GLOBAL – Consulting firm Watson Wyatt is reviewing its branding following the merger of its US and European arms.

“The business combination raises some practical issues around how we should present ourselves going forward,” managers said in a message to staff.

They said the planned merger “gives us a chance to review our brand in a more strategic sense, ensuring that we are presenting a coherent and powerful global brand to the market”.

The message came from the committee overseeing the merger between US-based Watson Wyatt & Co. and UK-based Watson Wyatt LLP. They signed an agreement to combine in April.

The committee added: “We are still working through final regulatory approvals, and our targeted closing date is now July 29, 2005.”

It also emerged that the firm is to begin looking for an external board member. “The new director is expected to have a background in Europe or the UK,” the firm said.

Meanwhile, the UK side of the firm is seeking someone to write “thoughtpieces” for clients.

It has advertised a vacancy for an economist in its pensions and benefits practice. "We seek to recruit an economist to contribute to our research on pensions and benefits,” the ad states.

Part of the role is to write and edit research “thoughtpieces” and coordinate research. The person will also manage and develop benefits information.

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