Marsh Australia is creating a new employee health and benefits business to pursue opportunities in the benefits and super sectors.

Mercer Marsh Benefits will combine Mercer’s consulting skills and Marsh’s transactional capabilities, Marsh Pacific Region Head and Australia CEO John Clayton told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

It will launch in the new year under the leadership of Sarah Brown, a Melburnian who has returned home after 10 years in the UK with Mercer.

Mr Clayton says there are significant opportunities in the salary continuance group life market, particularly using Mercer’s expertise in super.

Marsh Executive Director Scott Leney says the company will be able to take clients through the process, from advice on human capital risks and benefit design to placement of transaction, program administration and claims.

“We weren’t able to do all of these before as Marsh, but we can as Mercer Marsh Benefits.”