Astra HR Acquired by Xcel HR

Consolidations in the PEO industry continue, Astra HR acquired by Xcel HR.

Xcel HR continued its growth through acquisition in 2011 with the acquisition of Astra HR, a PEO based in Maryland. The acquisition propels Xcel HR PEO services to over 9000 worksite employees and increases the coverage of Xcel HR throughout the Northeastern United States. In addition, the Xcel HR ASO division serves another 8000 employees. Press releases from Xcel HR indicated that they cover 47 states in the US although their traditional strengths remain DC, Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Indiana, Alabama and New York. Xcel HR is privately held and terms of the acquisition have not been disclosed.
StaffMarket Services Profile for Xcel HR

Lots of name changes through the years for Astra HR

Astra HR was originally established with StaffMarket in 2001 as a PEO named ProLease. ProLease was active in the Maryland and Virginia PEO markets. In 2006 Prolease changed its name to Paystaff although this was a DBA for HR Systems Inc. In February 2009, Paystaff changed its name to Astra HR and now has been acquired by Xcel HR.