Hudson James Human Capital Acquires Vitae Selection
June 22, 2017 – The wave of M&A activity among executive search firms continues. The latest deal: U.K.-based recruiter Hudson James Human Capital has acquired boutique search firm Vitae Selection. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Established in 2008, Vitae Selection specializes in consumer, packaging, ingredients and energy sector appointments across the U.K. and international markets. Over the past four years, Hudson James Human Capital Group has established itself in executive search, focusing on consumer, accountancy and finance and energy sectors, representing many leading global brands. The acquisition will see Hudson James Human Capital Group double in both turnover and headcount, growing to a team of 22. Andrew Osbaldeston, managing director of Vitae Selection, joins Hudson James Human Capital as co-owner alongside Dan Spurr and becomes a member of the board with Kenton Robbins and Sonya Sharples.
“With a strong track record of performance over the past four years, the completion of this acquisition represents the first of Hudson James’ planned transactions on our path to becoming one of the leading search firms within our core markets,” said Dan Spurr, founder of Hudson James Human Capital Group. “This was a key strategic move for us, providing both the size and scale to be a major partner across executive consumer recruitment both nationally and internationally. This is an exciting time for the joint business, developing our capability, building upon our core business values and growing a business in partnership with our customers.”
“I want to take this opportunity to thank the Hudson James Human Capital team for all of their support and hard work over the past four years as we move on to our next chapter as a collaborative business. I look forward to working with Andrew and the rest of the Vitae team and to collectively aiming towards our joint growth strategy.”
Mr. Osbaldeston, for his part, sees the acquisition as a great fit. “With our combined capability, range and expertise we have an exciting platform from which to expand while maintaining our customer and candidate approach to quality and partnership,” he said. “The next phase of growth is going to be very exciting and testament to the hard work and focus of both our teams.”
Acquisitions Across Europe
What started as a wave in M&A activity among executive search firms throughout Europe before Brexit has turned into more of a tsunami lately. Here’s a look at some recent acquisitions among search firms across Europe from the Hunt Scanlon Media archives:
Belgian-based search firm Pauwels Consulting acquired healthcare and life sciences recruiters Vandycke & Partners and its sister company Mediconsult. For more than 27 years, Vandycke & Partners has provided executive search services for the healthcare and life sciences industry in Belgium. Mediconsult, meanwhile, specializes in clinical research outsourcing.
Hydrogen Group recently 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 acquired Euromedica Executive Search Limited. The acquisition positions the firm offer an end-to-end specialist service across the entire life sciences value chain. Euromedica has always focused exclusively on the life sciences sector, with more than 3,500 senior placements across the globe.
4c Executive Search acquired MSL Search & Selection in Northern Ireland. The acquisition was the next stage in 4c’s growth strategy. MSL has been synonymous with executive recruitment in the U.K. and Ireland for half a century. The firm provides executive recruitment services to an extensive portfolio of private, public and third sector organizations.
Legal executive search firm Piper Pritchard acquired executive recruiters Helix Associates. The combined business will offer a seamless fee earner recruitment service to law firm clients across the U.K. It will provide non-legal professionals across all functions, and interim legal and non-legal professionals to support its clients’ evolving demands.
Argyll Scott acquired REED’s business entities in Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. “By bringing these companies into the Argyll Scott fold, our enlarged business will immediately attain a market leading position in our hub offices in Hong Kong and Singapore,” said CEO John Hunter.
Hanover Search Group acquired Opus Executive Search of Los Angeles, which now operates under Antony Pitt as U.S. managing director. Opus has experience in the U.S. wealth management sector and will operate from both the East and West coasts. The newly merged operation will benefit from Mr. Pitt’s knowledge within the wealth management market.
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor; and Chase Barbe, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
