RSM advises Bluestones Investment Group on double acquisition

RSM UK has advised Bluestones Investment Group on its acquisition of New Zealand-based Home Recruitment and its sister business in London, Australasian Recruitment Company (ARC). 

Established in 2014 in Chester, Bluestones Investment Group invests in recruiters, recruitment companies, and staffing service organisations to help them scale, as well as providing a range of support services such as payroll and marketing. 

It currently has a portfolio of over 20 businesses across the UK in professional services, healthcare, education, technical and engineering, generalist, and support sectors. 

ARC was founded in 2003 by Jeremy Nicholls and Samantha Webster to help place candidates, often from Australia and New Zealand, as well as local talent, into positions across all sectors of industry, including Google and Net-A-Porter. 

Home Recruitment was subsequently established in New Zealand in 2015 by Webster and Minta Holton, who is also a shareholder in the business. Home specialises in helping talent returning to the country from working overseas secure permanent positions or seek new opportunities in New Zealand.

As part of the acquisition, Nicholls and Webster will exit the businesses in Q1 2024, with Bluestones Investment Group working closely with the remaining senior leadership team to support their next phase of strategic growth. 

RSM Yorkshire’s deal team provided buy-side advice on the deal, led by corporate finance partner Steve Hubbard, with support from corporate finance associate director Jonny Bywater and associate Joe Holt. 

Hubbard said: “We are delighted to have advised on another business services transaction, supporting Bluestones Investment Group on its acquisition. Bluestones continues to grow organically and through acquisition as the management team delivers on their strategy. I am confident that ARC and Home will continue to grow as they benefit from the support offered by the wider group.”

Trish Stratford, divisional CEO at Bluestones Investment Group, said: “Australasian Recruitment Company and Home Recruitment are ideal additions to our portfolio with strong synergies both in terms of sectors supported and the drive and ambition of the management teams.

“These acquisitions also provide the opportunity for Bluestones to enter a new territory, expanding our footprint internationally in a dynamic and growing market. Our resources and experience will benefit clients and candidates in New Zealand and help to further scale Home Recruitment’s operations alongside activities in the UK-based business.”