Claims administrator Gallagher Bassett Services will expand into the South Australian market with the purchase of WorkCover services provider IMA Consulting. IMA provides WorkCover and occupational health and safety advice to self-insureds, WorkCover scheme and government employers.

Gallagher Chairman Peter Searson says IMA, which will trade as IMA Gallagher Bassett Services, is a good fit with its businesses in other states, which all have statutory workers’ compensation services.

The sale, which becomes official from next month, will provide Gallagher with more than 120 years of workers’ compensation experience in the state.

“Having a presence in SA extends our capabilities to all the statutory schemes and will mean we are far better acquainted with the market should further opportunities arise in SA in the future,” Mr Searson said.

South Australia has a strong self-insurance sector, with about 65,000 employees covered by self-insured employers.

The IMA team will continue to operate autonomously but with the support of Gallagher.