Major broker Aon has decided to move its global headquarters from Chicago to London.

It says the move will “provide greater access to emerging markets” and allow the company to take “better advantage of the strategic proximity to Lloyd’s and the London market”.

Despite shifting its headquarters across the Atlantic, Aon says it has no plans to significantly increase its UK employee count of about 6000 and will retain its listing on the New York Stock Exchange.

The group will be based in a new 47-storey tower in the centre of London.

CEO Greg Case says the decision to move to London “will help drive our global strategy and strengthen our growth opportunities in the years to come”.

“The continued investment in our international operations and emerging markets is important to the growth of our firm.”

Meanwhile, Aon has settled with US authorities for $US16.3 million ($15.3 million) over claims it bribed government officials with paid vacations and holiday expenses over a 25-year period.

Aon said in a statement it had secured a non-prosecution agreement with the US Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) over charges it paid $US3.6 million ($3.38 million) in bribes between 1983 and 2007.

Aon was accused of obtaining or retaining business in several countries, including Costa Rica, Egypt, Vietnam, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, Myanmar and Bangladesh by offering training, travel and entertainment to employees of foreign government-owned clients and third parties.

Aon allegedly netted $US11.4 million ($10.7 million) in profits from these “improper payments,” according to a SEC release.

Aon must pay $US14.5 million ($13.65 million) to the SEC, including $US11.4 million ($10.7 million) it pocketed from the payments and $US3.1 million ($2.9 million) in interest, and a further $US1.76 million ($1.65 million) in criminal fines to the Department of Justice.