Markets/Coverages: Willis’ Merger Protect to Help With M&A Compliance Costs; Axon Cyber Launches for Small Enterprises
Willis, a WTW business, has launched Merger Protect, a specialty insurance solution to help organizations manage the financial impact of U.S. antitrust regulatory review in mergers and acquisitions transactions.
Merger Protect forms part of Willis’ broader transactional risk offering, designed to address evolving risks across the M&A landscape.
Merger Protect is designed to reimburse defined costs incurred when a Hart-Scott-Rodino Act Second Request is issued by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission or Department of Justice and, where applicable, during a related enforcement action. The solution supports buyers, sellers and their advisors.
Second Requests often require extensive data collection, document production and analysis, which can increase both costs and timelines. Expenses tied to legal counsel, economists, e-discovery and document review can escalate quickly.
The policy is structured early in a reportable transaction, before a regulatory request is issued. If a Second Request occurs, it reimburses covered response costs in line with agreed terms, including applicable retentions and limits, and may continue to respond if the matter progresses to an enforcement action.
Covered costs can include fees for external legal advisors, consultants supporting the response, economists and industry specialists, as well as expenses related to data collection, hosting, document review, production and witness preparation.
Willis’ Litigation and Contingent Risk Solutions team works with clients to align coverage with the specific characteristics of each transaction, including deal size, sector and regulatory exposure.
Axon Underwriting LLC, Launches a Dedicated Wholesale Cyber Underwriting Unit
Axon announced the launch of Axon Cyber, a dedicated wholesale cyber underwriting unit focused on delivering specialized cyber insurance solutions for small enterprise risk businesses, with a strategic roadmap to expand into non-admitted coverage for middle market risks.
Axon Cyber will begin by offering admitted, standalone cyber coverage for small businesses, providing wholesale brokers with access to high-quality cyber protection with disciplined underwriting and responsive service backed by a long standing ‘A Rated’ insurance carrier partner.
The new division will be led by Glen Manjos, who brings more than 27 years of underwriting experience across cyber and professional liability.
Axon Cyber is designed to complement Axon’s existing professional liability program, Axon Pro, creating a comprehensive offering across cyber and errors & omissions exposures. Over time, the platform will expand into non-admitted solutions for middle market businesses, including standalone cyber and blended cyber/E&O coverages.