Hanover, Md.-based Allegis Group Inc. announced the completion of its agreement to purchase Aston Carter of London, an IT recruitment firm specializing in the banking and financial services sectors.

Founded in 1997, Aston Carter has more than 300 staff and eight offices located in the United Kingdom, Belgium, Ireland, Hong Kong, France, Singapore, Sweden and The Netherlands, the company said in a press release. Aston Carter was ranked in the top 20 of U.K. recruitment companies by Recruiter magazine’s "Hot 100" in 2009 and 2010, and is reported to have revenue of 180 million British pounds. 

"The acquisition of Aston Carter by Allegis Group is an exciting opportunity for us to expand our international footprint with a suite of services that will complement our current offerings," said Chris Hartman, president of international operations, Allegis Group. 

Allegis was ranked the fourth largest global staffing firm and the largest U.S. staffing firm in 2010 by Staffing Industry Analysts.