Global marketing recruitment company Aquent has announced the key acquisition of leading recruitment firm Professionele Consulting in India. With the corporate spotlight beaming brightly on this part of the world, there is no doubt that many marketers are eyeing this thriving nation with interest.

“This is an important strategic acquisition, which gives our international staffing business a strong foothold in a market with huge growth potential,” says international CEO, Greg Savage. “I am very excited by the potential in India. We moved into China three years ago and now have four markets that generate sound profits in that country. I see India as the next China, and it would not surprise me if these two countries eventually challenge Australia and Japan as the profit powerhouses for our business in the Asia Pacific region.

“Many of our top international and regional clients have offices in India, so it is imperative that we have resources on the ground there to support them. Our presence there will also provide a greater variety of opportunities for our talent through our global network.”

Business owner, Mahalakshmi will continue to manage the business in Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore and report to Aquent’s regional director in Asia, Steven Pang. Commenting on the acquisition, Aquent India’s country manager Mahalakshmi said: “Aquent with its breadth of specialist services, its global reach and its like-minded approach to providing quality services is the perfect partner for Professionale.”

The newly acquired business will rebrand and trade under the name Aquent and have offices in Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore. The deal close date is 30 June, 2008.