InfoJobs: Spain's Recruitment Giant Up for Grabs

InfoJobs, a leading recruitment marketplace in Spain and a key vertical of the online classifieds company Adevinta, might soon be on the auction block. This follows the acquisition of Adevinta by private equity firms Blackstone and Permira, which has prompted a strategic re-evaluation and potential realignment of its portfolio. With 11.8 million visits recorded in January, InfoJobs is Spain's dominant recruitment platform, overshadowing global stalwarts like Indeed. Despite its impressive stature, InfoJobs doesn't mesh with Adevinta's focus on horizontal and auto segments. Inside sources hint at a firm intent to divest InfoJobs, possibly catalyzed by speculation of unrest among its Barcelona staff. Leading contenders for the purchase include The Stepstone Group, a major player in the recruitment space; Kariera Group; and the Barcelona-based Redarbor, which has historical ties to InfoJobs. Discussions and potential acquisitions, however, could be complicated by the broader market's cyclical nature and uncertainties in global recruitment trends driven by advancements such as AI. Although InfoJobs remains a strong force in Spain, potential buyers would assess the broader economic climate and talent market dynamics before proceeding with any acquisition.