UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549



 

FORM 10-K



 

 
(Mark one)     
x   ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011

OR

 
o   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 000-50129



 

HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 
Delaware   59-3547281
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)

560 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10022

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

(212) 351-7300

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)



 

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 
Title of Each Class   Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, $0.001 par value
Preferred Share Purchase Rights
  The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None



 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.Yes o No x

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Act.Yes o No x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit to post such files).Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

     
Large accelerated filer o   Accelerated filer x   Non-accelerated filer o   Smaller reporting company o

Indicate by checkmark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2).Yes o No x

The aggregate market value of the voting common stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant was approximately $170,977,000 based on the closing price of the Common Stock on the NASDAQ Global Select Market on June 30, 2011.

The number of shares of Common Stock, $.001 par value, outstanding as of January 31, 2012 was 32,627,162.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the Proxy Statement for the 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference into Part III.

 

 


 
 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents

 
  Page
PART I
 

ITEM 1.

BUSINESS

    1  

ITEM 1A.

RISK FACTORS

    3  

ITEM 1B.

UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

    9  

ITEM 2.

PROPERTIES

    9  

ITEM 3.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

    9  

ITEM 4.

MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

    9  

  

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

    10  
PART II
 

ITEM 5.

MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

    12  

ITEM 6.

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

    14  

ITEM 7.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

    15  

ITEM 7A.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

    38  

ITEM 8.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

    39  

ITEM 9.

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

    77  

ITEM 9A.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

    77  

ITEM 9B.

OTHER INFORMATION

    78  
PART III
 

ITEM 10.

DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

    80  

ITEM 11.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

    80  

ITEM 12.

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

    80  

ITEM 13.

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

    81  

ITEM 14.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

    81  
PART IV
 

ITEM 15.

EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

    82  
SIGNATURES     88  
EXHIBIT INDEX     89  


 
 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

Hudson Highland Group, Inc. (the “Company” or “Hudson”, “we”, “us” and “our”) provides highly specialized professional-level recruitment and related talent solutions worldwide. Core service offerings include Permanent Recruitment, Contract Consulting, Legal eDiscovery, Recruitment Process Outsourcing (“RPO”) and Talent Management solutions.

Hudson has operated as an independent publicly-held company since April 1, 2003 when the eResourcing division of Monster Worldwide, Inc., formerly TMP Worldwide, Inc., comprised of 67 acquisitions made between 1999 and 2001, was spun off. Today, Hudson has more than 2,000 employees and operates in 20 countries with three reportable geographic business segments: Hudson Americas, Hudson Asia Pacific, and Hudson Europe. These reportable segments constituted approximately 14%, 42%, and 44% of the Company’s gross margin, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Offered on both a retained and contingent basis, Hudson’s Permanent Recruitment services leverage the firm’s more than 1,200 consultants, 150 psychologists and other scientific specialists in the development and delivery of its proprietary methods to identify, select and engage the best-fit talent for critical client roles.

In Contract Consulting, Hudson provides a range of project management, interim management and professional contract staffing services. These services draw upon a combination of specialized recruiting and project management competencies to deliver a wide range of solutions. Hudson-employed professionals —  either individually or as a team — are placed with client organizations for a defined period of time based on specific business need.

Hudson’s Legal eDiscovery services comprise eDiscovery solutions, managed document review (encompassing logistical deployment, project management, process design and productivity management), and contract attorney staffing. The most comprehensive of these is the firm’s full-service eDiscovery solution, providing an integrated system of discovery management and review technology deployment for both corporate and law firm clients.

Hudson RPO (Recruitment Process Outsourcing) delivers outsourced recruitment solutions tailored to the individual needs of mid- to large-cap multinational companies. Hudson RPO’s delivery teams utilize state-of-the-art recruitment process methodologies and project management expertise in their flexible, turnkey solutions to meet clients’ ongoing business needs. Hudson RPO services include complete recruitment outsourcing, project-based outsourcing, contingent workforce solutions and recruitment consulting.

Featuring embedded proprietary talent assessment and selection methodologies, Hudson’s Talent Management capability encompasses services such as talent assessment (utilizing a variety of competency, attitude and experiential testing), interview training, executive coaching, employee development and outplacement.

CLIENTS

The Company’s clients include small to large-sized corporations and government agencies. At December 31, 2011, there were approximately 350 Hudson Americas clients, 2,000 Hudson Asia Pacific clients and 4,200 Hudson Europe clients. The business of the Company is not dependent upon either a single client or a limited number of clients. During 2011, no single client accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s revenue. As of December 31, 2011, no single client accounted for more than 10% of the Company's outstanding accounts receivable.

EMPLOYEES

The Company employs approximately 2,200 people worldwide. In most jurisdictions, our employees are not represented by a labor union or a collective bargaining agreement. The Company regards its relationships with its employees as satisfactory.

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SALES AND MARKETING

The majority of Hudson’s roughly 1,500 client-facing consultants sell its portfolio of services to its existing client base of over 6,000 companies and into prospective client organizations. The Company’s consultant population has deep expertise in specific functional areas and industry sectors, and provides broad-based recruitment and solution services based on the needs of the client. With the realignment of the Company’s business into three regions and the growth in multi-nationals within its client base, the Company’s consultants are increasingly partnering with colleagues in other countries to sell the Company’s services across geographic boundaries.

In 2011, the Company named a Chief Knowledge Officer to lead both the marketing and information technology functions in an interconnected manner. The goal was to strengthen the Company’s communication and brand presence in all relevant channels, including print media, client events, social media and over the web. This work led to the re-launch of its websites in over 20 countries in December 2011, leveraging its thought leadership content in multiple markets around the world, evolving its brand communication and improving the lead generation capacity both globally and locally.

COMPETITION

The markets for the Company’s services and products are highly competitive. There are few barriers to entry, so new entrants occur frequently, resulting in considerable market fragmentation. Companies in this industry compete on a number of parameters including degree and quality of candidate and position knowledge, industry expertise, service quality, and efficiency in completing assignments. Typically, companies with greater strength in these parameters garner higher margins.

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

In the first half of 2009, the Company exited Italy and Japan. The operations in Italy were part of the Hudson Europe reportable segment and the operations in Japan were part of the Hudson Asia Pacific reportable segment.

In accordance with the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic (“ASC”) 205-20-45 “Reporting Discontinued Operations”, the financial results of these businesses were reclassified as discontinued operations for all the periods presented.

SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC DATA

Financial information concerning the Company’s reportable segments and geographic areas of operation is included in Note 15 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

We maintain a Web site with the address www.hudson.com. We are not including the information contained on our Web site as part of, or incorporating it by reference into, this report. Through our Web site, we make available free of charge (other than an investor’s own Internet access charges) our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to these reports in a timely manner after we provide them to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

The following risk factors and other information included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K should be carefully considered. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial also may impair our business operations. If any of the following risks occur, our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows could be materially adversely affected.

Our operations will be affected by global economic fluctuations.

Client’s demand for our services may fluctuate with changes in economic conditions in the markets in which we operate. Those conditions include slower employment growth or reductions in employment. We have limited flexibility to reduce expenses during economic downturns due to some overhead costs which are fixed in the short-term. Furthermore, we may face increased pricing pressures during economic downturns. For example, during the 2008 and 2009 economic downturn, many employers in our operating regions reduced their overall workforce to reflect the slowing demand for their products and services. This contributed to operating losses for our company in 2008, 2009 and 2010. While conditions improved in 2011, the economic recovery has been slower than in previous business cycles. Economic conditions could deteriorate in 2012, which may result in lower operating results than expected.

Our operating results fluctuate from quarter to quarter; no single quarter is predictive of future periods’ results.

Our operating results fluctuate quarter to quarter primarily due to the vacation periods during the first quarter in the Asia Pacific region and the third quarter in the Americas and Europe regions. Demand for our services is typically lower during traditional national vacation periods when clients and candidates are on vacation.

Our revenue can vary because our clients can terminate their relationship with us at any time with limited or no penalty.

We provide professional mid-market personnel on a temporary assignment-by-assignment basis, which clients can generally terminate at any time or reduce their level of use when compared to prior periods. Our professional recruitment business is also significantly affected by our clients’ hiring needs and their views of their future prospects. These factors can also affect our RPO business. Clients may, on very short notice, reduce or postpone their recruiting assignments with us and, therefore, affect demand for our services. This could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our markets are highly competitive.

The markets for our services are highly competitive. Our markets are characterized by pressures to provide high levels of service, incorporate new capabilities and technologies, accelerate job completion schedules and reduce prices. Furthermore, we face competition from a number of sources. These sources include other executive search firms and professional search, staffing and consulting firms. Several of our competitors have greater financial and marketing resources than we do. Due to competition, we may experience reduced margins on our services, loss of market share and our customers. If we are not able to compete effectively with current or future competitors as a result of these and other factors, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

We have no significant proprietary technology that would preclude or inhibit competitors from entering the mid-market professional staffing contract and consulting markets. We cannot provide assurance that existing or future competitors will not develop or offer services that provide significant performance, price, creative or other advantages over our services. In addition, we believe that, with continuing development and increased availability of information technology, the industries in which we compete may attract new competitors. Specifically, the increased use of the Internet may attract technology-oriented companies to the professional staffing industry. We cannot provide assurance that we will be able to continue to compete effectively against existing or future competitors. Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

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Our investment strategy subjects us to risks.

From time to time, we make investments, including acquisitions, as part of our growth plans. Investments may not perform as expected because they are dependent on a variety of factors, including our ability to effectively integrate new personnel and operations, our ability to sell new services, and our ability to retain existing or gain new clients. Furthermore, we may need to borrow more money from lenders or sell equity or debt securities to the public to finance future investments and the terms of these financings may be adverse to us.

We face risks related to our international operations.

We conduct operations in approximately twenty countries and face both translation and transaction risks related to foreign currency exchange. For the year ended December 31, 2011, approximately 86% of our gross margin was earned outside of the United States. Our financial results could be materially affected by a number of factors particular to international operations. These include, but are not limited to, difficulties in staffing and managing international operations, operational issues such as longer customer payment cycles and greater difficulties in collecting accounts receivable, changes in tax laws or other regulatory requirements, issues relating to uncertainties of laws and enforcement relating to the regulation and protection of intellectual property, and currency fluctuation. If we are forced to discontinue any of our international operations, we could incur material costs to close down such operations.

Regarding the foreign currency risk inherent in international operations, the results of our local operations are reported in the applicable foreign currencies and then translated into U.S. dollars at the applicable foreign currency exchange rates for inclusion in our financial statements. In addition, we generally pay operating expenses in the corresponding local currency. Because of devaluations and fluctuations in currency exchange rates or the imposition of limitations on conversion of foreign currencies into U.S. dollars, we are subject to currency translation exposure on the revenue and income of our operations in addition to economic exposure. Our consolidated U.S. dollar cash balance could be lower because a significant amount of cash is generated outside of the United States. This risk could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We depend on our key management personnel.

Our continued success will depend to a significant extent on our senior management team. The loss of the services of one or more key senior management team member could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, if one or more key employees join a competitor or form a competing company, the resulting loss of existing or potential clients could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Failure to attract and retain qualified personnel could negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our success also depends upon our ability to attract and retain highly-skilled professionals who possess the skills and experience necessary to meet the staffing requirements of our clients. We must continually evaluate and upgrade our base of available qualified personnel to keep pace with changing client needs and emerging technologies. Furthermore, a substantial number of our contractors during any given year may terminate their employment with us and accept regular staff employment with our clients. Competition for qualified professionals with proven skills is intense, and demand for these individuals is expected to remain strong for the foreseeable future. There can be no assurance that qualified personnel will continue to be available to us in sufficient numbers. If we are unable to attract the necessary qualified personnel for our clients, it may have a negative impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We face risks in collecting our accounts receivable.

In virtually all of our businesses, we invoice customers after providing services, which creates accounts receivable. Delays or defaults in payments owed to us could have a significant adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Factors that could cause a delay or default include, but are not limited to, global economic conditions, business failures, and turmoil in the financial and credit markets.

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In certain situations, we provide our services to clients under a contractual relationship with a third-party vendor manager, rather than directly to the client. In those circumstances, the third-party vendor manager is typically responsible for aggregating billing information, collecting receivables from the client and paying staffing suppliers once funds are received from the client. In the event that the client has paid the vendor manager for our services and we are unable to collect from the vendor manager, we may be exposed to financial losses.

We have had periods of negative cash flows and operating losses that may reoccur in the future.

We have experienced negative cash flows and reported operating and net losses in the past. For example, our cash flows from operations were negative during 2010 and 2009 and we had operating and net losses for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009. We cannot provide any assurance that we will have positive cash flows or operating profitability in the future, particularly to the extent the global economy continues to recover slowly from the global economic downturn. If our revenue declines or if operating expenses exceed our expectations, we may not be profitable and may not generate positive operating cash flows.

Our credit facilities restrict our operating flexibility.

Our credit facilities contain various restrictions and covenants that restrict our operating flexibility including:

borrowings limited to eligible receivables;
lenders’ ability to impose restrictions, such as payroll or other reserves;
limitations on payments of dividends;
restrictions on our ability to make additional borrowings, or to consolidate, merge or otherwise fundamentally change our ownership;
limitations on capital expenditures, investments, dispositions of assets, guarantees of indebtedness, permitted acquisitions and repurchases of stock; and
limitations on certain intercompany payments of expenses, interest and dividends.

These restrictions and covenants could have adverse consequences for investors, including as a result of our need to use a portion of our cash flow from operations for debt service rather than for our operations, restrictions on our ability to incur additional debt financing for future working capital or capital expenditures, a lesser ability for us to take advantage of significant business opportunities, such as acquisition opportunities, the potential need for us to undertake equity transactions which may dilute the ownership of existing investors, and our inability to react to market conditions by selling lesser-performing assets.

In addition, a default, amendment or waiver to our credit facilities to avoid a default may result in higher rates of interest and could impact our ability to obtain additional borrowings. Finally, debt incurred under our credit facilities bears interest at variable rates. Any increase in interest expense could reduce the funds available for operations.

If we are unable to maintain costs at an acceptable level, our operations could be adversely impacted.

Our ability to reduce costs in line with expectations is important for the improvement of our profitability. Efforts to improve our efficiency could be affected by several factors including turnover, client demands, market conditions, changes in laws, and availability of talent. Our failure to realize the expected benefits of these cost reduction initiatives could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

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We rely on our information systems, and if we lose our information processing capabilities or fail to further develop our technology, our business could be adversely affected.

Our success depends in large part upon our ability to store, retrieve, process, and manage substantial amounts of information, including our client and candidate databases. To achieve our strategic objectives and to remain competitive, we must continue to develop and enhance our information systems. This may require the acquisition of equipment and software and the development, either internally or through independent consultants, of new proprietary software. Our inability to design, develop, implement and utilize, in a cost-effective manner, information systems that provide the capabilities necessary for us to compete effectively, or any interruption or loss of our information processing capabilities, for any reason, could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

As we operate in an international human resources environment, we are subject to cyber-security risks and incidents. Our business involves the storage and transmission of our candidates’ personal information, our clients’ job requirement preferences and confidential information used in our Legal eDiscovery practice. We also use mobile devices, social networking and other online activities to connect with our candidates, clients and business partners. While we have implemented measures to prevent security breaches and cyber incidents, our measures may not be effective and any security breaches or cyber incidents could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our business depends on uninterrupted service to clients.

Our operations depend on our ability to protect our facilities, computer and telecommunication equipment and software systems against damage or interruption from fire, power loss, cyber attacks, sabotage, telecommunications interruption, weather conditions, natural disasters and other similar events such as the flooding experienced throughout Queensland, Australia in January 2011 and the major earthquake that occurred in Christchurch, New Zealand in February 2011. Additionally, severe weather can cause our employees or contractors to miss work and interrupt delivery of our service, resulting in a loss of revenue. While interruptions of these types that have occurred in the past have not caused material disruption, it is not possible to predict the type, severity or frequency of interruptions in the future or their impact on our business.

We may be exposed to employment-related claims, legal liability and costs from clients, employers and regulatory authorities that could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations, and our insurance coverage may not cover all of our potential liability.

We are in the business of employing people and placing them in the workplaces of other businesses. Risks relating to these activities include:

claims of misconduct or negligence on the part of our employees;
claims by our employees of discrimination or harassment directed at them, including claims relating to actions of our clients;
claims related to the employment of illegal aliens or unlicensed personnel;
claims for payment of workers’ compensation and other similar claims;
claims for violations of wage and hour requirements;
claims for retroactive entitlement to employee benefits;
claims of errors and omissions of our temporary employees;
claims by taxing authorities related to our independent contractors and the risk that such contractors could be considered employees for tax purposes;
claims related to our non-compliance with data protection laws, which require the consent of a candidate to transfer resumes and other data; and
claims by our clients relating to our employees’ misuse of client proprietary information, misappropriation of funds, other misconduct, criminal activity or similar claims.

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We are exposed to potential claims with respect to the recruitment process. A client could assert a claim for matters such as breach of a blocking arrangement or recommending a candidate who subsequently proves to be unsuitable for the position filled. Similarly, a client could assert a claim for deceptive trade practices on the grounds that we failed to disclose certain referral information about the candidate or misrepresented material information about the candidate. Further, the current employer of a candidate whom we place could file a claim against us alleging interference with an employment contract. In addition, a candidate could assert an action against us for failure to maintain the confidentiality of the candidate’s employment search or for alleged discrimination or other violations of employment law by one of our clients.

We may incur fines and other losses or negative publicity with respect to these problems. In addition, some or all of these claims may give rise to litigation, which could be time-consuming to our management team, costly and could have a negative effect on our business. In some cases, we have agreed to indemnify our clients against some or all of these types of liabilities. We cannot assure that we will not experience these problems in the future, that our insurance will cover all claims, or that our insurance coverage will continue to be available at economically-feasible rates.

From time to time, we may continue to incur liabilities associated with certain pre-spin off activities with Monster. Under the terms of our Distribution Agreement with Monster, these liabilities generally will continue to be retained by us. If these liabilities are significant, the retained liabilities could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. However, in some circumstance, we may have claims against Monster, and we will make a determination on a case by case basis.

Our ability to utilize net operating loss carry-forwards may be limited.

The Company has U.S. net operating loss carry-forwards (“NOLs”) that expire through 2031. Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code imposes an annual limitation on a corporation’s ability to utilize NOLs if it experiences an “ownership change.” In general terms, an ownership change may result from transactions increasing the ownership of certain stockholders in the stock of a corporation by more than 50% over a three-year period. The Company has experienced ownership changes in the past. Ownership changes in our stock, some of which are outside of our control, could result in a limitation in our ability to use our NOLs to offset future taxable income, could cause U.S. federal income taxes to be paid earlier than otherwise would be paid if such limitation were not in effect and could cause such NOLs to expire unused, reducing or eliminating the benefit of such NOLs.

There may be volatility in our stock price.

The market price for our common stock has fluctuated in the past and could fluctuate substantially in the future. For example, during 2011, the market price of our common stock reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market ranged from a high of $7.11 to a low of $3.05. Factors such as general macroeconomic conditions adverse to workforce expansion, the announcement of variations in our quarterly financial results or changes in our expected financial results could cause the market price of our common stock to fluctuate significantly. Further, due to the volatility of the stock market generally, the price of our common stock could fluctuate for reasons unrelated to our operating performance.

Our future earnings could be reduced as a result of the imposition of licensing or tax requirements or new regulations that prohibit, or restrict certain types of employment services we offer.

In many jurisdictions in which we operate, the provision of temporary staffing is heavily regulated. For example, governmental regulations can restrict the length of contracts of contract employees and the industries in which they may be used. In some countries, special taxes, fees or costs are imposed in connection with the use of contract workers.

The countries in which we operate may:

create additional regulations that prohibit or restrict the types of employment services that we currently provide;
impose new or additional benefit requirements;
require us to obtain additional licensing to provide staffing services;

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impose new or additional visa restrictions on movements between countries;
increase taxes, such as sales or value-added taxes, payable by the providers of staffing services;
increase the number of various tax and compliance audits relating to a variety of regulations, including wage and hour laws, unemployment taxes, workers’ compensation, immigration, and income, value-added and sales taxes; or
revise transfer pricing laws or successfully challenge our transfer prices, which may result in higher foreign taxes or tax liabilities or double taxation of our foreign operations.

Any future regulations that make it more difficult or expensive for us to continue to provide our staffing services may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Provisions in our organizational documents and Delaware law will make it more difficult for someone to acquire control of us.

Our certificate of incorporation and by-laws and the Delaware General Corporation Law contain several provisions that make more difficult an acquisition of control of us in a transaction not approved by our Board of Directors, including transactions in which stockholders might otherwise receive a premium for their shares over then current prices, and that may limit the ability of stockholders to approve transactions that they may deem to be in their best interests. Our certificate of incorporation and by-laws include provisions:

dividing our Board of Directors into three classes to be elected on a staggered basis, one class each year;
authorizing our Board of Directors to issue shares of our preferred stock in one or more series without further authorization of our stockholders;
requiring that stockholders provide advance notice of any stockholder nomination of directors or any proposal of new business to be considered at any meeting of stockholders;
permitting removal of directors only for cause by a super-majority vote;
providing that vacancies on our Board of Directors will be filled by the remaining directors then in office;
requiring that a super-majority vote be obtained to amend or repeal specified provisions of our certificate of incorporation or by-laws; and
eliminating the right of stockholders to call a special meeting of stockholders or take action by written consent without a meeting of stockholders.

In addition, Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law generally provides that a corporation may not engage in any business combination with any interested stockholder during the three-year period following the time that the stockholder becomes an interested stockholder, unless a majority of the directors then in office approve either the business combination or the transaction that results in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder or specified stockholder approval requirements are met.

In February 2005, our Board of Directors declared a dividend of one preferred share purchase right (a “Right”) for each outstanding share of our common stock payable upon the close of business on February 28, 2005 to the stockholders of record on that date. Each Right entitles the registered holder to purchase from us one one-hundredth ( 1/100th) of a share of our Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock (“Preferred Shares”) at a price of $60 per one one-hundredth of a Preferred Share, subject to adjustment. These Rights may make the cost of acquiring us more expensive and, therefore, make an acquisition more difficult.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

All of the Company’s operating offices are located in leased premises. Our principal executive office is currently located at 560 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York, where we occupy space under a lease expiring in March 2017.

Hudson Americas maintains 24 leased locations with approximately 147,637 aggregate square feet, which include two leased locations with space of approximately 60,000 aggregate square feet, which are shared between the Hudson Americas and corporate functions. Hudson Asia Pacific maintains 18 leased locations with approximately 221,000 aggregate square feet. Hudson Europe maintains 37 leased locations with approximately 301,000 aggregate square feet. All leased space is considered to be adequate for the operation of its business, and no difficulties are foreseen in meeting any future space requirements.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company is involved in various legal proceedings that are incidental to the conduct of its business. The Company is not involved in any pending or threatened legal proceedings that it believes could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

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EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

The following table sets forth certain information, as of February 23, 2012, regarding the executive officers of Hudson Highland Group, Inc.:

   
Name   Age   Title
Manuel Marquez Dorsch   53   Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Mary Jane Raymond   51   Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Latham Williams   59   Senior Vice President, Legal Affairs and Administration, Corporate Secretary
Frank P. Lanuto   49   Senior Vice President and Corporate Controller
Neil J. Funk   60   Vice President, Internal Audit
Richard S. Gray   55   Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications
Margaretta R. Noonan   54   Senior Human Resources Officer

The following biographies describe the business experience of our executive officers:

Manuel Marquez Dorsch has served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since May 13, 2011, with overall responsibility for the Company’s growth strategy, operational execution and performance. Mr. Marquez has over 20 years of experience in senior leadership positions. Most recently, from 2007 to 2010, he was the chief executive officer of Amper S.A., a leading defense, homeland security and telecom services company in Spain with approximately 1,200 employees. Prior to joining Amper, Mr. Marquez spent 15 years in the recruitment industry with Spencer Stuart, an international leader in executive search consulting services. He joined Spencer Stuart in 1991 and co-founded one of the firm's first specialized industry practices, High Technology. In 1995, he was asked to lead the European Telecommunications Practice. From 1997 to 2000, he was the Managing Partner responsible for the Spanish market. From 2000 to 2005, he was a member of the global executive team of Spencer Stuart responsible for the firm's operations in Europe, India and South Africa. Mr. Marquez began his professional career at IBM in 1981. He later joined Digital Equipment Corporation in 1989, as marketing and sales director for its Spanish subsidiary.

Mary Jane Raymond has served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, which position she has held since joining the Company in December 2005. From February 23, 2011 to May 17, 2011, she also served as Interim Chief Executive Officer. Prior to that, Ms. Raymond was the Chief Risk Officer of The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation during 2005. From 2002 to 2005, Ms. Raymond served as the Vice President and Corporate Controller of the Dun & Bradstreet Corporation. Ms. Raymond served as the Merger Integration Vice President of Lucent Technologies, Inc. from 1998 to 2002 and as Financial Vice President in International from 1997 to 1998. From 1988 to 1997, Ms. Raymond served in various positions with Cummins, Inc.

Latham Williams has served as Senior Vice President, Legal Affairs and Administration, Corporate Secretary since February 2007. Prior to that, Mr. Williams served as Vice President, Legal Affairs and Administration, Corporate Secretary since joining the Company in April 2003. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Williams was a Partner, Leader Diversity Practice Group and Co-Leader Global Legal Practice in Monster’s executive search division. Prior to joining Monster in 2001, Mr. Williams was an equity partner with the international law firm of Sidley Austin LLP from 1993 to 2000, specializing in health care joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions. Before joining Sidley Austin, Mr. Williams was an equity partner in the Chicago-based law firm of Gardner, Carton & Douglas (now, Drinker Biddle) and was with the firm from 1981 to 1993.

Frank P. Lanuto has served as Senior Vice President and Corporate Controller since November 9, 2009. Prior to that, Mr. Lanuto served as Vice President and Corporate Controller since he joined the Company in June 2008. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Lanuto served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Initiative Media Worldwide, a subsidiary of The Interpublic Group of Companies. Inc., from September 2005 to March 2008. Prior to that, Mr. Lanuto served as Chief Financial Officer of Publicis Healthcare Communications, from April 2003 to August 2005. Prior to that, he served as Executive Vice President, Corporate Finance of Bcom3 Group, Inc. from December 2001 to March 2003 and Senior Vice President and Director, Group Financial Reporting of Bcom3 Group from May 2000 to November 2001. Mr.

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Lanuto served in various positions for Omnicom Group Inc. from 1993 to 2000, including Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of its Rapp Collins Worldwide (New York office) business.

Neil J. Funk has served as Vice President, Internal Audit since joining the Company in August 2003. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Funk was a Senior Manager at Deloitte & Touche LLP, a multi-national auditing and consulting firm, from September 2000 until July 2003. Before joining Deloitte & Touche, Mr. Funk was with Prudential Financial, Inc., a large insurance company, specializing in personal financial planning during 2000. Before joining Prudential Financial, Inc., Mr. Funk was District Audit Manager for PRG-Schultz, Inc., a recovery audit company, based in Atlanta, Georgia from September 1997 until February 2000.

Richard S. Gray has served as Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications since February 2005. Prior to that, Mr. Gray served as Vice President, Marketing and Communications since joining the Company in May 2003. Mr. Gray will be leaving the Company on March 31, 2012. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Gray was Senior Vice President for Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide, a large public relations firm, in Chicago, Illinois from September 2002 until May 2003. Before joining Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide, Mr. Gray was Vice President, Marketing and Communications for Lante Corporation, an internet consulting boutique, in Chicago, Illinois from November 1998 until November 2001.

Margaretta R. Noonan has served as Senior Human Resources Officer since March 3, 2009. Prior to that, Ms. Noonan served as Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer since February 2005. Prior to that Ms. Noonan served as Executive Vice President, Human Resources since she joined the Company in April 2003. Ms. Noonan will be leaving the Company on March 31, 2012. Prior to joining the Company, Ms. Noonan served as Senior Vice President, Global Human Resources and corporate officer of Monster Worldwide, Inc. Prior to joining Monster in 1998, Ms. Noonan was Vice President, Human Resources — Stores, for the Lord & Taylor division of May Department Stores Company, a large retail department store, from February 1997 to May 1998 and was Vice President, Human Resources, of Kohl’s Corporation, a large retail department store, from November 1992 to February 1997.

Executive officers are elected by, and serve at the discretion of, the Board of Directors. There are no family relationships between any of our directors or executive officers.

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PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

MARKET FOR COMMON STOCK

The Company’s common stock was listed for trading on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “HHGP” in 2011. On December 31, 2011, there were approximately 936 holders of record of the Company’s common stock.

The following is a list by fiscal quarter of the market prices of the Company’s common stock.

   
  Market Price
     High   Low
2011
                 
Fourth quarter   $ 5.48     $ 3.05  
Third quarter   $ 6.16     $ 3.17  
Second quarter   $ 6.66     $ 4.39  
First quarter   $ 7.11     $ 4.87  
2010
                 
Fourth quarter   $ 6.01     $ 3.30  
Third quarter   $ 4.81     $ 2.93  
Second quarter   $ 6.02     $ 4.30  
First quarter   $ 5.56     $ 4.00  

We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our common stock, and we currently do not intend to declare or pay cash dividends on our common stock. Any payment of cash dividends will depend upon our financial condition, capital requirements, earnings and other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors. In addition, the terms of our credit agreement prohibit us from paying dividends and making other distributions.

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

The Company’s purchases of its common stock during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 were as follows:

       
Period   Total Number
of Shares Purchased
  Average Price
Paid per Share
  Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
  Approximate
Dollar Value of
Shares that May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans or
Programs(a)
October 1, 2011 – October 31, 2011(b)     5,200     $ 4.18           $ 6,792,000  
November 1, 2011 – November 30, 2011(b)     394     $ 4.17           $ 6,792,000  
December 1, 2011 – December 31, 2011(b)     2,600     $ 4.71        —     $ 6,792,000  
Total     8,194     $ 4.35        —     $ 6,792,000  

(a) On February 4, 2008, the Company announced that its Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of a maximum of $15 million of the Company’s common stock. The Company has repurchased 1,491,772 shares for a total cost of approximately $8.2 million under this authorization. Repurchases of common stock are restricted under the Company’s revolver agreement entered on August 5, 2010, as amended on February 22, 2012.
(b) Consisted of shares of restricted stock withheld from employees upon the vesting of such shares to satisfy employees’ income tax withholding requirements.

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The following information in this Item 5 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is not deemed to be “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC or subject to Regulation 14A or 14C under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent we specifically incorporate it by reference into such a filing.

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

The following graph compares on a cumulative basis changes since December 31, 2006 in (a) the total stockholder return on the Company’s common stock with (b) the total return on the Russell 2000 Index and (c) the total return on the companies in a peer group selected in good faith by the Company, in each case assuming reinvestment of dividends. Such changes have been measured by dividing (a) the difference between the price per share at the end of and the beginning of the measurement period by (b) the price per share at the beginning of the measurement period. The graph assumes $100 was invested on December 31, 2006 in the Company’s common stock, the Russell 2000 Index and the peer group consisting of Resources Connection, Inc., Kelly Services, Inc., Kforce, Inc., and CDI Corporation. The returns of each component company in the peer group have been weighted based on each company’s relative market capitalization on December 31, 2011.

[GRAPHIC MISSING]

           
  December 31,
     2006   2007   2008   2009   2010   2011
HHGP   $ 100.00     $ 50.42     $ 20.08     $ 28.48     $ 34.95     $ 28.72  
RUSSELL 2000 INDEX   $ 100.00     $ 97.25     $ 63.41     $ 79.40     $ 99.49     $ 94.07  
PEER GROUP   $ 100.00     $ 72.16     $ 53.04     $ 67.48     $ 84.01     $ 60.05  

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following table shows selected financial data of the Company that has been adjusted to reflect the classification of certain businesses as discontinued operations. The data has been derived from, and should be read together with, the Consolidated Financial Statements and corresponding notes and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in Items 7 and 8 of this Form 10-K.

         
  Year ended December 31,
     2011   2010   2009   2008   2007
     (dollars in thousands, except per share data)
SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS:
                                            
Revenue   $ 933,736     $ 794,542     $ 691,149     $ 1,079,085     $ 1,170,061  
Gross margin   $ 354,305     $ 298,573     $ 260,453     $ 454,986     $ 496,440  
Business reorganization and integration expense   $ 720     $ 1,694     $ 18,180     $ 11,217     $ 3,575  
Goodwill and other impairment charges(a)   $     $     $ 1,549     $ 67,087     $  
Depreciation and amortization   $ 6,251     $ 8,184     $ 12,543     $ 14,662     $ 14,377  
Operating income (loss)   $ 17,435     $ (5,618 )    $ (49,453 )    $ (70,783 )    $ 18,995  
Income (loss) from continuing operations   $ 10,909     $ (4,441 )    $ (42,953 )    $ (73,096 )    $ 5,528  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes   $     $ (244 )    $ 2,344     $ (1,222 )    $ 9,453  
Net income (loss)   $ 10,909     $ (4,685 )    $ (40,609 )    $ (74,318 )    $ 14,981  
Basic income (loss) per share from continuing operations   $ 0.35     $ (0.15 )    $ (1.65 )    $ (2.90 )    $ 0.22  
Basic net income (loss) per share   $ 0.35     $ (0.16 )    $ (1.56 )    $ (2.95 )    $ 0.59  
Diluted income (loss) per share from continuing operations   $ 0.34     $ (0.15 )    $ (1.65 )    $ (2.90 )    $ 0.21  
Diluted net income (loss) per share   $ 0.34     $ (0.16 )    $ (1.56 )    $ (2.95 )    $ 0.58  
OTHER FINANCIAL DATA:
                                            
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities   $ 13,279     $ (14,461 )    $ (26,988 )    $ 11,860     $ 37,741  
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities   $ (6,467 )    $ (57 )    $ 6,804     $ 4,196     $ (50,837 ) 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities   $ 1,640     $ 7,578     $ 4,371     $ (646 )    $ 4,864  
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
                                            
Current assets   $ 181,923     $ 172,087     $ 148,366     $ 194,149     $ 259,075  
Total assets   $ 216,546     $ 205,834     $ 181,944     $ 230,953     $ 374,206  
Current liabilities   $ 90,515     $ 93,760     $ 86,154     $ 104,581     $ 152,426  
Total stockholders’ equity   $ 107,357     $ 93,278     $ 76,260     $ 107,992     $ 200,115  
OTHER DATA:
                                            
EBITDA (loss)(b)   $ 23,642     $ 6,503     $ (35,466 )    $ (52,852 )    $ 36,795  

(a) The results for the year ended December 31, 2009 included an impairment charge of $1,669 related to goodwill associated with the Tong Zhi (Beijing) Consulting Service Ltd. and Guangzhou Dong Li Consulting Service Ltd. (collectively, “TKA”) acquisition. The results for the year ended December 31, 2008 included impairment charges related to goodwill of $64,495, a write down of long-term assets of $2,224 and impairment charges related to intangible assets of $368.
(b) SEC Regulation S-K 229.10(e)1(ii)(A) defines EBITDA as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. EBITDA is presented to provide additional information to investors about the Company’s operations on a basis consistent with the measures that the Company uses to manage its operations and evaluate its performance. Management also uses this measurement to evaluate working capital requirements. EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for operating income and net income prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles or as a measure of the Company’s profitability. See Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further EBITDA segment and reconciliation information.

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. This MD&A contains forward-looking statements. Please see “Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” for a discussion of the uncertainties, risks and assumptions associated with these statements. This MD&A also uses the non-GAAP measure of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”). See Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for EBITDA segment reconciliation information.

This MD&A includes the following sections:

Executive Overview
Results of Operations
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Critical Accounting Policies
Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Executive Overview

The Company has expertise in recruiting mid-level professional talent across all management disciplines in a wide range of industries. We match clients and candidates to address major client needs on a part time, full time, and interim basis. Part of that expertise is derived from research on hiring trends and clients’ current successes and challenges with their staff. This research has helped enhance our understanding about the number of new hires that do not meet our clients’ long term goals, the reasons why, and the cost to organizations. Our focus is to continually upgrade our service offerings, delivery capability and assessment tools to make our candidates more successful in achieving our clients’ business requirements.

Over the past year, the Company has shifted and refined its focus from a traditional staffing vendor to providing solutions as a trusted business advisor and partner to both clients and candidates. The Company’s proprietary frameworks, assessment tools and leadership development programs, coupled with our broad geographical footprint, has allowed us to design and implement regional and global recruitment solutions that greatly enhance the quality of hiring.

The Company’s strategic initiatives for the near term include:

Leveraging the value of our global business as exemplified by the launch of the global practices in Legal eDiscovery and RPO.
Attracting, developing and retaining the right people to increase productivity and profitability.
Focusing on selected clients and services to provide higher value recruitment solutions to their businesses.
Create a compelling digital presence to help attract both highly skilled candidates and new clients to grow our business.

Current Market Conditions

Revenues in the fourth quarter of 2011 were essentially flat (growth of 1.7 percent) compared with the comparable period in 2010. The slowing in the rate of growth compared to earlier periods in the year was caused by several factors, including significantly lesser hiring in the banking sector due to persistent issues with European sovereign debt, candidates’ reluctance to move, and overall delays in client decision making.

These conditions and the swift economic slow down during the fourth quarter could give rise to longer periods of lesser growth. In addition, if the debt crisis in Europe is not resolved timely or if it spreads to other markets, the value of the Euro could deteriorate, which could negatively impact our business, operating results and financial condition. Notwithstanding these risks, our clients will continue to need the type of people in which we specialize, those able to advance the client’s strategy regardless of economic conditions.

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Financial Performance

The following is a summary of the highlights for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009. These should be considered in the context of the additional discussion and disclosures in this MD&A.

Revenue was $933.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to $794.5 million for 2010, an increase of $139.2 million, or 17.5%. On a constant currency basis, the Company’s revenue increased $91.9 million or 10.9%. Of this increase, $74.0 million, or a 12.0% increase compared to 2010, was in contracting and $19.1 million, or an 11.2% increase compared to 2010, was in permanent recruitment revenue. Legal eDiscovery accounted for approximately 46% of the $74.0 million increase in contracting revenue in 2011. RPO accounted for approximately 46% of the $19.1 million increase in permanent recruitment revenue in 2011.

Revenue was $794.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, compared to $691.1 million for 2009, an increase of $103.4 million, or 15.0%. On a constant currency basis, the Company’s revenue increased $71.9 million or 10.0%. Of this increase, $37.9 million, or a 6.9% increase compared to 2009, was in contracting and $40.1 million, or a 33.6% increase compared to 2009, was in permanent recruitment revenue. The increase was partially offset by a $6.1 million, or 12.3%, decline in talent management revenue compared to 2009 primarily from counter-cyclical outplacement services.

Gross margin was $354.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to $298.6 million for 2010, an increase of $55.7 million, or 18.7%. On a constant currency basis, the Company’s gross margin increased $37.5 million or 11.9%. Of this increase, $19.8 million, or an 18.3% increase compared to 2010, was in contracting gross margin and $18.4 million, or a 11.0% increase compared to 2010, was in permanent recruitment gross margin.

Gross margin was $298.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, compared to $260.5 million for 2009, an increase of $38.1 million, or 14.6%. On a constant currency basis, the Company’s gross margin increased $28.8 million or 10.7%. Of this increase, $38.7 million, or a 32.8% increase compared to 2009, was in permanent recruitment gross margin. The increase was partially offset by a $5.7 million, or 13.5%, decline in talent management gross margin compared to 2009 and a $3.7 million or 3.5% decline in contracting gross margin compared to 2009.

Selling, general and administrative expenses and other non-operating income (expense) (“SG&A and Non-Op”) were $329.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, as compared to $289.8 million for 2010, an increase of $40.1 million, or 13.8%. On a constant currency basis, the Company’s SG&A and Non-Op increased $22.8 million or 7.4%. SG&A and Non-Op, as a percentage of revenue, was 35.3% for the year ended December 31, 2011 as compared to 36.5% in 2010.

SG&A and Non-Op was $289.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, as compared to $276.2 million for 2009, an increase of $13.6 million, or 4.9%. On a constant currency basis, the Company’s SG&A and Non-Op increased less than $4.2 million or 1.5%. SG&A and Non-Op, as a percentage of revenue, was 36.5% for the year ended December 31, 2010 as compared to 39.5% for 2009.

Net income was $10.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, as compared to a net loss of $4.7 million for 2010. On a constant currency basis, the Company’s net income increased $16.0 million.

Net loss was $4.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, as compared to a net loss of $40.6 million for 2009. On a constant currency basis, the Company’s net loss decreased $37.2 million.

EBITDA was $23.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, as compared to $6.5 million for 2010. On a constant currency basis, the Company’s EBITDA increased $16.3 million.

EBITDA was $6.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, as compared to an EBITDA loss of $35.5 million for 2009. On a constant currency basis, the Company’s EBITDA increased $42.6 million.

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Constant Currency

The Company operates on a global basis, with the majority of its gross margin generated outside of the U.S. Accordingly, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates can affect our results of operations. For the discussion of reportable segment results of operations, the Company uses constant currency information. Constant currency compares financial results between periods as if exchange rates had remained constant period-over-period. The Company defines the term “constant currency” to mean that financial data for a previously reported period are translated into U.S. dollars using the same foreign currency exchange rates that were used to translate financial data for the current period. The Company’s management reviews and analyzes business results in constant currency and believes these results better represent the Company’s underlying business trends. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates generally impact only reported earnings.

Changes in revenue, gross margin, selling, general and administrative expenses and other non-operating income (expense), operating income (loss), net income (loss) and EBITDA (loss) include the effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The tables below summarize the impact of foreign currency exchange adjustments on the Company’s operating results for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009.

             
  Year Ended December 31,
     2011   2010   2009
$ in thousands   As reported   As reported   Currency
translation
  Constant
currency
  As reported   Currency
translation
  Constant
currency
Revenue:
                                                              
Hudson Americas   $ 192,217     $ 162,432     $ 34     $ 162,466     $ 161,872     $ 190     $ 162,062  
Hudson Asia Pacific     359,108       303,619       33,731       337,350       252,302       37,966       290,268  
Hudson Europe     382,411     $ 328,491       13,502       341,993       276,975       (6,704 )      270,271  
Total   $ 933,736     $ 794,542     $ 47,267     $ 841,809     $ 691,149     $ 31,452     $ 722,601  
Gross margin:
                                                              
Hudson Americas   $ 50,778     $ 39,417     $ 34     $ 39,451     $ 40,959     $ 175     $ 41,134  
Hudson Asia Pacific     146,917       121,965       12,187       134,152       95,332       12,648       107,980  
Hudson Europe     156,610       137,191       5,967       143,158       124,162       (3,454 )      120,708  
Total   $ 354,305     $ 298,573     $ 18,188     $ 316,761     $ 260,453     $ 9,369     $ 269,822  
Selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) and other non-operating income (expense)(a):
 
Hudson Americas   $ 47,306     $ 37,308     $ 46     $ 37,354     $ 47,310     $ 173     $ 47,483  
Hudson Asia Pacific     132,653       113,134       11,331       124,465       91,241       12,282       103,523  
Hudson Europe     147,919       134,817       5,928       140,745       124,270       (3,018 )      121,252  
Corporate     2,065       4,554             4,554       13,369             13,369  
Total   $ 329,943     $ 289,813     $ 17,305     $ 307,118     $ 276,190     $ 9,437     $ 285,627  
Operating income (loss):
                                                              
Hudson Americas   $ 5,351     $ (2,499 )    $ (10 )    $ (2,509 )    $ (14,999 )    $ (51 )    $ (15,050 ) 
Hudson Asia Pacific     18,384       10,822       850       11,672       (4,294 )      (903 )      (5,197 ) 
Hudson Europe     14,156       5,050       308       5,358       (12,813 )      (288 )      (13,101 ) 
Corporate     (20,456 )      (18,991 )            (18,991 )      (17,347 )            (17,347 ) 
Total   $ 17,435     $ (5,618 )    $ 1,148     $ (4,470 )    $ (49,453 )    $ (1,242 )    $ (50,695 ) 
Net income (loss), consolidated   $ 10,909     $ (4,685 )    $ (413 )    $ (5,098 )    $ (40,609 )    $ (1,294 )    $ (41,903 ) 
EBITDA (loss)(b):
                                                              
Hudson Americas   $ 3,482     $ 1,687     $ (25 )    $ 1,662     $ (11,349 )    $ 4     $ (11,345 ) 
Hudson Asia Pacific     14,180       8,847       860       9,707       (825 )      (438 )      (1,263 ) 
Hudson Europe     8,071       1,086       (4 )      1,082       (9,787 )      (154 )      (9,941 ) 
Corporate     (2,091 )      (5,117 )      (1 )      (5,118 )      (13,505 )            (13,505 ) 
Total   $ 23,642     $ 6,503     $ 830     $ 7,333     $ (35,466 )    $ (588 )    $ (36,054 ) 

(a) SG&A and other non-operating income (expense) is a measure that the management uses to evaluate the segments’ expenses, which include the following captions on the Consolidated Statements of Operations: salaries and related, office and general, marketing and promotion and other income (expense), net. Corporate management service allocations are included in the segments’ other income (expense).
(b) See EBITDA reconciliation in the following section.

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Use of EBITDA (Non-GAAP measure)

Management believes EBITDA is a meaningful indicator of the Company’s performance that provides useful information to investors regarding the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. EBITDA is also considered by management as the best indicator of operating performance and most comparable measure across the regions in which we operate. Management also uses this measurement to evaluate capital needs and working capital requirements. EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for operating income, or net income prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”) or as a measure of the Company’s profitability. EBITDA is derived from net income (loss) adjusted for the provision for (benefit from) for income taxes, interest expense (income), and depreciation and amortization. The reconciliation of EBITDA to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is provided in the table below:

     
  Year Ended December 31,
$ in thousands   2011   2010   2009
Net income (loss)   $ 10,909     $ (4,685 )    $ (40,609 ) 
Adjusted for income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes           (244 )      2,344  
Income (loss) from continuing operations     10,909       (4,441 )      (42,953 ) 
Adjustments to income (loss) from continuing operations
                          
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes     5,339       1,482       (5,750 ) 
Interest expense, net     1,143       1,278       694  
Depreciation and amortization expense     6,251       8,184       12,543  
Total adjustments from income (loss) from continuing operations to EBITDA (loss)     12,733       10,944       7,487  
EBITDA (loss)   $ 23,642     $ 6,503     $ (35,466 ) 

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Temporary Contracting Data

The following table sets forth the Company’s temporary contracting revenue, temporary contracting gross margin, and gross margin as a percentage of revenue for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009. See Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for segment and reconciliation information.

             
  Year Ended December 31,
     2011   2010   2009
$ in thousands   As reported   As reported   Currency
translation
  Constant
currency
  As reported   Currency
translation
  Constant
currency
TEMPORARY CONTRACTING DATA(a):
                                                              
Temporary contracting revenue:
                                                              
Hudson Americas   $ 181,272     $ 156,961     $ 1     $ 156,962     $ 156,435     $ 22     $ 156,457  
Hudson Asia Pacific     244,562       208,267       24,695       232,962       182,632       29,627       212,259  
Hudson Europe     266,831       220,093       8,634       228,727       182,713       (4,024 )      178,689  
Total   $ 692,665     $ 585,321     $ 33,330     $ 618,651     $ 521,780     $ 25,625     $ 547,405  
Temporary contracting gross margin:
                                                              
Hudson Americas   $ 40,202     $ 33,870     $ 2     $ 33,872     $ 35,555     $ 5     $ 35,560  
Hudson Asia Pacific     37,642       32,168       3,754       35,922       29,635       4,880       34,515  
Hudson Europe     50,359       37,108       1,510       38,618       37,601       (840 )      36,761  
Total   $ 128,203     $ 103,146     $ 5,266     $ 108,412     $ 102,791     $ 4,045     $ 106,836  
Temporary contracting gross margin as a percent of temporary contracting revenue:
        
Hudson Americas     22.18 %      21.58 %      N/A       21.58 %      22.73 %      N/A       22.73 % 
Hudson Asia Pacific     15.39 %      15.45 %      N/A       15.42 %      16.23 %      N/A       16.26 % 
Hudson Europe     18.87 %      16.86 %      N/A       16.88 %      20.58 %      N/A       20.57 % 
Total     18.51 %      17.62 %      N/A       17.52 %      19.70 %      N/A       19.52 % 

(a) Temporary contracting gross margin and gross margin as a percent of revenue are shown to provide additional information on the Company’s ability to manage its cost structure and provide further comparability relative to the Company’s peers. Temporary contracting gross margin is derived by deducting the direct costs of temporary contracting from temporary contracting revenue. The Company’s calculation of gross margin may differ from those of other companies.

Results of Operations

The Year Ended December 31, 2011 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2010 and the Year Ended December 31, 2010 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2009

Hudson Americas (reported currency)

Revenue

     
  Year Ended December 31,
     2011   2010   2009
$ in millions   As reported   As reported   As reported
Hudson Americas
                          
Revenue   $ 192.2     $ 162.4     $ 161.9  

Revenue was $192.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, as compared to $162.4 million for 2010, an increase of $29.8 million or 18.3%. Contracting and permanent recruitment revenue increased $24.3 million and $5.5 million or 15.5% and 100.6%, respectively. Contracting revenue represented approximately 94% of Hudson Americas’ 2011 revenue. The increase in revenue reflected the Company’s sale of higher-value recruitment services and solutions to new and existing clients.

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Contracting revenue in Legal, the segment’s largest practice, increased $24.2 million or 22.3%, primarily due to the eDiscovery offering, which provides information management solutions for large, complex transaction and regulatory actions. RPO, which allows clients to transfer all or part of their recruitment process to Hudson, accounted for the increase in permanent recruitment revenue. The revenue increase in this practice featured new client wins and achievement of incentive levels with certain existing clients.

Revenue was $162.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, as compared to $161.9 million for 2009, an increase of $0.6 million or 0.3%. Of this increase, $0.5 million or 0.3% was in contracting revenue. Permanent recruitment revenue remained flat as compared to 2009. Contracting revenue represents substantially all of Hudson Americas’ 2010 revenue.

Revenue in Legal, the segment’s largest practice, increased $12.4 million or 12.8% and was due to projects resuming in litigation and antitrust, partially offset by lower average bill rates. The increase was partially offset by other contracting, which declined $11.9 million or 19.8%. The decline in other contracting was largely driven by Financial Solutions due to a lack of a meaningful recovery in this practice and lower bill rates. IT contracting revenue declined slightly compared to 2009 but showed growth in the latter part of 2010 as demand for IT services improved.

Gross margin

     
  Year Ended December 31,
     2011   2010   2009
$ in millions   As reported   As reported   As reported
Hudson Americas
                          
Gross margin   $ 50.8     $ 39.4     $ 41.0  
Gross margin as a % of revenue     26.4 %      24.3 %      25.3 % 
Contracting gross margin as a percent of contracting revenue:     22.2 %      21.6 %      22.7 % 

Gross margin was $50.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, as compared to $39.4 million for 2010, an increase of $11.4 million or 28.8%. Contracting and permanent recruitment gross margins increased $6.3 million and $5.1 million or 18.7% and 94.7%, respectively, as compared to 2010.

Almost the entire $6.3 million increase in contracting gross margin was in Legal and was driven principally by eDiscovery as noted above. Almost the entire $5.1 million increase in permanent recruitment gross margin was attributable to RPO as noted above.

Contracting gross margin as a percentage of revenue was 22.2% for the year ended December 31, 2011, as compared to 21.6% for 2010. The increase was driven by the higher margins in Legal eDiscovery. Total gross margin as a percentage of revenue increased to 26.4% from 24.3% in 2010 and resulted from the significant growth in RPO as well as the higher contracting gross margin as described above.

Gross margin was $39.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, as compared to $41.0 million for 2009, a decrease of $1.5 million or 3.8%. Gross margin from permanent recruitment was flat as compared to 2009 with the entire gross margin decline occurring in contracting. The decline in contracting gross margin resulted from a change in mix, driven by lower margin Legal Services, which represented a greater proportion of the revenue as demand for higher margin Financial Solutions lagged.

Contracting gross margin as a percentage of contracting revenue was 21.6% as compared to 22.7% for 2009. The decrease was due to a mix shift toward Legal Services, which has lower average gross margins compared to Financial Solutions and IT contracting. Total gross margin, as a percentage of total revenue, was 24.3% compared to 25.3% for 2009, and the decrease was primarily due to the contracting gross margin percentage.

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Selling, general and administrative expenses and non-operating income (expenses)

     
  Year Ended December 31,
     2011   2010   2009
$ in millions   As reported   As reported   As reported
Hudson Americas
                          
SG&A and other non-operating income (expense)   $ 47.3     $ 37.3     $ 47.3  
SG&A and other non-operating income (expense)
as a % of revenue
    24.6 %      23.0 %      29.2 % 

SG&A and non-operating income (expense) was $47.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 as compared to $37.3 million for 2010, an increase of $10.0 million or 26.7%. The increase was primarily due to greater staff compensation resulting from the higher gross margin, which increased 28.8%. SG&A and non-operating income (expense), as a percentage of revenue, was 24.6% as compared to 23.0% for 2010. The increase resulted from the non-recurrence of approximately $3.9 million in gains from the collection of a note receivable, sale of warrants and recovery for unclaimed property. Excluding these gains, SG&A and non-operating income (expense) as a percentage of revenue was nearly flat as compared to 2010.

SG&A and non-operating income (expense) was $37.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, as compared to $47.3 million for 2009, a decrease of $10.0 million or 21.1%. The decrease was primarily due to savings from the restructuring program completed in 2009, lower reorganization expenses and the realization of proceeds from the sale of warrants and settlement of a note receivable in connection with the sale of ETS division. SG&A and non-operating income (expense), as a percentage of revenue, was 23.0% as compared to 29.2% for 2009.

Operating Income and EBITDA

     
  Year Ended December 31,
     2011   2010   2009
$ in millions   As reported   As reported   As reported
Hudson Americas
                          
Operating income (loss):
  $ 5.4     $ (2.5 )    $ (15.0 ) 
EBITDA (loss)   $ 3.5     $ 1.7     $ (11.3 ) 
EBITDA (loss) as a % of revenue     1.8 %      1.0 %      -7.0 % 

EBITDA was $3.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, as compared to $1.7 million for 2010, an increase of $1.8 million. EBITDA, as a percentage of revenue, was 1.8% as compared to 1.0% for 2010. The increase in EBITDA was primarily due to the growth in gross margin.

