Hotgroup PLC acquires recruitment process outsourcing specialist

Recruitment specialist the hotgroup plc announces the acquisition of Profiles Resource Management Ltd (PRM) for 750,0001 in a cash buyout. PRM provides outsourced recruitment services2 to some of the UKís leading employers. This acquisition adds a new capability to the hotgroupís services, representing a strategic move into HR managed services which will complement its existing online and traditional recruitment capabilities.



Recruitment process outsourcing is experiencing rapid growth3 and the acquisition of PRM builds on the hotgroupís strategy of deploying technology to increase efficiency in the recruitment process for employers. The Baird report on HR outsourcing points to the trend for businesses to focus on their core business functions and to outsource routine, labour intensive HR processes to external specialist companies like PRM.

Sue Brooks, an existing Director and 50% shareholder of PRM will join the hotgroup as Managing Director of PRM. She was a founding member of PRM in 1999.

Commenting on this acquisition, Tony Reeves, Chairman and Chief Executive of the hotgroup said:

The acquisition of PRM moves the hotgroup forwards into a rapidly growing area of the recruitment industry ñ outsourcing, and adds a further source of competitive advantage. We intend to use our existing technology to enhance the PRM model in line with our strategy of combining technology and the internet, with traditional recruitment services to offer clients the most effective recruitment solutions. We expect this acquisition to be earnings enhancing during 2006.î