M&A Advisory for the Recruitment and Staffing Industry
Corporate advisory given with sovereign precision. At Sovereign Private, we guide recruitment and staffing firms through the complexities of corporate transactions with purpose and precision. Whether you're looking to sell, acquire, merge, or raise capital, our unique approach pairs commercial expertise with extensive industry insight, ensuring every deal is completed with the utmost care and professionalism.
Why choose Sovereign Private?
We assist businesses to navigate the complexities of corporate transactions with purpose and precision. Whether buying or selling, merging or capital raising, we provide a unique advisory service drawing on our significant industry experience.
Proven Track Record
Our success is measured by the deals we’ve helped complete. We have a strong history of supporting clients through acquisitions and mergers, ensuring they achieve optimal results. Explore some of our recent transactions below.
Personalised Service
No two transactions are alike. That’s why we provide a fully tailored service for each deal, offering solutions that address the unique complexities of every transaction or capital raising.
Structuring Expertise
Our deep understanding of tax and accounting allows us to structure transactions for maximum financial benefit. We work closely with our clients to ensure that every deal is structured in a way that delivers the best possible outcome.
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Experience the sovereign difference in corporate advisory.
We understand the value of meaningful transactions and are dedicated to helping our clients navigate the process with confidence and clarity. Our expertise is focused on achieving the best possible outcomes, regardless of the size or complexity of the deal.
Corporate Transactions We Assist With:
- Business Sales
- Business Mergers
- Private Equity
- Business Acquisitions
- Capital Raisings
- Debt Funding
Some of our successes
Examples of the recent deals we have advised on include:
Sovereign Private Advises Launch Recruitment on Sale to Geechs Inc.
Date: January 16, 2023
Buyer: Geechs Inc. Japan (TSE:7060)
Target: Launch Recruitment Pty Ltd
Transaction Value: AUD 18.88 million (for 70%)
Sector: Staffing & Recruitment - IT
Transaction Type: Majority Stake Acquisition
Sovereign Private, a leading corporate finance advisory firm based in Sydney, acted as the exclusive sell-side advisor to Launch Recruitment in its sale of a 70% stake to Geechs Inc. (TSE:7060) for AUD 18.88 million. Sovereign Private’s role included identifying and engaging with potential buyers, as well as providing transaction support throughout the process.
Launch Recruitment, established in 2006, is a premier IT human resources firm specialising in casual employment solutions and comprehensive workforce management services. With a strong track record serving major corporations, the company’s integration with Geechs Inc. will facilitate cross-border talent matching and expansion within the Asia-Pacific IT freelance market.
This transaction aligns with Geechs’ strategic vision to strengthen its technology resource-sharing platform and drive growth through targeted M&A. Sovereign Private is proud to have supported Launch Recruitment in achieving a successful outcome in this transaction.
Sovereign Private Advises FourQuarters Recruitment on Sale to Matching Service Japan
Date: January 31, 2024
Seller: FourQuarters Recruitment Pty Ltd
Buyer: Matching Service Japan (TYO:6539)
Sector: Staffing & Recruitment – Finance, Banking, Accounting and IT
Transaction Type: Majority Stake Acquisition (75%)
Transaction Value: JPY 3.46 billion (USD 23.4 million) for 75%
Sovereign Private, a leading corporate finance advisory firm based in Sydney, acted as the exclusive sell-side advisor to FourQuarters Recruitment in its sale of a 75% stake to Matching Service Japan. Our role included identifying and engaging with potential buyers, as well as providing full transaction support throughout the process.
Founded in 2010, FourQuarters Recruitment is a highly regarded recruitment and staffing firm specialising in finance and accounting, banking and financial services, technology, and human resources. The firm has built a strong market presence across Australia, offering deep industry expertise and a proven track record of connecting top-tier professionals with leading employers.
