Global insurance broker Howden has acquired the personal injury business of claims administrator Gallagher Bassett New Zealand.
The acquisition by Howden Care New Zealand, Howden’s local workplace claims management rehabilitation and wellbeing business, will close in December, subject to regulatory clearance.
Howden Care already has experience in employee health and claims management services in New Zealand, including for employers in the ACC Accredited Employer Programme.
Howden said the deal reinforced its ability “to provide localised services and support for clients with large diverse workforces and operations”.
It follows Howden’s acquisition of Auckland broker Wallace McLean in August, as the UK-based group grows its presence in the Asia-Pacific market. The group is seeking to become an end-to-end TPA and insurance provider.
Cliff McCord, chief executive of Howden Care New Zealand said: “The opportunity to work with a talented team of people and some of this country's most iconic clients is very exciting. Our combined knowledge and leading technology will see a major shift in the service offering we will bring to the market.”
Matt Bacon, chief executive of Howden Pacific, added: "Gallagher Bassett’s New Zealand Personal Injury division is a stand-out business in its sector and is a strong addition to our Howden Care and Broking businesses.
“Both businesses share complementary cultures, and both are passionate about delivering the very best outcomes for our clients, and their people. With this acquisition, and the recent acquisition of Wallace McLean, Howden New Zealand will be a leading end-to-end TPA and insurance broker capable of supporting all of our clients, whatever their needs.”
