Insurance law firm acquires loss adjuster’s legal services arm

Insurance law firm HF has acquired a major part of the assets of Crawford and Company Legal Services (CLS), including 90 people moving across as part of a Tupe consultation process.

CLS was originally established by Crawford and Company in the UK to capitalise on its ability to cross-sell legal services to their clients.

However, Crawford and Company has decided to sell the arm after making the decision to focus on loss adjusting, claims management and counter fraud.

Paul Lofkin, president of UK and Ireland at Crawford and Company, said: “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.”

Strategic partnership

The acquisition by HF will also see the start of a strategic partnership between HF and Crawford and Company, with HF providing a seamless transition and protecting the jobs and employment rights of the teams involved.

”The deal will enable HF’s property department to provide a full end to end service in a market where its people, technology and dynamism can make a real difference, alongside building an ongoing relationship with Crawford providing cross-selling opportunities across other service lines,” a statement said.

Ronan McCann, chief executive and managing partner at HF, said: “We’re excited at the opportunity to grow our business with the addition of the skilled team from CLS.

”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.”