Equistone-backed QuestGates acquires Toppings Forensic Accountants and Brownsword Group

Equistone Partners Europe (“Equistone”), today announces that it has supported its portfolio company, QuestGates, the UK’s largest independent provider of complex loss adjusting and claims solutions, with the acquisitions of Toppings Forensic Accountants (“Toppings”) and Brownsword Group (“Brownsword”). The transactions are the first announced by QuestGates since Equistone invested in the company in September 2024. The financial terms of these transactions remain undisclosed.

Toppings is a Manchester-based leading provider of forensic accounting for motor claims in the UK. The company, which will continue operating under its established brand while benefiting from being part of the QuestGates group, has a high-calibre and loyal client base. The acquisition will enable QuestGates to offer new, specialist capabilities to its customers and further strengthen its position in the loss adjusting sector. 

Also based in Manchester, Brownsword provides claims investigation services in the motor industry to insurance companies. Its services include surveillance, liability and fraud investigation, and the business has a strong and highly complementary customer base. With over 70 employees, the acquisition will enable QuestGates to offer end-to-end service for outsourced motor investigation work. 

These acquisitions, the fifth and sixth made by QuestGates in the last two years, further expand the company’s service offering and consolidate its position as a leading partner of choice for specialist loss adjusting and claims management solutions. 

Tristan Manuel, Director at Equistone, said: “One of the key drivers behind our decision to invest in QuestGates was the significant opportunity for the business to consolidate a highly fragmented market. We’re delighted to have supported the team on extending its exceptional M&A track record with these two acquisitions, both of which are highly strategic and will enable QuestGates to continue scaling its fast-growing specialist motor proposition.”

Chris Hall, Chief Executive Officer of QuestGates, added: “We are delighted to welcome Toppings and Brownsword to the QuestGates family. Their expertise complements our expanding service offerings, marking another key milestone in our journey. We are excited to be enhancing our existing capabilities and continuing to scale our operation with services that benefit our existing client base.”