New unit to advise companies looking to expand in the Greater China region
Marsh has announced the launch of a London-based division of its China Global Client Services practice.
Headed by Robert Wendin, the division will provide comprehensive risk advisory and insurance services to clients across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) looking at setting up or expanding operations in the Greater China region.
The practice will also advise Chinese clients that are increasingly expanding their operations into the EMEA region.
Wendin said: "Companies looking to expand into China are faced with a bewildering array of risks, from regulatory to intellectual property to corporate liability. The risk landscape in the Greater China region is vastly different to the one in which most companies here are used to operating.
“The dramatic increase in investments in China from this part of the world has driven the need to provide these expanding companies with professional risk advisory and insurance services. They want and need local access to expertise that is also on the ground throughout the Greater China region. Demand for this kind of advice is growing rapidly and Marsh has the local capability and expertise to meet this strengthening demand."
“Chinese companies are increasingly making investments and acquisitions outside their domestic market. With Europe an increasingly attractive destination, Chinese companies need to be aware not only of a range of domestic corporate environments but also the regulatory requirements of the European Union.
"The Middle East and Africa, where Chinese companies are often ground-breaking investors, can often present an even more complex risk landscape. With extensive experience throughout the region, Marsh is well-placed to offer the comprehensive advice these companies require.”
Last year, Marsh became the first insurance broker granted a Wholly-Owned Foreign Enterprise (WOFE) licence in China.
It has operated in China for over 26 years with offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu and Guangzhou. Marsh is also looking at opening offices in other key regions as it expands its service network.
