JLT has reported a strong performance from its Australasian operations in the six months to June 30. It says Australia and New Zealand operations performed well “by increasing its focus on specialty business and service delivery, both of which are driving higher client retention rates”.

The UK-based broker’s Australasian operations increased revenue by 19% to £66.8 million ($99.4 million) and trading profit by 22% to £21.4 million ($31.8 million.) 

Its total revenue rose 9% to £411 million ($611.8 million) and its after-tax profit was £53.6 million ($78.9 million), down 8.5% on the previous corresponding period, which had been boosted by a tax credit. JLT reported its underlying profit rose 9% to £56 million ($83.3 million.)

JLT says its trading profit rose despite a continuing weak insurance market and subdued economic performances in many of the mature economies in which it operates.

It reported a strong performance from its risk and insurance arm, “underpinned by the strong performance of our combined retail operations around the world, which generated strong organic growth of 14%, illustrating the benefits of our continued investment in the faster-growing economies”.

Arthur J Gallagher Chairman and CEO J Patrick Gallagher says his company is seeing signs of a firmer global market.

The company reported a 5% fall in net profit to $US41.7 million ($37.7 million) in the second quarter, with revenue up 19% to $US546 million ($494.1 million.)

Mr Gallagher says the company’s international presence continues to grow following the acquisition of Heath Lambert in May. 

“We’re also beginning to see some spots of market firming and our customers’ businesses seem more stable than a year ago,” he said. 

“Looking forward, we are on track to exceed $US2 billion ($1.81 billion) in revenues in 2011 with nearly 25% of our revenues now coming from our international operations.” 

Chicago-based Aon reported a 69% increase in net profit for the quarter to $US258 million ($233.5 million) with the company saying international revenue grew 3% driven from Asia, New Zealand and Africa.

It says reinsurance revenue, excluding acquisitions, fell 2% primarily to a decline in capital market transactions and advisory business, although this was offset partially by growth in global treaty placements.

Aon’s total revenue increased 48% to $US2.8 billion ($2.53 billion). Risk Solutions’ revenue grew 9% to $US1.7 billion ($1.5 billion) while the acquisition of Hewitt gave Aon’s HR Solutions arm a revenue boost from $US317 million ($286.9 million) to $US1.09 billion ($913.23 million).