Sedgwick Claims Management Services has announced that KKR, together with management, have signed an agreement to acquire majority ownership of Sedgwick for approximately $2.4 billion from its current group of investors, which includes Hellman & Friedman and Stone Point Capital.
"We couldn’t ask for a better partner in the next stage of Sedgwick’s evolution," said David A. North, president and CEO of Sedgwick. "KKR has an exceptional record of investing in financial services companies and will be a valuable strategic resource for our organization. We share a commitment to continued innovation in the claims and productivity management industry. My colleagues and I look forward to collaborating with KKR as we develop solutions for the changing needs of our clients."
"This is a critical time for employers as they adjust to an evolving health care delivery model, the shifting demographics of the workforce and a multitude of additional challenges," said Tagar Olson, Member of KKR and head of its financial services investment practice. "Sedgwick has an exceptional management team, a strong track record of innovation and the technology-driven solutions to address these challenges. We believe our partnership will enable them to maintain and enhance their leadership position in the industry."
On an annual basis, Sedgwick handles more than 2.1 million claims and has fiduciary responsibility for claim payments totaling more than $11 billion.
The transaction is expected to close during the first quarter of 2014, subject to customary conditions and regulatory approvals.
Equity for the investment was provided principally by KKR’s North American XI private equity fund. UBS Securities LLC, Deutsche Bank Securities, Morgan Stanley, Mizuho, KKR Capital Markets LLC and MCS Capital Markets LLC provided financing for the transaction. Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP and Latham & Watkins LLP provided legal counsel to Sedgwick and KKR, respectively.