G4S snaps up The Cotswold Group

G4S Secure Solutions has acquired insurance fraud surveillance firm The Cotswold Group.

G4S said the acquisition will significantly strengthen the development of its covert surveillance and investigations capability.

G4S said the deal will compliment similar insurance fraud investigation services it offers in the US, Middle East and Asia Pacific.

Gloucester-based Cotswold is the largest provider of surveillance and investigative services to insurance companies within the UK, particularly personal injury fraud.

It provides surveillance and investigation services in property, motor and personal injury insurance claims, employers and public liability, employee screening, housing benefit fraud and corporate investigations.

Cotswold was founded in 1990 by Tom Scott, its current chief executive and a former police officer who specialised in covert surveillance.

Scott will continue to manage the business following the acquisition.

David Taylor-Smith, regional chief executive, G4S UK & Africa, said: “We are very pleased to welcome Tom and his team to G4S and expect them to make a real difference to our business.

"We believe their market leadership, extensive client base and unmatched track record of delivery in this highly specialist area will underpin our consultancy offering here in the UK and overseas.”

Cotswold chief Scott said: “We are very excited about the opportunities for our employees and our company through becoming part of the G4S family. We believe the Cotswold Group is highly complementary to G4S's existing operations around the world and will bring many new capabilities to G4S and its customers.

"The opportunity to create a major force in investigation services and to work with G4S teams in the UK and globally is an extremely exciting prospect.”