Aquent has consolidated its market share in the specialist creative recruitment sector, with the acquisition of Melbourne-based recruitment company, Dux Creative Consultants. Aquent has also expanded its national reach, with the purchase of Perth-based creative and advertising industry recruitment company, Hire Performers.

Aquent Asia Pacific ceo Greg Savage told Shortlist that the acquisition of Dux, Aquent's biggest direct competitor in Victoria , would make Aquent clearly the largest specialist recruiter in the creative sector.

"During the past three years, Aquent has embarked on a carefully mapped out expansion and growth strategy," he said.

Earlier this year, Aquent purchased a South Australian-based recruitment company, Artstar. In total, Aquent has acquired five companies over the past two years.

Established 16 years ago, Dux specialises in placing freelance and perm staff in advertising, design and publishing roles.

Dux managing director Vicki McKay said that Dux's clients would benefit from Aquent's support network and resources. She told Shortlist that all of its staff will join Aquent in new offices in early November. Part of the deal will also see Dux be re-branded as Aquent.

Aquent has also acquired small Perth-based creative recruitment company, Hire Performers, to further expand its Australian network.

Hire Performers was established over ten years ago and specialises mainly in freelance and perm creative and account service personnel for the advertising industry.

Hire Performers will be re-branded under the Aquent name, and proprietor Karen Thomson will continue with the business.

Thomson told Shortlist that she expected Hire Performers' clients to benefit from Aquent's expertise and greater reach in the marketing, advertising and media industry.

Over the past five years, Aquent has grown steadily, and its Asia Pacific operations now contribute about 25% of the company's total global profits.

It now has 16 offices in the Asia Pacific region and employs 140 staff. Recently, it expanded its presence in Asia with new offices in Kuala Lumpur and Shanghai.