Mercer unit to take over Watson Wyatt's New Zealand operation

Mercer Human Resource Consulting signed an agreement to acquire Watson Wyatt New Zealand from Watson Wyatt Worldwide, said Charles G. Salmans, Mercer spokesman. He declined to discuss terms. The acquisition should be completed in September, when the unit will be consolidated into Mercer Human Resource Consulting (NZ), according to a news release from Mercer. Mercer and Watson Wyatt's respective New Zealand operations each have roughly 60 employees and a combined US$10 million in annual revenues, Mr. Salmans said. Watson Wyatt spokesman David Popper said his firm's "strategic decision" will enable it to better focus its efforts in the Asia-Pacific region.