Crawford strikes western hold

The recent purchase of Edmonton, Alberta adjusting firm Leonard, Hirst & Miller (LH&M) has provided Crawford Adjusters Canada with a firm foothold in the west. Crawford CEO Glenn Gibson says the “fit” of LH&M’s professional expertise was a main attraction. “We looked primarily at the quality of the staff…this was the key driver from our perspective.”

Gibson confirms that the LH&M acquisition will significantly expand Crawford’s presence in Western Canada. “The combination of Crawford and LH&M will create an adjusting powerhouse”, a company statement claims. LH&M almost doubles the size of Crawford’s staff in Alberta to a 100-plus employees, operating from nine offices. LH&M is already a “dominant force” in the west, Gibson adds, “this is not a small boutique adjusting firm in one location”. LH&M’s former general manager, Laurie Rogers, agrees that “corporate culture” existing between the two companies was as much a part of the mutual attraction as any strategic advantage. Gibson also adds that Crawford’s future growth through acquisition will not be focussed on geographical boundaries, but on finding adjusters with expertise.

Rogers has been appointed vice president of Crawford’s new prairies division, which includes Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Jim Eso is to head up the British Columbia division. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.