Synergie, a Paris-based staffing firm, reported revenue for the six months ended 30 June rose to €1.24 billion, an increase of 12.7% from the prior-year period and up 9.7% on a like-for-like basis.

The firm ranks as one of the world’s largest staffing companies and the sixth-largest staffing firm in France. Synergie has operations in 16 countries including Canada, Australia and much of Europe.

The company published its second-quarter results earlier this year with revenue of €1.24 billion, an increase of 18.8% compared to the previous year.

The group said that the positive impact of growth in activity was offset by the impact of various legislative or regulatory measures, particularly in France where there was a reduction in the CICE (competitiveness and employment tax credit) rate from 7 % to 6 %, but also in other countries (Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, etc.).

Synergie added that structural costs and investments related to the creation of specialised branches and the recruitment of consultants, as well as digital transformation, the development of IT tools and targeted training programmes.

“Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets to the amount of €1.9 million was recognised in the UK related to the consequences of Brexit,” the group stated. “Taking into account the above items and a €16 million tax expense, net profit came to €36.6 million, representing an increase in relation to 2017 (€35.8 million).”

Growth in international operations outside of France rose 19.9% in the first half to €649.8 million. Synergie added that activity in France showed further growth, with the “selection of clients that generate good profitability”.

During the period, Synergie acquired a 66% stake in the French digital services company DCS Easyware.

“This acquisition gives Synergie a position in a growth market and rounds off our traditional activities, in line with our main counterparts, with diversification in facilities management, advisory and technical assistance,” the group stated.

Looking ahead, Synergie stated that it intends to build on these performances to continue to grow over the second half of the year, targeting turnover of approximately €2.6 billion in 2018 and an improvement in its net profit.

In trading yesterday, shares in Synergie closed at €34.95, up 3.1% on the day. The company had a market cap of €851.5 million.