Korn Ferry acquires global recruitment specialist AMS for £850 million
Korn Ferry, a global human capital consulting and executive search firm, has acquired London-headquartered AMS for about £850 million.
Founded in 1996, AMS (Alexander Mann Solutions) is a recruitment company with 8,000 people worldwide. The firm supports its clients in 100+ countries with services including recruitment, campus recruiting, recruitment process outsourcing, contingent workforce solutions, and employer branding.
The deal combines Korn Ferry’s expertise in human capital and leadership consulting, executive search and talent management with AMS’s strengths in recruitment to create one of the world’s largest providers of integrated talent consulting solutions.
Following the deal’s completion, Korn Ferry’s workforce will grow to around 18,000 employees, while revenues will jump to more than $3.6 billion.
“By bringing AMS into the Korn Ferry family, we are expanding our ability to help clients solve their most critical organizational challenges,” said Gary Burnison, CEO of Korn Ferry.
“Over almost 20 years I have watched AMS grow and evolve, with deep admiration and respect. I am convinced that the culture and values of both companies are completely aligned. And it all starts with people. This is a significant milestone for Korn Ferry and I am excited about the future that we will shape together.”
The deal is the largest in Korn Ferry’s history and is considered by industry analysts just as transformational as the acquisition of Hay Group in 2015. That transaction reshaped Korn Ferry, transforming the firm from an executive search specialist into a full-service people and organisational advisory firm.
Burnison emphasized that AMS’s expertise in talent acquisition and recruitment process outsourcing will enhance Korn Ferry’s ability to serve multinational enterprises through a broader portfolio of consulting and managed services.
“Businesses worldwide are increasingly seeking partners that can deliver end-to-end workforce transformation as they navigate rapidly evolving labor markets. Organizations continue to face challenges such as AI adoption, digital transformation, changing workforce expectations, and global skills shortages, creating sustained demand for comprehensive services,” said Burnison.
Next chapter for AMS
Korn Ferry has acquired AMS from OMERS Private Equity, which invested in the company in 2018. Under its wings, AMS doubled in size and further cemented its position as a global leader in talent acquisition and workforce solutions.
“AMS has made incredible progress over the course of our ownership,” said Michael Block, Head of Private Capital at the investment group. “We have supported the company as it has expanded its capabilities, strengthened its client relationships and focused on the people and organizations it serves. Korn Ferry is a strong strategic fit for AMS as it enters its next chapter.”
Gordon Stuart, CEO of AMS, said the joining of forces with the global professional services firm will “create new opportunities for our clients, our teams, and accelerate our ability to shape the future of work.”
