News
BGF successfully exits fast-growth recruiter Metric Search
Following a successful partnership with BGF, the Midlands-based business has been acquired by US firm Southfield Capital, valuing it at US$100 million.
24 March 2026
BGF has successfully exited its investment in Nottingham-headquartered specialist executive search and talent solutions firm Metric Search, after 20 months. The business has been acquired by US-based Southfield Capital, valuing the business at US$100 million. The exit has generated a return for BGF of 4.1x MM and an IRR of 138%. It is BGF’s third exit in the Midlands in four years to generate an IRR in excess of 120%.
The strategic partnership with Southfield represents a significant milestone in Metric’s growth trajectory, following a period of rapid expansion, backed by BGF. It positions the firm to continue the expansion and acceleration of its global footprint with an institutional partner.
Founded in New York in 2019, by Joe Jani, Metric has been recognised in the Financial Times FT1000 list of fastest-growing companies in both 2025 and 2026. The firm has grown to over 130 consultants, across seven global offices, delivering senior and executive-level search through four specialist sub-brands: Metric Geo (Engineering and Infrastructure), Metric DCX (Data Centers), Metric Bio (Life Sciences and MedTech), and Metric Exec (C-suite and PE-backed executive search).
“In the last two years, we’ve accelerated our growth ambitions, expanded our global footprint, and built a very high-performing business that has a strong and collaborative culture at its core. We are unapologetic about our appetite for growth. In a global recruitment market that is vast and highly competitive, we have set ourselves apart, and created a strong and trusted brand. BGF has played a significant part in delivering our growth plan, working with us in partnership to achieve this fantastic result for Metric.”
Joe Jani
Founder & CEO of Metric Search
Metric embraced BGF’s strategic and value creation expertise, to support and accelerate scaling. The business made significant investment in enhancing governance and digital infrastructure, expanding the senior team, and evolving the high-performing people and L&D platform. BGF also introduced Andy McRae as Non-Executive Chair, who has brought a wealth of valuable industry experience to the company.
The original deal and exit was led by BGF Midlands investor Adam Huckerby, who sat on the board of Metric, with support from investor Sam Giurani.
“This exit is a fantastic result for everyone involved. It’s remarkable what the business has achieved in such a short period of time, but that is a reflection on the strength of Joe and the entire Metric team. They’ve shown real tenacity and a relentless drive to succeed. It’s been a privilege to support them on this journey and I wish them every continued success.”
Adam Huckerby
Investor at BGF
The exit from Metric adds to a series of recent successful exits for BGF in the Midlands, including Brisant Secure and Monodraught. Together, these exits highlight the breadth of BGF’s portfolio and the strength of its partnership model, which supports ambitious management teams in achieving both commercial success and long-term impact.
BGF recently announced a major commitment to invest £3 billion in UK businesses over the next five years, with £300 million being invested in Midlands-based businesses.
