The Woodmansee Group, a retained executive search firm based in Ohio, merged operations with Nashville-based executive recruiting firm Franklin-Belle, which targets the healthcare industry.

The transaction was completed about two weeks ago. Outside investments were not utilized to complete the merger, allowing TWG and Franklin-Belle to remain founder-owned.

Both firms will continue to operate as separate business units under a combined organization. Each company will retain its identity, branding, current service offerings and leadership structure.

To foster cohesion between the organizations, Beth Minter, president and owner of Franklin-Belle, will serve as an executive VP of TWG. Bruce Woodmansee, president of TWG, will assume the role of head of the advisory board and strategic consultant for Franklin-Belle.

The merger positions the organizations to increase their respective offerings and to expand into new markets.

“This merger empowers both organizations to serve a wider range of clients without compromising the values that have independently established each firm as a leader in its own market,” Woodmansee said.

“Merging with The Woodmansee Group enables Franklin-Belle to expand its flexible talent solutions services to larger organizations,” Minter said. "This, coupled with the fact that Franklin-Belle retains its corporate identity, ensures a smooth transition and enhanced level of care for our current clients.”

Franklin-Belle is a healthcare-focused executive recruiting firm providing contingency and retained recruitment services. Franklin-Belle serves equity-funded portfolio companies, start-ups, expansions and offers confidential searches. Headquartered in Nashville, Franklin-Belle also maintains a presence in Boston and San Diego.

The Woodmansee Group is a retained, executive search firm targeting organizations with annual revenue from $10 million to $90 billion. TWG serves 15 industries targeting professional and executive positions in the US.