Spring Group acquires Best

Spring Group is now the UK''s leading IT staffing and technology recruitment company, following the acquisition of Best International for a consideration of 7.5 million.

The permanent and temporary IT recruitment divisions of Best
International will combine with Spring Group''s existing IT Staffing division. The Best International brand will be retained, to leverage its value as an established and award-winning provider of IT staffing services.

Richard Barfield, CEO of Spring Group, said, The acquisition of Best is key to our stated aim of creating the UK''s leading IT staffing and technology recruitment company. We said that 2003 would position us for growth and market leadership, and this transaction supports that
strategy.


Speaking on behalf of the founding executives of Best International, Susan Cuff, Group Business Development Director, added, We are delighted to become part of Spring Group. This is a fantastic opportunity for the Best organisation and we''re looking forward to working on a winning strategy designed to deliver real value to our
people, our customers and our shareholders.

The three Best International founding directors will sit on the IT Staffing operational board with key roles in the development of the business.

Tom Bartlam, Managing Director of Intermediate Capital Group PLC, a major Best International investor, said, Intermediate Capital is pleased that Best International is joining the market leader, Spring
Group, with which it has an attractive future and an outstanding opportunity to continue its growth.