Nov. 28, 2022 — ONE OF THE largest independent insurance adjusters in the U.S. has expanded into Canada.

Custard Companies has acquired Toronto-based claims management firm SIAdvisers Consulting & Solutions and its subsidiary Desktop Solutions.

Custard has more than 250 locations across the U.S. and has a particular focus on emergency response and services for the transportation industry.

Its customers include major trucking companies, self-insureds, foreign and domestic insurance companies, municipal entities and underwriters at Lloyd’s.

Last year it expanded its general service offerings to include property claims adjustment and payroll accounting through a new subsidiary, Riverwood Claims Management.

SIAdvisers was founded in 2013 and is based in the Etobicoke area.

It provides claims handling services, including risk management and inspection services along with marine surveying.

Desktop Solutions is a desktop adjusting firm that offers technology including digital reporting platforms, expedited document completion, tracking and reporting of key performance indicators.

SIAdvisers CEO Scott Francis said the deal will allow it to expand its services in Canada and into the U.S. market.

“The synergy between our organizations was a driving factor in the decision to be acquired by Custard,” he said. “This allows us to continue servicing all our clients in the manner that they are accustomed to.”

Custard CEO Charlie Peek said SIAdviser’s expertise and knowledge of adjusting, subrogation and TPA services will benefit both its main claims operation and Riverwood.

“We are looking forward to a bright future as a team,” he said.

Custard Insurance Adjusters was founded in 1962 by A.R. ‘Rick’ Custard in Fort Wayne, Ind. It opened a second office in 1966 and continued to expand throughout the Midwest and southeast U.S. states.

It relocated its corporate headquarters from Fort Wayne to Atlanta in 1992.

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