NU Online News Service, Aug. 12, 11:30 a.m. EDT

Crawford & Company has confirmed that GCG has been retained to assist Feinberg Rozen, LLP with Ken Feinberg's role as the administrator of the Gulf Coast Claims Facility.

"GCG, a wholly owned subsidiary of Crawford & Company, has been engaged by Ken Feinberg of Feinberg Rozen, LLP, as a vendor to assist in the creation and management of the independent gulf coast claims facility," confirmed a spokesperson from Crawford, who said all further questions should be referred to Mr. Feinberg's office.

Mr. Feinberg has been retained by President Obama to administer the Fund. His selection received strong approval and support from the Obama Administration.

Crawford & Co., based in Atlanta, is an independent provider of claims management solutions to the risk management and insurance industry as well as self-insured entities, with more than 700 locations in 63 countries.

According to its website, GCG -- formerly known as Garden City Group -- is a recognized leader in class-action, legal settlement administration. GCG has past experience handling large, complex cases, including the $6.2 billion WorldCom Securities litigation. It also handled General Motors' bankruptcy efforts.

According to Mr. Feinberg's spokesperson, Worley Catastrophe Response Company will continue to work with his office to assist with the administration of the Gulf Coast Claims Facility, including the staffing of 36 claim office facilities throughout the affected Gulf region. ESIS continues to work with BP but will not be directly involved with the GCCF once the transition to the new facility has occurred..

The article was updated to clarify GCG's role in assisting with the Gulf Coast Claims Facility

Eric Gilkey is editor-in-chief of Claims.