Watford recruitment firm McGinley swoops for Yorkshire consultancy

Specialist recruitment consultancy McGinley CEP has acquired Yorkshire firm First Choice Recruitment.

McGinley, headquartered in Watford and forming part of the McGinley Group, fills jobs in the construction, engineering and property sectors.

First Choice was founded in 1999 by entrepreneur Louise Smith using a small Prince’s Trust loan. Today, it operates across offices in Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax.

After deciding to sell the company, Louise tasked Northampton-based corporate finance advisory firm Watersheds with securing a buyer that would value First Choice’s workforce and client relationships.

Louise said: “Watersheds understood straight away what was important to me about the sale, and very quickly introduced McGinley Group who were the perfect fit in terms of values and culture.

“Having never been through a transaction like this before, the time they took to guide me through the process, explaining everything in detail, was invaluable.”

Watersheds director Sue Green commented: “Selling the company you started and have built up for almost the last 20 years is an emotional journey.

“I’m delighted we were able to find a buyer who Louise felt was right for the future success and growth of the business.”

Simon Hore and John Davies, from law firm Thrings, provided legal advice.