Atlantic International Corp., listed on Nasdaq as ATLN, completed an all-stock acquisition of Circle8 Group on January 23, 2026, forging a global workforce solutions powerhouse with approximately $1.2 billion in unaudited annual revenue. The deal merges Atlantic’s North American light industrial staffing operations, delivered through its Lyneer Staffing Solutions subsidiary, with Circle8’s dominant European IT and technology talent business, which posted $780 million in 2025 revenue and targets $1 billion organically in 2026, according to the press release distributed via GlobeNewswire.

This transaction positions the combined entity to serve multinational clients across food production, manufacturing, logistics, software development, data analytics, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies. Circle8 manages over 12,000 technology professionals through a portfolio of specialized brands, boasting an 85% success rate on government tenders in 2025 for long-term contracts. E.F. Hutton & Co. acted as the exclusive M&A advisor, with further details forthcoming in Atlantic’s Form 8-K filing, as noted in StockTitan.

Jeffrey Jagid, chief executive officer of Atlantic International Corp., emphasized the strategic fit: “This acquisition creates immediate strategic value through complementary capabilities, expanded geographic reach, cross-selling opportunities, and a more balanced and diversified revenue mix.”

Bridging Industrial Muscle and Tech Precision

Atlantic’s Lyneer Staffing Solutions caters to U.S. clients in high-volume sectors, many with European operations needing tech support. Conversely, Circle8’s Fortune 500 tech clients, government agencies, and large European corporations often require North American industrial labor. The synergy promises cross-selling: Atlantic’s manufacturing giants accessing Circle8’s IT experts, and vice versa. Circle8 will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary with autonomy intact, as reported by StreetInsider.

Guus Franke, Circle8’s founder, will retain his CEO role while joining Atlantic’s board as executive chairman, ensuring leadership continuity. Franke stated, “Joining Atlantic International represents an exciting new chapter for Circle8. Together, we can offer clients comprehensive workforce solutions across continents and talent categories.” This structure supports operational excellence via AI, automation, and direct sourcing, per the Yahoo Finance coverage of the announcement.

The deal advances Atlantic’s consolidation playbook. Previously known as SeqLL Inc., it acquired Lyneer in 2024, building scale in staffing with over 1,100 U.S. customers. Jagid noted then that Lyneer served as a platform for medical, IT, and engineering deals, a strategy now realized with Circle8, according to ROI-NJ.

Circle8’s High-Octane F1 Pedigree

Circle8’s credentials shine through its role as the official IT global talent-matching partner for the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team, announced in June 2024. This alliance, where Circle8’s logo adorns the AMR24 race car and team kit, underscores its prowess in high-stakes, performance-driven talent delivery. Sophie Ackland, Aston Martin Aramco’s chief people officer, said, “Our people are our greatest asset. We have seen unprecedented growth and with our ambitious plans we want to ensure we are attracting the best talent to the team,” as detailed on the Aston Martin F1 website.

Circle8’s “Total Talent Flow” philosophy matches professionals in tech and ICT to F1’s demanding environment, from trackside IT engineers to cybersecurity leads. The partnership supports Aston Martin’s workforce doubling to over 850 at its Silverstone campus, aligning with Circle8’s growth from acquisitions like Koenigstein Consulting, per PitchBook.

Founded in 1986 and headquartered in Cham, Switzerland, Circle8 tripled in size over four years via buyouts, serving over 500 clients. Its F1 tie-in highlights mission-critical placements in complex settings, now amplifying Atlantic’s platform, as highlighted in the acquisition press release on Circle8’s site.

Financial Engine and Growth Accelerators

The $1.2 billion revenue blend diversifies Atlantic from cyclical industrial staffing into higher-margin IT services. Circle8’s government wins provide revenue stability, while AI-driven efficiencies promise margin gains. Atlantic’s S-3 shelf registration for $250 million in securities, filed December 2025, equips further deals, noted in Nasdaq.

Post-deal, the focus shifts to integration, cross-regional sales, and leveraging Circle8’s 2026 $1 billion target. Investors eye SEC filings for dilution details from the stock swap. Market reaction saw ATLN shares dip initially, per X posts, but the scale bolsters long-term value in a staffing sector ripe for consolidation amid talent shortages.

Atlantic’s path—from genomics firm SeqLL to staffing titan via Lyneer and now Circle8—mirrors broader trends. As global firms navigate hybrid work and tech demands, this platform eyes multi-billion-dollar ambitions, with Jagid’s team poised for disciplined expansion across verticals and continents.

Strategic Horizons in Talent Wars