ATLANTA, Aug. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Crawford & Company (NYSE: CRDA; CRDB) has acquired the assets of BCK, Inc., d/b/a ClaimStar.net, which specializes in producing distance learning and providing Learning Management Systems (LMS) hosting services. ClaimStar.net has provided the property and casualty industry with online training and technical references through their relationship with the Property Loss Research Bureau (PLRB). Crawford and PLRB have reached agreement on the acquisition, and ClaimStar.net has been rebranded Crawford Online(SM).
"ClaimStar.net has had a long relationship with PLRB, and we are pleased that both Crawford clients and PLRB members will continue to benefit from such innovative learning tools," said Bill Beach, senior vice president of Training & Development for Crawford.
Crawford Online will be offered as a standalone Internet learning solution, as well as a blended learning solution, incorporating classroom and online learning. It also makes available both programs and LMS hosting services, as well as online continuing education units for the industry.
"We intend to augment our industry-leading training position with Crawford Online and offer this educational service in North America and to our global clients," said Tom Crawford, president and CEO of Crawford & Company.
PLRB will continue to host its current and additional programs to its members as a benefit of membership, with plans to expand its offerings through the distance learning methodology.
About Crawford & Company
Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Crawford & Company (http://www.crawfordandcompany.com/) is the world's largest independent provider of claims management solutions to insurance companies and self-insured entities, with a global network of more than 700 offices in 63 countries. Major service lines include property and casualty claims management; integrated claims and medical management for workers' compensation; legal settlement administration, including class action and warranty inspections; and risk management information services. The Company's shares are traded on the NYSE under the symbols CRDA and CRDB.
About PLRB
Based in Downers Grove, Illinois, the Property Loss Research Bureau is a not-for-profit, national association of property and casualty insurers, underwriting organizations, and claims service providers at the leading edge of claims information. The PLRB has over 900 member insurers and over 500 affiliate member service providers. The PLRB also does business as the Liability Insurance Research Bureau (LIRB). PLRB strives to:
-- encourage productivity and efficiency in the property and liability loss and claim adjustment processes of members and the industry as a whole; -- disseminate information on property and liability issues among members and within the insurance industry; and -- promote education and new and beneficial developments within the property and casualty insurance industry.
