Desjardins Financial Security Life Assurance Company and CanAssistance Inc. have announced a landmark 10-year strategic partnership, one of the most significant agreements of its kind for both organizations. The deal includes CanAssistance's acquisition of Assistel Inc., a company specializing in assistance services.
Partnership Objectives
The partnership aims to maintain and strengthen the assistance services offered to Desjardins members and clients, while consolidating one of Canada's leading centres of expertise in assistance services.
Leadership Perspectives
Sylvain Charbonneau, President and Chief Executive Officer of CHSA, stated: "This agreement marks an important milestone in the execution of our strategic plan. We have made assistance a priority for development and investment, and we intend to grow our presence and leadership in this rapidly evolving sector. Our ambition is clear: to build a leading Canadian assistance platform capable of supporting major partners such as Desjardins and their clients at moments that are often critical."
Michel Martineau, Vice-President, Personal Insurance at Desjardins Group, added: "In a rapidly evolving assistance services environment, this strategic partnership will ensure the continuity and quality of services for people insured by Desjardins. We are proud to rely on a leading Canadian partner, firmly established here, to carry out this mission."
Combined Expertise
The combined expertise of CanAssistance and Assistel will strengthen capabilities in several areas, including travel assistance, roadside assistance, legal and estate assistance, concierge services, and certain services related to health, home and claims. Desjardins members and clients will continue to have access to fast, reliable assistance at all times.
Acquisition Details
Carl Guérard, General Manager of CanAssistance, commented: "Assistel brings complementary expertise, committed teams and a culture closely aligned with ours, focused on the client experience. This transaction represents a unique opportunity to bring together the best of both organizations to build an even stronger, more agile and more comprehensive assistance platform."
CanAssistance is a subsidiary of Canassurance Hospital Service Association, a not-for-profit corporation active in the insurance, assistance and technology sectors, operating under brands including Quebec Blue Cross, Ontario Blue Cross and CanAssistance.
