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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

Commission file number: 001-16503

WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý    No o

        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ý    No o

        As of April 29, 2005, there were outstanding 164,836,942 shares of common stock, par value $0.000115 per share of the registrant.

WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED

QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q

FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2005

Table of Contents

INFORMATION CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

        We have included in this document forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that state our intentions, beliefs, expectations or predictions for the future. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results or those anticipated, depending on a variety of factors such as general economic conditions in different countries around the world, fluctuations in global equity and fixed income markets, changes in premium rates, the competitive environment and the actual cost of resolution of contingent liabilities. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are reasonable we can give no assurance that those expectations will prove to have been correct. All forward-looking statements contained in this document are qualified by reference to this cautionary statement.

PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1—Financial Statements

WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

1.     THE COMPANY AND ITS OPERATIONS

        Business—Willis Group Holdings Limited ("Willis Group Holdings") and subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company") provide a broad range of value-added risk management consulting and insurance brokerage services, both directly and indirectly through its associates, to a diverse base of clients internationally. The Company provides specialized risk management advisory and other services on a global basis to clients in various industries, including aerospace, marine, energy and construction industries. In its capacity as an advisor and insurance broker, the Company acts as an intermediary between clients and insurance carriers by advising clients on risk management requirements, helping clients determine the best means of managing risk, and negotiating and placing insurance risk with insurance carriers through the Company's global distribution network. The Company also provides other value-added services.

2.     BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

        The accompanying consolidated financial statements (hereinafter referred to as the "Interim Financial Statements") have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("US GAAP").

        The Interim Financial Statements are unaudited but include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) which the Company's management considers necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position as of such dates and the operating results and cash flows for those periods. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with US GAAP have been condensed or omitted. The results of operations for the three month period ended March 31, 2005 may not necessarily be indicative of the operating results that may be incurred for the entire fiscal year.

        The December 31, 2004 balance sheet was derived from audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by US GAAP. However, the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. These Interim Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the related consolidated statements of operations, cash flows and changes in stockholders' equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004 included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior period amounts to conform to the current period presentation.

        Stock-based compensation—The Company accounts for its stock option and stock-based compensation plans using the intrinsic-value method prescribed in Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees ("APB 25"). Accordingly, the Company computes compensation costs for each employee stock option granted as the amount by which the quoted market price of the Company's shares on the date of the grant exceeds the amount the employee must pay to acquire the shares.

        Had compensation expense for such plans been determined consistent with the fair value method prescribed by Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based

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Compensation ("SFAS 123"), using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, the Company's pro forma net income and net income per share would have been:

        Accounting Changes and Recent Accounting Pronouncements—In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment ("SFAS 123R"). SFAS 123R replaces SFAS 123 and supersedes APB 25. SFAS 123R requires that the cost resulting from all share-based payment transactions be recognized in the financial statements at fair value and that excess tax benefits be reported as a financing cash inflow rather than as a reduction of taxes paid. SFAS 123R is effective for the Company from January 1, 2006.

        SFAS 123R requires public companies to account for share-based payments using the modified-prospective method. Under the modified-prospective method, from the effective date, compensation cost is recognized based on the requirements of SFAS 123R for all new share-based awards and based on the requirements of SFAS 123 for all awards granted prior to the effective date of SFAS 123R that remain unvested on the effective date.

        Public entities may also apply the modified-retrospective method to restate, based on the amounts previously recognized under SFAS 123 for pro forma disclosure purposes, either all prior periods presented or prior interim periods in the year of adoption.

        In March 2005, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107, which summarizes the SEC staff's view regarding share-based payment arrangements for public companies.

        The SFAS 123 pro forma disclosures given in Note 2 show the impact of the Company adopting SFAS 123R in prior periods. The Company has not yet determined whether it will adopt the modified-retrospective method.

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3.     DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

        The financial risks the Company manages through the use of financial instruments are interest rate risk and foreign currency risk. The Company's Board of Directors reviews and agrees on policies for managing each of these risks. The Company has applied SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities ("SFAS 133"), as amended by SFAS 149, in accounting for these financial instruments.

        The fair values of both interest rate contracts and foreign currency contracts are recorded in other assets and other liabilities on the balance sheet. For contracts that are qualifying cash flow hedges as defined by SFAS 133, changes in fair value are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income. Amounts are reclassified from other comprehensive income into earnings when the hedged exposure affects earnings. For contracts that do not qualify for hedge accounting as defined by SFAS 133, changes in fair value are recorded in general and administrative expenses.

        The changes in fair value of derivative financial instruments have been recorded as follows:

4.     PENSION PLANS AND OTHER EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

        Pensions—The components of the net periodic benefit cost of the UK and US defined benefit plans are as follows:

        As of March 31, 2005, $28 million and $6 million of contributions have been made to the UK and US defined benefit pension plans, respectively.

        Severance costs—Severance costs of $28 million were recognized in first quarter 2005. Following a review of the expense base in the light of the evolving business model for insurance brokerage, the Company has identified approximately 500 people whose employment has been, or is in the process of being, terminated. Severance costs for these employees were recognized pursuant to the terms of their existing benefit arrangements or employee agreements and the Company expects to have paid most of the costs by June 30, 2005. Severance costs of $2 million were recognized in first quarter 2004.

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5.     NET INCOME PER SHARE

        Basic and diluted net income per share is calculated by dividing net income by the average number of shares outstanding during each period. The computation of diluted net income per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if dilutive securities and other contracts to issue shares were exercised or converted into shares or resulted in the issue of shares that then shared in the net income of the Company.

