Circle8 Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: CIRC) announced on September 10, 2026, that it has submitted a preliminary, non-binding proposal to acquire SThree plc (LSE: STEM.L). SThree is an international specialist STEM business. The filing indicates that the process is in the early stages and that there is no certainty a firm offer will be made.
According to the company’s press release, Circle8 believes a combination would significantly accelerate its global strategy. The proposal is structured to be financed without issuing additional common stock, meaning existing Circle8 shareholders would not be diluted by the transaction.
Circle8 stated that SThree generated approximately £1.3 billion in gross revenue during fiscal 2025. The company estimates that the combined entities could approach $3 billion in gross revenue. Circle8 serves more than 500 enterprise and government clients and employs over 16,000 professionals. The company generated more than $1.2 billion in gross revenue during 2025.
Circle8’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Guus Franke, commented on the proposal, stating that the transaction is designed to protect the ownership interests of existing shareholders. He noted that the company believes its current Nasdaq valuation significantly undervalues its scale and commercial momentum.
The press release includes forward-looking statements regarding the proposal, the financing structure, and the potential strategic benefits. Circle8 noted that there are significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations.
