Meraki Capital completes third and fourth acquisitions of 2026

Investment house Meraki Capital has completed its third and fourth acquisitions of 2026 so far with the purchase of a pair of recruitment companies in Swindon. The deals see Smart Recruitment and Wise Recruitment join the Meraki Group.

As part of the deal, the businesses, which have further offices in Yeovil, Plymouth and Exeter, will transition to the Magnus Search brand. The purchase secures the future of hundreds of permanent and temporary staff, following a period in which the companies have faced significant trading pressure.

With the backing of Meraki Capital, as well as a committed £1 million growth facility, the businesses will be positioned for long-term stability and future expansion. Bradley Wood, Managing Director of Magnus Search, which joined Meraki Capital last year, will work closely with the leadership teams at the two businesses post-completion, aiding the transition to the Magnus brand, while supporting their continued operational development and future growth.

Meraki Capital founder Nick Gordon said: "Both Smart and Wise Recruitment were facing significant challenges in the current economic climate, which continues to place pressure on entrepreneurial recruitment businesses across the UK. Rising employment costs, including National Insurance and PAYE changes, have had a substantial impact on the sector.”

Despite their struggles, Gordon said that both companies “are fundamentally strong businesses with excellent client relationships and real market opportunity.”

Gordon continued: “With the right backing and investment, they have a clear path forward. There is opportunity ahead for high-quality recruitment firms that are prepared to embrace strategic support and fresh capital."

Keith Robinson, Managing Director of Smart and Wise Recruitment, said that, while the businesses had faced a challenging period, Meraki Capital’s investment meant they were well placed to thrive in future.

Robinson added: “Together with Janet Robinson, our company’s strategic director, we have successfully navigated two previous recessions and emerged stronger each time. Now is the moment for our team, under Brad and Nick’s guidance, to build on that legacy and move confidently into the next chapter of recruitment.”

Following the acquisition, Robinson said that he and Janet Robinson would step down from their roles, but would “remain fully committed to supporting our team, clients and candidates throughout the transition."

Bradley Wood, Managing Director of Magnus Search, added: "We are building a group of recruitment businesses that are stronger together — with access to investment, shared expertise and operational scale. Many recruitment firms are facing tough conditions right now. This is the time to seek strategic backing if it’s needed.”

"Smart and Wise will transition under the Magnus brand, and we’re excited about the opportunities ahead for the team and their clients."

When conducting a buy-and-build growth strategy, integration matters more than the volume and scale of transactions

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