PFJ acquires MR recruiter RPCushing

UK-- Phee Farrer Jones (PFJ) has taken a “substantial” majority interest in MR recruitment firm RPCushing. It represents PFJ's first foray into the market research recruitment arena.

RPCushing's managing director Paul Cushing, who founded the company ten years ago, will remain at the helm of the business. Sixteen of his staff will join him at PFJ's headquarters in London.

Paul Farrer, chairman of PFJ, spoke to Research about the reasons behind the move into research recruitment. “The market research industry has been on our radar for a couple of years now,” he said. “Though nothing is recession-proof, we do feel that the MR business is in good shape to weather the storm. Research and polling are still in demand across the public and private sectors. It is also a natural fit with the media and marketing recruitment markets we serve. ”

The deal also represents a move on PFJ's part to develop “a global network of leading specialist recruitment companies”. The strategy was kick-started last year with the purchase of ICUR, a Sydney-based media specialist.

Commenting on Cushing's role in the newly-acquired firm, Farrer said: “Paul will continue to lead the RPCushing brand. We sought out a strong brand with a strong identity in the marketplace and Paul is ideally placed to continue to lead its presence in the market.”

Cushing said: “This investment by PFJ demonstrates the strength of our service and gives us a bigger platform to develop and grow our services on a global bases.”