ZRG Acquires Legal Search Firm EP Dine
March 14, 2025 – Global talent advisory firm ZRG has acquired legal executive search firm EP Dine. This strategic expansion strengthens ZRG’s expertise in general counsel searches while also establishing a new capability to assist law firms in securing top-tier legal talent. “EP Dine’s reputation in the legal search space is unparalleled,” said Larry Hartmann, CEO of ZRG. “Their expertise in placing top legal talent, particularly at the general counsel level, is a perfect complement to ZRG’s broader executive search capabilities. This acquisition also enables us to extend our reach into law firm hiring, an exciting new frontier for our company.”
“This acquisition strengthens ZRG’s ability to support organizations in finding the right legal leadership at a time when the role of general counsel is more critical than ever,” said Scott A. Scanlon, CEO and co-founder of Hunt Scanlon Ventures. “It also allows ZRG to assist law firms in hiring top partner talent – a new growth area – ensuring these law firms have the best leadership expertise to navigate an increasingly complex, global legal environment.”
Founded in 1975, EP Dine has been providing legal recruiting for decades, with a track record of delivering results for both corporate legal departments and law firms. As part of ZRG, EP Dine will leverage the firm’s global footprint and client base across industries.
“We are thrilled to join forces with ZRG, a company that shares our commitment to excellence, deep market insights, and a data-driven approach to talent acquisition,” said David Walden, co-CEO of EP Dine.
“This partnership allows us to scale our services and provide even greater opportunities for our clients and candidates,” added Melissa A. Collery, co-CEO of EP Dine.
ZRG, founded in 1999, is a fast-growing global talent advisory firm with the financial backing of private equity investor RFE Investment Partners. It provides a full suite of executive, middle management, and customized search solutions through its offices in North America, Europe, South America, and Asia. The firm finds leaders across a broad spectrum of business markets, including aerospace, consumer, education, healthcare services, and solutions, industrial, life sciences, non-profit, private equity and venture capital, and technology. ZRG is based in Rochelle Park, NJ.
Other Recent Acquisitions
In February, ZRG acquired Aspen Leadership Group, a search firm focused on placing and supporting top fundraising leaders and executive talent in educational institutions and the broader non-profit sector. Hunt Scanlon Ventures, the Greenwich, Connecticut-based human capital M&A advisory firm, served as an advisor on the deal.
Related: Inside The Deal: CEO Larry Hartmann Opens Up On ZRG’s Latest Strategic Acquisition
Aspen Leadership Group, established in 2013, conducts a wide range of searches across the fundraising, education and non-profit sector and is widely considered the eminent leader in its field. Its clients include Brown University, PBS, Robin Hood, the Humane Society of the United States, the Leakey Foundation, Carnegie Mellon University, and the Denver Zoological Foundation, among others.
ZRG Acquires JamesbeckZRG has acquired Jamesbeck, a New York City-based recruitment firm specializing in senior-level talent for the broad investment management community across private market and traditional firms. Hunt Scanlon Ventures, a Greenwich, Connecticut-based human capital M&A advisory firm, served as an advisor to ZRG. “This strategic move aims to establish ZRG’s presence in asset management and will support the firm’s existing private markets clients by adding a new channel for senior roles at the management company level across investments, product, and fundraising,” said ZRG.
Jamesbeck specializes in the investment management industry across public and private markets. The firm recruits senior-level talent across investing, distribution, product and C-suite positions on behalf of a range of clients from boutiques to the largest multi-product organizations. Jamesbeck’s Melissa Norris, managing partner, and Beth Rustin, founding partner, will become the co-heads of asset management search at ZRG.
ZRG also recently acquired Bravanti, a Chicago-based advisory firm specializing in services including executive coaching, executive team coaching, developing leaders, and outplacement/career transition services. “Bravanti brings expertise in three key areas: executive coaching, leadership acceleration, and outplacement career transition,” said Mr. Hartmann. “Bravanti’s global cadre of highly experienced coaches helps unlock the potential of executives up through C-level who deliver powerful business results and exceptional return on their company’s investments in their development.”
With this acquisition, ZRG significantly enhances its leadership development services brand by adding a worldwide team of leadership coaches and consultants, who serve corporate clients, PE firms and corporate boards.
ZRG also acquired Linked4HR Solutions’ executive interim & HR advisory services in the Middle East and Africa (MENA) region. With this acquisition the firm added Hicham Hachkal as managing director for interim and HR advisory.
Related: Hunt Scanlon Ventures Forecasts Strong Year Ahead for Recruiting Sector Dealmaking
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
