Gi Group takes over Work Service branches in the Slovak Republic and Czechia

Gi Group, one of the world's leading companies in the field of recruitment and HR services, which since 2018 also includes Grafton Recruitment, takes over from Work Service S.A. its branches in the Slovak Republic and Czechia. With this step Gi Group further strengthens its position in Central and Eastern Europe. The transaction that the Supervisory Board of Work Service S.A. agreed on February 10, 2021, will be completed in the coming weeks.

Gi Group and Work Service cooperation began in February 2020 by signing an investment agreement. Following this, Gi Group acquired a majority stake in the company in August last year and provided it with the necessary financial support. Selling the Slovak and Czech branches of Work Service is part of the strategy decided by the Supervisory Board at the beginning of 2019. In addition to this acquisition, the strategy also includes reducing financial liabilities and focusing activities primarily on the Polish market.

Since 2018, the Gi Group has been offering a wide portfolio of HR services in the Slovak Republic and Czechia under the Grafton Recruitment and Gi Group brands. Acquisition of Work Service S.A. will enable Gi Group to expand its range of services in the field of recruitment, temporary staffing and outsourcing. At the same time, it will strengthen its position in both markets in the area of recruitment of managers and also training and HR consulting.

"The merger of the Slovak branches of Gi Group, Grafton Recruitment and Work Service will strengthen our position as a leader in the field of personnel services, from which will benefit both our business partners and candidates," comments Miroslav Garaj, managing director of Grafton Slovakia and Gi Group Slovakia.

“This is an important step forward for Gi Group. With this operation, we’ll be stronger in these two markets, that for us are very strategic, and I’m sure that thanks to this we’ll be able to consolidate and raise our market share” says Stefano Colli-Lanzi, CEO of Gi Group.

The existing clients of Work Service S.A. will be provided with the same services as before, only under the Gi Group Temp & Perm brand.

About Gi Group

Gi Group is the first Italian multinational company operating in the employment sector, as well as one of the world's leaders active in the services dedicated to the development of the employment market. The Group is active in the temporary and permanent staffing, research and selection, executive search, training, support of relocation, outsourcing, HR consultancy and administration services.  In light of the internationalization process started in 2007, Gi Group is, as of today, operating directly or through strategic partnerships in more than 50 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and America.  At the end of the year 2010 Gi Group achieved important recognition with its entry into the WEC, the World Employment Confederation, in quality of Global Corporate Member.

About Grafton Slovakia

Grafton Slovakia was founded in 2004 and is currently represented by 5 branches throughout the Slovak Republic: in Bratislava, Nitra, Košice, Prešov and Žilina. Grafton offers its local and international clients, as well as job seekers, a wide portfolio of services in recruitment, temporary allocations of employees and talent management as well as various HR solutions. Furthermore, it prepares tailor-made outsourcing solutions or the comprehensive provision of recruitment services by managing the entire process as the main supplier. Grafton Slovakia is one of the leading providers of outplacement services and consulting, as well as the selection of employees through assessment centers, special tests and additionally offers a consulting service in the field of human resources. Company is active in 4 CEE countries. Grafton Recruitment is part of GiGroup. More at www.grafton.sk.