Randstad Acquires Hudson Benelux

December 13, 2021 – Randstad N.V. has acquired Hudson Benelux, a specialist in human-resources consulting, for an undisclosed amount. “The addition of Hudson is a strong extension of our service offerings to clients and offers access to exciting new opportunities which further strengthens our market position,” said Jacques van den Broek, chairman and CEO of Randstad.

The acquisition of Hudson will be a strong extension of Randstad’s current portfolio as well as offer access to new opportunities with services in which Hudson excels. By doing so, Randstad takes another step forward in supporting more people and organizations in realizing their true potential by combining the power of today’s technology with our passion for people. Hudson will continue to operate as a separate company and brand. Its 275 employees will operate from the existing offices in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.

Hudson Benelux was established in 1982 by current CEO Ivan De Witte. It was a part of Nasdaq-listed Hudson International Inc. between 2001 and 2018. Mr. De Witte and his administration crew bought Hudson Benelux back from Hudson in 2018.

“Randstad’s worldwide community and strong base will assist Hudson in its additional improvement and development,” Mr. De Witte said.

“We look forward to joining a very strong and international HR services group such as Randstad,” said Mr. De Witte. “This transaction first and foremost underscores Hudson’s integrated business model and the expertise of its collaborators. Randstad’s international network and solid base will help Hudson in its further development and growth. By joining forces, Randstad expresses its confidence in our expertise, our tools and the quality of our people. I strongly believe that this move is the right step and look forward to growing further together.”

“The role of technology is becoming increasingly important in the world of HR services,” said Mr. van den Broek. “However, it is our joint belief in the crucial role of the ‘human touch’ underpinned by technology which makes me excited to welcome their great people to our team. The addition of Hudson is a strong extension of our service offerings to clients and offers access to exciting new opportunities which further strengthens our market position.”

Randstad is active in 38 markets around the world and has a top-three position in almost half of these. In 2020, Randstad had on average 34,680 corporate employees and generated revenue of € 20.7 billion. Randstad was founded in 1960 and is headquartered in Diemen, the Netherlands.

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:

Haddonfield, NJ-based True, a global executive talent management platform, has acquired climate technology and sustainability executive search firm Hobbs & Towne, Inc. (HTI). Led by Andrew Towne and Robert Hobbs, HTI will continue to serve its mission-driven clients and provide a greater range of capabilities under True. True, one of the fastest growing search firms of the past decade, reported global revenues of $116.5 million last year. The firm placed No. 7 in the Hunt Scanlon Top 25 rankings. Hobbs & Towne ranked No. 24 and was crowned the fastest growing search firm of the year, reporting a 59 percent growth rate.

ZRG Partners, a leading search firm backed by private equity firm RFE Investment Partners, has acquired boutique strategy consulting firm Brimstone Consulting Group LLC. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “The complementary nature of our businesses made Brimstone an obvious partner for ZRG, as we continue to expand our portfolio of talent advisory solutions,” said Larry Hartmann, CEO of ZRG. “Further ensuring a new CEO is successful with the proven process of Brimstone will create a new paradigm for CEO transitions.”

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.”

Related: Hunt Scanlon Media Launches M&A Advisory Service for Recruiters

Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; and Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media

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