McCann: Shared focus
Private equity-backed HF has acquired most of the assets of the alternative business structure (ABS) owned by global insurance services firm Crawford & Company.
The national insurance and commercial law firm has taken on around 90 Crawford Legal Services (CLS) staff under TUPE and struck a “strategic partnership” that will mean HF provides legal services to Crawford’s clients.
Crawford & Company describes itself as the world’s largest publicly listed independent provider of claims management and outsourcing solutions, and set up CLS in 2016 with the aim of providing an end-to-end service.
Headquartered in Liverpool, it also had offices in Manchester, Leeds and Birmingham.
But it has now made the strategic decision to focus on its core capabilities in loss adjusting, claims management and counter-fraud.
CLS advised on personal injury, fraud, coverage disputes, motor, subrogation and recoveries, and subsidence.
In late 2024, HF sold a 30% stake in the business to CBPE Capital.
Ronan McCann, chief executive and managing partner of HF, said: “Our shared focus on client service and our people, combined with our innovative, technology-led approach, gives us the opportunity to maximise the skills and expertise from both organisations to the benefit of our people, our clients and their customers.”
Paul Lofkin, UK & Ireland president of Crawford & Company, added: “For our clients, this means a smarter, more integrated service with ongoing cooperation that gives greater flexibility, improved recovery outcomes and continuity of service through a best-in-class approach.
“For our people, this opportunity represents the chance to lead and focus on the legal sector innovation.
“Meanwhile, Crawford retains its commitment to subrogation, pre-litigation and fraud capabilities, strengthened by this new strategic partnership.”
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