        At March 31, 2005, time-based and performance-based options to purchase 12.8 million and 2.0 million (2004: 19.2 million and 6.2 million) shares, respectively, and 0.3 million restricted shares (2004: 0.5 million), were outstanding. Basic and diluted net income per share are as follows:

        For the three month period ended March 31, 2005, no options to purchase shares were excluded from the computation of the dilutive effect of stock options because their effect was antidilutive (2004: 5.2 million shares).

6.     LONG-TERM DEBT

        Long-term debt consists of the following:

        On December 4, 2003, the Company entered into a credit agreement providing a $450 million term loan facility and a $150 million revolving credit facility. $150 million of the term loan facility matures on each of the third, fourth and fifth anniversaries of the agreement. The undrawn revolving credit facility is available until December 4, 2008.

        On February 2, 2004, the Company redeemed all the outstanding 9% senior subordinated notes at a redemption price of 104.5%. On the same day, the Company drew down $300 million of term loans under the Senior Credit Facility. The remaining $150 million under the Senior Credit Facility was drawn down on June 1, 2004.

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7.     COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

        Claims, Lawsuits and Other Proceedings—The Company is subject to various actual and potential claims, lawsuits and other proceedings relating principally to alleged errors and omissions in connection with the placement of insurance and reinsurance in the ordinary course of business. Similar to other corporations, the Company is also subject to a variety of other claims, including those relating to the Company's employment practices. Some of those claims, lawsuits and other proceedings seek damages in amounts which could, if assessed, be significant.

        Most of these claims, lawsuits and other proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business are covered by professional indemnity or other appropriate insurance. In respect of self-insured deductibles, the Company has established provisions against these items which are believed to be adequate in the light of current information and legal advice, and the Company adjusts such provisions from time to time according to developments. On the basis of current information, the Company does not expect that the actual claims, lawsuits and other proceedings, including the proceedings relating to contingent compensation arrangements referred to below, to which the Company is subject or of which it is aware will ultimately have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flow. Nonetheless, given the large or indeterminate amounts sought in certain of these actions, and the inherent unpredictability of litigation, it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain matters could, from time to time, have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations or cash flows in particular quarterly or annual periods.

        Proceedings Relating to Contingent Compensation Arrangements—In April 2005, the Company entered into an Assurance of Discontinuance ("NY AOD") with the New York Attorney General and the New York Superintendent of Insurance resolving the investigation commenced by the New York Attorney General in April 2004 which concerned, among other things, arrangements pursuant to which insurers compensated insurance brokers for distribution and other services provided to insurers and, as the investigation of brokers and insurers continued, broadened into an investigation of other practices, bid rigging, tying and other possible violations of law, including violations of fiduciary duty, securities laws, and antitrust laws. Pursuant to the NY AOD, the Company will pay $50 million into a fund that will be distributed to eligible customers by February 2006. The Company has also agreed to continue certain business reforms it had already implemented and to implement certain other business reforms. These reforms include an agreement not to accept contingent compensation; and an undertaking to disclose to customers any compensation the Company will receive in connection with providing policy placement services to the customer. The Company also resolved a similar investigation commenced by the Minnesota Attorney General by entering into an Assurance of Discontinuance pursuant to which the Company agreed, among other things, to pay $1 million to Minnesota customers and to continue or implement the business reforms described in the NY AOD. The Company continues to respond to requests for documents and information by the regulators and/or attorneys general of more than twenty other states, the District of Columbia, one city, Canada, and Australia that are conducting similar investigations. The Company is co-operating fully with these investigations. The Company has engaged in discussions with regulators and attorneys general about their investigations. The Company cannot predict at this time how or when those investigations will be resolved.

        The compensation arrangements, which were initially the subject of the investigation by the New York Attorney General, were a longstanding and common practice within the insurance industry and had been disclosed by the Company for many years. On October 21, 2004, the Company announced that it was voluntarily abolishing these compensation arrangements immediately in North America and by December 31, 2004 outside North America.

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        In August 2004, a proceeding was commenced in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of San Diego against the Company by United Policyholders, an organization purporting to act in a representative capacity on behalf of the California general public. The complaint alleges that the compensation arrangements between the Company and insurance carriers constitute deceptive trade practices, and it seeks both injunctive and equitable relief, including restitution. That action was dismissed in December 2004, but is being appealed by the plaintiff. Since August 2004, various plaintiffs have filed eight purported class actions, one in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, four in the Northern District of Illinois, one in the Northern District of California, one in New Jersey District court, and one in the Circuit Court for the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit in and for Seminole County, Florida Civil Division, and it is expected that further suits may be filed. These actions name various insurance carriers and insurance brokerage firms, including the Company, as defendants. The complaints seek monetary damages and equitable relief and make allegations regarding the practices and conduct that has been the subject of the investigation of state attorneys general and insurance commissioners, including allegations that the brokers are breaching their duties to their clients by entering into contingent compensation agreements with either no disclosure or limited disclosure to clients, of bid rigging, tying, and of the improper use of affiliated wholesalers. The eight complaints also allege the existence of a conspiracy among the insurance carriers and brokers and the seven federal court complaints allege violations of the federal RICO statute. The seven actions filed in federal court have been transferred to the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey for coordinated pre-trial proceedings. The Company disputes these allegations and intends to defend itself vigorously against these actions.

8.     SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION

        Supplemental disclosures regarding cash flow information and non-cash flow investing and financing activities are as follows:

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9.     ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS, NET OF TAX

        The components of comprehensive income are as follows: