Tue, 24 Mar 2026 | BUSINESS SALE
Metric Search, a specialist recruitment company founded in New York in 2019 but headquartered in Nottingham, has been acquired by US private equity firm Southfield Capital. The deal, which provides an exit for BGF, values Metric Search at $100 million and is aimed at supporting the company’s continued global expansion.
Metric Search comprises more than 130 consultants operating across seven global offices. The company provides senior and executive-level search through four specialist sub-brands: Metric Geo (which focuses on engineering and infrastructure roles), Metric DCX (data centers), Metric Bio (life sciences and medtech) and Metric Exec (C-suite and PE-backed executive search).
Founder Joe Jani said: "In the last two years, we've accelerated our growth ambitions, expanded our global footprint and built a very high performing business that has a strong and collaborative culture at its core. We are unapologetic about our appetite for growth.”
"In a global recruitment market that is vast and highly competitive, we have set ourselves apart and created a strong and trusted brand. BGF has played a significant part in delivering our growth plan, working with us in partnership to achieve this fantastic result for Metric."
The deal generates a return of 4.1x MM for BGF and an IRR of 138 per cent. It represents BGF Midlands’ third exit in the past four years, generating IRR in excess of 120 per cent.
The original deal and exit was led by Adam Huckerby, an investor who sat on Metric Search’s board, supported by investor Sam Giurani.
Huckerby commented: “It's remarkable what the business has achieved in such a short period of time, but that is a reflection on the strength of Joe and the entire Metric team. They've shown real tenacity and a relentless drive to succeed.”
Since securing backing from BGF, Metric Search has made significant investments enhancing its governance and digital infrastructure, evolving its staff and L&D platform and expanding its senior team.
In the year to August 31 2025, Metric Search Limited reported turnover of $13.1 million, up from $10.5 million a year earlier, while operating profit edged up from $3 million to close to $3.2 million.
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