DHR International Acquires Fashion Boutique Search Firm Cooper+Logan
September 18, 2017 – The wave of M&A activity among executive search firms continues. The latest deal: DHR International has acquired boutique executive search firm COOPER+LOGAN. Financial terms of the deal were undisclosed. With the addition of two new managing partners, Susan Cooper and Tricia Logan, the acquisition strengthens DHR’s retail/fashion industry and functional expertise.
COOPER+LOGAN, which was founded in 2008, specializes in the selection of senior-level design, merchandising and creative services candidates for “brand-centric” clients. The firm’s client base ranges from start-ups to multi-billion-dollar companies. It includes J. Crew, American Eagle Outfitters, Ann Inc. and Kate Spade, among a host of others.
“We’re very excited to welcome this premier boutique and its founders, Tricia and Susan, to DHR,” said Geoff Hoffmann, CEO of DHR. “Their addition builds on our firm’s strong retail foundation and enhances our capabilities in the industry throughout North America and around the globe.”
Fashion Veterans
Ms. Cooper brings 25 years of recruiting experience to DHR. Prior to COOPER+LOGAN, she led the in-house recruitment office for Gap Inc. for 18 years. It was in that role that she developed her strong reputation for identifying and recruiting creative talent across disciplines and with global scope. Ms. Cooper was instrumental in helping to shape and define creative leadership teams throughout the company for multiple businesses and brands. She began her career in the Macy’s executive training program and spent several years in merchandising and buying before moving into recruitment. She joined Business Careers, an executive search firm, and later worked for Federated Department Stores as a recruiter in merchandising.
Ms. Logan has two decades of experience in recruiting senior-level executives. She is highly regarded for developing strong relationships with her clients, which have resulted in many long-term collaborations. Prior to COOPER+LOGAN, she founded the Logan Group, an executive search firm focused on identifying and recruiting creative talent for global brands and emerging businesses. Previously, Ms. Logan was the vice president for Levy Kerson and also served as the director of executive search for Coach and Gap Inc. She joined the Macy’s executive training program out of college and became a buyer of accessories for Macy’s New York before moving into marketing with American Express.
Recent M&A activity
Executive search firms have seen a rise in M&A activity in other sectors as well. Activity, in fact, seems heightened across the board. Here is some recent activity:
Global recruiter Ward Howell International has acquired Curran Partners, a Stamford, CT-based executive search firm with a concentration in the life sciences, among other sectors it serves. Founded in 1989, Curran Partners became the U.S. member of ECI Group, an international network, in 2003.
Global financial recruiting specialist Options Group acquired MCL Search Ltd, an executive search firm based in London specializing in electronic markets (trading and distribution), prime brokerage/ clearing and financial trading technology with a focus on currencies and fixed income. Founding partners, Maria Aldous and Charlotte Battisti, bring a combined 25 years in executive search.
Focus Search Partners (FSP), the executive search division of talent solutions provider Vaco, has acquired the Dallas, TX-based recruiters Taylor Winfield. With the acquisition, FSP gains a team of professionals with enterprise operating experience across industries including Internet/ digital media, technology/ SaaS software, consumer/ retail/ food service and business services.
ZRG Partners acquired life sciences specialist HM Long Global Partners. As part of the asset acquisition agreement, Helga Long, formerly the chair and CEO of HM Long/ RSVP Group, joined ZRG Partners. Ms. Long is considered one of the world’s top executive search professionals in life sciences.
Jordan Search Consultants, a recruiting firm focused on the healthcare, executive and higher education sectors, acquired Health Search New England (HSNE), a search firm specializing in the recruitment of healthcare providers throughout the Northeast. Financial terms of the deal were undisclosed.
Acertitude acquired Los Angeles-based Olive Avenue Search Partners. Olive Avenue’s founders, Gwen Sabo and Joann Maciejewski, bring deep expertise in the development of research capabilities, training and development, and identifying and engaging top talent.
Ohio-headquartered Torch Group acquired Selker Leadership, a search firm that places candidates in the technology and software fields. Selker Leadership’s president, Gregory L. Selker, will join Torch Group as senior vice president and search operations leader, overseeing the firm’s search practice, including research and candidate development.
Buffkin/ Baker recently merged New York-based WTW Associates into its expanding executive recruiting platform. WTW, a talent provider focused on the media, entertainment, technology and law industries, will integrate its operations into the Buffkin/ Baker New York office. Warren Wasp becomes a partner in the firm, and will head its entertainment/ media practice.
U.K.-based Hydrogen Group acquired Argyll Scott for £3.3 million. Together, the combined firms will deliver recruitment services across multiple functions, industries and countries. The acquisition allows Hydrogen to accelerate international growth plans and benefit from greater strength and depth in the London market.
Walter James recently acquired Euromedica Executive Search Limited. Walter James operates in the life sciences sector with a focus on global enabling units. The acquisition positions the firm to offer end-to-end specialist service across the entire life sciences value chain. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor; and Will Schatz, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
