North Highland Acquires Majority Interest in China-Based HBC Consulting

ATLANTA, Sept 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Global consulting firm North Highland (www.northhighland.com) announced today that it has acquired a majority interest in HBC Consulting, a Chinese consulting firm with which it has partnered to support the needs of North Highland's U.S. clients operating in the region.

North Highland opened a representative office in Shanghai, China, one year ago as part of an ongoing expansion strategy both in the United States and abroad. Upon final approval from the Chinese government, the newly combined firms will operate under the North Highland name and serve clients in all major cities in China.

Currently, North Highland maintains 45 offices in the United States, Europe and Asia-Pacific, and has more than 2,200 professionals.

"Our acquisition in China is part of a significant globalization plan," said North Highland CEO Dan Reardon. "North Highland went to China because our major international clients wanted our assistance there. Our evolution from staffing a representative office to expanding a locally based company allows us to provide complete market and cultural expertise for U.S. clients, as well as seize the opportunity for rapid growth among Chinese companies."

According to Zhaolin Zhang, CEO of North Highland in China, "North Highland has a far-reaching vision that recognizes the importance and differences of the Chinese market in concept, spirit and practice. From a cultural and a professional perspective, we believe that this will be a successful, truly global undertaking."

North Highland has indicated that in addition to Shanghai, it plans to open offices in three to five more cities in China within the next five years.

About North Highland

North Highland is a global, employee-owned consulting firm that delivers strategic business solutions to Fortune 1000 clients, government agencies and non-profits. The firm has 45 offices in the United States, Europe and Asia-Pacific. For more information, please visit North Highland online at www.northhighland.com.

SOURCE North Highland