Milwaukee-based workforce development company
Circa, formerly known as LocalJobNetwork, has acquired Massachusetts-based
America’s Job Exchange.
Earlier this week, LocalJobNetwork announced it had rebranded as Circa with a focus on using its diversity recruiting technology and outreach management platform to connect job seekers to companies looking for a diverse workforce.
Patrick Sheahan, chief executive officer of Circa, said the company’s acquisition of Andover, Massachusetts-based AJE, a provider of diversity recruitment and OFCCP (Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs) compliance technology solutions, is “an important strategic step.”
“This accelerates our growth, expands our services and increases our market share,” Sheahan said. “Yet more importantly, the joining of these two companies underpins the significance of establishing an industry leader committed to helping organizations build powerful, diverse teams to transform their businesses.”
Founded as LocalJobNetwork – a system of job recruiting websites – in 1994, Circa today has about 5,000 customers and includes more than 600 employment websites. The company is based in Milwaukee and is owned by private equity firm Gauge Capital, based in Southlake, Texas.
Circa’s services include helping companies meet OFCCP job listing requirements, diversity recruiting, diversity outreach management, applicant tracking system, local recruiting and job posting.
AJE was founded in 1995 – then as America’s Job Bank – by the U.S. Department of Labor. The company provides services for OFCCP compliance, including job listings and outreach.
Circa said shifting its focus to diversity recruiting reflects a larger movement among companies as they approach diversity not as a program but instead as a business strategy.
"Diversity of thought, talent and team is often the determining factor between companies that lead their category and those that are left behind," Sheahan said. "Technology advancements have brought people worldwide closer together and revealed cultural uniqueness. It is proven that through diversity, we are given the opportunity to understand each other better, build stronger relationships, and drive innovation and revenue growth to our organizations.”