Leeds recruitment group doubles turnover with acquisition of competitor

Hudson James Human Capital, the Leeds-based executive search business, has acquired boutique senior appointments competitor, Vitae Selection, for an undisclosed sum.

The deal has created one of the largest consumer recruiters in the North.

Established in 2008, Vitae Selection specialise in consumer, packaging, ingredients and energy sector appointments across the UK and international markets.

Hudson James Human Capital Group specialises in executive search, focusing on consumer, accountancy and finance and energy sectors.

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.

The deal has also seen the team at Vitae Selection move across to the Hudson James Human Capital group offices on St Paul’s Street, Leeds.

Dan Spurr, founder of Hudson James Human Capital Group, said: “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.

“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 HJ 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.”

Andrew Osbaldeston, group director, added: “Hudson James Human Capital and Vitae Selection are a great fit.

“With our combined capability, range and expertise we have an exciting platform from which to expand whilst maintaining our customer and candidate approach to quality and partnership.

“The next phase of growth is going to be very exciting and testament to the hard work and focus of both our teams.”

The Yorkshire-based team of advisers on the deal, which completed on 24 May 2017, comprised of Jonathan Simms, Sarah Harrison and Victoria Clark of the corporate practice at Leeds-based law firm Clarion which advised Hudson James.

Emma Greenwood, partner in the corporate team at Shulmans, provided corporate finance advice to the sellers whilst Dan McCormack of Lupton Fawcett represented Andrew Osbaldeston; and Hamish Morrison of BHP Chartered Accountants provided financial advisory services for Hudson James Human Capital.

Funding was provided by Yorkshire Bank.

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →