Opportunities shine amid the gloom

In UK Recruitment Agencies industry

On the face of it, news in the UK Recruitment Agencies industry is grim: with a record number of companies losing money, and overall business values plummeting to the extent that almost half are now worth less than half their value of 12 months ago, itís difficult to find much good news. However a new study by industry analysts Plimsoll Publishing, suggests that the current economic downturn represents one of the biggest opportunities in a generation, if you have the courage and the capital.

The study has rated each of the UKís leading 1000 Recruitment Agencies companies on their acquisition attractiveness. It found that 53 companies are ìripe for the pickingî based on a combined scoring system, incorporating overall financial strength, ownership, valuation and future potential. These 53 companies are all privately owned, yet are showing a serious deterioration in the financial performance. Given the reluctance of the banks to lend more, their time, money and options are running out.

David Pattison, Senior Analyst at Plimsoll, explains the results, ìWhat we have indentified here is a group of ëwounded animalsí, many of these businesses have a long and distinguished history, yet their recent performance has deteriorated. By definition these are classic acquisitions. Anyone looking to grow their own company through acquisition should be looking for businesses that are currently undervalued yet, with help, can be turned around.î However, as Pattison points out, ìthis will not be easy. Many will need rapid and deep cost cutting to get them back on a firm financial footing. We could see as many as 3000 jobs go over the next 12 to 24 months as these companies shrink to ensure their survival.î

Yet despite this dour prediction Pattison sees a massive opportunity in the UK Recruitment Agencies market. ìThe current market conditions have presented an unprecedented set of opportunities to buy into a business that even a year ago would have been unaffordable. We know of at least 551 companies within the industry, who have the cash to spend and could aid these 53 ailing businesses and ensure their survival.î

The full analysis will help anyone in the industry, not only those looking to snap up a cheap acquisition, but also those looking for an investor, buyer to help target those with cash to spend.