The deal, announced this morning, will boost Sanderson’s group revenue to more than £550m.

Bristol-based Sanderson was founded in 1975 and employs more than 300 people following the acquisition.

Commenting on the deal, Sanderson group chairman Martin Griffiths said: “Acquiring Sopra Steria Recruitment provides us with an exceptional opportunity to build on the existing success and growth we’ve achieved in recent years. Our intention is very much to continue developing the business as part of the wider group, which will add a new dimension to the services we are able to offer our clients.”

The deal has been supported by Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.

Sanderson also recently secured a substantial shareholding in international recruitment consultancy iKas Global – an introduction that was facilitated by advisers at Lloyds Bank in an investment the group hopes will provide Sanderson with a new platform to access markets in the Asia Pacific region.

Kim Collins, relationship director at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “The recruitment sector continues to play a critical role in the success of UK plc, with businesses investing in workers in record numbers despite current economic uncertainty.

“The sector grew by 11% to more than £35bn last year, providing outstanding investment opportunities for ambitious organisations like Sanderson to capitalise on. We’re proud to be able to back those growth plans.”

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