GLOBAL – Chicago-based Aon Corp. said its total second-quarter consulting revenue rose four percent to 305 million dollars (249 million euros).

“Although organic revenue growth was nil in the quarter, pre-tax income increased 27% to 28 million dollars and the pre-tax margin grew to 9.2% from 7.5% in 2003,” Aon said in its earnings release.

“The pre-tax margin improvement was driven by better human resource outsourcing results, disciplined expense management and the accelerated approval process for certain discretionary incentives.”

"The risk and insurance brokerage and consulting segments showed improved expense discipline in the second quarter and their six month profit margins increased year-over-year,” said chairman and chief executive Patrick Ryan.

Overall, Aon’s net income from continuing operations rose to 180 million dollars from 155 million dollars a year ago.

Aon provides risk management services, insurance and reinsurance brokerage, human capital and management consulting.