Recruitment firm expands with twin operator deal

A talent consultancy has expanded with a double swoop.

Tatton Recruitment Group has bought Simply Education and Healthii People from Auxo Group.

Bosses say the moves strengthen the Sale-based operator’s “capability to deliver best-in-class recruitment solutions across more sectors and geographies”.

Simply Education supplies teachers, assistants and support staff to schools and academies nationwide, with Healthii People – which operates across the UK and Australia – providing healthcare professionals to public and private sector clients.

Under the terms of the deal, Ash Higgs, former managing director – community at Watford-headquartered Auxo Group, will join Tatton Recruitment Group’s board as chief growth officer and continue as Healthii People global managing director.

Hollie Murtagh will become Simply Education managing director.

Ford Garrard, Auxo Group chief executive, said: “This transaction represents our next step as we refine our focus around STEM industries.

“Simply Education and Healthii People are exceptional brands, and I’m confident they will continue to prosper.”

Matt Yeates, Tatton Recruitment Group chief executive, added: “Education and healthcare are vital sectors where trusted relationships and compliance are key, and their addition marks an important diversification for us.”

Auxo Group was advised by a team from Newcastle-based RG Corporate Finance, which was led by partner and head of corporate finance Carl Swansbury alongside corporate finance senior manager Sam Shield and corporate finance executive Andy Alexander.

Carl said: “The transaction delivers an outcome that meets the objectives of all parties, enabling Auxo to focus on its core markets, while Tatton gains an ideal platform for diversification.”

Tatton Recruitment Group received legal advice from Gateley and tax and due diligence support from Cowgills.

Aaron & Partners provided legal advice to the directors of Simply Education and Healthii People, with tax and due diligence advice from MHA.

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