International recruitment companies Randstad and Vedior have merged to form one group, which will create the world’s second largest recruitment and HR services organisation.
The merge was effective from last Friday, 16 May and the new group will employ 34,000 people worldwide, with clients and candidates supported by a much larger geographical spread. It is estimated that annual revenues of €17.6 billion will be generated.
In the UK, Select Group – the staffing arm of Vedior – will combine with Randstad, which will create a network of 200 locations across the country. The company will now operate under the Randstad brand and will employ nearly 1,000 staff across the UK.
Andy Moss, director finance for Randstad UK, insisted that the merger was unrelated to the credit crunch. “Randstad and Vedior wanted to join forces to become the world’s second largest company in recruitment and it was a good strategic fit for both companies. Both Vedior and Randstad have been in business for many years and gone through a number of economic cycles.”
Former CEO of Select Group Diane Martyn, who will be leading the newly created Randstad UK, said: “I am very proud to lead our new company, and am looking forward to building for the future and shaping the business as we compete for growth and position in the UK marketplace.”