No 3 global broker Willis Group has turned in a third-quarter result of $US301 million ($391 million) for the first nine months of this year.

The group reported net income of $US89 million ($115 million) for the three months to September 30, up 97% on the same period last year.

The latest result was positively affected by the sale of the company’s London headquarters, although spending on Shaping Our Futures initiatives gave the figures a slight push in the opposite direction.

Excluding these one-off effects still left the company in good shape. Adjusted net income was $US57 million ($74 million) – compared with $US45 million ($58 million) last year.

Chairman and CEO Joe Plumeri says the quarterly and year-to-date results represent proud achievements for his company. “We remain committed to delivering profitable growth.”

He says the quarter brought strong organic growth of 8% in commissions and fees.