Recruitment firm Michael Page sees further consolidation in the staffing services market, the group's chief executive told a Swiss newspaper, adding the UK based firm was not looking to be bought.

Further takeovers are to be expected, CEO Steve Ingham told the twice weekly Finanz und Wirtschaft.

Michael Page, which specialises in high margin professional and permanent staffing, reported a 30 percent rise in its first half gross profit. The jobs firm is seen as an attractive acquisition target for larger firms like Adecco or Vedior who are looking to strengthen their foothold in the fast growing professional staffing market.

If someone came and offered 600 pence per share, I would consider entering into talks, said Ingham.

Because we are not a large shareholder it is not my job or that of my colleagues on the board to decide whether Michael Page belongs in different hands. This does not mean that we are looking to be bought, he said.

Shares in the group closed at 384 pence on Friday.

Ingham said that most takeovers in the industry will evolve around medium sized job firms like Adecco's recent acquisition, Germany's DIS, which also focuses on specialty, or highly skilled, staffing.

Many competitors want to grow in this market, but don't really know how, Ingham said.

United kingdom