Staffline Group (STAF: LSE), the UK-based staffing and employability organization announced today the acquisition of Oak Recruitment, a recruitment firm based in Ireland that specialises in industrial recruitment on a temporary and contract basis.

The acquisition supports Staffline Ireland’s aim to build and develop the most reliable and integrated workforce across the island. With a number of large blue-chip clients, Oak Recruitment will help further extend the Staffline network across Ireland.

Shane Hanrahan, the current MD and owner of Oak Recruitment, will remain with Staffline after completion of the acquisition.  He will be responsible for the delivery of the existing Staffline business in the Republic as well as integrating Oak into Staffline. The Staffline businesses include Diamond Recruitment and PeoplePlus NI and are led by Ireland’s Group MD, Tina McKenzie.

The acquisition is expected to be earnings neutral in the current year and earnings enhancing thereafter and is being funded out of Staffline’s existing bank facilities.

“We are thrilled to announce this strategic acquisition in Ireland, following on from the acquisition of Diamond Recruitment in Northern Ireland announced in 2015,” Andy Hogarth, Chief Executive of Staffline, said. “As well as bringing an extensive network of connections and resources, Shane Hanrahan, the owner of Oak Recruitment heading our business in the Republic, will further enhance our position as a leading creator of jobs and new ideas in the recruitment and employment sectors in Ireland.”

Established in 2006 and now with premises in Cork, Dublin and Limerick, Oak Recruitment has been supplying staff to the industrial supply chain for 11 years and brings with it specialist recruiters with in-depth knowledge and experience.