Operating income was $5.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to an operating loss of $2.5 million for 2010, an increase in operating income of $7.9 million. Operating income, as a percentage of revenue, was 2.8% for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to an operating loss of 1.5% for 2010. The increase in operating income was primarily due to the factors affecting EBITDA.

EBITDA was $1.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, compared to an EBITDA loss of $11.3 million for 2009, an increase in EBITDA of $13.0 million. EBITDA, as a percentage of revenue, was 1.0% for the year ended December 31, 2010, compared to an EBITDA loss as a percentage of revenue of 7.0% for 2009. The increase in EBITDA was primarily due to savings resulting largely from the prior years’ restructuring initiatives and gains from recovery of a note receivable, unclaimed property and sale of warrants in 2010.

Operating loss was $2.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, compared to an operating loss of $15.0 million for 2009, a decrease in operating loss of $12.5 million. Operating loss, as a percentage of revenue, was 1.5% for the year ended December 31, 2010, compared to 9.3% for 2009.

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Hudson Asia Pacific (constant currency)

Revenue

         
  Year Ended December 31,
     2011   2010   2009
$ in millions   As reported   As reported   Constant
currency
  As reported   Constant
currency
Hudson Asia Pacific
                                            
Revenue   $ 359.1     $ 303.6     $ 337.4     $ 252.3     $ 290.3  

Revenue was $359.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, as compared to $337.4 million for 2010, an increase of $21.8 million or 6.4%. Permanent recruitment and contracting revenue accounted for the vast majority of the region’s revenue, which grew $12.2 million and $11.6 million or 13.9% and 5.0%, respectively. Talent management revenue decreased $1.6 million or 11.9% as compared to 2010.

Australia accounted for the vast majority of the increase, which was principally driven by growth in permanent recruitment and contracting revenue of $11.6 million and $6.7 million, or 24.0% and 3.4%, respectively. The increase in permanent recruitment revenue was led by RPO, which accounted for nearly one third of the growth, followed by the accounting & finance and IT&T practices. The revenue increase in contracting was led by the natural resources sector, which benefited almost all of our practices, particularly accounting & finance and marketing. In Mainland China, permanent recruitment revenue increased $3.4 million or 22.1%, primarily in our industrial practice.

Revenue was $303.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, as compared to $290.3 million for 2009, an increase of $13.4 million or 4.6%. Permanent recruitment revenue increased $23.3 million or 40.4%. Talent management and contracting revenue decreased $6.0 million and $4.0 million, or 33.7% and 1.9%, respectively, as compared to 2009.

Australia and Mainland China accounted for the majority of the revenue increase, driven principally by permanent recruitment, with $12.0 million or 38.3% in Australia and $5.6 million or 60.8% in Mainland China. The increase in permanent recruitment revenue was driven by RPO and services in the natural resource sector. Talent management revenue decreased in Australia due to lesser outplacement services as the economy improved. The entire decline in contracting revenue was in Australia, where clients focused more on permanent hiring following the 2009 economic slowdown.

Gross margin

         
  Year Ended December 31,
     2011   2010   2009
$ in millions   As reported   As reported   Constant
currency
  As reported   Constant
currency
Hudson Asia Pacific
                                            
Gross margin   $ 146.9     $ 122.0     $ 134.2     $ 95.3     $ 108.0  
Gross margin as a % of revenue     40.9 %      40.2 %      39.8 %      37.8 %      37.2 % 
Contracting gross margin as a percent of contracting revenue:     15.4 %      15.4 %      15.4 %      16.2 %      16.3 % 

Gross margin was $146.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, as compared to $134.2 million for 2010, an increase of $12.8 million or 9.5%. Permanent recruitment and contracting gross margins grew $12.1 million and $1.7 million or 13.9% and 4.8%, respectively.

Australia accounted for the vast majority of the increase, with $11.3 million in permanent recruitment and $0.7 million in contracting, or 23.8% and 2.3%, respectively. RPO led the increase in permanent recruitment gross margin and accounted for nearly half the growth, followed by the accounting & finance and IT&T practices. The gross margin increase in contracting was led by the accounting and finance and engineering practices. In Mainland China, permanent recruitment gross margin increased $3.5 million or 23.0%, primarily in the industrial practice.

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Contracting gross margin, as a percentage of revenue, was flat at 15.4% for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010. Total gross margin, as a percentage of revenue, was 40.9% compared to 39.8% for 2010 and resulted principally from the higher mix in permanent recruitment revenue.

Gross margin was $122.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, as compared to $108.0 million for 2009, an increase of $14.0 million or 13.0%. Permanent recruitment gross margin increased $22.3 million or 38.8%. Talent management and contracting gross margins decreased $5.8 million and $2.3 million, or 38.4% and 6.8%, respectively, as compared to 2009.

Australia and Mainland China accounted for the majority of the gross margin increase, driven principally by permanent recruitment, with $11.3 million or 35.9% in Australia and $5.5 million or 59.6% in Mainland China. The increase in permanent recruitment gross margin was due to the same reasons as discussed above with respect to revenue. Gross margin in talent management declined primarily due to lower demand for outplacement services as the economy recovered. Contracting gross margin declined primarily due to fewer contractors on billing and a shift in mix between office support and professional contract projects.

Contracting gross margin, as a percentage of revenue, was 15.5% compared to 16.2% for 2009, with the decrease in contracting gross margin percentage due principally to the shift in mix to lower margin business and pricing pressure. Total gross margin, as a percentage of total revenue, was 40.2% compared to 37.2% for 2009, with the increase primarily attributable to the proportionately greater increase in permanent recruitment revenue in 2010.

Selling, general and administrative expenses and non-operating income (expenses)

         
  Year Ended December 31,
     2011   2010   2009
$ in millions   As reported   As reported   Constant
currency
  As reported   Constant
currency
Hudson Asia Pacific
                                            
SG&A and other non-operating income (expense)   $ 132.7     $ 113.1     $ 124.5     $ 91.2     $ 103.5  
SG&A and other non-operating income (expense)
as a % of revenue
    36.9 %      37.3 %      36.9 %      36.2 %      35.7 % 

SG&A and non-operating income (expense) was $132.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 as compared to $124.5 million for 2010, an increase of $8.2 million or 6.6%. The increase was primarily due to the salaries and costs related to the higher gross margin of 9.5% and higher corporate management fees. SG&A and non-operating income (expense), as a percentage of revenue, was flat at 36.9% for 2011 and 2010.

SG&A and non-operating income (expense) was $113.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 as compared to $103.5 million for the 2009, an increase of $9.6 million or 9.3%. The increase was primarily due to increased staff to support the revenue demand and higher corporate management fees. SG&A and non-operating income (expense), as a percentage of revenue, was 37.3% in 2010 as compared to 35.7% in 2009.

Operating Income and EBITDA

         
  Year Ended December 31,
     2011   2010   2009
$ in millions   As reported   As reported   Constant
currency
  As reported   Constant
currency
Hudson Asia Pacific
                                            
Operating income (loss):   $ 18.4     $ 10.8     $ 11.7     $ (4.3 )    $ (5.2 ) 
EBITDA (loss)   $ 14.2     $ 8.8     $ 9.7     $ (0.8 )    $ (1.3 ) 
EBITDA (loss) as a % of revenue     3.9 %      2.9 %      2.9 %      -0.3 %      -0.4 % 

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EBITDA was $14.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, as compared to $9.7 million for 2010, an increase of $4.5 million. EBITDA, as a percentage of revenue, was 3.9% as compared to 2.9% for 2010. The increase in EBITDA was primarily from higher mix of permanent recruitment.

Operating income was $18.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, as compared to $11.7 million for 2010, an increase of $6.7 million. Operating income, as a percentage of revenue, was 5.2% compared to 3.5% for 2010. The increase in operating income was primarily due to the factors affecting EBITDA.

EBITDA was $8.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, as compared to an EBITDA loss of $1.3 million for 2009, an increase in EBITDA of $10.1 million. EBITDA, as a percentage of revenue, was 2.9% compared to an EBITDA loss as a percentage of revenue of 0.4% for 2009. The increase in EBITDA was primarily from higher permanent recruitment gross margins.

Operating income was $10.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, as compared to an operating loss of $5.2 million for 2009, an increase in operating income of $16.0 million. Operating income, as a percentage of revenue, was 3.6% compared to an operating loss as a percentage of revenue of 1.8% for 2009. The increase in operating income was primarily due to the factors affecting EBITDA.

Hudson Europe (constant currency)

Revenue

         
  Year Ended December 31,
     2011   2010   2009
$ in millions   As reported   As reported   Constant
currency
  As reported   Constant
currency
Hudson Europe
                                            
Revenue   $ 382.4     $ 328.5     $ 342.0     $ 277.0     $ 270.3  

Revenue was $382.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, as compared to $342.0 million for December 2010, an increase of $40.4 million or 11.8%. Contracting, permanent recruitment and talent management revenue grew $38.0 million, $1.4 million and $1.0 million or 16.6%, 1.8% and 3.0%, respectively.

The U.K. led the increase in contracting revenue with $31.7 million or 17.0%. The increase was primarily in Legal, including eDiscovery, and Information Technology and Telecom (“IT&T”). Permanent recruitment revenue decreased $2.8 million or 7.1%, largely due to a contraction of the banking and finance industry, which affected the majority of our practices.

In Continental Europe, revenue increased $12.0 million or 10.9%. Contracting and permanent recruitment revenue increased $6.3 million and $4.5 million or 14.8% and 12.5%, respectively. Talent management revenue was flat as compared to 2010. The increase in contracting revenue was primarily driven by interim management, a practice which provides temporary senior management professionals, in Belgium, and the legal and finance practices in the Netherlands. Permanent recruitment revenue increased primarily from the retained placement practices in Belgium and France.

Revenue was $328.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, as compared to $270.3 million for 2009, an increase of $58.2 million or 21.5%. Contracting and permanent recruitment revenue increased $41.5 million and $17.0 million or 23.2% and 30.1%, respectively. Talent management revenue was flat as compared to 2009.

The U.K. accounted for the entire revenue increase with contracting and permanent recruitment revenue increases of $46.8 million and $12.0 million, or 35.2% and 46.8%, respectively, as compared to 2009. These increases were driven primarily by improvement in the finance and banking and IT practices, partially offset by a reduction in revenue from the public sector.

In Continental Europe, overall revenue was largely flat as compared to 2009. However, permanent recruitment revenue increased $4.2 million or 14.2%, primarily in the retained placement practices in France and Belgium. Contracting revenue declined $5.2 million, or 11.4%, primarily in the Netherlands and was

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attributed to contractions in government spending at all levels as well as increased competition. Conditions did however begin to improve during the fourth quarter of 2010 as revenue increased by approximately 16% as compared to the third quarter of 2010.

Gross margin

         
  Year Ended December 31,
     2011   2010   2009
$ in millions   As reported   As reported   Constant
currency
  As reported   Constant
currency
Hudson Europe
                                            
Gross margin   $ 156.6     $ 137.2     $ 143.2     $ 124.2     $ 120.7  
Gross margin as a % of revenue     41.0 %      41.8 %      41.9 %      44.8 %      44.7 % 
Contracting gross margin as a percent of contracting revenue:     18.9 %      16.9 %      16.9 %      20.6 %      20.6 % 

Gross margin was $156.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, as compared to $143.2 million for December 2010, an increase of $13.5 million or 9.4%. Contracting and permanent recruitment gross margins increased by $11.7 million and $1.2 million or 30.4% and 1.6%, respectively, as compared to 2010. Talent management gross margin was flat as compared to 2010.

The U.K. led the increase in contracting gross margin with $10.0 million or 35.2%. The increase was primarily in Legal, including eDiscovery, and IT&T. Permanent recruitment gross margin decreased $3.0 million or 8.0%, largely due to a contraction of the banking and finance industry but was partially offset by an increase in the Legal practice.

In Continental Europe, the gross margin increased $7.3 million or 10.1%. Permanent recruitment and contracting gross margins increased $4.4 million and $1.8 million or 12.5% and 17.2%, respectively. The increase in permanent recruitment and contracting gross margin was for the same reasons as described for revenue above.

Contracting gross margin as a percentage of contracting revenue was 18.9% for the year ended December 31, 2011, as compared to 16.9% for 2010. The increase was largely driven by the higher margins in our Legal eDiscovery business. Total gross margin, as a percentage of total revenue, was 41.0% as compared to 41.9% for 2010 and was primarily due to mix between contracting and permanent placement.

Gross margin was $137.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, as compared to $120.7 million for 2009, an increase of $16.5 million or 13.7%. Permanent recruitment gross margin led the increase with $16.5 million or 30.1%. Contracting and talent management gross margins were flat as compared to 2009.

The U.K. accounted for the majority of the increase in gross margin with permanent recruitment and contracting gross margins increasing $11.6 million and $3.9 million, or 47.4% and 16.6%, respectively. These increases were primarily driven by our services to the banking sector.

In Continental Europe, the overall gross margin was nearly flat as compared to 2009. Permanent recruitment gross margin increased $4.2 million or 14.2%, primarily in France and Belgium for the same reasons as discussed for revenue. Contracting gross margin decreased $3.5 million or 26.6% primarily in the Netherlands due to lower average bill rates from increased competition for public sector work, and adjustments for payroll taxes.

Contracting gross margin as a percentage of revenue was 16.9% as compared to 20.6% in 2009. The decline was partially driven by a shift in client mix towards clients with higher volume and lower margins, increased competition in the Netherlands and a shift in country mix. The shift in country mix was due to a revenue increase in the U.K., a country with historically lower gross margin percentages, combined with a decline of revenue in the Netherlands, a country with historically higher gross margin percentages. Total gross margin, as a percentage of total revenue, was 41.8% as compared to 44.7% for 2009, with the decline in total gross margin percentage primarily related to the contracting gross margin percentage.

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Selling, general and administrative expenses and non-operating income (expenses)

         
  Year Ended December 31,
     2011   2010   2009
$ in millions   As reported   As reported   Constant
currency
  As reported   Constant
currency
Hudson Europe
                                            
SG&A and other non-operating income (expense)   $ 147.9     $ 134.8     $ 140.7     $ 124.3     $ 121.3  
SG&A and other non-operating income (expense)
as a % of revenue
    38.7 %      41.0 %      41.2 %      44.9 %      44.9 % 

SG&A and non-operating income (expense) was $147.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 as compared to $140.7 million for the 2010, an increase of $7.2 million or 5.1%. The increase was primarily due to higher performance-based compensation resulting from the higher gross margin, which increased 9.4%. SG&A and non-operating income (expense), as a percentage of revenue, was 38.7% as compared to 41.2% for 2010. The improvement was primarily due to proportionately lower support staff costs in relation to the increase in contracting revenue.

SG&A and non-operating income (expense) was $134.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, as compared to $121.3 million for 2009, an increase of $13.6 million or 11.2%. The increase was primarily due to higher staff compensation resulting from the growth in gross margin of 13.7% and higher corporate management service allocations. SG&A and non-operating income (expense), as a percentage of revenue, was 41.0% as compared to 44.9% for 2009. The improvement was primarily due to savings resulting largely from the restructuring program completed in 2009.

Operating Income and EBITDA

         
  Year Ended December 31,
     2011   2010   2009
$ in millions   As reported   As reported   Constant
currency
  As reported   Constant
currency
Hudson Europe
                                            
Operating income (loss):   $ 14.2     $ 5.1     $ 5.4     $ (12.8 )    $ (13.1 ) 
EBITDA (loss)   $ 8.1     $ 1.1     $ 1.1     $ (9.8 )    $ (9.9 ) 
EBITDA (loss) as a % of revenue     2.1 %      0.3 %      0.3 %      -3.5 %      -3.7 % 

EBITDA was $8.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, as compared to $1.1 million for 2010, an increase of $7.0 million. EBITDA, as a percentage of revenue, was 2.1% as compared to 0.3% for 2010. The increase in EBITDA was primarily from higher contracting margins and higher productivity.

Operating income was $14.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, as compared to $5.4 million for 2010, an increase of $8.8 million. Operating income, as a percentage of revenue, was 3.8% compared to 1.6% for 2010. The increase in operating income was primarily due to the factors affecting EBITDA.

EBITDA was $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, as compared to an EBITDA loss of $9.9 million for 2009, an increase in EBITDA of $11.0 million. EBITDA, as a percentage of revenue, was 0.3% compared to an EBITDA loss as a percentage of revenue of 3.7% for 2009. The increase in EBITDA was primarily from higher permanent recruitment gross margins and savings resulting from the prior years’ restructuring initiatives, including the non-recurrence of the restructuring charges.

Operating income was $5.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, as compared to an operating loss of $13.1 million for 2009, an increase in operating income of $18.2 million. Operating income, as a percentage of revenue, was 1.5% compared to an operating loss as a percentage of revenue of 4.9% for 2009. The increase in operating income was primarily due to the factors affecting EBITDA.

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The following are discussed in reported currency

Corporate and Other

Corporate expenses were $2.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, as compared to $4.6 million for 2010, a decrease of $2.5 million or 54.6%. The decrease was primarily due to a larger allocation of corporate management fees charged to the reportable segments and decreased professional fees. These reductions were partially offset by increased staff costs for incentive compensation based on improved results for 2011 and costs incurred in connection with the change in the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. Corporate EBITDA loss was $2.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, as compared to an EBITDA loss of $5.1 million for 2010, a decrease in EBITDA loss of $3.0 million. The decrease in EBITDA loss was primarily due to the factors discussed above.

Corporate expenses were $4.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, as compared to $13.4 million for 2009, a decrease of $8.8 million or 66.0%. The decrease was primarily due to the larger allocation of corporate management fees charged to the reportable segments of approximately $10.6 million partially offset by higher performance based compensation of $2.0 million resulting from the improvement in consolidated results. EBITDA loss was $5.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, as compared to an EBITDA loss of $13.5 million for 2009, a decrease in EBITDA loss of $8.4 million. The decrease in EBITDA loss was primarily due to the factors discussed above.

Depreciation and Amortization Expense

Depreciation and amortization expense was $6.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, as compared to $8.2 million for 2010, a decrease of $1.9 million or 23.6%. The decrease was primarily due to reduced capital expenditures in recent years.

Depreciation and amortization expense was $8.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, as compared to $12.5 million for 2009, a decrease of $4.4 million or 34.7%. The decrease was primarily due to reduced capital expenditures in recent years.

Interest Expense

Interest expense, net of interest income was nearly flat at $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 compared to $1.3 million for 2010.

Interest expense, net of interest income was $1.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, as compared to $0.7 million for 2009, an increase of $0.6 million. Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2010 included a $0.3 million write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs related to the early termination of the Company’s credit agreement with Wells Fargo Capital Finance, Inc.

Provision for (Benefit from) Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2011 was $5.3 million on $16.3 million of pre tax income, as compared to a provision for income taxes of $1.5 million on a $3.0 million pre tax loss for 2010. The effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2011 was 32.9%, as compared to negative 50.1% for 2010. The change in the Company’s effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2011 as compared to 2010 resulted from an overall increase in worldwide pre tax income, including the U.S., Canada and New Zealand in which regions the Company has historically been unable to record tax benefits on operating losses. The effective tax rate differed from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to the utilization of U.S. net operating losses, partially offset by the inability to recognize tax benefits on net losses in certain foreign jurisdictions, state taxes, non-deductible expenses and foreign tax rates that vary from that in the U.S.

The provision for income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2010 was $1.5 million on a $3.0 million pre tax loss, as compared to a benefit from income taxes of $5.8 million on a $48.7 million pre tax loss for 2009. The effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2010 was negative 50.1%, as compared to 11.8% for 2009. The change in the Company’s effective tax rate compared to 2009 resulted primarily from a reduction in the Company’s pre-tax losses in jurisdictions where we obtain tax benefits and the inability to obtain benefits from losses incurred in other jurisdictions. The effective tax rate differs from

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the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% due to the inability to recognize tax benefits on net losses in the U.S. and certain other foreign jurisdictions, state taxes, certain non-deductible expenses, and variations from the U.S. tax rate in foreign jurisdictions.

Net Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations

Net income from continuing operations was $10.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, as compared to a net loss from continuing operations of $4.4 million for 2010, an increase in net income from continuing operations of $15.4 million. Basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations were $0.35 and 0.34, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2011, as compared to a basic and diluted loss per share from continuing operations of $0.15 for 2010.

Net loss from continuing operations was $4.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, as compared to a net loss from continuing operations of $43.0 million for 2009, a decrease in net loss from continuing operations of $38.5 million. Basic and diluted loss per share from continuing operations were $0.15 for the year ended December 31, 2010, as compared to a basic and diluted loss per share from continuing operations of $1.65 for 2009.

Net Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations

Net income from discontinued operations was $0 for year ended December 31, 2011.

Net loss from discontinued operations was $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, as compared to net income from discontinued operations of $2.3 million for 2009, a decrease in net income from discontinued operations of $2.6 million. Net income from discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2009 included the receipt of the final earn-out payment of $11.6 million as a result of the Company’s former Highland reporting unit achieving certain 2008 revenue metrics as defined in the sales agreement, partially offset by operating losses from discontinued operations for Japan and Italy of $2.7 million and $2.2 million, respectively. Basic and diluted loss per share from discontinued operations was $0.01 for the year ended December 31, 2010, as compared to basic and diluted earnings per share from discontinued operations of $0.09 for 2009.

Net Income (Loss)

Net income was $10.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, as compared to a net loss of $4.7 million for 2010, an increase in net income of $15.6 million. Basic and diluted earnings per share were $0.35 and $0.34, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2011, as compared to basic and diluted loss per share of $0.16 for 2010.

Net loss was $4.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, as compared to $40.6 million for 2009, a decrease in net loss of $35.9 million. Basic and diluted loss per share were $0.16 for the year ended December 31, 2010, as compared to $1.56 for 2009.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company’s liquidity needs arise primarily from funding working capital requirements and capital investments in information technology and facilities.

Cash flows

     
  For The Year Ended December 31,
(In millions)   2011   2010   2009
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities   $ 13.3     $ (14.5 )    $ (27.0 ) 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities     (6.4 )      (0.1 )      6.8  
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities     1.6       7.6       4.4  
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents     (0.7 )      0.5       2.7  
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   $ 7.8     $ (6.5 )    $ (13.1 ) 

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Cash Flows Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities

For the year ended December 31, 2011, net cash provided by operating activities was $13.3 million as compared to net cash used in operating activities of $14.5 million for 2010, an increase in net cash provided by operating activities of $27.7 million. The improvement was driven by the increase in net income, lower payments for the prior years restructuring programs and improved accounts receivable collection in the current year.

For the year ended December 31, 2010, net cash used in operating activities was $14.5 million, compared to $27.0 million for 2009, a decrease in net cash used in operating activities of $12.5 million. The decrease was primarily due to lower net operating losses from continuing operations and lower payments related to the 2009 restructuring program in 2010 offset principally by an increase in working capital as a result of the growth in contracting revenue in 2010.

Cash Flows Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities

For the year ended December 31, 2011, net cash used in investing activities was $6.4 million compared to less than $0.1 million for 2010, an increase in net cash used in investing activities of $6.4 million. The driver of the increase was higher capital expenditures, primarily for investments in information technology and the non-recurrence of the sale of warrants, partially offset by the final earn-out payment for the Tony Keith acquisition in the prior year.

For the year ended December 31, 2010, net cash used in investing activities was less than $0.1 million compared to net cash provided by investing activities of $6.8 million for 2009, a decrease in net cash provided by investing activities of $6.9 million. The primary source of net cash from investing activities in 2010 was $6.2 million of proceeds from instruments related to the sale of Hudson Americas’ ETS division offset by capital expenditures and a restricted deposit in support of a lease in Australia. The primary source of net cash from investing activities in 2009 was the receipt of the final earn out payment of $11.6 million from the sale of Highland Partners partially offset by capital expenditures.

Cash Flows Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities

For the year ended December 31, 2011, net cash provided by financing activities was $1.6 million as compared to $7.6 million for 2010, a decrease in net cash provided by financing activities of $5.9 million. The decrease was primarily due to the non-recurrence of $19.2 million from the issuance of common stock, partially offset by increased net borrowings of $11.4 million for incremental working capital and the non-recurrence of $2.1 million of payments in the prior year associated with the change in our credit facility.

For the year ended December 31, 2010, net cash provided by financing activities was $7.6 million compared to $4.4 million for 2009, an increase in net cash provided by financing activities of $3.2 million. The increase was primarily due to $19.2 million of proceeds from the issuance of common stock, partially offset by an increase in net repayments under the Company’s credit facilities of $14.5 million and payment of deferred financing costs of $1.5 million.

Credit Agreements

Credit Agreement with RBS Citizens Business Capital

On August 5, 2010, the Company and certain of its North American and U.K. subsidiaries entered into a senior secured revolving credit facility with RBS Citizens Business Capital, a division of RBS Asset Finance, Inc. (“RBS”), and on February 22, 2012, the Company and certain of its North American and U.K. subsidiaries entered into an amendment to the senior secured revolving credit facility with RBS (as amended, the “Revolver Agreement”). The Revolver Agreement provides the Company with the ability to borrow up to $40.0 million, including the issuance of letters of credit. The Company may increase the maximum borrowing amount to $50.0 million, subject to certain conditions including lender acceptance. Extensions of credit are based on a percentage of the eligible accounts receivable from the U.K. and North America operations, less required reserves. In connection with the Revolver Agreement, the Company incurred and capitalized approximately $1.5 million of deferred fmancing costs, which are being amortized over the term of the agreement. The maturity date of the Revolver Agreement is August 5, 2014. Prior to the amendment,

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borrowings could be made with an interest rate based on a base rate plus 2% or on the LIBOR rate for the applicable period plus 3%. The applicable margin for each rate is based on the Company's Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined in the Revolver Agreement). Borrowings under the Revolver Agreement are secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company.

The amendment, which was deemed to be effective on February 1, 2012, lowered the unused credit line fee, which is set at one of two rates depending upon the Company's credit line usage under the Revolver Agreement, from 0.625% per annum to 0.50% per annum and from 0.40% per annum to 0.375% per annum. The amendment also lowered the applicable margin for the interest rate on borrowings based on the Company's Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined in the Revolver Agreement) as follows:

     
Level   Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio   Base Rate
Revolving Loans
  LIBOR Revolving
Loans or Letter of
Credit Obligations
I   Greater than or equal to 1.25:1.0   1.25%   2.25%
II   Less than 1.25:1.0 but greater than or equal to 1.10:1.0   1.50%   2.50%
III   Less than 1.10:1.0   1.75%   2.75%

The details of the Revolver Agreement as of December 31, 2011 were as follows:

 
(In millions)   December 31,
2011
Borrowing base   $ 33.1  
Less: adjustments to the borrowing base
        
Minimum availability     (5.0 ) 
Outstanding letters of credits     (2.7 ) 
Adjusted borrowing base     25.4  
Less: outstanding borrowing      
Additional borrowing availability   $ 25.4  
Interest rates on outstanding borrowing     5.25 % 

The Revolver Agreement contains various restrictions and covenants including: (1) a requirement to maintain a minimum excess availability of $10.0 million(a) until such time as for two consecutive fiscal quarters (i) the Company’s Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is at least 1.2x and (ii) the Company’s North American and U.K. operations, for the four fiscal quarters then ending, have an EBITDA (as defined in the Revolver Agreement) for such twelve month period of not less than $0.5 million as of the end of each fiscal quarter during the fiscal year 2011 and $1.0 million at the end of each fiscal quarter thereafter; thereafter a requirement to maintain a minimum availability of $5.0 million, a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of at least 1.1x and EBITDA (as defined in the Revolver Agreement) for the Company’s North American and U.K. operations of at least $0.5 million during the fiscal year 2011 and $1.0 million thereafter; (2) a limit on the payment of dividends of not more than $5.0 million per year and subject to certain conditions; (3) restrictions on the ability of the Company to make additional borrowings, acquire, merge or otherwise fundamentally change the ownership of the Company or repurchase the Company’s stock; (4) a limit on investments, and a limit on acquisitions of not more than $25.0 million in cash and $25.0 million in non-cash consideration per year, subject to certain conditions set forth in the Revolver Agreement; and (5) a limit on dispositions of assets of not more than $4.0 million per year. The Company was in compliance with all covenants under the Revolver Agreement as of December 31, 2011.

Credit Agreement with Westpac Banking Corporation

On November 29, 2011, certain Australian and New Zealand subsidiaries of the Company entered into a Facility Agreement, dated November 29, 2011 (the “Facility Agreement”), with Westpac Banking Corporation and Westpac New Zealand Limited (collectively, “Westpac”).

(a) Effective July 1, 2011, the minimum excess availability was reduced to $5.0 million as a result of the Company meeting the aforementioned requirements.

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The Facility Agreement provides three tranches: (a) an invoice discounting facility of up to $20.4 million (AUD20.0 million) (“Tranche A”) for an Australian subsidiary of the Company, which is based on an agreed percentage of eligible accounts receivable; (b) an overdraft facility of up to $2.7 million (NZD3.5 million) (“Tranche B”) for a New Zealand subsidiary of the Company; and (c) a financial guarantee facility of up to $5.1 million (AUD5.0 million) (“Tranche C”) for the Australian subsidiary.

The Facility Agreement does not have a stated maturity date and can be terminated by Westpac upon 90 days written notice. Borrowings under Tranche A may be made with an interest rate based on the Invoice Finance 30-day Bank Bill Rate (as defined in the Facility Agreement) plus a margin of 0.75%, which was 6.47% as of December 31, 2011. Borrowings under Tranche B may be made with an interest rate based on the Commercial Lending Rate (as defined in the Facility Agreement) plus a margin of 0.83%, which was 6.03% as of December 31, 2011. Each of Tranche A and Tranche B bears a fee, payable monthly, equal to 0.65% of the size of Westpac’s commitment under such tranche. Borrowings under Tranche C may be made incurring a fee equal to 1.10% of the face value of the financial guarantee requested. Amounts owing under the Facility Agreement are secured by substantially all of the assets of the Australian subsidiary, its Australian parent company and the New Zealand subsidiary (collectively, the “Obligors”) and certain of their subsidiaries.

The details of the Facility Agreement as of December 31, 2011 were as follows:

 
(In millions)   December 31,
2011
Tranche A:
        
Borrowing capacity   $ 20.4  
Less: outstanding borrowing     (3.4 ) 
Additional borrowing availability   $ 17.0  
Interest rates on outstanding borrowing     6.47 % 
Tranche B:
        
Borrowing capacity   $ 2.7  
Less: outstanding borrowing      
Additional borrowing availability   $ 2.7  
Interest rates on outstanding borrowing     6.03 % 
Tranche C:
        
Borrowing capacity   $ 5.1  
Less: outstanding borrowing      
Additional borrowing availability   $ 5.1  
Interest rates on outstanding borrowing     1.10 % 

The Facility Agreement contains various restrictions and covenants applicable to the Obligors and certain of their subsidiaries, including (a) a requirement that the Obligors maintain (1) a minimum Tangible Net Worth (as defined in the Facility Agreement) as of the last day of each calendar quarter of not less than the higher of 85% of the Tangible Net Worth as of the last day of the previous calendar year and $17.9 million (AUD17.5 million); (2) at all times, a minimum Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined in the Facility Agreement) of 1.5x for the trailing twelve month period; and (3) a maximum Borrowing Base Ratio (as defined in the Facility Agreement) as of the last day of each calendar quarter of not more than 0.8; and (b) a limitation on certain intercompany payments with permitted payments outside the Obligor group restricted to a defined amount derived from the net profits of the Obligors and their subsidiaries. The Company was in compliance with all covenants under the Facility Agreement as of December 31, 2011.

Other Credit Agreements

The Company also has lending arrangements with local banks through its subsidiaries in Belgium, the Netherlands, Singapore and Mainland China. As of December 31, 2011, the Netherlands subsidiary could borrow up to $3.5 million (€2.7 million) based on an agreed percentage of accounts receivable related to its operations. In May 2011, the Belgium subsidiary replaced its previous accounts receivable based lending arrangement with a $1.3 million (€1.0 million) overdraft facility with the same financial institution effective

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July 1, 2011. Borrowings under the Belgium and the Netherlands lending arrangements may be made with an interest rate based on the one month EURIBOR plus a margin, and were 3.4% and 3.7%, respectively, as of December 31, 2011. The lending arrangement in the Netherlands expires annually each June, but can be renewed for one year periods at that time. The lending arrangement in Belgium has no expiration date and can be terminated with a 15 day notice period. In Singapore, the Company’s subsidiary can borrow up to $0.7 million (SGD1.0 million) for working capital purposes effective January 28, 2011. Interest on borrowings under this overdraft facility is based on the Singapore Prime Rate, plus 1.75%, and was 6% on December 31, 2011. The Singapore overdraft facility expires annually each August, but can be renewed for one year periods at that time. In Mainland China, the Company’s subsidiary can borrow up to $1.0 million for working capital purposes. Interest on borrowings under this overdraft facility is based on the People’s Republic of China’s six month rate, plus 200 basis points, and was 8.1% on December 31, 2011. This overdraft facility expires annually each September, but can be renewed for one year periods at that time. There were no outstanding borrowings under the Belgium, the Netherlands, Singapore and Mainland China lending agreements as of December 31, 2011.

The average outstanding borrowings for the Revolver Agreement, Facility Agreement and the various credit agreements in Belgium, the Netherlands, Singapore and Mainland China was $12.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. The weighted average interest rate on all outstanding borrowings for the year ended December 31, 2011 was 6.25%.

The Company continues to use the aforementioned credit to support its ongoing global working capital requirements, capital expenditures and other corporate purposes and to support letters of credit. Letters of credit and bank guarantees are used primarily to support office leases.

Shelf Registration and Common Stock Offering

In December 2009, the Company filed a shelf registration statement (the “2009 Shelf Registration”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) to enable it to issue up to $30.0 million equivalent of securities or combinations of securities. The types of securities permitted for issuance under the 2009 Shelf Registration are debt securities, common stock, preferred stock, warrants, stock purchase contracts and stock purchase units.

On April 6, 2010, the Company issued, in a registered public offering under the 2009 Shelf Registration, 4,830,000 shares (which share number includes the exercise of the underwriter’s overallotment option of 630,000 shares) of common stock at $4.35 per share. Net proceeds to the Company after underwriting discounts and expenses of the public offering were approximately $19.2 million.

After this offering, the Company may issue up to $9.0 million equivalent of securities or combinations of securities under the 2009 Shelf Registration.

Liquidity Outlook

The Company had a total liquidity of $89.1 million as of December 31, 2011, which included $37.3 million of cash and cash equivalents on hand and $51.8 million of additional borrowings availability under the Revolver Agreement, the Facility Agreement with Westpac and other lending arrangements in Belgium, the Netherlands, Singapore and Mainland China. The Company believes that it has sufficient liquidity to satisfy its needs through at least the next 12 months, based on the Company’s total liquidity as of December 31, 2011. The Company’s near-term cash requirements during 2012 are primarily related to funding operations and capital expenditures. In 2012, the Company expects to make capital expenditures of approximately $7.0 million to $9.0 million. The Company is closely managing its capital spending and will perform capital additions where economically prudent, while continuing to invest strategically for future growth.

At December 31, 2011, $13.6 million of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents noted above was held in the United States and the remainder was held internationally, primarily in the United Kingdom, Mainland China, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Singapore. The majority of the Company’s offshore cash is available to it as a source of funds, net of any tax obligations or assessments.

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Unrepatriated cumulative earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries are considered to be invested indefinitely outside the United States except where the Company is able to repatriate these earnings to the United States without a material incremental tax provision. In managing its day-to-day liquidity and its capital structure, the Company does not rely on the unrepatriated earnings as a source of funds. The Company has not provided for federal income or foreign withholding taxes on these undistributed foreign earnings. The Company has not done so because this situation is unlikely to occur in the foreseeable future. Accordingly, it is not practicable to determine the amount of tax associated with such undistributed earnings.

Although operating results in 2011 improved over 2010 in the key markets in which the Company operates, there remains concern about the strength and sustainability of the economic recovery and the solvency of certain European sovereign nations. The Company believes that future external market conditions remain uncertain particularly the access to credit, rates of near-term projected economic growth and levels of unemployment in the markets in which it operates. Due to these uncertain external market conditions, the Company cannot provide assurance that its actual cash requirements will not be greater in the future than those currently expected, especially if market conditions deteriorate substantially. If sources of liquidity are not available or if the Company cannot generate sufficient cash flow from operations, the Company might be required to obtain additional sources of funds through additional operating improvements, capital market transactions, asset sales or financing from third parties, or a combination of those sources. The Company cannot provide assurance that these additional sources of funds will be available or, if available, would have reasonable terms.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements.

As of December 31, 2011, the Company had no off-balance sheet arrangements.

Contractual Obligations.

The Company has entered into various commitments that will affect its cash generation capabilities going forward. Particularly, it has entered into several non-cancelable operating leases for facilities and equipment worldwide. Future contractual obligations as of December 31, 2011 were as follows (dollars in thousands) (commitments based in currencies other than U.S. dollars were translated using exchange rates as of December 31, 2011):

         
Contractual Obligation(a)   Less than
1 year
  1 to 3 years   3 to 5 years   More than
5 years
  Total
Operating lease obligations   $ 26,819     $ 41,023     $ 29,018     $ 31,254     $ 128,114  
Other long term liabilities:
                                            
Reorganization expenses     858       531                   1,389  
Total   $ 27,677     $ 41,554     $ 29,018     $ 31,254     $ 129,503  

(a) The Company’s other non-current liabilities and non-current income tax payable of $18.1 million in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2011 are primarily comprised of income taxes, unrecognized tax benefits, deferred rent, and other various accruals. As the timing and/or amounts of any cash payment is uncertain, the related amounts have not been reflected in the table above.

Contingencies

From time to time in the ordinary course of business, the Company is subject to compliance audits by federal, state, local and foreign government regulatory, tax, and other authorities relating to a variety of regulations, including wage and hour laws, unemployment taxes, workers’ compensation, immigration, and income, value-added and sales taxes. The Company is also subject to, from time to time in the ordinary course of business, various claims, lawsuits, and other complaints from, for example, clients, candidates, suppliers, landlords for both leased and subleased properties, and former and current employees. Periodic events can change the number and type of audits, claims, lawsuits or complaints asserted against the Company. Events can also change the likelihood of assertion and the behavior of third parties to reach resolution regarding such matters.

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The economic circumstances in the recent past have given rise to many news reports and bulletins from clients, tax authorities and other parties about changes in their procedures for audits, payment, plans to challenge existing contracts and other such matters aimed at being more aggressive in the resolution of such matters in their own favor. The Company believes that it has appropriate procedures in place for identifying and communicating any matters of this type, whether asserted or likely to be asserted, and it evaluates its liabilities in light of the prevailing circumstances. Changes in the behavior of third parties could cause the Company to change its view of the likelihood of a claim and what might constitute a trend. In the last twelve months, the Company has not seen a marked difference in employee or client disputes.

For matters that have reached the threshold of probable and estimable, the Company has established reserves for legal, regulatory and other contingent liabilities. The Company’s reserves were $0.3 million as of December 31, 2011. Although the outcome of these matters cannot be determined, the Company believes that none of the currently pending matters, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

During January 2011, significant rainfall caused widespread flooding throughout much of Queensland, Australia. On February 22, 2011, a major earthquake caused severe damage in Christchurch, New Zealand. The Company maintains insurance for such matters and recorded $0.5 million for estimated insurance recoveries for the year ended December 31, 2011.

The Company is currently appealing a decision by the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue related to its 2004 and 2005 state income tax returns. Under the appeals process, the State has filed a routine tax lien in the amount of $3.5 million on the Company’s U.S. operating subsidiary. The Company has posted a security bond amounting to 120 percent of the lien. The Company does not expect this bond to be drawn. In January 2012, the Company initiated settlement discussions with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. These discussions could potentially lead to a settlement within the next twelve months. A settlement might result in a reduction in the future provision for income taxes. Management believes its reserves for this matter are adequate.

Critical Accounting Policies

Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires our management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. GAAP provides the framework from which to make these estimates, assumptions and disclosures. We choose accounting policies within GAAP that our management believes are appropriate to accurately and fairly report our operating results and financial position in a consistent manner. Our management regularly assesses these policies in light of current and forecasted economic conditions. Our accounting policies are stated in Note 2 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8. We believe the following accounting policies are critical to understanding our results of operations and affect the more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements that are inherently uncertain:

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue for temporary services at the time services are provided and revenue is recorded on a time and materials basis. Temporary contracting revenue is reported on a gross basis when the Company acts as the principal in the transaction and is at risk for collection in accordance with ASC 605-45, “Overall Considerations of Reporting Revenue Gross as a Principal versus Net as an Agent”. The Company’s revenues are derived from its gross billings, which are based on (i) the payroll cost of its worksite employees; and (ii) a markup computed as a percentage of the payroll cost.

The Company recognizes revenue for permanent placements based on the nature of the fee arrangement. Revenue generated when the Company permanently places an individual with a client on a contingent basis is recorded at the time of acceptance of employment, net of an allowance for estimated fee reversals. Revenue generated when the Company permanently places an individual with a client on a retained basis is recorded ratably over the period services are rendered, net of an allowance for estimated fee reversals.

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ASC 605-45-50-3 and ASC 605-45-50-4, “Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities” provide that the presentation of taxes on either a gross or net basis is an accounting policy decision. The Company collects various taxes assessed by governmental authorities and records these amounts on a net basis.

Accounts Receivable

The Company’s accounts receivable balances are composed of trade and unbilled receivables. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts and makes ongoing estimates as to the collectability of the various receivables. If the Company determines that the allowance for doubtful accounts is not adequate to cover estimated losses, an expense to provide for doubtful accounts is recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses. If an account is determined to be uncollectible, it is written off against the allowance for doubtful accounts. Management’s assessment and judgment are vital requirements in assessing the ultimate realization of these receivables, including the current credit-worthiness, financial stability and effect of market conditions on each customer.

Income Taxes

We account for income taxes using the asset and liability method in accordance with ASC 740, “Income Taxes”. This standard establishes financial accounting and reporting standards for the effects of income taxes that result from an enterprise’s activities. It requires an asset and liability approach for financial accounting and reporting of income taxes.

The calculation of net deferred tax assets assumes sufficient future earnings for the realization of such assets as well as the continued application of currently anticipated tax rates. Included in net deferred tax assets is a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets where management believes it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized in the relevant jurisdiction. If we determine that a deferred tax asset will not be realizable, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset will result in a reduction of earnings at that time. See Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding deferred tax assets and valuation allowance.

ASC 740-10-55-3 “Recognition and Measurement of Tax Positions — a Two Step Process” provides implementation guidance related to the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements and prescribes a two-step evaluation process for a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The first step is recognition and the second is measurement. ASC 740 also provides guidance on derecognition, measurement, classification, disclosures, transition and accounting for interim periods. In addition, ASC 740-10-25-9 provides guidance on how to determine whether a tax position is effectively settled for the purpose of recognizing previously unrecognized tax benefits.

The Company’s unrecognized tax benefits, if recognized in the future, would affect the annual effective income tax rate. See Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding unrecognized tax benefits. We elected to continue our historical practice of classifying applicable interest and penalties as a component of the provision for income taxes.

We provide tax reserves for federal, state, local and international exposures relating to periods subject to audit. The development of reserves for these exposures requires judgments about tax issues, potential outcomes and timing, and is a subjective critical estimate. We assess our tax positions and record tax benefits for all years subject to examination based upon management’s evaluation of the facts, circumstances and information available at the reporting dates. For those tax positions where it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will be sustained, we have recorded the largest amount of tax benefit with greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement with a tax authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. For those tax positions where it is not more likely than not that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit has been recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements. Where applicable, associated interest and penalties have also been recognized. Although the outcome relating to these exposures are uncertain, we believe that our reserves reflect the probable outcome of known tax contingencies. In certain circumstances, the ultimate outcome of exposures and risks involves significant uncertainties which render them inestimable. If actual outcomes differ materially from these estimates, including those that cannot be quantified, they could have a material impact on our results of operations.

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Goodwill

Under ASC 350-20-35 “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other, Goodwill Subsequent Measurement”, the Company is required to test goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis as of October 1, or more frequently if circumstances indicate that its carrying value might exceed its current fair value.

Per the provisions of ASC 350, the Company elected to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether goodwill impairment existed at October 1, 2011. At the conclusion of its assessment, the Company determined that no impairment of goodwill existed at October 1, 2011.

In the third quarter of 2010, based on the existing economic conditions at that time, the Company performed an interim test for impairment of the $1.9 million of goodwill that was recorded at June 30, 2010. At the conclusion of its testing, the Company determined that no impairment of goodwill existed at June 30, 2010. Management updated its testing for impairment as of October 1, 2010 (annual impairment date) and confirmed its earlier determination that no impairment of goodwill existed as of October 1, 2010.

Intangibles and Long-lived Assets

The Company evaluates the recoverability of the carrying value of its long-lived assets, excluding goodwill, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Under such circumstances, the Company assesses whether the projected undiscounted cash flows of its businesses are sufficient to recover the existing unamortized cost of its long-lived assets. If the undiscounted projected cash flows are not sufficient, the Company calculates the impairment amount by discounting the cash flows using its weighted average cost of capital. The amount of the impairment is written-off against earnings in the period in which the impairment has been determined in accordance with ASC 360-10-35, “Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.”

Business Reorganization and Merger and Integration Plans

In the fiscal years 2006, 2008 and 2009, the Company recorded significant charges and accruals in connection with its business reorganization, merger and integration plans. These reserves included estimates pertaining to lease termination payments, employee termination benefits and contract cancellation costs resulting from its actions. Although the Company does not anticipate significant changes, the actual costs may differ from these estimates, particularly pertaining to estimates for future lease obligations.

Foreign Currency Translation

The financial position and results of operations of the Company’s international subsidiaries are determined using local currency as the functional currency. Assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries are translated at the exchange rate in effect at each year-end. Statements of Operations accounts are translated at the average rate of exchange prevailing during each period. Translation adjustments arising from the use of differing exchange rates from period to period are included in the other comprehensive income (loss) account in stockholders’ equity, other than translation adjustments on short-term inter-company balances, which are included in other income (expense). Gains and losses resulting from other foreign currency transactions are included in other income (expense). Inter-company receivable balances of a long-term investment nature are considered part of the Company’s permanent investment in a foreign jurisdiction and the gains or losses on these balances are reported in other comprehensive income.

Self-Insurance Liabilities

In the Company’s U.S. operation, the Company utilizes a combination of insurance and self-insurance for employee related health care benefits (a portion of which is paid by its employees). Self-insurance claims filed and claims incurred but not reported are accrued based upon our estimates of ultimate cost for self-insured claims incurred using actuarial assumptions followed in the insurance industry and historical experience. Liabilities associated with the risks that the Company retains are estimated by considering historical claims experience, demographic factors, severity factors and other actuarial assumptions. Although the Company’s claims experience has not displayed substantial volatility in the past, actual experience could materially vary from its historical experience in the future. Factors that affect these estimates include, but are not limited to, inflation, the number and severity of claims and regulatory changes. In the future, if the Company concludes an adjustment to self insurance accruals is required, the liability will be adjusted accordingly.

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Stock-Based Compensation

Under ASC 718 “Compensation — Stock Compensation”, the Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of its stock options. The Black-Scholes model includes various assumptions, including the expected life of stock options, the expected risk free interest rate and the historic volatility of the Company’s stock price. These assumptions reflect the Company’s best estimates, but they involve inherent uncertainties based on market conditions generally outside the control of the Company. As a result, if other assumptions had been used, total stock-based compensation cost, as determined in accordance with ASC 718 could have been materially impacted. Furthermore, if the Company uses different assumptions for future grants, stock-based compensation cost could be materially impacted in future periods.

For awards with graded vesting conditions, the values of the awards are determined by valuing each tranche separately and expensing each tranche over the required service period. The Company is required to record stock-based compensation expense net of estimated forfeitures. The Company estimated its forfeiture rate based on historical data. The future forfeiture rate could differ from these estimates.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) ASU 2011-08, “Testing Goodwill for Impairment”. This standard permits an entity to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If it is concluded that this is the case, it is necessary to perform the currently prescribed two-step goodwill impairment test. Otherwise, the two-step goodwill impairment test is not required. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is permitted. The Company elected to early adopt the standard for its annual test of goodwill impairment at its China reporting unit as of October 1, 2011. The adoption did not impact the Company’s results of operations or financial position.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income”. This standard requires an entity to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. This standard does not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income, how such items are measured or when they must be reclassified to net income. Additionally, the standard does not affect the calculation or reporting of net income and earnings per share. In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-12 “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05”. ASU 2011-12 deferred certain aspects of ASU 2011-05. Among the new provisions in ASU 2011-05 was a requirement for entities to present reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component in both the statement in which net income is presented and the other comprehensive income is presented. This requirement is indefinitely deferred by ASU 2011-12 and will be further deliberated by the FASB at a future date. The standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011 and should be applied retrospectively. The only component of other comprehensive income currently applicable to the Company is currency translation adjustments, which are presently included in the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity. The adoption of this standard will change the order in which certain financial statements are presented and will not have any impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-04, “Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs,” which amends Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 820, “Fair Value Measurement.” The amended guidance changes the wording used to describe many requirements in GAAP for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements. Currently, the Company primarily applies the non-recurring fair value measurements for new asset retirement obligations and revisions of restructuring reserves. The standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011 and is applied prospectively. The Company does not expect the adoption of the standard to have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.

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REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Form 10-K contains statements that the Company believes to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this Form 10-K, including statements regarding the Company’s future financial condition, results of operations, business operations and business prospects, are forward-looking statements. Words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “predict,” “believe” and similar words, expressions and variations of these words and expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are subject to important factors, risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including industry and economic conditions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Such factors, risks, uncertainties and assumptions include, but are not limited to, (1) global economic fluctuations, (2) risks related to fluctuations in the Company’s operating results from quarter to quarter, (3) the ability of clients to terminate their relationship with the Company at any time, (4) competition in the Company’s markets, (5) risks associated with the Company’s investment strategy, (6) risks related to international operations, including foreign currency fluctuations, (7) the Company’s dependence on key management personnel, (8) the Company’s ability to attract and retain highly skilled professionals, (9) the Company’s ability to collect its accounts receivable, (10) the Company’s history of negative cash flows and operating losses may reoccur in the future, (11) restrictions on the Company’s operating flexibility due to the terms of its credit facilities, (12) the Company’s ability to achieve anticipated cost savings through the Company’s cost reduction initiatives, (13) the Company’s heavy reliance on information systems and the impact of potentially losing or failing to develop technology, (14) risks related to providing uninterrupted service to clients, (15) the Company’s exposure to employment-related claims from clients, employers and regulatory authorities and limits on related insurance coverage, (16) the Company’s ability to utilize net operating loss carry-forwards, (17) volatility of the Company’s stock price, (18) the impact of government regulations, and (19) restrictions imposed by blocking arrangements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this Form 10-K. The Company assumes no obligation, and expressly disclaims any obligation, to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The Company conducts operations in various countries and faces both translation and transaction risks related to foreign currency exchange. For the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company earned approximately 86% of its gross margin outside of the United States, and it collected payments in local currency and related operating expenses were paid in such corresponding local currency. Revenues and expenses in foreign currencies translate into higher or lower revenues and expenses in U.S. dollars as the U.S. dollar weakens or strengthens against other currencies. Therefore, changes in exchange rates may affect our consolidated revenues and expenses (as expressed in U.S. dollars) from foreign operations.

Amounts invested in our foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the stockholders’ equity section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The translation of foreign currency into the U.S. dollar is reflected as a component of stockholders’ equity and it does not impact our operating results.

As more fully described in Item 7 — Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, the Company has credit agreements with RBS Business Capital and Westpac Banking Corporation. The Company also has other credit agreements with lenders in Belgium, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore and Mainland China. The Company does not hedge the interest risk on borrowings under any such credit agreements, and accordingly, it is exposed to interest rate risk on the borrowings under such credit agreements. Based on our annual average borrowings, a 1% increase or decrease in interest rates on our borrowings would not have a material impact on our earnings.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15(d)-15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

The Company’s management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011 using the criteria set forth in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this assessment, the Company’s management believes that, as of December 31, 2011, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective based on those criteria.

The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, KPMG LLP, has issued a report on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. That report is set forth immediately following the report of KPMG LLP on the financial statements included herein.

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Hudson Highland Group, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Hudson Highland Group, Inc. and subsidiaries (Hudson Highland Group, Inc.) as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2011. In connection with our audit of the consolidated financial statements, we also have audited the financial statement schedules included in Item 15 of Form 10-K. These consolidated financial statements and the financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and the financial statement schedules based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Hudson Highland Group, Inc. as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2011, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of Hudson Highland Group, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated February 28, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effective operation of internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ KPMG LLP

New York, New York
February 28, 2012

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Hudson Highland Group, Inc.:

We have audited Hudson Highland Group Inc.’s and subsidiaries (Hudson Highland Group, Inc.) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Hudson Highland Group, Inc.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying “Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting”. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, Hudson Highland Group, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Hudson Highland Group, Inc. as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2011, and our report dated February 28, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

/s/ KPMG LLP

New York, New York
February 28, 2012

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HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC.

  
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

     
  Year Ended December 31,
     2011   2010   2009
Revenue   $ 933,736     $ 794,542     $ 691,149  
Direct costs     579,431       495,969       430,696  
Gross margin     354,305       298,573       260,453  
Operating expenses:
                          
Salaries and related     252,785       222,185       204,097  
Office and general     69,298       65,185       66,713  
Marketing and promotion     7,816       6,943       6,824  
Depreciation and amortization     6,251       8,184       12,543  
Business reorganization and integration expenses     720       1,694       18,180  
Goodwill and other impairment charges                 1,549  
Total operating expenses     336,870       304,191       309,906  
Operating income (loss)     17,435       (5,618 )      (49,453 ) 
Other non-operating income (expense):
                          
Interest income (expense), net     (1,143 )      (1,278 )      (694 ) 
Other income (expense), net     (44 )      4,500       1,444  
Fee for early extinguishment of credit facility           (563 )       
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income taxes     16,248       (2,959 )      (48,703 ) 
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes     5,339       1,482       (5,750 ) 
Income (loss) from continuing operations     10,909       (4,441 )      (42,953 ) 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes           (244 )      2,344  
Net income (loss)   $ 10,909     $ (4,685 )    $ (40,609 ) 
Earnings (loss) per share:
                          
Basic
                          
Income (loss) from continuing operations   $ 0.35     $ (0.15 )    $ (1.65 ) 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations           (0.01 )      0.09  
Net income (loss)   $ 0.35     $ (0.16 )    $ (1.56 ) 
Diluted
                          
Income (loss) from continuing operations   $ 0.34     $ (0.15 )    $ (1.65 ) 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations           (0.01 )      0.09  
Net income (loss)   $ 0.34     $ (0.16 )    $ (1.56 ) 
Basic weighted average shares outstanding:     31,566       29,931       26,036  
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding:     31,989       29,931       26,036  

 
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC.
  
