Harpstone buys three Irish staffing firms, names ex-Cpl CFO
What's the deal? Harpstone Group, an Irish-owned human capital and consultancy services group, has acquired three staffing firms — Sonas Technical, Hamilton French, and AphexDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → — for undisclosed terms. Each company keeps its name and operational independence.
The details: Sonas Technical, based in Naas, County Kildare, recruits engineering and technical staff; Harpstone took a significant majority stake in the business. Cork-based Hamilton French places staff in construction and infrastructure, while Waterford's Aphex serves pharmaceutical and life science sites.
The key hire: Harpstone also named Seána Leech, former chief financial officer of Irish recruitment firm Cpl, as group CFO. The appointment signals a focus on integrating the new businesses as the group scales.
What's the endgame? Harpstone, founded in 2018 by John Lacy and John Hannon, says it has built a model for acquiring specialist human capital firms and helping them grow. It plans further acquisitions and organic investment in the companies it already owns.
By the numbers: The group reports annualised revenues of circa €175 million and over 200 internal staff. AIB funded the three acquisitions and supported a refinance of the group; AIB and Duke CapitalDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → are Harpstone's capital partners.
"Harpstone gives Irish specialist firms in the human capital sector a way to grow with an Irish-owned group behind them," Lacy and Hannon said. The new firms add depth in engineering, construction, infrastructure, life sciences, and data analytics.
The signal: The deal fits a wave of consolidation in Irish recruitment. Gi Group HoldingDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → invested in Irish firm HarmonicsDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → in September, and SandersonDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → acquired Nicoll CurtinDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →'s Irish operations — all part of a broader push to build scale and specialist capability.
Read more: www2.staffingindustry.com
Image credit: Generated with Gemini
