Rec-to-rec firm JPA Recruitment has snapped up its rival Bandtrace for an undisclosed sum.

JPA’s managing director, James Pritchard (pictured), has struck a deal with Bandtrace’s managing director, Gavin Jasper, to buy him out.

The deal means all of Bandtrace’s business will be transferred over

to JPA. Jasper now has a role as part of London-based JPA’s team covering the Home Counties.

Pritchard said: “We are always open to acquisitions if we think there is a win-win solution. It will allow Gavin to get more candidates and benefit from the JPA brand.”

By selling his firm to JPA, Jasper was able to reduce back-office costs and concentrate on recruitment, said Pritchard.

Now in its seventh year of trading, JPA has also bought back some shares from high-street recruiter Pertemps, which bought a 25% stake in 2000.

JPA has bought back 20% of Pertemps’ investment and used it to create an option scheme available to its managers.