Aon PLC has struck a $2.7 billion deal to divest the majority of NFP’s wealth management operations to private equity powerhouse Madison Dearborn Partners, the company announced Wednesday. The sale, guided by top Wall Street law firms, marks a decisive move in Aon’s plan to streamline its portfolio and double down on its core middle-market businesses.
The transaction carves out Wealthspire Advisors, Fiducient Advisors, Newport Private Wealth, and related platforms, Aon confirmed in a statement. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and Dentons are advising Aon, while Paul Weiss Rifkind Wharton & Garrison LLP and Kirkland & Ellis LLP are representing Madison Dearborn. The closing is slated for the fourth quarter of 2025.
Strategic Shift and Capital Redeployment
Aon framed the sale as a tactical reshuffle to sharpen focus and free up resources for high-return ventures. CEO Greg Case emphasized that portfolio discipline is key to driving “sustained value creation and shareholder returns.”
“Through disciplined portfolio management, we are further strengthening our capital position while enabling greater flexibility for high-return growth investments,” Case said, while underscoring the firm’s ongoing commitment to its institutional retirement and investment consulting expertise.