This acquisition provides Matching Service Japan with a well-established platform to expand its business in Australia, leveraging FourQuarters Recruitment’s extensive market presence and industry expertise. Additionally, Matching Service Japan will integrate its advanced data-driven matching services and management systems, to further enhance operational efficiencies and drive business growth.
Sovereign Private is proud to have supported FourQuarters Recruitment in achieving a successful transaction and strategic alignment with a leading international recruitment firm.
Sovereign Private Advises Perigon Group on Sale to PeopleIn Limited
Date: February 9, 2022
Seller: Perigon Group Pty Ltd
Buyer: PeopleIn Limited (ASX: PPE)
Sector: Recruitment – Finance & Accounting
Transaction Type: Full Acquisition
Transaction Value: Up to AUD 26.8 million (USD 19.1 million)
Sovereign Private, a leading corporate finance advisory firm based in Sydney, acted as the exclusive sell-side advisor to Perigon Group in its sale to PeopleIn Limited. Our role included identifying and engaging with potential buyers, as well as providing full transaction support throughout the process.
Founded in 2010, Perigon Group is a specialist recruitment firm with a strong presence in finance and accounting, financial institutions, technology, corporate services, and corporate development. With offices in Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne, the company has established itself as a trusted partner for businesses seeking high-calibre financial talent.
This acquisition aligns with PeopleIn’s strategic growth plan, expanding its service offerings in the high-growth finance and accounting recruitment sector. The transaction includes an upfront cash payment of AUD 16 million, with potential deferred consideration of up to AUD 10.8 million based on earnings performance through 2024. The integration will enable Perigon Group to leverage PeopleIn’s resources and broader client base while continuing to operate under its established leadership team.
Sovereign Private is proud to have supported Perigon Group in achieving a successful transaction and strategic alignment with a leading publicly listed workforce solutions provider.
Sovereign Private Advises ACRWorld on Sale to Morson Group
Date: April 22, 2022
Seller: ACRWorld
Buyer: Morson Group (UK)
Sector: Recruitment – Engineering, Construction & Renewable Energy
Transaction Type: Full Acquisition
Sovereign Private, a leading corporate finance advisory firm based in Sydney, acted as the exclusive sell-side advisor to ACRWorld in its sale to Morson Group. Our role included identifying and engaging with potential buyers, as well as providing full transaction support throughout the process.
Founded in Sydney, ACRWorld has built a strong reputation for delivering specialised recruitment solutions across architecture, engineering, construction, property, transportation, and renewable energy. With a team of 34 professionals, the firm has successfully matched top-tier talent with global clients, helping businesses navigate talent shortages in high-demand industries.
This acquisition strengthens Morson Group’s global footprint and enhances its position in the technical and infrastructure recruitment markets. The integration will allow ACRWorld to leverage Morson Group’s extensive resources and innovative recruitment solutions while maintaining its well-established brand and leadership.
Sovereign Private is proud to have supported ACRWorld in achieving a successful transaction and aligning with a leading international staffing provider.
Sovereign Private Advises Finite Group on Sale to Randstad Australia
Date: July 7, 2022
Seller: Finite Group
Buyer: Randstad Australia
Sector: Technology Recruitment & IT Professional Services
Transaction Type: Full Acquisition
Sovereign Private, a leading corporate finance advisory firm based in Sydney, acted as the exclusive sell-side advisor to Finite Group in its sale to Randstad Australia. Our role encompassed identifying and engaging with potential buyers, as well as providing full transaction support throughout the process.
Founded in 1998, Finite Group has grown into a market-leading provider of technology recruitment, IT consulting, and digital professional services across Australia and New Zealand. With a strong reputation for connecting great people with top-tier organisations, Finite Group helped over 3,000 candidates secure new roles in 2021. The company operates through several specialist brands, including Finite Recruitment, FinXL IT Professional Services, XLdigital, Rowben Consulting, and Southern Cross Computing.
