Marsh & McLennan has forecast strong full-year earnings growth after net profit jumped 17% to $US379 million ($494 million) in the third quarter.

The US-listed company says revenue increased 1% to $US3.1 billion ($4 billion) and margins expanded in its risk and insurance services business and the consulting division.

“For the full year, we continue to expect to deliver underlying revenue growth, meaningful margin expansion and strong growth in earnings per share,” President and CEO Dan Glaser said.

Risk and insurance services revenue was $US1.6 billion ($2.1 billion) in the quarter, up 3% on the corresponding period last year.

Insurance broker Marsh’s underlying revenue grew 2% to $US1.4 billion ($1.8 billion), with the US and Canada division up 3%. International operations gained 2%. Revenue from the Europe, Middle East and Africa division was flat, Asia-Pacific increased 2% and Latin American gained 9%.

Reinsurance broker Guy Carpenter posted flat underlying revenue of $US260 million ($339 million).

Investment income was negligible in the quarter, compared with $US34 million ($44 million) in the corresponding period last year.

The group’s total nine-month net profit was up 9% to $US1.3 billion ($1.7 billion).