Press Release 27th August 2010 

Parabis Group backs Argent and Carmichaels merger

Parabis Group is developing its cross-class specialist adjusting capability with the acquisition of a controlling stake in respected property-focused Carmichaels Loss Adjusters.

Central to the acquisition is the complementary capability that Carmichael's will offer to clients of Argent Liability Adjusters, Parabis' existing niche adjuster specialising in the liability market.  Together the two businesses create a more comprehensive adjusting offering and establish the platform to become a leading player in both liability and property adjusting markets.

For Parabis Group, the diverse and ambitious professional services organisation, the acquisition is another significant stage in its strategic plans to develop a deep and comprehensive service for its core legal and insurance markets.

The deal also signals the dedication of the Group and both adjusters to the specialist loss adjusting market, at a time when many competitors are moving towards high-volume claims processing and fulfilment.

Argent has enjoyed growth of more than 350% in the UK since the acquisition and re-branding of Goldsbury International in 2003.  Carmichaels, established in 1985, specialises in high value and complex claims in the property arena, involving both commercial and domestic property, major and complex losses, business interruption and environmental claims.

Together the two businesses will have a total of more than 100 staff operating from 10 offices across the UK.  The strong cultural fit between Argent and Carmichaels, who both pride themselves on offering top-quality services based on technical expertise and understanding of the regional and UK-wide insurance markets, has played a key role in sealing the deal.

Going forward, Neil Ventris, Managing Director of Argent, will concentrate on overseeing the successful integration of the two businesses; Keith Curling, Managing Director of Carmichaels, will continue to build on the successes of that operation and Kevin Foakes, recently promoted Deputy Managing Director of Argent Liability Adjusters, will assume day-to-day responsibility for running Argent.

Commenting on the merger, Tim Oliver, CEO of Parabis Group, (www.parabis.co.uk) said: "The Parabis Group has ambitious plans for growth and Argent's position in the liability market is such that we were able to look at offering a wider range of loss adjusting services.  We are delighted to be adding another specialist discipline to our extensive portfolio of services to the legal, insurance, travel and related industries.  Carmichaels' reputation for quality and consistent good service delivery means they will be perfectly at home with us."

Keith Curling, MD of Carmichaels, added: "We have been keen to expand our services for some time, so when this opportunity came along to join Parabis Group with its depth and breadth of expertise it was an easy decision.  It's an excellent chance to work with like-minded professionals who share Carmichaels' strong commitment to quality."

Neil Ventris, MD of Argent, (www.argentadjusters.co.uk)  said: "It's always been our plan to diversify and, having built a strong foundation in the liability market, the timing was right.  The client demand is there and Carmichaels' specialist expertise now provides us with a platform for further growth.  It is a good business with a loyal following.  Importantly, there is good chemistry in terms of our shared culture and values.  Together Argent and Carmichaels can deliver quality, cross-class specialist property and liability adjusting on a national scale."

We are delighted to announce further developments in our Claims Management Unit, known
as the Customer Services Team (CST).  We have recently recruited two new claims adjusters: Christopher Eades and Karl Curling.  Chris and Karl are the pioneers of our Graduate Training Scheme and both have illustrious dads working in the firm - this may or may not be an advantage...

Meanwhile Amy Parris has been promoted to Claims Adjuster.  Amy has 'served her time' as a secretary showing great commitment and skill and thoroughly deserves this opportunity.

Last, but by no means least, Alison Morgan will take on the newly created role of Manager of CST.  Alison is our longest serving employee - (like Madonna who was No. 1 the month Alison started back in 1990, she has staying power!).  She (Alison, not Madonna) is the firm's leading expert on all manner of stuff, including MI, IT systems, cats and Gillingham FC.

We wish them all well.

We are delighted to welcome Greg Crease back to Carmichaels.  His arrival strengthens our adjusting team considerably and Greg's experience will be a great asset to us.

Greg has over 20 years loss adjusting experience in the commercial lines space.  He also has direct experience of domestic, clinical negligence as well as EL and PL claims for the NHS Litigation Authority.  Most recently Greg was a Specialist Commercial Lines Adjuster for Merlin Claims.  He previously spent four years at Carmichaels working on a range of commercial and household claims.

Greg said, "It's great to be back at Carmichaels which prides itself on providing a professional and personalised service to customers based on value not price.  The business has ambitious plans and I'm delighted to be part of a talented team of qualified and experienced loss adjusters who can add real value to the claims process".

Keith Curling, Managing Director said, "This is yet another great signing to our team and a warm welcome back to Greg.  Carmichaels has plans to grow significantly over the next few years and delivering both new and organic growth is a key part of our sales strategy.  Greg is an experienced loss adjuster who will be a great asset as we build the business across the UK". 

RADA Business Lunch 2009 

Once again we were proud to support the RADA Business Lunch held in the fabulous surroundings of the Dorchester in the West End of London.  This year we were delighted to be joined by a number of guests including Stuart Risebrow and Jeremy Anderson (Amlin), Simon Clayton (LFC), Jamie Kemp and Diane Cornford (Sterling), Leon Price (Woodstocks), Valerie Hockley (Blyth Valley), David Ingham (Ingham Underwriting), Julian Hale (Spedding Goldthorpe) and Lisa Middleton (Towergate).