NEW YORK — Feb 10, 2015

Morgan Stanley Global Private Equity (MSPE) today announced the completion of the sale of its majority interest in EmployBridge, a leading provider of specialty staffing services, to The Select Family of Staffing Companies, a national provider of workforce management services, for approximately $410 million.  MSPE and Constitution Capital acquired EmployBridge for $165 million in May 2011.

MSPE invested in EmployBridge in May 2011, citing strong secular trends in post-recession contingent labor usage by U.S. companies.  In September 2012, MSPE invested in Creative Circle, a Los Angeles-based provider of freelance creative talent into advertising and marketing fields, including interactive marketing, digital advertising and traditional media. 

“We have focused on human capital management because we believe the companies in this sector have played a critical role during the recent recovery of the U.S. economy and will continue to prosper in the coming years,” said Aaron Sack, Managing Director of MSPE.  “Businesses of all sizes have benefited from the flexibility and efficiencies that contingent labor and outsourced human resources provides.”

“Morgan Stanley Global Private Equity works closely with portfolio companies to evaluate organic growth and acquisition strategies, and we are proud of EmployBridge’s many successes over the course of the investment period,” said Jim Howland, Managing Director and an Operating Partner of MSPE.  “Since 2011, we have worked with EmployBridge management to successfully complete four add-on acquisitions and achieve substantial growth in revenue during our ownership.”

MSPE was advised on the transaction by William Blair & Company and Debevoise & Plimpton LLP.

About Morgan Stanley Global Private Equity

Morgan Stanley Global Private Equity is a leading middle-market private equity platform that has invested capital in a broad spectrum of industries for nearly three decades.  Global Private Equity focuses on privately negotiated equity and equity-related investments primarily in North America, as well as in Europe and other regions.  Combining the talents of seasoned investment professionals and experienced operating partners, the team creates value in portfolio companies primarily through operational improvements.  Global Private Equity also leverages the brand and unparalleled global network of Morgan Stanley to source investment intelligence and opportunities.  For further information about Morgan Stanley Global Private Equity, please visit www.morganstanley.com/im/capitalpartners.

About Morgan Stanley

Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) is a leading global financial services firm providing a wide range of investment banking, securities, wealth management and investment management services. With offices in more than 43 countries, the Firm's employees serve clients worldwide including corporations, governments, institutions and individuals. For further information about Morgan Stanley, please visit www.morganstanley.com.