Browne Jacobson advises management at Metric Search on BGF investment

UK & Ireland law firm Browne Jacobson’s award-winning national private equity team has successfully advised the management team at Nottingham-headquartered recruitment specialist Metric Search on a multi-million pound investment from BGF.

Metric Search was founded by Joe Jani in 2019 and has built an enviable reputation, specialising in the life sciences and energy/infrastructure sectors. With offices in New York and Florida serving its growing US customer base, BGF’s investment, alongside further capital investments from the existing shareholders, will enable the business to extend its US footprint and expand its offering in the US market. BGF is one of the largest and most experienced growth capital investors in the UK and Ireland, and since 2011, has invested £4 billion in nearly 600 SMEs, making it the most active investor in the UK.

Andy McRae (ex Phaidon International) has joined the business as non-executive chair, bringing a wealth of experience to the board. John-Joe Walker has been appointed as Chief Commercial Officer and Adam Huckerby, who led on the investment for BGF, will also join the board.

The Browne Jacobson team advising BGF on the deal was led by partner Matt Bolton who commented:

“We’re proud to have advised the management team at Metric Search on this exciting partnership with BGF. They are a dynamic and ambitious team and this deal will unlock significant growth potential in the US market for them.”

Joe Jani, founder and CEO at Metric Search, commented:

“Our global footprint has enabled us to successfully grow in the US market, whilst building a world leading HQ in our home city of Nottingham. From there, we have developed a compelling proposition in high growth, well capitalised sectors that have an excellent outlook, servicing clients that are at the forefront of cutting-edge technology and innovation and range from SMEs to blue-chip companies.

The US recruitment market as a whole has vast potential and will play a crucial role in helping us to accelerate our growth ambitions – both geographically and from a sector perspective. In BGF we have an aligned investment partner which has the experience, network and approach to help us achieve our exciting plans and we’re delighted to be partnering with them.” 

Adam Huckerby, who led on the deal for BGF, added:

“Metric has achieved remarkable success in a short amount of time, and is well placed to capitalise on the dynamic, growing US recruitment market through its high quality, specialist service. This is a great example of how BGF can support ambitious, high performing teams to fulfil their plans. We look forward to working with Joe and the team with the next phase of accelerated growth.”