Insights
Benchmark International Successfully Facilitated the Transaction Between Blue Octopus HR & Recruitment Limited/Blue Octopus Recruitment Limited and IRIS Software Group Limited
November 28, 2023
Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of both Blue Octopus HR & Recruitment Limited and Blue Octopus Recruitment Limited (Blue Octopus), by IRIS.
Founded in 2010 by brothers, Chris and Liam Coleman, Blue Octopus is an applicant tracking system, recruitment, and HR software developer.
The company’s in-house developed software, Octo, allows for recruiting managers to signpost the hiring process from posting the vacancy to onboarding new staff using simple step-by-step processes. Services are provided to over 200 companies primarily in the public sector, construction, manufacturing, and retail.
IRIS provides industry leading business critical software solutions and services to manage core business operations. Founded over 45 years ago with accountancy software, the company has evolved to be relied on by more than 100,000 customers across 135 countries in accountancy, education and business.
This acquisition complements IRIS’ long-term vision to significantly expand its presence in the human capital management (HCM) segment. By integrating Blue Octopus’ complementary recruitment software and services into the IRIS suite, customers can derive enhanced value from a cohesive and secure HCM system.
The move demonstrates IRIS’ dedication to investing in quality people and pioneering products to enrich its service offerings. With shared core values and culture, the collaboration between the two companies presents an opportunity to combine a HR, payroll and recruitment offering for customers.
Stephanie Coward, HCM Managing Director at IRIS, commented: “Our aim is to not only assist our clients in achieving productivity and compliance but also to ensure an exceptional employee experience right from the start. We are thrilled to welcome Blue Octopus onboard and are committed to supporting its expansion as well as investing in its staff for the benefit of both current and new customers.”
Founders of Blue Octopus, Chris and Liam Coleman, added: “It’s an exciting time to be in the talent management industry as it experiences rapid growth. The landscape is ever evolving, presenting a range of challenges for HR and internal recruitment teams, from navigating global talent shortages to the fierce competition for securing top talent, all while maintaining timeliness and cost-effectiveness.
“Being part of the IRIS family will enable us to tap into exceptional teams and resources to help with these challenges. We’re thrilled about the potential for our software and services to reach new heights, delivering enhanced value to our customers and offering our team members expanded opportunities for their personal and professional growth.”
Share This Post
Categories
Get These Insights Delivered Directly To Your Email
Explore our curated collection today and stay ahead of the curve in M&A.
Publicaciones relacionadas
La saturación del mercado ya está aquí: ¿se subirá a la ola o se dejará arrastrar?He recibido muchas preguntas sobre cómo se ha desarrollado el superciclo de fusiones y adquisiciones previsto y en qué punto del continuo de saturación del mercado nos encontramos, así que he pensado en compartir una actualización como continuación del artículo del año pasado "La saturación del mercado está llegando".Benchmark International Named Investment Banking Firm of the Year for the Second Year in a RowThe M&A Advisor announced the winners of the 16th Annual International M&A Awards, and Benchmark International was again recognized in several categories, including being named Investment Banking Firm of the Year for the second consecutive year.Benchmark International also received the following awards this year:M&A Deal of the Year ($10MM to $25MM) • For the acquisition of Whistler Tech by Milexia Consumer Staples Deal of the Year • For the acquisition of Copernus Ltd. by Suempol Sp The M&A Advisor Awards are known as the Oscars of the M&A world, serving as the industry benchmark for dealmaking excellence and recognizing the leading M&A transactions, restructurings, deal financings, products and services, firms, and professionals. An independent panel of global M&A, restructuring, and corporate finance practitioners evaluated nominations from around the world, representing companies with deals ranging from $10 million to more than $10 billion. The winners will be honored on September 15-16, 2025, at a black-tie gala in New York City.