Fourth-quarter revenue at Randstad Holding nv rose 7% on an organic basis — which excludes the impact of currency acquisitions and divestitures. Gross margin improved to 18.9%, and the company reported global MSP spend under management rose 14% and global RPO revenue rose 22%.

North America revenue rose 4% on an organic basis in the fourth quarter. Revenue in Randstad’s second-largest market, Netherlands, rose 9%.

Randstad had announced earlier this month it had completed its acquisition of Swedish staffing firm Proffice AB.

Quote

“The dedication and commitment of our people resulted in a solid fourth quarter, in which we are pleased to see our top line accelerating in Europe,” Randstad CEO Jacques van den Broek said. “I am proud that, given the ongoing uncertain macro environment, we have achieved a 4.5% EBITA margin in 2015, in line with our guidance. Furthermore, we welcome all employees of the Proffice Group to Randstad and look forward to creating a leading player in the Nordics. Lastly, we have strengthened the continuity agreement with our founder Frits Goldschmeding, safeguarding the heritage and the values bestowed on us, now and in the future.”

Revenue by geography

Growth rates below are organic:

North America

• US revenue rose 5% on an organic basis in the fourth quarter. Randstad Sourceright North America reported net fee growth of 16%. Canadian revenue fell 2% organically.

United Kingdom

• In the United Kingdom, revenue per working day was down 4% compared to the previous year.

Netherlands

• Revenue was up 9% organically over the same quarter in the prior year. Overall perm fee growth was 3%. Staffing and inhouse businesses grew 7% with growth impacted by price pressure. The professionals staffing business was up 21%.

France

• Revenue accelerated, with growth of 10%. Staffing and inhouse revenue increased 10% with automotive and construction improving.

Germany

• Revenue per working day was up 1% over the same quarter in the prior year.

Belgium & Luxembourg

• Revenue per working day grew by 6%.

Other European countries

• Revenue per working day grew by 13%. This was supported by solid growth continuing in Italy, which was up 19%. In Poland, revenue growth increased 10%. Revenue in the Swiss business was up 3% year-on-year ahead of a difficult market. In the Nordics, revenue growth was 7% higher.

Rest of world

• Overall revenue growth compared to the same quarter in the prior year was up 7%, Japan grew at 1% while Australia/New Zealand revenue rose by 5%. Latin American revenue was up 15%.

Revenue by business line

Full-year results

Share price and market cap

Shares in Randstad closed up 4.67% to €46.65 (US$50.97). The company had a market cap of €8.54 billion (US$9.33 billion), according to Google.