by Bermuda-resident Michael DeGroote, has raised about $50 million to pay for its acquisitions over the past 13 months.

The company raised the money to pay for part of what it called an "aggressive acquisition'' programme over the past 13 months.

Mr. DeGroote, a Canadian, is Century's chairman, president and chief executive officer. Century, which is listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange, has bought about 30 companies across the US over the past year. The company provides outsourced business services to small and medium sized companies.

Mr. DeGroote has resided in Bermuda since 1990 after selling Canadian waste management company Laidlaw.