Willis Group’s third-quarter reporting showed a better-than-forecast result of $US64 million ($65 million) earnings, compared with a profit of $US78 million ($80 million) a year ago.

Total reported revenues were $US733 million ($751 million) compared with $US725 million  ($742 million) for the same period last year, an increase of 1%.

Commissions and fees rose 1% from the third quarter of 2009 to $US723 million ($740 million). Organic growth in commissions and fees was 4%, while net new business growth of 6% reflected strong new business generation.

Investment income was $US10 million ($10.2 million), unchanged from last year’s third quarter.

Operating expenses were down to $US129 million ($132 million) from a high of $US151 million ($155 million) in the third quarter of 2009.

Chairman and CEO Joe Plumeri says the company’s global diversity and co-operation across businesses “continue to deliver results” in the face of continued soft market conditions.

“We do not anticipate significant near term changes to the external environment in which we operate,” he said.

“The pace of economic recovery is expected to remain modest in a number of key geographies and the overall rate environment remains soft.

“However I continue to believe that we have established, and continue to build, a strong, disciplined business that is well positioned for success.”