March 19th, 2009

London's iconic 'Gherkin' Building is getting a new name: Horton Tower.

Horton Group, a Chicago-based insurance broker, said Tuesday that it will consolidate its London-area offices at the building, and, as part of the deal, will get to put its name on the 6-year-old skyscraper, the 6th tallest in London.

Horton will move nearly 250 employees into the building, occupying more than 11,000 square feet on multiple floors of the 40-story tower.

"Our expansion into London was inspired by Willis," says Glenn Horton, Horton CEO, referring to Willis Group's recent consolidation to the former Sears Tower.

The company also intends on repainting 30 St Mary Axe a much different color, says a spokesperson for Horton. "We've settled on pink for our new London office - it's bright and vibrant. It will attract the eye and underscores our commitment to this great city and London's importance as a financial hub." --ADAMS

**I have no affiliation with any of the businesses named above in this blog, which is entirely fictitious.