ThirtyThree acquires RAA Sprague Gibbons

Recruitment communications agency ThirtyThree Limited has acquired the entire share capital of Bristol based competitor RAA Sprague Gibbons Limited for an undisclosed sum.

The deal, which was completed on Tuesday 8 April, creates a significant regional business with around 40 staff and sales of 10m. The combined operation will be well positioned to deliver a full range of recruitment and employee communication services to employers in the South West and nationally.

The businesses will continue to run separately for six months while plans are developed to merge RAA with ThirtyThreeís existing office in Bristol. The combined operation will be led by Andy Bamford, Managing Director of ThirtyThreeís Bristol office.

Andrew Young, Chairman of ThirtyThree commented: ìWe like Peter and David and we like their business, itís as simple as that. Theyíve built a great company over 13 years and naturally, we want to make sure it continues to thrive under new ownership. This deal is all about providing enhanced services to our clients and creating more opportunities for our people. We wonít be using words like ësynergyí and ëleverageí because thatís just silly.

Andy Bamford comments: ìOvernight we have doubled in size in Bristol! We are putting together two excellent companies to create something even better and more compelling for clients. While the businesses have different strengths, we share many common views on looking after staff, doing great work and having fun.î

Peter Gibbons, Managing Director of RAA, adds: ìThirtyThree presented us with an irresistible case for sale. They've changed from commercial adversaries to bedfellows. We have every confidence that clients are going to like what they see.