Newcourt Group plc: Recruitment Acquisition Sigmar Acquires CCM International

Newcourt Group plc ("Newcourt”) (LSE:NEW), the Irish based support services group, announces that its recruitment and aviation outsourcing subsidiary, Sigmar Group Limited ("Sigmar”), has acquired CCM International Limited ("CCM”). Based in Dublin, CCM is a leading healthcare recruitment company which specialises in the recruitment of doctors, registered nurses, midwives and allied health professionals for major hospitals, both public and private in Ireland and overseas. The company also has offices in the UK and Sydney, Australia. This is Sigmar’s third acquisition since the beginning of 2006 and highlights its commitment to continued development in the strongly growing Irish recruitment market and in developing an international recruitment business in selected sectors and markets. Sigmar provides a broad range of recruitment services through a national and international network of offices and has achieved strong organic growth since its foundation five years ago. CCM’s existing management will continue to oversee the further growth and development of the business as a Sigmar enterprise. Commenting on the announcement, the Managing Director of CCM, John McKinney, said: "Sigmar and CCM share a similar ethos and approach to business and we are delighted to be joining such a dynamic and growing organisation. The additional resources that will be available to us arising from the transaction will enable CCM to continue growing its business while ensuring that clients continue to receive premium level service.” Commenting on the announcement today, John Barry, Managing Director of Sigmar and an Executive Director of Newcourt said: "We will be working closely with the management of CCM to continue the successful development of the CCM business. In addition, we expect to achieve shared synergies and benefits from a common platform of operation in the high growth recruitment sector. This is a long established and well respected business that specialises in the healthcare market and it will complement the other businesses within the Sigmar portfolio. These include Sigmar Recruitment Consultants, Sigmar Health, Dal Riada Executive Search & Selection, Sigmar Aviation, Kenny-Whelan & Associates and The People Group.” Ted O’Neill, Group Chief Executive of Newcourt said: "The recruitment sector continues to grow strongly in our selected sectors and markets and particularly as the Irish economy outperforms its European counterparts. Sigmar provides a broad range of recruitment services nationally and is a strong player in niche areas such as technical and engineering, aviation and health care. The addition of CCM will strengthen our service offering in the healthcare area which will form an increasingly important part of our growth strategy.” About Newcourt Group plc Newcourt is a leading provider of support services, employing over 2,700 staff throughout the island of Ireland. The Group has two primary operating divisions: Support Services & Student Accommodation and Recruitment & Aviation Outsourcing.