Swindon financial advisors secure sale of First Choice Recruitment Limited to McGinley Group

News
09/11/2018

Swindon based corporate finance advisor, Watersheds, has sold the specialist construction industry recruitment company, First Choice Recruitment to McGinley CEP Limited.


First Choice was founded by Louise Smith in 1999 with a small loan from the Prince’s Trust. From the very start, Louise wanted to build a business that not only delivered outstanding and reliable service to its clients, but also looked after its workers. First Choice prides itself on being trustworthy and reliable.


McGinley CEP is a specialist construction recruitment consultancy offering a range of Construction, Engineering & Property jobs. It has become the construction recruitment company of choice, whilst simultaneously operating across the engineering & property sectors. McGinley CEP is part of the McGinley Group which provides recruitment and project based solutions across a range of specialist market sectors. Its businesses are recognised as some of the fastest growing in the UK (Virgin Fast Track 100 Company) and 'Best Company to Work For' by the Sunday Times.


When Louise decided it was time to sell, she was keen to ensure the business passed into the ownership of a company who would value her staff and protect the client relationships that she had spent so long building up. She approached Watersheds, who set about finding the right partner.


Louise said:

“Watersheds understood straight away what was important to me about the sale, and very quickly introduced McGinley Group who were the perfect fit in terms of values and culture. Having never been through a transaction like this before, the time they took to guide me through the process, explaining everything in detail, was invaluable”.


Sue Green of Watersheds commented:

“Selling the company you started and have built up for almost the last 20 years is an emotional journey. I’m delighted we were able to find a buyer who Louise felt was right for the future success and growth of the business.”


Legal advice was provided by Simon Hore and John Davies of Thrings.