In 2025, the human resources and temporary work sector continued its phase of structuring, driven by a sustained number of external growth transactions. These movements reflect clear strategies from industry players: strengthening their presence in the most dynamic labor markets and expanding their service offerings by integrating new skills and expertise.
This 2025 M&A review provides an overview of the market, highlights the main transactions of the year, and anticipates prospects for 2026.
2025 M&A Overview: Human Resources and Temporary Work Transactions
Amid a continuing market slowdown, mergers and acquisitions remain a central growth lever for HR and temporary work providers. Several factors explain the persistence of this dynamic:
Continued digitalization and pursuit of scale: Investments by sector leaders confirm the acceleration of digital adoption, both internally—through process optimization via AI and Big Data—and externally—by simplifying access to services for clients and candidates. These transformations are accompanied by significant investments in new tools and open the door to targeted external growth opportunities.
Expansion into new activities: Leading players aim to consolidate their position by diversifying their activity mix. This strategy involves integrating complementary services, notably in training, staffing, or recruitment, to offer more comprehensive solutions and capture greater value across the HR chain.
Territorial expansion: In a sector where client proximity and responsiveness are critical, expanding territorial coverage is key. External growth strategies target local and international locations near major employment hubs, both in France and abroad, where demand for temporary work remains strong.
Focus on Temporary Work in 2025: A Recovering Sector
Since 2022, the use of temporary work has declined and is increasingly used as a short-term adjustment tool. In 2024, 88% of temporary assignments addressed unexpected activity spikes, while 53% compensated for staff absences. This trend is reflected in the number of full-time equivalent (FTE) temporary workers in France, which stood at 711,797 in 2025, down from 745,367 in 2024.
The shorter and less predictable nature of temporary assignments increases the precariousness of missions. In practice, this resulted in a 4.5% decrease in the number of temporary jobs in 2025 compared to 2024. Meanwhile, the average assignment duration continues to contract, from 2.1 weeks in 2020 to 1.9 weeks in 2024 and 2025.
Emergence of Structuring Temporary Work Players
After a strong expansion phase between 2014 and 2022, marked by a proliferation of players—from 2,919 to 5,026 companies—the temporary work market has entered a maturity phase. Since 2022, this evolution has been characterized less by new entrants and more by the rise of players who have structured themselves, differentiated, and achieved sustained growth. These development trajectories have led to the emergence of now-essential groups: today, the top 15 players account for nearly 65% of the sector’s business volume, demonstrating their ability to become major benchmarks in the French market.
Growth of Alternative Staffing Solutions
Alternative solutions to temporary work are also gaining traction. Short-term fixed-term contracts (CDDs) are increasingly used, notably for cost control purposes. For example, 9.58 million CDDs concluded in the first half of 2025 had durations under one month, compared with 18.76 million for the entire year of 2024.
The growth of freelance and independent work represents another structuring trend. The number of self-employed professionals tripled between 2018 and 2024, now seen as a credible alternative to temporary work, at an average cost roughly 50% lower than that of temporary workers.
In this context, HR companies based on independent worker models are emerging and taking market share from traditional players. Examples include Slash Intérim, which raised €4M to continue its development, and the recruitment firm Good Recruiter.
Major 2025 Transactions
PROMAN continues diversifying its offerings
PROMAN pursued acquisitions to broaden its activity mix. In April 2025, the group acquired ONESTAFF, a specialist connecting companies and freelancers (10,000 clients and 60,000 freelancers), followed by EMBARQ, a professional employer organization generating €130M revenue in 2024. In December 2025, the acquisition of Groupe BREIZH (orchestrated by AURIS Finance), specializing in providing qualified staff in meat processing and temporary work in Brittany, complemented this strategy. These transactions illustrate PROMAN’s goal to reduce dependence on temporary staffing by developing complementary activities.
Intensified international acquisitions
The Japanese group PERSOL invested €120M to acquire 85% of GOJOB, marking its entry into the European market and supporting its growth, particularly in R&D.
DOMINO RH strengthened its European footprint by acquiring the Spanish group AGIO GLOBAL in April 2025, leveraging a network of ten agencies across Spain.
Other notable 2025 deals
The year also saw multiple transactions aimed at diversification and territorial strengthening, such as NETWORK INTÉRIM’s acquisitions of MÉTAL INTER and MY-JOB INTÉRIM (advised by AURIS Finance). BELVEDIA reinforced its presence in Haute-Savoie by acquiring three local temporary work providers.
