Job board Monster Worldwide agreed to sell its Asia Pacific business in order to “double down” its focus on North America and Europe. The company plans to sell its business in India, South East Asia and the Middle East to India-based staffing firm Quess Corp Ltd. The deal values Monster’s Asia Pacific operations at $14 million, according to a filing with the BSE stock exchange.

The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter. The Monster leadership team will remain.

Monster’s Asia Pacific operation had revenue of $26 million in 2016, according to the filing.

The APAC operations will continue to operate as a separate and independent entity under the Monster name within Quess, subject to a licensing agreement from Monster Worldwide. The majority of Monster's employees in the region will transfer to the new organization, with the exception of those at the Technology Centre in Kuala Lumpur, and, in India, some tech and product employees as well as a strategic US outbound sales team in India who will be retained.

Randstad Holding nv acquired Monster Worldwide Inc. in November 2016.

“We are pleased we found a partner in Quess that will continue to nourish the brand and grow this business while allowing us to put a dedicated focus on growing our businesses in North America and Europe,” Monster Worldwide CFO Robert Gibney said. “The divestment is a portfolio decision that now allows us to do more in our core markets while maintaining the brand awareness in the region — making this a win-win for all.”