Pictured: (l-r) Colin Rodrigues, corporate partner, Hawkins
Hatton, Terry Hitchens, Garratts, Dawn Sebbage, Hawkins Hatton and
Belinda Thorpe (front), Residentsline
Residentsline, the Wolverhampton based specialist provider of
insurance solutions for blocks of flats and apartments, is poised
for further growth in the UK following its acquisition by CHU,
Australia's largest strata insurance underwriting agency.
Corporate law firm Hawkins Hatton, whose head office is in
Dudley, advised the directors of Residentsline on the share sale of
the business.
Residentsline clients include residents management companies of
blocks of flats, property management agents, right to manage
companies and freehold owners who require an exclusive range of
insurance products specifically designed for their needs.
Belinda Thorpe and Neil Abel the former shareholders, will
remain in the business working alongside the new owners at CHU.
She said: "With additional investment we will be introducing new
products and services to the UK market place as well as opening a
new office in London. We will continue to offer innovative
insurance solutions for the UK flats market, based on our combined
understanding of the leasehold industry."
Since its formation in Australia 30 years ago, CHU has
consistently led the market by providing unrivalled knowledge and
experience. In 1989 the firm started operations in the United
States where it now writes over 15,000 polices across 35 states and
more recently it set up an operation in the United Arab
Emirates.
Commenting on the acquisition, a CHU spokesman said: "The deal
with Residentsline marks our arrival in the UK and will enable us
to provide customers with a unique point of difference based on our
understanding of the unique complexities, risks and requirements of
this market."
Colin Rodrigues, corporate partner at Hawkins Hatton, worked
alongside solicitor Dawn Sebbage and Terry Hitchens from
accountants Garratts, advising Residentsline directors throughout
every stage of the sale process. "The due diligence process was new
to us, but Hawkins Hatton were always on hand to guide us and
ensure we understood each stage of the process," added Belinda
Thorpe.
For more information about Hawkins Hatton, please visit their
website here: www.hawkinshatton.co.uk