GLOBAL - Mercer increased revenue 14% to $882m (€606.1m) in the fourth quarter of 2007 and 8% on an underlying basis, its parent Marsh & McLennan Companies (MMC) said today.

Retirement and investment had revenue of $340m, an increase of 16%; health and benefits, $188m, or 10% growth.

The company said that overall for 2007, consulting generated revenue of $4.9bn, a 16% increase over 2006.  On an underlying basis, revenue increased 10%.

"Outsourcing, $197m, grew 17%; and talent, $126m, increased 14%," the latter referring to its human capital business, MMC added in its financial results for the fourth quarter and year ending December 31, 2007.

Mercer's revenue increased to $3.4bn, an increase of 11% on a reported basis and 7% on an underlying basis.

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