Randstad Acquires Outplacement Innovator RiseSmart to Complement Portfolio and Drive Technological Disruption in the Global HR Services Landscape

SAN JOSE, Calif., Sept. 25, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- RiseSmart, the leading provider of contemporary career transition services, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Randstad Holding nv (AMS: RAND), one of the largest HR services companies in the world.  RiseSmart will continue to serve its customers under the RiseSmart brand as an independent operating unit of Randstad focused on technology-led solutions.

By acquiring a leader in the fast-growing virtual outplacement space, Randstad is now better positioned to offer a more disruptive, progressive alternative to traditional services. The move underscores Randstad's commitment to investing in emerging technologies while offering a more comprehensive suite of services to its clients.  RiseSmart, boasting a growing roster of clients with global footprints, is now even better positioned to serve them with the support of Randstad, whose operations represent more than 90 percent of the global HR services market.

"RiseSmart is an outplacement innovator and a perfect fit for Randstad," said Linda Galipeau, CEO of Randstad North America. "We have evaluated numerous outplacement solutions in the United States and around the world, and we have come to the conclusion that RiseSmart is the best in class in terms of technology, service and results.  Adding RiseSmart's offering to our portfolio aligns well with our mission of addressing the full workforce continuum through a single integrated approach, and matches the strategy of our Randstad Innovation Fund where we seek to anticipate and shape disruption of how employers engage the workforce. I am inspired about what we, together, will be able to offer our customers to strengthen employer brands, improve retention and re-engage talent."

Since its founding in 2007, RiseSmart has emerged to challenge long-established players in the multi-billion-dollar outplacement market. The key to the company's rapid rise has been its distinctive blend of innovative technology and personalized service, which helps put transitioning employees back to work more than 60 percent faster than the national average – and typically with equal or higher pay. Earlier this month, RiseSmart launched RiseSmart Spotlight, a wholly updated version of its flagship solution, which industry analysts have called "astonishing" for its innovation and utility.

"Becoming part of Randstad empowers RiseSmart to fundamentally accelerate our growth trajectory," said Sanjay Sathé, RiseSmart founder and CEO. "We see growing opportunities for outplacement in North America and around the world.  Randstad is the leading player in the HR space and opens us to a vast set of clients and relationships, which bring greater opportunities.  Similarly, our proprietary technology platform provides a powerful alternative to what Randstad competitors have today.  It allows for technological agility, addresses the changing nature of the outplacement business and complements Randstad's total suite of offerings."

RiseSmart will remain in San Jose and Sanjay Sathé will continue to serve as RiseSmart's president and CEO. Randstad is paying USD 100 million for the transaction, which is effective September 24, 2015.

RiseSmart's growth since its founding has been fueled by funding from investors including Norwest Venture Partners, Storm Ventures, Accel-KKR and angel investors, who successfully exit with the transaction.

About Randstad
Randstad specializes in solutions in the field of flexible work and human resources services. Our services range from regular temporary staffing and permanent placements to inhouse, professionals, search & selection, and HR Solutions. The Randstad Group is one of the leading HR services providers in the world, with top-three positions in Argentina, Belgium & Luxembourg, Canada, Chile, France, Germany, Greece, India, Mexico, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, the UK and the United States as well as major positions in Australia and Japan. In 2014, Randstad had approximately 29,000 corporate employees and around 4,400 branches and inhouse locations in 39 countries around the world. Randstad generated revenue of € 17.2 billion in 2014. Randstad was founded in 1960 and is headquartered in Diemen, the Netherlands. Randstad Holding nv is listed on the NYSE Euronext Amsterdam, where options for stocks in Randstad are also traded. For more information, visit www.randstad.com.

About RiseSmart
RiseSmart is a leading provider of contemporary career transition services that strengthen employer brands, improve retention and re-engage talent. RiseSmart's contemporary approach to outplacement combines personalized services from trained professionals with unmatched technology delivered through a convenient, cloud-based platform. High-performing organizations in more than 40 industries rely on RiseSmart's outplacement solution to help former employees find new jobs faster. Landing rates exceeding 80 percent and time-to-placement averages more than 60 percent faster than national averages have helped make RiseSmart the nation's fastest-growing outplacement firm. RiseSmart's innovative approach to human capital management has earned the company a wide range of awards and recognition from organizations including Bersin by Deloitte, the Best in Biz, Gartner Inc., the Golden Bridge Awards, GreatRated!, LAROCQUE, the Momentum Index, Red Herring, the San Francisco Business Times, SiliconIndia, the Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal, the Stevie Awards and TIE. Additionally, RiseSmart's outplacement solution has earned the exclusive endorsement of the American Hospital Association. For more information, visit www.risesmart.com.

Press Contacts:
Jeanne Achille
The Devon Group
[email protected]
(732) 706-0123, ext. 100

Brittany McLaughlin
Idea Grove for RiseSmart
[email protected]
(972) 850-5869

Lesly Cardec
Randstad US
[email protected]
(954) 308-6302

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150924/270715LOGO

SOURCE RiseSmart

Related Links

http://www.risesmart.com