FPR Group needed the right trade buyer and a well-run process to deliver shareholder retirement while creating a strong platform for the business’s next phase of growth.
The client
Founded as First People Recruitment in 1991 following the acquisition of a Brighton-based recruitment firm, FPR Group is an established provider of temporary and permanent workforce solutions.
The business specialises in the manufacturing, food, engineering and healthcare sectors, primarily across Sussex and Hampshire, and works with more than 80 clients.
With over 1,000 workers on its books and recognition as one of the UK’s fastest-growing recruitment businesses in consecutive years, FPR had built strong momentum and a solid market reputation.
Shareholders Mark Foster and Paul Simpson completed a management buy-out in 2015 and subsequently delivered sustained financial growth. Their objective was to retire while securing a strategic acquirer capable of supporting the team and driving future development.
What we did
K3 Deal Advisory ran a competitive process to identify the right strategic buyer and maximise value for the shareholders.
Led by Fabio Rambelli, the process generated five initial offers, followed by a further round to obtain best and final bids and create competitive tension.
Kingdom Group stood out early as a particularly strong fit. The team guided negotiations through the usual complexities in a pragmatic way, helping both parties stay focused on the commercial objective rather than adopting an adversarial approach.
The outcome
FPR Group was successfully sold to Kingdom Group, a national facilities management and workforce solutions provider with more than 11,500 colleagues and turnover of approximately £300 million.
The transaction delivered retirement to the shareholders and positioned the business within a larger platform able to enhance its proposition across the South of England through combined expertise, operational synergies and broader recruitment capability.
The process also reinforced the value of a structured bidding approach in driving the strongest possible outcome for the sellers.
After 20 incredible years of building and leading FPR Group, the time has come for me to take a step back from the business. It’s been a privilege to work alongside such a talented and dedicated team. I now hand over to Kingdom Group, the perfect partner to take FPR into its next chapter. Their vision, values and expertise align perfectly with what we’ve built, and I’m excited to see the opportunities this new partnership will bring for our colleagues and customers.
Mark Foster, CEO, FPR Group
We’re very pleased with the service we received. From start to finish, the process was thorough and well-managed. Fabio was calm, patient, knowledgeable and always approachable. He made what could have been a stressful experience much easier to navigate. We would happily recommend K3 Deal Advisory to anyone considering selling their business.
Mark Foster on K3 Deal Advisory service
We work hard to find and complete acquisitions that match not only our care values, but also our passion and aspirations as a group. FPR Group’s team immediately impressed our M&A team and we now welcome them to Kingdom Group. Together, we are positioned to deliver even greater value and innovative recruitment solutions.
Terry Barton, CEO, Kingdom Group
