Catalyst recruited in US deal
Birmingham-based Catalyst Corporate Finance has acted as lead adviser on the sale of Berkshire recruitment company Aston Carter to Allegis Group. The deal was US-headquartered Allegis’ first European acquisition.
Aston Carter has offices in the UK, Europe and Asia. The company employs 300 people and has sales in excess of £180m.
The business was founded by chief executive Sean Zimdahl who completed a management buyout supported by Baird Capital Partners Europe in 2007.
Zimdahl will stay with the business to run Aston Carter after the deal completes, and will join the senior leadership team for Allegis Europe.
Allegis, which is headquartered in Baltimore, US, employs more than 9,000 people and generates annual sales of $6.3bn. The acquisition of Aston Carter is the company’s largest to date, and its first European venture largest acquisition to date and their first in Europe.
Catalyst partner Mark Humphries said: “The rationale for acquiring Aston Carter was very strong. This is an excellent opportunity for Allegis to expand its international footprint across Europe and Asia. There is a strong cultural fit between the two businesses which will ensure a seamless transition for both candidates and clients.
“In addition the acquisition will provide an opportunity for Allegis Group to introduce Aston Carter to some of its large global clients.”
