Multi-sector recruiter Antal plans to spend upwards of £10m in a sustained programme of acquisitions in 2009.

Tony Goodwin, Antal’s global chief executive, told Recruiter: “We are planning a series of acquisitions to capitalise on our brand and goodwill - we are very well capitalised to take advantage of the market conditions.”

In its self-described “white knight” strategy, the company will target individuals and businesses operating in areas such as contracts, temps and interim management, the public sector, healthcare, FMCG, renewables and transport.

Goodwin added  the company is also looking at RPO businesses in India and Canada.