Willis Towers Watson, a leading global advisory, broking and solutions company, announced today the acquisition of TRANZACT, a direct-to-consumer health care organization that links individuals to U.S. insurance carriers. TRANZACT was acquired by its current majority owner, a Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R) fund, in 2016. TRANZACT will operate as an integral part of Willis Towers Watson’s Benefits Delivery and Administration (BDA) business, which focuses on the development and delivery of administrative solutions for employers, employees and retirees.
As one of the leading players in the direct-to-consumer health care space, TRANZACT employs approximately 1,300 individuals, including 850 licensed agents. TRANZACT combines digital marketing, sales and data science expertise to connect individuals to leading U.S. insurance carriers. TRANZACT currently markets a wide breadth of products including Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) and an array of ancillary products including dental, vision, life and indemnity.
John Haley, CEO of Willis Towers Watson, said, “We are delighted to announce the acquisition of TRANZACT which represents a significant growth opportunity in the direct-to-consumer U.S. health care space and speaks to Willis Towers Watson’s renewed focus on strategic M&A opportunities. This deal will accelerate our direct-to-consumer strategy and help create an end-to-end consumer acquisition platform.”
David Graf, CEO of TRANZACT, said, “We believe joining our complementary strengths and strategies will greatly benefit TRANZACT’s carriers and consumers. The powerful combination of our technology-driven, direct-to-consumer solutions and Willis Towers Watson’s scale, leading infrastructure and participant engagement capabilities creates a unique and differentiated capability in the marketplace.”
“Under a strong leadership team, TRANZACT has built a world class lead generation capability underpinned by cutting edge technology and analytics,” said Russ Fradin, CD&R Operating Partner and Chairman of TRANZACT. “We see a bright future for TRANZACT and its valued consumers as part of Willis Towers Watson. The CD&R team looks forward to working closely with Willis Towers Watson to help with integration and growth through 2020.”
Gene Wickes, Head of Willis Towers Watson’s BDA segment, said, “Reaching consumers directly will significantly advance our overall growth strategy. Willis Towers Watson will now have access to an additional 35 million retirees and growing through direct-to-consumer channels and will be able to serve a diverse market that is growing at approximately 10,000 lives per day.”
About Willis Towers Watson
Willis Towers Watson is a leading global advisory, broking and solutions company that helps clients around the world turn risk into a path for growth. With roots dating to 1828, Willis Towers Watson has over 45,000 employees serving more than 140 countries and markets. We design and deliver solutions that manage risk, optimize benefits, cultivate talent, and expand the power of capital to protect and strengthen institutions and individuals. Our unique perspective allows us to see the critical intersections between talent, assets and ideas — the dynamic formula that drives business performance. Together, we unlock potential.
About TRANZACT
TRANZACT is a provider of comprehensive, direct-to-consumer sales and marketing solutions for leading insurance carriers in the United States. They leverage digital, data and direct marketing solutions to deliver qualified leads, fully-provisioned sales and robust customer management systems to brands seeking to acquire and manage large numbers of consumers.
About Clayton, Dubilier & Rice
Clayton, Dubilier & Rice is a private investment firm with a strategy predicated on producing financial returns by building stronger, more profitable businesses. Since inception, CD&R has managed the investment of $28 billion in 84 businesses representing a broad range of industries with an aggregate transaction value of more than $125 billion. The Firm has offices in New York and London. For more information, visit cdr-inc.com.