Crawford’s GAB Robins deal to be investigated

Crawford & Company’s £45.8 million acquisition of loss adjusting and claims management provider GAB Robins is to be investigated by the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).

The body has cited concerns over the extent to which the deal will diminish competition in this sector in the UK. An initial enforcement action was issued on Monday December 8, which will effectively put the deal on ice until an investigation is completed.

Crawford & Company said when it announced the deal that it wanted to expand its claims handling business in the UK.

GAB Robins employs about 600 people in the UK and its clients include insurers, Lloyd's underwriters and niche UK underwriters as well as overseas insurers operating out of London.