One of the fastest-growing private companies in Sussex is involved in a multi-million pound merger.

Olympian Consultancy, the recruitment consultancy set up ten years ago by Richard Leman, the former Great Britain Olympic men's hockey team captain, is to merge with Plexus.

The new company is to be called Plexian Group.

The merger is expected to consolidate the position of the organisations, which both feature in the Sunday Times/Virgin Fasttrack 100 Top 20.

Howard Butterfield, chairman of Plexus, said: "The merger brings together two companies with similar cultures and a complementary service that creates an organisation with a £40 million turnover and a complete UK branch network.

"This will allow Plexian to be even more effective in sourcing and supporting clients, contractors and candidates nationwide."

Olympian managing director Mark Taylor said: "The very successful Olympian office in Sydney initiates the international network with advanced plans for offices in The Netherlands and the east coast of the US due to open next year.

"This will allow us to further capitalise on the globalising nature of the web."

Mr Leman, who is chairman of Olympian, said: "Staff will have greater opportunities for future personal growth within the enlarged business.

"These are very exciting times for all concerned."