Outlook for 2026
The outlook for 2026 appears generally positive. Temporary staffing agency revenues are expected to increase by 1.5% compared to 2025, driven by continued digital investment and a gradual business recovery. While price pressures will persist, they should not exceed 2025 levels.
Trends observed in 2025—offer diversification and territorial consolidation—are expected to continue. The projected increase in temporary worker numbers (+1%) will translate into higher business volume, with 719,256 FTEs anticipated in 2026, up from 711,797 in 2025.
In this context, competition will intensify primarily around pricing. Adjustments to pricing coefficients will be a key strategic lever to retain clients and secure new contracts.
Summary
The HR and temporary work market is gradually recovering, supported by an expected rise in temporary FTEs, diversified offerings, and national and international expansion in an otherwise fragmented European market. Continued investment in digitalization, particularly AI and process automation, should further strengthen this momentum. By 2026, the sector’s consolidated business volume could reach approximately €35.7B, compared with €35.2B in 2024.
AURIS Support
In this context of increased consolidation, AURIS Finance has once again established itself as a leading M&A advisor in human resources and temporary work, completing seven transactions during the year. Its deep sector knowledge and ability to address strategic client challenges allow it to actively contribute to the market’s structuring and evolution.
Anticipate Tomorrow’s Opportunities
In a rapidly evolving market, every strategic decision is critical. Acquisition, divestiture, or fundraising: AURIS Finance offers recognized sector expertise and tailored support to secure and maximize transaction value. Seize tomorrow’s opportunities today by discussing your projects and ambitions with us.
Expert Insight: Damien Gros’ Vision for 2026
“In 2026, the human resources and temporary work sector will continue to structure itself, with players consolidating territorial coverage and diversifying their offerings. Digitalization and the integration of new skills will guide external growth strategies.”
| Date de l’opération | Acquéreur(s) | Cible | Type d’opération | Activité de la cible |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| déc-25 | Proman | Humanys | M&A Corporate | Travail Temporaire |
| nov-25 | Julhiet Sterwen | HR Conseil | Build-up | Transformation Digital RH |
| sept-25 | Forecast consulting & Groupe EIF | SBEP | Build-up | Conseil RH |
| sept-25 | Mercer | Geneo capital | Rive croissance & BPI France | Convictions RH | M&A Corporate | Conseil RH |
| sept-25 | RAS Intérim | Florence Dore | M&A Corporate | Travail Temporaire |
| juil-25 | Working spirit | Top Emploi | M&A Corporate | Travail temporaire |
| juil-25 | Groupe Adecco | Alta Aeroport | M&A Corporate | Travail temporaire |
| mars-25 | Network interim | Myjob Interim | M&A Corporate | Travail temporaire |
| mars-25 | Network interim | Metal-inter | M&A Corporate | Travail temporaire |
| mars-25 | Proman | Embarq | M&A Corporate | Portage salariale |
| mars-25 | Domino RH | Agio Global | M&A Corporate | Travail temporaire |
| mars-25 | Alixio | Von Rundstedt Switzerland | Build-up | Conseil RH |
| févr-25 | Samsic | Expertnet | M&A Corporate | Travail temporaire |
| déc-25 | Proman | BREIZH interim | M&A Corporate | Mise à disposition de personnel qualifié |
| déc-25 | Proman | Presta BREIZH | M&A Corporate | Travail temporaire |
| juin-25 | Intwee Emploi | Label Interim | M&A Corporate | Travail temporaire |
| juin-25 | Actual | API | M&A Corporate | Travail temporaire |
| févr-25 | HER Finance | EVS Interim | M&A Corporate | Travail temporaire |
| avr-25 | Belvedia | Acti’v Emploi | M&A Corporate | Travail temporaire |
| avr-25 | Belvedia | Axexens RH | M&A Corporate | Travail temporaire |
| avr-25 | Belvedia | 74 Emploi | M&A Corporate | Travail temporaire |
| juil-25 | Proman | Onestaff | M&A Corporate | Plateforme de mise en relation de freelances et entreprises |
| oct-25 | Persol | Gojob | M&A Corporate | Travail temporaire |
| oct-25 | Reflexion capital | Slash intérim | LBO | Plateforme de mise en relation spécialisée en intérim |
