HF, which advises the insurance and commercial sectors, has acquired major assets of Crawford & Company Legal Services Limited (CLS), including approximately 90 employees who will transfer through a TUPE consultation process, the legal advisory firm announced.
The acquisition enables HF to expand its property department with a comprehensive end-to-end service. The company said the deal establishes a strategic partnership between HF and Crawford & Company, ensuring service continuity for existing clients whilst protecting employment rights for transferring staff.
Crawford & Company (Crawford) made the strategic decision to divest its legal services division to focus on core capabilities in loss adjusting, claims management, and counter-fraud, it was noted. CLS was originally established by Crawford to sell legal services to its existing client base.
The transfer of approximately 90 employees will proceed through a TUPE consultation process, which ensures continuity of employment terms and conditions.
“We’re excited at the opportunity to grow our business with the addition of the skilled team from CLS,” said Ronan McCann, chief executive and managing partner of HF. “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.”
The transaction is expected to allow HF to provide legal expertise in subrogation and litigation.
Paul Lofkin, president for UK and Ireland at Crawford, said the partnership would deliver enhanced services. “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,” he said. “For our people, this opportunity represents the chance to lead and focus on legal sector innovation.”
Crawford will retain its commitment to subrogation, pre-litigation, and fraud capabilities, strengthened by the new strategic partnership with HF, according to Lofkin.
