8-KOther EventsExhibits & Filings

Aon plc 8-K Report, Corporate Update (Aug 24, 2010)

Filed August 24, 2010For Securities:AON

Summary

This 8-K filing from Aon Corporation announces a significant development in their previously announced merger with Hewitt Associates, Inc. The primary update is the expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976. This expiration satisfies a key condition for the transaction to close, indicating that antitrust regulators have cleared the path for the merger. While this is a positive step, investors should note that the transaction is still contingent upon other customary closing conditions. These include obtaining necessary foreign regulatory approvals and securing the approval of the stockholders from both Aon and Hewitt. The filing includes a joint press release from Aon and Hewitt detailing this development.

Key Highlights

  • 1Expiration of the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act waiting period, clearing a significant antitrust hurdle for the merger.
  • 2Satisfied a key condition precedent for the closing of the Aon-Hewitt merger.
  • 3The merger is still subject to other customary closing conditions, including foreign regulatory approvals.
  • 4Stockholder approval from both Aon and Hewitt is still required for the transaction to be completed.
  • 5This 8-K filing incorporates a joint press release issued by Aon and Hewitt Associates.
  • 6The event date reported is August 23, 2010, with the filing date of August 24, 2010.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main purpose of this 8-K filing is to report that the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 has expired regarding Aon's proposed merger with Hewitt Associates. This expiration signifies regulatory approval from an antitrust perspective.

Yes, while the antitrust waiting period has expired, the merger is still subject to other customary closing conditions. These include obtaining necessary approvals from foreign regulatory bodies and securing the affirmative votes of the stockholders of both Aon and Hewitt Associates.

The expiration of the Hart-Scott-Rodino waiting period is a positive development for investors as it removes a significant regulatory obstacle to the merger. It indicates that, from an antitrust standpoint, the combination is permissible, bringing the deal closer to completion. However, investors should remain aware that other conditions still need to be met.

More details about this announcement can be found in the joint press release issued by Aon Corporation and Hewitt Associates on August 24, 2010, which is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this 8-K filing.