Zen Educate finds its Magnum Opus

OPUS Recruitment was acquired by Zen Educate in a transaction that supports Zen’s long-term strategy to build technology-led recruitment solutions for the education market. The deal also allows the seller to realise value while remaining involved in the business’s next phase of growth.

Transaction Overview:

• Sector: Recruitment
• Business Type: Specialist education recruitment agency supplying permanent and supply staff
• Deal Type: Trade Sale
• Buyer Type: Trade Buyer
• Location: Cornwall, UK

Cornwall-based Inveniet Opus Ltd (OPUS Recruitment) has been sold to Zen Educate, with KBS Corporate Deal Executive Charles Needham advising throughout the process.

Founded in 2014, OPUS is a specialist recruitment agency operating in the education sector, supplying full-time and supply staff to schools and colleges across South West England.

The business’s strong reputation in its field has allowed OPUS to grow and enhance its service portfolio, which includes consultancy and training solutions.

OPUS Director Russell Main instructed KBS on the sale of the business to strengthen its long-term growth capabilities.

“Russell knew the business was ready to expand,” advised Charles. “In order for OPUS to reach its next level, it needed a prominent buyer and suitable investment.

“The business has strong profit margins, year-on-year growth and is well placed to develop as part of a larger group.” While interest was generated across the wider recruitment market, Zen Educate quickly recognised OPUS as an ideal acquisition.

Zen is continuously developing its technology platform to connect teachers and schools across the UK, offering a cost-effective, online-based solution that differs from traditional recruitment agencies.

The OPUS acquisition forms part of Zen’s long-term vision to develop unparalleled recruitment software for the national education sector.

Charles added: “Zen is really accelerating its growth trajectory and is eager to maximise its value over the coming years.

“We’ve been able to negotiate a cash-shares sales split for Russell, realising the value of OPUS while allowing him to be a part of its next phase of development.”

The Education Recruitment Market

The recruitment sector is seeing strong interest in specialist agencies with established client relationships and niche market expertise. In education, agencies that combine sector knowledge with additional consultancy and training services are proving especially attractive to buyers.

This growing demand is being driven by the need for scalable, service-led solutions, particularly where agencies can offer value beyond traditional recruitment models. Businesses that demonstrate strong retention, recurring client relationships, and the ability to adapt to evolving market needs are increasingly being viewed as attractive acquisition opportunities.

Recent activity across the wider recruitment and professional services market highlights continued investor interest in niche, growth-oriented agencies with clear differentiation and strong sector positioning.

For business owners operating in this space, this may present an opportunity to consider their next steps, including selling a company.