Atlantic International Corp., the Nasdaq-listed staffing provider, completed an all-stock acquisition of Circle8 Group on Jan. 23, 2026, forging a cross-continental powerhouse with roughly $1.2 billion in unaudited annual revenue. The deal marries Atlantic’s North American light-industrial operations through its Lyneer Staffing Solutions subsidiary—serving food production, manufacturing and logistics sectors—with Circle8’s high-growth European IT talent business, which posted $780 million in unaudited 2025 revenue and eyes $1 billion organically in 2026.

Circle8 will function as a wholly owned subsidiary, retaining operational independence under founder and CEO Guus Franke, who assumes the role of executive chairman on Atlantic’s board. “This acquisition creates immediate strategic value through complementary capabilities, expanded geographic reach, cross-selling opportunities, and a more balanced and diversified revenue mix,” said Jeffrey Jagid, chief executive of Atlantic International Corp., in the official announcement via GlobeNewswire. E.F. Hutton & Co. acted as exclusive M&A advisor.

Strategic Synergies Emerge

Atlantic, headquartered in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., entered the staffing arena in June 2024 by acquiring Lyneer, which generated over $440 million in revenue for the year ended Dec. 31, 2024, according to its annual report filed with the SEC on March 28, 2025, as covered by GlobeNewswire. The company had targeted $1 billion to $1.5 billion in revenue within 12 to 18 months through organic growth and deals, per Staffing Industry Analysts.

Circle8, operating via specialized brands across Europe, manages over 12,000 technology professionals specializing in software development, data analytics, cybersecurity, project management and emerging technologies. It notched an 85% success rate on government tenders in 2025, locking in long-term contracts, and serves Fortune 500 tech firms, government agencies and major European corporations, as detailed in the press release.

The partnership with Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team as its official IT global talent-matching provider highlights Circle8’s prowess in high-stakes environments, announced in June 2024 via Aston Martin F1. “Circle8’s exceptional growth trajectory, blue-chip client relationships and market-leading position in European IT staffing meaningfully advance our strategy,” Jagid added.

Leadership Visions Align

Guus Franke, who built Circle8 through a ‘buy and build’ approach via his investment firm Axiom—tripling its size in four years—emphasized continental complementarity. “Joining Atlantic International represents an exciting new chapter for Circle8. Together, we can offer clients comprehensive workforce solutions across continents and talent categories,” Franke stated in the ROI-NJ report. Under his helm, Circle8 deployed AI, automation and direct sourcing for margin gains.

Atlantic’s clients, many multinational with European tech needs, pair seamlessly with Circle8’s North American-exposed customers. The combined entity promises cross-selling, revenue diversification into higher-margin IT from industrial staffing, and leverage from Circle8’s post-acquisition operational focus.

Details await Atlantic’s Form 8-K filing, but the structure preserves Circle8’s autonomy while aligning governance. Forward-looking statements note risks from Atlantic’s 10-K filed March 28, 2025.

Market Reactions and Growth Path

ATLN shares rose 5.33% to $3.96 in pre-market trading post-announcement, per Nasdaq, but later dropped amid profit-taking after a prior rally, as noted in X posts from @whydidthismove. Benzinga highlighted the deal as creating a “global hiring giant” via Benzinga.

This milestone accelerates Atlantic’s multibillion-dollar ambitions, blending Lyneer’s top-20 U.S. light-industrial ranking—per Staffing Industry Analysts—with Circle8’s European dominance. Investors eye integration for margin expansion and cash flow in a talent-scarce market.

Operational Engines Revved

Lyneer operates 40 on-site facilities nationwide, securing deals like a $17 million e-commerce logistics contract in September 2025 and $10-12 million pacts in food and distribution, boosting visibility, as reported in prior GlobeNewswire releases. Circle8’s government wins and F1 tie-up add prestige and stability.

The platform now spans industrial and tech talent across regions, positioning for global enterprises’ hybrid needs. Franke’s board role ensures execution continuity, while Jagid’s vision targets scaled efficiencies.

Transaction economics, share issuance impacts and synergies will clarify in SEC filings, but the deal vaults Atlantic into elite staffing territory amid rising demand for specialized labor.