St Albans-based Berry Recruitment Group has acquired 100 percent of the shares in Amanda Smith Recruitment Ltd; a company set up by Managing Director Amanda Smith in 2004.
The business, which operates out of offices in Holborn, Central London, has been acquired as part of Berry Recruitment Group’s strategic growth plan expanding its existing 30-strong branch network throughout the UK.
With a turnover predicted to be in the region of £65m this year, Berry Recruitment Group is a multi-disciplinary staffing company providing personnel for roles across the office support, industrial, technical, driving, construction, rail, catering and care sectors.
Having made a number of strategic acquisitions in recent years, including Wild Recruitment and The Plus Team, the company was keen to add a London-based white collar recruitment business to its portfolio.
Amanda Smith Recruitment Ltd is a specialist office support staffing business and has seen significant turnover growth over the past six years.
Following the acquisition Amanda will remain with the business, alongside the business’ existing and experienced management team. Amanda and the management team have been supported by Ryecroft Glenton Corporate Finance over the past few years to help position the business for sale. Newcastle-upon-Tyne-based Ryecroft Glenton Corporate Finance has established a strong position in the staffing and recruitment sector advising on a growing number of transactions.
When instructed, the firm utilised its extensive market knowledge to identify potential purchasers. Having advised on the sale of Wild Recruitment to Berry Recruitment Group in 2011, Ryecroft Glenton Corporate Finance recommended the company as a credible, strategic buyer.
Amanda Smith Recruitment Ltd was advised by a team led by Ryecroft Glenton Corporate Finance partner, Carl Swansbury, supported by colleagues Alex Simpson, Peter Glenton and Charlie Burton.
Meanwhile, legal advisor to the sellers on the deal was Swinburne Maddison LLP. Led by partner Martyn Tennant, with support from Mike Ward and David Low, Swinburne Maddison LLP advised on all corporate aspects of the transaction and ancillary property and employment law issues.
Berry Recruitment Group was advised by Sherrards Solicitors’ partner and head of corporate and commercial, Jean-Paul Da Costa. Financial expertise was provided by Berry Recruitment Group’s in-house finance team.
Amanda Smith, Managing Director of Amanda Smith Recruitment Ltd said: “There are strong synergies between the two businesses and we are delighted to be joining the Berry family. We have established a strong management team supported by excellent staff that has helped drive the business forward and will be a valuable asset to Berry Recruitment Group.”
Tony Berry, founder and Chairman of Berry Recruitment Group, said: “Amanda Smith Recruitment Ltd has, over recent years, built a fantastic reputation within office recruitment, which has paved the way for this acquisition. The business complements our existing portfolio while consolidating our central London presence and supporting our national growth plans.”
Carl Swansbury, partner at Ryecroft Glenton Corporate Finance, said: “This acquisition will strengthen Berry Recruitment Group’s presence in the London market. Amanda Smith Recruitment Ltd has become well-established in the sector and enjoyed a continued period of growth. Having worked alongside Berry Recruitment Group on a previous transaction, we were confident this acquisition would be mutually-beneficial for both parties.”
Berry Recruitment Group grows UK network with strategic acquisition
Ryecroft Glenton Corporate Finance has advised on the acquisition of growing London-based staffing business, Amanda Smith Recruitment Ltd, by Berry Recruitment Group.
