Morson, the UKs leading provider of technical contract staffing, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Rosta Engineering company limited for a cash consideration of up to £1.425 million dependant on the net assets at completion.

The acquisition represents a further step in the group's strategy to supplement strong organic growth with selective acquisitions, strategic alliances and consolidation of the sector.

Established over 30 years ago and based in Stockport, Rosta specialises in the provision of highly skilled technical personnel predominantly to the civil structural, power and construction engineering sectors. Personnel are placed largely on temporary contracts from a database of over 27,000 contractors.  Rosta's business is largely focused in the UK in the North West region.

The acquisition will further strengthen Morson's offering in its core markets of Civil Engineering and Construction adding an experienced and proven recruitment team. The directors believe that the acquisition will further consolidate Morson's strong market position in the North and provide additional resource to service the UK market. 

During the year ended 31 October 2006, Rosta generated turnover of £9.2 million and net fee income (gross profit) of £0.74 million. The directors believe that the acquisition will be earnings enhancing in its first full year of ownership.

Commenting on the acquisition, Ged Mason, Chief Executive officer of Morson, said:

'We are delighted to be able to announce the acquisition of Rosta.  I believe that the acquisition has an excellent strategic fit enhancing our market leading technical position with civil engineering recruitment expertise whilst strengthening our database and core business."