Business Talent Group, a business-focused human cloud platform for on-demand consultants, experts and executives, acquired Hillgate, a UK-based online talent marketplace. The transaction expands US-based Business Talent Group’s international footprint and launches its BTG Europe brand.

“BTG was already one of the leading platforms for on-demand consultants and high-end talent, and this acquisition, along with the recent strategic investments the firm has taken on, should help solidify their position in the market,” Staffing Industry Analysts Research Manager David Francis said. “Our own estimates project that demand for high-end, on-demand consulting work is growing, and so being able to expand their international footprint whilst absorbing a competitor seems like a logical and sound strategy.”

The transaction closed 11 February 2019; terms were not disclosed. Hillgate Founder and CEO Andrew Lecocq will join Business Talent Group as head of Europe, the Middle East and Africa and lead BTG Europe’s London-based team.

“Combining BTG’s proprietary technology platform, data, compliance capabilities and customer success process with Hillgate will accelerate BTG’s growth in Europe and allow us to scale rapidly and better serve our clients around the world,” Jody Greenstone Miller, co-founder and CEO of Business Talent Group, said.

This acquisition follows two recent announcements: a collaboration with executive search provider Heidrick& Struggles (NASD: HSII) to provide on-demand independent talent for its global client base; and a minority equity investment by Kelly Services Inc. (NASD: KELYA).

Founded in 2007, Business Talent Group had $45 million in 2017 gross spend on its platform, according to Staffing Industry Analysts’ The Gig Economy and Human Cloud Landscape: 2018 Update.