Hudson Global Acquires Karani
November 8, 2021 – Old Greenwich, Conn.-based recruiting firm Hudson Global Inc. has acquired Karani, a Chicago-headquartered recruiting services provider that serves mainly U.S.-based customers from its operations in India and the Philippines. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “We are very excited to welcome the Karani team to Hudson RPO and believe this accretive combination will generate considerable value for our clients, team and stockholders,” said Jeff Eberwein, CEO. “The addition of Karani will enhance Hudson RPO’s global delivery capability and open up opportunities to win new business in India and other new markets. As a combined company, we expect to expand Karani’s offering beyond the U.S., leverage the capability of the Karani team for Hudson RPO projects and clients, penetrate the enterprise RPO markets in India and the Philippines, and strengthen Hudson RPO’s expertise in technology recruitment.”
Karani partners with recruitment and staffing firms to assist with recruiting, sourcing, screening, onboarding and other talent-related services across a variety of industries. Karani has about 500 employees in India and 100 in the Philippines. “All current employees of Karani and its subsidiaries will be joining Hudson RPO, except for owner and CEO Dan Williams,” said Mr. Eberwein. “Dan will be retiring from his leadership role at Karani and its subsidiaries but will be an advisor to us for a period of 12 months. We congratulate Dan on his many successes in the human capital management industry over his long, storied career and wish him well in his future retirement. Both Dan and I are very confident in the strong leadership team at Karani and strongly believe this team will thrive as part of Hudson RPO.”
“Everyone at Karani and its subsidiaries should be very proud of this milestone; it is a testament to their hard work and dedication to our clients,” Mr. Williams said. “Karani is thrilled to join forces with Hudson RPO to accelerate growth, continue to provide excellent service to existing clients, begin to serve Hudson RPO’s clients and together win enterprise RPO business around the world.”
Recent Acquisitions
Acquisitions and consolidations continue to make news in the recruiting industry, with a number of notable purchases in recent months. Here is a sampling from the Hunt Scanlon Media archives:
Korn Ferry has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Lucas Group. “This combination is the right move at the right time,” said Korn Ferry CEO Gary D. Burnison. “Today’s workscape is being transformed before our eyes – people working anywhere, everywhere and at any time. Professionals are on the move. Boomers are retiring, and career nomads are looking for change – early and often. We are seizing this opportunity to help clients find the right talent who are highly agile with specialized skills and expertise to help them drive superior performance.”
Orlando, FL-headquartered healthcare-focused search firm Kirby Bates Associates (KBA) and Tyler & Company have merged business operations. The unified organization will operate under the Kirby Bates Associates brand. “Tyler & Company offers an exciting opportunity for Kirby Bates to strengthen its service and scope in healthcare executive leadership,” said Melissa A. Fitzpatrick, president of Kirby Bates Associates and Tyler & Company. “With its range of high-profile clients and service expertise, Tyler & Company’s complementary offerings are highly aligned to Kirby Bates’ strategy to lead the market by expanding services throughout the C-suite and across the continuum of care.”
Executive search firm ZRG has acquired Walking the Talk, a consulting and advisory firm focused on culture transformation. Hunt Scanlon Ventures facilitated the introduction and transaction between both organizations. Walking the Talk, headquartered in Amsterdam, specializes in enhancing performance results by aligning culture with strategy. Since the company was established 11 years ago, culture has landed firmly on the agenda of most executive teams and boards of directors.
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; and Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media