• Merger with Dutch specialist in compensation surveys and HR technology strengthens hkp/// internationally
  • hkp/// group expands its position as leading provider of compensation benchmarking

Frankfurt am Main, Zurich, Amsterdam, January 21, 2013. Effective January 1, 2013, hkp/// group, a consultancy focused on performance management and compensation, acquires RemuNet Group B.V. based in Amsterdam (The Netherlands), a consulting firm specializing in compensation survey networks and related technology.

The merger means that RemuNet's businesses operating from the Netherlands and the United Kingdom will operate under the new brand name “hkp///RemuNet” as a separate and independent entity. With this step, the hkp/// line of business Compensation Insights & Technology (hkp/// CIT) strengthens its leading position in Europe, managing surveys, chartered networks and related technology for compensation insights for a wide range of globally leading companies. Survey activities of the hkp/// office in Geneva (CCT-ProSurvey) are not directly affected by the deal and continue as normal.

RemuNet's former owners and managing associates, Jouco Bleeker and Ernst van der Linden, become Senior Partners of hkp/// and Members of the Group Management Team. Jouco Bleeker remains Managing Director of hkp/// RemuNet while Ernst van der Linden assumes the role of hkp/// Group Chief Technology Officer (CTO). They each possess over 20 years experience in International HR, compensation and IT management for global companies and consultancies.

From the hkp/// RemuNet office in Amsterdam, seven employees continue in their existing roles to support the hkp/// RemuNet’s chartered compensation networks. hkp/// RemuNet manages over a dozen international survey networks covering more than 60 countries and consolidating pay- and productivity data related to over 700,000 staff globally. RemuNet counts many Global Fortune 500 companies among its clients and is highly regarded for its peer generated databases, rigorous validation process and flexible online analytics. With the merger hkp/// have over 80 employees working from offices in Amsterdam, Frankfurt am Main, Geneva and Zurich.

"This acquisition helps us expand our international client base and the range of consulting services that we offer. It also gives us entrée to new markets and our clients access to state-of-the-art-technology and global survey networks. For our clients, that means greater reach and improved efficiency in professionally managing pay," says Michael H. Kramarsch, Managing Partner at hkp///. Fellow Managing Partner at hkp/// Dr. Stephan Hostettler adds: "With Jouco Bleeker, Ernst van der Linden and members of staff from RemuNet on board, we will benefit from their comprehensive expertise and experience in compensation and technology. Their international focus and quality approach also makes them a perfect fit for us in terms of culture."

Indeed, the cultural fit was a key aspect of the merger, along with the complementary regional coverage and areas of specialization. "RemuNet and hkp/// are both owner-managed companies, very much on the same wavelength. We share core values such as integrity, quality and professional excellence, and our client focus. Now we can offer our clients more extensive services in the area of HR and compensation management, while retaining full fiduciary independence as charter network administrator with all network charters remaining in full effect", says former managing associate of RemuNet Jouco Bleeker. His partner Ernst van der Linden agrees: “Secure technology platforms and advanced analytical software are ever more critical for companies to secure actionable compensation insights. This acquisition underscores how successful consultancies must continuously leverage IT innovation where it benefits clients most. This is our passion, and with the expanded user base to serve we can achieve even more for all our clients”.

About the companies

RemuNet has successfully delivered innovative solutions in Human Resources, and Compensation and Benefits since 1996. The owner-managed consultancy is headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, with further operations in the UK. RemuNet pioneered the concept of “Charter Survey Networks™” that brings companies together in industry groups as “Network Members” to create and share reliable ‘peer’ generated- and competition compliant Market Intelligence. And it was the first to provide client direct access to market compensation data and analysis tools digitally and online – with the ability of companies to run benchmarking analytics using their own company’s compensation practices and methodologies. The firms’ portfolio of online tools continues to provide member companies the power to run advanced analyses – how, when and where they want. RemuNet manages survey networks for diverse industries around the world, from airlines to energy, and counts many Global Fortune 500 companies among its networks membership.

hkp/// group is an independent and partner-led international management consulting company. The main points of focus are performance management, executive compensation, financial and risk management, talent management, board services and banking services. The hkp/// Compensation Insights & Technology division is responsible for all products and services relating to compensation data and analyses, and the IT solutions that they require. The hkp/// consulting approach integrates the requirements of financial and HR management strategies, and links the performance management at company level with that at staff level. The hkp/// Partners have many years of international consulting experience. They are acknowledged experts in the market and highly regarded as competent partners by executive and supervisory boards, managements as well as by top managers and specialists.

Author Michael H. Kramarsch

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