Revenue at Randstad nv, one of the largest global staffing firms, rose 7% on an organic basis in the third quarter to €7.05 billion (US$6.86 billion). The Netherlands-based company again reported strong revenue growth in perm placement and recruitment process outsourcing; it had cited strong growth in these business lines in the second quarter as well. However, CEO Sander van ‘t Noordende in overall comments on earnings noted an easing of growth in the most recent quarter.

“While we have seen client activity moderate slightly, demand for talent remained solid in the quarter,” van ‘t Noordende said of the third-quarter results.

Still, Randstad reported RPO revenue jumped 55% year over year in the third quarter to €121 million (US$117.7 million).

Perm placement revenue rose 23% in Q3, a slower growth rate than the 38% reported in the second quarter. By geography, perm fees rose 15% year over year in North America, 35% in Europe and 14% in Randstad’s “rest of world” segment.

The company’s Randstad Sourceright division overall saw revenue rise 21% year over year in the third quarter, but Monster revenue fell 4%.

Looking at contingents, Randstad noted the number of employees placed on a temporary basis was about 1% lower in the third quarter than a year ago although the month-on-month trend throughout the third quarter remained stable.

Randstad’s total US revenue rose 6% year over year on an organic basis in the third quarter; that compares to year-over-year growth of 10% in the second quarter. US professionals revenue rose 8% year over year, while US staffing/inhouse services revenue rose 4%. Canadian revenue was up 9% year over year in the third quarter.

Randstad also announced it acquired Finite Group, an IT staffing and services provider in Australia and New Zealand.

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Organic change excludes the impact of currencies, acquisitions, disposals, reclassifications and working days per quarter.

Share price and market cap

Shares in Randstad closed up 1.63% to €48.62 (US$47.90) in Europe; they were 15.35% above their 52-week low, according to FT.com. Randstad had a market cap of €8.66 billion (US$8.53 billion).