Aon Zero Collateral Deductible Program to Help Organizations Maximize Liquidity

New offering developed via Aon GRIP Solutions lifts burden of collateral requirements

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May 10, 2011, 01:35 ET

CHICAGO, May 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Aon Risk Solutions, the global risk management business of Aon Corporation (NYSE: AON), announced today the Aon Zero Collateral Deductible Program, a one-of-a-kind, balance sheet-friendly alternative to traditional collateral programs, for its U.S. clients.

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"When we decided last year to invest in the creation of Aon GRIP Solutions, we did so with the objective of increasing the value our clients receive from their carrier relationships," said Eric Andersen, CEO of Aon Risk Solutions U.S. "The Aon Zero Collateral Deductible Program is a shining example of how our commitment to partner with carriers to develop unique and impactful products can benefit our clients, and the first of many to come."

Aon is partnering with QBE, a leading insurer, to offer this program. In lieu of traditional collateral requirements, organizations will be charged a one-time, upfront fee based upon their credit worthiness to assume the credit risk for the life of the program. This approach helps businesses create budget certainty as it removes the anticipation of unknown future collateral needs.

For organizations that are approved, the Aon Zero Collateral Deductible Program will:

Eliminate costly line of credit fees
Maximize liquidity by unlocking credit line capacity and capital-backing collateral
Remove risks of untimely collateral adjustments
Eliminate challenges associated with carrier negotiations around collateral release

"In this challenging economic environment, collateral considerations are at the forefront of our customers' minds due to limited availability and associated costs," stated Tom Fitzgerald, an executive vice president with Aon Risk Solutions. "This product can significantly alleviate that burden and help organizations of any size maintain and enhance their strategic operational flexibility for future growth."

Michael Scala, president of intermediary distribution for QBE in the Americas, added: "We are keen to partner with organizations that take risk seriously, and are proud to have developed a risk solution with Aon that provides security for our clients and flexibility to their balance sheets."

Organizations must have expected annual losses of no more than $5 million and a targeted minimum credit rating of BB+ (Standard & Poor's) or the equivalent to be eligible for participation in the Aon Zero Collateral Deductible Program.

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About Aon

Aon Corporation (NYSE:AON) is the leading global provider of risk management services, insurance and reinsurance brokerage, and human resources solutions and outsourcing. Through its more than 59,000 colleagues worldwide, Aon unites to deliver distinctive client value via innovative and effective risk management and workforce productivity solutions. Aon's industry-leading global resources and technical expertise are delivered locally in over 120 countries. Named the world's best broker by Euromoney magazine's 2008, 2009 and 2010 Insurance Survey, Aon also ranked highest on Business Insurance's listing of the world's insurance brokers based on commercial retail, wholesale, reinsurance and personal lines brokerage revenues in 2008 and 2009. A.M. Best deemed Aon the number one insurance broker based on revenues in 2007, 2008 and 2009, and Aon was voted best insurance intermediary 2007-2010, best reinsurance intermediary 2006-2010, best captives manager 2009-2010, and best employee benefits consulting firm 2007-2009 by the readers of Business Insurance. Visit http://www.aon.com for more information on Aon and http://www.aon.com/manchesterunited to learn about Aon's global partnership and shirt sponsorship with Manchester United.