Candle acquires Choice IT

Recruitment group Candle Australia has acquired Adelaide-based IT recruiter Choice IT, as part of a plan to expand ICT services in South Australia.

Previously, Candle's IT recruitment business -- Candle ICT -- serviced Adelaide clients from its Sydney and Melbourne offices.

Robert Collins, managing director of Candle Australia, said the acquisition would help expand the company's IT brand in Adelaide, and act as a base for services in South Australia and the Northern Territory.

According to a statement, Candle Australia said the purchase price was expected to be around $1.1 million.

Choice IT was founded in 1999. It specialises in senior ICT placements and contracts.

For the short term it would be business as usual at Choice IT. Though the plan was to eventually carry the Candle ICT name, Collins said this would only happen if it was in the best interests of staff and clients.

Originally an IT recruitment company, Candle has diversified into the banking and finance, administration, record management and accounting sectors.

Coinciding with the Choice IT announcement, Candle has also announced the acquisition of Sydney-based commercial accounting recruitment firm Parker Bridge.