities. This client-centric focus helps Aon build long-term relationships and achieve high levels of client satisfaction.

How Aon plc (AON) Makes Money

Aon plc (AON) is a leading global professional services firm that provides a broad range of risk, retirement, and health solutions. The company generates revenue through various service lines, each of which caters to different aspects of organizational needs.

• Risk Solutions

  One of Aon's primary revenue drivers is its Risk Solutions segment, which includes risk management services, insurance and reinsurance brokerage, and consulting. In this segment, Aon helps clients manage their exposure to various risks, including property and casualty risks, liability, and other insurable risks. The company earns commissions and fees for brokering insurance deals and providing advisory services.

• Reinsurance Solutions

  Another crucial component of Aon's revenue is its Reinsurance Solutions arm. This involves intermediating between insurers and reinsurers, facilitating the transfer of risk to decrease the likelihood of financial loss. Aon earns a commission or fee for these services, making it a vital aspect of its income.

• Health Solutions

  Aon's Health Solutions segment focuses on providing health and benefits consulting, as well as administration services. The firm aids organizations in managing their health plans, employee benefits, and wellness programs. Revenue comes from consulting fees, administrative fees, and commissions on insurance products sold.

• Retirement Solutions

  In the area of Retirement Solutions, Aon offers services such as pension consulting, actuarial services, and investment consulting. The company assists clients in optimizing their retirement plans, managing pension scheme risks, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Revenue is primarily generated through consulting fees and asset-based fees.

• Data & Analytic Services

  Additionally, Aon leverages data and analytic services to provide more informed risk assessments and strategic advice. By utilizing big data, predictive analytics, and proprietary tools, Aon offers clients deeper insights into their risk profiles. The revenue from this segment comes from fees for analytic services and software solutions.

By diversifying its service lines and continually adapting to market needs, Aon plc maintains a robust portfolio that helps organizations manage risks, enhance health, and deliver consistent performance in retirement benefits. The firm's revenue model is designed to capitalize on its broad expertise and extensive global footprint.