SAN FRANCISCO ? Marsh & McLennan Cos.? main insurance brokerage division said yesterday that it wants to win more advisory business from medium-sized companies in order to generate revenue growth.

After more than a year of job cuts, New York-based Marsh also unveiled new hires as part of its push into the so-called middle market, where insurance brokers advise companies with annual revenue of $50 million to $750 million.

Marsh, one of the two largest insurance brokers in the world, has been on the defensive since late 2004, when a bid-rigging scandal slashed profitability and sparked a battle for talent and market share with rivals Willis Group Holdings Ltd. and Aon Corp.

On Wednesday, Marsh & McLennan reported third-quarter results that suggested revenue and client retention at its main insurance brokerage division was improving as new business activity picks up.

Marsh has traditionally dominated the market for insurance advice to the largest global companies. Indeed, when the division was in the midst of its recent reorganisation, it jettisoned several smaller, less profitable accounts.

But now, Marsh said, it sees new opportunities for growth in advising medium-sized businesses.

?Marsh has determined that one segment in particular ? the middle market, comprised of companies with revenue of $50 million to $750 million ? is an area where the firm is ready to significantly expand its focus,? the company said in a statement.

Marsh is hoping to generate double-digit revenue growth from its push into the middle market. The unit reckons it?s currently the second-largest middle-market insurance broker, but has a small market share. That suggests the market is fragmented.

Marsh said it hired Mark Feuer from Merrill Lynch to oversee its middle-market practice in the US.

?The middle market in the US is ready for everything we can offer,? said Brian Storms, chief executive of Marsh.

?Marsh?s strength and advisory offerings are equally important to mid-sized companies, many of whom lack formal risk-management functions.?

Marsh also announced two other new hires.

Michael Whealon joins from Dutch financial-services giant ING Group (ING) to lead the global technology, media and telecommunications industries practice at Marsh.

Michael Feigin, an attorney from Bovis Land Lease, has joined to run the construction industry practice, Marsh said.

Marsh & McLennan shares slid 15 cents to $30.25 during afternoon trading Thursday.