Crawford & Company has posted a decline in third-quarter net income to $US7.9 million ($10.9 million) from $US11.8 million ($16.2 million), pushed down by lower earnings.

The claims management company also booked a $US1.2 million ($1.7 million) pre-tax loss in the quarter from the sale of its Garden City Group legal services business.

Consolidated earnings fell to $US16.5 million ($22.7 million) from $US24.1 million ($33.2 million) on weaker contributions from its three main divisions – Crawford TPA Solutions: Broadspire, Crawford Claims Solutions and Crawford Specialty Solutions.

CEO Harsha Agadi says the group is focusing on the future by investing in technology, product development and other areas.

“Our third-quarter results demonstrate the continued progress we are achieving as we return [the company] to sustained revenue growth, though we fell short of our expectations for operating earnings,” he said.

“Our investments are clearly delivering revenue growth while positioning Crawford for future success.”