This acquisition further cements Randstad’s position as a leader in the IT recruitment and professional services sector, enhancing its capabilities and service offerings across Australia and New Zealand. By integrating Finite Group’s extensive contractor network and technology expertise, Randstad strengthens its ability to support clients and candidates in the evolving digital landscape.
Sovereign Private is proud to have supported Finite Group in achieving a successful transaction and strategic alignment with Randstad Australia.
Sovereign Private Advises Advance Careers on Sale to Brunel
Date: February 1, 2024
Seller: Advance Careers
Buyer: Brunel
Sector: Recruitment – Sustainability & Energy Transition
Transaction Type: Full Acquisition
Sovereign Private, a leading corporate finance advisory firm based in Sydney, acted as the corporate advisor to Advance Careers in its sale to Brunel. Our role included providing full transaction support throughout the process.
Founded in 2014 by Chris Wellock and Neil Chandaria, Advance Careers is a specialist recruitment consultancy focused on sustainability and the energy transition. With offices in Melbourne and Sydney, the firm has built a strong reputation for connecting top talent with businesses driving decarbonisation, renewable energy, and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives.
This transaction marks a significant milestone for Advance Careers as it becomes part of Brunel’s global network. The integration combines Advance Careers’ deep expertise in sustainability recruitment with Brunel’s specialised workforce and mobility capabilities, further strengthening both firms’ ability to serve the rapidly evolving energy sector.
Sovereign Private is proud to have supported Advance Careers in securing a successful outcome and aligning with a global leader in recruitment solutions.
Sovereign Private Advises Marble on Sale to Outsourcing Inc.
Seller: Marble
Buyer: Outsourcing Inc. (Tokyo, Japan)
Sector: Recruitment – Construction & Mining
Transaction Type: Full Acquisition
Sovereign Private, a leading corporate finance advisory firm based in Sydney, acted as the exclusive sell-side advisor to Marble in its sale to Tokyo-based staffing firm Outsourcing Inc. Our role included identifying and engaging with potential buyers, as well as providing full transaction support throughout the process.
Founded in 2006, Marble has grown into a leading specialist recruitment firm in the construction, infrastructure, and mining sectors. With a team of over 60 staff and a strong client base of 900 businesses across Australia, Marble has built a reputation for delivering high-quality talent solutions to the industry.
This acquisition strengthens Outsourcing Inc.’s presence in the Australian market by integrating Marble’s expertise and strong industry relationships into its global platform. With the backing of Outsourcing Inc., Marble is positioned to accelerate its five-year growth strategy, which includes increasing market share, expanding geographically, and exploring future acquisitions.
Sovereign Private is proud to have supported Marble in securing a successful transaction and aligning with a global leader in workforce solutions.
Sovereign Private Advises Potentia and Crew Technology Recruitment on Strategic Merger
Date: March 1, 2024
Parties: Potentia & Crew Technology Recruitment (New Zealand)
Sector: Technology Recruitment
Transaction Type: Strategic Merger
Sovereign Private, a leading corporate finance advisory firm based in Sydney, acted as the exclusive financial advisor to both Potentia and Crew Technology Recruitment in their strategic merger. Our role included facilitating discussions, structuring the merger, and providing transaction support to ensure a seamless combination of the two businesses.
This merger brings together two of New Zealand’s most prominent technology recruitment firms, creating the country’s largest national tech recruitment agency. While both companies will continue to operate under their established brands, their combined footprint now spans four key locations—Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin—enhancing their ability to serve clients and candidates across both the North and South Islands.
With Potentia’s strong presence in the North Island and Crew’s established reputation in the South, this merger represents a natural evolution for both firms, allowing them to expand their market reach and leverage synergies to deliver enhanced value. The partnership solidifies their leadership in the technology recruitment sector and reinforces their shared commitment to fostering long-term relationships within New Zealand’s tech community.
Sovereign Private is proud to have supported Potentia and Crew Technology Recruitment in achieving this milestone transaction.
