Selective consolidation and resilient demand as companies seek specialized solutions in persistently tight labor market
HR Services Europe Spot On
The second half of 2025 has brought with it a more stable macroeconomic environment, which in turn is supporting expansion and demand for HR services.
As Oaklins’ European HR expert, Tom Van de Meirssche, explores in our latest Spot On, the sector is also enjoying a positive period in terms of M&A, with consolidation driven by scaling and specialization strategies, and investors attracted to high-value niches, including compliance and AI-enabled workforce solutions. The landscape is also impacting valuations, as specialist staffing companies achieve premium assessments, while uncertainty over global tariffs and political tensions is affecting more generalist businesses.
Europe’s HR services sector is entering the second half of 2025 with a macro landscape demonstrating perseverence, where services activity remains the anchor of growth and manufacturing shows early signs of recovery. Unemployment remains low and skill mismatches persist, resulting in elevated demand for specialized staffing, workforce mobility and compliance-driven solutions.TOM VAN DE MEIRSSCHE, HR SERVICES EUROPE SPECIALIST, OAKLINS
In addition, the report features a round-up of related deals from the first nine months of the year across the continent, and a case study of a transaction where Oaklins acted as the exclusive buy-side advisor.
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