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands)

   
  December 31,
     2011   2010
ASSETS
                 
Current assets:
                 
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 37,302     $ 29,523  
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,772 and $2,145, respectively     131,489       128,576  
Prepaid and other     13,132       13,988  
Total current assets     181,923       172,087  
Property and equipment, net     17,838       16,593  
Other assets     16,785       17,154  
Total assets   $ 216,546     $ 205,834  
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                 
Current liabilities:
                 
Accounts payable   $ 12,025     $ 14,812  
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities     74,248       74,990  
Short-term borrowings     3,384       1,339  
Accrued business reorganization expenses     858       2,619  
Total current liabilities     90,515       93,760  
Other non-current liabilities     10,867       10,493  
Income tax payable, non-current     7,807       8,303  
Total liabilities     109,189       112,556  
Commitments and contingencies
                 
Stockholders’ equity:
                 
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 10,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding            
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 100,000 shares authorized; issued 32,776 and 32,181 shares, respectively     33       32  
Additional paid-in capital     470,786       466,582  
Accumulated deficit     (397,290 )      (408,199 ) 
Accumulated other comprehensive income – translation adjustments     34,255       34,902  
Treasury stock, 79 and 9 shares, respectively, at cost     (427 )      (39 ) 
Total stockholders’ equity     107,357       93,278  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 216,546     $ 205,834  

 
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC.
  
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)

     
  Year Ended December 31,
     2011   2010   2009
Cash flows from operating activities:
                          
Net income (loss)   $ 10,909     $ (4,685 )    $ (40,609 ) 
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
                          
Depreciation and amortization     6,251       8,184       12,630  
Goodwill and other impairment charges                 1,549  
Provision (recovery) for doubtful accounts     132       392       (290 ) 
Provision for (benefit from) deferred income taxes     1,272       (223 )      (3,542 ) 
Stock-based compensation     3,221       1,724       973  
Gains on disposal of assets                 (11,625 ) 
Fee for early extinguishment of credit facility           563        
Gains on note and warrants from asset sale           (3,369 )       
Other, net     131       462       (625 ) 
Changes in assets and liabilities:
                          
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable     (3,983 )      (27,252 )      39,147  
Decrease (increase) in prepaid and other assets     (319 )      (1,592 )      5,635  
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities     (2,534 )      17,366       (31,523 ) 
Increase (decrease) in accrued business reorganization expenses     (1,801 )      (6,031 )      1,292  
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities     13,279       (14,461 )      (26,988 ) 
Cash flows from investing activities:
                          
Capital expenditures     (6,832 )      (3,264 )      (3,666 ) 
Proceeds from sale of assets     248       81       11,625  
Proceeds from note and sale of warrants           6,179        
Change in restricted cash     117       (1,197 )      514  
Payment for acquisitions           (1,856 )      (1,669 ) 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities     (6,467 )      (57 )      6,804  
Cash flows from financing activities:
                          
Borrowings under credit facility and other
short term financing
    237,779       99,914       51,985  
Repayments under credit facility and other short term financing     (235,752 )      (109,304 )      (46,836 ) 
Payment for early extinguishment of credit facility           (563 )       
Payment of deferred financing costs           (1,565 )       
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net           19,167        
Purchase of treasury stock, including fees                 (703 ) 
Purchase of restricted stock from employees     (388 )      (71 )      (75 ) 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities     1,639       7,578       4,371  
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents     (672 )      399       2,668  
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents     7,779       (6,541 )      (13,145 ) 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the period     29,523       36,064       49,209  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period   $ 37,302     $ 29,523     $ 36,064  
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
                          
Cash paid during the period for interest   $ 1,059     $ 1,098     $ 999  
Cash payments during the period for income taxes,
net of refunds
  $ 4,046     $ 1,905     $ (1,215 ) 

 
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC.
  
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(in thousands)

               
 
  
Common stock
  Additional
paid-in
capital
  Accumulated
deficit
  Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income (loss)
  Treasury
stock
  Total   Total
Comprehensive
Income (loss)
     Shares   Value
Balance at January 1, 2009     25,354     $   26     $ 450,739     $ (362,905 )    $ 27,054     $ (6,922 )    $ 107,992           
Net income (loss)                       (40,609 )                  (40,609 )    $ (40,609 ) 
Other comprehensive income (loss), translation adjustments                             7,455             7,455       7,455  
Purchase of treasury stock     (243 )                              (703 )      (703 )       
Purchase of restricted stock from employees     (29 )                              (75 )      (75 )       
Issuance of shares for 401(k) plan contribution     1,318       1       (6,171 )                  7,397       1,227        
Stock-based compensation     322             973                         973        
Balance at December 31, 2009     26,722     $ 27     $ 445,541     $ (403,514 )    $ 34,509     $ (303 )    $ 76,260     $ (33,154 ) 
Net income (loss)                       (4,685 )                  (4,685 )      (4,685 ) 
Other comprehensive income (loss), translation adjustments                             393             393       393  
Issuance of shares     4,830       5       19,111                         19,116        
Purchase of treasury stock     (16 )                              (71 )      (71 )       
Issuance of shares for 401(k) plan contribution     121             206                   335       541        
Stock-based compensation     514             1,724                         1,724        
Balance at December 31, 2010     32,171     $ 32     $ 466,582     $ (408,199 )    $ 34,902     $ (39 )    $ 93,278     $ (4,292 ) 
Net income (loss)                       10,909                   10,909       10,909  
Other comprehensive income (loss), translation adjustments                             (647 )            (647 )      (647 ) 
Purchase of restricted stock from employees     (70 )                              (388 )      (388 )       
Issuance of shares for 401(k) plan contribution     92             602                         602        
Stock-based compensation     504       1       3,602                         3,603        
Balance at December 31, 2011     32,697     $ 33     $ 470,786     $ (397,290 )    $ 34,255     $ (427 )    $ 107,357     $ 10,262  

 
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC.
  
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

Hudson Highland Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) are comprised of the operations, assets and liabilities of the three Hudson regional businesses of Hudson Americas, Hudson Asia Pacific, and Hudson Europe (“Hudson regional businesses” or “Hudson”). The Company provides highly specialized professional-level recruitment and related talent solutions worldwide. Core service offerings include Permanent Recruitment, Contract Consulting, Legal eDiscovery, Recruitment Process Outsourcing (“RPO”) and Talent Management solutions.

The Company has operated as an independent publicly-held company since April 1, 2003 (the “Distribution Date”) when the eResourcing division of Monster Worldwide, Inc. (“Monster”), formerly TMP Worldwide, Inc., comprised of 67 acquisitions made between 1999 and 2001, was spun off. As of December 31, 2011, The Company had more than 2,000 employees operating in 20 countries with three reportable geographic business segments: Hudson Americas, Hudson Asia Pacific, and Hudson Europe. These reportable segments constituted approximately 14%, 42%, and 44% of the Company’s gross margin, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Offered on both a retained and contingent basis, Hudson’s Permanent Recruitment services leverage more than 1,200 consultants, 150 psychologists and other scientific specialists in the development and delivery of its proprietary methods to identify, select and engage the best-fit talent for critical client roles.

In Contract Consulting, the Company provides a range of project management, interim management and professional contract staffing services. These services draw upon a combination of specialized recruiting and project management competencies to deliver a wide range of solutions. Hudson-employed professionals —  either individually or as a team — are placed with client organizations for a defined period of time based on specific business need.

The Company’s Legal eDiscovery services comprise eDiscovery solutions, managed document review (encompassing logistical deployment, project management, process design and productivity management), and contract attorney staffing. The most comprehensive of these is the firm’s full-service eDiscovery solution, providing an integrated system of discovery management and review technology deployment for both corporate and law firm clients.

Hudson RPO delivers outsourced recruitment solutions tailored to the individual needs of mid- to large-cap multinational companies. Hudson RPO’s delivery teams utilize state-of-the-art recruitment process methodologies and project management expertise in their flexible, turnkey solutions to meet clients’ ongoing business needs. Hudson RPO services include complete recruitment outsourcing, project-based outsourcing, contingent workforce solutions and recruitment consulting.

Featuring embedded proprietary talent assessment and selection methodologies, the Company’s Talent Management capability encompasses services such as talent assessment (utilizing a variety of competency, attitude and experiential testing), interview training, executive coaching, employee development and outplacement.

Reporting Segments

In the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company reorganized its leadership team to align the Company’s operations with its business strategy to run its global operations in three regions. As a result, the Company revised its reportable segments by aggregating the segments of Hudson Australia New Zealand and Hudson Asia into one segment, Hudson Asia Pacific. The Company has reclassified information for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 to reflect this change to the segment reporting in accordance with the requirements of ASC 280-10-50-1 to 9 “Operating Segments” and ASC 280-10-50-10 “Reportable Segments.” See Note 15 for further details.

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HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC.
  
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation

The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Unless otherwise stated, amounts are presented in United States of America (“U.S.”) dollars and all amounts are in thousands, except for number of shares and per share amounts.

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

Principles of Consolidation

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and all of its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions between and among the Company and its subsidiaries have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events. These estimates and the underlying assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosures about contingent assets and liabilities, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses. Such estimates include the value of purchase consideration, allowances for doubtful accounts, insurance recovery receivable, goodwill, intangible assets, and other long-lived assets, legal reserve and provision, estimated self-insured liabilities, assumptions used in the fair value of stock-based compensation and the valuation of deferred tax assets. These estimates and assumptions are based on management’s best estimates and judgment. Management evaluates the estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment, which management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. The Company adjusts such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.

Instability in the global credit markets, including the recent European economic and financial turmoil related to sovereign debt issues in certain countries, the instability in the geopolitical environment in many parts of the world and other factors may continue to put pressure on global economic conditions and may in turn impact the aforementioned estimates and assumptions.

Nature of Business and Credit Risk

The Company’s revenue is earned from professional placement services, mid-level employee professional staffing and temporary contracting services and human capital services. These services are provided to a large number of customers in many different industries. The Company operates throughout North America, the United Kingdom, Continental Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Asia. During 2011, no single client accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s revenue. As of December 31, 2011, no single client accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s outstanding accounts receivable.

Financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk, are primarily cash and accounts receivable. The Company performs continuing credit evaluations of its customers and does not require collateral. The Company has not experienced significant losses related to receivables.

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HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC.
  
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  – (continued)

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue for temporary services at the time services are provided and revenue is recorded on a time and materials basis. Temporary contracting revenue is reported on a gross basis when the Company acts as the principal in the transaction and is at risk for collection in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic (“ASC”) 605-45, “Overall Considerations of Reporting Revenue Gross as a Principal versus Net as an Agent”. The Company’s revenues are derived from its gross billings, which are based on (i) the payroll cost of its worksite employees; and (ii) a markup computed as a percentage of the payroll cost.

The Company recognizes revenue for permanent placements based on the nature of the fee arrangement. Revenue generated when the Company permanently places an individual with a client on a contingent basis is recorded at the time of acceptance of employment, net of an allowance for estimated fee reversals. Revenue generated when the Company permanently places an individual with a client on a retained basis is recorded ratably over the period services are rendered, net of an allowance for estimated fee reversals.

The ASC 605-45-50-3 and ASC 605-45-50-4, “Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities” provide that the presentation of taxes on either a gross or net basis is an accounting policy decision. The Company collects various taxes assessed by governmental authorities and records these amounts on a net basis.

Direct Costs and Gross Margin

Direct costs include the direct staffing costs of salaries, payroll taxes, employee benefits, travel expenses and insurance costs for the Company’s temporary contractors as well as reimbursed out-of-pocket expenses and other direct costs. Other direct costs include out-of-pocket expenses associated with search, permanent placement and other talent management services. Gross margin represents revenue less direct costs. The region where services are provided, the mix of temporary and permanent placements, and the functional nature of the staffing services provided can affect gross margin.

Revenue, direct costs and gross margin of the Company were as follows:

                 
  For The Year Ended
December 31, 2011
  For The Year Ended
December 31, 2010
  For The Year Ended
December 31, 2009
     Temporary   Other   Total   Temporary   Other   Total   Temporary   Other   Total
Revenue   $ 692,665     $ 241,071     $ 933,736     $ 585,321     $ 209,221     $ 794,542     $ 521,780     $ 169,369     $ 691,149  
Direct costs     564,462       14,969       579,431       482,175       13,794       495,969       418,989       11,707       430,696  
Gross margin   $ 128,203     $ 226,102     $ 354,305     $ 103,146     $ 195,427     $ 298,573     $ 102,791     $ 157,662     $ 260,453  

Operating Expenses

Salaries and related expenses include the salaries, commissions, payroll taxes and employee benefits related to recruitment professionals, executive level employees, administrative staff and other employees of the Company who are not temporary contractors. Office and general expenses include occupancy, equipment leasing and maintenance, utilities, travel expenses, professional fees and provision for doubtful accounts. The Company expenses the costs of advertising as incurred.

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HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC.
  
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  – (continued)

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company applies the fair value recognition provisions of ASC 718 “Compensation — Stock Compensation”. ASC 718 requires companies to estimate the fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model. The Company determines the fair value as of the grant date. For awards with graded vesting conditions, the values of the awards are determined by valuing each tranche separately and expensing each tranche over the required service period. For stock options, the Black-Scholes option pricing model considers, among other factors, the expected life of the award and the expected volatility of the Company’s stock price. The Company is required to record stock-based compensation expense net of estimated forfeitures. The Company estimates its forfeiture rate based on historical data.

The Company determines its assumptions for the Black-Scholes option-pricing model in accordance with ASC 718 and Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 107, “Interaction between Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Statement No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment and certain Securities and Exchange Commission rules and regulations and provides the staffs views regarding the valuation of share-based payment arrangements for public companies”.

The expected term of stock options is estimated using the simplified method since the Company currently does not have sufficient stock option exercise history.
The expected risk free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury constant maturity interest rate which term is consistent with the expected term of the stock options.
The expected volatility is based on the historic volatility.

In December 2007, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) staff issued SAB No. 110, “Certain Assumptions Used In Valuation Methods — Expected Term”. SAB No. 110 allows companies to continue to use the simplified method, as defined in SAB No. 107, to estimate the expected term of stock options under certain circumstances. The simplified method for estimating expected term uses the mid-point between the vesting term and the contractual term of the stock option. The Company has analyzed the circumstances in which the use of the simplified method is allowed. The Company has opted to use the simplified method for stock options the Company granted in 2008 because management believes that the Company does not have sufficient historical exercise data to provide a reasonable basis upon which to estimate the expected term.

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740, “Income Taxes”. This standard establishes financial accounting and reporting standards for the effects of income taxes that result from an enterprise’s activities. It requires an asset and liability approach for financial accounting and reporting of income taxes.

ASC 740-10-55-3 “Recognition and Measurement of Tax Positions — a Two Step Process” provides implementation guidance related to the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements and prescribes a two-step evaluation process for a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The first step is recognition and the second is measurement. ASC 740 also provides guidance on derecognition, measurement, classification, disclosures, transition and accounting for interim periods.

Discontinued Operations

The Company has designated certain of its operations as discontinued operations in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements, as further discussed in Note 3.

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HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC.
  
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  – (continued)

Earnings (Loss) Per Share

Basic earnings (loss) per share (“EPS”) are computed by dividing the Company’s net income (loss) by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. When the effects are not anti-dilutive, diluted earnings (loss) per share are computed by dividing the Company’s net income (loss) by the weighted average number of shares outstanding and the impact of all dilutive potential common shares, primarily stock options “in-the-money” and unvested restricted stock. The dilutive impact of stock options and unvested restricted stock is determined by applying the “treasury stock” method. Performance-based restricted stock awards are included in the computation of diluted earnings per share only to the extent that the underlying performance conditions: (a) are satisfied prior to the end of the reporting period, or (b) would be satisfied if the end of the reporting period were the end of the related contingency period and the result would be dilutive under the treasury stock method. Stock awards subject to vesting or exercisability based on the achievement of market conditions are included in the computation of diluted earnings per share only when the target stock price is met.

Income (loss) per share calculations for each quarter include the weighted average effect for the quarter; therefore, the sum of quarterly income (loss) per share amounts may not equal year-to-date income (loss) per share amounts, which reflect the weighted average effect on a year-to-date basis.

A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share calculations follows:

     
  Year Ended December 31,
     2011   2010   2009
Earnings (loss) per share (“EPS”):
                          
Basic
                          
Income (loss) from continuing operations   $ 0.35     $ (0.15 )    $ (1.65 ) 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations           (0.01 )      0.09  
Net income (loss)   $ 0.35     $ (0.16 )    $ (1.56 ) 
Diluted
                          
Income (loss) from continuing operations   $ 0.34     $ (0.15 )    $ (1.65 ) 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations           (0.01 )      0.09  
Net income (loss)   $ 0.34     $ (0.16 )    $ (1.56 ) 
EPS numerator – basic and diluted:
                          
Income (loss) from continuing operations   $ 10,909     $ (4,441 )    $ (42,953 ) 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes           (244 )      2,344  
Net income (loss)   $ 10,909     $ (4,685 )    $ (40,609 ) 
EPS denominator:
                          
Weighted-average common stock outstanding – basic     31,566,403       29,930,882       26,036,249  
Common stock equivalents: stock options and other stock-based awards(a)     423,058              
Weighted-average number of common stock outstanding – diluted     31,989,461       29,930,882       26,036,249  

(a) For the periods in which net losses are presented, the diluted weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding did not differ from the basic weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding because the effects of any potential common stock equivalents (see Note 9 below for further details on outstanding stock options, non-vested restricted stock units and non-vested restricted stock) were anti-dilutive and therefore not included in the calculation of the denominator of dilutive earnings per share.

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HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC.
  
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  – (continued)

The weighted average number of shares outstanding used in the computation of diluted net income (loss) per share for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 does not include the effect of the following potentially outstanding shares of common stock because the effect would have been anti-dilutive:

     
  Year Ended December 31,
     2011   2010   2009
Unvested restricted stock     104,175       1,034,597       587,123  
Restricted stock units                  
Stock options     1,396,350       1,548,300       1,763,250  
Total     1,500,525       2,582,897       2,350,373  

For the year ended December 31, 2011, 51,506 shares of performance-based restricted stock awards were excluded from the calculation of the computation of the diluted earnings per shares because the underlying performance conditions had not been satisfied prior to the end of the reporting period. In addition, 52,669 shares of market-condition-based restricted stock awards were excluded from the calculation of the computation of the diluted earnings per shares because the underlying the target stock price had not been achieved.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying amounts reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and short-term borrowings approximate fair value because of the immediate or short-term maturity of these financial instruments. See Note 6 “Fair Value Measurements” for further information on the Company’s fair value measurements.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents, which consist primarily of money market funds, are stated at cost, which approximates fair value. For financial statement presentation purposes, the Company considers all highly liquid investments having an original maturity of three months or less as cash equivalents. Outstanding checks in excess of cash account balances that are included in accounts payable on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets were insignificant as of December 31, 2011 and 2010.

Restricted Cash

The Company had approximately $3,641 and $3,786 of restricted cash included in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. A summary of the Company’s restricted cash is as follows.

   
  December 31,
     2011   2010
Included under the caption “Other assets”:
                 
Collateral accounts   $ 3,120     $ 3,105  
Rental deposits     268       143  
     $ 3,388     $ 3,248  
Included under the caption “Prepaid and other”:
                 
Social tax payment reserves   $ 3     $ 69  
Rental deposits           276  
Client guarantees     133       193  
Collateral accounts     117        
     $ 253     $ 538  

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HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC.
  
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  – (continued)

Collateral accounts primarily included deposits held under a collateral trust agreement, which supports the Company’s workers’ compensation policy and a restricted term deposit with Commonwealth Bank of Australia (“CBA”) held as collateral. The CBA restricted term deposit supports the issuance of bank guarantees for certain leases in the Company’s Australia operation. The rental deposits with banks were held as guarantees for the rent on the Company’s offices in the Netherlands and Spain. Social tax payment reserves were held with banks for employee social tax payments required by law in the Netherlands. The client guarantees were held in banks in Belgium as deposits for various client projects.

Accounts Receivable

The Company’s accounts receivable balances are composed of trade and unbilled receivables. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts and makes ongoing estimates as to the ability to collect on the various receivables. If the Company determines that the allowance for doubtful accounts is not adequate to cover estimated losses, an expense to provide for doubtful accounts is recorded in office and general expenses. If an account is determined to be uncollectible, it is written off against the allowance for doubtful accounts. Management’s assessment and judgment are vital requirements in assessing the ultimate realization of these receivables, including the current credit-worthiness, financial stability and effect of market conditions on each customer.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is computed primarily using the straight line method over the following estimated useful lives:

 
  Years
Furniture and equipment     3 – 8  
Capitalized software costs     3 – 5  
Computer equipment     2 – 5  

Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the lease term. The amortization periods of material leasehold improvements are estimated at the inception of the lease term.

Capitalized Software Costs

Capitalized software costs consist of costs to purchase and develop software for internal use. The Company capitalizes certain incurred software development costs in accordance with the ASC 350-40, “Intangibles Goodwill and Other: Internal-Use Software.” Costs incurred during the application-development stage for software bought and further customized by outside vendors for the Company’s use and software developed by a vendor for the Company’s proprietary use have been capitalized. Costs incurred for the Company’s own personnel who are directly associated with software development are capitalized as appropriate. Capitalized software costs are included in property and equipment.

Long-Lived Assets and Amortizable Intangibles

Intangible assets are amortized on straight line basis over the estimated useful life. The Company evaluates the recoverability of the carrying value of its long-lived assets, excluding goodwill, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Under such circumstances, the Company assesses whether the projected undiscounted cash flows of its businesses are sufficient to recover the existing unamortized cost of its long-lived assets. If the undiscounted projected cash flows are not sufficient, the Company calculates the impairment amount by discounting the cash flows using its weighted average cost of capital. The amount of the impairment is written-off against earnings in the period in which the impairment has been determined in accordance with ASC 360-10-35, “Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.”

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HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC.
  
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  – (continued)

Goodwill

ASC 350-20-35 “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other, Goodwill Subsequent Measurement” requires that goodwill not be amortized but be tested for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently if circumstances warrant. The Company tests goodwill for impairment annually as of October 1, or more frequently if circumstances indicate that its carrying value might exceed its current fair value. Per the provisions of ASC 350, the Company elects to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If it is concluded that this is the case, it is necessary to perform the currently prescribed two-step goodwill impairment test. Otherwise, the two-step goodwill impairment test is not required. The first step of the goodwill impairment test, used to identify potential impairment, compares the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. The Company’s reporting units are the components within the reportable segments identified in Note 15. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, the second step of the impairment test is unnecessary. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. Step two compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill with the current carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, an impairment amount equal to the difference is recorded.

Foreign Currency Translation

The financial position and results of operations of the Company’s international subsidiaries are determined using local currency as the functional currency. Assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries are translated at the exchange rate in effect at each year-end. Statements of Operations accounts are translated at the average rate of exchange prevailing during each period. Translation adjustments arising from the use of differing exchange rates from period to period are included in the other comprehensive income (loss) account in stockholders’ equity, other than translation adjustments on short-term intercompany balances, which are included in other income (expense). Gains and losses resulting from other foreign currency transactions are included in other income (expense). Intercompany receivable balances of a long-term investment nature are considered part of the Company’s permanent investment in a foreign jurisdiction and the gains or losses on these balances are reported in other comprehensive income.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) is defined to include all changes in equity except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. The Company’s other comprehensive income (loss) is solely comprised of foreign currency translation adjustments, which relate to investments that are permanent in nature. To the extent that such amounts relate to investments that are permanent in nature, no adjustments for income taxes are made.

Effect of Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In September 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) ASU 2011-08, “Testing Goodwill for Impairment”. This standard permits an entity to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If it is concluded that this is the case, it is necessary to perform the currently prescribed two-step goodwill impairment test. Otherwise, the two-step goodwill impairment test is not required. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is permitted. The Company elected to early adopt the standard for its annual test of goodwill impairment at its China reporting unit as of October 1, 2011. The adoption did not impact the Company’s results of operations or financial position.

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HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC.
  
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  – (continued)

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income”. This standard requires an entity to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. This standard does not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income, how such items are measured or when they must be reclassified to net income. Additionally, the standard does not affect the calculation or reporting of net income and earnings per share. In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-12 “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05”. ASU 2011-12 deferred certain aspects of ASU 2011-05. Among the new provisions in ASU 2011-05 was a requirement for entities to present reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component in both the statement in which net income is presented and the other comprehensive income is presented. This requirement is indefinitely deferred by ASU 2011-12 and will be further deliberated by the FASB at a future date. The standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011 and should be applied retrospectively. The only component of other comprehensive income currently applicable to the Company is currency translation adjustments, which are presently included in the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity. The adoption of this standard will change the order in which certain financial statements are presented and will not have any impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-04, “Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs,” which amends Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 820, “Fair Value Measurement.” The amended guidance changes the wording used to describe many requirements in GAAP for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements. Currently, the Company primarily applies the non-recurring fair value measurements for new asset retirement obligations and revisions of restructuring reserves. The standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011 and is applied prospectively. The Company does not expect the adoption of the standard to have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.

3. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

In the first half of 2009, the Company exited Italy and Japan. In accordance with the provision of ASC 205-20-45 “Reporting Discontinued Operations” the assets, liabilities, and results of operations of the Italy and Japan operations were reclassified as discontinued operations.

In the first quarter of 2008, the Company sold substantially all of the assets of Hudson Americas’ energy, engineering and technical staffing division (“ETS”) to System One Holdings LLC (“System One”).

In the fourth quarter of 2006, the Company sold its Highland Partners executive search business (“Highland”) to Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. As a result of Highland achieving certain revenue metrics in 2008, the Company received an additional and final earn-out payment of $11,625 on April 9, 2009, which was reflected within discontinued operations as a gain from sale of discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2009.

Italy was part of the Hudson Europe reportable segment, Japan and T&I were part of the Hudson Asia Pacific reportable segment and ETS was part of the Hudson Americas reportable segment. Highland was a separate reportable segment of the Company at the time of its sale. The gain or loss on sale and results of operations of the disposed businesses were reported in discontinued operations in the relevant periods.

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HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC.
  
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

3. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS  – (continued)

There were no reported results for the discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2011 and the reported results for the discontinued operations were insignificant for the year ended December 31, 2010. The reported results for the discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2009 were as follows:

           
  For The Year Ended December 31, 2009
     Italy   Japan   ETS   T&I   Highland   Total
Revenue   $ 432     $ 1,022     $     $     $     $ 1,454  
Gross margin   $ 338     $ 986     $ 383     $     $     $ 1,707  
Operating (loss) income   $ (2,179 )    $ (2,624 )    $ 237     $     $ (104 )    $ (4,670 ) 
Other (expense) income     699       (247 )            201       (1,111 )      (458 ) 
Gain from sale of discontinued operations                             11,625       11,625  
Provision for income taxes(a)     126                   60       3,967       4,153  
(Loss) income from discontinued operations   $ (1,606 )    $ (2,871 )    $ 237     $ 141     $ 6,443     $ 2,344  

(a) Income tax expense (benefit) is provided at the effective tax rate by taxing jurisdiction and differs from the U.S. statutory tax rate of 35% for differences in the foreign statutory tax rates, as well as the ability to offset net operating loss carry forwards (“NOLs”) against taxable profits.

Amounts related to assets and liabilities of discontinued operations were insignificant as of December 31, 2011 and 2010.

4. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Property and equipment consisted of the following:

   
  December 31,
     2011   2010
Computer equipment   $ 13,666     $ 17,510  
Furniture and equipment     9,692       13,762  
Capitalized software costs     30,920       31,800  
Leasehold and building improvements     21,650       23,265  
       75,928       86,337  
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization     58,090       69,744  
Property and equipment, net   $ 17,838     $ 16,593  

The Company had expenditures of approximately $1,137 and $343 for acquired property and equipment, mainly consisting of computer equipment, leasehold improvements and software development, which had not been placed in service as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Depreciation expense is not recorded for such assets until they are placed in service.

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HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC.
  
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

4. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT  – (continued)

Non-Cash Capital Expenditures

During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company acquired certain computer equipment under capital lease agreements. The current portion of the capital lease obligations are included under the caption “Accrued expense and other current liabilities” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the non-current portion of the capital lease obligations included under the caption “Other non-current liabilities” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2011. The Company did not have property and equipment acquired under capital lease agreements for the year ended December 31, 2010. A summary of the Company’s equipment acquired under capital lease agreements is as follows.

   
  December 31,
     2011   2010
Equipment acquired under capital lease agreements for the year ended   $ 1,318     $   —  
Capital lease obligation, current     420        
Capital lease obligation, non-current     720        

5. GOODWILL

A summary of changes in the Company’s goodwill by reportable segment follows.

         
  December 31,
2010
  Additions and
adjustments
  Impairments   Currency
translation
  December 31,
2011
Hudson Asia Pacific   $ 1,909     $     $     $ 83     $ 1,992  
     $ 1,909     $   —     $   —     $  83     $ 1,992  

         
  December 31,
2009
  Additions and
adjustments
  Impairments   Currency
translation
  December 31,
2010
Hudson Asia Pacific   $     $ 1,856     $     $ 53     $ 1,909  
     $   —     $ 1,856     $   —     $  53     $ 1,909  

The Company tests goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level. A reporting unit is an operating segment or one level below an operating segment (referred to as a component). A component of an operating segment is a reporting unit if the component constitutes a business for which discrete financial information is available and segment management regularly reviews the operating results of that component.

On October 1, 2011, the Company applied ASU 2011-08, “Testing Goodwill for Impairment” and performed a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value to its China reporting unit where the goodwill was recorded. In the qualitative assessment, the Company considered events and circumstances such as macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, overall financial performance and the trend of cash flows, other relevant company-specific events and the “cushion” between a reporting unit’s fair value and carrying amount in the recent fair value calculation. At the conclusion of its assessment, the Company determined that no impairment of goodwill existed as of October 1, 2011.

For the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, to estimate the fair value of a reporting unit, the Company utilized the income approach, a valuation technique which indicates the fair value of the invested capital of a reporting unit based on the value of the cash flows that it is expected to generate in the future. The discounted cash flow method, an application of the income approach, estimates the future cash flows of the reporting unit and discounts these cash flows to their present value equivalents at a rate of return that considers the relative risk of achieving the cash flows and the time value of money. These cash flows indicate the fair value of the invested capital of the reporting unit on a marketable, controlling basis.

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HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC.
  
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

5. GOODWILL  – (continued)

The Company also considers the market approach, which indicates the fair value of the invested capital of the Company based on the Company’s market capitalization. We use the quoted market price method to estimate the fair value of the Company based on the quoted market price in the active markets (NASDAQ). We estimate the Company’s market capitalization by multiplying the quoted per share market price multiplied by the number of shares outstanding. As an additional measure, the Company reconciles the aggregate fair value of all of its reporting units, as determined by the discounted cash flow method, with its total market capitalization to determine the reasonableness of the fair value calculations.

In 2010, the Company’s financial results continued the improvement which began in the latter half of 2009. However, business and economic conditions remained mixed. As a result, the Company performed an interim test for impairment of the $1,856 final purchase price payment for its Tong Zhi (Beijing) Consulting Service Ltd. and Guangzhou Dong Li Consulting Ltd. (collectively, “TKA”) acquisition, which was recorded as goodwill at June 30, 2010. At the conclusion of its testing, the Company determined that no impairment of goodwill existed at June 30, 2010. Management updated its testing for impairment as of October 1 (annual impairment date) and confirmed its earlier determination that no impairment of goodwill existed as of October 1, 2010.

In July 2009, the Company paid a $1,669 earn-out payment related to the TKA acquisition, which represented additional purchase price and was recorded as goodwill at June 30, 2009. The prevailing economic conditions at year end 2008 had not sufficiently improved during the first-half of 2009 so the Company updated its step one and step two procedures for the China reporting unit as of June 30, 2009. The Company concluded that the entire amount of recorded goodwill was impaired and consequently recorded an impairment charge of $1,669, which is included in the results for the year ended December 31, 2009 in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.

The foregoing impairment tests in the determination of the fair value of a reporting unit is judgmental in nature and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions that the Company believes to be reasonable based on the existing circumstances. Therefore, any value ultimately derived may differ from the Company’s estimate of fair value.

6. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The Company did not have derivative instruments as of December 31, 2011 and 2010. In connection with the sale of the assets of Hudson Americas’ ETS business in 2008, the Company received warrants, which under certain circumstances, were convertible into cash. These warrants are considered derivative instruments which required fair value measurement. As per ASC 815 “Derivatives and Hedging,” these derivative instruments were considered undesignated derivative instruments. The Company determined the fair value of these instruments using significant unobservable inputs (level 3) as defined in ASC 820 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.”

For the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company received $1,650 of cash from the sale of the warrants, which were reported under the caption “Proceeds from note and sales of warrants” in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The changes in the fair value of the warrants of $0, $1,165 and $488 for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively, are included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations under the caption “Other income (expense), net”.

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HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC.
  
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

7. BUSINESS REORGANIZATION EXPENSES

The Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) approved reorganization plans in 2009 (“2009 Plan”), 2008 (“2008 Plan”), and 2006 (“2006 Plan”) to streamline the Company’s support operations and included actions to reduce support functions to match them to the scale of the business, to exit underutilized properties and to eliminate contracts for certain discontinued services. These actions resulted in costs for lease termination payments, employee termination benefits and contract cancellations. The 2009 Plan provided for up to $19,000 for restructuring actions. Business reorganization expense for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 by plan was as follows:

     
  For the year ended December 31,
     2011   2010   2009
2006 Plan   $ 739     $ 1,393     $ 69  
2008 Plan           74       1,138  
2009 Plan     (19 )      227       16,973  
Total   $ 720     $ 1,694     $ 18,180  

In the following tables, amounts in the “Changes in Estimate” and “Additional Charges” columns represent modifications to amounts charged or recovered for business reorganization expenses in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. Amounts in the “Payments” column represent the cash payments associated with the reorganization programs. Changes in the accrued business reorganization expenses for the year ended December 31, 2011 were as follows:

         
For the Year Ended December 31, 2011   December 31,
2010
  Changes in
Estimate
  Additional
Charges
  Payments   December 31,
2011
Lease termination payments   $ 2,376     $ 708     $     $ (1,775 )    $ 1,309  
Employee termination benefits     650                   (575 )      75  
Contract cancellation costs     103       12             (110 )      5  
Total   $ 3,129     $ 720     $   —     $ (2,460 )    $ 1,389  

Lease Termination Payments

The business reorganization expenses incurred for lease termination payments for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 by segments were as follows:

         
Lease termination payments for the years ended
December 31,
  Hudson
America
  Hudson
Asia Pacific
  Hudson
Europe
  Corporate   Total
2011   $     $     $ 708     $     $ 708  
2010   $ 134     $ (18 )    $ 1,348     $     $ 1,464  
2009   $ 1,086     $ 1,450     $ 2,685     $     $ 5,221  

As of December 31, 2011, the remaining accrual related to approximately four locations and will be paid over the remaining lease terms, which have various expiration dates through 2013. The estimated payments for 2012 are $780.

Employee Termination Benefits

The business reorganization expenses incurred for employee termination benefits for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 by segments were as follows:

         
Employees termination benefits for the years ended
December 31,
  Hudson
America
  Hudson
Asia Pacific
  Hudson
Europe
  Corporate   Total
2011   $     $     $     $     $  
2010   $ 173     $ (17 )    $ 67     $     $ 223  
2009   $ 4,047     $ 1,638     $ 6,724     $ 123     $ 12,532  

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HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC.
  
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

7. BUSINESS REORGANIZATION EXPENSES  – (continued)

Contract Cancellation Costs

The business reorganization expenses incurred for contract cancellation costs for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 by segments were as follows:

         
Contract cancellation costs for the years ended
December 31,
  Hudson
America
  Hudson
Asia Pacific
  Hudson
Europe
  Corporate   Total
2011   $     $     $ 12     $     $ 12  
2010   $     $ 20     $ (13 )    $     $ 7  
2009   $     $ 141     $ 273     $ 14     $ 428  

8. ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consisted of the following:

   
  December 31,
     2011   2010
Salaries, commissions and benefits   $ 44,625     $ 43,580  
Sales, use and income taxes     13,119       13,244  
Fees for professional services     1,635       2,149  
Rent     1,806       1,897  
Other accruals     13,063       14,120  
     $ 74,248     $ 74,990  

9. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION AND STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS

Incentive Compensation Plan

The Company maintains the Hudson Highland Group, Inc. 2009 Incentive Stock and Awards Plan (the “ISAP”) pursuant to which it can issue equity-based compensation incentives to eligible participants. The ISAP permits the granting of stock options and restricted stock as well as other types of equity-based awards. The Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Compensation Committee”) will establish such conditions as it deems appropriate on the granting or vesting of stock options or restricted stock. While the Company historically granted both stock options and restricted stock to its employees, since 2008 the Company has granted primarily restricted stock to its employees.

The ISAP provides that an aggregate of 1,600,000 shares of the Company’s common stock are reserved for issuance to participants. On December 31, 2011, there were 426,425 shares of the Company’s common stock available for future issuance. The Compensation Committee administers the ISAP and may designate any of the following as a participant under the ISAP: any officer or other employee of the Company or its affiliates or individuals engaged to become an officer or employee, consultants or other independent contractors who provide services to the Company or its affiliates and non-employee directors of the Company. On February 24, 2012, the Company’s Board of Directors amended the IASP to increase Company’s common stock that are reserved for issuance to participants by 2,500,000 shares, which is subject to approval by the Company’s stockholders at the Company’s annual meeting to be held on April 26, 2012.

The Company also maintains the Director Deferred Share Plan (the “Director Plan”) pursuant to which it can issue restricted stock units to its non-employee directors. A restricted stock unit is equivalent to one share of the Company’s common stock and is payable only in common stock issued under the ISAP upon a director ceasing service as a member of the Board of Directors of the Company.

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HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC.
  
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

9. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION AND STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS  – (continued)

Stock-based Compensation

The Company recognized expenses of $3,221, $1,724 and $999 in the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 respectively, for stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards. These expenses are included under the caption “Salaries and related” in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. In accordance with ASC 718, the Company reflects the tax savings resulting from tax deductions in excess of income tax benefits as a financing cash flow in its Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows rather than as an operating cash flow as in prior periods. The Company recognized a current tax benefit for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, of $285, $132 and $100, respectively, in certain foreign jurisdictions where the Company has taxable income. As of December 31, 2011, unrecognized compensation expense related to the unvested portion of the Company’s stock options and restricted stock, and restricted stock unit awards, based on the Company’s historical valuation treatment, was $3,851, $2,426 and $387, respectively, and was expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.7 years, 1.5 years and 2.2 years, respectively. All share issuances related to stock compensation plans are issued from unissued shares of stockholder approved compensation plans.

Stock Options

The fair value of stock options granted is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Expected volatilities are calculated based on the historical volatility of the Company’s common stock. Management monitors stock option exercise and employee termination patterns to estimate forfeiture rates. The Company analyzed its historical forfeiture rate, the remaining lives of unvested options and the amount of vested options as a percentage of total options outstanding. If the Company’s actual forfeiture rate is materially different from its estimate, or if the Company reevaluates the forfeiture rate in the future, the stock-based compensation expense could be significantly different from what was recorded in the current periods. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury, the term of which is consistent with the expected term of the option. Volatility is determined using historical prices to estimate the expected future fluctuations in the Company’s share price. The dividend rate is assumed to be zero as the Company has never paid dividends on its common stock and does not anticipate paying dividends in the foreseeable future. For awards with graded vesting conditions, the values of the awards are determined by valuing each tranche separately and expensing each tranche over the required service period.

In December 2007, the SEC staff issued SAB 110, which allows companies to continue to use the simplified method, as defined in SAB 107, to estimate the expected term of stock options under certain circumstances. The simplified method for estimating expected term uses the mid-point between the vesting term and the contractual term of the stock option. The Company has analyzed the circumstances in which the use of the simplified method is allowed. The Company has opted to use the simplified method for stock options the Company granted in 2011 because management believes that the Company does not have sufficient historical exercise data to provide a reasonable basis for a better estimate of the expected term of stock options. There was only one stock option award in 2011 and there were no stock options granted in 2010 or 2009.

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HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC.
  
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

9. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION AND STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS  – (continued)

The following were the weighted average assumptions used to determine the fair value of stock options granted by the Company and the details of option activity as of and for the respective periods:

     
  For the years ended December 31,
     2011   2010   2009
Risk free interest rate     2.3 %        (a)        (a) 
Volatility     75.1 %        (a)        (a) 
Expected life (years)     6.25         (a)        (a) 
Dividends     0.0 %        (a)        (a) 
Weighted average fair value of options granted during the period   $ 3.5 %    $    (a)    $    (a) 

(a) Stock option assumptions are not provided above because there were no options granted during the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009.

During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company granted to its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer 400,000 stock options with service-based vesting conditions that will vest (i) 50% on the second anniversary of the date of grant, and (ii) 50% on the third anniversary of the date of grant. The stock options were granted outside of the Company’s ISAP in connection with the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer’s commencement of employment with the Company in May 2011.

Changes in the Company’s stock options for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 were as follows:

   
  Number of
Options
Outstanding
  Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
per Share
Options outstanding at January 1, 2011     1,548,300     $ 12.64  
Granted     400,000       5.18  
Expired     (551,950 )      10.47  
Options outstanding at December 31, 2011     1,396,350       11.36  
Options exercisable at December 31, 2011     983,850     $ 13.96  

The weighted average remaining contractual term and the aggregated intrinsic value for stock options outstanding as of December 31, 2011 was approximately 5.1 years and $0, respectively. The weighted average remaining contractual term and the aggregated intrinsic value for options exercisable as of December 31, 2011 was 3.4 years and $0, respectively. The total intrinsic value for stock options exercised, based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 was $0, $0, and $0, respectively.

There were no cash proceeds from the exercise of stock options for the year ended December 31, 2011, and there were no associated income tax benefits. The total fair value of stock options vested during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, was $411, $862, and $3,793, respectively.

Restricted Stock

During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company granted 743,625 shares of restricted stock to various employees. Shares of restricted stock with only service-based vesting conditions and shares of restricted stock with performance-based vesting conditions are valued at the closing market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The Company recognizes compensation cost for the awards with performance conditions if and when the Company concludes that it is probable that the performance conditions will be achieved. Of the 743,625 shares granted, (i) 14,000 shares vested immediately,

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HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC.
  
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

9. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION AND STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS  – (continued)

(ii) 381,625 shares vest ratably over a three year period from the date of grant, (iii) 3,000 shares vest ratably over a four year period from the date of grant (iv) 316,000 shares vest ratably over a three year period from the date of grant based on the Company’s gross margin and earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) for the year ending December 31, 2011, (v) 15,000 shares vest one-third on December 1 in each of 2011, 2012 and 2013, (vi) 10,000 shares vest one-third on February 16 in each of 2012, 2013 and 2014, and (vii) 4,000 shares vest one-fourth on April 1 in each of 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015.

The Company treated its restricted stock awards to employees as having been issued and measured at the fair market value on the date of grant. The Company may grant restricted stock to employees under the ISAP. These shares are provided at no cost to the employee.

Changes in the Company’s restricted stock for the year ended December 31, 2011 were as follows:

   
  Number of
Shares of
Restricted
Stock
  Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Non-vested restricted stock at January 1, 2011     953,037     $ 3.64  
Granted     743,625       6.22  
Vested     (295,065 )      4.09  
Forfeited     (235,515 )      3.86  
Non-vested restricted stock at December 31, 2011     1,166,082     $ 5.12  

The total fair value of restricted shares vested during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, was $1,207, $481 and $1,496, respectively.

Restricted Stock Units

During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company granted 27,376 restricted stock units to its non-employee directors pursuant to the Director Plan. The restricted stock units vest immediately upon grant and are credited to each of the non-employee director’s retirement accounts under the Director Plan.

In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company granted 100,000 restricted stock units to its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. The restricted stock units will vest (i) 50% on the second anniversary of the date of grant, (ii) 25% on the third anniversary of the date of grant, and (iii) 25% on the fourth anniversary of the date of grant. Restricted stock units are valued at the closing market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The 100,000 restricted stock units were granted outside of the ISAP in connection with the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer’s commencement of employment with the Company in May 2011.

   
  Number of
Shares of
Restricted
Stock Unit
  Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
Non-vested restricted stock units, beginning of year         $  
Granted     127,376       5.37  
Vested     (27,376 )      6.05  
Non-vested restricted stock units at December 31, 2011     100,000     $ 5.18  

The total fair value of restricted stock units vested during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, was $166, $147 and $92, respectively.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

9. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION AND STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS  – (continued)

Defined Contribution Plans

The Company maintains the Hudson Highland Group, Inc. 401(k) Savings Plan (the “401(k) plan”). The 401(k) plan allows eligible employees to contribute up to 15% of their earnings to the 401(k) plan subject to the limitations of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. The Company matches employees’ contributions up to 3% through a contribution of the Company’s common stock. Vesting of the Company’s contribution occurs over a five-year period. Expense for this plan for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $686, $610, and $622, respectively. In March 2011, the Company issued 91,944 shares of its common stock with a value of $602 to satisfy the 2010 contribution liability to the 401(k) plan. In March 2010, the Company issued 121,016 shares of its common stock with a value of $541 plus cash of $111 to satisfy the 2009 contribution liability to the 401(k) plan. In March 2009, the Company issued 1,318,161 shares of its common stock with a value of $1,226 to satisfy the 2008 contribution liability to the 401(k) plan.

10. PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

Income Tax Provision

The domestic and foreign components of income (loss) before income taxes from continuing operations were as follows:

     
  Year ended December 31,
     2011   2010   2009
Domestic   $ 6,313     $ 1,821     $ (21,843 ) 
Foreign     9,935       (4,780 )      (26,860 ) 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income taxes   $ 16,248     $ (2,959 )    $ (48,703 ) 

The provision for (benefit from) income taxes from continuing operations was as follows:

     
  Year ended December 31,
     2011   2010   2009
Current tax provision (benefit):
                          
U.S. Federal   $     $     $ (3,700 ) 
State and local     239       (819 )      115  
Foreign     3,828       2,524       1,376  
Total current     4,067       1,705       (2,209 ) 
Deferred tax (benefit) provision
                          
U.S. Federal                  
State and local                  
Foreign     1,272       (223 )      (3,541 ) 
Total deferred     1,272       (223 )      (3,541 ) 
Total provision   $ 5,339     $ 1,482     $ (5,750 ) 

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HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC.
  
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

10. PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES  – (continued)

Deferred Taxes

Deferred income taxes are provided for the tax effect of temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of assets and liabilities. Significant temporary differences at December 31, 2011 and 2010 were:

   
  December 31,
     2011   2010
Current deferred tax assets (liabilities):
                 
Allowance for doubtful accounts   $ 362     $ 572  
Prepaid expenses     (543 )      (428 ) 
Accrued and other current liabilities     1,077       2,162  
Accrued compensation liabilities     3,763       3,597  
Tax loss carry-forwards           152  
       4,659       6,055  
Valuation allowance     (566 )      (739 ) 
Total current deferred tax asset     4,093       5,316  
Non-current deferred tax assets (liabilities):
                 
Property and equipment     2,093       2,540  
Goodwill and intangibles     18,467       22,584  
Accrued and other current liabilities and other liabilities     1,062       1,342  
Deferred compensation     3,735       4,238  
Other     1,873       1,786  
Tax loss carry-forwards     132,298       130,155  
       159,528       162,645  
Valuation allowance     (151,217 )      (154,329 ) 
Total non-current deferred tax asset (liability)     8,311       8,316  
Net deferred tax assets   $ 12,404     $ 13,632  

Net deferred tax assets were included in other current assets and other assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Net Operating Losses (“NOLs”) and Valuation Allowance

At December 31, 2011, the Company had net NOLs for U.S. Federal tax purposes of approximately $285,388. This total includes approximately $16,584 of tax losses that were not absorbed by Monster on its consolidated U.S. Federal tax returns through the Distribution Date. NOLs expire at various dates through 2031. The NOL balance does not include a deduction in the amount of $4,845 attributable to stock options and restricted stock until such time as the Company recognizes the deferred tax asset associated with such deduction. The Company’s utilization of NOLs is subject to an annual limitation imposed by Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code, which may limit our ability to utilize all of the existing NOLs before the expiration dates. As of December 31, 2011, certain international subsidiaries had NOLs for local tax purposes of $80,470. With the exception of $73,439 of NOLs with an indefinite carry forward period as of December 31, 2011, these losses will expire at various dates through 2031, with $174 scheduled to expire during 2012.

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HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC.
  
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

10. PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES  – (continued)

ASC 740-10-30-5 requires that a valuation allowance be established when it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. In making this assessment, management considers the level of historical taxable income, scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, tax planning strategies, and projected future taxable income. The valuation allowance of $126,348 relates to the deferred tax asset for NOLs, $108,447 of which is U.S. Federal and state, and $17,901 of which is foreign, that management has determined will more likely than not expire prior to realization, and $25,435 which relates to deferred tax assets on U.S. and foreign temporary differences that management estimates will not be realized due to the Company’s U.S. and foreign tax losses.

Tax years with NOLs remain open until the losses expire or the statutes of limitations for those years expire. The open tax years are 2008 through 2011 for the U.S. Federal and 2005 through 2011 for most state and local jurisdictions, 2009 through 2011 for the U.K., 2007 through 2011 for Australia and 2003 through 2011 for most other jurisdictions. The Company is currently under income tax examination in the State of Pennsylvania (2004 – 2009), Illinois (2008 – 2009) and New Zealand (2009). The Company believes that its tax reserves are adequate for all years subject to examination.

Uncertain Tax Positions

Earnings from the Company’s global operations are subject to tax in various jurisdictions both within and outside the United States. The Company provides tax reserves for U.S. Federal, state, local and international unrecognized tax benefits for all periods subject to audit. The development of reserves for these exposures requires judgments about tax issues, potential outcomes and timing, and is a subjective critical estimate. The Company assesses its tax positions and records tax benefits for all years subject to examination based upon management’s evaluation of the facts, circumstances, and information available at the reporting dates. For those tax positions where it is more-likely-than-not that a tax benefit will be sustained, the Company has recorded the largest amount of tax benefit with a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement with a tax authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. For those tax positions where it is not more-likely-than-not that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit has been recognized in the financial statements. Where applicable, associated interest and penalties have also been recognized. Although the outcome related to these exposures is uncertain, in management’s opinion, adequate provisions for income taxes have been made for estimable potential liabilities emanating from these exposures. In certain circumstances, the ultimate outcome for exposures and risks involve significant uncertainties which render them inestimable. If actual outcomes differ materially from these estimates, including those that cannot be quantified, they could have material impact on the Company’s results of operations.

The Company had $7,807 and $8,303 of unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties, at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. If these amounts were recognized, they would affect the Company’s effective tax rate. These unrecognized tax benefits are related to tax positions in jurisdictions in which the Company does not have tax losses to offset the tax liability with respect to the uncertain tax positions. During 2011, the income tax audits and examinations noted above remained pending. On the basis of the information available in this regard as of December 31, 2011, it is reasonably possible that a reduction in the range of $200 to $3,700 of unrecognized tax benefits may occur in 2012 as a result of projected resolutions of global tax examinations and controversies or by lapsing statutes of limitations.

The Company recognizes interest accrued and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in tax expense. The Company recognized a net benefit of approximately $230, a net benefit of approximately $93, and an expense of approximately $320 in interest and penalties for 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company had accrued approximately $1,644 and $1,895 for the payment of interest and penalties, respectively which if recognized in the future, would affect the annual effective income tax rate as of December 31, 2011 and 2010.

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HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC.
  
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

10. PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES  – (continued)

The following table shows a reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits, exclusive of interest and penalties:

 
Balance at January 1, 2011   $ 6,408  
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year     302  
Additions for tax positions of prior years     239  
Reductions for tax positions of prior years     (59 ) 
Settlements     (198 ) 
Lapse of statute of limitations     (568 ) 
Currency Translation     39  
Balance at December 31, 2011   $ 6,163  

Tax Rate Reconciliation:

The effective tax rate differs from the U.S. Federal statutory rate of 35% due to the inability to recognize tax benefits on net U.S. losses, state taxes, non-deductible expenses such as certain acquisition related payments, variations from the U.S. tax rate in foreign jurisdictions and taxes on repatriations of foreign profits. The following is a reconciliation of the effective tax rate from continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 to the U.S. Federal statutory rate of 35%:

     
  Year ended December 31,
     2011   2010   2009
Provision for (benefit from) continuing operations at Federal statutory rate of 35%   $ 5,687     $ (1,036 )    $ (17,046 ) 
State income taxes, net of Federal income tax effect     155       (532 )      75  
Change in valuation allowance     (3,284 )      2,970       8,060  
Non-deductible goodwill impairment charges                 600  
Taxes related to foreign income     (112 )      (467 )      1,004  
Nondeductible expenses and others     2,893       547       1,557  
Provision for (benefit from) income tax   $ 5,339     $ 1,482     $ (5,750 ) 

Federal income and foreign withholding taxes have not been provided on the undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries at December 31, 2011. The Company intends to reinvest these earnings in its foreign operations indefinitely, except where it is able to repatriate these earnings to the United States without a material incremental tax provision. The determination and estimation of the future income tax consequences in all relevant taxing jurisdictions involves the application of highly complex tax laws in the countries involved, particularly in the United States, and is based on the tax profile of the Company in the year of earnings repatriation. Accordingly, it is not practicable to determine the amount of tax associated with such undistributed earnings.

The Company had a net current income tax payable of $1,136 and $698 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

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HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC.
  
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

11. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Leases

The Company leases facilities and equipment under operating leases that expire at various dates through 2027. Some of the operating leases provide for increasing rents over the term of the lease. Total rent expense under these leases is recognized ratably over the lease terms. As of December 31, 2011, future minimum lease commitments under non-cancelable operating leases, which will be expensed as direct costs (for contractor project space) and office and general expenses, were as follows:

 
2012   $ 26,819  
2013     22,432  
2014     18,591  
2015     15,592  
2016     13,426  
Thereafter     31,254  
     $ 128,114  

Rent and related expenses for operating leases of facilities and equipment recorded under the caption “Office and general” in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations were $20,193, $19,285, and $21,397 for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively. Commitments based in currencies other than U.S. dollars were translated using exchange rates as of December 31, 2011.

