De Bellas & Co., a leading investment banking firm serving the staffing and staffing related industries, reports 30 M&A transaction were announced or completed in the fourth quarter of 2016. Overall, 138 staffing and staffing related transactions were announced or completed in 2016, up 2% over 2015. Buyer activity remains well-dispersed, as 120 different buyers were responsible for completing this year’s 138 transactions. Private strategic buyers continue to be the most active making up 70% of overall activity in 2016.
The top notable public company buyers were Heidrick and Struggles International Inc. (NASD: HSII), ManpowerGroup (NYSE: MAN), Randstad Holding NV, Cross Country Healthcare Inc. (NASD: CCRN) and AMN Healthcare Services, Inc. (NYSE: AHS). Private Equity Groups accounted for 16 transactions, in a variety of segments, making up 12% of overall activity. Based on our current transactions in the market, as well as our pipeline of deals and prospects, we believe M&A activity in the industry will maintain its momentum in 2017.
