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July 15,
2002 - Houston - Statistics compiled by De Bellas &
Co., a leading specialty Investment Banking firm, indicate
that 41 staffing businesses were sold or merged in the second
quarter of 2002. This compares favorably to the 28 announced
transactions in the first quarter of 2002 and is the highest
level of announced M&A activity in the staffing industry
since the fourth quarter of 2000. Healthcare staffing continues
to lead the way with 7 announced transactions during the
quarter, several large opportunities in the market, and
buyer interest continuing to sizzle.
“M&A activity is beginning to rebound in the staffing
industry,” commented John Niehaus, a Managing Director
of De Bellas & Co. “We are seeing a modest increase
in the number of buyers interested in staffing industry
acquisitions again.”
“Of particular interest are mature firms specializing
in healthcare staffing, as the outlook for this niche continues
to be favorable and buyers are seeking to either strategically
enter the industry or expand their presence,” continued
Mr. Niehaus. “However, the window of opportunity for
sellers will not last indefinitely. As we saw in the other
specialty areas of staffing, buyer interest will inevitably
wane as the most aggressive buyers satisfy their appetite
for new acquisitions.”
The top five public staffing buyers during the second quarter
of 2002 accounted for 13 of the 41 publicly announced transactions.
These buyers included Vedior Holding NV; Adecco SA (NYSE:
ADO); ATC Healthcare, Inc. (AMEX: AHN); CGI Group (NYSE:
GIB); and AMN Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE: AHS). Well-capitalized
private acquirers also continue to be active in pursuing
transactions, accounting for 37% of the staffing industry
deals announced in the second quarter. These private buyers
include both strategic acquirers with access to capital
and the private equity groups.
De Bellas & Co. monitors nationwide consolidation activity
to support its Investment Banking specialty as an advisor
in all facets of M&A for its Staffing Services clients.
For more information about De Bellas & Co. and a complete
summary of recent staffing M&A activity, please visit
our website at www.debellas.com.
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