NEW YORK (Dow Jones/AP) - Marsh & McLennan Cos., the world's largest insurance broker, yesterday reported a six percent jump in first-quarter profit, boosted by higher premiums and more demand for insurance.

New York-based Marsh & McLennan, which maintains a substantial Bermuda presence, posted net income of $443 million, or 81 cents a share, compared with $418 million, or 73 cents a share, a year ago.

The results for the latest quarter topped the mean estimate of analysts surveyed by Thomson First Call of 79 cents a share.

Revenue rose in the latest quarter to $2.85 billion from $2.63 billion.

The company is benefiting from a combination of higher insurance premiums and stronger demand for insurance coverage following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.