The Company has certain asset retirement obligations that are primarily the result of legal obligations for the removal of leasehold improvements and restoration of premises to their original condition upon termination of leases. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, $2,808 and $2,825, respectively, of asset retirement obligations were included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, of which $2,507 and $2,627, respectively, were included under the caption other non-current liabilities.

Consulting, Employment and Non-compete Agreements

The Company has entered into various consulting, employment and non-compete agreements with certain key management personnel and former owners of acquired businesses. Agreements with key members of management are generally one year in length, on an at-will basis, provide for compensation and severance payments under certain circumstances and are automatically renewed annually unless either party gives sufficient notice of termination. Agreements with certain consultants and former owners of acquired businesses are generally two to five years in length.

Litigation and Complaints

The Company is subject, from time to time, to various claims, lawsuits, and other complaints from, for example, clients, candidates, suppliers, landlords, regulators or tax authorities arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company routinely monitors claims such as these, and records provisions for losses when the claim becomes probable and the amount due is estimable. Although the outcome of these claims cannot be determined, the Company believes that the final resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

For matters that have reached the threshold of probable and estimable, the Company has established reserves for legal, regulatory and other contingent liabilities. The Company’s reserves were not significant as of December 31, 2011 and 2010.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

11. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES  – (continued)

Matters Under Appeal

The Company has an appeal underway with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania regarding income tax. All appeals in Pennsylvania carry statutory automatic liens in the amount of the matter. The lien is $3,508 on the U.S. operating company for which the Company has posted a security bond amounting to 120 percent of the lien. The Company does not expect this bond to be drawn.

12. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

After the Distribution Date, the Company was no longer included in Monster’s consolidated group for U.S. Federal income tax purposes. The Company and Monster entered into a tax separation agreement to reflect the Company’s separation from Monster with respect to tax matters. The primary purpose of the tax separation agreement is to reflect each party’s rights and obligations relating to payments and refunds of taxes that are attributable to periods before and including the Distribution date and any taxes resulting from transactions in connection with the Distribution. The Company has agreed to indemnify Monster for any tax liability attributable to the Distribution resulting from any action taken by the Company.

13. CREDIT AGREEMENTS

Credit Agreement with RBS Citizens Business Capital

On August 5, 2010, the Company and certain of its North American and U.K. subsidiaries entered into a senior secured revolving credit facility with RBS Citizens Business Capital, a division of RBS Asset Finance, Inc. (“RBS”), and on February 22, 2012, the Company and certain of its North American and U.K. subsidiaries entered into an amendment to the senior secured revolving credit facility with RBS (as amended, the “Revolver Agreement”). The Revolver Agreement provides the Company with the ability to borrow up to $40,000, including the issuance of letters of credit. The Company may increase the maximum borrowing amount to $50,000, subject to certain conditions including lender acceptance. Extensions of credit are based on a percentage of the eligible accounts receivable from the U.K. and North America operations, less required reserves. In connection with the Revolver Agreement, the Company incurred and capitalized approximately $1,457 of deferred financing costs, which are being amortized over the term of the agreement. The maturity date of the Revolver Agreement is August 5, 2014. Prior to the amendment, borrowings could be made with an interest rate based on a base rate plus 2% or on the LIBOR rate for the applicable period plus 3%. The applicable margin for each rate is based on the Company's Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined in the Revolver Agreement). Borrowings under the Revolver Agreement are secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company.

The amendment, which was deemed to be effective on February 1, 2012, lowered the unused credit line fee, which is set at one of two rates depending upon the Company's credit line usage under the Revolver Agreement, from 0.625% per annum to 0.50% per annum and from 0.40% per annum to 0.375% per annum. The amendment also lowered the applicable margin for the interest rate on borrowings based on the Company's Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined in the Revolver Agreement) as follows:

     
Level   Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio   Base Rate
Revolving Loans
  LIBOR Revolving
Loans or Letter of
Credit Obligations
I   Greater than or equal to 1.25:1.0   1.25%   2.25%
II   Less than 1.25:1.0 but greater than or equal to 1.10:1.0   1.50%   2.50%
III   Less than 1.10:1.0   1.75%   2.75%

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HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC.
  
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

13. CREDIT AGREEMENTS  – (continued)

The details of the Revolver Agreement as of December 31, 2011 were as follows:

 
  December 31,
2011
Borrowing base   $ 33,080  
Less: adjustments to the borrowing base
        
Minimum availability     (5,000 ) 
Outstanding letters of credits     (2,655 ) 
Adjusted borrowing base     25,425  
Less: outstanding borrowing      
Additional borrowing availability   $ 25,425  
Interest rates on outstanding borrowing     5.25 % 

The Revolver Agreement contains various restrictions and covenants including: (1) a requirement to maintain a minimum excess availability of $10,000(a) until such time as for two consecutive fiscal quarters (i) the Company’s Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is at least 1.2x and (ii) the Company’s North American and U.K. operations, for the four fiscal quarters then ending, have an EBITDA (as defined in the Revolver Agreement) for such twelve month period of not less than $500 as of the end of each fiscal quarter during the fiscal year 2011 and $1,000 at the end of each fiscal quarter thereafter; thereafter a requirement to maintain a minimum availability of $5,000, a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of at least 1.1x and EBITDA (as defined in the Revolver Agreement) for the Company’s North American and U.K. operations of at least $500 during the fiscal year 2011 and $1,000 thereafter; (2) a limit on the payment of dividends of not more than $5,000 per year and subject to certain conditions; (3) restrictions on the ability of the Company to make additional borrowings, acquire, merge or otherwise fundamentally change the ownership of the Company or repurchase the Company’s stock; (4) a limit on investments, and a limit on acquisitions of not more than $25,000 in cash and $25,000 in non-cash consideration per year, subject to certain conditions set forth in the Revolver Agreement; and (5) a limit on dispositions of assets of not more than $4,000 per year. The Company was in compliance with all financial covenants under the Revolver Agreement as of December 31, 2011.

Credit Agreement with Westpac Banking Corporation

On November 29, 2011, certain Australian and New Zealand subsidiaries of the Company entered into a Facility Agreement, dated November 29, 2011 (the “Facility Agreement”), with Westpac Banking Corporation and Westpac New Zealand Limited (collectively, “Westpac”).

The Facility Agreement provides three tranches: (a) an invoice discounting facility of up to $20,416 (AUD20,000) (“Tranche A”) for an Australian subsidiary of the Company, which is based on an agreed percentage of eligible accounts receivable; (b) an overdraft facility of up to $2,722 (NZD3,500) (“Tranche B”) for a New Zealand subsidiary of the Company; and (c) a financial guarantee facility of up to $5,104 (AUD5,000) (“Tranche C”) for the Australian subsidiary.

The Facility Agreement does not have a stated maturity date and can be terminated by Westpac upon 90 days written notice. Borrowings under Tranche A may be made with an interest rate based on the Invoice Finance 30-day Bank Bill Rate (as defined in the Facility Agreement) plus a margin of 0.75%, which was 6.47% as of December 31, 2011. Borrowings under Tranche B may be made with an interest rate based on the Commercial Lending Rate (as defined in the Facility Agreement) plus a margin of 0.83%, which was 6.03% as of December 31, 2011. Each of Tranche A and Tranche B bears a fee, payable monthly, equal to 0.65% of the size of Westpac’s commitment under such tranche. Borrowings under Tranche C may be made incurring a fee equal to 1.10% of the face value of the financial guarantee requested. Amounts owing under the Facility

(a) Effective July 1, 2011, the minimum excess availability was reduced to $5,000 as a result of the Company meeting the aforementioned requirements.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

13. CREDIT AGREEMENTS  – (continued)

Agreement are secured by substantially all of the assets of the Australian subsidiary, its Australian parent company and the New Zealand subsidiary (collectively, the “Obligors”) and certain of their subsidiaries.

The details of the Facility Agreement as of December 31, 2011 were as follows:

 
  December 31,
2011
Tranche A:
        
Borrowing capacity   $ 20,416  
Less: outstanding borrowing     (3,384 ) 
Additional borrowing availability   $ 17,032  
Interest rates on outstanding borrowing     6.47 % 
Tranche B:
        
Borrowing capacity   $ 2,722  
Less: outstanding borrowing      
Additional borrowing availability   $ 2,722  
Interest rates on outstanding borrowing     6.03 % 
Tranche C:
        
Borrowing capacity   $ 5,104  
Less: outstanding borrowing      
Additional borrowing availability   $ 5,104  
Interest rates on outstanding borrowing     1.10 % 

The Facility Agreement contains various restrictions and covenants applicable to the Obligors and certain of their subsidiaries, including (a) a requirement that the Obligors maintain (1) a minimum Tangible Net Worth (as defined in the Facility Agreement) as of the last day of each calendar quarter of not less than the higher of 85% of the Tangible Net Worth as of the last day of the previous calendar year and $ 17,864 (AUD17,500); (2) at all times, a minimum Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined in the Facility Agreement) of 1.5x for the trailing twelve month period; and (3) a maximum Borrowing Base Ratio (as defined in the Facility Agreement) as of the last day of each calendar quarter of not more than 0.8; and (b) a limitation on certain intercompany payments with permitted payments outside the Obligor group restricted to a defined amount derived from the net profits of the Obligors and their subsidiaries. The Company was in compliance with all financial covenants under the Facility Agreement as of December 31, 2011.

Other Credit Agreements

The Company also has lending arrangements with local banks through its subsidiaries in Belgium, the Netherlands, Singapore and Mainland China. As of December 31, 2011, the Netherlands subsidiary could borrow up to $3,515 (€2,712) based on an agreed percentage of accounts receivable related to its operations. In May 2011, the Belgium subsidiary replaced its previous accounts receivable based lending arrangement with a $1,296 (€1,000) overdraft facility with the same financial institution effective July 1, 2011. Borrowings under the Belgium and the Netherlands lending arrangements may be made with an interest rate based on the one month EURIBOR plus a margin, and were 3.4% and 3.7%, respectively, as of December 31, 2011. The lending arrangement in the Netherlands expires annually each June, but can be renewed for one year periods at that time. The lending arrangement in Belgium has no expiration date and can be terminated with a 15 day notice period. In Singapore, the Company’s subsidiary can borrow up to $771 (SGD 1,000) for working capital purposes effective January 28, 2011. Interest on borrowings under this overdraft facility is based on the Singapore Prime Rate, plus 1.75%, and was 6% on December 31, 2011. The Singapore overdraft facility expires annually each August, but can be renewed for one year periods at that time. In Mainland China, the

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

13. CREDIT AGREEMENTS  – (continued)

Company’s subsidiary can borrow up to $1,000 for working capital purposes. Interest on borrowings under this overdraft facility is based on the People’s Republic of China’s six month rate, plus 200 basis points, and was 8.1% on December 31, 2011. This overdraft facility expires annually each September, but can be renewed for one year periods at that time. There were no outstanding borrowings under the Belgium, the Netherlands, Singapore and Mainland China lending agreements as of December 31, 2011.

The average outstanding borrowings for the Revolver Agreement, Facility Agreement and the various credit agreements in Belgium, the Netherlands, Singapore and Mainland China was $12,489 for the year ended December 31, 2011. The weighted average interest rate on all outstanding borrowings for the year ended December 31, 2011 was 6.25%.

The Company continues to use the aforementioned credit to support its ongoing global working capital requirements, capital expenditures and other corporate purposes and to support letters of credit. Letters of credit and bank guarantees are used primarily to support office leases.

14. SHELF REGISTRATION AND STOCKHOLDER RIGHTS PLAN

Acquisition Shelf Registration Statement

The Company has a shelf registration on file with the SEC to enable it to issue up to 1,350,000 shares of its common stock from time to time in connection with acquisitions of businesses, assets or securities of other companies, whether by purchase, merger or any other form of acquisition or business combination. If any shares are issued using this shelf registration, the Company will not receive any proceeds from these offerings other than the assets, businesses or securities acquired. As of December 31, 2011, all of the 1,350,000 shares were available for issuance.

Shelf Registration and Common Stock Offering

In December 2009, the Company filed a shelf registration statement (the “2009 Shelf Registration”) with the SEC to enable it to issue up to $30,000 equivalent of securities or combinations of securities. The types of securities permitted for issuance under the 2009 Shelf Registration are debt securities, common stock, preferred stock, warrants, stock purchase contracts and stock purchase units.

On April 6, 2010, the Company issued in a registered public offering under the 2009 Shelf Registration 4,830,000 shares (which includes the exercise of the underwriter’s overallotment option of 630,000 shares) of common stock at $4.35 per share. Net proceeds to the Company after underwriting discounts and expenses of the public offering were approximately $19,167.

After this offering, the Company may issue up to $8,990 equivalent of securities or combinations of securities under the 2009 Shelf Registration.

Stockholder Rights Plan

On February 2, 2005, the Board declared a dividend of one preferred share purchase right (a “Right”) for each outstanding share of common stock of the Company. The dividend was paid upon the close of business on February 28, 2005 to the stockholders of record on that date. Each Right entitles the registered holder to purchase from the Company one one-hundredth of a share of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, par value $.001 (“Preferred Shares”), of the Company, at a price of $60 per one one-hundredth of a Preferred Share, subject to adjustment. If any person becomes a 15% or more stockholder of the Company, then each Right (subject to certain limitations) will entitle its holder to purchase, at the Right’s then current exercise price, a number of shares of common stock of the Company or of the acquirer having a market value at the time of twice the Right’s per share exercise price. The Company’s Board of Directors may redeem the Rights for $.001 per Right at any time prior to the time when the Rights become exercisable. Unless the Rights are redeemed, exchanged or terminated earlier, they will expire on February 28, 2015.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

15. SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC DATA

In the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company reorganized its leadership team to align the Company’s operations with its business strategy to run its global operations in three regions. As a result, the Company revised its reportable segments by aggregating the segments of Hudson Australia New Zealand and Hudson Asia into one segment, Hudson Asia Pacific. The Company has reclassified information for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 to reflect this change to the segment reporting in accordance with the requirements of ASC 280-10-50-1 to 9 “Operating Segments” and ASC 280-10-50-10 “Reportable Segments.

The Company operates in three reportable segments: the Hudson regional businesses of Hudson Americas, Hudson Asia Pacific, and Hudson Europe. Corporate expenses are reported separately from the three reportable segments and pertain to certain functions, such as executive management, corporate governance, human resources, accounting, administration, tax and treasury, the majority of which are attributable to and have been allocated to the reportable segments. Segment information is presented in accordance with ASC 280, “Segments Reporting.” This standard is based on a management approach that requires segmentation based upon the Company’s internal organization and disclosure of revenue and certain expenses based upon internal accounting methods. The Company’s financial reporting systems present various data for management to run the business, including internal profit and loss statements prepared on a basis not consistent with generally accepted accounting principles. Accounts receivable, net and long-lived assets are the only significant assets separated by segment for internal reporting purposes.

           
  Hudson
Americas
  Hudson
Asia Pacific(b)
  Hudson
Europe
  Corporate   Inter-
segment elimination
  Total
For The Year Ended December 31, 2011
                                                     
Revenue, from external customers   $ 192,217     $ 359,108     $ 382,411     $     $     $ 933,736  
Inter-segment revenue     20       39       135             (194 )       
Total revenue   $ 192,237     $ 359,147     $ 382,546     $     $ (194 )    $ 933,736  
Gross margin, from external customers   $ 50,778     $ 146,917     $ 156,610     $     $     $ 354,305  
Inter-segment gross margin     (1 )      (83 )      107             (23 )       
Total gross margin   $ 50,777     $ 146,834     $ 156,717     $     $ (23 )    $ 354,305  
Business reorganization and integration expenses (recovery)   $     $     $ 720     $     $     $ 720  
EBITDA (loss)(a)   $ 3,482     $ 14,180     $ 8,071     $ (2,091 )    $     $ 23,642  
Depreciation and amortization     1,092       2,922       1,642       595             6,251  
Intercompany interest income (expense), net           (7,339 )      (523 )      7,864       (2 )       
Interest income (expense), net     (42 )      (659 )      55       (497 )            (1,143 ) 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes   $ 2,348     $ 3,260     $ 5,961     $ 4,681     $ (2 )    $ 16,248  
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes   $ 500     $ 900     $ 3,214     $ 725     $         $ 5,339  
As of December 31, 2011
                                                     
Accounts receivable, net   $ 24,750     $ 49,918     $ 56,821     $     $     $ 131,489  
Long-lived assets, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization   $ 2,557     $ 9,997     $ 4,939     $ 2,536     $     $ 20,029  
Total assets   $ 29,818     $ 81,161     $ 86,156     $ 19,411     $     $ 216,546  

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

15. SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC DATA  – (continued)

           
  Hudson Americas   Hudson
Asia Pacific
  Hudson Europe   Corporate   Inter-
segment elimination
  Total
For The Year Ended December 31, 2010
                                                     
Revenue, from external customers   $ 162,432     $ 303,619     $ 328,491     $     $     $ 794,542  
Inter-segment revenue     (3 )      70       195             (262 )       
Total revenue   $ 162,429     $ 303,689     $ 328,686     $     $ (262 )    $ 794,542  
Gross margin, from external customers   $ 39,417     $ 121,965     $ 137,191     $     $     $ 298,573  
Inter-segment gross margin     (116 )      (1 )      125             (8 )       
Total gross margin   $ 39,301     $ 121,964     $ 137,316     $     $ (8 )    $ 298,573  
Business reorganization and integration expenses (recovery)   $ 307     $ (15 )    $ 1,402     $     $     $ 1,694  
EBITDA (loss)(a)   $ 1,687     $ 8,847     $ 1,086     $ (5,117 )    $     $ 6,503  
Depreciation and amortization     2,356       2,887       2,789       152             8,184  
Intercompany interest income
(expense), net
          (8,198 )      (290 )      8,487       1        
Interest (expense) income, net     (7 )      (36 )      (16 )      (1,219 )            (1,278 ) 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes   $ (676 )    $ (2,274 )    $ (2,009 )    $ 1,999     $ 1     $ (2,959 ) 
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes   $ (504 )    $ (120 )    $ 1,266     $ 840     $         $ 1,482  
As of December 31, 2010
                                                     
Accounts receivable, net   $ 26,388     $ 45,913     $ 56,275     $     $     $ 128,576  
Long-lived assets, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization   $ 1,487     $ 10,271     $ 4,819     $ 2,248     $     $ 18,825  
Total assets   $ 30,130     $ 77,204     $ 86,133     $ 12,367     $     $ 205,834  

           
  Hudson Americas   Hudson
Asia Pacific
  Hudson Europe   Corporate   Inter-
segment elimination
  Total
For The Year Ended December 31, 2009
                                                     
Revenue, from external customers   $ 161,872     $ 252,302     $ 276,975     $     $     $ 691,149  
Inter-segment revenue     3       44       21             (68 )       
Total revenue   $ 161,875     $ 252,346     $ 276,996     $     $ (68 )    $ 691,149  
Gross margin, from external customers   $ 40,959     $ 95,332     $ 124,162     $     $     $ 260,453  
Inter-segment gross margin     15       (17 )      2                    
Total gross margin   $ 40,974     $ 95,315     $ 124,164     $     $     $ 260,453  

Business reorganization and integration expenses (recovery)
  $ 5,133     $ 3,228     $ 9,682     $ 137     $     $ 18,180  
EBITDA (loss)(a)   $ (11,349 )    $ (825 )    $ (9,787 )    $ (13,505 )    $     $ (35,466 ) 
Depreciation and amortization     4,418       3,391       4,553       181             12,543  
Intercompany interest income
(expense), net
          (6,893 )      (470 )      7,375       (12 )       
Interest income (expense), net     13       236       49       (992 )            (694 ) 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes   $ (15,754 )    $ (10,873 )    $ (14,761 )    $ (7,303 )    $ (12 )    $ (48,703 ) 
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes   $ 415     $ (129 )    $ (2,690 )    $ (3,346 )    $     $ (5,750 ) 
As of December 31, 2009
                                                     
Accounts receivable, net   $ 20,433     $ 31,726     $ 46,834     $     $     $ 98,993  
Long-lived assets, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization   $ 2,957     $ 7,496     $ 6,801     $ 2,682     $     $ 19,936  
Total assets   $ 28,509     $ 57,437     $ 79,222     $ 16,776     $     $ 181,944  

(a) SEC Regulation S-K 229.10(e)1(ii)(A) defines EBITDA as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. EBITDA is presented to provide additional information to investors about the Company’s operations on a basis consistent with the measures that the Company uses to manage its

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HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC.
  
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

15. SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC DATA  – (continued)

operations and evaluate its performance. Management also uses this measurement to evaluate working capital requirements. EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for operating income and net income prepared in accordance with GAAP or as a measure of the Company’s profitability.
(b) During January 2011, significant rainfall caused widespread flooding throughout much of Queensland, Australia. On February 22, 2011, a major earthquake caused severe damage in Christchurch, New Zealand. The Company incurred losses related to these events primarily for business interruption and property damage. The Company maintains insurance for such matters and recorded $500 for estimated insurance recoveries under the caption “Office and general expense” in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2011 in accordance with ASC 225-30, “Business Interruption Insurance.”

A summary of revenues for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 and long-lived assets and net assets by geographic area as of December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 is as follows:

             
Information by geographic region   United
Kingdom
  Australia   United
States
  Continental
Europe
  Other
Asia Pacific
  Other
Americas
  Total
For The Year Ended December 31, 2011
                                                              
Revenue(c)   $ 258,766     $ 277,646     $ 190,094     $ 121,935     $ 83,172     $ 2,123     $ 933,736  
For The Year Ended December 31, 2010
                                                              
Revenue(c)   $ 221,538     $ 232,936     $ 161,241     $ 104,984     $ 72,652     $ 1,191     $ 794,542  
For The Year Ended December 31, 2009
                                                              
Revenue(c)   $ 164,947     $ 194,976     $ 160,281     $ 110,853     $ 58,501     $ 1,591     $ 691,149  
As of December 31, 2011
                                                              
Long-lived assets, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization(d)   $ 3,122     $ 5,972     $ 5,067     $ 1,805     $ 4,029     $ 34     $ 20,029  
Net assets   $ 29,290     $ 30,521     $ 22,223     $ 10,933     $ 14,028     $ 362     $ 107,357  
As of December 31, 2010
                                                              
Long-lived assets, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization(d)   $ 3,086     $ 6,841     $ 3,743     $ 1,725     $ 3,430     $     $ 18,825  
Net assets   $ 27,636     $ 23,348     $ 16,947     $ 13,099     $ 11,774     $ 474     $ 93,278  
As of December 31, 2009
                                                              
Long-lived assets, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization(d)   $ 4,219     $ 5,398     $ 5,094     $ 3,125     $ 2,100     $     $ 19,936  
Net assets   $ 24,458     $ 17,184     $ 9,456     $ 17,251     $ 7,814     $ 97     $ 76,260  

(c) Revenue is generally recorded on a geographic basis according to the location of the operating subsidiary.
(d) Comprised of property and equipment and intangibles. Corporate assets are included in the United States.

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HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC.
  
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

16. SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (unaudited)

       
  First quarter   Second quarter   Third quarter   Fourth quarter
Year Ended December 31, 2011
                                   
Revenue   $ 218,539     $ 247,378     $ 245,081     $ 222,738  
Gross margin   $ 81,198     $ 95,467     $ 92,992     $ 84,648  
Operating income (loss)   $ 463     $ 6,030     $ 6,150     $ 4,792  
Income (loss) from continuing operations   $ (6 )    $ 4,224     $ 3,382     $ 3,309  
Net income (loss)   $ (6 )    $ 4,224     $ 3,382     $ 3,309  
Basic earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations   $ (0.00 )    $ 0.13     $ 0.11     $ 0.10  
Basic earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations   $ 0.00     $ 0.00     $ 0.00     $ 0.00  
Basic earnings (loss) per share   $ (0.00 )    $ 0.13     $ 0.11     $ 0.10  
Diluted earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations(a)   $ (0.00 )    $ 0.13     $ 0.11     $ 0.10  
Diluted earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations(a)   $ 0.00     $ 0.00     $ 0.00     $ 0.00  
Diluted earnings (loss) per share   $ (0.00 )    $ 0.13     $ 0.11     $ 0.10  
Basic weighted average shares outstanding     31,325       31,593       31,620       31,639  
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding     31,325       32,039       32,085       32,118  

       
  First quarter   Second quarter   Third quarter   Fourth quarter
Year Ended December 31, 2010
                                   
Revenue   $ 180,118     $ 194,969     $ 200,394     $ 219,061  
Gross margin   $ 66,420     $ 74,237     $ 74,991     $ 82,925  
Operating income (loss)   $ (4,312 )    $ 89     $ (1,409 )    $ 14  
Income (loss) from continuing operations   $ (4,138 )    $ 177     $ (1,883 )    $ 1,403  
Net income (loss)   $ (4,207 )    $ 229     $ (1,897 )    $ 1,190  
Basic earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations   $ (0.16 )    $ 0.01     $ (0.06 )    $ 0.04  
Basic earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations   $ (0.00 )    $ 0.00     $ (0.00 )    $ (0.00 ) 
Basic earnings (loss) per share   $ (0.16 )    $ 0.01     $ (0.06 )    $ 0.04  
Diluted earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations(a)   $ (0.16 )    $ 0.01     $ (0.06 )    $ 0.04  
Diluted earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations(a)   $ (0.00 )    $ 0.00     $ (0.00 )    $ (0.00 ) 
Diluted earnings (loss) per share   $ (0.16 )    $ 0.01     $ (0.06 )    $ 0.04  
Basic weighted average shares outstanding     26,257       30,947       31,225       31,234  
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding     26,257       31,311       31,225       31,754  

(a) Diluted earnings (loss) per share reflect the potential dilution from the assumed exercise of all potentially dilutive potential common shares, primarily stock options. For the first quarter of 2011 and the first and third quarters of 2010, the effect of approximately 2,928,000, 2,771,000 and 2,646,000, respectively, of common stock equivalents and outstanding stock options was excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings (loss) per share because the effect was anti-dilutive. For the second third and fourth quarters of 2011 and the second and fourth quarters of 2010, the effect of approximately 2,224,000, 1,717,000, 1,396,350, 1,588,000 and 1,548,000, respectively, of common stock equivalents and outstanding stock

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HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC.
  
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

16. SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (unaudited)  – (continued)

options with exercise prices greater than the average market prices for the Company’s common stock was excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings and loss per share because the effect was anti-dilutive.
(b) Income from continuing operations for the quarter ended December 31, 2010 includes a pretax adjustment of $1,172 and associated tax benefit of $299 for previously unrecorded employer payroll taxes in the Netherlands. The adjustment relates to 2009 and the first three quarters of 2010. The pretax impact arising in 2009 and the first three quarters of 2010 was $667 and $505, respectively, with associated tax benefits of $170 and $129, respectively. The Company does not believe these adjustments are material to either period.

Earnings (loss) per share calculations for each quarter include the weighted average effect for the quarter; therefore, the sum of quarterly earnings (loss) per share amounts may not equal year-to-date earnings (loss) per share amounts, which reflect the weighted average effect on a year-to-date basis.

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

Not applicable.

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and its Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, has conducted an evaluation of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined under Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Based on this evaluation, the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and its Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2011.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The report of management required under this Item 9A is contained in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K under the caption “Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting” on page 39.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The audit report required under this Item 9A is contained in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K under the caption “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” on page 40.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2011 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

Amendment to Incentive Compensation Plan

On February 21, 2012, the Compensation Committee (the “Committee”) of the Board of Directors of the Company approved an amendment to the definition of “performance goals” in the Hudson Highland Group, Inc. 2009 Incentive Stock and Awards Plan (the “Plan”) to include employee engagement as an eligible performance goal for incentive awards under the Plan. The Committee also approved incentive compensation awards for the Company’s officers under the Plan, including performance-based restricted stock for the Company’s named executive officers using a new form of award agreement. The performance-based restricted stock had both performance conditions and service conditions, as described below.

The performance conditions with respect to the restricted stock may be satisfied as follows:

(a) 50% of the shares of restricted stock may be earned on the basis of performance as measured by a “Take-out Ratio,” defined as the percentage of the direct, front line costs incurred for the year ending December 31, 2012 divided by the gross margin for the year ending December 31, 2012;
(b) 25% of the shares of restricted stock may be earned on the basis of performance as measured by an employee engagement score for the year ending December 31, 2012 based on a survey;
(c) 25% of the shares of restricted stock may be earned on the basis of performance as measured by “Cash Efficiency,” defined as (1) cash flow from operations for the year ending December 31, 2012 divided by (2) gross margin minus selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ending December 31, 2012.

To the extent shares are earned on the basis of performance, such shares will become vested on the basis of service as follows:

(a) 33% of the shares vest on the later of the first anniversary of the grant date or the determination the performance conditions have been satisfied;
(b) 33% of the shares vest on the second anniversary of the grant date;
(c) 34% of the shares vest on the third anniversary of the grant date; provided that, in each case, the named executive officer remains employed by the Company from the grant date through the applicable service vesting date.

The number of shares of performance-based restricted stock granted to each of the Company’s named executive officers was as follows:

     
Named Executive Officer   Total Number of Shares of Restricted Stock
  Minimum   Target   Maximum
Mary Jane Raymond     45,000       56,250       67,500  
Frank P. Lanuto     10,000       12,500       15,000  
Latham Williams     24,000       30,000       36,000  
Neil J. Funk     8,000       10,000       12,000  

  

Bonus to Chief Executive Officer

On February 21, 2012, the Committee also awarded a discretionary cash bonus of $200,000 to Manuel Marquez in recognition of his performance as Chief Executive Officer during 2011.

Amendment to Credit Agreement with RBS Citizens Business Capital

On February 22, 2012, the Company and certain of its North American and U.K. subsidiaries entered into Amendment No. 1 (the “Amendment”) to the senior secured revolving credit facility (the “Revolver Agreement”) with RBS Citizens Business Capital, a division of RBS Asset Finance, Inc. The Amendment, which was deemed to be effective on February 1, 2012, lowered the unused credit line fee, which is set at one of two rates depending upon the Company’s credit line usage under the Revolver Agreement, from 0.625% per annum to 0.50% per annum and from 0.40% per annum to 0.375% per annum. The Amendment also

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lowered the applicable margin for the interest rate on borrowings based on the Company’s Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined in the Revolver Agreement) as follows:

     
Level   Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio   Base Rate
Revolving Loans
  LIBOR Revolving
Loans or Letter of
Credit Obligations
I   Greater than or equal to 1.25:1.0   1.25%   2.25%
II   Less than 1.25:1.0 but greater than or equal to 1.10:1.0   1.50%   2.50%
III   Less than 1.10:1.0   1.75%   2.75%

The foregoing description of the Amendment is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Amendment, which is attached to this Annual Report on Form 10-K as Exhibit 4.4 and incorporated herein by reference.

Amended and Restated By-laws of Hudson Highland Group, Inc.

Effective February 24, 2012, the Board of Directors of the Company approved amendments (the “By-law Amendments”) to the Amended and Restated By-laws of the Company (the “By-laws”). The Amendments generally consist of immaterial changes to certain provisions of the By-laws necessary to make such provisions consistent with the administrative practices of the Company.

The foregoing description of the By-law Amendments is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the By-laws, including the By-law Amendments, which is attached to this Annual Report on Form 10-K as Exhibit 3.3 and incorporated herein by reference.

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PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The information included under the captions “Election of Directors,” “Board of Directors and Corporate Governance” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in the Company’s definitive proxy statement, which is expected to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days following the end of the fiscal year covered by this report (the “Proxy Statement”), is hereby incorporated by reference. The information required by Item 10 with respect to our Executive Officers is included in Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all of our employees and a Code of Ethics for the Chief Executive Officer and the Senior Financial and Accounting Officers. We have posted a copy of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and the Code of Ethics on our Web site at www.hudson.com. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and the Code of Ethics are also available in print to any stockholder who requests them in writing from the Corporate Secretary at 560 Lexington Avenue, 5th Floor, New York, New York 10022. We intend to satisfy the disclosure requirements under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K regarding amendments to, or waivers from, our Code of Ethics by posting such information on our Web site at www.hudson.com. We are not including the information contained on our Web site as part of, or incorporating it by reference into, this report.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information required in Item 11 is incorporated by reference to the information in the Proxy Statement under the captions “Director Compensation”, “Compensation Discussion and Analysis”, “Compensation Committee Report”, “Executive Compensation” and “Compensation Policies and Practices and Risk”.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The information required in Item 12 is incorporated by reference to the information in the Proxy Statement under the caption “Principal Stockholders.”

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table presents information on the Company’s equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2011.

     
  Number of shares
to be issued upon
exercise of
outstanding
options
  Weighted average
exercise
price of
outstanding
options
  Number of shares
remaining available
for future issuance
under equity
compensation plans
(excluding shares
reflected in Column A)
     A   B   C
Equity Compensation Plans approved by stockholders:
                          
Long Term Incentive Plan     996,350     $ 13.85       (1) 
2009 Incentive Stock and Awards Plan                 426,425 (1) 
Employee Stock Purchase Plan                 116,329 (2) 
Equity Compensation Plans not approved by stockholders:     400,000 (3)      5.18       (4) 
Total     1,396,350     $ 11.36       542,754  

(1) Excludes 1,166,082 shares of unvested restricted common stock previously issued under the Hudson Highland Group, Inc. Long Term Incentive Plan and 2009 Incentive Stock and Awards Plan.
(2) The Company suspended the Hudson Highland Group, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan effective January 1, 2009.

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(3) Represents stock options granted to Manuel Marquez on May 13, 2011 pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement as an inducement to him to join the Company as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
(4) Excludes 100,000 unvested restricted stock units granted to Manuel Marquez on May 13, 2011 pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement as an inducement to him to join the Company as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The information required in Item 13 is incorporated by reference to the information in the Proxy Statement under the captions “Board of Directors and Corporate Governance — Independent Directors” and “Board of Directors and Corporate Governance — Policies and Procedures Regarding Related Person Transactions.”

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

The information required in Item 14 is incorporated by reference to the information in the Proxy Statement under the caption “Ratification of the Appointment of KPMG LLP as Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.”

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PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SCHEDULES

(a) 1. Financial statements — The following financial statements and the reports of independent registered public accounting firm are contained in Item 8.

 
  Page
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm     40  
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009     42  
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2011 and 2010     43  
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009     44  
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009     45  
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements     46  

2. Financial statement schedules

Schedule I — Condensed Financial Information of Registrant

Schedule II — Valuation and qualifying accounts and reserves

All other schedules are omitted since the required information is not present, or is not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedule, or because the information required is included in the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto.

3. Exhibits — The exhibits listed in the accompanying index to exhibits are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC.
  
SCHEDULE I — CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE REGISTRANT
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (PARENT COMPANY ONLY)
(in thousands)

     
  Year Ended December 31,
     2011   2010   2009
Operating expenses:
                          
Selling, general and administrative expenses   $ 19,860     $ 18,848     $ 17,028  
Depreciation and amortization     595       152       181  
Business reorganization and integration expenses                 137  
Operating loss     (20,455 )      (19,000 )      (17,346 ) 
Other (expense) income:
                          
Interest, net     28       3,084       3,135  
Corporate costs allocation and other, net     17,770       14,293       3,661  
Equity in earnings (losses) of subsidiaries, net of income taxes     13,557       (1,833 )      (36,047 ) 
Fee for early extinguishment of credit facility           (563 )       
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income taxes     10,900       (4,019 )      (46,597 ) 
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes     (9 )      422       (3,645 ) 
Income (loss) from continuing operations     10,909       (4,441 )      (42,952 ) 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes           (244 )      2,343  
Net income (loss)   $ 10,909     $ (4,685 )    $ (40,609 ) 

 
 
See notes to condensed financial statements.

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HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC.
  
SCHEDULE I — CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE REGISTRANT
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (PARENT COMPANY ONLY)
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

     
  December 31,
     2011   2010
ASSETS
                 
Current assets:
                 
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 13,628     $ 6,424  
Prepaid and other     869       961  
Total current assets     14,497       7,385  
Property and equipment, net     2,536       2,248  
Investment in and advances to/from subsidiaries     95,755       90,190  
Other assets     2,377       2,179  
Total assets   $ 115,165     $ 102,002  
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                 
Current liabilities:
                 
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities   $ 5,417     $ 6,457  
Total current liabilities     5,417       6,457  
Deferred rent and other non-current liabilities     2,391       2,267  
Total liabilities     7,808       8,724  
Stockholders’ equity     107,357       93,278  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 115,165     $ 102,002  

 
 
See notes to condensed financial statements.

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HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC.
  
SCHEDULE I — CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE REGISTRANT
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (PARENT COMPANY ONLY)
(in thousands)

     
  For the Years Ended December 31,
     2011   2010   2009
Cash flows from operating activities:
                          
Net income (loss)   $ 10,909       (4,685 )      (40,609 ) 
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
                          
Dividend received from subsidiaries     4,515       3,123        
Non-cash (income) losses from subsidiaries, net of taxes     (13,557 )      5,599       38,960  
Depreciation and amortization     595       152       181  
Stock-based compensation     1,292       693       638  
Net gain on disposal of assets                 (11,628 ) 
Fee for early extinguishment of credit facility           563        
Other, net     365       460        
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of business acquisitions:
                          
(Increase) decrease in prepaid and other assets     (1,720 )      1,120       437  
(Increase) decrease in due from subsidiaries     7,093       (13,200 )      (4,624 ) 
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities     (828 )      2,696       (3,071 ) 
Increase (decrease) in accrued business reorganization expenses           (210 )      (790 ) 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities     8,664       (3,689 )      (20,506 ) 
Cash flows from investing activities:
                          
Capital expenditures     367       16       73  
Proceeds from sale of assets                 11,628  
Change in restricted cash     (1 )      599       515  
Payment for acquisitions           (2,438 )      (1,669 ) 
Advances to and investments in subsidiaries, net     (1,438 )      (5,667 )      (3,356 ) 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities     (1,072 )      (7,490 )      7,191  
Cash flows from financing activities:
                          
Borrowings under credit facility     37,963       10,869       51,985  
Repayments under credit facility     (37,963 )      (21,325 )      (46,836 ) 
Payment for early extinguishment of credit facility           (563 )       
Payment of deferred financing costs           (1,565 )       
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net           19,116        
Purchase of treasury stock, including fees                 (703 ) 
Purchase of restricted stock from employees     (388 )      (71 )      (75 ) 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities     (388 )      6,461       4,371  
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents     7,204       (4,718 )      (8,944 ) 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the period     6,424       11,142       20,086  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period   $ 13,628     $ 6,424     $ 11,142  

 
 
See notes to condensed financial statements.

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HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC.
  
SCHEDULE I — CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE REGISTRANT
NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands)

NOTE 1 — BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Hudson Highland Group, Inc. (the “Parent Company”) is a holding company that conducts substantially all of its business through its subsidiaries. As specified in certain of its subsidiaries’ credit agreements in The Netherlands, Australia and New Zealand, there are restrictions on the Parent Company’s ability to obtain funds from certain of its subsidiaries through dividends, intercompany expenses or interest (refer to Note 13, “Credit Agreements”, to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements). As of December 31, 2011, the Company was in a stockholders’ equity position of $107,357, and approximately $35,478 constituted restricted net assets as defined in Rule 4-08(e)(3) of Regulation S-X. The restricted net assets of the Company’s subsidiaries exceeded 25% of the consolidated net assets of the Company and its subsidiaries, thus requiring this Schedule I, “Condensed Financial Information of the Registrant.” Accordingly, the results of operations and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, and the balance sheets as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 have been presented on a “Parent-only” basis. In these statements, the Company’s investments in its consolidated subsidiaries are presented under the equity method of accounting. The Parent-only financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere herein.

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. For the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, the Company reclassified interest income of $4,184 and $3,237, respectively, and provision for income taxes of $418 and $324, respectively, to the equity earnings of subsidiaries. The reclassified amounts related to the interest income earned from the Company’s Australian subsidiary and its withholding tax that were distributed to the Company’s holding company subsidiary.

NOTE 2 — DIVIDENDS RECEIVED

The Company received dividends of $4,515, $3,123 and $0 in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively, from its consolidated subsidiaries.

NOTE 3 — CREDIT AGREEMENTS

Several of the Company’s subsidiaries have credit agreements with lenders. Borrowings under the certain agreements are based on agreed percentage of eligible account receivable. The borrowings of the holding company are secured by the accounts receivable of the Company’s U.S. and U.K. subsidiaries. Refer to Note 13, “Credit Agreements” to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.

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SCHEDULE II
  
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
(IN THOUSANDS)

         
Column A   Column B   Column C Additions   Column D   Column E
Descriptions   Balance at
Beginning of
Period
  Charged to
Costs/Expenses
(Recoveries)
  Charged to
Other
Accounts
  Deductions   Balance at
End of Period
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts(a)
                                            
Year Ended December 31, 2009   $ 3,521       (255 )      (38 )      806     $ 2,422  
Year Ended December 31, 2010   $ 2,422       392             669     $ 2,145  
Year Ended December 31, 2011   $ 2,145       175             548     $ 1,772  

(a) Included in the balances presented here are the allowances for doubtful accounts for the Company’s discontinued operations. The sale and subsequent reduction to the account balance is in column C charged to other accounts as a deletion.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on this twenty-eighth day of February 2012.

HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC.

By /s/ MANUEL MARQUEZ DORSCH

Manuel Marquez Dorsch
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

   
Signature   Title   Date
/s/ MANUEL MARQUEZ DORSCH

Manuel Marquez Dorsch
  Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)   February 28, 2012
/s/ MARY JANE RAYMOND

Mary Jane Raymond
  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)   February 28, 2012
/s/ FRANK P. LANUTO

Frank P. Lanuto
  Senior Vice President, Corporate Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)   February 28, 2012
  

Jon F. Chait
  Director     
/s/ ROBERT B. DUBNER

Robert B. Dubner
  Director   February 28, 2012
/s/ JOHN J. HALEY

John J. Haley
  Director   February 28, 2012
/s/ JENNIFER LAING

Jennifer Laing
  Director   February 28, 2012
/s/ DAVID G. OFFENSEND

David G. Offensend
  Director   February 28, 2012
/s/ RICHARD J. STOLZ

Richard J. Stolz
  Director   February 28, 2012

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 
Exhibit
Number
  Exhibit Description
(3.1)   Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Hudson Highland Group, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Hudson Highland Group, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form 10 filed March 14, 2003 (file No. 0-50129)).
(3.2)   Certificate of Designations of the Board of Directors Establishing the Series and Fixing the Relative Rights and Preferences of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Hudson Highland Group, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 2, 2005 (file No. 0-50129)).
(3.3)   Amended and Restated By-laws of Hudson Highland Group, Inc.
(4.1)   Rights Agreement, dated as of February 2, 2005, between Hudson Highland Group, Inc. and The Bank of New York (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registration Statement on Form 8-A of Hudson Highland Group, Inc. dated February 3, 2005 (file No. 0-50129)).
(4.2)   Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of August 5, 2010, by and among Hudson Highland Group, Inc. and each of its subsidiaries that are signatories thereto, as Borrowers, the lenders that are signatories thereto, as Lenders, and RBS Citizens Business Capital, a division of RBS Asset Finance, Inc., as Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Hudson Highland Group, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 3, 2010 (File No. 0-50129)).
(4.3)   Facility Agreement, dated as of November 22, 2011, among Hudson Global Resources (Aust) Pty Limited, Hudson Global Resources (NZ) Limited, Hudson Highland (APAC) Pty Limited, Westpac Banking Corporation and Westpac New Zealand Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Hudson Highland Group, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 5, 2011 (file No. 0-50129)).
(4.4)   Amendment No. 1 to Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of February 22, 2012, by and among Hudson Highland Group, Inc. and each of its subsidiaries that are signatories thereto, as Borrowers, the lenders that are signatories thereto, as Lenders, and RBS Citizens Business Capital, a division of RBS Asset Finance, Inc., as Agent.
(10.1)*   Hudson Highland Group, Inc. Long Term Incentive Plan, as amended through October 29, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Hudson Highland Group, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 (file No. 0-50129)).
(10.2)*   Form of Hudson Highland Group, Inc. Long Term Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Hudson Highland Group, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 1, 2007 (file No. 0-50129)).
(10.3)*   Form of Hudson Highland Group, Inc. Long Term Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Award Agreement for share price vesting awards (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Hudson Highland Group, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 9, 2009 (file No. 0-50129)).
(10.4)*   Form of Hudson Highland Group, Inc. Long Term Incentive Plan Stock Option Agreement (Employees) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Hudson Highland Group, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2005 (file No. 0-50129)).
(10.5)*   Form of Hudson Highland Group, Inc. Long Term Incentive Plan Stock Option Agreement (Directors) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Hudson Highland Group, Inc. Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 11, 2006 (File No. 0-50129)).
(10.6)*   Hudson Highland Group, Inc. 2009 Incentive Stock and Awards Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to the Company’s definitive proxy statement filed with the Securities Exchange Commission on Schedule 14A on April 1, 2009 (file No. 0-50129)).
(10.7)*   Form of Hudson Highland Group, Inc. 2009 Incentive Stock and Awards Plan Stock Option Agreement (Employees) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Hudson Highland Group, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 dated August 7, 2009 (file No. 333-161171)).

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Exhibit
Number
  Exhibit Description
(10.8)*   Form of Hudson Highland Group, Inc. 2009 Incentive Stock and Awards Plan Stock Option Agreement (Directors) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Hudson Highland Group, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 dated August 7, 2009 (file No. 333-161171)).
(10.9)*    Form of Hudson Highland Group, Inc. 2009 Incentive Stock and Awards Plan Restricted Stock Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to Hudson Highland Group, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 dated August 7, 2009 (file No. 333-161171)).
(10.10)*   Form of Hudson Highland Group, Inc. 2009 Incentive Stock and Awards Plan Restricted Stock Award Agreement for EBITDA and gross margin growth performance vesting awards (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Hudson Highland Group, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 11, 2010 (file No. 0-50129)).
(10.11)*   Form of Hudson Highland Group, Inc. 2009 Incentive Stock and Awards Plan Restricted Stock Award Agreement for EBITDA and gross margin growth performance vesting awards with vesting also upon a termination without cause (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Hudson Highland Group, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 14, 2011 (file No. 0-50129)).
(10.12)*   Hudson Highland Group CEO Employment Agreement, dated as of March 7, 2011, between Hudson Highland Group, Inc. and Manuel Marquez Dorsch (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Hudson Highland Group, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 7, 2011 (file No. 0-50129)).
(10.13)*   Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated as of March 23, 2011, between Hudson Highland Group, Inc. and Manuel Marquez Dorsch (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Hudson Highland Group, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2011 (file No. 0-50129)).
(10.14)*   Executive Employment Agreement, amended and restated effective as of March 1, 2009, between Hudson Highland Group, Inc. and Margaretta R. Noonan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to Hudson Highland Group, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 (file No. 0-50129)).
(10.15)*   Executive Agreement, dated as of January 20, 2012, between Hudson Highland Group, Inc. and Richard S. Gray.
(10.16)*   Executive Employment Agreement, amended and restated effective as of January 25, 2012, between Hudson Highland Group, Inc. and Latham Williams.
(10.17)*   Executive Employment Agreement, amended and restated effective as of January 26, 2012, between Hudson Highland Group, Inc. and Neil J. Funk.
(10.18)*   Executive Employment Agreement, amended and restated effective as of February 8, 2012, between Hudson Highland Group, Inc. and Frank P. Lanuto.
(10.19)*   Executive Employment Agreement, amended and restated effective as of February 7, 2012, between Hudson Highland Group, Inc. and Mary Jane Raymond.
(10.20)*   Summary of Hudson Highland Group, Inc. Compensation for Non-employee Members of the Board of Directors (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to Hudson Highland Group, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 (file No. 0-50129)).
(10.21)*   Hudson Highland Group, Inc. Director Deferred Share Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to Hudson Highland Group, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 (file No. 0-50129)).
(21)      Subsidiaries of Hudson Highland Group, Inc.
(23)      Consent of KPMG LLP.

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Exhibit
Number
  Exhibit Description
(31.1)     Certification by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
(31.2)    Certification by the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
(32.1)   Certification of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
(32.2)   Certification of the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
(99.1)   Proxy Statement for the 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders [To be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under Regulation 14A within 120 days after December 31, 2011; except to the extent specifically incorporated by reference, the Proxy Statement for the 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders shall not be deemed to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.]
(101)      The following materials from Hudson Highland Group, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 are furnished herewith, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Statements of Operations, (ii) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (iv) the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity, and (v) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

* A management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

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Exhibit 3.3

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED

 

BY - LAWS

 

OF

 

HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC.

(a Delaware corporation)

 

As amended through February 24, 2012

 

ARTICLE I

Offices

 

Section 1.          The registered office shall be in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle, State of Delaware.

 

Section 2.          The Corporation may also have offices at such other places both within and without the State of Delaware as the board of directors may from time to time determine or the business of the Corporation may require.

 

ARTICLE II

MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS

 

Section 1.          All meetings of the stockholders for the election of directors shall be held in such place, either within or without the State of Delaware, at such place as may be fixed from time to time by the board of directors and as shall be designated from time to time by the board of directors and stated in the notice of the meeting. Meetings of stockholders for any other purpose may be held at such time and place, within or without the State of Delaware, as shall be stated in the notice of the meeting.

 

Section 2.          Annual meetings of stockholders shall be held at such date and time as shall be designated from time to time by the board of directors and stated in the notice of the meeting, at which they shall elect by a plurality vote a board of directors, and transact such other business as may properly be brought before the meeting.

 

Section 3.          Notice of the annual meeting stating the place, date and hour of the meeting shall be given to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting not less than ten nor more than sixty days before the date of the meeting.

 

Section 4.          Nominations of persons for election to the board of directors and the proposal of business to be transacted by the stockholders may be made at an annual meeting of stockholders (a) pursuant to the Corporation's notice with respect to such meeting, (b) by or at the direction of the board of directors or (c) by any stockholder of record of the Corporation who was a stockholder of record at the time of the giving of the notice provided for in the following paragraph, who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has complied with the notice procedures set forth in this section.

 

 
 

 

For nominations or other business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder pursuant to clause (c) of the foregoing paragraph, the stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to the secretary of the Corporation and such business must be a proper matter for stockholder action under the Delaware General Corporation Law. To be timely, a stockholder's notice shall be delivered to the secretary not less than 45 or more than 75 days prior to the first anniversary of the date on which the Corporation first mailed its proxy materials for the preceding year's annual meeting of stockholders; provided, however, that if the date of the annual meeting is advanced more than 30 days prior to or delayed by more than 30 days after the anniversary of the preceding year's annual meeting, notice by the stockholder to be timely must be so delivered not later than the close of business on the later of (i) the 90th day prior to such annual meeting or (ii) the 10th day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made. Such stockholder's notice shall set forth (a) as to each person whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election or reelection as a director all information relating to such person as would be required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for the election of such nominees as directors pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and such person's written consent to serve as a director if elected; (b) as to any other business that the stockholder proposes to bring before the meeting, a brief description of such business, the reasons for conducting such business at the meeting and any material interest in such business of such stockholder and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made; (c) as to the stockholder giving the notice and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination or proposal is made (i) the name and address of such stockholder, as they appear on the Corporation's books, and of such beneficial owner, (ii) the class and number of shares of the Corporation that are owned beneficially and of record by such stockholder and such beneficial owner and (iii) a representation that such stockholder intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to bring such business before the meeting.

 

In the event that the number of directors to be elected to the board of directors is increased and there is no public announcement naming all of the nominees for director or specifying the size of the increased board of directors made by the Corporation at least 55 days prior to the first anniversary of the date on which the Corporation first mailed its proxy materials for the preceding year's annual meeting of stockholders, a stockholder's notice required by this section shall also be considered timely, but only with respect to nominees for any new positions created by such increase, if it shall be delivered to the secretary of the Corporation not later than the close of business on the 10th day following the day on which such public announcement is first made by the Corporation.

 

Only persons nominated in accordance with the procedures set forth in this section shall be eligible to serve as directors and only such business shall be conducted at an annual meeting of stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting in accordance with the procedures set forth in this section. The chairman of the meeting shall have the power and the duty to determine whether a nomination or any business proposed to be brought before the meeting has been made in accordance with the procedures set forth in this section and in Section 8 of this Article and, if any proposed nomination or business is not in compliance with such procedures, to declare that such defectively proposed business or nomination shall not be presented for stockholder action at the meeting and shall be disregarded.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section or of Section 8 of this Article, a stockholder shall also comply with all applicable requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules and regulations thereunder with respect to matters set forth herein. Nothing in such provisions shall be deemed to affect any rights of stockholders to request inclusion of proposals in the Corporation's proxy statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under such Act.

 

Section 5.          The officer who has charge of the stock ledger of the Corporation shall prepare and make, at least ten days before every meeting of stockholders, a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, arranged in alphabetical order, and showing the address of each stockholder and the number of shares registered in the name of each stockholder. Such list shall be open to the examination of any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting, during ordinary business hours, for a period of at least ten days prior to the meeting, at the principal place of business of the Corporation.

 

Section 6.          Special meetings of the stockholders, for any purpose or purposes, unless otherwise prescribed by statute or by the certificate of incorporation, may be called by the chief executive officer or the chairman of the board and shall be called by the chief executive officer, the chairman of the board or the secretary at the request in writing of a majority of the entire board of directors. Such request shall state the purpose or purposes of the proposed meeting.

 

 
 

 

 

Section 7.          Notice of a special meeting stating the place, date and hour of the meeting and the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called, shall be given not less than ten nor more than sixty days before the date of the meeting, to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting.

 

Section 8.          Only such business shall be conducted at a special meeting of stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting pursuant to the Corporation's notice of meeting. Nominations of persons for election to the board of directors may be made at a special meeting of stockholders at which directors are to be elected pursuant to the Corporation's notice of meeting (a) by or at the direction of the board of directors or (b) by any stockholder of record of the Corporation who is a stockholder of record at the time of giving of notice provided for in this paragraph, who shall be entitled to vote at the meeting and who complies with the notice procedures set forth in Section 4 of this Article. Nominations by stockholders of persons for election to the board of directors may be made at such a special meeting of stockholders if the stockholder's notice required by the second paragraph of Section 4 of this Article shall be delivered to the secretary of the Corporation not later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day prior to such special meeting or the 10th day following the day on which public announcement is first made of the date of the special meeting and of the nominees proposed by the board of directors to be elected at such meeting.

