Marsh & McLennan says its first-quarter earnings jumped 41 percent as profitability improved in its consulting business.

The insurance broker and consulting company's earnings rose to $248 million, or 45 cents per share, for the three months ended March 31. That's up from $176 million, or 33 cents per share, a year ago.

Excluding one-time costs, Marsh & McLennan earned 51 cents per share, which was in line with analysts' expectations.

Marsh & McLennan says its revenue was $2.8 billion. That's better than the $2.69 billion forecast by analysts.

Its revenue was boosted by growth in the consulting division, which includes Mercer and Oliver Wyman Group.