PE Global Acquires Aphex
PE GLOBAL – the Cork-based recruitment agency specialising in tailored hiring solutions in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors – acquires APHEX AUTOMATION SYSTEMS, the specialist pharmaceutical engineering staffing firm
Pharmeng Limited, trading as PE Global (“PE Global”), part of the BPVA (Ireland) Limited (the “BPVA Group”, “BPVA”), one of Ireland’s largest Human Capital and Consultancy Services groups, has acquired Waterford-based Aphex Automation Systems Limited, trading as Aphex (“Aphex”) to expand its pharmaceutical engineering capability. The acquisition provides PE Global with a specialist business in this sector that aligns well with both PE Global and BPVA’s existing portfolio of resourcing, talent and consultancy businesses. BPVA’s capital partners, AIB & Duke Capital, provided financial support for the acquisition, but no financial details of the transaction were disclosed.
Aphex commenced business in 2017 by Kevin Walsh & Elaine Moore and is a successful recruitment firm focused on the pharmaceutical engineering sector. Ms Moore will be staying with Aphex notwithstanding the transaction, and it will be “business as usual” in relation to staff, operations and clients.
PE Global has now completed 4 acquisitions, namely Aphex, Hamilton French, QAR, and Trust Nurse Services, with the BPVA Group having completed another 9, namely Vantage, Sabeo, Brightwater, Alternatives, Raretec, Pinta, Mentors, Sonas and PE Global itself. PE Global and BPVA will continue to focus on organic growth across the group along with targeted acquisitions.
Keith McDonagh, Managing Director of PE Global said: “We are very excited about supporting the growth of Aphex as part of PE Global and the broader BPVA Group. The success of Aphex is based on a high-quality team combined with a laser-focused approach to meeting its clients’ needs.”
John Hannon & John Lacy, Co-Founders and Co-CEO’s of BPVA said: “Aphex is a top-tier staffing firm serving successful clients in the pharmaceutical engineering sector – a key focus of PE Global and BPVA. The BPVA Group will now work with PE Global to support Aphex’s continued growth. BPVA has had a very successful 2026 thus far, achieving a range of organic growth objectives, and we will continue to seek out accretive acquisitions with our capital partners – Duke Capital and AIB. We look forward to the future with enthusiasm for all our exemplary team members and valued clients across a broad range of industries.”
Kevin Walsh & Elaine Moore of Aphex said: “We look forward to seeing Aphex continue to grow as part of PE Global and the broader BPVA Group. The successful development of Aphex to date is based on a high-quality team combined with a continuous focus on serving our clients’ requirements. Both PE Global’s and BPVA’s major position in the resourcing and talent industry in Ireland will provide great support for the continued growth of Aphex.”