InterQuest Group plc, the AIM-listed technology staffing company, has acquired Rees Draper Wright Ltd, as part of its international growth strategy.
Established in 2003, Rees Draper Wright is a boutique professional services search firm, which focuses on placing senior talent into the consulting and advisory sectors. The company delivers its services globally, from offices in London and Manhattan, New York.
As part of InterQuest Group plc, Rees Draper Wright will further develop its international offering and client reach to support the activities of both companies. The acquisition will also provide a more comprehensive range of services and opportunities for both companies’ existing client bases.
London-based InterQuest Group plc, which has a turnover of £159m, places talent into the information security, analytics, digital, technology and telecoms sectors across a range of industries, including financial, retail, not-for-profit, public sector and professional services.
Working with Rees Draper Wright’s existing management team and co-founder Richard Draper, who are all being retained following the acquisition, InterQuest will help Rees Draper Wright establish a new Interim offering within the business.
Advising on the transaction on behalf of InterQuest Group plc was Tom Ivings of Optima with legal advice provided by Mackrell Turner Garrett. Rees Draper Wright’s advisors were Carl Swansbury, Alex Simpson and Charlie Burton from our Corporate Finance department. Legal advice to Rees Draper Wright was provided by Andrew Hoad from ASB Law.
Gary Ashworth, Executive Chairman of InterQuest Group plc, said: “This acquisition will support our international growth strategy by maximising Rees Draper Wright’s established presence in vibrant and technology-led markets on the East Coast of America. Our expertise in supporting professional industries with skilled, technology focused candidates will add value to the firm’s New York operation and the services it offers clients in the UK.”
Richard Draper, Managing Director of Rees Draper Wright, said: “We are a long-established international professional services search firm, which has enjoyed substantial growth in recent years. As a result of the acquisition we can take the business forward, expanding opportunities for our existing clients and opening up new markets for InterQuest Group plc.”
Carl Swansbury said: “Bringing together two complementary and dynamic businesses will create significant new opportunities for their current and future client bases. Richard and his team will be valuable assets to InterQuest Group plc, which, in turn, will enable Rees Draper Wright to strengthen its existing position in the market.”