Snapshot from Sep 04, 2026 at 07:00 UTC. For live data and tracking: View Live
Business acquisition

Aon acquires USI Insurance Services

Analysis based on 10 articles · First reported Aug 31, 2026 · Last updated Aug 31, 2026

Sentiment
30
Attention
4
Articles
10
Market Impact
General
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The acquisition is expected to significantly expand Aon's footprint in the U.S. middle-market insurance segment, potentially boosting its competitive position and long-term earnings. Aon's shares fell slightly in pre-market trading, while KKR's shares gained modestly, reflecting market sentiment on the deal's strategic merits and financial terms.

Insurance Financial Services

Aon plc announced on August 31, 2026, that it agreed to acquire USI Insurance Services from KKR & Co. and other shareholders in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $17 billion. The deal, unanimously approved by both boards, is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals. Aon aims to strengthen its presence in the U.S. middle-market insurance segment, valued at over $40 billion, and expand into the excess and surplus (E&S) segment. USI, the tenth largest U.S. insurance broker, generates about $3 billion in annual revenue and employs over 10,500 people. Aon expects the acquisition to deliver $395 million in annual run-rate net adjusted EBITDA synergies and to be accretive to adjusted earnings per share in 2028. The deal will be funded with new debt, and Aon does not plan near-term share buybacks. USI Chairman and CEO Mike Sicard will become President of Aon and global CEO of Middle Market, reporting to Aon CEO Greg Case. For KKR, the sale represents a significant exit, generating approximately $2 billion of adjusted net income and a 3.4 times return on capital invested over the life of its investment. The transaction follows Aon's $13 billion acquisition of NFP in 2024 and is one of the largest insurance brokerage deals in recent years.

100 Aon (company) agreed to acquire USI Insurance Services
100 KKR & Co. agreed to sell Aon (company)
70 Aon (company) expects synergies
60 Aon (company) plans to fund
60 KKR & Co. reported returns
50 Aon (company) expects accretion
40 Mike Sicard will become Aon (company)
20 Aon (company) appointed advisors Bank of America
20 Aon (company) appointed advisors Citigroup
20 KKR & Co. appointed advisors Goldman Sachs
20 KKR & Co. appointed advisors Morgan Stanley
20 KKR & Co. appointed advisors Insurance Advisory Partners
stock
Aon is the acquirer, paying $17 billion in cash to expand its middle-market insurance business. The deal is expected to be accretive to earnings by 2028 and generate significant synergies, but will increase debt and delay share buybacks.
Importance 100.0 Sentiment 40.0
priv
USI is the target, being acquired for $17 billion. The acquisition provides a substantial exit for its private equity owner and integrates USI into Aon's larger platform, with its CEO taking a senior role at Aon.
Importance 100.0 Sentiment 60.0
stock
KKR is the seller, realizing a significant return on its investment in USI. The sale generates approximately $2 billion in adjusted net income and represents a 3.4 times return on capital, boosting KKR's exit activity.
Importance 90.0 Sentiment 70.0
per
Greg Case is Aon's CEO, who championed the acquisition as part of Aon's strategy to build a premier middle-market platform. His leadership is central to integrating USI and realizing synergies.
Importance 60.0 Sentiment 40.0
per
Mike Sicard is USI's Chairman and CEO, who will become President of Aon and global CEO of Middle Market after the deal closes. His role is key to leading the combined middle-market business.
Importance 60.0 Sentiment 50.0
priv
NFP, acquired by Aon in 2024, is referenced as a prior acquisition that laid the groundwork for this deal. It is part of Aon's middle-market strategy and will be integrated with USI.
Importance 40.0 Sentiment 30.0
stock
Bank of America served as a financial advisor to Aon on the acquisition, earning advisory fees and reinforcing its M&A advisory role.
Importance 20.0 Sentiment 20.0
stock
Citigroup served as a financial advisor to Aon on the acquisition, earning advisory fees and reinforcing its M&A advisory role.
Importance 20.0 Sentiment 20.0
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Goldman Sachs served as a financial advisor to KKR on the sale, earning advisory fees and reinforcing its M&A advisory role.
Importance 20.0 Sentiment 20.0
stock
Morgan Stanley served as a financial advisor to KKR on the sale, earning advisory fees and reinforcing its M&A advisory role.
Importance 20.0 Sentiment 20.0
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Arthur J. Gallagher is mentioned as a competitor that made a similar large acquisition (AssuredPartners), highlighting industry consolidation trends.
Importance 10.0 Sentiment 10.0
per
Stephen Brown is mentioned as a competitor that made a similar large acquisition (Accession Risk Management), highlighting industry consolidation trends.
Importance 10.0 Sentiment 10.0
priv
AssuredPartners was acquired by Arthur J. Gallagher in a $13.5 billion deal, serving as a comparable transaction in the insurance brokerage sector.
Importance 10.0 Sentiment 10.0
priv
Accession Risk Management was acquired by Stephen Brown in a nearly $10 billion deal, serving as a comparable transaction in the insurance brokerage sector.
Importance 10.0 Sentiment 10.0
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Madison Dearborn was the seller of NFP to Aon in 2024 and later acquired Aon's NFP wealth business, illustrating related transactions in the sector.
Importance 10.0 Sentiment 10.0
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