Christchurch earthquake

News release

Media statement from Marsh

Christchurch earthquake

23 February 2011, 2.45pm, SYDNEY – Yesterday, Marsh’s Christchurch office collapsed as a result of the 6. 3 magnitude earthquake that struck the South Island of New Zealand at 12.51pm local time. Marsh is tenanted at the Pyne Gould building in downtown Christchurch.

Pacific Region Head of Marsh, John Clayton, said today “our immediate concerns are for the safety and wellbeing of our staff”.

“I can confirm that we have particular concerns about three of our colleagues, one of whom we believe has passed away, although we are awaiting official confirmation from the authorities. The other two colleagues remain unaccounted for.

“We have made contact with all other staff members who were situated in Christchurch at the time and we know that they and their families are safe.

“We will continue to carefully monitor the progress of the rescue effort at the site of the collapsed building.

"This is a very sad time for our company and many of us are in shock. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been affected by this devastating earthquake,” said John Clayton.

ENDS

About Marsh

Marsh has over 24,000 employees and provides advice and transactional capabilities to clients in over 100 countries. Marsh is a unit of Marsh & McLennan Companies (MMC), a global professional services firm with over 50,000 employees worldwide and annual revenue of $10 billion. MMC is also the parent company of Guy Carpenter, the risk and reinsurance specialist; Mercer, the provider of HR and related financial advice and services; and Oliver Wyman, the management consultancy. Its stock (ticker symbol: MMC) is listed on the New York, Chicago and London stock exchanges.

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