 

Section 9.          The chairman of any meeting of stockholders shall determine the order of business and the procedure at the meeting, including such regulation of the manner of voting and the conduct of discussion as seem to the chairman in order. The chairman shall have the power to adjourn the meeting to another place, if any, date and time. The date and time of the opening and closing of the polls for each matter upon which the stockholders will vote at the meeting shall be announced at the meeting.

 

Section 10.         The holders of a majority of the stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote thereat, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at all meetings of the stockholders for the transaction of business except as otherwise provided by statute or by the certificate of incorporation. If, however, such quorum shall not be present or represented at any meeting of the stockholders, the stockholders entitled to vote thereat, present in person or represented by proxy, shall have power to adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum shall be present or represented. At such adjourned meeting at which a quorum shall be present or represented any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the meeting as originally notified. If the adjournment is for more than thirty days, or if after the adjournment a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting.

 

Section 11.         When a quorum is present at any meeting, and except as provided in Section 2 of Article II of these by-laws, the vote of the holders of a majority of the stock having voting power present in person or represented by proxy shall decide any question brought before such meeting, unless the question is one upon which by express provision of the statutes or of the certificate of incorporation, a different vote is required, in which case such express provision shall govern and control the decision of such question.

 

Section 12.         Unless otherwise provided in the certificate of incorporation, each stockholder shall at every meeting of the stockholders be entitled to one vote in person or by proxy for each share of the capital stock having voting power held by such stockholder, but no proxy shall be voted on or after three years from its date, unless the proxy provides for a longer period.

 

Section 13.         Any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders of the Corporation must be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting of stockholders of the Corporation

 

Section 14.         At all meetings of stockholders, the chairman of the meeting shall have absolute authority over matters of procedure, and there shall be no appeal from the ruling of the chairman.

 

 
 

 

Section 15.         If the object of a stockholders meeting is to elect directors or to take a vote of the stockholders on any proposition, then the chairman of the meeting shall appoint a person, who is not a director, as inspector to receive and canvass the votes given at such meeting and certify the result to the chairman.

 

Section 16.         Attendance of a stockholder, in person or by proxy, at any meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except where the stockholder, in person or by proxy, attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.

 

ARTICLE III

DIRECTORS

 

Section 1.          The number of directors constituting the entire board of directors shall be fixed, and may be increased or decreased from time to time, exclusively by resolutions of the board of directors, and such number shall never be more than eleven nor less than five.

 

The board of directors shall be divided into three classes, designated Class I, Class II and Class III. Each class shall consist, as nearly as may be possible, of one-third of the total number of directors constituting the entire board of directors. The initial division of the board of directors into classes shall be made by the decision of the affirmative vote of a majority of the board of directors. The term of the initial Class I directors shall terminate on the date of the 2004 annual meeting of stockholders; the term of the initial Class II directors shall terminate on the date of the 2005 annual meeting of stockholders; and the term of the initial Class III directors shall terminate on the date of the 2006 annual meeting of stockholders. At each succeeding annual meeting of stockholders beginning in 2004, successors to the class of directors whose term expires at that annual meeting of stockholders shall be elected for a three-year term. If the number of directors is changed, any increase or decrease shall be apportioned among the classes so as to maintain the number of directors in each class as nearly equal as possible, and any additional director of any class elected to fill a vacancy resulting from an increase in such class shall hold office for a term that shall coincide with the remaining term of that class, but in no case will a decrease in the number of directors shorten the term of any incumbent director. The term "entire board of directors" means the total number of directors which the Corporation would have if there were no vacancies.

 

A director shall hold office until the annual meeting of stockholders for the year in which his or her term expires and until his or her successor shall be elected and shall qualify, subject, however, to prior death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or removal from office. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a director who is also an employee of the Corporation shall cease to be a director on the date such employee’s employment by the Corporation is terminated for any reason without further action by the Corporation.

 

Section 2.          Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock, any vacancy on the board of directors that results from an increase in the number of directors may be filled by a majority of the board of directors then in office, provided that a quorum is present, and any other vacancy occurring on the board of directors may be filled by a majority of the board of directors then in office, even if less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director. Any director of any class elected to fill a vacancy resulting from an increase in the number of directors of such class shall hold office for a term that shall coincide with the remaining term of that class. Any director elected to fill a vacancy not resulting from an increase in the number of directors shall have the same remaining term as that of his or her predecessor.

 

Section 3.          The property and business of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the director of its board of directors which may exercise all such powers of the Corporation and do all such lawful acts and things as are not by statute or by the certificate of incorporation or by these by-laws directed or required to be exercised or done by the stockholders.

 

 
 

 

Section 4.          Directors must be nominated in accordance with the procedure set forth in Section 4 of Article II hereof. No person shall be qualified to be elected and to hold office as a director if such person is determined by the affirmative vote of a majority of the entire board of directors to have violated either Federal or state law, in a manner contrary to the best interests of the Corporation, to have interests not properly authorized in conflict with the interests of the Corporation, or to have breached any agreement between such director and the Corporation relating to such director’s services as a director or employee of the Corporation.

 

Section 5.          The board of directors shall annually choose, from among them, a chairman of the board, who shall serve as such until a successor is elected. The chairman of the board shall preside at all meetings of the board of directors or of the stockholders of the Corporation. The chairman shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as are provided in these by-laws and, in addition thereto, as the board of directors may from time to time determine.

 

MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

 

Section 6.          The board of directors of the Corporation, or any committee thereof, may hold meetings, both regular and special, either within or without the State of Delaware.

 

Section 7.          Regular meetings of the board of directors may be held upon such notice, or without notice at such time and at such place as shall from time to time be determined by the board.

 

Section 8.          Special meetings of the full board may be called by the chief executive officer, the chairman of the board or any director by mailing seven days’ written notice to each director or by telephone or by telegraph, telex, facsimile or electronic transmission not less than 24 hours before the meeting.

 

Section 9.          Notice of a meeting need not be given to any director who attends the meeting without protesting, prior thereto or at its commencement, the lack of notice. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any regular or special meeting of the board of directors need be specified in the notice or a waiver of notice of such meeting.

 

Section 10.         At all meetings of the board a majority of the directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business and the act of a majority of the directors present at any meeting at which there is a quorum shall be the act of the board of directors, except as may be otherwise specifically provided by statute or by the certificate of incorporation. If a quorum shall not be present at any meeting of the board of directors the directors present thereat may adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum shall be present.

 

Section 11.         Unless otherwise restricted by the certificate of incorporation or these by-laws, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the board of directors or of any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting if all members of the board or committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing or by electronic transmission, and the writing or writings or electronic transmission or transmissions are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the board or committee. Such filing shall be in paper form if minutes are maintained in paper form and shall be in electronic form if minutes are maintained in electronic form.

 

Section 12.         Unless otherwise restricted by the certificate of incorporation or these by-laws, members of the board of directors, or any committee designated by the board of directors, may participate in a meeting of the board of directors, or any committee, by means of conference telephone or other communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and such participation in a meeting shall constitute presence in person at the meeting.

 

 
 

 

COMMITTEES 

 

Section 13.         There shall be the following committees of the board of directors which shall have and may exercise the authority specified in these bylaws: a Compensation Committee, an Audit Committee, a Nominating and Governance Committee, a Human Resources Committee and an Executive Committee, each of which shall (i) consist of the number of directors with the requisite qualifications and (ii) have the responsibilities as set forth in their respective charters, which shall be approved by the board of directors. The board of directors may also, by resolution passed by a majority of the whole board, designate one or more other committees, each committee to consist of one or more directors of the Corporation. The Executive Committee shall have and may exercise all the powers and authority of the board of directors in the management of the business, properties and affairs of the Corporation, including authority to take all action provided by law and in the by-laws to be taken by the board of directors, except as such powers are limited by Section 13 of this Article III. All acts done and powers conferred by the Executive Committee shall be deemed to be, and may be certified as being, done or conferred under authority of the board of directors. The board may designate one or more directors as alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the committee. In the absence or disqualification of a member of a committee, the member or members thereof present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not he, she or they constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the board of directors to act at the meeting in the place of any such absent or disqualified member. Any such committee, to the extent provided in the resolution of the board of directors, or by these by-laws, shall have and may exercise all the powers and authority of the board of directors in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation, but no such committee shall have the power or authority in reference to the following matters: (i) approving or adopting, or recommending to the stockholders, any action or matter expressly required by the Delaware General Corporation Law to be submitted to stockholders for approval or (ii) adopting, amending or repealing any by-law of the Corporation; and, unless the resolution or the certificate of incorporation expressly so provide, no such committee shall have the power or authority to declare a dividend or to authorize the issuance of stock. Such committee or committees shall have such name or names as may be determined from time to time by resolution adopted by the board of directors.

 

Section 14.         Each committee shall keep regular minutes of its meetings and report the same to the board of directors when required.

 

COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS 

 

Section 15.         Unless otherwise restricted by the certificate of incorporation or these by-laws, the Compensation Committee of the board of directors shall have the authority to fix the compensation of directors. The directors may also be paid their expenses, if any, of attendance at each meeting of the board of directors and may be paid a fixed sum for attendance at each meeting of the board of directors and/or a stated salary as director. The directors may also be granted stock options or other equity awards at the discretion of the Compensation Committee of the board of directors. No such payment or compensation shall preclude any director from serving the Corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefor. Members of special or standing committees may be allowed like compensation for attending committee meetings.

 

REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS

 

Section 16.         Subject to the rights, if any, of the holders of shares of Preferred Stock then outstanding, any or all of the directors of the Corporation may be removed from office only for cause and only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least seventy percent (70%) of the voting power of the Corporation's then outstanding capital stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors.

 

 
 

 

 

ARTICLE IV

NOTICES

 

Section 1.          Whenever, under the provisions of the statutes or of the certificate of incorporation or of these by-laws, notice is required to be given to any director or stockholder, it shall not be construed to mean personal notice, but such notice may be given in writing, by mail, addressed to such director or stockholder, at such person’s address as it appears on the records of the Corporation, with postage thereon prepaid, and such notice shall be deemed to be given at the time when the same shall be deposited in the United States mail. Without limiting the manner by which notice otherwise may be given to stockholders, any notice to stockholders may also be given by electronic transmission in the manner provided in the Delaware General Corporation Law. Notice to directors may also be given by courier, telephone, telegram, telex, facsimile or electronic transmission or personally.

 

Section 2.          Whenever any notice is required to be given under the provisions of the statutes or of the certificate of incorporation or of these by-laws, a waiver thereof in writing, signed by the person or persons entitled to said notice, or waiver by electronic transmission by such person or persons, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent thereto. A person entitled to notice of any meeting of the board of directors or stockholders, as the case may be, waives such notice if he or she appears in person or, in the case of a stockholder, by proxy at such meeting, except when the person attends a meeting for the express purposes of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.

 

ARTICLE V

OFFICERS

 

Section 1.          The officers of the Corporation shall be chosen by the board of directors and shall be a chief executive officer, a secretary and a treasurer. The board of directors may also choose one or more vice presidents, one or more assistant secretaries and assistant treasurers and other officers, as it shall deem necessary. Any such officers shall hold their offices for such terms and shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as shall be determined from time to time by the board. Any number of offices may be held by the same person, unless the certificate of incorporation or these by-laws otherwise provide.

 

Section 2.          The board of directors at its first meeting after each annual meeting of stockholders shall choose a chief executive officer, a secretary and a treasurer.

 

Section 3.          The salaries of all officers and agents of the Corporation shall be fixed by the board of directors.

 

Section 4.          The officers of the Corporation shall hold office until their successors are chosen and qualify or until their earlier resignation or removal. Any officer elected or appointed by the board of directors may be removed at any time with or without cause by the affirmative vote of a majority of the board of directors. Any vacancy occurring in any office of the Corporation shall be filled by the board of directors.

 

THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER 

 

Section 5.          The chief executive officer shall have general direction and supervision over day-to-day matters relating to the business and affairs of the Corporation, shall implement or supervise the implementation of corporate policies as established by the board of directors and shall be in charge of stockholder relations. He or she shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as the board of directors may from time to time prescribe.

 

 
 

 

Section 6.          He or she shall have the authority to execute bonds, mortgages and other contracts and, except as otherwise provided by law or the board of directors, he or she may authorize any vice president or other officer or agent of the Corporation to execute such documents in his or her place and stead.

 

THE VICE PRESIDENTS

 

Section 7.          The vice president, if any, or, if there shall be more than one, the vice presidents in the order determined by the board of directors (or, in the absence of any designation, then in the order of their election) shall, in the absence or disability of the chief executive officer, perform the duties and exercise the powers of the chief executive officer and shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as the board of directors may from time to time prescribe.

 

THE SECRETARY AND ASSISTANT SECRETARY 

 

Section 8.          The secretary shall attend all meetings of the board of directors and all meetings of the stockholders and record all the proceedings of the meetings of the Corporation and of the board of directors in a book to be kept for that purpose and shall perform like duties for the standing committees when required. He or she shall give, or cause to be given, notice of all meetings of the stockholders and special meetings of the board of directors, and shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the board of directors or the chief executive officer, under whose supervision he or she shall be.

 

Section 9.          The assistant secretary or, if there be more than one, the assistant secretaries in the order determined by the board of directors (or, in the absence of any designation, then in the order of their election), shall, in the absence or disability of the secretary, perform the duties and exercise the powers of the secretary and shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as the board of directors may from time to time prescribe.

 

THE TREASURER AND ASSISTANT TREASURERS

 

Section 10.         The treasurer shall have the custody of the corporate funds and securities and shall keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the Corporation and shall deposit all moneys and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the Corporation in such depositories as may be designated by the board of directors.

 

Section 11.         He or she shall disburse the funds of the Corporation as may be ordered by the board of directors, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements, and shall render to the chief executive officer and to the board of directors at its regular meetings, or when the board of directors so requires, an account of all his or her transactions as treasurer and of the financial condition of the Corporation.

 

Section 12.         If required by the board of directors, he or she shall give the Corporation a bond in such sum and with such surety or sureties as shall be satisfactory to the board of directors for the faithful performance of the duties of his office and for the restoration to the Corporation, in case of his death, resignation, retirement or removal from office, of all books, papers, vouchers, money and other property of whatever kind in his possession or under his or her control belonging to the Corporation.

 

Section 13.         The assistant treasurer, or, if there shall be more than one, the assistant treasurers in the order determined by the board of directors (or, in the absence of any designation, then in the order of their election), shall, in the absence or disability of the treasurer, perform the duties and exercise the powers of the treasurer and shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as the board of directors may from time to time prescribe.

 

 
 

 

ARTICLE VI

CERTIFICATES OF STOCK

 

Section 1.          Every holder of stock in the Corporation shall be entitled to have a certificate, signed by, or in the name of the Corporation by the chief executive officer, or a vice-president and the treasurer or an assistant treasurer, or the secretary or an assistant secretary of the Corporation, certifying the number of shares owned by that holder in the Corporation.

 

Section 2.          Any of or all the signatures on the certificate may be facsimile. In case any officer, transfer agent or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a certificate shall have ceased to be such officer, transfer agent or registrar before such certificate is issued, it may be issued by the Corporation with the same effect as if that person or entity were such officer, transfer agent or registrar at the date of issue.

 

LOST CERTIFICATES 

 

Section 3.          The board of directors may direct a new certificate or certificates to be issued in place of any certificate or certificates theretofore issued by the Corporation alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming the certificate of stock to be lost, stolen or destroyed. When authorizing such issue of a new certificate or certificates, the board of directors may, in its discretion and as a condition precedent to the issuance thereof, require the owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed certificate or certificates, or the owner’s legal representative, to advertise the same in such manner as it shall require and/or to give the Corporation a bond or payment of applicable insurance premium in such sum as it may direct as indemnity against any claim that may be made against the Corporation with respect to the certificate alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed.

 

TRANSFERS OF STOCK 

 

Section 4.          Upon surrender to the Corporation or the transfer agent of the Corporation of a certificate for shares duly endorsed or accompanied by proper evidence of succession, assignation or authority to transfer, it shall be the duty of the Corporation to issue a new certificate to the person entitled thereto, cancel the old certificate and record the transaction upon its books.

 

FIXING RECORD DATE 

 

Section 5.          In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, or entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights, or entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the board of directors may fix, in advance, a record date, which shall not be more than sixty nor less than ten days before the date of such meeting, nor more than sixty days prior to any other action. A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; provided, however, that the board of directors may fix a new record date for the adjourned meeting.

 

REGISTERED STOCKHOLDERS

 

Section 6.          The Corporation shall be entitled to recognize the exclusive right of a person registered on its books as the owner of shares to receive dividends, and to vote as such owner, and to hold liable for calls and assessments a person registered on its books as the owner of shares, and shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such share or shares on the part of any other person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by the laws of Delaware.

 

 
 

 

ARTICLE VII

INDEMNIFICATION

 

Section 1.          The Corporation shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the Corporation) by reason of the fact that the person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines, and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful.

 

Section 2.          The Corporation shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the Corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation and except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the Corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.

 

Section 3.          To the extent that a present or former director or officer of the Corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in Sections 1 or 2 of this Article VII or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, such person shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection therewith.

 

Section 4.          Any indemnification under Sections 1 or 2 of this Article VII (unless ordered by a court) shall be made by the Corporation only as authorized in the specific case upon a determination that indemnification of the present or former director, officer, employee or agent is proper in the circumstances because the person has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in Sections 1 or 2 of this Article VII. Such determination shall be made, with respect to a person which is a director or officer at the time of such determination, (a) by a majority vote of the directors who were not parties to such action, suit or proceeding, even though less than a quorum, or (b) by a committee of such directors designated by majority vote of such directors, even though less than a quorum, or (c) if there are no such directors, or if such directors so direct, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion, or (d) by the stockholders. To the extent, however, that a director or officer of the Corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or proceeding described above, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, such person shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection therewith, without the necessity of authorization in the specific case.

 

Section 5.          For purposes of any determination under Section 4 of this Article VII, a person shall be deemed to have acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, or, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, to have had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful, if such person's action is based on the records or books of account of the Corporation or another enterprise, or on information supplied to such person by the officers of the Corporation or another enterprise in the course of their duties, or on the advice of legal counsel for the Corporation or another enterprise or on information or records given or reports made to the Corporation or another enterprise by an independent certified public accountant or by an appraiser or other expert selected with reasonable care by the Corporation or another enterprise. The term "another enterprise" as used in this Section 5 shall mean any other corporation or any partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise of which such person is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent. The provisions of this Section 5 shall not be deemed to be exclusive or to limit in any way the circumstances in which a person may be deemed to have met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in Section 1 or 2 of this Article VII, as the case may be.

 

 
 

 

Section 6.          Notwithstanding any contrary determination in the specific case under Section 4 of this Article VII, and notwithstanding the absence of any determination thereunder, any director or officer may apply to the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or any other court of competent jurisdiction in the State of Delaware for indemnification to the extent otherwise permissible under Sections 1 and 2 of this Article VII. The basis of such indemnification by a court shall be a determination by such court that indemnification of the director or officer is proper in the circumstances because such person has met the applicable standards of conduct set forth in Section 1 or 2 of this Article VII, as the case may be. Neither a contrary determination in the specific case under Section 4 of this Article VII nor the absence of any determination thereunder shall be a defense to such application or create a presumption that the director or officer seeking indemnification has not met any applicable standard of conduct. Notice of any application for indemnification pursuant to this Section 6 shall be given to the Corporation promptly upon the filing of such application. If successful, in whole or in part, the director or officer seeking indemnification shall also be entitled to be paid the expense of prosecuting such application.

 

Section 7.          Expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by a director or officer of the Corporation in defending any civil, criminal, administrative or investigative action, suit or proceeding may be paid by the Corporation in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the director or officer to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that such person is not entitled to be indemnified by the Corporation as authorized in this Article VII. Such expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by former directors and officers or other employees and agents may be so paid upon such terms and conditions, if any, as the Corporation deems appropriate.

 

Section 8.          The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to, this Article VII shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under the certificate of incorporation or any bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or pursuant to the direction of any court of competent jurisdiction or otherwise, both as to action in such person’s official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office, it being the policy of the Corporation that indemnification of the persons specified in Section 1 and 2 of this Article VII shall be made to the fullest extent permitted by law. The provisions of this Article VII shall not be deemed to preclude the indemnification of any person who is not specified in Section 1 or 2 of this Article VII but whom the Corporation has the power or obligation to indemnify under the provisions of the GCL, or otherwise.

 

Section 9.          The Corporation shall have power to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation, as a director, officer, employee or agent of another Corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise against any liability asserted against such person and incurred by such person in any such capacity, or arising out of such person’s status as such, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such liability under the provisions of this Article VII.

 

Section 10.         For purposes of Article VII, references to “the Corporation” shall include, in addition to the resulting corporation, any constituent corporation (including any constituent of a constituent) absorbed in a consolidation or merger which, if its separate existence had continued, would have had the power and authority to indemnify its directors, officers and employees or agents, so that any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of such constituent corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such constituent corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, shall stand in the same position under Article VII with respect to the resulting or surviving corporation as such person would have with respect to such constituent corporation if its separate existence had continued.

 

 
 

  

Section 11.         For purposes of Article VII, references to “other enterprises” shall include employee benefit plans; references to “fines” shall include any excise taxes assessed on a person with respect to any employee benefit plan; and references to “serving at the request of the Corporation” shall include any service as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation which imposes duties on, or involves service by, such director, officer, employee, or agent, as the case may be, with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants, or beneficiaries; and a person who acted in good faith and in a manner that person reasonably believed to be in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted in a manner “not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation” as referred to in Article VII.

 

Section 12.         The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to this Article VII shall, unless otherwise provided when authorized or ratified, continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such person.

 

Section 13.         Notwithstanding anything contained in this Article VII to the contrary, except for proceedings to enforce rights to indemnification (which shall be governed by Section 6 hereof), the Corporation shall not be obligated to indemnify any director or officer (or his or her heirs, executors or personal or legal representatives) or advance expenses in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such person unless such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized or consented to by the board of directors of the Corporation.

 

Section 14.         The Corporation may, to the extent authorized from time to time by the board of directors, provide rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses to employees and agents of the Corporation similar to those conferred in this Article VII to directors and officers of the Corporation.

 

ARTICLE VIII

GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

DIVIDENDS

 

Section 1.          Dividends upon the capital stock of the Corporation subject to the provisions of the certificate of incorporation, if any, may be declared by the board of directors at any regular or special meeting, pursuant to law. Dividends may be paid in cash, in property, or in shares of the capital stock, subject to the provisions of the certificate of incorporation.

 

Section 2.          Before payment of any dividend, there may be set aside out of any funds of the Corporation available for dividends such sum or sums as the directors from time to time, in their absolute discretion, think proper as a reserve or reserves to meet contingencies, or for equalizing dividends, or for repairing or maintaining any property of the Corporation, or for such other purpose as the directors shall think conducive to the interest of the Corporation, and the directors may modify or abolish any such reserve in the manner in which it was created.

 

CHECKS 

 

Section 3.          All checks or demands for money and notes of the Corporation shall be signed by such officer or officers or such other person or persons as the board of directors may from time to time designate.

 

FISCAL YEAR 

 

Section 4.          The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be fixed, and shall be subject to change, by the Board of Directors.

 

 
 

 

SEAL 

 

Section 5.          The corporate shall not be required to have a seal.

 

ARTICLE IX

AMENDMENTS

 

Section 1.          These by-laws may be altered, amended, restated or repealed or new by-laws may be adopted by the board of directors or the stockholders as provided in the certificate of incorporation. 

 

 

 

Exhibit 4.4

 

AMENDMENT NO. 1

 

TO

 

LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

THIS AMENDMENT NO. 1 (this “Amendment”) is entered into as of February 22, 2012, by and among HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC., a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Delaware (“HHG”), HUDSON GLOBAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT, INC., a corporation organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (“HGRM”), HUDSON GLOBAL RESOURCES LIMITED, a company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales with registered number 03206355 (“HGR UK”, and together with HHG and HGRM, each a “Borrower” and collectively, jointly and severally, “Borrowers”), the financial institutions set forth on the signature pages hereto (each a “Lender” and collectively, “Lenders”) and RBS CITIZENS BUSINESS CAPITAL (formerly known as RBS BUSINESS CAPITAL), a division of RBS Asset Finance, Inc., a corporation organized under the laws of the State of New York, as agent for Lenders (in such capacity, “Agent”).

 

BACKGROUND

 

Borrowers, Agent and Lenders are parties to a Loan and Security Agreement dated as of August 5, 2010 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Loan Agreement”) pursuant to which Agent and Lenders provide Borrowers with certain financial accommodations.

 

Agent and Lenders are willing to make certain amendments to the Loan Agreement on the terms and conditions hereafter set forth.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of any loan or advance or grant of credit heretofore or hereafter made to or for the account of Borrowers by Agent and Lenders, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

 

1.           Definitions. All capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Loan Agreement.

 

2.           Amendment to Loan Agreement. Subject to satisfaction of the condition precedent set forth in Section 3 below, the Loan Agreement is hereby amended as follows:

 

 
 

 

(a)           The definition of “Applicable Margin”, appearing in Section 1.1 of the Loan Agreement, is hereby amended by deleting the pricing grid appearing therein in its entirety and inserting the following pricing grid in lieu thereof:

 

Level Fixed Charge Coverage
Ratio
Base Rate
Revolving
Loans
LIBOR Revolving Loans or
LC Obligations
I Greater than or equal to 1.25:1.0 1.25% 2.25%
II Less than 1.25:1.0 but greater than or equal to 1.10:1.0 1.50% 2.50%
III Less than 1.10:1.0 1.75% 2.75%

 

(b)           Section 3.2.1 of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended in its entirety to provide as follows:

 

3.2.1 Unused Line Fee. Borrowers shall pay to Agent, for the Pro Rata benefit of Lenders, a fee equal to (a) 0.50% per annum multiplied by the amount by which the Revolving Loan Commitments exceed the average daily principal balance of Revolving Loans and stated amount of Letters of Credit during any month (the “Average Daily Balance”), if such Average Daily Balance is less than thirty three (33%) percent of the Revolving Loan Commitments and (b) 0.375% per annum multiplied by the amount by which the Revolving Loan Commitments exceed the average daily principal balance of Revolving Loans and stated amount of Letters of Credit during any month, if such Average Daily Balance is greater than or equal to thirty three (33%) percent. Such fee shall be payable in arrears, on the first (1st) day of each month and on the Commitment Termination Date.

 

3.           Condition of Effectiveness. This Amendment shall be deemed to be effective on February 1, 2012 upon Agent’s receipt of four (4) copies of this Amendment executed by Borrowers and Lenders and consented and agreed to by Guarantors.

 

4.           Representations and Warranties. Each Borrower hereby represents and warrants as follows as of the date hereof:

 

2
 

 

(a)           This Amendment and the Loan Agreement, as amended hereby, constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of Borrowers and are enforceable against Borrowers in accordance with their respective terms, except as enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally or by equitable principles, and save as a Loan Document which is not a Jersey security agreement for the purpose of the Security Interests (Jersey) Law 1983 purports to be taking security in respect to Jersey situate intangible moveable assets.

 

(b)           Upon the effectiveness of this Amendment, each Borrower hereby certifies that the representations and warranties made by such Borrower in the Loan Agreement (to the extent the same are not amended hereby) are true and complete in all material respects with the same force and effect as if made on and as of the effective date of this Amendment (or to the extent any such representation or warranty specifically relates to an earlier date, such representation or warranty was true and complete in all material respects as of such earlier date).

 

(c)           No Event of Default or Default has occurred and is continuing or would exist immediately after giving effect to this Amendment.

 

5.           Effect on the Loan Agreement.

 

(a)           Upon the effectiveness of Section 2 hereof, each reference in the Loan Agreement to “this Agreement,” “hereunder,” “hereof,” “herein” or words of like import shall mean and be a reference to the Loan Agreement as amended hereby.

 

(b)           Except as specifically amended herein, the Loan Agreement, and all other documents, instruments and agreements executed and/or delivered in connection therewith, shall remain in full force and effect, and are hereby ratified and confirmed.

 

(c)           The execution, delivery and effectiveness of this Amendment shall not operate as a waiver of any right, power or remedy of Agent or Lenders, nor constitute a waiver of any provision of the Loan Agreement, or any other documents, instruments or agreements executed and/or delivered under or in connection therewith.

 

6.           Governing Law. This Amendment shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns and shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

 

7.           Headings. Section headings in this Amendment are included herein for convenience of reference only and shall not constitute a part of this Amendment for any other purpose.

 

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8.           Counterparts; Facsimile. This Amendment may be executed by the parties hereto in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which when taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement. Any signature delivered by a party by facsimile or other electronic transmission (including by “.pdf” and other similar format) shall be deemed to be an original signature hereto.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Amendment has been duly executed as of the day and year first written above.

 

  HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC., as a Borrower
     
  By:   /s/ MARY JANE RAYMOND
  Name:  Mary Jane Raymond
  Title: Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

  HUDSON GLOBAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT, INC., as a Borrower
     
  By:   /s/ FRANK P. LANUTO
  Name:  Frank P. Lanuto
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

 

  HUDSON GLOBAL RESOURCES LIMITED, as a Borrower
     
  By:   /s/ LATHAM WILLIAMS
  Name: Latham Williams
  Title: SVP, Director
   
  RBS CITIZENS BUSINESS CAPITAL,
  a division of RBS Asset Finance, Inc., a
  subsidiary of RBS Citizens, N.A.
  as Agent and Lender
     
  By:    s/ JAMES H. HERZOG JR
  Name: James H. Herzog Jr
  Title: Senior Vice President

 

Signature Page to Amendment No. 1 - 2709963

 

 
 

 

CONSENTED AND AGREED TO:  
   
HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP HOLDINGS  
INTERNATIONAL, INC., as a Guarantor  
     
By:   /s/ FRANK P. LANUTO  
Name: Frank P. Lanuto  
Title: Assistant Treasurer  
   
HUDSON GLOBAL RESOURCES  
JERSEY LIMITED, as a Guarantor  
     
By:   /s/  MARTIN PIERS  
Name: Martin Piers  
Title: Director  

 

Signature Page to Amendment No. 1 - 2709963

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.15

 

EXECUTIVE agreement

 

THIS EXECUTIVE AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) by and between Hudson Highland Group, Inc. (the “Company”) and Richard S. Gray (the “Executive”) is made as of January 20, 2012 (the “Effective Date”).

 

WHEREAS, the Company and the Executive have mutually agreed to his imminent departure from employment with the Company as its Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications and to the following satisfactory transitional arrangements.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of this mutual Agreement, the Company and the Executive hereby agree as follows:

 

1.           Departure. Executive’s duties as Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications shall conclude on March 31, 2012 and Executive’s employment with the Company shall cease on March 31, 2012 (the “Departure Date”).

 

2.           Departure Payments. The Company will provide the Executive with the following compensation, provided that the Executive has timely executed and not revoked the Release (as defined in Section 6 of this Agreement) and provided further that the Executive does not violate Section 5 of this Agreement:

 

(a)          The Company will pay the Executive Two Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($225,000) on an annualized basis over a 12-month period commencing on the Departure Date in accordance with the payroll practices of the Company in effect from time to time, and less such taxes and other deductions required by applicable law or authorized by the Executive; provided that any amounts that would have been payable hereunder prior to the time the Release becomes effective (without being revoked) will be accumulated and paid on the first payroll date following the date the Release becomes effective.

 

(b)          The Executive will be eligible to receive his 2011 cash bonus pursuant to the Senior Management Bonus Plan for 2011.

 

(c)          The Executive will not be eligible for the Senior Management Bonus Plan for 2012.

 

(d)          If the Executive elects to exercise his rights to continue group medical and dental plan coverage for a limited period (commonly referred to as “COBRA rights”) within the statutorily prescribed time period commencing immediately following the Departure Date, and the Executive pays an amount equal to an active employee’s share of the premium for such group medical and dental benefits, the Company will waive the remaining COBRA continuation premium for the twelve (12) month period following the Departure Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the group medical and dental plan coverage are fully-insured and, as a result of the Company’s subsidization of the Executive’s COBRA premiums, the plans are considered discriminatory such that the Company would be subject to an excise tax, then in lieu of the foregoing, the Company shall pay the Executive an amount equal to what would have been the Company’s subsidy amount had the Executive continued COBRA coverage for the twelve (12) month period.

 

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(e)          The Company will pay the Executive the value for all the Executive’s earned, but unused, vacation days for 2011 and for 2012 through the Departure Date in accordance with Company policy.

 

(f)          All the Executive’s nonvested shares of restricted stock of the Company that were previously granted to the Executive, and which were scheduled to vest based on certain performance and service conditions, shall be fully vested as of the Departure Date. These consist of 29,374 shares, or:

 

(i)          The remaining 9,334 shares of the 2009 grant which vests on stock price achievement, with the $9/share and $12/share tranches still awaiting vesting

 

(ii)         The remaining 8,040 shares of the 2010 grant, the performance condition for which was met in February 2011 and for which the final two-thirds would vest over time

 

(iii)        The entire grant of 12,000 shares of the 2011 grant which would have been evaluated for vesting in February 2012

 

3.           Obligations of Executive at Departure. Executive represents and warrants that Executive will, on or before the Departure Date, provide any resignations from such positions as the Company deems necessary. Executive further represents and warrants that Executive will, on or before such date, deliver to the Company the original and all copies of all documents, records, and property of any nature whatsoever which are in Executive’s possession or control and which are the property of the Company or which relate to Confidential Information (as described below), or to the business activities, facilities, or customers of the Company, including any records (electronic or otherwise), documents or property created by the Executive.

 

4.           Other Agreements. Except as provided below, all the terms of the agreement between the Company and the Executive are embodied in this Agreement and it fully supersedes any and all prior agreements or understandings between the Executive and the Company, including, but not limited to, the Executive Employment Agreement between the Company and the Executive, dated March 3, 2009:

 

(a)          This Agreement does not limit or restrict in any way Executive’s rights or obligations under the Company’s employee benefit plans, including any retirement plan, retirement savings plan, or group medical plan.

 

(b)          Except as provided in Section 2(f) of this Agreement, this Agreement does not limit or restrict in any way Executive’s rights and obligations under any stock options and/or restricted stock awards previously issued to Executive.

 

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(c)          The Company will sell to Executive for $1.00 each the Executive’s Company-issued (i) Dell laptop computer, (ii) iPhone (with the associated phone number to transfer to Executive) and (iii) iPad.

 

5.           Restrictive Covenants. In consideration of Executive’s position with the Company immediately prior to the Departure Date, the business relationships the Executive has developed while employed by the Company, and the Executive’s knowledge of the Company’s business affairs including the Confidential Information (as defined below), Executive agrees to the following Restrictive Covenants, which are a continuation of certain covenants previously agreed to by the Executive in Attachment A to the Executive Employment Agreement between the Company and the Executive, dated March 3, 2009:

 

(a)          Non-Solicitation of Clients. During the one-year period following the Departure Date (the "Restricted Period"), the Executive agrees that he will not, directly or indirectly, unless such action is waived in writing by the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, for the Executive’s benefit or on behalf of any person, corporation, partnership or entity whatsoever, call on, solicit, provide services for, interfere with or endeavor to entice away from the Company any client to whom the Company provides services at any time during the 12-month period proceeding the Departure Date, or any prospective client to whom the Company had made a presentation at any time during the 12-month period preceding the Departure Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Agreement is intended to prevent the Executive from being employed by any of the Company’s clients in a marketing or communications position in which the Executive is not soliciting clients of the Company.

 

(b)          Non-Hire of Employees. During the Restricted Period, the Executive agrees that he will not, directly or indirectly, unless such action is waived in writing by the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, for the Executive’s benefit or on behalf of any person, corporation, partnership or entity whatsoever, hire, attempt to hire, or solicit for hire any employee of the Company or its subsidiaries, or any individual who was employed by the Company or its subsidiaries, as of the last day of the Executive’s employment with the Company.

 

(c)          No Participation in Business Combinations with Company. During the Restricted Period, the Executive agrees that he will not make, or participate with any other person who makes, any proposal for a business combination involving the Company or the acquisition of the Company.

 

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(d)          Confidentiality. Executive agrees that during the Restricted Period, Executive shall maintain the confidentiality of any and all information about the Company which is not generally known or available outside the Company, including without limitation, strategic plans, technical and operating know-how, business strategy, trade secrets, customer information, business operations and other proprietary information (“Confidential Information”), and Executive will not, directly or indirectly, disclose any Confidential Information to any person or entity, or use any Confidential Information, whether for the benefit of Executive or the benefit of any new employer or any other person or entity, or in any other manner that is detrimental to or inconsistent with any interest of the Company. If Executive receives notice that he must disclose Confidential Information pursuant to a subpoena or other lawful process, Executive must notify the Company’s General Counsel immediately. Except as permitted by the Company, Executive agrees not to discuss this Agreement publicly and will disclose its contents only to his attorneys, financial consultants, and immediate family members. The provisions of the forgoing sentence shall not apply to any truthful statement required to be made by Executive in any legal proceeding or government or regulatory investigation, provided, however, that prior to making such statement Executive will give the Company reasonable notice and, to the extent he is legally entitled to do so, afford the Company the ability to seek a confidentiality order.

 

(e)          Acknowledgement of Reasonableness of Restrictions. Executive acknowledges and agrees that the scope and duration of these Restrictive Covenants are reasonable and necessary to protect the legitimate business interests of the Company. Executive acknowledges that Executive has received substantial compensation from the Company in consideration for these Restrictive Covenants and that Executive’s general skills and abilities are such that Executive can be gainfully employed and that this Agreement will not prevent Executive from earning a living following his separation from service with the Company.

 

(f)          Company Entitled to Injunctive Relief. Executive agrees that the Company will suffer irreparable damage in the event the provisions of this Section are breached and that Executive’s acceptance of the provisions of this Section was a material factor in Executive’s decision to enter into this Agreement. Executive further agrees that the Company shall be entitled as a matter of right to injunctive relief to prevent a breach by Executive. Resort to such equitable relief, however, shall not constitute a waiver of any other rights or remedies the Company may have. The provisions of this Section shall not apply to any truthful statement required to be made by Executive in any legal proceeding or government or regulatory investigation, provided, however, that prior to making such statement Executive will give the Company reasonable notice and, to the extent Executive is legally entitled to do so, afford the Company the ability to seek a confidentiality order. Nothing herein modifies or reduces Executive’s obligation to comply with applicable laws relating to trade secrets, confidential information, or unfair competition.

 

6.           Release. The Executive and the Company shall execute the General Release attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Release”) on the Departure Date.

 

7.           No Disparagement. Neither the Executive nor anyone acting at his direction at any time shall disparage the Company, including without limitation by way of news media or the expression to news media of personal views, opinions or judgments. The Company shall not disparage the Executive, including without limitation by way of news media or the expression to news media of Company views, opinions or judgments. For purposes of this section only, “Company” means members of the Company’s Global Leadership Team and the executive officers of the Company.

 

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8.          Expenses and Insurance. With respect to services provided by the Executive to the Departure Date and pursuant to this Agreement, the Company shall (a) reimburse Executive for reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of his services, (b) maintain Director and Officer insurance coverage for the Executive consistent with that provided to other Company directors and officers, and (c) provide Executive with full indemnification as permitted by law.

 

9.          Taxes. All payments made herein or the value of all property transferred to Executive hereunder shall be subject to applicable payroll and withholding taxes. This Agreement shall be construed and administered in compliance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. The parties agree to amend the Agreement as may be necessary to avoid application of Code Section 409A excise taxes or penalties to payments made pursuant to this Agreement.

 

10.         Severability. In the event any one or more of the provisions of this Agreement (or any part thereof) shall for any reason be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the remaining provisions of this Agreement (or part thereof) shall be unimpaired, and the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision (or part thereof) shall be replaced by a provision (or part thereof), which, being valid, legal and enforceable, comes closest to the intention of the parties underlying the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions. However, in the event that any such provision of this Agreement (or part thereof) is adjudged by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, but that the other provisions (or part thereof) are adjudged to be valid, legal and enforceable if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision (or part thereof) were deleted or modified, then this Agreement shall apply with only such deletions or modifications, or both, as the case may be, as are necessary to permit the remaining separate provisions (or part thereof) to be valid, legal and enforceable.

 

11.         Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the substantive laws of the State of New York without regard to its conflict of laws provisions or the laws of any other jurisdiction in which the Executive resides or performs any duties hereunder, or where any violation of the Agreement occurs.

 

12.         Successors; Binding Agreement. The Company shall have the right to assign its obligations under this Agreement to any entity that acquires all or substantially all of the assets of the Company and continues the Company’s business. The rights and obligations of the Company under this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and shall be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns. The Executive may not assign the Executive’s rights or delegate the Executive’s obligations hereunder.

 

13.         Amendment; Waiver. This Agreement may be amended or modified only by a written instrument executed by the Company and the Executive. No provision of this Agreement may be waived, or discharged unless such waiver or discharge is in writing and signed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Any failure by Executive or the Company to enforce any of the provisions of this Agreement shall not be construed to be a waiver of such provisions or any right to enforce each and every provision in the future. A waiver of any breach of this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of any other or subsequent breach.

 

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THE COMPANY AND THE EXECUTIVE ACKNOWLEDGE THAT (A) EACH HAS CAREFULLY READ THIS AGREEMENT, (B) EACH UNDERSTANDS ITS TERMS, (C) ALL UNDERSTANDINGS AND AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND THE EXECUTIVE RELATING TO THE SUBJECTS COVERED IN THE AGREEMENT ARE CONTAINED IN IT, AND (D) EACH HAS ENTERED INTO THIS AGREEMENT VOLUNTARILY AND NOT IN RELIANCE ON ANY PROMISES OR REPRESENTATIONS BY THE OTHER, OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS AGREEMENT ITSELF.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement.

 

Richard S. Gray, Executive   Hudson Highland Group, Inc.
       
/s/   RICHARD S. GRAY   By: /s/   MANUEL MARQUEZ DORSCH
Signature of Executive     Manuel Marquez Dorsch
    Its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
     
January 20, 2012   January 26, 2012
Date   Date

 

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EXHIBIT A

 

GENERAL RELEASE

 

In consideration of the substantial compensation provided by Hudson Highland Group, Inc. (the “Company”) under the Executive Agreement (the “Agreement”) entered into by and between the Company and Richard S. Gray (“Executive”) dated January 20, 2012, for the benefit of Executive, including the payments and other benefits that are to be provided to Executive pursuant to the Agreement, Executive, on behalf of Executive, Executive’s spouse, heirs, executors, administrators, agents, successors, assigns and representatives of any kind (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Releasors”) confirm that Releasors have, as of the date set forth below (the “Effective Date”), released the Company, and each of its subsidiaries, affiliates, their employees, successors, assigns, executors, trustees, directors, advisors, agents and representatives, and all their respective predecessors and successors (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Releasees”), from any and all actions, causes of action, charges, debts, liabilities, accounts, demands, damages and claims of any kind whatsoever arising prior to the Effective Date, including, but not limited to, those arising out of the changes in the terms and conditions of Executive’s relationship with the Company described in the Agreement. Executive also releases and waives any claim or right to further compensation, benefits, damages, penalties, attorney’s fees, costs or expenses of any kind from the Company or any of the other Releasees based on events occurring prior to the Effective Date, except for the specific compensation and benefits described in Section 2 and Section 4 of the Agreement. Executive further agrees not to file, pursue, or participate in any lawsuits of any kind in either state or federal court against any of the Releasees with respect to any claim released herein, including any claim arising out of or in connection with the employment of Executive by the Company or the termination of such employment (other than pursuing a claim for unemployment compensation benefits to which Executive may be entitled). This General Release specifically includes, but is not limited to, a release of any and all claims pursuant to state or federal wage payment laws and those arising under any labor, employment discrimination (including, without limitation, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended; Title VII of the Civil Rights of Act of 1964, as amended; the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Reconstruction Era Civil Rights Acts, 42 U.S.C. § 1981 – 1988; the Civil Rights Act of 1991; the Americans with Disabilities Act; the New York Human Rights Law, as amended; state or federal family and/or medical leave acts), contract or tort laws, equity or public policy, wrongful termination, retaliation, defamation, misrepresentation, invasion of privacy, or negligence standard, whether known or unknown, certain or speculative, which against any of the Releasees, any of the Releasors ever had or now has.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, this General Release does not waive rights, if any, Executive or Executive’s successors and assigns may have under or pursuant to, or release any member of Releasees from obligations, if any, it may have to them or to their successors and assigns on claims arising out of, related to or asserted under or pursuant to the Agreement or any indemnity agreement or obligation contained in or adopted or acquired pursuant to any provision of the charter or by-laws of the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates or in any applicable insurance policy carried by the Company or its affiliates for any matter which arises or may arise in the future in connection with Executive’s employment with the Company. Further, Executive is not waiving, releasing or giving up any claim for vested benefits under any retirement plan or any right to continued benefits in accordance with the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985.

 

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The Company (and all other Releasees) hereby releases Executive (and the other Releasors) from any and all actions, causes of action, charges, debts, liabilities, accounts, demands, damages and claims of any kind whatsoever arising prior to the Effective Date. This General Release does not release Executive from Executive’s ongoing obligations under the Agreement.

 

Executive hereby acknowledges that Executive has at least twenty-one (21) days to review this General Release from the date of the Agreement and Executive has been advised to review it with an attorney of Executive’s choice. Executive further understands that the twenty-one (21) day review period ends when Executive signs this General Release. Executive also has seven (7) days after Executive signs this General Release to revoke by so notifying the Company in writing. Failure to provide this General Release does not delay occurrence of the Departure Date (as defined in the Agreement).

 

Executive acknowledges that Executive’s eligibility for the payments and other benefits described in Section 2 of the Agreement is contingent on Executive’s signing and returning this General Release to the Company in a timely manner and on its taking effect thereafter in accordance with its terms.

 

Executive acknowledges that Executive has carefully read this General Release, knows and understands the contents hereof and its binding legal effect. Executive signs the same of Executive’s own free will and act, and it is Executive’s intention that Executive be legally bound thereby.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this General Release this ____ day of __________, 2012.

 

Richard S. Gray       Hudson Highland Group, Inc.
       
        By  
            Manuel Marquez Dorsch
       
        Its   Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

 

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Exhibit 10.16

 

hudson highland group executive employment agreement

 

This employment agreement (the “Agreement”), by and between Hudson Highland Group, Inc. (the “Company”) and Latham Williams (the “Executive”), is amended and restated effective January 25, 2012.

 

WHEREAS, the Company wishes to continue to employ the Executive and the Executive wishes to continue to be employed in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth below.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the conditions and mutual covenants contained in this Agreement, the parties agree as follows:

 

1.            Defined Terms.

 

(a)          Affiliate. The term “Affiliate” means each entity that is required to be included in the Company’s controlled group of corporations within the meaning of Code Section 414(b), or that is under common control with the Company within the meaning of Code Section 414(c); provided that the phrase “at least 50 percent” shall be used in place of the phrase “at least 80 percent” each place it appears therein or in the regulations thereunder.

 

(b)          Code. The term “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, including any amendments thereto or successor tax codes thereof.

 

(c)          Separation from Service. The term “Separation from Service” means an Executive’s termination of employment from the Company and its Affiliates, or if the Executive continues to provide services following his or her termination of employment, such later date as is considered a separation from service, within the meaning of Code Section 409A, from the Company and its Affiliates. Specifically, if Executive continues to provide services to the Company or an Affiliate in a capacity other than as an employee, such shift in status is not automatically a Separation from Service. The Executive will be presumed to have terminated employment from the Company and its Affiliates when the level of bona fide services provided by the Executive (whether as an employee or independent contractor) to the Company and its Affiliates permanently decreases to a level of twenty percent (20%) or less of the level of services rendered by such individual, on average, during the immediately preceding 36 months (or such lesser period of service). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Executive takes a leave of absence for purposes of military leave, sick leave or other bona fide leave of absence, the Executive will not be deemed to have incurred a Separation from Service for the first six (6) months of the leave of absence, or if longer, for so long as the Executive’s right to reemployment is provided either by statute or by contract; provided that if the leave of absence is due to a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or last for a continuous period of not less than six (6) months, where such impairment causes the Executive to be unable to perform the duties of his or her position of employment or any substantially similar position of employment, the leave may be extended for up to twenty-nine (29) months without causing a Termination of Employment.

 

2.            Employment. The Company will employ the Executive and the Executive accepts employment as Senior Vice President, Legal Affairs and Administration, Corporate Secretary. The Executive will perform duties normally associated with such position and/or other duties as may be assigned from time to time during the Term as defined in Section 3 below. The Executive shall perform such duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations and any code of ethics, compliance manual, employee handbook or other policies and procedures adopted by the Company from time to time and subject to any written directives issued by the Company from time to time. The Executive must acknowledge receipt of the Company’s Ethics Policy and confirm that the Executive will comply with the Policy. Failure to confirm compliance annually with the Company’s Ethics Policy will justify termination for cause unless, at the sole discretion of the Board, non-compliance is deemed non-material.

 

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3.            Term of Employment. The Executive's employment under this Agreement will commence on the date hereof and will continue for a period of one (1) year thereafter, subject to earlier termination as provided in Section 8 (the “Term”). This Agreement and the Term will be automatically renewed and extended for periods of one (1) year unless the Company or the Executive provides written notice no less than thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of the then-current Term of its or the Executive’s desire not to renew this Agreement.

 

4.            Scope of Responsibilities and Duties. The Executive agrees to devote the Executive’s full business time, attention, efforts and energies in performance of the Executive’s duties and responsibilities hereunder. While employed by the Company, the Executive may not engage in any employment other than for the Company, in any conflicting business activities, or have any financial interest, directly or indirectly, in any business competing with the Company or otherwise engaged in the business of the Company or its affiliates. The foregoing does not prevent the Executive from (1) serving on the Board of directors of another organization with the consent of the CEO of the Company or (2) passively investing in publicly traded securities; provided such investments do not require services on the part of the Executive which would in any way impair the performance of the Executive’s duties pursuant to this Agreement.

 

5.            Compensation and Benefits. The Company will provide the Executive with the following compensation and benefits during the Term:

 

(a)          The Company will pay the Executive a salary of $300,000 on an annualized basis, payable in accordance with the payroll practices of the Company in effect from time to time, and less such taxes and other deductions required by applicable law or authorized by the Executive (the “Base Salary”).

 

(b)          The Executive will be entitled to accrue paid vacation at the rate of the greater of (i) four (4) weeks per year, or (ii) the vacation allowance as provided under the Company’s vacation plan that applies to similarly situated employees working at the office location at which the Executive is based. In addition, the Company will provide the Executive with other benefits of employment offered, from time to time to similarly situated employees at the office location at which the Executive is based.

 

(c)          The Executive will receive an annual bonus as provided under the Company’s Senior Management Bonus Plan as is in effect from time to time.

 

6.            Additional Agreements. The Executive’s employment hereunder is further contingent upon the Executive’s simultaneous execution of the Confidentiality, Non-Solicitation and Work Product Assignment Agreement and Mutual Agreement to Arbitrate Claims, which is attached as Attachment A and forms a part of this Agreement.

 

7.            Representations and Warranties. The Executive represents and warrants as follows:

 

(a)          All information, oral and written (including, but not limited to information contained on the Executive’s resume), provided by the Executive during the recruiting and employment process is accurate and true to the best of the Executive’s knowledge, and such information does not include any misleading or untrue statement or omit to state any fact necessary to make the information provided not misleading.

 

(b)          The Executive has never been the subject of any investigation or subject to any disciplinary action by any governmental agency, industry self-regulatory body or other employer.

 

(c)          The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Executive and the Executive’s employment hereunder are not in violation of:

 

(i)          the terms, including any non-competition, non-disclosure, non-solicitation or confidentiality provisions, of any written or oral agreement, arrangement or understanding to which the Executive is a party or by which the Executive is bound; or

 

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(ii)         any United States federal or state statute, rule, regulation, or other law, or any judgment, decree or order applicable or binding upon the Executive.

 

8.            Termination. This Agreement and the Executive’s employment may be terminated prior to the expiration of the Term as follows:

 

(a)          Death. If the Executive dies during the Term, this Agreement shall automatically terminate and the Company shall have no further obligation to the Executive or the Executive’s estate, except to pay the Executive’s estate that portion of the Base Salary earned through the date on which the Executive’s death occurs.

 

(b)          Disability. If the Executive is unable to perform the Executive’s essential job duties and responsibilities due to mental or physical disability for a total of twelve (12) weeks, whether consecutive or not, during any rolling twelve (12) month period, the Company may terminate the Executive’s employment and this Agreement upon five (5) days’ written notice to the Executive. For purposes of this Agreement, the Executive will be considered disabled when the Company, with the advice of a qualified physician, determines that the Executive is physically or mentally incapable (excluding infrequent and temporary absences due to ordinary illness) of performing the Executive’s essential job duties. The Executive shall cooperate with the Company in obtaining the advice of a qualified physician regarding the Executive’s condition. In the event of termination pursuant to this Section 8(b), the Company will be relieved of all obligations under this Agreement, provided that the Company will pay to the Executive that portion of the Base Salary under Section 5(a) which has been earned through the date on which such termination occurs.

