Executive search firm Korn Ferry International Inc. (NYSE: KFY) completed its acquisition of Hay Group, a Philadelphia-based human resource consultancy, for approximately $452 million.

Korn Ferry announced the deal in September. Terms included approximately $252 million in cash and $200 million in Korn Ferry stock.

“We need a new conversation on people,” Korn Ferry CEO Gary Burnison said. “Never before has there been so much pressure on organizations to succeed. Yet by not applying the same rigor to their people strategy as they do in other areas of their business, organizations largely ignore their greatest lever for success.”

About 80% of Hay’s business is outside the US. About half its business is in strategy implementation, organizational design, organizational performance, engagement, culture shaping and leadership. The other half is in compensation and rewards.

The two firms combined number nearly 7,000 professionals.

Korn Ferry now serves clients through three business lines: executive search; Hay Group, which now includes Korn Ferry’s former leadership and talent consulting segment; and Futurestep, which provides recruitment process outsourcing and other services.