PERTH, Australia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mercer announced today its acquisition of Perth-based AUSREM, a leader in specialist remuneration research and workforce consulting in the utilities, mining and energy sectors.
The acquisition of AUSREM comes at a time when the world’s oil and gas industry is experiencing a talent shortage, according to Mercer’s Global Oil and Gas Talent Outlook and Workforce Practices Survey. Not only do individual companies need to address strategies for attracting and retaining the best talent, but the industry also needs to employ development strategies to address current talent shortages, says Mercer. AUSREM’s proprietary data and consulting expertise, along with Mercer’s Talent capabilities, can help employers achieve competitive advantage in a tight labour market.
“In Australia, we are in a relatively better position in terms of sourcing and retaining talent than other parts of the world, but it is a very mobile workforce and, left unaddressed, this talent shortage will threaten individual company growth and profitability,” said Garry Adams, leader of Mercer’s Talent business in the Pacific market.
“Companies have to be clear about their competitive employee proposition. Workforce analysis and planning is critical in managing industry growth opportunities. Our acquisition of AUSREM puts us on a fast track to lead the market in helping utilities, mining and energy companies meet these challenges. It also reaffirms Mercer’s commitment to West Australia, and complements recent acquisitions in this space in Canada, South Africa and the UK.
“The strength of our client base in the utilities, mining and energy sectors in WA has led to our Perth office becoming a local hub for our Global Energy Vertical initiative, which pools our global expertise in this sector to create unique capabilities, customised tools and industry specific data that allows local companies to benefit from our global insights,” said Mr. Adams.
AUSREM is a privately held business which was founded in October 2010. It will be merged into Mercer’s existing Talent business, led by Mr. Adams, with AUSREM’s specialist products, technology, and consulting services all remaining available to clients under the Mercer brand.
Mercer will incorporate AUSREM’s staff into its Talent business while Managing Director Allan Feinberg will join the Pacific leadership team. The transition will commence immediately and is expected to be completed early in 2015.
“We’re aligned in terms of what is at the core of our businesses--helping our clients be competitive and profitable by attracting and retaining the best people in the industry,” said Mr. Feinberg. “Both companies do this by providing our clients with market-based, cost-effective remuneration strategies, benefit programs and incentive schemes, and our products suites are very complementary.”
“We are excited by the opportunity to become part of the global Mercer family, working more broadly with the energy and resources sector in WA and other states as well as making our products available to other sectors,” Feinberg continued.
“We are delighted to broaden our team in Perth with specialist Talent consultants and bespoke products for the utilities, mining and energy sectors,” said Phil Nolan, Mercer’s WA state Manager and Perth Office Leader. “We can provide even greater global insights along with a local footprint to meet the unique requirements of companies in these sectors,” he said.
Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
About Mercer
Mercer is a global leader in talent, health, retirement, and investments. Mercer helps clients around the world advance the health, wealth, and performance of their most vital asset – their people. Mercer’s more than 20,000 employees are based in 42 countries and the firm operates in over 130 countries. Mercer is a wholly owned subsidiary of Marsh & McLennan Companies (NYSE: MMC), a global team of professional services companies offering clients advice and solutions in the areas of risk, strategy, and human capital. With over 53,000 employees worldwide and annual revenue exceeding $11 billion, Marsh & McLennan Companies is also the parent company of Marsh, a global leader in insurance broking and risk management; Guy Carpenter, a global leader in providing risk and reinsurance intermediary services; and Oliver Wyman, a global leader in management consulting. For more information, visit www.mercer.com. Follow Mercer on Twitter @MercerInsights.