FPR Group acquired by Kingdom Group

FPR Group, a recruitment company with a workforce of over 1,000 on its books, has been sold in a deal that expands the southern presence of its acquirer, Kingdom Group.

First People Recruitment (FPR) was formed in 1991 following the acquisition of a Brighton-based recruitment firm and later opened further offices in Sussex.

Specialising in providing temporary and permanent workforce solutions across the manufacturing, food, engineering and healthcare sectors, mostly throughout Sussex and Hampshire, FPR works with more than 80 clients.

In a deal led by Fabio Rambelli, Associate Director with company sales specialist KBS Corporate, FPR will now be rebranded as Kingdom People to align with existing brands within its acquiring company.

Kingdom Group, based in Newton-le-Willows, Lancashire, is a facilities management provider which supports businesses across the UK with security, cleaning, recruitment, training, healthcare and local authority support.

Backed by the strength of a group with over 11,500 colleagues and a turnover of £300m, Kingdom People will offer an enhanced proposition in the South by leveraging combined expertise, operational synergies and tailored recruitment solutions.

“After 20 incredible years of building and leading FPR Group, the time has come for me to take a step back from the business,” said Mark Foster, FPR’s CEO.

“It’s been a privilege to work alongside such a talented and dedicated team and I’m immensely grateful to every member of staff, past and present, for their hard work, passion and commitment to excellence. Together, we’ve created a business that has made a real difference, providing high-quality recruitment and staffing solutions.

“I now hand over to Kingdom Group, the perfect partner to take FPR into its next chapter. Their vision, values and expertise align perfectly with what we’ve built, and I’m excited to see the opportunities this new partnership will bring for our colleagues and customers.

“Thank you to everyone who has been part of our journey.”

Terry Barton, CEO of Kingdom Group, commented: “We work hard to find and get over the line acquisitions that match not only our care values, but also our passion and aspirations as a group. FPR Group’s team immediately impressed our M&A team and we now welcome them to Kingdom Group.

“Together and united, we are positioned to deliver even greater value and innovative recruitment solutions.”

KBS Corporate’s Fabio Rambelli said: “I’d like to thank all parties involved in the transaction and wish both FPR Group and Kingdom Group the very best for the future.”