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Gloucestershire Business News

Cheltenham lawyers advise top UK recruitment firm on global expansion

Willans' corporate team has advised Sanderson Solutions Group plc, in acquiring recruitment company Highams, along with three further businesses.

Sanderson is one of the UK's fastest growing recruitment businesses founded in 1975 by Keith Dawe, the Bristol-based recruitment entrepreneur, and chaired by Martin Griffiths.

Sanderson's expansion strategy has seen it grow to operate 12 offices globally, recently rebranding its core business, Sanderson, to bring its recruitment, solutions, projects and executive search functions under the one umbrella.

As well as acquiring Highams, the business also took several trading divisions of Nakama Group plc under its wing - Nakama UK, Nakama Hong Kong and Nakama Singapore, growing its team by approximately 15 per cent.

The Willans corporate team was led by Chris Wills, who in 2019 also acted for Sanderson on its acquisition of Intelligent Resource, the UK recruitment division of Sopra Steria, and also on its securing of a substantial shareholding in international recruitment consultancy, IKAS Global, which has provided them with a platform to access markets in the Asia Pacific region.

"Sanderson is a remarkable company and we're pleased to continue to support the group with its expansion during these unprecedented times. We're proud to say that this progressive company is a longstanding client of the firm who we've been advising for close to two decades," said Mr Wills.

Jon Ball, CEO of Sanderson, said: "We thank Chris and the team at Willans for their support. Sanderson has a history of investing during the difficult times to ensure we thrive on the other side, which is why we have made the brave decision to expand now for a stronger future.

"The team at Highams bring a wealth of expertise in the insurance, wealth management and pensions space, which will really boost our footprint in the financial services industry. The Nakama teams help us to continue increase our international footprint, with an established business on the ground."

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