Sovereign Private Advises Aurec Group on Sale to Randstad Australia
Seller: Aurec Group
Buyer: Randstad Australia
Sector: Technology Recruitment & Professional Services
Transaction Type: Full Acquisition
Sovereign Private, a leading corporate finance advisory firm based in Sydney, acted as the exclusive sell-side advisor to Aurec Group in its sale to Randstad Australia. Sovereign Private’s role included identifying and engaging with potential buyers, as well as providing transaction support throughout the process.
Founded in 2002, Aurec Group is a specialist in technology recruitment, contractor management, payroll, migration, and professional services. The company has placed over 15,000 candidates in new roles and generated AUD 107 million in revenue in 2019. With a strong track record in IT recruitment and workforce solutions, Aurec Group’s integration with Randstad aligns with Randstad’s strategy to expand its professional services and technology recruitment capabilities.
This acquisition allows Randstad Australia to strengthen its position as a leader in IT recruitment while accelerating the growth of its technology solutions division. Sovereign Private is proud to have supported Aurec Group in achieving a successful transaction outcome.
CLIENT SUCCESSs
Tracy Thomson
Former Founder, Finite Group
Working with Paul Masters from Sovereign Private, as our corporate M&A advisor throughout the sale of the Finite Group has been an extremely positive experience.
His expertise in the staffing industry, particularly within the technology sector, proved invaluable during this complex transaction. Paul's deep knowledge, strategic insight, and unwavering dedication were key to achieving a highly successful outcome for the business and our shareholders.
We believe the sale of the Finite Group to be one of the largest private deals achieved in our sector in Australia's history—an achievement that was certainly optimized with Paul's contribution. His ability to navigate the intricacies of the market, manage multiple stakeholder expectations, and oversee the entire process with absolute professionalism ensured we maximized value.
Paul’s reputation as an expert in corporate advisory, particularly in the staffing industry, is well deserved. His commitment to understanding the unique needs of our business, his sound commercial acumen, and his proactive, pragmatic approach helped us achieve a seamless and rewarding transaction. I highly recommend Sovereign Private to anyone seeking world-class corporate advisory services.
Jules Stocky
Co-founder & Director, FourQuarters Recruitment Melbourne
FourQuarters are incredibly grateful for the exceptional service provided by Paul Masters and his team at Sovereign Private during the sale of our company. From our initial meeting, Paul demonstrated a deep understanding of our business and the broader recruitment market, guiding us through every step of the M&A process with professionalism, clarity, and expertise.
Paul was always available to answer our questions and provide valuable insights, making us feel confident and supported throughout the journey. His strategic approach and extensive network of potential buyers were instrumental in us ultimately securing a sale to the benefit of both FourQuarters, MS Japan, and our respective teams.
Thanks to Paul’s dedication and hard work, we were able to achieve a successful outcome. We couldn’t have asked for a better partner in this critical endeavour. We highly recommend Paul Masters to anyone seeking a knowledgeable and reliable M&A advisor in the Australian recruitment market.
Guy Day
Group Managing Director, Potentia Group NZ
Paul Masters was instrumental in the successful merger of Potentia and Crew Technology, two leading IT staffing firms from the North and South Islands of New Zealand. From the outset, Paul's deep expertise in the staffing industry was evident, and his guidance throughout the process was invaluable, ensuring we were able to complete the transaction in what was a very challenging time in the economy and recruitment industry as a whole.
Sovereign Private’s advisory services encompassed all aspects of the merger, including the valuation of both businesses and mediating a pricing agreement. Paul also effectively managed the complex coordination between lawyers and tax advisors, ensuring a smooth and efficient process.
Thanks to Paul’s leadership and skilful handling of the finer details, we were able to navigate the challenges of this merger and successfully form one of the largest private IT recruitment businesses in New Zealand. I highly recommend Paul Masters and Sovereign Private to anyone seeking top-tier corporate advisory services.
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