London, 09 December 2021 – Longacre Group announces the sale of Taylor Hopkinson, a specialist recruitment partner for the renewable energy sector, to Brunel International N.V. (Brunel; BRNL), a global provider of flexible workforce solutions and expertise.
Glasgow-based Taylor Hopkinson was founded by Tom Hopkinson in 2009. It has grown organically to become the biggest pure-play renewable energy team in the world. Today it operates through 7 international offices on 3 continents. A trusted recruitment partner to renewable energy leaders, Taylor Hopkinson delivers permanent and contract recruitment solutions, retained search and professional advisory solutions to enable its clients to develop, finance, construct, and operate renewable energy projects globally. Their multi-lingual teams specialise in the wind (offshore and onshore), solar and energy storage sectors, placing talent across Europe, Iberia & LATAM, APAC and North America. Founder and Director Tom Hopkinson will continue to lead the business forward. With Brunel’s truly global footprint, exceptional network and expertise, Taylor Hopkinson will be able to further accelerate its global service offering and improve its delivery to its clients.
Stani Schmidt-Chiari of Longacre Group wishes the team of Taylor Hopkinson success under their new ownership: “The company had tremendous success establishing themselves as the preeminent independent recruiter for the renewable energy industry and achieving huge growth through international expansion. We are proud to have supported the team and are sure they will continue on their rapid growth trajectory under Brunel’s ownership.”
Tom Hopkinson, CEO, Taylor Hopkinson adds:
“During Longacre Group’s ownership, Taylor Hopkinson has grown to be the largest pure renewable energy recruitment business in the world. Since Longacre Group invested, we have grown our employee base three-fold, established a presence in Asia, and quintupled profits. With a compliance record that is unsurpassed alongside a truly global footprint, we will be able to support the energy transition wherever in the world our clients are today and will be tomorrow. We are looking forward to using our joint expertise to set a new industry benchmark for outstanding service delivery in renewable energy workforce solutions.”
Jilko Andringa, CEO of Brunel International N.V.:
“I’m very excited to announce our first acquisition since we presented our updated strategy earlier this year. Even more so considering the organisation we are acquiring: Taylor Hopkinson has a unique profile, brand and strong performance in one of the most attractive fast growing technical industries. Their founder Tom Hopkinson is a recognised field expert and leader in the renewable industry. He is a driven, informed and yet a down to earth entrepreneur who really knows what the key success factor for his company is – ‘the Taylor Hopkinson colleagues that make it happen’. Tom’s passion for his team aligns 100% with our ‘passion for people’ value.
At our strategy update presented earlier this year, we stated that Brunel is entering a next phase of development in which we drive diversification, specialise deeper and build new capabilities. Our goal in this phase is to create knowledge- and solution-leadership in chosen markets. One of the most important markets we identified is ‘renewable energy’. This market fits strongly with our capabilities, our clients, and our contractors. The inevitable reductions in emissions of carbon dioxide and the connected energy transition, will expand this market enormously creating great growth potential in the years to come. Making the connection between Brunel and the unique Taylor Hopkinson capabilities, while continuing to use their strong brand, will position us clearly as the leader in this field.”
Clearwater International were the advisers to Longacre Group and Taylor Hopkinson. The deal team consisted of Managing Partner Marcus Archer, Director Dan Shrimpton, Senior Associate Gregory Cornes and Executive Carly Sinicrope.