Recruitment giant Randstad is to launch a cash tender offer to acquire French consulting and engineering firm Ausy.

In a statement, released today, Randstad said it will offer €55 (£42.6) per share to Ausy shareholders, representing roughly 28% premium to Ausy's closing share price on Friday (17 June).

Ausy’s board has unanimously backed the offer.

Randstad chief executive Jacques van den Broek said Ausy’s IT and engineering capabilities were a great addition to Randstad’s existing business in various geographies. “I am sure that this agreement will provide additional growth opportunities for all. We look forward to making this combination a success,” he added.

According to Randstad’s statement, in 2015 the Ausy group generated revenues of €394m and had more than 4,500 employees active in 10 countries, mostly in France, Germany, the US and Belgium.