Funds managed by YFM Private Equity and YFM Venture Finance (YFM) have increased their investment in Darwin Rhodes Group, a global specialist in professional financial services and insurance recruitment, by £1.7m. This investment increases the funds shareholding to 31% and values the Darwin Rhodes Group at £8m.

The same investors will provide Darwin Rhodes Group with access to a further £5m follow-on funding to achieve their expansion plans. As part of this growth activity Darwin Rhodes is actively seeking acquisition opportunities both in the UK and key international markets.

Peter Dunphy, chief executive, Darwin Rhodes Group, said that the company’s success has been generated through specialising in the actuarial, insurance, pensions and banking and investment sectors.

“The additional capital from YFM will be used to expand Darwin Rhodes’ unique model, organically and through acquisition, to other industries and geographies. We have a track record of successful expansion during all stages of the economic cycle and our board and investors are confident that Darwin Rhodes Group will continue to build on this success over the coming years.”