Marsh & McLennan’s first-quarter net profit grew 18% to $US569 million ($761 million) as strong Asia-Pacific revenues lifted the business.

The risk and insurance services division, which includes Marsh and reinsurance broker Guy Carpenter, reported revenue of $US2 billion ($2.7 billion), up 6%, while operating income increased 15% to $US613 million ($820 million).

The consulting division, including Mercer and Oliver Wyman, reported revenue of $US1.5 billion ($2 billion), up 3%.

“We are pleased with our performance in the first quarter,” President and CEO Dan Glaser said.

Revenue at global broker Marsh increased 5% on an underlying basis to $US1.57 billion ($2.1 billion), including Asia-Pacific growth of 11%.

During the quarter the group completed the acquisition of J. Smith Lanier & Co, one of the largest privately owned US brokers, with annual revenue of about $US130 million ($174 million).