 

(c)          Discharge without Cause or Termination on Expiration. The Company may terminate the Executive and this Agreement at any time during the Term for any reason, without Cause (as defined in Section 8(e) below) upon thirty (30) days’ written notice to the Executive. If the Company gives notice of non-renewal of employment within the 30-day period as provided in Section 3, it will be treated as a termination without cause. Upon such termination, the Company will have no further liability to the Executive other than to provide the Executive with (i) that portion of the Base Salary under Section 5(a) earned through the date of the termination, (ii) severance pay in an amount equal to the Executive’s then-current Base Salary, less applicable deductions, for a period of twelve (12) months (the “Severance Period”) following the Executive’s Separation from Service, and (iii) the Company’s portion of the premium for continued coverage under the Company’s group health and dental insurance plan during the Severance Period following the Executive’s termination, provided the Executive applies and remains eligible for such continuation coverage under applicable law, and provided further that the Executive authorizes the Company to deduct only the Executive’s portion of such premiums from the severance payments. It is understood that the period the Company makes such payments will run concurrently with the period of continuation coverage for which the Executive may be eligible under applicable law. The Executive’s receipt of the severance payments and premium payments by the Company set forth in this Section 8(c) are conditioned upon the Executive executing a comprehensive release and waiver agreement and covenant not to sue as provided by the Company at the time of termination. Severance payments will be made in equal installments on dates corresponding with the Company’s regular pay dates during the Severance Period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the severance pay that is payable during the first six (6) months following the Executive’s Separation from Service exceeds two times the lesser of (1) the Executive’s annualized compensation paid by the Company for the calendar year preceding the calendar year in which the Separation from Service occurs (as adjusted for any increase during that year that was expected to continue indefinitely if the Separation from Service had not occurred), or (2) the compensation limit in effect pursuant to Code Section 401(a)(17) for the calendar year in which the Executive’s Separation from Service occurs, then payment of such excess shall be delayed and paid in a lump sum on the first day of the seventh (7th) month following the month in which the Separation from Service occurs, and in such event, the payment shall be accompanied by a payment of interest calculated at the rate of interest announced by the Federal Reserve Board (or any successor thereto) from time to time as the “federal funds rate”, such rate to be determined on the date of the Executive’s termination of employment, compounded quarterly.

 

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(d)          Termination for Cause. The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment and this Agreement at any time during the Term for Cause as defined below. In such case, this Agreement and the Executive’s employment shall terminate immediately and the Company shall have no further obligation to the Executive, except that the Company shall pay to the Executive that portion of the Base Salary under Section 5(a) earned through the date on which such termination occurs.

 

(e)          Definition of Cause. For purposes of this Agreement, Cause shall be defined as:

 

(i)          the willful or negligent failure of the Executive to perform the Executive's duties and obligations in any material respect (other than any failure resulting from Executive's disability), which failure is not cured within fifteen (15) days after receipt of written notice thereof, provided that there shall be no obligation to provide any additional written notice if the Executive's failure to perform is repeated and the Executive has previously received one (1) or more written notices;

 

(ii)         acts of dishonesty or willful misconduct by the Executive with respect to the Company;

 

(iii)        conviction of a felony or violation of any law involving moral turpitude, dishonesty, disloyalty or fraud, or a pleading of guilty or nolo contendere to such charge;

 

(iv)        repeated refusal to perform the reasonable and legal instructions of the Executive's supervisors;

 

(v)         any material breach of this Agreement or Attachment A; or

 

(vi)        failure to confirm compliance with the Company’s Ethics Policy after 10 days’ written notice requesting confirmation.

 

(f)          Resignation. The Executive may voluntarily resign from employment at any time during the Term upon 3 months’ written notice and in compliance with the provisions of Attachment A. In such event, the Company shall be relieved of all its obligations under this Agreement, except that the Company shall pay to the Executive that portion of the Base Salary under Section 5(a) earned through the date on which such resignation is effective subject to any irrevocable deferral election then in effect.

 

(g)          Continuance of Obligations. The Executive remains obligated to comply with the Executive's obligations and duties pursuant to Attachment A despite the termination of this Agreement and the Executive's employment for any reason.

 

(h)          Cooperation. During employment and after the termination of this Agreement and the Executive’s employment for any reason, the Executive agrees to cooperate fully with and at the request of the Company in the defense or prosecution of any legal matter or claim in which the Company, any of its affiliates, or any of their past or present employees, agents, officers, directors, attorneys, successors or assigns, may be or become involved and which arises or arose during the Executive’s employment. The Executive will be reimbursed for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred thereby.

 

(i)          No Disparagement. During and after the termination of this Agreement and the Executive’s employment for any reason, the Executive agrees that, except as may be required by the lawful order of a court or agency of competent jurisdiction, the Executive will not take any action or make any statement or disclosure, written or oral, that is intended or reasonably likely to disparage the Company or any of its affiliates, or any of their past or present employees, officers or directors.

 

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9.            Change in Control. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement to the contrary:

 

(a)          Employment Period. If a Change in Control (as defined below) occurs when the Executive is employed by the Company, the Company will continue thereafter to employ the Executive during the period commencing on the date of a Change in Control and ending on the first anniversary of such date (the “Employment Period”) and thereafter in accordance with Section 3 of this Agreement, and the Executive will remain in the employ of the Company in accordance with and subject to the terms and provisions of this Agreement.

 

(b)          Covered Termination. If there is any termination of the Executive’s employment during the Employment Period (subject to Section 9(e)) by the Executive for Good Reason (as defined below), or by the Company other than by reason of (i) death pursuant to Section 8(a), (ii) disability pursuant to Section 8(b), or (iii) Cause (a “Covered Termination”), then the Executive shall be entitled to receive, and the Company shall promptly pay, that portion of the base salary under Section 5(a) earned through the date of the termination and, in lieu of further base salary for periods following such termination, as liquidated damages and additional severance pay, the Termination Payment pursuant to Section 9(c).

 

(c)          Termination Payment.

 

(i)          The “Termination Payment” shall be an amount equal to (A) the Executive’s annual base salary immediately prior to the termination of the Executive’s employment plus (B) the Executive’s target annual bonus under the Company’s Senior Management Bonus Plan for the year in which the termination of the Executive’s employment occurs. The Termination Payment shall be paid to the Executive in cash equivalent on the first day of the seventh (7th) month following the month in which the Separation from Service occurs, and in such event, the Termination Payment shall be accompanied by a payment of interest calculated using the annual rate of interest announced by the Federal Reserve Board (or any successor thereto) from time to time as the “federal funds rate”, such rate to be determined on the date of the Executive’s termination of employment, compounded quarterly. Such lump sum payment shall not be reduced by any present value or similar factor, and the Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of the Termination Payment by securing other employment or otherwise, nor will such Termination Payment be reduced by reason of the Executive securing other employment or for any other reason. The Termination Payment shall be in lieu of, and acceptance by the Executive of the Termination Payment shall constitute the Executive’s release of any rights of the Executive to, any other cash severance payments under any Company severance policy, practice or agreement.

 

(ii)         Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if any portion of the Termination Payment or any other payment under this Agreement, or under any other agreement with or plan of the Company or its Affiliates (in the aggregate, “Total Payments”), would constitute an “excess parachute payment” and would, but for this Section 9(c)(ii), result in the imposition on the Executive of an excise tax under Code Section 4999 (the “Excise Tax”), then the Total Payments to be made to the Executive shall either be (A) delivered in full, or (B) delivered in the greatest amount such that no portion of such Total Payment would be subject to the Excise Tax, whichever of the foregoing results in the receipt by the Executive of the greatest benefit on an after-tax basis (taking into account the applicable federal, state and local income taxes and the Excise Tax).

 

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(iii)        Within forty (40) days following a Covered Termination or notice by the Company to the Executive of its belief that there is a payment or benefit due the Executive which will result in an “excess parachute payment”, the Executive and the Company, at the Company’s expense, shall obtain the opinion (which need not be unqualified) of nationally recognized tax counsel (“National Tax Counsel”) selected by the Company and reasonably acceptable to the Executive (which may be regular outside counsel to the Company), which opinion sets forth (A) the amount of the Base Period Income, (B) the amount and present value of Total Payments, (C) the amount and present value of any excess parachute payments determined without regard to any reduction of the Total Payments pursuant to Section 9(c)(ii), and (D) the net after-tax proceeds to the Executive, taking into account the tax imposed under Code Section 4999 if (X) the Total Payments were reduced in accordance with Section 9(c)(ii) or (Y) the Total Payments were not so reduced. If such National Tax Counsel opinion determines that Section 9(c)(ii)(B) above applies, then the Termination Payment hereunder or any other payment or benefit determined by such counsel to be includable in Total Payments shall be reduced or eliminated so that under the bases of calculations set forth in such opinion there will be no excess parachute payment. In such event, payments or benefits included in the Total Payments shall be reduced or eliminated by applying the following principles, in order: (1) the payment or benefit with the higher ratio of the parachute payment value to present economic value (determined using reasonable actuarial assumptions) shall be reduced or eliminated before a payment or benefit with a lower ratio; (2) the payment or benefit with the later possible payment date shall be reduced or eliminated before a payment or benefit with an earlier payment date; and (3) cash payments shall be reduced prior to non-cash benefits; provided that if the foregoing order of reduction or elimination would violate Code Section 409A, then the reduction shall be made pro rata among the payments or benefits included in the Total Payments (on the basis of the relative present value of the parachute payments). For purposes of such opinion, the value of any noncash benefits or any deferred payment or benefit shall be determined by the Company’s independent auditors in accordance with the principles of Section 280G(d)(3) and (4) (or any successor provisions) of the Code, which determination shall be evidenced in a certificate of such auditors addressed to the Company and the Executive. The opinion of National Tax Counsel shall be addressed to the Company and the Executive and shall be binding upon the Company and the Executive. If such National Tax Counsel so requests in connection with the opinion required by this Section 9(c)(iii), the Executive and the Company shall obtain, at the Company’s expense, and the National Tax Counsel may rely on, the advice of a firm of recognized executive compensation consultants as to the reasonableness of any item of compensation to be received by the Executive solely with respect to its status under Section 280G of the Code and the regulations thereunder.

 

(iv) For purposes of this Agreement, (A) the terms “excess parachute payment” and “parachute payments” shall have the meanings assigned to them in Section 280G (or any successor provision) of the Code and such “parachute payments” shall be valued as provided therein; (B) present value shall be calculated in accordance with Section 280G(d)(4) (or any successor provision) of the Code; and (C) the Executive shall be deemed to pay federal income tax and employment taxes at the Executive’s actual marginal rate of federal income and employment taxation, and state and local income taxes at the Executive’s actual marginal rate of taxation in the state or locality of the Executive’s domicile (determined in both cases in the calendar year in which the termination of employment or notice described in Section 9(c)(iii) above is given, whichever is earlier), net of the maximum reduction in federal income taxes that may be obtained from the deduction of such state and local taxes. As used in this Agreement, the term “Base Period Income” means an amount equal to the Executive’s “annualized includable compensation for the base period” as defined in Section 280G(d)(1) (or any successor provision) of the Code.

 

(v)         The Company agrees to bear all costs associated with, and to indemnify and hold harmless, the National Tax Counsel of and from any and all claims, damages, and expenses resulting from or relating to its determinations pursuant to this Section 9(c), except for claims, damages or expenses resulting from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such firm.

 

(vi)        This Section 9(c) shall be amended to comply with any amendment or successor provision to Sections 280G or 4999 of the Code. If such provisions are repealed without successor, then this Section 9(c) shall be cancelled without further effect.

 

(d)          Additional Benefits. If there is a Covered Termination and the Executive is entitled to the Termination Payment, then (i) until the earlier of the end of the Employment Period or such time as the Executive has obtained new employment and is covered by benefits which in the aggregate are at least equal in value to the following benefits, the Executive shall continue to be covered, at the expense of the Company, by the same or equivalent health and dental coverage as the Executive was covered by immediately prior to the termination of the Executive’s employment and such coverage shall count as COBRA continuation coverage, and (ii) the Company shall bear up to $15,000 in the aggregate during the lifetime of the Executive of fees and expenses of consultants and/or legal or accounting advisors engaged by the Executive to advise the Executive as to matters relating to the computation of benefits due and payable under Section 9(c).

 

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(e)          Anticipatory Termination. Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, if a Change in Control occurs and if the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated (other than a termination due to the Executive’s death or as a result of the Executive’s disability) during the period of 180 days prior to the date on which the Change in Control occurs, and if it is reasonably demonstrated by the Executive that such termination of employment (i) was at the request of a third party who has taken steps reasonably calculated to effect a Change in Control or (ii) otherwise arose in connection with or in anticipation of a Change in Control, then for all purposes of this Section 9 such termination of employment shall be deemed a “Covered Termination” and the “Employment Period” shall be deemed to have begun on the date of such termination.

 

(f)          Expenses and Interest. If, after a Change in Control of the Company, (i) a dispute arises with respect to the enforcement of the Executive’s rights under this Agreement or (ii) any legal or arbitration proceeding shall be brought to enforce or interpret any provision contained herein or to recover damages for breach hereof, in either case so long as the Executive is not acting in bad faith, then the Company shall reimburse the Executive for any reasonable attorneys’ fees and necessary costs and disbursements incurred by the Executive during his or her lifetime as a result of the dispute, legal or arbitration proceeding (“Expenses”), and prejudgment interest on any money judgment or arbitration award obtained by the Executive calculated at the rate of interest announced by The Bank of New York, from time to time at its prime or base lending rate from the date that payments to him or her should have been made under this Agreement. Within ten days after the Executive’s written request therefor, the Company shall pay to the Executive, or such other person or entity as the Executive may designate in writing to the Company, the Executive’s reasonable Expenses in advance of the final disposition or conclusion of any such dispute, legal or arbitration proceeding. Any reimbursements provided hereunder shall be made promptly (but not later than the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the legal fees or expenses were incurred by the Executive) following the receipt by the Company of a written notice from the Executive requesting such reimbursement, accompanied by documentation substantiating the amount of such fees and expenses.

 

(g)          Definition of Change in Control. For purposes hereof, a “Change in Control” shall be deemed to occur on the first to occur of any one of the following events: (a) the consummation of a consolidation, merger, share exchange or reorganization involving the Company, unless such consolidation, merger, share exchange or reorganization is a “Non-Control Transaction” (as defined below); (b) the stockholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company or an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all, or substantially all, of the assets of the Company (in one transaction or a series of related transactions within any period of 24 consecutive months), other than a sale or disposition by the Company of all, or substantially all, of the Company’s assets to an entity at least 75% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of which are owned by stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the Company immediately prior to such sale; (c) any person (as such term is used in Section 13(d) and 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) (other than (1) the Company, (2) any subsidiary of the Company, (3) a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under any employee benefit plan (or any trust forming a part thereof) maintained by the Company or any subsidiary or (4) a corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock in the Company) is or becomes the beneficial owner (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company (not including in the securities beneficially owned by such person any securities acquired directly from the Company after the date hereof pursuant to express authorization by the Board that refers to this exception) representing more than 20% of the then outstanding shares of Common Stock or the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding voting securities; or (d) the following individuals cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the number of directors then serving: individuals who, as of the date hereof, constitute the entire Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) and any new director (other than a director whose initial assumption of office is in connection with an actual or threatened election contest) whose appointment or election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved or recommended by a vote of at least two-thirds of the directors then still in office who either were directors on the date hereof or whose appointment, election or nomination for election was previously so approved or recommended. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no “Change in Control” shall be deemed to have occurred if there is consummated any transaction or series of integrated transactions immediately following which the record holders of the Common Stock immediately prior to such transaction or series of transactions continue to have substantially the same proportionate ownership in an entity that owns all or substantially all of the assets or voting securities of the Company immediately following such transaction or series of transactions. A “Non-Control Transaction” shall mean a consolidation, merger, share exchange or reorganization of the Company where (a) the stockholders of the Company immediately before such consolidation, merger, share exchange or reorganization beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the then outstanding shares of common stock and the combined voting power of the outstanding voting securities of the corporation resulting from such consolidation, merger, share exchange or reorganization (the “Surviving Corporation”); (b) the individuals who were members of the Board immediately prior to the execution of the agreement providing for such consolidation, merger, share exchange or reorganization constitute at least 50% of the members of the board of directors of the Surviving Corporation; and (c) no person (other than (1) the Company, (2) any subsidiary of the Company or (3) any employee benefit plan (or any trust forming a part thereof) maintained by the Company, the Surviving Corporation or any subsidiary) is or becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company (not including in the securities beneficially owned by such person any securities acquired directly from the Company after the date hereof pursuant to express authorization by the Board that refers to this exception) representing more than 20% of the then outstanding shares of the common stock of the Surviving Corporation or the combined voting power of the Surviving Corporation’s then outstanding voting securities.

 

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(h)          Good Reason. The Executive shall have “Good Reason” for termination of employment in connection with a Change in Control of the Company in the event of:

 

(i)          any breach of this Agreement by the Company, other than an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent failure not occurring in bad faith that the Company remedies promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by the Executive;

 

(ii)         any reduction in the Executive’s base salary, percentage of base salary available as incentive compensation or bonus opportunity or benefits, in each case relative to those most favorable to the Executive in effect at any time during the 180-day period prior to the Change in Control;

 

(iii)        the removal of the Executive from, or any failure to reelect or reappoint the Executive to, any of the positions held with the Company on the date of the Change in Control or any other positions with the Company to which the Executive shall thereafter be elected, appointed or assigned, except in the event that such removal or failure to reelect or reappoint relates to the termination by the Company of the Executive’s employment for Cause or by reason of disability pursuant to Section 8(b);

 

(iv)        a good faith determination by the Executive that there has been a material adverse change, without the Executive’s written consent, in the Executive’s working conditions or status with the Company relative to the most favorable working conditions or status in effect during the 180-day period prior to the Change in Control, including but not limited to (A) a significant change in the nature or scope of the Executive’s authority, powers, functions, duties or responsibilities, or (B) a significant reduction in the level of support services, staff, secretarial and other assistance, office space and accoutrements, but in each case excluding for this purpose an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent event not occurring in bad faith that the Company remedies within ten (10) days after receipt of notice thereof given by the Executive;

 

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(v)         the relocation of the Executive’s principal place of employment to a location more than 50 miles from the Executive’s principal place of employment on the date 180 days prior to the Change in Control; or

 

(vi)        the Company requires the Executive to travel on Company business 20% in excess of the average number of days per month the Executive was required to travel during the 180-day period prior to the Change in Control.

 

(i)          Funding of Rabbi Trust. Upon a Change in Control, the Company (or its successor) shall transfer to an irrevocable rabbi trust (to the extent not prohibited by Code Section 409A) an amount in cash, determined on an undiscounted basis, which will be sufficient to fund the Company’s obligations under Section 9(c).

 

10.           Severability. Whenever possible, each portion, provision or section of this Agreement will be interpreted in such a way as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any portion, provision or section of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect any other portions, provisions or sections. Rather, this Agreement will be reformed, construed and enforced as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable portion, provision or section had never been contained herein.

 

11.           Complete Agreement. This Agreement, including Attachment A, contains the complete agreement and understanding between the parties and supersedes and preempts any prior understanding, agreement or representation by or between the parties, written or oral.

 

12.           Additional Rights and Causes of Action. This Agreement, including Attachment A, is in addition to and does not in any way waive or detract from any rights or causes of action the Company may have relating to Confidential Information or other protectable information or interests under statutory or common law or under any other agreement.

 

13.           Governing Law. Notwithstanding principles of conflicts of law of any jurisdiction to the contrary, all terms and provisions to this Agreement are to be construed and governed by the laws of the State of New York without regard to the laws of any other jurisdiction in which the Executive resides or performs any duties hereunder or where any violation of this Agreement occurs.

 

14.           Successors and Assigns. This Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Company and its successors and assigns. The Executive may not assign the Executive’s rights or delegate the Executive’s obligations hereunder.

 

15.           Waivers. The waiver by either the Executive or the Company of a breach by the other party of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach by the breaching party.

 

16.           Withholding. The Company shall be entitled to withhold from amounts to be paid to the Executive hereunder any federal, state or local withholding or other taxes or charges which it is from time to time required to withhold. The Company shall be entitled to rely on an opinion of nationally recognized tax counsel if any question as to the amount or requirement of any such withholding shall arise. In addition, if prior to the date of distribution of any amount hereunder, the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) tax imposed under Code Sections 3101, 3121(a) and 3121(v)(2), where applicable, becomes due, a payment will be made to the Executive from the cash payments otherwise owing hereunder (without regard to the six-month delay if Executive) equal to the amount needed to pay the Executive’s portion of such tax, as well as withholding taxes resulting therefrom (including the additional taxes attributable to the pyramiding of such distributions and taxes), and any subsequent payment shall be reduced accordingly.

 

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17.           Interpretation. This Agreement shall be construed and interpreted in a manner that will cause any payment hereunder that is considered deferred compensation and that is not exempt from Code Section 409A to meet the requirements thereof such that no additional tax will be due under Code Section 409A on such payment.

 

18.           Application of Code Section 409A. The Executive acknowledges that to avoid an additional tax on payments that may be payable under this Agreement and that constitute deferred compensation that is not exempt from Code Section 409A, the Executive must make a reasonable, good faith effort to collect any payment or benefit to which Executive believes he or she is entitled hereunder no later than ninety (90) days of the latest date upon which the payment could under this Agreement could have been timely paid pursuant to Code Section 409A, and if not paid or provided, take further enforcement measures within 180 days after such latest date.

 

THE COMPANY AND THE EXECUTIVE ACKNOWLEDGE THAT (A) EACH HAS CAREFULLY READ THIS AGREEMENT, (B) EACH UNDERSTANDS ITS TERMS, (C) ALL UNDERSTANDINGS AND AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND THE EXECUTIVE RELATING TO THE SUBJECTS COVERED IN THE AGREEMENT ARE CONTAINED IN IT, AND (D) EACH HAS ENTERED INTO THIS AGREEMENT VOLUNTARILY AND NOT IN RELIANCE ON ANY PROMISES OR REPRESENTATIONS BY THE OTHER, OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS AGREEMENT ITSELF.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement.

 

    Hudson Highland Group, Inc.
     
/s/    LATHAM WILLIAMS   By:        /s/    MANUEL MARQUEZ DORSCH
Signature of Executive   Manuel Marquez Dorsch
    Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
     
Latham Williams    
Print Name    

 

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Attachment A

CONFIDENTIALITY, NON-SOLICITATION

AND WORK PRODUCT ASSIGNMENT AGREEMENT,

AND MUTUAL AGREEMENT TO ARBITRATE CLAIMS

 

As a material inducement to and in consideration of his/her employment by Hudson Highland Group, Inc. and/or its affiliates or successors (individually and collectively, “HHG”), 1 Latham Williams (the “Employee”) agrees as follows:

 

1.            Confidential Information

 

1.1           Definition.

 

“Confidential Information” consists of all information or data relating to the business of HHG, including but not limited to, business and financial information; new product development and technological data; personnel information and the identities of employees; the identities of clients and suppliers and prospective clients and suppliers; client lists and potential client lists; development, expansion and business strategies, plans and techniques; computer programs, devices, methods, techniques, processes and inventions; research and development activities; trade secrets as defined by applicable law and other materials (whether in written, graphic, audio, visual, electronic or other media, including computer software) developed by or on behalf of HHG which is not generally known to the public, which HHG has and will take precautions to maintain as confidential, and which derives at least a portion of its value to HHG from its confidentiality. Additionally, Confidential Information includes information of any third party doing business with HHG (actively or prospectively) that HHG or such third party identifies as being confidential. Confidential Information does not include any information that is in the public domain or otherwise publicly available (other than as a result of a wrongful act by the Employee or an agent or other employee of HHG).

 

1.2           Agreement to Maintain the Confidentiality of Confidential Information.

 

The Employee acknowledges that, as a result of his/her employment by HHG, he/she will have access to such Confidential Information and to additional Confidential Information which may be developed in the future. The Employee acknowledges that all Confidential Information is the exclusive property of HHG, or in the case of Confidential Information of a third party, of such third party. The Employee agrees to hold all Confidential Information in trust for the benefit of the owner of such Confidential Information. The Employee further agrees that he/she will use Confidential Information for the sole purpose of performing his/her work for HHG, and that during his/her employment with HHG, and at all times after the termination of that employment for any reason, the Employee will not use for his/her benefit, or the benefit of others, or divulge or convey to any third party any Confidential Information obtained by the Employee during his/her employment by HHG, unless it is pursuant to HHG’s prior written permission.

 

1.3           Return of Property.

 

The Employee acknowledges that he/she has not acquired and will not acquire any right, title or interest in any Confidential Information or any portion thereof. The Employee agrees that upon termination of his/her employment for any reason, he/she will deliver to HHG immediately, but in no event later that the last day of his/her employment, all documents, data, computer hardware, computer programs and all other materials, and all copies thereof, including but not limited to copies of data in electronic form such as disks, tape or media cards, that were obtained or made by the Employee during his/her employment with HHG, which contain or relate to Confidential Information and will destroy all electronically stored versions of the foregoing. The Employee retains the right to retrieve and retain personal information.

 

 

1 Any reference in this Agreement to HHG will be a reference also to each of its officers, directors, employees and agents, all subsidiary and affiliated entities, all benefit plans and benefit plans’ sponsors and administrators, fiduciaries, affiliates, and all successors and assigns of any of them.

 

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2.            Disclosure and Assignment of Inventions and Creative Works

 

The Employee agrees to promptly disclose in writing to HHG all inventions, ideas, discoveries, developments, improvements and innovations (collectively “Inventions”), whether or not patentable and all copyrightable works, including but not limited to computer software designs and programs (“Creative Works”) conceived, made or developed by the Employee, whether solely or together with others, during the period the Employee is employed by HHG. The Employee agrees that all Inventions and all Creative Works, whether or not conceived or made during working hours, that: (a) relate directly to the business of HHG or its actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development, or (b) result from the Employee’s work for HHG, or (c) involve the use of any equipment, supplies, facilities, Confidential Information, or time of HHG, are the exclusive property of HHG. The Employee hereby assigns and agrees to assign all right, title and interest in and to all such Inventions and Creative Works to HHG. The Employee understands that he/she is not required to assign to HHG any Invention or Creative Work for which no equipment, supplies, facilities, Confidential Information or time of HHG was used, unless such Invention or Creative Work relates directly to HHG’s business or actual or demonstrably anticipated research and development, or results from any work performed by the Employee for HHG.

 

3.            Future Restrictions and Notice

 

3.1           Non-Solicitation of Clients.

 

During the period of the Employee’s employment with HHG and for a period of one year from the date of termination of such employment for any reason, the Employee agrees that he/she will not, directly or indirectly, for the Employee’s benefit or on behalf of any person, corporation, partnership or entity whatsoever, call on, solicit, perform services for, interfere with or endeavor to entice away from HHG any client to whom HHG provides services at any time during the 12 month period proceeding the date of termination of the Employee’s employment with HHG, or any prospective client to whom HHG had made a presentation at any time during the 12 month period preceding the date of termination of Employee’s employment with HHG.

 

3.2           Non-Solicitation of Employees.

 

For a period of one year after the date of termination of Employee’s employment with HHG for any reason, the Employee agrees that he/she will not, directly or indirectly, hire, attempt to hire, solicit for employment or encourage the departure of any employee of HHG, to leave employment with HHG, or any individual who was employed by HHG as of the last day of the Employee’s employment with HHG.

 

3.3           Notice to New Employer

 

For a period of one year after the date of termination of Employee’s employment with HHG for any reason, the Employee agrees that he/she will bring the terms of this agreement to the attention of his/her new employer.

 

4.            Agreement to Arbitrate

 

4.1           Acknowledgment.

 

HHG and the Employee (together the “Parties”) further recognize that differences may arise between either of them after or during Employee's employment with HHG.

 

The Parties understand and agree that by entering into this agreement to arbitrate claims, each anticipates gaining the benefit of arbitration as a speedy, impartial dispute-resolution procedure, and understands and agrees that both are voluntarily consenting to forego other types of litigation, except as specifically listed below in Section 4.2. Employee acknowledges that his/her agreement to submit to arbitration as described in this Agreement is in consideration of and is a material inducement to his/her employment by HHG.

 

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4.2           Claims Covered by this Agreement.

 

HHG and Employee mutually consent to the resolution by arbitration of all claims or controversies (tort, contract or statutory), whether or not arising out of Employee’s employment (or its termination), that HHG may have against Employee or that Employee may have against HHG ("claims"). The claims covered by this Agreement include, but are not limited to, claims for wages, bonuses, overtime pay, or other compensation due; claims for breach of any contract or covenant (express or implied); tort claims, including but not limited to, defamation, wrongful termination, invasion of privacy and intentional infliction of emotional distress; claims for discrimination (including, but not limited to, race, sex, religion, national origin, age, marital status, or medical condition or disability), harassment and/or retaliation; claims for benefits or the monetary equivalent of benefits (except where an employee benefit or pension plan specifies that its claims procedure is subject to an arbitration procedure different from this one); and claims for violation of any federal, state, or other governmental law, statute, regulation, or ordinance, except claims excluded in the following Section 4.3.

 

4.3           Claims Not Covered by the Agreement.

 

Claims not covered by this Agreement include claims that Employee may have now or in the future for workers’ compensation or unemployment benefits. Also not covered are claims by HHG based on criminal acts of Employee, and claims for injunctive or other equitable relief for: (a) breach or threatened breach of any non-competition, non-solicitation, confidentiality and/or patent or invention assignment agreements; (b) unfair competition; or (c) the misappropriation, use and/or unauthorized disclosure of trade secrets or confidential information, as to each of which Employee understands and agrees that HHG may immediately seek and obtain relief from a court of competent jurisdiction.

 

4.4           Required Notice of All Claims and Statute of Limitations.

 

The Parties agree that each must deliver written notice of any claim to the other party within one (1) year of the date the aggrieved party first has knowledge of the event giving rise to the claim; otherwise the claim will be void and deemed waived, even if there is a federal or state statute of limitations which would have given more time to pursue the claim.

 

4.5           Arbitration Procedures.

 

HHG and Employee agree that, except as provided in this Agreement, any arbitration shall be in accordance with the then-current employment dispute rules of the American Arbitration Association ("AAA").

 

The arbitrator shall render a written award and opinion in the form typically rendered in arbitrations. The award shall be final and binding.

 

4.6           Arbitration Fees and Costs.

 

HHG will pay the reasonable fees and costs of the arbitrator. HHG and Employee will each pay its and his/her costs and attorneys’ fees, if any. However, if either Party prevails on a statutory claim that affords the prevailing party attorneys’ fees, the arbitrator may award reasonable fees to the prevailing Party.

 

4.7           Requirements for Modification or Revocation.

 

This Agreement to arbitrate shall survive the termination of Employee’s employment. It may only be revoked or modified by a writing signed by the parties which specifically states an intent to revoke or modify this Agreement.

 

4.8           Sole and Entire Agreement.

 

This is the complete agreement of the parties on the subject of arbitration of disputes except for any arbitration agreement in connection with any pension or benefit plan. This Agreement supersedes any prior or contemporaneous oral or written understanding on the subject. Employee is not relying on any representations, oral or written, on the subject of the effect, enforceability or meaning of this Agreement, except as specifically set forth in this Agreement.

 

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4.9           Construction.

 

If any provision, portion or section of this Agreement is judged to be void or otherwise unenforceable, in whole or in part, such judgment will not affect the validity of the remainder of this Agreement.

 

4.10         Not an Employment Agreement.

 

This Agreement is not, and shall not be construed to create, any contract of employment or guarantee of employment for any specific time or under any specific terms or conditions., express or implied, and each of the Parties remains free to terminate the employment relationship at any time, for any reason or no reason, with or without notice, reason, or cause.

 

5.            Miscellaneous

 

5.1           Enforcement.

 

If, at the time of enforcement of this Agreement, a court holds that any of the restrictions stated herein are unreasonable under circumstances then existing, the parties hereto agree that the maximum period, scope or geographical area deemed reasonable under such circumstances will be substituted for the stated period, scope or area as contained in this Agreement. Because money damages would be an inadequate remedy for any breach of the Employee’s obligations under this Agreement, in the event the Employee breaches or threatens to breach this Agreement, HHG, or any successors or assigns, may, in addition to other rights and remedies existing in its favor, apply to any court of competent jurisdiction for specific performance, or injunctive or other equitable relief in order to enforce or prevent any violations of this Agreement.

 

5.2           Severability.

 

Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement will be interpreted in such a way as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under my applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect any other provisions, but this Agreement and/or such provision will be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein.

 

5.3           Complete Agreement.

 

This Agreement contains the complete agreement and understanding between the parties and supersedes and preempts any prior understanding, agreement or representation by or between the parties, written or oral, relating to the subject matter contained herein.

 

5.4           Additional Rights and Causes of Action.

 

This Agreement is in addition to and does not in any way waive or detract from any rights or causes of action HHG may have relating to Confidential Information or other protectable information or interests under statutory or common law or under any other agreement.

 

5.5           Governing Law.

 

Notwithstanding principles of conflicts of law of any jurisdiction to the contrary, all terms and provisions to this Agreement are to be construed and governed by the laws of the State of New York without regard to the laws of any other jurisdiction wherein the Employee resides or performs any duties hereunder or where any violation of this Agreement occurs. Any arbitration or mediation will take place in the City of New York, New York. The venue for any litigation permitted by this Agreement will be the state and municipal courts located in the City of New York, New York and the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.

 

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5.6           Successors and Assigns.

 

The Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by HHG and its successors and assigns. The Employee may not assign the Employee’s rights or delegate the Employee’s obligations hereunder.

 

5.7           Waivers.

 

The waiver by either the Employee or HHG of a breach by the other party of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach by the breaching party.

 

HHG AND EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGE THAT (A) EACH HAS CAREFULLY READ THIS AGREEMENT, (B) EACH UNDERSTANDS ITS TERMS, (C) ALL UNDERSTANDINGS AND AGREEMENTS BETWEEN HHG AND EMPLOYEE RELATING TO THE SUBJECTS COVERED IN THE AGREEMENT ARE CONTAINED IN IT, AND (D) EACH HAS ENTERED INTO THIS AGREEMENT VOLUNTARILY AND NOT IN RELIANCE ON ANY PROMISES OR REPRESENTATIONS BY THE OTHER, OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS AGREEMENT ITSELF.

 

EMPLOYEE FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT HE/SHE HAS BEEN GIVEN SUFFICIENT TIME AND OPPORTUNITY TO CONSIDER WHETHER TO SIGN THIS AGREEMENT; AND HAS NOT BEEN FORCED OR COERCED INTO DOING SO.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Confidentiality Agreement and Mutual Agreement to Arbitrate Claims.

 

    HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC.
     
/s/    LATHAM WILLIAMS   By:        /s/    MANUEL MARQUEZ DORSCH
Signature of Employee   Manuel Marquez Dorsch
    Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
     
Latham Williams   January 25, 2012
Print Name of Employee   Date
     
January 25, 2012    
Date    

 

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Exhibit 10.17

 

hudson highland group executive employment agreement

 

This employment agreement (the “Agreement”), by and between Hudson Highland Group, Inc. (the “Company”) and Neil J. Funk (the “Executive”), is amended and restated effective January 26, 2012.

 

WHEREAS, the Company wishes to continue to employ the Executive and the Executive wishes to continue to be employed in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth below.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the conditions and mutual covenants contained in this Agreement, the parties agree as follows:

 

1.            Defined Terms.

 

(a)          Affiliate. The term “Affiliate” means each entity that is required to be included in the Company’s controlled group of corporations within the meaning of Code Section 414(b), or that is under common control with the Company within the meaning of Code Section 414(c); provided that the phrase “at least 50 percent” shall be used in place of the phrase “at least 80 percent” each place it appears therein or in the regulations thereunder.

 

(b)          Code. The term “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, including any amendments thereto or successor tax codes thereof.

 

(c)          Separation from Service. The term “Separation from Service” means an Executive’s termination of employment from the Company and its Affiliates, or if the Executive continues to provide services following his or her termination of employment, such later date as is considered a separation from service, within the meaning of Code Section 409A, from the Company and its Affiliates. Specifically, if Executive continues to provide services to the Company or an Affiliate in a capacity other than as an employee, such shift in status is not automatically a Separation from Service. The Executive will be presumed to have terminated employment from the Company and its Affiliates when the level of bona fide services provided by the Executive (whether as an employee or independent contractor) to the Company and its Affiliates permanently decreases to a level of twenty percent (20%) or less of the level of services rendered by such individual, on average, during the immediately preceding 36 months (or such lesser period of service). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Executive takes a leave of absence for purposes of military leave, sick leave or other bona fide leave of absence, the Executive will not be deemed to have incurred a Separation from Service for the first six (6) months of the leave of absence, or if longer, for so long as the Executive’s right to reemployment is provided either by statute or by contract; provided that if the leave of absence is due to a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or last for a continuous period of not less than six (6) months, where such impairment causes the Executive to be unable to perform the duties of his or her position of employment or any substantially similar position of employment, the leave may be extended for up to twenty-nine (29) months without causing a Termination of Employment.

 

2.           Employment. The Company will employ the Executive and the Executive accepts employment as Vice President, Internal Audit. The Executive will perform duties normally associated with such position and/or other duties as may be assigned from time to time during the Term as defined in Section 3 below. The Executive shall perform such duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations and any code of ethics, compliance manual, employee handbook or other policies and procedures adopted by the Company from time to time and subject to any written directives issued by the Company from time to time. The Executive must acknowledge receipt of the Company’s Ethics Policy and confirm that the Executive will comply with the Policy. Failure to confirm compliance annually with the Company’s Ethics Policy will justify termination for cause unless, at the sole discretion of the Board, non-compliance is deemed non-material.

 

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3.           Term of Employment. The Executive's employment under this Agreement will commence on the date hereof and will continue for a period of one (1) year thereafter, subject to earlier termination as provided in Section 8 (the “Term”). This Agreement and the Term will be automatically renewed and extended for periods of one (1) year unless the Company or the Executive provides written notice no less than thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of the then-current Term of its or the Executive’s desire not to renew this Agreement.

 

4.           Scope of Responsibilities and Duties. The Executive agrees to devote the Executive’s full business time, attention, efforts and energies in performance of the Executive’s duties and responsibilities hereunder. While employed by the Company, the Executive may not engage in any employment other than for the Company, in any conflicting business activities, or have any financial interest, directly or indirectly, in any business competing with the Company or otherwise engaged in the business of the Company or its affiliates. The foregoing does not prevent the Executive from (1) serving on the Board of directors of another organization with the consent of the CEO of the Company or (2) passively investing in publicly traded securities; provided such investments do not require services on the part of the Executive which would in any way impair the performance of the Executive’s duties pursuant to this Agreement.

 

5.           Compensation and Benefits. The Company will provide the Executive with the following compensation and benefits during the Term:

 

(a)          The Company will pay the Executive a salary of $250,000 on an annualized basis, payable in accordance with the payroll practices of the Company in effect from time to time, and less such taxes and other deductions required by applicable law or authorized by the Executive (the “Base Salary”).

 

(b)          The Executive will be entitled to accrue paid vacation at the rate of the greater of (i) four (4) weeks per year, or (ii) the vacation allowance as provided under the Company’s vacation plan that applies to similarly situated employees working at the office location at which the Executive is based. In addition, the Company will provide the Executive with other benefits of employment offered, from time to time to similarly situated employees at the office location at which the Executive is based.

 

(c)          The Executive will receive an annual bonus as provided under the Company’s Senior Management Bonus Plan as is in effect from time to time.

 

6.           Additional Agreements. The Executive’s employment hereunder is further contingent upon the Executive’s simultaneous execution of the Confidentiality, Non-Solicitation and Work Product Assignment Agreement and Mutual Agreement to Arbitrate Claims, which is attached as Attachment A and forms a part of this Agreement.

 

7.           Representations and Warranties. The Executive represents and warrants as follows:

 

(a)          All information, oral and written (including, but not limited to information contained on the Executive’s resume), provided by the Executive during the recruiting and employment process is accurate and true to the best of the Executive’s knowledge, and such information does not include any misleading or untrue statement or omit to state any fact necessary to make the information provided not misleading.

 

(b)          The Executive has never been the subject of any investigation or subject to any disciplinary action by any governmental agency, industry self-regulatory body or other employer.

 

(c)          The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Executive and the Executive’s employment hereunder are not in violation of:

 

(i)          the terms, including any non-competition, non-disclosure, non-solicitation or confidentiality provisions, of any written or oral agreement, arrangement or understanding to which the Executive is a party or by which the Executive is bound; or

 

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(ii)         any United States federal or state statute, rule, regulation, or other law, or any judgment, decree or order applicable or binding upon the Executive.

 

8.           Termination. This Agreement and the Executive’s employment may be terminated prior to the expiration of the Term as follows:

 

(a)          Death. If the Executive dies during the Term, this Agreement shall automatically terminate and the Company shall have no further obligation to the Executive or the Executive’s estate, except to pay the Executive’s estate that portion of the Base Salary earned through the date on which the Executive’s death occurs.

 

(b)          Disability. If the Executive is unable to perform the Executive’s essential job duties and responsibilities due to mental or physical disability for a total of twelve (12) weeks, whether consecutive or not, during any rolling twelve (12) month period, the Company may terminate the Executive’s employment and this Agreement upon five (5) days’ written notice to the Executive. For purposes of this Agreement, the Executive will be considered disabled when the Company, with the advice of a qualified physician, determines that the Executive is physically or mentally incapable (excluding infrequent and temporary absences due to ordinary illness) of performing the Executive’s essential job duties. The Executive shall cooperate with the Company in obtaining the advice of a qualified physician regarding the Executive’s condition. In the event of termination pursuant to this Section 8(b), the Company will be relieved of all obligations under this Agreement, provided that the Company will pay to the Executive that portion of the Base Salary under Section 5(a) which has been earned through the date on which such termination occurs.

 

(c)          Discharge without Cause or Termination on Expiration. The Company may terminate the Executive and this Agreement at any time during the Term for any reason, without Cause (as defined in Section 8(e) below) upon thirty (30) days’ written notice to the Executive. If the Company gives notice of non-renewal of employment within the 30-day period as provided in Section 3, it will be treated as a termination without cause. Upon such termination, the Company will have no further liability to the Executive other than to provide the Executive with (i) that portion of the Base Salary under Section 5(a) earned through the date of the termination, (ii) severance pay in an amount equal to the Executive’s then-current Base Salary, less applicable deductions, for a period of twelve (12) months (the “Severance Period”) following the Executive’s Separation from Service, and (iii) the Company’s portion of the premium for continued coverage under the Company’s group health and dental insurance plan during the Severance Period following the Executive’s termination, provided the Executive applies and remains eligible for such continuation coverage under applicable law, and provided further that the Executive authorizes the Company to deduct only the Executive’s portion of such premiums from the severance payments. It is understood that the period the Company makes such payments will run concurrently with the period of continuation coverage for which the Executive may be eligible under applicable law. The Executive’s receipt of the severance payments and premium payments by the Company set forth in this Section 8(c) are conditioned upon the Executive executing a comprehensive release and waiver agreement and covenant not to sue as provided by the Company at the time of termination. Severance payments will be made in equal installments on dates corresponding with the Company’s regular pay dates during the Severance Period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the severance pay that is payable during the first six (6) months following the Executive’s Separation from Service exceeds two times the lesser of (1) the Executive’s annualized compensation paid by the Company for the calendar year preceding the calendar year in which the Separation from Service occurs (as adjusted for any increase during that year that was expected to continue indefinitely if the Separation from Service had not occurred), or (2) the compensation limit in effect pursuant to Code Section 401(a)(17) for the calendar year in which the Executive’s Separation from Service occurs, then payment of such excess shall be delayed and paid in a lump sum on the first day of the seventh (7th) month following the month in which the Separation from Service occurs, and in such event, the payment shall be accompanied by a payment of interest calculated at the rate of interest announced by the Federal Reserve Board (or any successor thereto) from time to time as the “federal funds rate”, such rate to be determined on the date of the Executive’s termination of employment, compounded quarterly.

 

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(d)          Termination for Cause. The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment and this Agreement at any time during the Term for Cause as defined below. In such case, this Agreement and the Executive’s employment shall terminate immediately and the Company shall have no further obligation to the Executive, except that the Company shall pay to the Executive that portion of the Base Salary under Section 5(a) earned through the date on which such termination occurs.

 

(e)          Definition of Cause. For purposes of this Agreement, Cause shall be defined as:

 

(i)          the willful or negligent failure of the Executive to perform the Executive's duties and obligations in any material respect (other than any failure resulting from Executive's disability), which failure is not cured within fifteen (15) days after receipt of written notice thereof, provided that there shall be no obligation to provide any additional written notice if the Executive's failure to perform is repeated and the Executive has previously received one (1) or more written notices;

 

(ii)         acts of dishonesty or willful misconduct by the Executive with respect to the Company;

 

(iii)        conviction of a felony or violation of any law involving moral turpitude, dishonesty, disloyalty or fraud, or a pleading of guilty or nolo contendere to such charge;

 

(iv)        repeated refusal to perform the reasonable and legal instructions of the Executive's supervisors;

 

(v)         any material breach of this Agreement or Attachment A; or

 

(vi)        failure to confirm compliance with the Company’s Ethics Policy after 10 days’ written notice requesting confirmation.

 

(f)          Resignation. The Executive may voluntarily resign from employment at any time during the Term upon 3 months’ written notice and in compliance with the provisions of Attachment A. In such event, the Company shall be relieved of all its obligations under this Agreement, except that the Company shall pay to the Executive that portion of the Base Salary under Section 5(a) earned through the date on which such resignation is effective subject to any irrevocable deferral election then in effect.

 

(g)          Continuance of Obligations. The Executive remains obligated to comply with the Executive's obligations and duties pursuant to Attachment A despite the termination of this Agreement and the Executive's employment for any reason.

 

(h)          Cooperation. During employment and after the termination of this Agreement and the Executive’s employment for any reason, the Executive agrees to cooperate fully with and at the request of the Company in the defense or prosecution of any legal matter or claim in which the Company, any of its affiliates, or any of their past or present employees, agents, officers, directors, attorneys, successors or assigns, may be or become involved and which arises or arose during the Executive’s employment. The Executive will be reimbursed for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred thereby.

 

(i)          No Disparagement. During and after the termination of this Agreement and the Executive’s employment for any reason, the Executive agrees that, except as may be required by the lawful order of a court or agency of competent jurisdiction, the Executive will not take any action or make any statement or disclosure, written or oral, that is intended or reasonably likely to disparage the Company or any of its affiliates, or any of their past or present employees, officers or directors.

 

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9.           Change in Control. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement to the contrary:

 

(a)          Employment Period. If a Change in Control (as defined below) occurs when the Executive is employed by the Company, the Company will continue thereafter to employ the Executive during the period commencing on the date of a Change in Control and ending on the first anniversary of such date (the “Employment Period”) and thereafter in accordance with Section 3 of this Agreement, and the Executive will remain in the employ of the Company in accordance with and subject to the terms and provisions of this Agreement.

 

(b)          Covered Termination. If there is any termination of the Executive’s employment during the Employment Period (subject to Section 9(e)) by the Executive for Good Reason (as defined below), or by the Company other than by reason of (i) death pursuant to Section 8(a), (ii) disability pursuant to Section 8(b), or (iii) Cause (a “Covered Termination”), then the Executive shall be entitled to receive, and the Company shall promptly pay, that portion of the base salary under Section 5(a) earned through the date of the termination and, in lieu of further base salary for periods following such termination, as liquidated damages and additional severance pay, the Termination Payment pursuant to Section 9(c).

 

(c)          Termination Payment.

 

(i)          The “Termination Payment” shall be an amount equal to (A) the Executive’s annual base salary immediately prior to the termination of the Executive’s employment plus (B) the Executive’s target annual bonus under the Company’s Senior Management Bonus Plan for the year in which the termination of the Executive’s employment occurs. The Termination Payment shall be paid to the Executive in cash equivalent on the first day of the seventh (7th) month following the month in which the Separation from Service occurs, and in such event, the Termination Payment shall be accompanied by a payment of interest calculated using the annual rate of interest announced by the Federal Reserve Board (or any successor thereto) from time to time as the “federal funds rate”, such rate to be determined on the date of the Executive’s termination of employment, compounded quarterly. Such lump sum payment shall not be reduced by any present value or similar factor, and the Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of the Termination Payment by securing other employment or otherwise, nor will such Termination Payment be reduced by reason of the Executive securing other employment or for any other reason. The Termination Payment shall be in lieu of, and acceptance by the Executive of the Termination Payment shall constitute the Executive’s release of any rights of the Executive to, any other cash severance payments under any Company severance policy, practice or agreement.

 

(ii)         Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if any portion of the Termination Payment or any other payment under this Agreement, or under any other agreement with or plan of the Company or its Affiliates (in the aggregate, “Total Payments”), would constitute an “excess parachute payment” and would, but for this Section 9(c)(ii), result in the imposition on the Executive of an excise tax under Code Section 4999 (the “Excise Tax”), then the Total Payments to be made to the Executive shall either be (A) delivered in full, or (B) delivered in the greatest amount such that no portion of such Total Payment would be subject to the Excise Tax, whichever of the foregoing results in the receipt by the Executive of the greatest benefit on an after-tax basis (taking into account the applicable federal, state and local income taxes and the Excise Tax).

 

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(iii)        Within forty (40) days following a Covered Termination or notice by the Company to the Executive of its belief that there is a payment or benefit due the Executive which will result in an “excess parachute payment”, the Executive and the Company, at the Company’s expense, shall obtain the opinion (which need not be unqualified) of nationally recognized tax counsel (“National Tax Counsel”) selected by the Company and reasonably acceptable to the Executive (which may be regular outside counsel to the Company), which opinion sets forth (A) the amount of the Base Period Income, (B) the amount and present value of Total Payments, (C) the amount and present value of any excess parachute payments determined without regard to any reduction of the Total Payments pursuant to Section 9(c)(ii), and (D) the net after-tax proceeds to the Executive, taking into account the tax imposed under Code Section 4999 if (X) the Total Payments were reduced in accordance with Section 9(c)(ii) or (Y) the Total Payments were not so reduced. If such National Tax Counsel opinion determines that Section 9(c)(ii)(B) above applies, then the Termination Payment hereunder or any other payment or benefit determined by such counsel to be includable in Total Payments shall be reduced or eliminated so that under the bases of calculations set forth in such opinion there will be no excess parachute payment. In such event, payments or benefits included in the Total Payments shall be reduced or eliminated by applying the following principles, in order: (1) the payment or benefit with the higher ratio of the parachute payment value to present economic value (determined using reasonable actuarial assumptions) shall be reduced or eliminated before a payment or benefit with a lower ratio; (2) the payment or benefit with the later possible payment date shall be reduced or eliminated before a payment or benefit with an earlier payment date; and (3) cash payments shall be reduced prior to non-cash benefits; provided that if the foregoing order of reduction or elimination would violate Code Section 409A, then the reduction shall be made pro rata among the payments or benefits included in the Total Payments (on the basis of the relative present value of the parachute payments). For purposes of such opinion, the value of any noncash benefits or any deferred payment or benefit shall be determined by the Company’s independent auditors in accordance with the principles of Section 280G(d)(3) and (4) (or any successor provisions) of the Code, which determination shall be evidenced in a certificate of such auditors addressed to the Company and the Executive. The opinion of National Tax Counsel shall be addressed to the Company and the Executive and shall be binding upon the Company and the Executive. If such National Tax Counsel so requests in connection with the opinion required by this Section 9(c)(iii), the Executive and the Company shall obtain, at the Company’s expense, and the National Tax Counsel may rely on, the advice of a firm of recognized executive compensation consultants as to the reasonableness of any item of compensation to be received by the Executive solely with respect to its status under Section 280G of the Code and the regulations thereunder.

 

(iv) For purposes of this Agreement, (A) the terms “excess parachute payment” and “parachute payments” shall have the meanings assigned to them in Section 280G (or any successor provision) of the Code and such “parachute payments” shall be valued as provided therein; (B) present value shall be calculated in accordance with Section 280G(d)(4) (or any successor provision) of the Code; and (C) the Executive shall be deemed to pay federal income tax and employment taxes at the Executive’s actual marginal rate of federal income and employment taxation, and state and local income taxes at the Executive’s actual marginal rate of taxation in the state or locality of the Executive’s domicile (determined in both cases in the calendar year in which the termination of employment or notice described in Section 9(c)(iii) above is given, whichever is earlier), net of the maximum reduction in federal income taxes that may be obtained from the deduction of such state and local taxes. As used in this Agreement, the term “Base Period Income” means an amount equal to the Executive’s “annualized includable compensation for the base period” as defined in Section 280G(d)(1) (or any successor provision) of the Code.

 

(v)         The Company agrees to bear all costs associated with, and to indemnify and hold harmless, the National Tax Counsel of and from any and all claims, damages, and expenses resulting from or relating to its determinations pursuant to this Section 9(c), except for claims, damages or expenses resulting from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such firm.

 

(vi)        This Section 9(c) shall be amended to comply with any amendment or successor provision to Sections 280G or 4999 of the Code. If such provisions are repealed without successor, then this Section 9(c) shall be cancelled without further effect.

 

(d)          Additional Benefits. If there is a Covered Termination and the Executive is entitled to the Termination Payment, then (i) until the earlier of the end of the Employment Period or such time as the Executive has obtained new employment and is covered by benefits which in the aggregate are at least equal in value to the following benefits, the Executive shall continue to be covered, at the expense of the Company, by the same or equivalent health and dental coverage as the Executive was covered by immediately prior to the termination of the Executive’s employment and such coverage shall count as COBRA continuation coverage, and (ii) the Company shall bear up to $15,000 in the aggregate during the lifetime of the Executive of fees and expenses of consultants and/or legal or accounting advisors engaged by the Executive to advise the Executive as to matters relating to the computation of benefits due and payable under Section 9(c).

 

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(e)          Anticipatory Termination. Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, if a Change in Control occurs and if the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated (other than a termination due to the Executive’s death or as a result of the Executive’s disability) during the period of 180 days prior to the date on which the Change in Control occurs, and if it is reasonably demonstrated by the Executive that such termination of employment (i) was at the request of a third party who has taken steps reasonably calculated to effect a Change in Control or (ii) otherwise arose in connection with or in anticipation of a Change in Control, then for all purposes of this Section 9 such termination of employment shall be deemed a “Covered Termination” and the “Employment Period” shall be deemed to have begun on the date of such termination.

 

(f)          Expenses and Interest. If, after a Change in Control of the Company, (i) a dispute arises with respect to the enforcement of the Executive’s rights under this Agreement or (ii) any legal or arbitration proceeding shall be brought to enforce or interpret any provision contained herein or to recover damages for breach hereof, in either case so long as the Executive is not acting in bad faith, then the Company shall reimburse the Executive for any reasonable attorneys’ fees and necessary costs and disbursements incurred by the Executive during his or her lifetime as a result of the dispute, legal or arbitration proceeding (“Expenses”), and prejudgment interest on any money judgment or arbitration award obtained by the Executive calculated at the rate of interest announced by The Bank of New York, from time to time at its prime or base lending rate from the date that payments to him or her should have been made under this Agreement. Within ten days after the Executive’s written request therefor, the Company shall pay to the Executive, or such other person or entity as the Executive may designate in writing to the Company, the Executive’s reasonable Expenses in advance of the final disposition or conclusion of any such dispute, legal or arbitration proceeding. Any reimbursements provided hereunder shall be made promptly (but not later than the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the legal fees or expenses were incurred by the Executive) following the receipt by the Company of a written notice from the Executive requesting such reimbursement, accompanied by documentation substantiating the amount of such fees and expenses.

