Aquent has acquired Adelaide-based specialist creative and advertising recruitment company, Artstar Recruitment Management.

The purchase provides an Adelaide presence for Aquent and boosts its growing network of offices in the Asia Pacific.

Former Artstar owner, Kirsty Parkin will continue to manage and grow the business for Aquent in Adelaide.

Aquent ceo Greg Savage said Aquent management was familiar with, and respected Parkin, who had previously worked in Sydney in the sector.

He said the Artstar business would provide a good base for growth in South Australia. "We want to be in all markets in Asia Pacific where we can make money," said Savage.

He said Aquent's push into the marketing and communications sectors was continuing and more than 40% of the company's consultants were now focussed on those areas.

Aquent now has more than 120 staff in this region, up from less than 20 five years ago.