Howden will acquire the personal injury business of Gallagher Bassett New Zealand, as the international broker looks to cement its position as a leading provider in the injury management space.

The acquisition by Howden Care New Zealand – Howden’s local workplace claims management, rehabilitation and wellbeing business – is subject to regulatory and other conditions, and would take effect from December 1.

Howden Care says it provides highly specialised injury and illness prevention and management solutions that deliver real health and financial benefits to clients.

It says the acquisition expands Howden Care’s footprint in New Zealand and “further reinforces Howden’s ability to provide localised services and support for clients with large diverse workforces and operations”.

“The opportunity to work with a talented team of people and some of this country’s most iconic clients is very exciting,” Howden Care New Zealand CEO Cliff McCord said.

“Our combined knowledge and leading technology will see a major shift in the service offering we will bring to the market.”

CEO Howden Pacific Matt Bacon says Gallagher Bassett’s New Zealand Personal Injury division is “a stand-out business in its sector”.

“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.”