Key points full year 2008

The integration of Randstad and Vedior, creating the world's 2nd largest HR services provider, is progressing well
Pro forma1 revenue amounted to € 17.2 billion (pro forma organic growth2 amounted to -2%)
Pro forma EBITA3 margin remained strong at 4.9% (vs. 5.1%), pro forma EBITA reached € 834 million (-8%)
Net profit amounted to € 18 million; including a Vedior-related non-cash goodwill impairment of € 500 million
Adjusted4 net income attributable to ordinary shareholders increased by 18% to € 478 million
Given difficult and very uncertain markets it is proposed to strengthen the balance sheet and not to pay dividend

Key points Q4 2008

Revenue decline accelerated; the organic decline amounted to 14% in Q4 2008 and 18% in December 2008
Quick cost adjustment; operating expenses amounted to € 641 million (-9% yoy and -4% vs. last quarter)
Pro forma EBITA amounted to € 178 million (-32%); the EBITA margin reached 4.5% versus 5.7% in Q4 2007
Solid cash generation; net debt improved by € 248 million to € 1.6 billion, leverage ratio improved to 1.8

"From an operational point of view, progress in 2008 has been excellent. Our integration process is well on track", says Ben Noteboom, CEO Randstad Holding. "However, having grown in the first half of 2008, the unprecedented fall in demand in Q4 2008 and January 2009 reflects the major economic difficulties our clients currently face. It is good to see governments and regulators acting to protect major industrial sectors, and associated employment. However, the effects will only be visible in the longer term. Meanwhile we have taken the required measures to adjust our cost base although we regret to let valuable people go. We are ready to take more measures if required, whilst ensuring to remain present in any markets with long-term potential. While current volume is down, the long-term prospects in our business are sound. Our people are focusing on what they can control: excellent service to our clients and candidates. We have all the ingredients to emerge from the current downturn stronger than ever."

Attachments

rand-ams-news-2009-2-26-quarterly-results.pdf

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