London-based Michael Page International PLC said worldwide gross profit rose 26.0% to GBP152.4 million (US$304.1 million) in the second quarter.

Second-quarter gross profit rose 41.6% to GBP14.1 million (US$28.1 million) in its Americas segment, which includes North and South America. The company said gross profit rose by 12% in the U.S. and Canada alone. "In North America, despite the weak market conditions, due to our small market presence we have continued to grow, albeit at a slower rate," the company reported. Michael Page also said it opened new offices in Montreal and New Jersey.

Michael Page ranked No. 21 on Staffing Industry Analysts' list of the world's largest staffing firms. It was once owned by Spherion.