Freshfields is advising Aon plc, a leading global professional services firm, on the acquisition of UK insurance broker Griffiths & Amour (‘G&A’), following which G&A will become wholly-owned by Aon UK Limited. G&A has established a market-leading presence in the north of England with a strong national and international reputation. Based in Liverpool, G&A has around 200 employees and is known for its specialist expertise in professional indemnity insurance and strength in general insurance broking for clients of all size. This transaction allows for Aon to further expand its UK footprint with high quality organic and inorganic opportunities. The Freshfields team in London advising on the transaction was led by partner George Swan, senior associate Maria Zaitseva, associate Danyela van der Sande and trainee Kate Bennett. Partner James Smethurst advised on regulatory matters, partner Martin McElwee advised on antitrust matters, partner Dawn Heath led on pensions, partner Ali Sallaway on litigation matters and partner Paul Davison on tax issues. Matheson LLP advised Aon plc as to issues of Irish law