News release

Global Enterprise Agreement with Compaq Standardizes Willis' IT Infrastructure

Willis Group Holdings (NYSE:WSH), a leading global insurance brokerage firm, is standardizing its IT equipment and services across more than 300 offices in over 100 countries, as the result of a multi-million dollar global enterprise agreement with Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE: CPQ).

Under the terms of the agreement, Compaq will supply Willis with Deskpro™ EN Small Form Factor computers and the recently introduced Evo™ Notebook N400C to power Willis offices, with the objective of providing a single PC platform worldwide. The global enterprise agreement with Compaq supports Willis by delivering IT services to a global workforce.

"Under the leadership of Joe Plumeri, chairman and CEO since last October, we have been reviewing a range of policies and programs with a view toward securing greater efficiencies and consistency across our worldwide operations," said Mike Wright, group IS director at Willis. "This agreement supports our 'one-flag' approach, offering a unique global pricing, ordering and delivery structure. It also reduces support costs through standardization, and updates the technology used by our client-facing teams to improve the level and quality of service to Willis clients. We've already benefited from this new technology, introducing Insurance Certificate production and delivery over the Internet. Through our partnership with Compaq, we are establishing a technology foundation that allows Willis to provide service to our clients and insurance partners that is unmatched in the industry."

"A global company like Willis needs a partner whose effectiveness and reach is global as well," said Tom Baber, vice president, Southeast Region for Compaq. "Our total package of services and equipment has made Compaq platforms the global standard in financial services and the choice of the world's leading global insurance brokerage firms. Compaq infrastructure and access technologies allow companies to execute any transaction—any time, anywhere."

The global enterprise agreement adds a new level to Willis' relationship with Compaq. The company already uses Compaq AlphaServer™ systems and ProLiant™ servers at both the large database and client server level.

The decision by Willis to deploy Compaq Evo Notebook N400C laptop computers places it among the first companies to take delivery of this recently introduced, sleek and innovative business computer. The Evo Notebook N400C is one of the lightest, thinnest, full-featured, high-performance notebooks available. It is designed for maximum usage by allowing imaging consistent with that used on the Compaq desktop units, enhancing standardization and thereby reducing total cost of ownership.

The Compaq Deskpro EN Small Form Factor units being placed are known for their easy integration and high level of stability and manageability. They provide the same benefits as a full-size enterprise PC in a space-saving design, without sacrificing, speed, power or serviceability.

Delivery of the equipment will begin immediately, with fulfillment being provided by Compaq's international network of system integrators and value-added resellers. In the United States, the primary partner in the fulfillment effort will be Pomeroy Computer Resources of Hebron, Kentucky.

Willis and Compaq officials say the two companies have agreed to investigate other areas for the expansion of their relationship.

About Willis Group Holdings

Willis Group Holdings is a leading global insurance broker, developing and delivering professional insurance, reinsurance, risk management, financial and human resource consulting and actuarial services to corporations, public entities and institutions around the world. With over 300 offices in more than 100 countries, Willis' global team of 13,000 associates serves over 50,000 clients in 160 countries. Willis has particular expertise in serving the needs of clients in such major industries as construction, aerospace, marine and energy. In June 2001 the Group returned to public ownership and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol: WSH). Additional information on Willis may be found on its Web site www.willis.com.

About Compaq

Founded in 1982, Compaq Computer Corporation ("Compaq") is a leading global provider of enterprise technology and solutions. Compaq designs, develops, manufactures and markets hardware, software, solutions and services, including industry-leading enterprise storage and computing solutions, fault-tolerant business-critical solutions, communication products, and desktop and portable personal computers that are sold in more than 200 countries. Information on Compaq and its products and services is available at http://www.compaq.com.