Recruitment firm with offices in Edinburgh and Glasgow buys four divisions from rival

Sanderson, the recruitment firm with offices in Edinburgh and Glasgow, has acquired four trading divisions of rival Nakama Group for an undisclosed sum.

Recruitment specialist Sanderson has a string of UK offices including in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Picture taken pre-coronavirus.

The deal encompasses UK recruitment company Highams, along with three further trading divisions of Nakama Group – Nakama UK, Nakama Hong Kong and Nakama Singapore.

Highams specialises in placing business and technology transformation professionals in the financial services industry. It will retain its established brand name.

Nakama UK will be moving into the core Sanderson business, while the Hong Kong and Singapore teams help expand Sanderson’s international footprint.

The deal will bring the total workforce at Bristol-headquartered Sanderson up to just over 250 people.

Chief executive Jon Ball said: “Sanderson has a history of investing during the difficult times to ensure we thrive on the other side, which is why we have made the brave decision to expand now for a stronger future.

“The team at Highams bring a wealth of expertise in the insurance, wealth management and pensions space, which will really boost our footprint in the financial services industry.

“The Nakama teams help us to continue to increase our international footprint, with an established business on the ground.

“As we help our clients to rebuild out of the crisis, helping them source the talent they need will be crucial. The addition of the Highams and Nakama teams to the group will allow us to have an even bigger impact and we look forward to building on their success.”

Rob Thesiger, chief executive of Nakama Group, added: “This is a landmark moment in the history of our company and we’re excited to be joining the Sanderson family.

“Being part of the group, which offers a wider range of recruitment services, will really benefit our clients. During a time when many firms are going through a period of transformation and change, our team is experienced, well-connected and equipped to help them find the people they need to thrive. The path ahead of us in 2021 is a positive one.”

In 2019, Sanderson acquired Intelligent Resource, the UK recruitment division of Sopra Steria, and also secured a substantial shareholding in international recruitment consultancy IKAS Global.

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