Marsh's revenues for the third quarter, ending Sept. 30, increased 15 percent, or $209 million, going from $1.43 billion in 2002 to $1.64 billion this quarter. For the nine months, revenues rose 17 percent, or $750 million, from $4.34 billion to $5.09 billion.

Operating income for Marsh rose $54 million, or 16 percent, going from $334 million to $338 million in the third quarter. For the nine months, operating income increased 20 percent, or $226 million, going from $1.13 billion to $1.35 billion.

MMC reported total net income for the third quarter rose $58 million, or 19 percent, going from $299 million to $357 million. Revenue increased 11 percent, or $284 million, during the period, going from $2.55 billion to $2.84 billion. Net income per share rose 10 cents from 55 cents per share to 65 cents per share.

For the nine months, net income rose 11 percent, or $112 million, from $1.05 billion to $1.17 billion. Earnings per share during the period rose 24 cents to $2.12 a share. Revenues rose $754 million, or 10 percent, from $7.8 billion to $8.55 billion.

The services company's other two units, investing firm Putnam and consulting division Mercer, also showed improvements, MMC said.

Putnam showed a loss in revenue for the third quarter of $15 million, going from $522 million to $507 million. However, MMC said it showed a $20 million increase in operating income, going from $116 million to $136 million. Its total assets under management grew 14 percent to $272 billion as of Sept. 30.

The consulting group, Mercer, reported a 15 percent increase in revenues for the quarter, or $90 million, going from $600 million to $690 million. For the nine months, revenues rose $254 million, or 14 percent, going from $1.76 billion to $2 billion.