Crawford expands legal service capabilities with acquisition

Crawford & Company, a provider of claims management solutions, has acquired Australia-based HBA Group as part of the continuing expansion of its Crawford Legal Services (CLS) in the UK and globally.

HBA Group comprises HBA Legal, a legal services enterprise which partners with underwriters, brokers, insurers and self-insured companies across Australia and the London market; Paratus, a claims management business; and Pillion, a legal process and technology provider.

Presently in the UK, CLS is an independent legal practice and an integrated part of the Crawford & Company claims management process providing professional and technical support in the handling of volume, niche, complex or high-value claims.

The solution leverages the company’s global infrastructure and expertise and forms a core component of Crawford’s end-to-end connected claims solution.

The acquisition will see the company leverage Crawford’s global capabilities as well as benefiting from the company’s continued investment in innovative technology to support faster processing, greater efficiency and enhanced client service.

Joseph Blanco, president of Crawford, said: “We see significant opportunity to expand our legal service capabilities in Australia. With its market standing, geographical reach and depth of expertise, HBA Group provides a fantastic platform from which to restore and enhance lives, businesses and communities. Since the launch of Crawford Legal Services in the UK in 2016, we have gained huge market traction by providing a powerful connected legal service and highly cost-efficient solution to our clients. I am delighted to be able to offer this level of service to the Australia market through HBA Group.”

Brett Ablong, managing director of HBA Group, added: “Becoming part of CLS and in turn the broader Crawford group creates huge potential for us to take HBA Legal to the next level for our people and clients. I am excited for our people as they are now part of a global organization, which will provide career and personal development opportunities. Our clients will also be able to access the full range of services available in Crawford for a connected claims service that no traditional law firm can provide. I believe the possibilities are endless.”