Third-party claims provider Gallagher Bassett has bought Care Advantage, the New Zealand-based Southern Cross Medical Care Society’s specialist injury management division.

Care Advantage provides injury claims management, case management, reporting and administration services for New Zealand employers accredited under the Accident Compensation Corporation's accredited employer partnership program.

The business will now be known as Gallagher Bassett Care Advantage and service more than 40,000 New Zealand employees.

Gallagher Bassett has been a provider of offshore claims administration services to the Earthquake Commission for more than 10 years.

MD Jon Winsbury says the acquisition will strengthen the company’s offering to the New Zealand market.

“Care Advantage’s geographic spread, its established relationships with some of New Zealand’s largest employers and proven record helping clients reduce injury rates made it an attractive proposition for us.”

He says all Care Advantage clients have been given the option to change over to Gallagher Bassett’s management with their existing relationship managers’ support.