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NES Global Talent

Graphite identified a highly talented CEO with a credible vision to transform NES into a globally leading technical recruitment firm

Graphite led the £70 million MBO of NES Global Talent, a leading provider of specialist engineers to the global oil and gas, power and infrastructure industries. The transaction offered us the opportunity to transform NES into a global business. By the time of Graphite’s exit, the group achieved worldwide coverage through its network of 39 offices. The company’s customer base comprised large blue-chip organisations, including all major oil companies and many large international engineering businesses.

Key business achievements

Opened 20 international offices in 16 countries

Increased the proportion of group earnings generated from overseas markets from 30 per cent to 70 per cent

Increased the number of recruiters from 154 to 234

Materially improved recruiter productivity

More than trebled the number of engineering contractor placements

Increased EBITDA by 190 per cent to £23 million

Grew net fee income by 164 per cent to £58 million

Trebled net fee income from permanent placements to £10 million

4.7x

RETURN ON GRAPHITE’S INVESTMENT

Business Exit

Graphite sold NES Global Talent in 2012 to AEA Investors LP for £234 million.