US middle-market private equity firm Thomas H Lee Partners has made a majority investment in YA GROUP, an international professional services organisation providing consulting, engineering, risk mitigation and related services.
The transaction is expected to close in autumn 2024.
THL’s investment is intended to support YA GROUP’s organic growth through investments in its core service areas as well as strategic acquisitions. YA’s management, employees and current capital partner, CIVC Partners, will retain ownership positions, with management and employees remaining in their current roles.
Founded in 1997 as a property damage consulting firm, YA caters to global insurance carriers and claims services firms. The company employs over 600 and operates across 27 countries.
Ed Shahnasarian, Managing Director at THL, commented: “We regard YA as the market leader in a wide range of complex services that support global insurance markets.
“Their deep expertise, long track record of client success, and outstanding corporate culture make them a critical industry platform. As longtime investors in insurance services and technology, we believe we are well positioned to help the company realize new growth opportunities that will strengthen their position as trusted strategic advisors to their clients.”
THL’s existing investments in the insurance technology and services sectors include Amerilife, a US insurance marketing organisation; Hexure, a software provider connecting insurance product originators with distribution partners; and Carpe Data, a data provider for insurance carriers to enable claims and underwriting workflow automation.
YA is being advised by Piper Sandler & Co and Ropes & Gray. THL is being advised by Waller Helms, Kirkland & Ellis and Paul Weiss.
