Counter-fraud intelligence specialist Brownsword Group acquired by QuestGates

Entrepreneurs Hub advised the owners of the Brownsword Group on the sale to QuestGates, the UK’s largest independently owned loss adjusting and claims solutions group. QuestGates announced a partnership with Equistone Partners Europe, one of Europe’s most active mid-market private equity investors, in August 2024.

Mike O’Connor, who led the deal for Entrepreneurs Hub, commented, “It was a real pleasure to work on the sale of the Brownsword Group. I believe we have found a great home for the business in QuestGates and am confident that they will be an excellent custodian moving forward.”

Press Release from QuestGates 7th January 2025:

QuestGates today announces the acquisition of the Brownsword Group, further enhancing its position in the UK insurance claims and loss adjusting sector.

Established in 1994, the award winning Manchester-based business has built a strong reputation within the insurance industry, offering compliant intelligence solutions to insurers, providing a range of specialist services including surveillance, motor fraud and theft investigations, using a combination of advanced technology and traditional investigative techniques.

Chris Hall, Chief Executive of QuestGates said, “we are delighted to welcome everyone at the Brownsword Group to the QuestGates family. Their niche, specialist expertise complements our existing third-party services and strengthens our capabilities in the insurance sector.”

The Brownsword Group will continue to operate under its existing brand, benefitting immediately from the broader resources of QuestGates. This acquisition follows QuestGates’ recent purchases, including QCH Legal (now rebranded as QGLaw) and its consolidated Building Consultancy Services, formed from the acquisition of Structural Surveys, Ramsay McMichael Consulting and BTA.
This acquisition expands QuestGates’ ability to offer full service claims-related solutions to its clients across the UK and Ireland.

Chris Hall added, “This acquisition significantly increases QuestGates’ market share in the third-party investigations space and continues to cement our position as the go-to claims solutions group in the UK and Ireland.”