Acquisition Sees Chester Business Buy Australasian Recruitment Company And Home Recruitment

Irwin Mitchell's corporate team, led by partner Vicky Zivkovic, has provided legal advice to Bluestones Investment Group on its recent acquisition of Australasian Recruitment Company (ARC) and Home Recruitment. The deal, supported by RSM UK, marks a significant milestone for Bluestones Investment Group as it expands its international portfolio.

Bluestones Investment Group, established in 2014 and based in Chester, specializes in investing in recruiters, recruitment companies, and staffing service organizations to facilitate their growth and success. With a current portfolio of over 20 businesses across various sectors in the UK, including professional services, healthcare, education, technical & engineering, generalist, and support sectors, Bluestones Investment Group has a proven track record of scaling organizations and providing valuable support services such as payroll and marketing.

ARC, founded in 2003 by Jeremy Nicholls and Samantha Webster, has been instrumental in connecting talented candidates from Australia and New Zealand with job opportunities across diverse industries, including prestigious companies like Google and Net-A-Porter. Home Recruitment, established in New Zealand in 2015 by Samantha Webster and Minta Holton, specializes in assisting returning talent from overseas in securing permanent positions and exploring new opportunities within the country.

As part of the acquisition, Jeremy Nicholls and Samantha Webster will be exiting the businesses in Q1 2024. Bluestones Investment Group is committed to working closely with the remaining senior leadership team to support their next phase of strategic growth.

The acquisition was facilitated by RSM Yorkshire's deal team, led by corporate finance partner Steve Hubbard, with support from corporate finance associate director Jonny Bywater and associate Joe Holt. RSM provided buy-side advice, while Translink offered buy-side financial due diligence. Vicky Zivkovic at Irwin Mitchell provided legal advice throughout the process. She was supported by Greg Mazgajczyk and Kieran Shields. James Arnold in the Irwin Mitchell Corporate Tax team also advised.

Expert Opinion

"We are pleased to have provided legal advice to Bluestones Investment Group on their acquisition of Australasian Recruitment Company and Home Recruitment. This deal marks an important step for Bluestones Investment Group as they expand their international portfolio. Our team at Irwin Mitchell has been dedicated to offering valuable legal guidance throughout the process, and we are excited to witness the continued growth and success of these companies under Bluestones Investment Group's support." Vicky Zivkovic, corporate partner at Irwin Mitchell

Steve Hubbard, partner at RSM, said: “We are delighted to have advised on another business services transaction, supporting Bluestones Investment Group on its acquisition. Bluestones continues to grow organically and through acquisition as the management team deliver on their strategy. I am confident that ARC and Home will continue to grow as they benefit from the support offered by the wider group.”

Trish Stratford, divisional CEO at Bluestones Investment Group, said: “Australasian Recruitment Company and Home Recruitment are ideal additions to our portfolio with strong synergies both in terms of sectors supported and the drive and ambition of the management teams.

‘These acquisitions also provide the opportunity for Bluestones to enter a new territory, expanding our footprint internationally in a dynamic and growing market. Our resources and experience will benefit clients and candidates in New Zealand and help to further scale Home Recruitment’s operations alongside activities in the UK-based business.”