Gap Personnel snaps up driver agency

RECRUITMENT firm Gap Personnel, which operates eight offices across the North West, has completed its first acquisition of the year.

It has bought Bristol Drivers Solutions (BDS) for an undisclosed sum.

Under the terms of the deal BDS, which recorded revenues of £1.5m last year, will become part of Gap’s specialist driving division, Driving Force. BDS directors Justine Buxton and Mandy Parker will remain on board for the foreseeable future.

Gap’s finance director Andy Gunson said: “BDS is one of the South West’s most respected and well-established specialist driving agencies. The company has an excellent client base and a solid track record of supplying reliable large goods vehicle drivers to the transport industry.

“This exciting acquisition bolsters Driving Force’s presence in the South West, and underlines our determination as a group to grow despite the challenging economic conditions. We have a strong pipeline of other potential targets, and hope to complete at least one other acquisition during 2013.”

Gap personnel, which has its national head office in Wrexham, was founded in 1997 and is still privately owned. Group turnover for 2012 was a record £72m.

North Wales-based Gamlins Solicitors advised gap on the deal, while financial due diligence was conducted internally.