 

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(g)          Definition of Change in Control. For purposes hereof, a “Change in Control” shall be deemed to occur on the first to occur of any one of the following events: (a) the consummation of a consolidation, merger, share exchange or reorganization involving the Company, unless such consolidation, merger, share exchange or reorganization is a “Non-Control Transaction” (as defined below); (b) the stockholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company or an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all, or substantially all, of the assets of the Company (in one transaction or a series of related transactions within any period of 24 consecutive months), other than a sale or disposition by the Company of all, or substantially all, of the Company’s assets to an entity at least 75% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of which are owned by stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the Company immediately prior to such sale; (c) any person (as such term is used in Section 13(d) and 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) (other than (1) the Company, (2) any subsidiary of the Company, (3) a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under any employee benefit plan (or any trust forming a part thereof) maintained by the Company or any subsidiary or (4) a corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock in the Company) is or becomes the beneficial owner (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company (not including in the securities beneficially owned by such person any securities acquired directly from the Company after the date hereof pursuant to express authorization by the Board that refers to this exception) representing more than 20% of the then outstanding shares of Common Stock or the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding voting securities; or (d) the following individuals cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the number of directors then serving: individuals who, as of the date hereof, constitute the entire Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) and any new director (other than a director whose initial assumption of office is in connection with an actual or threatened election contest) whose appointment or election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved or recommended by a vote of at least two-thirds of the directors then still in office who either were directors on the date hereof or whose appointment, election or nomination for election was previously so approved or recommended. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no “Change in Control” shall be deemed to have occurred if there is consummated any transaction or series of integrated transactions immediately following which the record holders of the Common Stock immediately prior to such transaction or series of transactions continue to have substantially the same proportionate ownership in an entity that owns all or substantially all of the assets or voting securities of the Company immediately following such transaction or series of transactions. A “Non-Control Transaction” shall mean a consolidation, merger, share exchange or reorganization of the Company where (a) the stockholders of the Company immediately before such consolidation, merger, share exchange or reorganization beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the then outstanding shares of common stock and the combined voting power of the outstanding voting securities of the corporation resulting from such consolidation, merger, share exchange or reorganization (the “Surviving Corporation”); (b) the individuals who were members of the Board immediately prior to the execution of the agreement providing for such consolidation, merger, share exchange or reorganization constitute at least 50% of the members of the board of directors of the Surviving Corporation; and (c) no person (other than (1) the Company, (2) any subsidiary of the Company or (3) any employee benefit plan (or any trust forming a part thereof) maintained by the Company, the Surviving Corporation or any subsidiary) is or becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company (not including in the securities beneficially owned by such person any securities acquired directly from the Company after the date hereof pursuant to express authorization by the Board that refers to this exception) representing more than 20% of the then outstanding shares of the common stock of the Surviving Corporation or the combined voting power of the Surviving Corporation’s then outstanding voting securities.

 

(h)          Good Reason. The Executive shall have “Good Reason” for termination of employment in connection with a Change in Control of the Company in the event of:

 

(i)          any breach of this Agreement by the Company, other than an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent failure not occurring in bad faith that the Company remedies promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by the Executive;

 

(ii)         any reduction in the Executive’s base salary, percentage of base salary available as incentive compensation or bonus opportunity or benefits, in each case relative to those most favorable to the Executive in effect at any time during the 180-day period prior to the Change in Control;

 

(iii)        the removal of the Executive from, or any failure to reelect or reappoint the Executive to, any of the positions held with the Company on the date of the Change in Control or any other positions with the Company to which the Executive shall thereafter be elected, appointed or assigned, except in the event that such removal or failure to reelect or reappoint relates to the termination by the Company of the Executive’s employment for Cause or by reason of disability pursuant to Section 8(b);

 

(iv)        a good faith determination by the Executive that there has been a material adverse change, without the Executive’s written consent, in the Executive’s working conditions or status with the Company relative to the most favorable working conditions or status in effect during the 180-day period prior to the Change in Control, including but not limited to (A) a significant change in the nature or scope of the Executive’s authority, powers, functions, duties or responsibilities, or (B) a significant reduction in the level of support services, staff, secretarial and other assistance, office space and accoutrements, but in each case excluding for this purpose an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent event not occurring in bad faith that the Company remedies within ten (10) days after receipt of notice thereof given by the Executive;

 

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(v)         the relocation of the Executive’s principal place of employment to a location more than 50 miles from the Executive’s principal place of employment on the date 180 days prior to the Change in Control; or

 

(vi)        the Company requires the Executive to travel on Company business 20% in excess of the average number of days per month the Executive was required to travel during the 180-day period prior to the Change in Control.

 

(i)          Funding of Rabbi Trust. Upon a Change in Control, the Company (or its successor) shall transfer to an irrevocable rabbi trust (to the extent not prohibited by Code Section 409A) an amount in cash, determined on an undiscounted basis, which will be sufficient to fund the Company’s obligations under Section 9(c).

 

10.         Severability. Whenever possible, each portion, provision or section of this Agreement will be interpreted in such a way as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any portion, provision or section of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect any other portions, provisions or sections. Rather, this Agreement will be reformed, construed and enforced as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable portion, provision or section had never been contained herein.

 

11.         Complete Agreement. This Agreement, including Attachment A, contains the complete agreement and understanding between the parties and supersedes and preempts any prior understanding, agreement or representation by or between the parties, written or oral.

 

12.         Additional Rights and Causes of Action. This Agreement, including Attachment A, is in addition to and does not in any way waive or detract from any rights or causes of action the Company may have relating to Confidential Information or other protectable information or interests under statutory or common law or under any other agreement.

 

13.         Governing Law. Notwithstanding principles of conflicts of law of any jurisdiction to the contrary, all terms and provisions to this Agreement are to be construed and governed by the laws of the State of New York without regard to the laws of any other jurisdiction in which the Executive resides or performs any duties hereunder or where any violation of this Agreement occurs.

 

14.         Successors and Assigns. This Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Company and its successors and assigns. The Executive may not assign the Executive’s rights or delegate the Executive’s obligations hereunder.

 

15.         Waivers. The waiver by either the Executive or the Company of a breach by the other party of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach by the breaching party.

 

16.         Withholding. The Company shall be entitled to withhold from amounts to be paid to the Executive hereunder any federal, state or local withholding or other taxes or charges which it is from time to time required to withhold. The Company shall be entitled to rely on an opinion of nationally recognized tax counsel if any question as to the amount or requirement of any such withholding shall arise. In addition, if prior to the date of distribution of any amount hereunder, the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) tax imposed under Code Sections 3101, 3121(a) and 3121(v)(2), where applicable, becomes due, a payment will be made to the Executive from the cash payments otherwise owing hereunder (without regard to the six-month delay if Executive) equal to the amount needed to pay the Executive’s portion of such tax, as well as withholding taxes resulting therefrom (including the additional taxes attributable to the pyramiding of such distributions and taxes), and any subsequent payment shall be reduced accordingly.

 

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17.         Interpretation. This Agreement shall be construed and interpreted in a manner that will cause any payment hereunder that is considered deferred compensation and that is not exempt from Code Section 409A to meet the requirements thereof such that no additional tax will be due under Code Section 409A on such payment.

 

18.         Application of Code Section 409A. The Executive acknowledges that to avoid an additional tax on payments that may be payable under this Agreement and that constitute deferred compensation that is not exempt from Code Section 409A, the Executive must make a reasonable, good faith effort to collect any payment or benefit to which Executive believes he or she is entitled hereunder no later than ninety (90) days of the latest date upon which the payment could under this Agreement could have been timely paid pursuant to Code Section 409A, and if not paid or provided, take further enforcement measures within 180 days after such latest date.

 

THE COMPANY AND THE EXECUTIVE ACKNOWLEDGE THAT (A) EACH HAS CAREFULLY READ THIS AGREEMENT, (B) EACH UNDERSTANDS ITS TERMS, (C) ALL UNDERSTANDINGS AND AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND THE EXECUTIVE RELATING TO THE SUBJECTS COVERED IN THE AGREEMENT ARE CONTAINED IN IT, AND (D) EACH HAS ENTERED INTO THIS AGREEMENT VOLUNTARILY AND NOT IN RELIANCE ON ANY PROMISES OR REPRESENTATIONS BY THE OTHER, OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS AGREEMENT ITSELF.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement.

 

      Hudson Highland Group, Inc.
       
/s/    NEIL J. FUNK      By:        /s/    MANUEL MARQUEZ DORSCH
Signature of Executive    

Manuel Marquez Dorsch

      Chairman and Chief Executive Officer 
       
Neil J. Funk      
Print Name      

 

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Attachment A

CONFIDENTIALITY, NON-SOLICITATION

AND WORK PRODUCT ASSIGNMENT AGREEMENT,

AND MUTUAL AGREEMENT TO ARBITRATE CLAIMS

 

As a material inducement to and in consideration of his/her employment by Hudson Highland Group, Inc. and/or its affiliates or successors (individually and collectively, “HHG”), 1 Neil J. Funk (the “Employee”) agrees as follows:

 

1.           Confidential Information

 

1.1           Definition.

 

“Confidential Information” consists of all information or data relating to the business of HHG, including but not limited to, business and financial information; new product development and technological data; personnel information and the identities of employees; the identities of clients and suppliers and prospective clients and suppliers; client lists and potential client lists; development, expansion and business strategies, plans and techniques; computer programs, devices, methods, techniques, processes and inventions; research and development activities; trade secrets as defined by applicable law and other materials (whether in written, graphic, audio, visual, electronic or other media, including computer software) developed by or on behalf of HHG which is not generally known to the public, which HHG has and will take precautions to maintain as confidential, and which derives at least a portion of its value to HHG from its confidentiality. Additionally, Confidential Information includes information of any third party doing business with HHG (actively or prospectively) that HHG or such third party identifies as being confidential. Confidential Information does not include any information that is in the public domain or otherwise publicly available (other than as a result of a wrongful act by the Employee or an agent or other employee of HHG).

 

1.2           Agreement to Maintain the Confidentiality of Confidential Information.

 

The Employee acknowledges that, as a result of his/her employment by HHG, he/she will have access to such Confidential Information and to additional Confidential Information which may be developed in the future. The Employee acknowledges that all Confidential Information is the exclusive property of HHG, or in the case of Confidential Information of a third party, of such third party. The Employee agrees to hold all Confidential Information in trust for the benefit of the owner of such Confidential Information. The Employee further agrees that he/she will use Confidential Information for the sole purpose of performing his/her work for HHG, and that during his/her employment with HHG, and at all times after the termination of that employment for any reason, the Employee will not use for his/her benefit, or the benefit of others, or divulge or convey to any third party any Confidential Information obtained by the Employee during his/her employment by HHG, unless it is pursuant to HHG’s prior written permission.

 

1.3           Return of Property.

 

The Employee acknowledges that he/she has not acquired and will not acquire any right, title or interest in any Confidential Information or any portion thereof. The Employee agrees that upon termination of his/her employment for any reason, he/she will deliver to HHG immediately, but in no event later that the last day of his/her employment, all documents, data, computer hardware, computer programs and all other materials, and all copies thereof, including but not limited to copies of data in electronic form such as disks, tape or media cards, that were obtained or made by the Employee during his/her employment with HHG, which contain or relate to Confidential Information and will destroy all electronically stored versions of the foregoing. The Employee retains the right to retrieve and retain personal information.

 

 

1 Any reference in this Agreement to HHG will be a reference also to each of its officers, directors, employees and agents, all subsidiary and affiliated entities, all benefit plans and benefit plans’ sponsors and administrators, fiduciaries, affiliates, and all successors and assigns of any of them. 

  

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2.           Disclosure and Assignment of Inventions and Creative Works

 

The Employee agrees to promptly disclose in writing to HHG all inventions, ideas, discoveries, developments, improvements and innovations (collectively “Inventions”), whether or not patentable and all copyrightable works, including but not limited to computer software designs and programs (“Creative Works”) conceived, made or developed by the Employee, whether solely or together with others, during the period the Employee is employed by HHG. The Employee agrees that all Inventions and all Creative Works, whether or not conceived or made during working hours, that: (a) relate directly to the business of HHG or its actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development, or (b) result from the Employee’s work for HHG, or (c) involve the use of any equipment, supplies, facilities, Confidential Information, or time of HHG, are the exclusive property of HHG. The Employee hereby assigns and agrees to assign all right, title and interest in and to all such Inventions and Creative Works to HHG. The Employee understands that he/she is not required to assign to HHG any Invention or Creative Work for which no equipment, supplies, facilities, Confidential Information or time of HHG was used, unless such Invention or Creative Work relates directly to HHG’s business or actual or demonstrably anticipated research and development, or results from any work performed by the Employee for HHG.

 

3.           Future Restrictions and Notice

 

3.1           Non-Solicitation of Clients.

 

During the period of the Employee’s employment with HHG and for a period of one year from the date of termination of such employment for any reason, the Employee agrees that he/she will not, directly or indirectly, for the Employee’s benefit or on behalf of any person, corporation, partnership or entity whatsoever, call on, solicit, perform services for, interfere with or endeavor to entice away from HHG any client to whom HHG provides services at any time during the 12 month period proceeding the date of termination of the Employee’s employment with HHG, or any prospective client to whom HHG had made a presentation at any time during the 12 month period preceding the date of termination of Employee’s employment with HHG.

 

3.2           Non-Solicitation of Employees.

 

For a period of one year after the date of termination of Employee’s employment with HHG for any reason, the Employee agrees that he/she will not, directly or indirectly, hire, attempt to hire, solicit for employment or encourage the departure of any employee of HHG, to leave employment with HHG, or any individual who was employed by HHG as of the last day of the Employee’s employment with HHG.

 

3.3           Notice to New Employer

 

For a period of one year after the date of termination of Employee’s employment with HHG for any reason, the Employee agrees that he/she will bring the terms of this agreement to the attention of his/her new employer.

 

4.           Agreement to Arbitrate

 

4.1           Acknowledgment.

 

HHG and the Employee (together the “Parties”) further recognize that differences may arise between either of them after or during Employee's employment with HHG.

 

The Parties understand and agree that by entering into this agreement to arbitrate claims, each anticipates gaining the benefit of arbitration as a speedy, impartial dispute-resolution procedure, and understands and agrees that both are voluntarily consenting to forego other types of litigation, except as specifically listed below in Section 4.2. Employee acknowledges that his/her agreement to submit to arbitration as described in this Agreement is in consideration of and is a material inducement to his/her employment by HHG.

 

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4.2           Claims Covered by this Agreement.

 

HHG and Employee mutually consent to the resolution by arbitration of all claims or controversies (tort, contract or statutory), whether or not arising out of Employee’s employment (or its termination), that HHG may have against Employee or that Employee may have against HHG ("claims"). The claims covered by this Agreement include, but are not limited to, claims for wages, bonuses, overtime pay, or other compensation due; claims for breach of any contract or covenant (express or implied); tort claims, including but not limited to, defamation, wrongful termination, invasion of privacy and intentional infliction of emotional distress; claims for discrimination (including, but not limited to, race, sex, religion, national origin, age, marital status, or medical condition or disability), harassment and/or retaliation; claims for benefits or the monetary equivalent of benefits (except where an employee benefit or pension plan specifies that its claims procedure is subject to an arbitration procedure different from this one); and claims for violation of any federal, state, or other governmental law, statute, regulation, or ordinance, except claims excluded in the following Section 4.3.

 

4.3           Claims Not Covered by the Agreement.

 

Claims not covered by this Agreement include claims that Employee may have now or in the future for workers’ compensation or unemployment benefits. Also not covered are claims by HHG based on criminal acts of Employee, and claims for injunctive or other equitable relief for: (a) breach or threatened breach of any non-competition, non-solicitation, confidentiality and/or patent or invention assignment agreements; (b) unfair competition; or (c) the misappropriation, use and/or unauthorized disclosure of trade secrets or confidential information, as to each of which Employee understands and agrees that HHG may immediately seek and obtain relief from a court of competent jurisdiction.

 

4.4           Required Notice of All Claims and Statute of Limitations.

 

The Parties agree that each must deliver written notice of any claim to the other party within one (1) year of the date the aggrieved party first has knowledge of the event giving rise to the claim; otherwise the claim will be void and deemed waived, even if there is a federal or state statute of limitations which would have given more time to pursue the claim.

 

4.5           Arbitration Procedures.

 

HHG and Employee agree that, except as provided in this Agreement, any arbitration shall be in accordance with the then-current employment dispute rules of the American Arbitration Association ("AAA").

 

The arbitrator shall render a written award and opinion in the form typically rendered in arbitrations. The award shall be final and binding.

 

4.6           Arbitration Fees and Costs.

 

HHG will pay the reasonable fees and costs of the arbitrator. HHG and Employee will each pay its and his/her costs and attorneys’ fees, if any. However, if either Party prevails on a statutory claim that affords the prevailing party attorneys’ fees, the arbitrator may award reasonable fees to the prevailing Party.

 

4.7           Requirements for Modification or Revocation.

 

This Agreement to arbitrate shall survive the termination of Employee’s employment. It may only be revoked or modified by a writing signed by the parties which specifically states an intent to revoke or modify this Agreement.

 

4.8           Sole and Entire Agreement.

 

This is the complete agreement of the parties on the subject of arbitration of disputes except for any arbitration agreement in connection with any pension or benefit plan. This Agreement supersedes any prior or contemporaneous oral or written understanding on the subject. Employee is not relying on any representations, oral or written, on the subject of the effect, enforceability or meaning of this Agreement, except as specifically set forth in this Agreement.

 

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4.9           Construction.

 

If any provision, portion or section of this Agreement is judged to be void or otherwise unenforceable, in whole or in part, such judgment will not affect the validity of the remainder of this Agreement.

 

4.10         Not an Employment Agreement.

 

This Agreement is not, and shall not be construed to create, any contract of employment or guarantee of employment for any specific time or under any specific terms or conditions., express or implied, and each of the Parties remains free to terminate the employment relationship at any time, for any reason or no reason, with or without notice, reason, or cause.

 

5.           Miscellaneous

 

5.1           Enforcement.

 

If, at the time of enforcement of this Agreement, a court holds that any of the restrictions stated herein are unreasonable under circumstances then existing, the parties hereto agree that the maximum period, scope or geographical area deemed reasonable under such circumstances will be substituted for the stated period, scope or area as contained in this Agreement. Because money damages would be an inadequate remedy for any breach of the Employee’s obligations under this Agreement, in the event the Employee breaches or threatens to breach this Agreement, HHG, or any successors or assigns, may, in addition to other rights and remedies existing in its favor, apply to any court of competent jurisdiction for specific performance, or injunctive or other equitable relief in order to enforce or prevent any violations of this Agreement.

 

5.2           Severability.

 

Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement will be interpreted in such a way as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under my applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect any other provisions, but this Agreement and/or such provision will be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein.

 

5.3           Complete Agreement.

 

This Agreement contains the complete agreement and understanding between the parties and supersedes and preempts any prior understanding, agreement or representation by or between the parties, written or oral, relating to the subject matter contained herein.

 

5.4           Additional Rights and Causes of Action.

 

This Agreement is in addition to and does not in any way waive or detract from any rights or causes of action HHG may have relating to Confidential Information or other protectable information or interests under statutory or common law or under any other agreement.

 

5.5           Governing Law.

 

Notwithstanding principles of conflicts of law of any jurisdiction to the contrary, all terms and provisions to this Agreement are to be construed and governed by the laws of the State of New York without regard to the laws of any other jurisdiction wherein the Employee resides or performs any duties hereunder or where any violation of this Agreement occurs. Any arbitration or mediation will take place in the City of New York, New York. The venue for any litigation permitted by this Agreement will be the state and municipal courts located in the City of New York, New York and the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.

 

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5.6           Successors and Assigns.

 

The Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by HHG and its successors and assigns. The Employee may not assign the Employee’s rights or delegate the Employee’s obligations hereunder.

 

5.7           Waivers.

 

The waiver by either the Employee or HHG of a breach by the other party of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach by the breaching party.

 

HHG AND EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGE THAT (A) EACH HAS CAREFULLY READ THIS AGREEMENT, (B) EACH UNDERSTANDS ITS TERMS, (C) ALL UNDERSTANDINGS AND AGREEMENTS BETWEEN HHG AND EMPLOYEE RELATING TO THE SUBJECTS COVERED IN THE AGREEMENT ARE CONTAINED IN IT, AND (D) EACH HAS ENTERED INTO THIS AGREEMENT VOLUNTARILY AND NOT IN RELIANCE ON ANY PROMISES OR REPRESENTATIONS BY THE OTHER, OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS AGREEMENT ITSELF.

 

EMPLOYEE FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT HE/SHE HAS BEEN GIVEN SUFFICIENT TIME AND OPPORTUNITY TO CONSIDER WHETHER TO SIGN THIS AGREEMENT; AND HAS NOT BEEN FORCED OR COERCED INTO DOING SO.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Confidentiality Agreement and Mutual Agreement to Arbitrate Claims.

 

      HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC.
       
/s/    NEIL J. FUNK      By:        /s/    MANUEL MARQUEZ DORSCH
Signature of Employee    

Manuel Marquez Dorsch

      Chairman and Chief Executive Officer 
       
Neil J. Funk     January 26, 2012
Print Name of Employee     Date
       
January 26, 2012      
Date      

 

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Exhibit 10.18

 

hudson highland group executive employment agreement

 

This employment agreement (the “Agreement”), by and between Hudson Highland Group, Inc. (the “Company”) and Frank Lanuto (the “Executive”), is amended and restated effective February 8, 2012.

 

WHEREAS, the Company wishes to continue to employ the Executive and the Executive wishes to continue to be employed in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth below.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the conditions and mutual covenants contained in this Agreement, the parties agree as follows:

 

1.           Defined Terms.

 

(a)          Affiliate. The term “Affiliate” means each entity that is required to be included in the Company’s controlled group of corporations within the meaning of Code Section 414(b), or that is under common control with the Company within the meaning of Code Section 414(c); provided that the phrase “at least 50 percent” shall be used in place of the phrase “at least 80 percent” each place it appears therein or in the regulations thereunder.

 

(b)          Code. The term “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, including any amendments thereto or successor tax codes thereof.

 

(c)          Separation from Service. The term “Separation from Service” means an Executive’s termination of employment from the Company and its Affiliates, or if the Executive continues to provide services following his or her termination of employment, such later date as is considered a separation from service, within the meaning of Code Section 409A, from the Company and its Affiliates. Specifically, if Executive continues to provide services to the Company or an Affiliate in a capacity other than as an employee, such shift in status is not automatically a Separation from Service. The Executive will be presumed to have terminated employment from the Company and its Affiliates when the level of bona fide services provided by the Executive (whether as an employee or independent contractor) to the Company and its Affiliates permanently decreases to a level of twenty percent (20%) or less of the level of services rendered by such individual, on average, during the immediately preceding 36 months (or such lesser period of service). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Executive takes a leave of absence for purposes of military leave, sick leave or other bona fide leave of absence, the Executive will not be deemed to have incurred a Separation from Service for the first six (6) months of the leave of absence, or if longer, for so long as the Executive’s right to reemployment is provided either by statute or by contract; provided that if the leave of absence is due to a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or last for a continuous period of not less than six (6) months, where such impairment causes the Executive to be unable to perform the duties of his or her position of employment or any substantially similar position of employment, the leave may be extended for up to twenty-nine (29) months without causing a Termination of Employment.

 

2.           Employment. The Company will employ the Executive and the Executive accepts employment as Senior Vice President, Controller & Chief Accounting Officer. The Executive will perform duties normally associated with such position and/or other duties as may be assigned from time to time during the Term as defined in Section 3 below. The Executive shall perform such duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations and any code of ethics, compliance manual, employee handbook or other policies and procedures adopted by the Company from time to time and subject to any written directives issued by the Company from time to time. The Executive must acknowledge receipt of the Company’s Ethics Policy and confirm that the Executive will comply with the Policy. Failure to confirm compliance annually with the Company’s Ethics Policy will justify termination for cause unless, at the sole discretion of the Board, non-compliance is deemed non-material.

 

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3.           Term of Employment. The Executive's employment under this Agreement will commence on the date hereof and will continue for a period of one (1) year thereafter, subject to earlier termination as provided in Section 8 (the “Term”). This Agreement and the Term will be automatically renewed and extended for periods of one (1) year unless the Company or the Executive provides written notice no less than thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of the then-current Term of its or the Executive’s desire not to renew this Agreement.

 

4.           Scope of Responsibilities and Duties. The Executive agrees to devote the Executive’s full business time, attention, efforts and energies in performance of the Executive’s duties and responsibilities hereunder. While employed by the Company, the Executive may not engage in any employment other than for the Company, in any conflicting business activities, or have any financial interest, directly or indirectly, in any business competing with the Company or otherwise engaged in the business of the Company or its affiliates. The foregoing does not prevent the Executive from (1) serving on the Board of directors of another organization with the consent of the CEO of the Company or (2) passively investing in publicly traded securities; provided such investments do not require services on the part of the Executive which would in any way impair the performance of the Executive’s duties pursuant to this Agreement.

 

5.           Compensation and Benefits. The Company will provide the Executive with the following compensation and benefits during the Term:

 

(a)          The Company will pay the Executive a salary of $310,000 on an annualized basis, payable in accordance with the payroll practices of the Company in effect from time to time, and less such taxes and other deductions required by applicable law or authorized by the Executive (the “Base Salary”).

 

(b)          The Executive will be entitled to accrue paid vacation at the rate of the greater of (i) four (4) weeks per year, or (ii) the vacation allowance as provided under the Company’s vacation plan that applies to similarly situated employees working at the office location at which the Executive is based. In addition, the Company will provide the Executive with other benefits of employment offered, from time to time to similarly situated employees at the office location at which the Executive is based.

 

(c)          The Executive will receive an annual bonus as provided under the Company’s Senior Management Bonus Plan as is in effect from time to time.

 

6.           Additional Agreements. The Executive’s employment hereunder is further contingent upon the Executive’s simultaneous execution of the Confidentiality, Non-Solicitation and Work Product Assignment Agreement and Mutual Agreement to Arbitrate Claims, which is attached as Attachment A and forms a part of this Agreement.

 

7.           Representations and Warranties. The Executive represents and warrants as follows:

 

(a)          All information, oral and written (including, but not limited to information contained on the Executive’s resume), provided by the Executive during the recruiting and employment process is accurate and true to the best of the Executive’s knowledge, and such information does not include any misleading or untrue statement or omit to state any fact necessary to make the information provided not misleading.

 

(b)          The Executive has never been the subject of any investigation or subject to any disciplinary action by any governmental agency, industry self-regulatory body or other employer.

 

(c)          The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Executive and the Executive’s employment hereunder are not in violation of:

 

(i)          the terms, including any non-competition, non-disclosure, non-solicitation or confidentiality provisions, of any written or oral agreement, arrangement or understanding to which the Executive is a party or by which the Executive is bound; or

 

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(ii)         any United States federal or state statute, rule, regulation, or other law, or any judgment, decree or order applicable or binding upon the Executive.

 

8.           Termination. This Agreement and the Executive’s employment may be terminated prior to the expiration of the Term as follows:

 

(a)          Death. If the Executive dies during the Term, this Agreement shall automatically terminate and the Company shall have no further obligation to the Executive or the Executive’s estate, except to pay the Executive’s estate that portion of the Base Salary earned through the date on which the Executive’s death occurs.

 

(b)          Disability. If the Executive is unable to perform the Executive’s essential job duties and responsibilities due to mental or physical disability for a total of twelve (12) weeks, whether consecutive or not, during any rolling twelve (12) month period, the Company may terminate the Executive’s employment and this Agreement upon five (5) days’ written notice to the Executive. For purposes of this Agreement, the Executive will be considered disabled when the Company, with the advice of a qualified physician, determines that the Executive is physically or mentally incapable (excluding infrequent and temporary absences due to ordinary illness) of performing the Executive’s essential job duties. The Executive shall cooperate with the Company in obtaining the advice of a qualified physician regarding the Executive’s condition. In the event of termination pursuant to this Section 8(b), the Company will be relieved of all obligations under this Agreement, provided that the Company will pay to the Executive that portion of the Base Salary under Section 5(a) which has been earned through the date on which such termination occurs.

 

(c)          Discharge without Cause or Termination on Expiration. The Company may terminate the Executive and this Agreement at any time during the Term for any reason, without Cause (as defined in Section 8(e) below) upon thirty (30) days’ written notice to the Executive. If the Company gives notice of non-renewal of employment within the 30-day period as provided in Section 3, it will be treated as a termination without cause. Upon such termination, the Company will have no further liability to the Executive other than to provide the Executive with (i) that portion of the Base Salary under Section 5(a) earned through the date of the termination, (ii) severance pay in an amount equal to the Executive’s then-current Base Salary, less applicable deductions, for a period of twelve (12) months (the “Severance Period”) following the Executive’s Separation from Service, and (iii) the Company’s portion of the premium for continued coverage under the Company’s group health and dental insurance plan during the Severance Period following the Executive’s termination, provided the Executive applies and remains eligible for such continuation coverage under applicable law, and provided further that the Executive authorizes the Company to deduct only the Executive’s portion of such premiums from the severance payments. It is understood that the period the Company makes such payments will run concurrently with the period of continuation coverage for which the Executive may be eligible under applicable law. The Executive’s receipt of the severance payments and premium payments by the Company set forth in this Section 8(c) are conditioned upon the Executive executing a comprehensive release and waiver agreement and covenant not to sue as provided by the Company at the time of termination. Severance payments will be made in equal installments on dates corresponding with the Company’s regular pay dates during the Severance Period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the severance pay that is payable during the first six (6) months following the Executive’s Separation from Service exceeds two times the lesser of (1) the Executive’s annualized compensation paid by the Company for the calendar year preceding the calendar year in which the Separation from Service occurs (as adjusted for any increase during that year that was expected to continue indefinitely if the Separation from Service had not occurred), or (2) the compensation limit in effect pursuant to Code Section 401(a)(17) for the calendar year in which the Executive’s Separation from Service occurs, then payment of such excess shall be delayed and paid in a lump sum on the first day of the seventh (7th) month following the month in which the Separation from Service occurs, and in such event, the payment shall be accompanied by a payment of interest calculated at the rate of interest announced by the Federal Reserve Board (or any successor thereto) from time to time as the “federal funds rate”, such rate to be determined on the date of the Executive’s termination of employment, compounded quarterly.

 

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(d)          Termination for Cause. The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment and this Agreement at any time during the Term for Cause as defined below. In such case, this Agreement and the Executive’s employment shall terminate immediately and the Company shall have no further obligation to the Executive, except that the Company shall pay to the Executive that portion of the Base Salary under Section 5(a) earned through the date on which such termination occurs.

 

(e)          Definition of Cause. For purposes of this Agreement, Cause shall be defined as:

 

(i)          the willful or negligent failure of the Executive to perform the Executive's duties and obligations in any material respect (other than any failure resulting from Executive's disability), which failure is not cured within fifteen (15) days after receipt of written notice thereof, provided that there shall be no obligation to provide any additional written notice if the Executive's failure to perform is repeated and the Executive has previously received one (1) or more written notices;

 

(ii)         acts of dishonesty or willful misconduct by the Executive with respect to the Company;

 

(iii)        conviction of a felony or violation of any law involving moral turpitude, dishonesty, disloyalty or fraud, or a pleading of guilty or nolo contendere to such charge;

 

(iv)        repeated refusal to perform the reasonable and legal instructions of the Executive's supervisors;

 

(v)         any material breach of this Agreement or Attachment A; or

 

(vi)        failure to confirm compliance with the Company’s Ethics Policy after 10 days’ written notice requesting confirmation.

 

(f)          Resignation. The Executive may voluntarily resign from employment at any time during the Term upon 3 months’ written notice and in compliance with the provisions of Attachment A. In such event, the Company shall be relieved of all its obligations under this Agreement, except that the Company shall pay to the Executive that portion of the Base Salary under Section 5(a) earned through the date on which such resignation is effective subject to any irrevocable deferral election then in effect.

 

(g)          Continuance of Obligations. The Executive remains obligated to comply with the Executive's obligations and duties pursuant to Attachment A despite the termination of this Agreement and the Executive's employment for any reason.

 

(h)          Cooperation. During employment and after the termination of this Agreement and the Executive’s employment for any reason, the Executive agrees to cooperate fully with and at the request of the Company in the defense or prosecution of any legal matter or claim in which the Company, any of its affiliates, or any of their past or present employees, agents, officers, directors, attorneys, successors or assigns, may be or become involved and which arises or arose during the Executive’s employment. The Executive will be reimbursed for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred thereby.

 

(i)          No Disparagement. During and after the termination of this Agreement and the Executive’s employment for any reason, the Executive agrees that, except as may be required by the lawful order of a court or agency of competent jurisdiction, the Executive will not take any action or make any statement or disclosure, written or oral, that is intended or reasonably likely to disparage the Company or any of its affiliates, or any of their past or present employees, officers or directors.

 

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9.           Change in Control. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement to the contrary:

 

(a)          Employment Period. If a Change in Control (as defined below) occurs when the Executive is employed by the Company, the Company will continue thereafter to employ the Executive during the period commencing on the date of a Change in Control and ending on the first anniversary of such date (the “Employment Period”) and thereafter in accordance with Section 3 of this Agreement, and the Executive will remain in the employ of the Company in accordance with and subject to the terms and provisions of this Agreement.

 

(b)          Covered Termination. If there is any termination of the Executive’s employment during the Employment Period (subject to Section 9(e)) by the Executive for Good Reason (as defined below), or by the Company other than by reason of (i) death pursuant to Section 8(a), (ii) disability pursuant to Section 8(b), or (iii) Cause (a “Covered Termination”), then the Executive shall be entitled to receive, and the Company shall promptly pay, that portion of the base salary under Section 5(a) earned through the date of the termination and, in lieu of further base salary for periods following such termination, as liquidated damages and additional severance pay, the Termination Payment pursuant to Section 9(c).

 

(c)          Termination Payment.

 

(i)          The “Termination Payment” shall be an amount equal to (A) the Executive’s annual base salary immediately prior to the termination of the Executive’s employment plus (B) the Executive’s target annual bonus under the Company’s Senior Management Bonus Plan for the year in which the termination of the Executive’s employment occurs. The Termination Payment shall be paid to the Executive in cash equivalent on the first day of the seventh (7th) month following the month in which the Separation from Service occurs, and in such event, the Termination Payment shall be accompanied by a payment of interest calculated using the annual rate of interest announced by the Federal Reserve Board (or any successor thereto) from time to time as the “federal funds rate”, such rate to be determined on the date of the Executive’s termination of employment, compounded quarterly. Such lump sum payment shall not be reduced by any present value or similar factor, and the Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of the Termination Payment by securing other employment or otherwise, nor will such Termination Payment be reduced by reason of the Executive securing other employment or for any other reason. The Termination Payment shall be in lieu of, and acceptance by the Executive of the Termination Payment shall constitute the Executive’s release of any rights of the Executive to, any other cash severance payments under any Company severance policy, practice or agreement.

 

(ii)         Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if any portion of the Termination Payment or any other payment under this Agreement, or under any other agreement with or plan of the Company or its Affiliates (in the aggregate, “Total Payments”), would constitute an “excess parachute payment” and would, but for this Section 9(c)(ii), result in the imposition on the Executive of an excise tax under Code Section 4999 (the “Excise Tax”), then the Total Payments to be made to the Executive shall either be (A) delivered in full, or (B) delivered in the greatest amount such that no portion of such Total Payment would be subject to the Excise Tax, whichever of the foregoing results in the receipt by the Executive of the greatest benefit on an after-tax basis (taking into account the applicable federal, state and local income taxes and the Excise Tax).

 

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(iii)        Within forty (40) days following a Covered Termination or notice by the Company to the Executive of its belief that there is a payment or benefit due the Executive which will result in an “excess parachute payment”, the Executive and the Company, at the Company’s expense, shall obtain the opinion (which need not be unqualified) of nationally recognized tax counsel (“National Tax Counsel”) selected by the Company and reasonably acceptable to the Executive (which may be regular outside counsel to the Company), which opinion sets forth (A) the amount of the Base Period Income, (B) the amount and present value of Total Payments, (C) the amount and present value of any excess parachute payments determined without regard to any reduction of the Total Payments pursuant to Section 9(c)(ii), and (D) the net after-tax proceeds to the Executive, taking into account the tax imposed under Code Section 4999 if (X) the Total Payments were reduced in accordance with Section 9(c)(ii) or (Y) the Total Payments were not so reduced. If such National Tax Counsel opinion determines that Section 9(c)(ii)(B) above applies, then the Termination Payment hereunder or any other payment or benefit determined by such counsel to be includable in Total Payments shall be reduced or eliminated so that under the bases of calculations set forth in such opinion there will be no excess parachute payment. In such event, payments or benefits included in the Total Payments shall be reduced or eliminated by applying the following principles, in order: (1) the payment or benefit with the higher ratio of the parachute payment value to present economic value (determined using reasonable actuarial assumptions) shall be reduced or eliminated before a payment or benefit with a lower ratio; (2) the payment or benefit with the later possible payment date shall be reduced or eliminated before a payment or benefit with an earlier payment date; and (3) cash payments shall be reduced prior to non-cash benefits; provided that if the foregoing order of reduction or elimination would violate Code Section 409A, then the reduction shall be made pro rata among the payments or benefits included in the Total Payments (on the basis of the relative present value of the parachute payments). For purposes of such opinion, the value of any noncash benefits or any deferred payment or benefit shall be determined by the Company’s independent auditors in accordance with the principles of Section 280G(d)(3) and (4) (or any successor provisions) of the Code, which determination shall be evidenced in a certificate of such auditors addressed to the Company and the Executive. The opinion of National Tax Counsel shall be addressed to the Company and the Executive and shall be binding upon the Company and the Executive. If such National Tax Counsel so requests in connection with the opinion required by this Section 9(c)(iii), the Executive and the Company shall obtain, at the Company’s expense, and the National Tax Counsel may rely on, the advice of a firm of recognized executive compensation consultants as to the reasonableness of any item of compensation to be received by the Executive solely with respect to its status under Section 280G of the Code and the regulations thereunder.

 

(iv) For purposes of this Agreement, (A) the terms “excess parachute payment” and “parachute payments” shall have the meanings assigned to them in Section 280G (or any successor provision) of the Code and such “parachute payments” shall be valued as provided therein; (B) present value shall be calculated in accordance with Section 280G(d)(4) (or any successor provision) of the Code; and (C) the Executive shall be deemed to pay federal income tax and employment taxes at the Executive’s actual marginal rate of federal income and employment taxation, and state and local income taxes at the Executive’s actual marginal rate of taxation in the state or locality of the Executive’s domicile (determined in both cases in the calendar year in which the termination of employment or notice described in Section 9(c)(iii) above is given, whichever is earlier), net of the maximum reduction in federal income taxes that may be obtained from the deduction of such state and local taxes. As used in this Agreement, the term “Base Period Income” means an amount equal to the Executive’s “annualized includable compensation for the base period” as defined in Section 280G(d)(1) (or any successor provision) of the Code.

 

(v)         The Company agrees to bear all costs associated with, and to indemnify and hold harmless, the National Tax Counsel of and from any and all claims, damages, and expenses resulting from or relating to its determinations pursuant to this Section 9(c), except for claims, damages or expenses resulting from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such firm.

 

(vi)        This Section 9(c) shall be amended to comply with any amendment or successor provision to Sections 280G or 4999 of the Code. If such provisions are repealed without successor, then this Section 9(c) shall be cancelled without further effect.

 

(d)          Additional Benefits. If there is a Covered Termination and the Executive is entitled to the Termination Payment, then (i) until the earlier of the end of the Employment Period or such time as the Executive has obtained new employment and is covered by benefits which in the aggregate are at least equal in value to the following benefits, the Executive shall continue to be covered, at the expense of the Company, by the same or equivalent health and dental coverage as the Executive was covered by immediately prior to the termination of the Executive’s employment and such coverage shall count as COBRA continuation coverage, and (ii) the Company shall bear up to $15,000 in the aggregate during the lifetime of the Executive of fees and expenses of consultants and/or legal or accounting advisors engaged by the Executive to advise the Executive as to matters relating to the computation of benefits due and payable under Section 9(c).

 

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(e)          Anticipatory Termination. Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, if a Change in Control occurs and if the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated (other than a termination due to the Executive’s death or as a result of the Executive’s disability) during the period of 180 days prior to the date on which the Change in Control occurs, and if it is reasonably demonstrated by the Executive that such termination of employment (i) was at the request of a third party who has taken steps reasonably calculated to effect a Change in Control or (ii) otherwise arose in connection with or in anticipation of a Change in Control, then for all purposes of this Section 9 such termination of employment shall be deemed a “Covered Termination” and the “Employment Period” shall be deemed to have begun on the date of such termination.

 

(f)          Expenses and Interest. If, after a Change in Control of the Company, (i) a dispute arises with respect to the enforcement of the Executive’s rights under this Agreement or (ii) any legal or arbitration proceeding shall be brought to enforce or interpret any provision contained herein or to recover damages for breach hereof, in either case so long as the Executive is not acting in bad faith, then the Company shall reimburse the Executive for any reasonable attorneys’ fees and necessary costs and disbursements incurred by the Executive during his or her lifetime as a result of the dispute, legal or arbitration proceeding (“Expenses”), and prejudgment interest on any money judgment or arbitration award obtained by the Executive calculated at the rate of interest announced by The Bank of New York, from time to time at its prime or base lending rate from the date that payments to him or her should have been made under this Agreement. Within ten days after the Executive’s written request therefor, the Company shall pay to the Executive, or such other person or entity as the Executive may designate in writing to the Company, the Executive’s reasonable Expenses in advance of the final disposition or conclusion of any such dispute, legal or arbitration proceeding. Any reimbursements provided hereunder shall be made promptly (but not later than the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the legal fees or expenses were incurred by the Executive) following the receipt by the Company of a written notice from the Executive requesting such reimbursement, accompanied by documentation substantiating the amount of such fees and expenses.

 

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(g)          Definition of Change in Control. For purposes hereof, a “Change in Control” shall be deemed to occur on the first to occur of any one of the following events: (a) the consummation of a consolidation, merger, share exchange or reorganization involving the Company, unless such consolidation, merger, share exchange or reorganization is a “Non-Control Transaction” (as defined below); (b) the stockholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company or an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all, or substantially all, of the assets of the Company (in one transaction or a series of related transactions within any period of 24 consecutive months), other than a sale or disposition by the Company of all, or substantially all, of the Company’s assets to an entity at least 75% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of which are owned by stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the Company immediately prior to such sale; (c) any person (as such term is used in Section 13(d) and 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) (other than (1) the Company, (2) any subsidiary of the Company, (3) a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under any employee benefit plan (or any trust forming a part thereof) maintained by the Company or any subsidiary or (4) a corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock in the Company) is or becomes the beneficial owner (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company (not including in the securities beneficially owned by such person any securities acquired directly from the Company after the date hereof pursuant to express authorization by the Board that refers to this exception) representing more than 20% of the then outstanding shares of Common Stock or the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding voting securities; or (d) the following individuals cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the number of directors then serving: individuals who, as of the date hereof, constitute the entire Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) and any new director (other than a director whose initial assumption of office is in connection with an actual or threatened election contest) whose appointment or election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved or recommended by a vote of at least two-thirds of the directors then still in office who either were directors on the date hereof or whose appointment, election or nomination for election was previously so approved or recommended. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no “Change in Control” shall be deemed to have occurred if there is consummated any transaction or series of integrated transactions immediately following which the record holders of the Common Stock immediately prior to such transaction or series of transactions continue to have substantially the same proportionate ownership in an entity that owns all or substantially all of the assets or voting securities of the Company immediately following such transaction or series of transactions. A “Non-Control Transaction” shall mean a consolidation, merger, share exchange or reorganization of the Company where (a) the stockholders of the Company immediately before such consolidation, merger, share exchange or reorganization beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the then outstanding shares of common stock and the combined voting power of the outstanding voting securities of the corporation resulting from such consolidation, merger, share exchange or reorganization (the “Surviving Corporation”); (b) the individuals who were members of the Board immediately prior to the execution of the agreement providing for such consolidation, merger, share exchange or reorganization constitute at least 50% of the members of the board of directors of the Surviving Corporation; and (c) no person (other than (1) the Company, (2) any subsidiary of the Company or (3) any employee benefit plan (or any trust forming a part thereof) maintained by the Company, the Surviving Corporation or any subsidiary) is or becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company (not including in the securities beneficially owned by such person any securities acquired directly from the Company after the date hereof pursuant to express authorization by the Board that refers to this exception) representing more than 20% of the then outstanding shares of the common stock of the Surviving Corporation or the combined voting power of the Surviving Corporation’s then outstanding voting securities.

 

(h)          Good Reason. The Executive shall have “Good Reason” for termination of employment in connection with a Change in Control of the Company in the event of:

 

(i)          any breach of this Agreement by the Company, other than an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent failure not occurring in bad faith that the Company remedies promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by the Executive;

 

(ii)         any reduction in the Executive’s base salary, percentage of base salary available as incentive compensation or bonus opportunity or benefits, in each case relative to those most favorable to the Executive in effect at any time during the 180-day period prior to the Change in Control;

 

(iii)        the removal of the Executive from, or any failure to reelect or reappoint the Executive to, any of the positions held with the Company on the date of the Change in Control or any other positions with the Company to which the Executive shall thereafter be elected, appointed or assigned, except in the event that such removal or failure to reelect or reappoint relates to the termination by the Company of the Executive’s employment for Cause or by reason of disability pursuant to Section 8(b);

 

(iv)        a good faith determination by the Executive that there has been a material adverse change, without the Executive’s written consent, in the Executive’s working conditions or status with the Company relative to the most favorable working conditions or status in effect during the 180-day period prior to the Change in Control, including but not limited to (A) a significant change in the nature or scope of the Executive’s authority, powers, functions, duties or responsibilities, or (B) a significant reduction in the level of support services, staff, secretarial and other assistance, office space and accoutrements, but in each case excluding for this purpose an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent event not occurring in bad faith that the Company remedies within ten (10) days after receipt of notice thereof given by the Executive;

 

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(v)         the relocation of the Executive’s principal place of employment to a location more than 50 miles from the Executive’s principal place of employment on the date 180 days prior to the Change in Control; or

 

(vi)        the Company requires the Executive to travel on Company business 20% in excess of the average number of days per month the Executive was required to travel during the 180-day period prior to the Change in Control.

 

(i)          Funding of Rabbi Trust. Upon a Change in Control, the Company (or its successor) shall transfer to an irrevocable rabbi trust (to the extent not prohibited by Code Section 409A) an amount in cash, determined on an undiscounted basis, which will be sufficient to fund the Company’s obligations under Section 9(c).

 

10.         Severability. Whenever possible, each portion, provision or section of this Agreement will be interpreted in such a way as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any portion, provision or section of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect any other portions, provisions or sections. Rather, this Agreement will be reformed, construed and enforced as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable portion, provision or section had never been contained herein.

 

11.         Complete Agreement. This Agreement, including Attachment A, contains the complete agreement and understanding between the parties and supersedes and preempts any prior understanding, agreement or representation by or between the parties, written or oral.

 

12.         Additional Rights and Causes of Action. This Agreement, including Attachment A, is in addition to and does not in any way waive or detract from any rights or causes of action the Company may have relating to Confidential Information or other protectable information or interests under statutory or common law or under any other agreement.

 

13.         Governing Law. Notwithstanding principles of conflicts of law of any jurisdiction to the contrary, all terms and provisions to this Agreement are to be construed and governed by the laws of the State of New York without regard to the laws of any other jurisdiction in which the Executive resides or performs any duties hereunder or where any violation of this Agreement occurs.

 

14.         Successors and Assigns. This Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Company and its successors and assigns. The Executive may not assign the Executive’s rights or delegate the Executive’s obligations hereunder.

 

15.         Waivers. The waiver by either the Executive or the Company of a breach by the other party of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach by the breaching party.

 

16.         Withholding. The Company shall be entitled to withhold from amounts to be paid to the Executive hereunder any federal, state or local withholding or other taxes or charges which it is from time to time required to withhold. The Company shall be entitled to rely on an opinion of nationally recognized tax counsel if any question as to the amount or requirement of any such withholding shall arise. In addition, if prior to the date of distribution of any amount hereunder, the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) tax imposed under Code Sections 3101, 3121(a) and 3121(v)(2), where applicable, becomes due, a payment will be made to the Executive from the cash payments otherwise owing hereunder (without regard to the six-month delay if Executive) equal to the amount needed to pay the Executive’s portion of such tax, as well as withholding taxes resulting therefrom (including the additional taxes attributable to the pyramiding of such distributions and taxes), and any subsequent payment shall be reduced accordingly.

 

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17.         Interpretation. This Agreement shall be construed and interpreted in a manner that will cause any payment hereunder that is considered deferred compensation and that is not exempt from Code Section 409A to meet the requirements thereof such that no additional tax will be due under Code Section 409A on such payment.

 

18.         Application of Code Section 409A. The Executive acknowledges that to avoid an additional tax on payments that may be payable under this Agreement and that constitute deferred compensation that is not exempt from Code Section 409A, the Executive must make a reasonable, good faith effort to collect any payment or benefit to which Executive believes he or she is entitled hereunder no later than ninety (90) days of the latest date upon which the payment could under this Agreement could have been timely paid pursuant to Code Section 409A, and if not paid or provided, take further enforcement measures within 180 days after such latest date.

 

THE COMPANY AND THE EXECUTIVE ACKNOWLEDGE THAT (A) EACH HAS CAREFULLY READ THIS AGREEMENT, (B) EACH UNDERSTANDS ITS TERMS, (C) ALL UNDERSTANDINGS AND AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND THE EXECUTIVE RELATING TO THE SUBJECTS COVERED IN THE AGREEMENT ARE CONTAINED IN IT, AND (D) EACH HAS ENTERED INTO THIS AGREEMENT VOLUNTARILY AND NOT IN RELIANCE ON ANY PROMISES OR REPRESENTATIONS BY THE OTHER, OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS AGREEMENT ITSELF.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement.

 

      Hudson Highland Group, Inc.
       
/s/    FRANK P. LANUTO      By:        /s/    MANUEL MARQUEZ DORSCH
Signature of Executive     Manuel Marquez Dorsch
      Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
       
Frank P. Lanuto      
Print Name      

 

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Attachment A

CONFIDENTIALITY, NON-SOLICITATION

AND WORK PRODUCT ASSIGNMENT AGREEMENT,

AND MUTUAL AGREEMENT TO ARBITRATE CLAIMS

 

As a material inducement to and in consideration of his/her employment by Hudson Highland Group, Inc. and/or its affiliates or successors (individually and collectively, “HHG”), 1 Frank Lanuto (the “Employee”) agrees as follows:

 

1.           Confidential Information

 

1.1           Definition.

 

“Confidential Information” consists of all information or data relating to the business of HHG, including but not limited to, business and financial information; new product development and technological data; personnel information and the identities of employees; the identities of clients and suppliers and prospective clients and suppliers; client lists and potential client lists; development, expansion and business strategies, plans and techniques; computer programs, devices, methods, techniques, processes and inventions; research and development activities; trade secrets as defined by applicable law and other materials (whether in written, graphic, audio, visual, electronic or other media, including computer software) developed by or on behalf of HHG which is not generally known to the public, which HHG has and will take precautions to maintain as confidential, and which derives at least a portion of its value to HHG from its confidentiality. Additionally, Confidential Information includes information of any third party doing business with HHG (actively or prospectively) that HHG or such third party identifies as being confidential. Confidential Information does not include any information that is in the public domain or otherwise publicly available (other than as a result of a wrongful act by the Employee or an agent or other employee of HHG).

 

1.2           Agreement to Maintain the Confidentiality of Confidential Information.

 

The Employee acknowledges that, as a result of his/her employment by HHG, he/she will have access to such Confidential Information and to additional Confidential Information which may be developed in the future. The Employee acknowledges that all Confidential Information is the exclusive property of HHG, or in the case of Confidential Information of a third party, of such third party. The Employee agrees to hold all Confidential Information in trust for the benefit of the owner of such Confidential Information. The Employee further agrees that he/she will use Confidential Information for the sole purpose of performing his/her work for HHG, and that during his/her employment with HHG, and at all times after the termination of that employment for any reason, the Employee will not use for his/her benefit, or the benefit of others, or divulge or convey to any third party any Confidential Information obtained by the Employee during his/her employment by HHG, unless it is pursuant to HHG’s prior written permission.

 

1.3           Return of Property.

 

The Employee acknowledges that he/she has not acquired and will not acquire any right, title or interest in any Confidential Information or any portion thereof. The Employee agrees that upon termination of his/her employment for any reason, he/she will deliver to HHG immediately, but in no event later that the last day of his/her employment, all documents, data, computer hardware, computer programs and all other materials, and all copies thereof, including but not limited to copies of data in electronic form such as disks, tape or media cards, that were obtained or made by the Employee during his/her employment with HHG, which contain or relate to Confidential Information and will destroy all electronically stored versions of the foregoing. The Employee retains the right to retrieve and retain personal information.

 

 

1 Any reference in this Agreement to HHG will be a reference also to each of its officers, directors, employees and agents, all subsidiary and affiliated entities, all benefit plans and benefit plans’ sponsors and administrators, fiduciaries, affiliates, and all successors and assigns of any of them. 

 

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2.           Disclosure and Assignment of Inventions and Creative Works

 

The Employee agrees to promptly disclose in writing to HHG all inventions, ideas, discoveries, developments, improvements and innovations (collectively “Inventions”), whether or not patentable and all copyrightable works, including but not limited to computer software designs and programs (“Creative Works”) conceived, made or developed by the Employee, whether solely or together with others, during the period the Employee is employed by HHG. The Employee agrees that all Inventions and all Creative Works, whether or not conceived or made during working hours, that: (a) relate directly to the business of HHG or its actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development, or (b) result from the Employee’s work for HHG, or (c) involve the use of any equipment, supplies, facilities, Confidential Information, or time of HHG, are the exclusive property of HHG. The Employee hereby assigns and agrees to assign all right, title and interest in and to all such Inventions and Creative Works to HHG. The Employee understands that he/she is not required to assign to HHG any Invention or Creative Work for which no equipment, supplies, facilities, Confidential Information or time of HHG was used, unless such Invention or Creative Work relates directly to HHG’s business or actual or demonstrably anticipated research and development, or results from any work performed by the Employee for HHG.

