The September 11 attack(s) on the World Trade Centre had a double impact on No 2 global broker Aon: it cost the lives of some of the company’s top retail brokers, and it was also a major cause for a decline in its 2001 profits.

The Chicago-based corporation reported fourth-quarter net income fell from $173.8 million to $160.3 million, while its 2001 pre-tax profit slipped from $652.8 million in 2000 to $620 million last year. Consolidated revenue was $14.8 billion, compared with $14.2 billion in 2000.

Chairman Patrick Ryan said the $140 million in costs from the WTC disaster included $19.3 million to establish the Aon Memorial Education Fund, which will support the children of Aon employees killed when the towers were attacked.