Cunningham Lindsey Group Limited ("Cunningham Lindsey" or the "Company"), the leading global loss adjusting and claims management firm, and a CVC Capital Partners ("CVC") led investor group including Allied World Financial Services, Ltd announced the completion of a recapitalization by which funds affiliated with CVC have acquired majority ownership of Cunningham Lindsey from existing shareholders Stone Point Capital ("Stone Point") and Fairfax Financial Holdings (TSX: FFH) ("Fairfax"). Stone Point and Fairfax, along with the Company's management team, will remain substantial and active shareholders. Terms of the transaction, which was previously announced on October 1, 2012, were not disclosed.
Cunningham Lindsey is the largest loss adjusting and claims management firm globally with a network of approximately 5,500 people operating in 61 countries. Cunningham Lindsey's management team, led by CEO Philippe Bès, will continue to manage the Company, and Mr. Bès has joined the Company's Board of Directors.
"We are thrilled to have CVC's support and expertise as we enter the next chapter of growth for our firm," commented Cunningham Lindsey CEO Philippe Bès. "CVC's international footprint and significant resources will help us expand globally as we continue to deliver the unique capabilities and expertise that our clients look for from us."
Kamil Salame, CVC Partner and Head of the U.S. Financial Institutions Group, commented, "We look forward to supporting the global growth strategy of Cunningham Lindsey and working with its management and existing investors to continue to be a highly valued service partner for the company's clients."
Cunningham Lindsey was advised on the transaction by BofA Merrill Lynch, Debevoise & Plimpton LLP and Wragge & Co. LLP. The CVC led investor group was advised by Willis Capital Markets and Advisory, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP and Clifford Chance. BofA Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc., RBC Capital Markets and UBS provided fully committed financing to CVC.