Selling A Recruitment Business

Inveniet Opus Ltd

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.”

On Track Recruitment

On Track Recruitment provides professional, dependable temporary and permanent recruitment solutions for clients within a wide range of buoyant sectors based across Surrey and Hampshire. The company maintains strong, long-standing client relationships, benefitting from a high volume of repeat and referral custom.

Having been with On Track Recruitment since its founding in the late 1990s, the founder Shirley Cripps, approached KBS Corporate with the sale of their business to enable their retirement plans.

During initial discussions, it became apparent that staff retention and continuing a high level of service to customers were of utmost importance. This shaped KBS Corporate’s research strategy toward sourcing a UK trade buyer. This proved a popular approach and resulted in multiple offers. The ultimate offer came from The Sammons Group, the acquisition will enable the group to broaden its geographical footprint and strengthen its client base.

Post completion the current Business Director at On Track Recruitment will be promoted to Managing Director ensuring continuity of service quality.

Matthew Sibley, Corporate Deal Executive at KBS Corporate, advised On Track Recruitment throughout and commented: “I am happy to have secured a great future for On Track Recruitment, their employees, management, and client base. The acquisition proved highly mutually beneficial as it also enabled The Sammons Group continued growth via their current acquisition strategy.”

Harriet Smith, Sammons CEO said: “As companies embrace the change driven by Covid-19, there has never been a better time to both broaden and deepen the recruitment offering of Sammons. We’re executing on our strategic growth plan through attracting highly complementary businesses and market-leading talent to meet the demands of our current and future clients.”

I.P. Recruitment Limited

I.P. Recruitment Limited is an independent recruitment agency supplying temporary and permanent staff to a variety of sectors within its area. The company was established in 1994, and over the years has developed an excellent reputation and an enviable client base including several blue-chip organisations, some of whom have provided business for 20 years.

Sally Rowley and Daniel Rowley, the shareholders of I.P. Recruitment Limited, instructed KBS Corporate with the sale to allow for lifestyle changes. It became apparent during initial discussions that sourcing a synergistic buyer who would facilitate further growth of the business including the workforce, was of upmost importance. KBS Corporate’s research strategy was formed to find the prospective buyer who would ideally have experience in recruitment, and the knowledge and resources to push the company to new heights. This resulted in a focus on UK and European recruitment agencies, which attracted over 25 interested parties.

Kenect Recruitment Limited produced the final offer. This acquisition will support Kenect’s overall operation and growth expectations over the coming years.

Aadesh Patel, Corporate Deal Executive, at KBS Corporate commented: “Strong shared values between I.P. Recruitment Limited and Kenect Recruitment Limited enabled the deal to progress as quickly as it did. I am confident that this transaction will be a success for both parties.”