Staffline, the staffing and employability organisation, announced that it has completed the acquisition of two subsidiaries of Grafton Recruitment Ireland Holdings Limited: Grafton Recruitment Limited (Northern Ireland) and Grafton Recruitment Limited (Republic of Ireland).

Grafton, with headquarters in Belfast, is a provider of recruitment and employment services in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, with over 30 years of experience. As of 31 March 2017, annual turnover of the two companies combined is £74 milllion, pre-tax profit is £0.7 million and net assets total £2.5 million.

The deal does not includes Grafton's other businesses in Eastern Europe; Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia.

 “We are delighted to announce this strategic acquisition of Grafton which will bring an extensive network of connections and resources in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to the Staffline group,” Chris Pullen, Chief Executive Officer of Staffline, said. “It will further strengthen our Ireland division, cementing Staffline’s position as a leading recruitment business in the Irish market. With a number of large blue-chip clients, and as a respected brand amongst both employers and candidates across the island of Ireland, Grafton is an exciting addition to the Staffline network”.

The acquisition, which will be funded from Staffline’s existing resources, significantly expands Staffline’s scale and presence in the Irish market. Most recently, in Ireland, Staffline acquired Oak Recruitment in 2017. The group also acquired Diamond Recruitment in 2015.

“The acquisition supports Staffline’s strategic goal to build and develop the largest, most reliable workforce across the UK and Ireland,” the group stated. “Following this acquisition, Staffline will be the clear market leader in Northern Ireland and the second largest recruitment business across the island of Ireland.”

Tina McKenzie, Staffline’s Group Managing Director in Ireland, will take responsibility for the Grafton business, in addition to overseeing Staffline’s existing businesses across the island.

No further financial details of the transaction were disclosed.