Dutch staffing firm USG People (USG: NL) announced that it has acquired 20% of the shares in online services provider Blue Carpet, a Dutch company that helps employers and both regional and sector-wide HR platforms to develop intelligent HR communities for recruitment and selection.

At the heart of the community solutions provided by Blue Carpet is Ixxer, a platform for enhanced talent profiles - also referred to as 'ePortfolios' or 'competency passports'. The use of Ixxer's smart software improves the connection between the profiles in demand at organisations and the talents that people can showcase; including their soft skills.

The stake in Blue Carpet is aimed at increasing the added value of USG People for its clients and candidates and, in doing so, contributing even more to a well-functioning job market.

Financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed.

This marks the second acquisition by USG People in a month, following the company’s acquisition of a majority stake in Netwerven, an advisor that helps build and deploy recruitment strategies and optimise recruitment processes.

The Dutch market has proven challenging of late for USG People. The company reported revenue growth of +4.1% in the third quarter across all regions; however, revenue from the Dutch market only grew by +1% on an organic basis compared with the same period last year.