The Specialist Group Further Strengthens its Technical Talent Network with Acquisition of NLIST
NLIST’s focuses on sourcing highly skilled international talents to help meet the growing demand for specialists in critical industries and sectors supporting in the energy transition.
Moerdijk, the Netherlands – 25 february 2025 – The Specialist Group (“TSG”), a market leader in Western Europe in providing technical specialists for the energy, industrial, infrastructure, high-tech, and life sciences sectors, today announces the acquisition of NLIST. NLIST is a renowned talent resourcing firm specialized in placing international technical personnel in the Netherlands through its expansive network of professionals across South Africa and other key markets.
The transaction effectively positions TSG for future growth in Western Europe where the energy transition is increasing the demand for technical personnel beyond the local labor market’s capacity. Together, NLIST and TSG will be able to provide clients with more comprehensive technical staffing solutions. NLIST also affords TSG access to an important new strategic vertical in building efficiency and technical installations. By aligning NLIST’s strong network in the global labor market with TSG’s existing and extensive client base, the combined group will be well placed to accelerate its expansion and strengthen its international recruitment activities.
Sil Hoeve, CEO of The Specialist Group, commented: “The acquisition of NLIST is an important next step in our growth strategy and follows a period of strong performance for TSG. We are continually seeking ways to expand our services and meet the rising demand for technical personnel in Western Europe, particularly within the energy transition. At present, we have more than 3,000 professionals placed across various industries, and our goal is to double this number by 2030. Beyond the strategic advantages such as increased operational efficiencies and potential for further business growth that the transaction provides, we highly value the strong cultural fit we have found in NLIST and look forward to working together to provide our clients with a best-in-class service.”
Anne-Jan Geertsma and Dennis Kuiper, Managing Partners of NLIST, added: “Given the strong sector overlap with TSG, this partnership presents a unique opportunity to strengthen our position in the Netherlands while expanding into other European markets. A key benefit of this transaction is that we retain our identity while leveraging TSG’s network to scale our operations and deepen our expertise. In the field of sourcing high skilled technical international talents we are now among the five largest companies in the Netherlands. This collaboration with TSG is a key milestone in our ambition to become a market leader within our niche over the next five years.”
NLIST will continue to operate as an independent brand within The Specialist Group post transaction. Financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed.
About The Specialist Group
The Specialist Group (“TSG”) is based in Moerdijk, Netherlands, and provides technical specialists to over 600 clients in technical markets such as energy, industry, infrastructure, high-tech, and life sciences. The company focuses on achieving the energy transition. Currently, more than 80% of TSG’s specialists are involved in projects that contribute to the energy transition or a more sustainable industry. The company operates through six labels (STAR, Sensor, Litecad, ECC Solutions, Altio, and NLIST) and offers regional coverage in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Sweden, and Austria. It targets both experienced candidates and young professionals in the local and international labor market. TSG is supported by funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management L.P. (“Oaktree”), a leading global investment manager specializing in alternative investments. As of December 31, 2024, Oaktree has $202 billion in assets under management. For more information, visit www.thespecialistgroup.com.
About NLIST
NLIST is a recruitment agency specialized in helping international technicians and engineers to a new future in the Netherlands. The company has a specific expertise with highly skilled international talents in the technical sector. NLIST takes care of the relocation of professionals to the Netherlands and since the start in 2018 NLIST has helped over 500 internationals and their families relocate to the Netherlands. On a daily basis NLIST has over 140 internationals working for a wide range of clients. From their offices in Meppel and Heerhugowaard, they operate nationwide in the Netherlands. Their key focus areas include maintenance, engineering, and IT.