 

3.           Future Restrictions and Notice

 

3.1           Non-Solicitation of Clients.

 

During the period of the Employee’s employment with HHG and for a period of one year from the date of termination of such employment for any reason, the Employee agrees that he/she will not, directly or indirectly, for the Employee’s benefit or on behalf of any person, corporation, partnership or entity whatsoever, call on, solicit, perform services for, interfere with or endeavor to entice away from HHG any client to whom HHG provides services at any time during the 12 month period proceeding the date of termination of the Employee’s employment with HHG, or any prospective client to whom HHG had made a presentation at any time during the 12 month period preceding the date of termination of Employee’s employment with HHG.

 

3.2           Non-Solicitation of Employees.

 

For a period of one year after the date of termination of Employee’s employment with HHG for any reason, the Employee agrees that he/she will not, directly or indirectly, hire, attempt to hire, solicit for employment or encourage the departure of any employee of HHG, to leave employment with HHG, or any individual who was employed by HHG as of the last day of the Employee’s employment with HHG.

 

3.3           Notice to New Employer

 

For a period of one year after the date of termination of Employee’s employment with HHG for any reason, the Employee agrees that he/she will bring the terms of this agreement to the attention of his/her new employer.

 

4.            Agreement to Arbitrate

 

4.1           Acknowledgment.

 

HHG and the Employee (together the “Parties”) further recognize that differences may arise between either of them after or during Employee's employment with HHG.

 

The Parties understand and agree that by entering into this agreement to arbitrate claims, each anticipates gaining the benefit of arbitration as a speedy, impartial dispute-resolution procedure, and understands and agrees that both are voluntarily consenting to forego other types of litigation, except as specifically listed below in Section 4.2. Employee acknowledges that his/her agreement to submit to arbitration as described in this Agreement is in consideration of and is a material inducement to his/her employment by HHG.

 

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4.2           Claims Covered by this Agreement.

 

HHG and Employee mutually consent to the resolution by arbitration of all claims or controversies (tort, contract or statutory), whether or not arising out of Employee’s employment (or its termination), that HHG may have against Employee or that Employee may have against HHG ("claims"). The claims covered by this Agreement include, but are not limited to, claims for wages, bonuses, overtime pay, or other compensation due; claims for breach of any contract or covenant (express or implied); tort claims, including but not limited to, defamation, wrongful termination, invasion of privacy and intentional infliction of emotional distress; claims for discrimination (including, but not limited to, race, sex, religion, national origin, age, marital status, or medical condition or disability), harassment and/or retaliation; claims for benefits or the monetary equivalent of benefits (except where an employee benefit or pension plan specifies that its claims procedure is subject to an arbitration procedure different from this one); and claims for violation of any federal, state, or other governmental law, statute, regulation, or ordinance, except claims excluded in the following Section 4.3.

 

4.3           Claims Not Covered by the Agreement.

 

Claims not covered by this Agreement include claims that Employee may have now or in the future for workers’ compensation or unemployment benefits. Also not covered are claims by HHG based on criminal acts of Employee, and claims for injunctive or other equitable relief for: (a) breach or threatened breach of any non-competition, non-solicitation, confidentiality and/or patent or invention assignment agreements; (b) unfair competition; or (c) the misappropriation, use and/or unauthorized disclosure of trade secrets or confidential information, as to each of which Employee understands and agrees that HHG may immediately seek and obtain relief from a court of competent jurisdiction.

 

4.4           Required Notice of All Claims and Statute of Limitations.

 

The Parties agree that each must deliver written notice of any claim to the other party within one (1) year of the date the aggrieved party first has knowledge of the event giving rise to the claim; otherwise the claim will be void and deemed waived, even if there is a federal or state statute of limitations which would have given more time to pursue the claim.

 

4.5           Arbitration Procedures.

 

HHG and Employee agree that, except as provided in this Agreement, any arbitration shall be in accordance with the then-current employment dispute rules of the American Arbitration Association ("AAA").

 

The arbitrator shall render a written award and opinion in the form typically rendered in arbitrations. The award shall be final and binding.

 

4.6           Arbitration Fees and Costs.

 

HHG will pay the reasonable fees and costs of the arbitrator. HHG and Employee will each pay its and his/her costs and attorneys’ fees, if any. However, if either Party prevails on a statutory claim that affords the prevailing party attorneys’ fees, the arbitrator may award reasonable fees to the prevailing Party.

 

4.7           Requirements for Modification or Revocation.

 

This Agreement to arbitrate shall survive the termination of Employee’s employment. It may only be revoked or modified by a writing signed by the parties which specifically states an intent to revoke or modify this Agreement.

 

4.8           Sole and Entire Agreement.

 

This is the complete agreement of the parties on the subject of arbitration of disputes except for any arbitration agreement in connection with any pension or benefit plan. This Agreement supersedes any prior or contemporaneous oral or written understanding on the subject. Employee is not relying on any representations, oral or written, on the subject of the effect, enforceability or meaning of this Agreement, except as specifically set forth in this Agreement.

 

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4.9           Construction.

 

If any provision, portion or section of this Agreement is judged to be void or otherwise unenforceable, in whole or in part, such judgment will not affect the validity of the remainder of this Agreement.

 

4.10         Not an Employment Agreement.

 

This Agreement is not, and shall not be construed to create, any contract of employment or guarantee of employment for any specific time or under any specific terms or conditions., express or implied, and each of the Parties remains free to terminate the employment relationship at any time, for any reason or no reason, with or without notice, reason, or cause.

 

5.           Miscellaneous

 

5.1           Enforcement.

 

If, at the time of enforcement of this Agreement, a court holds that any of the restrictions stated herein are unreasonable under circumstances then existing, the parties hereto agree that the maximum period, scope or geographical area deemed reasonable under such circumstances will be substituted for the stated period, scope or area as contained in this Agreement. Because money damages would be an inadequate remedy for any breach of the Employee’s obligations under this Agreement, in the event the Employee breaches or threatens to breach this Agreement, HHG, or any successors or assigns, may, in addition to other rights and remedies existing in its favor, apply to any court of competent jurisdiction for specific performance, or injunctive or other equitable relief in order to enforce or prevent any violations of this Agreement.

 

5.2           Severability.

 

Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement will be interpreted in such a way as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under my applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect any other provisions, but this Agreement and/or such provision will be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein.

 

5.3           Complete Agreement.

 

This Agreement contains the complete agreement and understanding between the parties and supersedes and preempts any prior understanding, agreement or representation by or between the parties, written or oral, relating to the subject matter contained herein.

 

5.4           Additional Rights and Causes of Action.

 

This Agreement is in addition to and does not in any way waive or detract from any rights or causes of action HHG may have relating to Confidential Information or other protectable information or interests under statutory or common law or under any other agreement.

 

5.5           Governing Law.

 

Notwithstanding principles of conflicts of law of any jurisdiction to the contrary, all terms and provisions to this Agreement are to be construed and governed by the laws of the State of New York without regard to the laws of any other jurisdiction wherein the Employee resides or performs any duties hereunder or where any violation of this Agreement occurs. Any arbitration or mediation will take place in the City of New York, New York. The venue for any litigation permitted by this Agreement will be the state and municipal courts located in the City of New York, New York and the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.

 

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5.6           Successors and Assigns.

 

The Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by HHG and its successors and assigns. The Employee may not assign the Employee’s rights or delegate the Employee’s obligations hereunder.

 

5.7           Waivers.

 

The waiver by either the Employee or HHG of a breach by the other party of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach by the breaching party.

 

HHG AND EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGE THAT (A) EACH HAS CAREFULLY READ THIS AGREEMENT, (B) EACH UNDERSTANDS ITS TERMS, (C) ALL UNDERSTANDINGS AND AGREEMENTS BETWEEN HHG AND EMPLOYEE RELATING TO THE SUBJECTS COVERED IN THE AGREEMENT ARE CONTAINED IN IT, AND (D) EACH HAS ENTERED INTO THIS AGREEMENT VOLUNTARILY AND NOT IN RELIANCE ON ANY PROMISES OR REPRESENTATIONS BY THE OTHER, OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS AGREEMENT ITSELF.

 

EMPLOYEE FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT HE/SHE HAS BEEN GIVEN SUFFICIENT TIME AND OPPORTUNITY TO CONSIDER WHETHER TO SIGN THIS AGREEMENT; AND HAS NOT BEEN FORCED OR COERCED INTO DOING SO.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Confidentiality Agreement and Mutual Agreement to Arbitrate Claims.

 

      HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC.
       
/s/    FRANK P. LANUTO      By:        /s/    MANUEL MARQUEZ DORSCH
Signature of Employee     Manuel Marquez Dorsch
      Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
       
Frank P. Lanuto     February 9, 2012
Print Name of Employee     Date
       
February 8, 2012      
Date      

 

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Exhibit 10.19

 

hudson highland group executive employment agreement

 

This employment agreement (the “Agreement”), by and between Hudson Highland Group, Inc. (the “Company”) and Mary Jane Raymond (the “Executive”), is amended and restated effective February 7, 2012.

 

WHEREAS, the Company wishes to continue to employ the Executive and the Executive wishes to continue to be employed in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth below.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the conditions and mutual covenants contained in this Agreement, the parties agree as follows:

 

1.            Defined Terms.

 

(a)          Affiliate. The term “Affiliate” means each entity that is required to be included in the Company’s controlled group of corporations within the meaning of Code Section 414(b), or that is under common control with the Company within the meaning of Code Section 414(c); provided that the phrase “at least 50 percent” shall be used in place of the phrase “at least 80 percent” each place it appears therein or in the regulations thereunder.

 

(b)          Code. The term “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, including any amendments thereto or successor tax codes thereof.

 

(c)          Separation from Service. The term “Separation from Service” means an Executive’s termination of employment from the Company and its Affiliates, or if the Executive continues to provide services following his or her termination of employment, such later date as is considered a separation from service, within the meaning of Code Section 409A, from the Company and its Affiliates. Specifically, if Executive continues to provide services to the Company or an Affiliate in a capacity other than as an employee, such shift in status is not automatically a Separation from Service. The Executive will be presumed to have terminated employment from the Company and its Affiliates when the level of bona fide services provided by the Executive (whether as an employee or independent contractor) to the Company and its Affiliates permanently decreases to a level of twenty percent (20%) or less of the level of services rendered by such individual, on average, during the immediately preceding 36 months (or such lesser period of service). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Executive takes a leave of absence for purposes of military leave, sick leave or other bona fide leave of absence, the Executive will not be deemed to have incurred a Separation from Service for the first six (6) months of the leave of absence, or if longer, for so long as the Executive’s right to reemployment is provided either by statute or by contract; provided that if the leave of absence is due to a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or last for a continuous period of not less than six (6) months, where such impairment causes the Executive to be unable to perform the duties of his or her position of employment or any substantially similar position of employment, the leave may be extended for up to twenty-nine (29) months without causing a Termination of Employment.

 

2.          Employment. The Company will employ the Executive and the Executive accepts employment as the Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer. The Executive will perform duties normally associated with such position and/or other duties as may be assigned from time to time during the Term as defined in Section 3 below. The Executive shall perform such duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations and any code of ethics, compliance manual, employee handbook or other policies and procedures adopted by the Company from time to time and subject to any written directives issued by the Company from time to time. The Executive must acknowledge receipt of the Company’s Ethics Policy and confirm that the Executive will comply with the Policy. Failure to confirm compliance annually with the Company’s Ethics Policy will justify termination for cause unless, at the sole discretion of the Board, non-compliance is deemed non-material.

 

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3.            Term of Employment. The Executive's employment under this Agreement will commence on the date hereof and will continue for a period of one (1) year thereafter, subject to earlier termination as provided in Section 8 (the “Term”). This Agreement and the Term will be automatically renewed and extended for periods of one (1) year unless the Company or the Executive provides written notice no less than thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of the then-current Term of its or the Executive’s desire not to renew this Agreement.

 

4.            Scope of Responsibilities and Duties. The Executive agrees to devote the Executive’s full business time, attention, efforts and energies in performance of the Executive’s duties and responsibilities hereunder. While employed by the Company, the Executive may not engage in any employment other than for the Company, in any conflicting business activities, or have any financial interest, directly or indirectly, in any business competing with the Company or otherwise engaged in the business of the Company or its affiliates. The foregoing does not prevent the Executive from (1) serving on the Board of directors of another organization with the consent of the CEO of the Company or (2) passively investing in publicly traded securities; provided such investments do not require services on the part of the Executive which would in any way impair the performance of the Executive’s duties pursuant to this Agreement.

 

5.            Compensation and Benefits. The Company will provide the Executive with the following compensation and benefits during the Term:

 

(a)          The Company will pay the Executive a salary of $375,000 on an annualized basis, payable in accordance with the payroll practices of the Company in effect from time to time, and less such taxes and other deductions required by applicable law or authorized by the Executive (the “Base Salary”).

 

(b)          The Executive will be entitled to accrue paid vacation at the rate of the greater of (i) four (4) weeks plus four (4) personal days per year, or (ii) the vacation allowance as provided under the Company’s vacation plan that applies to similarly situated employees working at the office location at which the Executive is based. In addition, the Company will provide the Executive with other benefits of employment offered, from time to time to similarly situated employees at the office location at which the Executive is based.

 

(c)          The Executive will receive an annual bonus as provided under the Company’s Senior Management Bonus Plan as is in effect from time to time.

 

(d)          The Executive will receive an allowance for housing in New York, in such amounts and with such limitations as agreed to by the parties.

 

6.            Additional Agreements. The Executive’s employment hereunder is further contingent upon the Executive’s simultaneous execution of the Confidentiality, Non-Solicitation and Work Product Assignment Agreement and Mutual Agreement to Arbitrate Claims, which is attached as Attachment A and forms a part of this Agreement.

 

7.            Representations and Warranties. The Executive represents and warrants as follows:

 

(a)          All information, oral and written (including, but not limited to information contained on the Executive’s resume), provided by the Executive during the recruiting and employment process is accurate and true to the best of the Executive’s knowledge, and such information does not include any misleading or untrue statement or omit to state any fact necessary to make the information provided not misleading.

 

(b)          The Executive has never been the subject of any investigation or subject to any disciplinary action by any governmental agency, industry self-regulatory body or other employer.

 

(c)          The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Executive and the Executive’s employment hereunder are not in violation of:

 

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(i)          the terms, including any non-competition, non-disclosure, non-solicitation or confidentiality provisions, of any written or oral agreement, arrangement or understanding to which the Executive is a party or by which the Executive is bound; or

 

(ii)         any United States federal or state statute, rule, regulation, or other law, or any judgment, decree or order applicable or binding upon the Executive.

 

8.            Termination. This Agreement and the Executive’s employment may be terminated prior to the expiration of the Term as follows:

 

(a)          Death. If the Executive dies during the Term, this Agreement shall automatically terminate and the Company shall have no further obligation to the Executive or the Executive’s estate, except to pay the Executive’s estate that portion of the Base Salary earned through the date on which the Executive’s death occurs.

 

(b)          Disability. If the Executive is unable to perform the Executive’s essential job duties and responsibilities due to mental or physical disability for a total of twelve (12) weeks, whether consecutive or not, during any rolling twelve (12) month period, the Company may terminate the Executive’s employment and this Agreement upon five (5) days’ written notice to the Executive. For purposes of this Agreement, the Executive will be considered disabled when the Company, with the advice of a qualified physician, determines that the Executive is physically or mentally incapable (excluding infrequent and temporary absences due to ordinary illness) of performing the Executive’s essential job duties. The Executive shall cooperate with the Company in obtaining the advice of a qualified physician regarding the Executive’s condition. In the event of termination pursuant to this Section 8(b), the Company will be relieved of all obligations under this Agreement, provided that the Company will pay to the Executive that portion of the Base Salary under Section 5(a) which has been earned through the date on which such termination occurs.

 

(c)          Discharge without Cause or Termination on Expiration. The Company may terminate the Executive and this Agreement at any time during the Term for any reason, without Cause (as defined in Section 8(e) below) upon thirty (30) days’ written notice to the Executive. If the Company gives notice of non-renewal of employment within the 30-day period as provided in Section 3, it will be treated as a termination without cause. Upon such termination, the Company will have no further liability to the Executive other than to provide the Executive with (i) that portion of the Base Salary under Section 5(a) earned through the date of the termination, (ii) severance pay in an amount equal to the Executive’s then-current Base Salary, less applicable deductions, for a period of twelve (12) months (the “Severance Period”) following the Executive’s Separation from Service, and (iii) the Company’s portion of the premium for continued coverage under the Company’s group health and dental insurance plan during the Severance Period following the Executive’s termination, provided the Executive applies and remains eligible for such continuation coverage under applicable law, and provided further that the Executive authorizes the Company to deduct only the Executive’s portion of such premiums from the severance payments. It is understood that the period the Company makes such payments will run concurrently with the period of continuation coverage for which the Executive may be eligible under applicable law. The Executive’s receipt of the severance payments and premium payments by the Company set forth in this Section 8(c) are conditioned upon the Executive executing a comprehensive release and waiver agreement and covenant not to sue as provided by the Company at the time of termination. Severance payments will be made in equal installments on dates corresponding with the Company’s regular pay dates during the Severance Period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the severance pay that is payable during the first six (6) months following the Executive’s Separation from Service exceeds two times the lesser of (1) the Executive’s annualized compensation paid by the Company for the calendar year preceding the calendar year in which the Separation from Service occurs (as adjusted for any increase during that year that was expected to continue indefinitely if the Separation from Service had not occurred), or (2) the compensation limit in effect pursuant to Code Section 401(a)(17) for the calendar year in which the Executive’s Separation from Service occurs, then payment of such excess shall be delayed and paid in a lump sum on the first day of the seventh (7th) month following the month in which the Separation from Service occurs, and in such event, the payment shall be accompanied by a payment of interest calculated at the rate of interest announced by the Federal Reserve Board (or any successor thereto) from time to time as the “federal funds rate”, such rate to be determined on the date of the Executive’s termination of employment, compounded quarterly.

 

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(d)          Termination for Cause. The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment and this Agreement at any time during the Term for Cause as defined below. In such case, this Agreement and the Executive’s employment shall terminate immediately and the Company shall have no further obligation to the Executive, except that the Company shall pay to the Executive that portion of the Base Salary under Section 5(a) earned through the date on which such termination occurs.

 

(e)          Definition of Cause. For purposes of this Agreement, Cause shall be defined as:

 

(i)          the willful or negligent failure of the Executive to perform the Executive's duties and obligations in any material respect (other than any failure resulting from Executive's disability), which failure is not cured within fifteen (15) days after receipt of written notice thereof, provided that there shall be no obligation to provide any additional written notice if the Executive's failure to perform is repeated and the Executive has previously received one (1) or more written notices;

 

(ii)         acts of dishonesty or willful misconduct by the Executive with respect to the Company;

 

(iii)        conviction of a felony or violation of any law involving moral turpitude, dishonesty, disloyalty or fraud, or a pleading of guilty or nolo contendere to such charge;

 

(iv)        repeated refusal to perform the reasonable and legal instructions of the Executive's supervisors;

 

(v)         any material breach of this Agreement or Attachment A; or

 

(vi)        failure to confirm compliance with the Company’s Ethics Policy after 10 days’ written notice requesting confirmation.

 

(f)          Resignation. The Executive may voluntarily resign from employment at any time during the Term upon 3 months’ written notice and in compliance with the provisions of Attachment A. In such event, the Company shall be relieved of all its obligations under this Agreement, except that the Company shall pay to the Executive that portion of the Base Salary under Section 5(a) earned through the date on which such resignation is effective subject to any irrevocable deferral election then in effect.

 

(g)          Continuance of Obligations. The Executive remains obligated to comply with the Executive's obligations and duties pursuant to Attachment A despite the termination of this Agreement and the Executive's employment for any reason.

 

(h)          Cooperation. During employment and after the termination of this Agreement and the Executive’s employment for any reason, the Executive agrees to cooperate fully with and at the request of the Company in the defense or prosecution of any legal matter or claim in which the Company, any of its affiliates, or any of their past or present employees, agents, officers, directors, attorneys, successors or assigns, may be or become involved and which arises or arose during the Executive’s employment. The Executive will be reimbursed for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred thereby.

 

(i)          No Disparagement. During and after the termination of this Agreement and the Executive’s employment for any reason, the Executive agrees that, except as may be required by the lawful order of a court or agency of competent jurisdiction, the Executive will not take any action or make any statement or disclosure, written or oral, that is intended or reasonably likely to disparage the Company or any of its affiliates, or any of their past or present employees, officers or directors.

 

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9.            Change in Control. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement to the contrary:

 

(a)          Employment Period. If a Change in Control (as defined below) occurs when the Executive is employed by the Company, the Company will continue thereafter to employ the Executive during the period commencing on the date of a Change in Control and ending on the first anniversary of such date (the “Employment Period”) and thereafter in accordance with Section 3 of this Agreement, and the Executive will remain in the employ of the Company in accordance with and subject to the terms and provisions of this Agreement.

 

(b)          Covered Termination. If there is any termination of the Executive’s employment during the Employment Period (subject to Section 9(e)) by the Executive for Good Reason (as defined below), or by the Company other than by reason of (i) death pursuant to Section 8(a), (ii) disability pursuant to Section 8(b), or (iii) Cause (a “Covered Termination”), then the Executive shall be entitled to receive, and the Company shall promptly pay, that portion of the base salary under Section 5(a) earned through the date of the termination and, in lieu of further base salary for periods following such termination, as liquidated damages and additional severance pay, the Termination Payment pursuant to Section 9(c).

 

(c)          Termination Payment.

 

(i)          The “Termination Payment” shall be an amount equal to (A) the Executive’s annual base salary immediately prior to the termination of the Executive’s employment plus (B) the Executive’s target annual bonus under the Company’s Senior Management Bonus Plan for the year in which the termination of the Executive’s employment occurs. The Termination Payment shall be paid to the Executive in cash equivalent on the first day of the seventh (7th) month following the month in which the Separation from Service occurs, and in such event, the Termination Payment shall be accompanied by a payment of interest calculated using the annual rate of interest announced by the Federal Reserve Board (or any successor thereto) from time to time as the “federal funds rate”, such rate to be determined on the date of the Executive’s termination of employment, compounded quarterly. Such lump sum payment shall not be reduced by any present value or similar factor, and the Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of the Termination Payment by securing other employment or otherwise, nor will such Termination Payment be reduced by reason of the Executive securing other employment or for any other reason. The Termination Payment shall be in lieu of, and acceptance by the Executive of the Termination Payment shall constitute the Executive’s release of any rights of the Executive to, any other cash severance payments under any Company severance policy, practice or agreement.

 

(ii)         Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if any portion of the Termination Payment or any other payment under this Agreement, or under any other agreement with or plan of the Company or its Affiliates (in the aggregate, “Total Payments”), would constitute an “excess parachute payment” and would, but for this Section 9(c)(ii), result in the imposition on the Executive of an excise tax under Code Section 4999 (the “Excise Tax”), then the Total Payments to be made to the Executive shall either be (A) delivered in full, or (B) delivered in the greatest amount such that no portion of such Total Payment would be subject to the Excise Tax, whichever of the foregoing results in the receipt by the Executive of the greatest benefit on an after-tax basis (taking into account the applicable federal, state and local income taxes and the Excise Tax).

 

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(iii)        Within forty (40) days following a Covered Termination or notice by the Company to the Executive of its belief that there is a payment or benefit due the Executive which will result in an “excess parachute payment”, the Executive and the Company, at the Company’s expense, shall obtain the opinion (which need not be unqualified) of nationally recognized tax counsel (“National Tax Counsel”) selected by the Company and reasonably acceptable to the Executive (which may be regular outside counsel to the Company), which opinion sets forth (A) the amount of the Base Period Income, (B) the amount and present value of Total Payments, (C) the amount and present value of any excess parachute payments determined without regard to any reduction of the Total Payments pursuant to Section 9(c)(ii), and (D) the net after-tax proceeds to the Executive, taking into account the tax imposed under Code Section 4999 if (X) the Total Payments were reduced in accordance with Section 9(c)(ii) or (Y) the Total Payments were not so reduced. If such National Tax Counsel opinion determines that Section 9(c)(ii)(B) above applies, then the Termination Payment hereunder or any other payment or benefit determined by such counsel to be includable in Total Payments shall be reduced or eliminated so that under the bases of calculations set forth in such opinion there will be no excess parachute payment. In such event, payments or benefits included in the Total Payments shall be reduced or eliminated by applying the following principles, in order: (1) the payment or benefit with the higher ratio of the parachute payment value to present economic value (determined using reasonable actuarial assumptions) shall be reduced or eliminated before a payment or benefit with a lower ratio; (2) the payment or benefit with the later possible payment date shall be reduced or eliminated before a payment or benefit with an earlier payment date; and (3) cash payments shall be reduced prior to non-cash benefits; provided that if the foregoing order of reduction or elimination would violate Code Section 409A, then the reduction shall be made pro rata among the payments or benefits included in the Total Payments (on the basis of the relative present value of the parachute payments). For purposes of such opinion, the value of any noncash benefits or any deferred payment or benefit shall be determined by the Company’s independent auditors in accordance with the principles of Section 280G(d)(3) and (4) (or any successor provisions) of the Code, which determination shall be evidenced in a certificate of such auditors addressed to the Company and the Executive. The opinion of National Tax Counsel shall be addressed to the Company and the Executive and shall be binding upon the Company and the Executive. If such National Tax Counsel so requests in connection with the opinion required by this Section 9(c)(iii), the Executive and the Company shall obtain, at the Company’s expense, and the National Tax Counsel may rely on, the advice of a firm of recognized executive compensation consultants as to the reasonableness of any item of compensation to be received by the Executive solely with respect to its status under Section 280G of the Code and the regulations thereunder.

 

(iv) For purposes of this Agreement, (A) the terms “excess parachute payment” and “parachute payments” shall have the meanings assigned to them in Section 280G (or any successor provision) of the Code and such “parachute payments” shall be valued as provided therein; (B) present value shall be calculated in accordance with Section 280G(d)(4) (or any successor provision) of the Code; and (C) the Executive shall be deemed to pay federal income tax and employment taxes at the Executive’s actual marginal rate of federal income and employment taxation, and state and local income taxes at the Executive’s actual marginal rate of taxation in the state or locality of the Executive’s domicile (determined in both cases in the calendar year in which the termination of employment or notice described in Section 9(c)(iii) above is given, whichever is earlier), net of the maximum reduction in federal income taxes that may be obtained from the deduction of such state and local taxes. As used in this Agreement, the term “Base Period Income” means an amount equal to the Executive’s “annualized includable compensation for the base period” as defined in Section 280G(d)(1) (or any successor provision) of the Code.

 

(v)         The Company agrees to bear all costs associated with, and to indemnify and hold harmless, the National Tax Counsel of and from any and all claims, damages, and expenses resulting from or relating to its determinations pursuant to this Section 9(c), except for claims, damages or expenses resulting from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such firm.

 

(vi)        This Section 9(c) shall be amended to comply with any amendment or successor provision to Sections 280G or 4999 of the Code. If such provisions are repealed without successor, then this Section 9(c) shall be cancelled without further effect.

 

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(d)          Additional Benefits. If there is a Covered Termination and the Executive is entitled to the Termination Payment, then (i) until the earlier of the end of the Employment Period or such time as the Executive has obtained new employment and is covered by benefits which in the aggregate are at least equal in value to the following benefits, the Executive shall continue to be covered, at the expense of the Company, by the same or equivalent health and dental coverage as the Executive was covered by immediately prior to the termination of the Executive’s employment and such coverage shall count as COBRA continuation coverage, and (ii) the Company shall bear up to $15,000 in the aggregate during the lifetime of the Executive of fees and expenses of consultants and/or legal or accounting advisors engaged by the Executive to advise the Executive as to matters relating to the computation of benefits due and payable under Section 9(c).

 

(e)          Anticipatory Termination. Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, if a Change in Control occurs and if the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated (other than a termination due to the Executive’s death or as a result of the Executive’s disability) during the period of 180 days prior to the date on which the Change in Control occurs, and if it is reasonably demonstrated by the Executive that such termination of employment (i) was at the request of a third party who has taken steps reasonably calculated to effect a Change in Control or (ii) otherwise arose in connection with or in anticipation of a Change in Control, then for all purposes of this Section 9 such termination of employment shall be deemed a “Covered Termination” and the “Employment Period” shall be deemed to have begun on the date of such termination.

 

(f)          Expenses and Interest. If, after a Change in Control of the Company, (i) a dispute arises with respect to the enforcement of the Executive’s rights under this Agreement or (ii) any legal or arbitration proceeding shall be brought to enforce or interpret any provision contained herein or to recover damages for breach hereof, in either case so long as the Executive is not acting in bad faith, then the Company shall reimburse the Executive for any reasonable attorneys’ fees and necessary costs and disbursements incurred by the Executive during his or her lifetime as a result of the dispute, legal or arbitration proceeding (“Expenses”), and prejudgment interest on any money judgment or arbitration award obtained by the Executive calculated at the rate of interest announced by The Bank of New York, from time to time at its prime or base lending rate from the date that payments to him or her should have been made under this Agreement. Within ten days after the Executive’s written request therefor, the Company shall pay to the Executive, or such other person or entity as the Executive may designate in writing to the Company, the Executive’s reasonable Expenses in advance of the final disposition or conclusion of any such dispute, legal or arbitration proceeding. Any reimbursements provided hereunder shall be made promptly (but not later than the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the legal fees or expenses were incurred by the Executive) following the receipt by the Company of a written notice from the Executive requesting such reimbursement, accompanied by documentation substantiating the amount of such fees and expenses.

 

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(g)          Definition of Change in Control. For purposes hereof, a “Change in Control” shall be deemed to occur on the first to occur of any one of the following events: (a) the consummation of a consolidation, merger, share exchange or reorganization involving the Company, unless such consolidation, merger, share exchange or reorganization is a “Non-Control Transaction” (as defined below); (b) the stockholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company or an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all, or substantially all, of the assets of the Company (in one transaction or a series of related transactions within any period of 24 consecutive months), other than a sale or disposition by the Company of all, or substantially all, of the Company’s assets to an entity at least 75% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of which are owned by stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the Company immediately prior to such sale; (c) any person (as such term is used in Section 13(d) and 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) (other than (1) the Company, (2) any subsidiary of the Company, (3) a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under any employee benefit plan (or any trust forming a part thereof) maintained by the Company or any subsidiary or (4) a corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock in the Company) is or becomes the beneficial owner (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company (not including in the securities beneficially owned by such person any securities acquired directly from the Company after the date hereof pursuant to express authorization by the Board that refers to this exception) representing more than 20% of the then outstanding shares of Common Stock or the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding voting securities; or (d) the following individuals cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the number of directors then serving: individuals who, as of the date hereof, constitute the entire Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) and any new director (other than a director whose initial assumption of office is in connection with an actual or threatened election contest) whose appointment or election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved or recommended by a vote of at least two-thirds of the directors then still in office who either were directors on the date hereof or whose appointment, election or nomination for election was previously so approved or recommended. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no “Change in Control” shall be deemed to have occurred if there is consummated any transaction or series of integrated transactions immediately following which the record holders of the Common Stock immediately prior to such transaction or series of transactions continue to have substantially the same proportionate ownership in an entity that owns all or substantially all of the assets or voting securities of the Company immediately following such transaction or series of transactions. A “Non-Control Transaction” shall mean a consolidation, merger, share exchange or reorganization of the Company where (a) the stockholders of the Company immediately before such consolidation, merger, share exchange or reorganization beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the then outstanding shares of common stock and the combined voting power of the outstanding voting securities of the corporation resulting from such consolidation, merger, share exchange or reorganization (the “Surviving Corporation”); (b) the individuals who were members of the Board immediately prior to the execution of the agreement providing for such consolidation, merger, share exchange or reorganization constitute at least 50% of the members of the board of directors of the Surviving Corporation; and (c) no person (other than (1) the Company, (2) any subsidiary of the Company or (3) any employee benefit plan (or any trust forming a part thereof) maintained by the Company, the Surviving Corporation or any subsidiary) is or becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company (not including in the securities beneficially owned by such person any securities acquired directly from the Company after the date hereof pursuant to express authorization by the Board that refers to this exception) representing more than 20% of the then outstanding shares of the common stock of the Surviving Corporation or the combined voting power of the Surviving Corporation’s then outstanding voting securities.

 

(h)          Good Reason. The Executive shall have “Good Reason” for termination of employment in connection with a Change in Control of the Company in the event of:

 

(i)          any breach of this Agreement by the Company, other than an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent failure not occurring in bad faith that the Company remedies promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by the Executive;

 

(ii)         any reduction in the Executive’s base salary, percentage of base salary available as incentive compensation or bonus opportunity or benefits, in each case relative to those most favorable to the Executive in effect at any time during the 180-day period prior to the Change in Control;

 

(iii)        the removal of the Executive from, or any failure to reelect or reappoint the Executive to, any of the positions held with the Company on the date of the Change in Control or any other positions with the Company to which the Executive shall thereafter be elected, appointed or assigned, except in the event that such removal or failure to reelect or reappoint relates to the termination by the Company of the Executive’s employment for Cause or by reason of disability pursuant to Section 8(b);

 

(iv)        a good faith determination by the Executive that there has been a material adverse change, without the Executive’s written consent, in the Executive’s working conditions or status with the Company relative to the most favorable working conditions or status in effect during the 180-day period prior to the Change in Control, including but not limited to (A) a significant change in the nature or scope of the Executive’s authority, powers, functions, duties or responsibilities, or (B) a significant reduction in the level of support services, staff, secretarial and other assistance, office space and accoutrements, but in each case excluding for this purpose an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent event not occurring in bad faith that the Company remedies within ten (10) days after receipt of notice thereof given by the Executive;

 

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(v)         the relocation of the Executive’s principal place of employment to a location more than 50 miles from the Executive’s principal place of employment on the date 180 days prior to the Change in Control; or

 

(vi)        the Company requires the Executive to travel on Company business 20% in excess of the average number of days per month the Executive was required to travel during the 180-day period prior to the Change in Control.

 

(i)          Funding of Rabbi Trust. Upon a Change in Control, the Company (or its successor) shall transfer to an irrevocable rabbi trust (to the extent not prohibited by Code Section 409A) an amount in cash, determined on an undiscounted basis, which will be sufficient to fund the Company’s obligations under Section 9(c).

 

10.         Severability. Whenever possible, each portion, provision or section of this Agreement will be interpreted in such a way as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any portion, provision or section of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect any other portions, provisions or sections. Rather, this Agreement will be reformed, construed and enforced as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable portion, provision or section had never been contained herein.

 

11.         Complete Agreement. This Agreement, including Attachment A, contains the complete agreement and understanding between the parties and supersedes and preempts any prior understanding, agreement or representation by or between the parties, written or oral.

 

12.         Additional Rights and Causes of Action. This Agreement, including Attachment A, is in addition to and does not in any way waive or detract from any rights or causes of action the Company may have relating to Confidential Information or other protectable information or interests under statutory or common law or under any other agreement.

 

13.         Governing Law. Notwithstanding principles of conflicts of law of any jurisdiction to the contrary, all terms and provisions to this Agreement are to be construed and governed by the laws of the State of New York without regard to the laws of any other jurisdiction in which the Executive resides or performs any duties hereunder or where any violation of this Agreement occurs.

 

14.         Successors and Assigns. This Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Company and its successors and assigns. The Executive may not assign the Executive’s rights or delegate the Executive’s obligations hereunder.

 

15.         Waivers. The waiver by either the Executive or the Company of a breach by the other party of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach by the breaching party.

 

16.         Withholding. The Company shall be entitled to withhold from amounts to be paid to the Executive hereunder any federal, state or local withholding or other taxes or charges which it is from time to time required to withhold. The Company shall be entitled to rely on an opinion of nationally recognized tax counsel if any question as to the amount or requirement of any such withholding shall arise. In addition, if prior to the date of distribution of any amount hereunder, the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) tax imposed under Code Sections 3101, 3121(a) and 3121(v)(2), where applicable, becomes due, a payment will be made to the Executive from the cash payments otherwise owing hereunder (without regard to the six-month delay if Executive) equal to the amount needed to pay the Executive’s portion of such tax, as well as withholding taxes resulting therefrom (including the additional taxes attributable to the pyramiding of such distributions and taxes), and any subsequent payment shall be reduced accordingly.

 

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17.         Interpretation. This Agreement shall be construed and interpreted in a manner that will cause any payment hereunder that is considered deferred compensation and that is not exempt from Code Section 409A to meet the requirements thereof such that no additional tax will be due under Code Section 409A on such payment.

 

18.         Application of Code Section 409A. The Executive acknowledges that to avoid an additional tax on payments that may be payable under this Agreement and that constitute deferred compensation that is not exempt from Code Section 409A, the Executive must make a reasonable, good faith effort to collect any payment or benefit to which Executive believes he or she is entitled hereunder no later than ninety (90) days of the latest date upon which the payment could under this Agreement could have been timely paid pursuant to Code Section 409A, and if not paid or provided, take further enforcement measures within 180 days after such latest date.

 

THE COMPANY AND THE EXECUTIVE ACKNOWLEDGE THAT (A) EACH HAS CAREFULLY READ THIS AGREEMENT, (B) EACH UNDERSTANDS ITS TERMS, (C) ALL UNDERSTANDINGS AND AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND THE EXECUTIVE RELATING TO THE SUBJECTS COVERED IN THE AGREEMENT ARE CONTAINED IN IT, AND (D) EACH HAS ENTERED INTO THIS AGREEMENT VOLUNTARILY AND NOT IN RELIANCE ON ANY PROMISES OR REPRESENTATIONS BY THE OTHER, OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS AGREEMENT ITSELF.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement.

 

      Hudson Highland Group, Inc.
       
/s/    MARY JANE RAYMOND      By:        /s/    MANUEL MARQUEZ DORSCH
Signature of Executive     Manuel Marquez Dorsch
      Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
       
Mary Jane Raymond      
Print Name      

 

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Attachment A

CONFIDENTIALITY, NON-SOLICITATION

AND WORK PRODUCT ASSIGNMENT AGREEMENT,

AND MUTUAL AGREEMENT TO ARBITRATE CLAIMS

 

As a material inducement to and in consideration of his/her employment by Hudson Highland Group, Inc. and/or its affiliates or successors (individually and collectively, “HHG”), 1 Mary Jane Raymond (the “Employee”) agrees as follows:

 

1.           Confidential Information

 

1.1           Definition.

 

“Confidential Information” consists of all information or data relating to the business of HHG, including but not limited to, business and financial information; new product development and technological data; personnel information and the identities of employees; the identities of clients and suppliers and prospective clients and suppliers; client lists and potential client lists; development, expansion and business strategies, plans and techniques; computer programs, devices, methods, techniques, processes and inventions; research and development activities; trade secrets as defined by applicable law and other materials (whether in written, graphic, audio, visual, electronic or other media, including computer software) developed by or on behalf of HHG which is not generally known to the public, which HHG has and will take precautions to maintain as confidential, and which derives at least a portion of its value to HHG from its confidentiality. Additionally, Confidential Information includes information of any third party doing business with HHG (actively or prospectively) that HHG or such third party identifies as being confidential. Confidential Information does not include any information that is in the public domain or otherwise publicly available (other than as a result of a wrongful act by the Employee or an agent or other employee of HHG).

 

1.2           Agreement to Maintain the Confidentiality of Confidential Information.

 

The Employee acknowledges that, as a result of his/her employment by HHG, he/she will have access to such Confidential Information and to additional Confidential Information which may be developed in the future. The Employee acknowledges that all Confidential Information is the exclusive property of HHG, or in the case of Confidential Information of a third party, of such third party. The Employee agrees to hold all Confidential Information in trust for the benefit of the owner of such Confidential Information. The Employee further agrees that he/she will use Confidential Information for the sole purpose of performing his/her work for HHG, and that during his/her employment with HHG, and at all times after the termination of that employment for any reason, the Employee will not use for his/her benefit, or the benefit of others, or divulge or convey to any third party any Confidential Information obtained by the Employee during his/her employment by HHG, unless it is pursuant to HHG’s prior written permission.

 

1.3           Return of Property.

 

The Employee acknowledges that he/she has not acquired and will not acquire any right, title or interest in any Confidential Information or any portion thereof. The Employee agrees that upon termination of his/her employment for any reason, he/she will deliver to HHG immediately, but in no event later that the last day of his/her employment, all documents, data, computer hardware, computer programs and all other materials, and all copies thereof, including but not limited to copies of data in electronic form such as disks, tape or media cards, that were obtained or made by the Employee during his/her employment with HHG, which contain or relate to Confidential Information and will destroy all electronically stored versions of the foregoing. The Employee retains the right to retrieve and retain personal information.

 

 

1 Any reference in this Agreement to HHG will be a reference also to each of its officers, directors, employees and agents, all subsidiary and affiliated entities, all benefit plans and benefit plans’ sponsors and administrators, fiduciaries, affiliates, and all successors and assigns of any of them. 

 

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2.           Disclosure and Assignment of Inventions and Creative Works

 

The Employee agrees to promptly disclose in writing to HHG all inventions, ideas, discoveries, developments, improvements and innovations (collectively “Inventions”), whether or not patentable and all copyrightable works, including but not limited to computer software designs and programs (“Creative Works”) conceived, made or developed by the Employee, whether solely or together with others, during the period the Employee is employed by HHG. The Employee agrees that all Inventions and all Creative Works, whether or not conceived or made during working hours, that: (a) relate directly to the business of HHG or its actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development, or (b) result from the Employee’s work for HHG, or (c) involve the use of any equipment, supplies, facilities, Confidential Information, or time of HHG, are the exclusive property of HHG. The Employee hereby assigns and agrees to assign all right, title and interest in and to all such Inventions and Creative Works to HHG. The Employee understands that he/she is not required to assign to HHG any Invention or Creative Work for which no equipment, supplies, facilities, Confidential Information or time of HHG was used, unless such Invention or Creative Work relates directly to HHG’s business or actual or demonstrably anticipated research and development, or results from any work performed by the Employee for HHG.

 

3.           Future Restrictions and Notice

 

3.1           Non-Solicitation of Clients.

 

During the period of the Employee’s employment with HHG and for a period of one year from the date of termination of such employment for any reason, the Employee agrees that he/she will not, directly or indirectly, for the Employee’s benefit or on behalf of any person, corporation, partnership or entity whatsoever, call on, solicit, perform services for, interfere with or endeavor to entice away from HHG any client to whom HHG provides services at any time during the 12 month period proceeding the date of termination of the Employee’s employment with HHG, or any prospective client to whom HHG had made a presentation at any time during the 12 month period preceding the date of termination of Employee’s employment with HHG.

 

3.2           Non-Solicitation of Employees.

 

For a period of one year after the date of termination of Employee’s employment with HHG for any reason, the Employee agrees that he/she will not, directly or indirectly, hire, attempt to hire, solicit for employment or encourage the departure of any employee of HHG, to leave employment with HHG, or any individual who was employed by HHG as of the last day of the Employee’s employment with HHG.

 

3.3           Notice to New Employer

 

For a period of one year after the date of termination of Employee’s employment with HHG for any reason, the Employee agrees that he/she will bring the terms of this agreement to the attention of his/her new employer.

 

4.           Agreement to Arbitrate

 

4.1           Acknowledgment.

 

HHG and the Employee (together the “Parties”) further recognize that differences may arise between either of them after or during Employee's employment with HHG.

 

The Parties understand and agree that by entering into this agreement to arbitrate claims, each anticipates gaining the benefit of arbitration as a speedy, impartial dispute-resolution procedure, and understands and agrees that both are voluntarily consenting to forego other types of litigation, except as specifically listed below in Section 4.2. Employee acknowledges that his/her agreement to submit to arbitration as described in this Agreement is in consideration of and is a material inducement to his/her employment by HHG.

 

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4.2           Claims Covered by this Agreement.

 

HHG and Employee mutually consent to the resolution by arbitration of all claims or controversies (tort, contract or statutory), whether or not arising out of Employee’s employment (or its termination), that HHG may have against Employee or that Employee may have against HHG ("claims"). The claims covered by this Agreement include, but are not limited to, claims for wages, bonuses, overtime pay, or other compensation due; claims for breach of any contract or covenant (express or implied); tort claims, including but not limited to, defamation, wrongful termination, invasion of privacy and intentional infliction of emotional distress; claims for discrimination (including, but not limited to, race, sex, religion, national origin, age, marital status, or medical condition or disability), harassment and/or retaliation; claims for benefits or the monetary equivalent of benefits (except where an employee benefit or pension plan specifies that its claims procedure is subject to an arbitration procedure different from this one); and claims for violation of any federal, state, or other governmental law, statute, regulation, or ordinance, except claims excluded in the following Section 4.3.

 

4.3           Claims Not Covered by the Agreement.

 

Claims not covered by this Agreement include claims that Employee may have now or in the future for workers’ compensation or unemployment benefits. Also not covered are claims by HHG based on criminal acts of Employee, and claims for injunctive or other equitable relief for: (a) breach or threatened breach of any non-competition, non-solicitation, confidentiality and/or patent or invention assignment agreements; (b) unfair competition; or (c) the misappropriation, use and/or unauthorized disclosure of trade secrets or confidential information, as to each of which Employee understands and agrees that HHG may immediately seek and obtain relief from a court of competent jurisdiction.

 

4.4           Required Notice of All Claims and Statute of Limitations.

 

The Parties agree that each must deliver written notice of any claim to the other party within one (1) year of the date the aggrieved party first has knowledge of the event giving rise to the claim; otherwise the claim will be void and deemed waived, even if there is a federal or state statute of limitations which would have given more time to pursue the claim.

 

4.5           Arbitration Procedures.

 

HHG and Employee agree that, except as provided in this Agreement, any arbitration shall be in accordance with the then-current employment dispute rules of the American Arbitration Association ("AAA").

 

The arbitrator shall render a written award and opinion in the form typically rendered in arbitrations. The award shall be final and binding.

 

4.6           Arbitration Fees and Costs.

 

HHG will pay the reasonable fees and costs of the arbitrator. HHG and Employee will each pay its and his/her costs and attorneys’ fees, if any. However, if either Party prevails on a statutory claim that affords the prevailing party attorneys’ fees, the arbitrator may award reasonable fees to the prevailing Party.

 

4.7           Requirements for Modification or Revocation.

 

This Agreement to arbitrate shall survive the termination of Employee’s employment. It may only be revoked or modified by a writing signed by the parties which specifically states an intent to revoke or modify this Agreement.

 

4.8           Sole and Entire Agreement.

 

This is the complete agreement of the parties on the subject of arbitration of disputes except for any arbitration agreement in connection with any pension or benefit plan. This Agreement supersedes any prior or contemporaneous oral or written understanding on the subject. Employee is not relying on any representations, oral or written, on the subject of the effect, enforceability or meaning of this Agreement, except as specifically set forth in this Agreement.

 

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4.9           Construction.

 

If any provision, portion or section of this Agreement is judged to be void or otherwise unenforceable, in whole or in part, such judgment will not affect the validity of the remainder of this Agreement.

 

4.10         Not an Employment Agreement.

 

This Agreement is not, and shall not be construed to create, any contract of employment or guarantee of employment for any specific time or under any specific terms or conditions., express or implied, and each of the Parties remains free to terminate the employment relationship at any time, for any reason or no reason, with or without notice, reason, or cause.

 

5.           Miscellaneous

 

5.1           Enforcement.

 

If, at the time of enforcement of this Agreement, a court holds that any of the restrictions stated herein are unreasonable under circumstances then existing, the parties hereto agree that the maximum period, scope or geographical area deemed reasonable under such circumstances will be substituted for the stated period, scope or area as contained in this Agreement. Because money damages would be an inadequate remedy for any breach of the Employee’s obligations under this Agreement, in the event the Employee breaches or threatens to breach this Agreement, HHG, or any successors or assigns, may, in addition to other rights and remedies existing in its favor, apply to any court of competent jurisdiction for specific performance, or injunctive or other equitable relief in order to enforce or prevent any violations of this Agreement.

 

5.2           Severability.

 

Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement will be interpreted in such a way as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under my applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect any other provisions, but this Agreement and/or such provision will be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein.

 

5.3           Complete Agreement.

 

This Agreement contains the complete agreement and understanding between the parties and supersedes and preempts any prior understanding, agreement or representation by or between the parties, written or oral, relating to the subject matter contained herein.

 

5.4           Additional Rights and Causes of Action.

 

This Agreement is in addition to and does not in any way waive or detract from any rights or causes of action HHG may have relating to Confidential Information or other protectable information or interests under statutory or common law or under any other agreement.

 

5.5           Governing Law.

 

Notwithstanding principles of conflicts of law of any jurisdiction to the contrary, all terms and provisions to this Agreement are to be construed and governed by the laws of the State of New York without regard to the laws of any other jurisdiction wherein the Employee resides or performs any duties hereunder or where any violation of this Agreement occurs. Any arbitration or mediation will take place in the City of New York, New York. The venue for any litigation permitted by this Agreement will be the state and municipal courts located in the City of New York, New York and the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.

 

4
 

 

5.6           Successors and Assigns.

 

The Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by HHG and its successors and assigns. The Employee may not assign the Employee’s rights or delegate the Employee’s obligations hereunder.

 

5.7           Waivers.

 

The waiver by either the Employee or HHG of a breach by the other party of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach by the breaching party.

 

HHG AND EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGE THAT (A) EACH HAS CAREFULLY READ THIS AGREEMENT, (B) EACH UNDERSTANDS ITS TERMS, (C) ALL UNDERSTANDINGS AND AGREEMENTS BETWEEN HHG AND EMPLOYEE RELATING TO THE SUBJECTS COVERED IN THE AGREEMENT ARE CONTAINED IN IT, AND (D) EACH HAS ENTERED INTO THIS AGREEMENT VOLUNTARILY AND NOT IN RELIANCE ON ANY PROMISES OR REPRESENTATIONS BY THE OTHER, OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS AGREEMENT ITSELF.

 

EMPLOYEE FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT HE/SHE HAS BEEN GIVEN SUFFICIENT TIME AND OPPORTUNITY TO CONSIDER WHETHER TO SIGN THIS AGREEMENT; AND HAS NOT BEEN FORCED OR COERCED INTO DOING SO.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Confidentiality Agreement and Mutual Agreement to Arbitrate Claims.

 

      HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC.
       
/s/    MARY JANE RAYMOND      By:        /s/    MANUEL MARQUEZ DORSCH
Signature of Employee     Manuel Marquez Dorsch
      Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
       
Mary Jane Raymond     February 9, 2012
Print Name of Employee     Date
       
February 7, 2012      
Date      

 

5

 

 

Exhibit 21 

 

List of Significant Subsidiaries of Hudson Highland Group, Inc.

 

Hudson Highland Group, Inc.’s significant subsidiaries as of December 31, 2011 are listed below. All other subsidiaries, if considered in the aggregate as a single subsidiary, would not constitute a significant subsidiary.

 

           
     State or jurisdiction    Percentage   

Subsidiary

 

of incorporation

 

owned

 
Hudson Global Resources Management, Inc.     Pennsylvania   100 %
Hudson Highland Group Holdings International, Inc.     Delaware   100 %
James Botrie and Associates, Inc.   Canada   100 %
Hudson Global Resources Limited   United Kingdom   100 %
Hudson Global Resources (Aust) Pty Limited   Australia   100 %
Hudson Global Resources (NZ) Ltd     New Zealand   100 %
Hudson Global Resources S.A.S.     France   100 %
Hudson Global Resources S.L.     Spain   100 %
Hudson Global Resources Madrid S.L.     Spain   100 %
HH Global Resources A.B.     Sweden   100 %
Hudson Global Resources (Singapore) Pte Limited   Singapore   100 %
Hudson Global Resources Hong Kong Limited   Hong Kong   100 %
Hudson Recruitment Shanghai Limited   China   100 %
Hudson Global Resources LLC   Ukraine   100 %
Hudson Global Resources s.r.o   Czech Republic   100 %
Hudson Global Resources Sp.Zo.O   Poland   100 %
Hudson Global Resources s.r.o.     Slovakia   100 %
Balance Ervaring op Projectbasis B.V.     Netherlands   100 %
Hudson Belgium SA NV     Belgium   100 %
Hudson Luxembourg S.A.     Luxembourg   100 %
Hudson Europe BV   Netherlands   100 %
Hudson Netherlands B.V.     Netherlands   100 %
Hudson Global Resources (Dubai) Limited   United Arab Emirates   100 %

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 23

 

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

 

Hudson Highland Group, Inc.:

 

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements on Form S-3 (No. 333-163605), Form S-4 (No. 333-119563) and Form S-8 (Nos. 333-104209, 333-104210, 333-104212, 333-117005, 333-117006, 333-126915, 333-161170, 333-161171 and 333-176007) of Hudson Highland Group, Inc. of our reports dated February 28, 2012, with respect to the consolidated balance sheets of Hudson Highland Group, Inc. as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2011, and the financial statement schedules included in Item 15 of Form 10-K for the three-year period ended December 31, 2011, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, which reports appear in the December 31, 2011 annual report on Form 10-K of Hudson Highland Group, Inc.

 

/s/ KPMG LLP

 

New York, New York

 

February 28, 2012

 

Exhibit 31.1

 

CERTIFICATIONS

 

I, Manuel Marquez Dorsch, certify that:

 

1.I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Hudson Highland Group, Inc.;

 

2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that materialinformation relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

d)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

 

a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Dated: February 28, 2012       /s/ MANUEL MARQUEZ DORSCH
       

Manuel Marquez Dorsch

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

         
 

 

Exhibit 31.2

 

CERTIFICATIONS

 

I, Mary Jane Raymond, certify that:

 

1.I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Hudson Highland Group, Inc.;

 

2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

d)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

 

a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Dated: February 28, 2012       /s/ MARY JANE RAYMOND        
       

Mary Jane Raymond

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

         
 

 

 

 

 

  Exhibit 32.1

 

Written Statement of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to

Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

Solely for the purposes of complying with 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, I, the undersigned Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Hudson Highland Group, Inc. (the “Company”), hereby certify, based on my knowledge, that the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2011 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

/s/    MANUEL MARQUEZ DORSCH  

Manuel Marquez Dorsch

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

February 28, 2012

 

 

  

Exhibit 32.2

 

Written Statement of the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to

Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

Solely for the purposes of complying with 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, I, the undersigned Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Hudson Highland Group, Inc. (the “Company”), hereby certify, based on my knowledge, that the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2011 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

   
/s/    MARY JANE RAYMOND          

Mary Jane Raymond

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

February 28, 2012