RPO provider Cielo acquired AsiaNet China, a Shanghai, China-based provider of RPO, executive search, recruitment and human resources outsourcing. The move gives Brookfield, Wisconsin-based Cielo a foothold in China, the company said.

“There’s major demand for RPO in the China market,” Cielo Founder and CEO Sue Marks said. “This acquisition builds on our existing capability in China to better serve our regional and global customers.

AsiaNet China was founded in early 2000 by Daniel Liu. In addition to Shanghai, it also has offices in Guangzhou, Wuhan and Hong Kong. It serves a range of industries. Liu will remain with the firm as VP - China, and he will report to Paul Daley, senior VP - APAC.

The deal closed Feb. 28; terms of the transaction were not announced.

AsiaNet China will operate under the Cielo band name. In addition, the two companies will combine their Hong Kong operations into one office.

“Joining Cielo strengthens our capabilities in both RPO and executive search,” said Daniel Liu, CEO and founder of AsiaNet China. “Further, it significantly increases our ability to serve international companies and sizeable Chinese enterprises in the Greater China region.”

Cielo noted all Wuhan-based employees are safe and healthy. Liu coordinated for them to work from home even before the virus outbreak. Shanghai and Guangzhou have also returned to business as usual.

“Cielo as a global organization prioritizes the health and safety of our employees, and we are monitoring the situation closely around the world,” according to a statement by the company. “We have a business continuity plan in place and share regular updates with our global leaders. We are working to ensure our offices and employees have the information, flexibility and supplies needed to stay healthy.”