Nottingham recruitment firm acquired in BGF-backed deal

Operam Education Group has acquired Nottingham-based Provision Recruitment for an undisclosed sum in a deal supported by HSBC and BGF.

Established in 2004, Provision Recruitment specialises in assisting colleges with lecturer recruitment in the further education (FE) sector.

This acquisition is Operam’s third in the Midlands, alongside Teachers UK and First for Education.

Operam CEO Eddie Austin said: “Traditionally, the business has focused on mainstream and SEND education, as part of our buy-and-build growth ambitions. This is our first acquisition in the further education sector which enables us to broaden our reach, both from a geographical and sector perspective, integrating well-established businesses into the group that has real potential to scale across different locations in the UK. This latest acquisition is hugely complementary to our existing suite of services and means we now can support those in education right from primary school settings through to further education.”

BGF investor Rob Johnson added: “This is another exciting addition to the Operam portfolio – one which will further diversify both our service offering and client base. We look forward to welcoming Provision into the group, as we continue to cement Operam’s position as one of the leading education recruitment services providers in the UK.”

Operam Education Group were advised by Squire Patton Boggs and Connect CF.

Provision Recruitment was advised by Nelson Solicitors.