Caldwell Partners Signs Agreement to Acquire Hawksmoor Search

-Merger gives rise to one of the most experienced international insurance search teams in the world-

TORONTO, Aug. 18, 2014 /CNW/ - Retained executive search firm The Caldwell Partners International Inc. (TSX: CWL) today announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Hawksmoor Search, an executive search firm focusing on the insurance industry.

Based in London, Hawksmoor Search is a retained executive search boutique specializing in board and senior management recruitment for clients in the insurance and reinsurance markets worldwide. The firm was launched in 2010 by Matthew Andrews, an executive search professional serving the insurance industry since 1987. Supporting Matthew on the Hawksmoor Search team are Jeremy Hughes and Catherine Parkes.

"We are very excited to be joining forces with Matthew Andrews and the Hawksmoor Search team," said John Wallace, chief executive officer. "This is a significant step forward for Caldwell Partners as we continue to grow our company, adding high quality teams in the areas and geographies that are important to our clients. The partnership we've had with Matthew and Hawksmoor Search for the last four years has been very successful and we couldn't be more pleased to be taking this next step forward. In merging the considerable expertise and success of our two organizations, we are creating one of the most experienced international insurance search teams in the world."

Wallace continued: "At the same time, we are excited about the prospects of planting Caldwell Partners' flag in London with such a quality search professional and person. We place great confidence in Matthew's business and industry experience, and as managing director of Caldwell Partners, Europe he will be leading and directing our European expansion. Our growth strategy has always been fuelled by our determination to continually improve our service to our clients and to create sustainable value for our shareholders. The addition of the Hawksmoor Search team is a clear continuation of this strategy."

"This merger has been entirely client-driven and solely motivated by what serves the needs of our respective clientele" said Peter Reed, leader of Caldwell's Insurance Practice. "The expansion of our footprint and broadened industry coverage will allow us to serve our clients in a much more integrated fashion. It will also enable our dedicated Insurance Practice to provide unrivalled access and hands-on strategic counsel to our clients across all sectors of the industry. By leveraging the collective experience of the newly integrated Caldwell Partners Insurance Practice, we will continue to work seamlessly and collaboratively across geographies with dedicated Insurance Practice partners now based in London, Stamford, New York, Dallas, Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary.

"We are looking forward to being an integral part of the Caldwell Partners team," said Matthew Andrews. "In the years we have worked together, Peter and I have developed a reputation in the insurance industry for the quality of our client service, the extent of our market knowledge and our track record of exceptionally close cooperation. We at Hawksmoor Search are extremely excited about joining Caldwell Partners in order to work together even more closely to execute the best search assignments and deliver the best candidates for our clients."

Closing is expected to occur on or about October 1, 2014, and is subject to certain conditions, including TSX approval.

About Caldwell Partners
Caldwell Partners is a leading international provider of executive search and has been for more than 40 years. As one of the world's most trusted advisors in executive search, the firm has a sterling reputation built on successful searches for boards, chief and senior executives, and selected functional experts. With offices and partners across North America and in London, the firm takes pride in delivering an unmatched level of service and expertise to its clients.

The Caldwell Partners' Common shares are listed on The Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: CWL). Please visit our website at www.caldwellpartners.com for further information.

SOURCE: The Caldwell Partners International Inc.

Investors & Analysts: 
Chris Beck, CPA, Chief Financial Officer
The Caldwell Partners International
[email protected]
+1.617.934.1843

Media: 
Caroline Lomot, Director of Marketing
The Caldwell Partners International
[email protected]
+1.214.765.7839