Claims management group Crawford & Company has expanded into the New Zealand market via a network partnership arrangement with Godfrey and Company, one of the largest commercial loss adjusters in the country.

The partnership extends also to the South Pacific Islands, the New York-listed business said in a statement.

President Australia Tim Jarman says the move into the New Zealand market will complement its Australian business, which has achieved significant success.

“The decision to form a relationship with Godfrey and Company was a logical step in our business growth strategy and builds upon the geographical footprint of Crawford’s 43 offices in Australia,” Mr Jarman said.

“Our global footprint and empowered teams give us the reach and agility to meet the changing needs of the industry.

“This new arrangement will optimise our presence in key locations, facilitate further growth and help us restore and enhance lives, businesses and communities in both Australia and New Zealand.”

He says Godfrey is a “perfect fit” for Crawford.

“Their commitment to technical expertise, quality, service excellence and innovation matches Crawford’s own commitment to set industry benchmarks globally,” Mr Jarman said.

Godfrey says its strengths in the New Zealand and South Pacific Islands markets will be a pillar of support for Crawford’s growth ambitions, enabling the claims management giant to “realise their ambition of geographical representation, no matter where their clients are based”.

At the same time, the partnership is also a boost for Godfrey.

“The ability to expand and enhance our respective local operations while capitalising on Crawford's global strength, will send a very positive signal to our international and local clients,” CEO John Beckett said.

“This new relationship will strengthen service capabilities in the fast growing Asia Pacific region and will create even closer ties with our clients in Australia, New Zealand and globally.”

Godfrey has a network of offices in Auckland, Hamilton, Napier, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Queenstown providing a full range of commercial loss adjusting services.

It specialises in handling large, complex, commercial claims for the insurance industry, as well as project managing uninsured or below-excess losses for self-insured organisations.