The insurance pricing environment is mixed, with continued softening in most international classes but increases in some US lines, JLT Group has told investors.

The group’s trading performance for the July-November period was in line with expectations, according to JLT’s interim management statement.

The risk and insurance businesses continue to grow, benefitting from investment in specialty capabilities and a wider geographic reach, it says.

Employee benefits businesses have made good progress, particularly in Asia.

The $US250 million ($262.37 million) acquisition of Towers Watson reinsurance broking is expected to be finalised this week, with integration beginning immediately.

Last week JLT announced it would buy a stake in a Dubai-based insurance broker and a Dutch-based marine specialist broker.

“Our committed strategy of deepening our specialty focus and expanding our geographical reach gives us confidence we will deliver year-on-year financial progress,” CEO Dominic Burke said.