Davies Acquires GBB & Banwells

Davies has acquired specialist forensic investigations business, GBB, and motor engineering solutions provider, Banwells. Based in Burnley, the business specializes in collision investigation, failure analysis and vehicle assessments, and boasts a 70-strong team of forensic scientists, engineers and collision specialists.

Under the deal, both businesses will form part of Davies Motor Claims within the group’s wider Claims Solutions business. Brian Henderson will continue to lead the business, supported by the existing leadership team.

As part of its integration plans, Davies will bring Banwells and its existing specialist motor engineering business, TLSS, under the banner of Davies Motor Engineering, which will offer a full suite of desktop and field engineering services, including total loss solutions for its insurance clients. The forensic investigations team will continue to trade as GBB.

The deal marks Davies’ second acquisition of 2019 and follows the Canadian investor AIMCo taking a minority stake in the business earlier in the year, to support Davies’ next phase of international expansion and continued digital transformation and investment. Its global team now numbers more than 2,000 claims, insurance, consulting and technology professionals delivering core operations, digital solutions and consulting to more than 500 insurance, highly regulated and global businesses across the UK, Ireland, Bermuda, the US and Canada.

“It is a pleasure to welcome Brian and the wider team to Davies. GBB and Banwells have a great reputation in the insurance, legal, fleet and law enforcement sectors. The team brings a wealth of knowledge and new technical skills, which align with our strategy of broadening our capability and adding deeper domain expertise for our clients.” – Dan Saulter, Group CEO of Davies.

“We’re delighted to be joining Davies and are excited about its growth and investment plans. The deal will offer our team great opportunities for their personal development and career progression, and we look forward to working with the wider Davies group to the benefit of our highly valued clients.” – Brian Henderson, Managing Director at GBB and Banwells.