Halifax-based recruiter Quantica has made its first steps into the financial market by acquiring RK Group, in a deal worth £12.4 million.

Quantica, which recruits for the technology, search and selection, healthcare, training and construction sectors, will use cash and shares to finance the deal for the Cheshire-based company.

RK Group has three main divisions, accountancy, supply chain personnel and search and selection, which make up 60%, 25% and 15% of its business respectively.

The firm’s turnover for the financial year ended 30 April 2005 was £13.5 million, a £1.4 million increase from the previous year.

As of 30 April 2005, RK Group employed more than 100 staff in 10 offices nationwide.

Quantica finance director Rob Turner (pictured) revealed that negotiations between the companies had taken place over the last six months.

“The financial market is a very robust one to move into. People will always need credit controllers and payroll clerks,” he said.

“Also, you can also get two bites of the cherry with it. If a credit controller leaves, you can normally fill that vacancy quickly temporarily, and then look again on a more permanent basis.”

Richard Robinson, managing director and the majority shareholder in RK Group, will become a Quantica executive director on completion of the deal.

Les Lawson, chief executive of Quantica, said: “The acquisition of RK Group provides an ideal platform for the enlarged group to take further advantage of growth opportunities going forward.

“We are confident that the ambitions and motivation of RK Group’s management and employees match those of our own.”