Investors Hamilton Bradshaw Private Equity (HBPE) has acquired an 83% stake in independent financial recruiter SF Group, funding a management buy-out (MBO).

The MBO was led by SF Group managing director Tony Minnis. SF Group employs 90 staff, with Nottingham headquarters and additional Birmingham and Manchester bases.

Its current annual turnover of £12.5m has been built following diversification into the HR, supply chain, logistics, procurement and marketing & sales areas in recent years.

Adam Fletcher, HBPE’s investment director, says: “This is a key acquisition for the HB Group, building upon our professional staffing portfolio and providing a sound footing for further expansion within the financial recruitment sector.”