CHICAGO, Nov. 21, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. (Nasdaq:HSII), the premier professional services firm focused on serving the leadership needs of top organizations globally, today announced the acquisition of Scambler MacGregor, an Australian-based retained Executive Search boutique that serves the needs of the financial services industry. The addition of Scambler MacGregor further strengthens Heidrick & Struggles' position as the predominant leadership advisor in the Asia Pacific region.

"Australia is one of Asia Pacific's largest and most highly developed financial services markets and the addition of Scambler MacGregor gives us added scale and expertise. This acquisition strengthens our already extensive banking and investment management relationships to better serve our clients in the region," said Jory Marino, interim Chief Executive Officer of Heidrick & Struggles.

As part of the transaction, David Scambler and Craig Williams join Heidrick & Struggles as Partners. They, along with their team of three support professionals, will be based in the company's Sydney office.

"This is a new chapter of growth for our Australian operations," said Steve Mullinjer, Heidrick & Struggles' Regional Leader of Asia Pacific and the Middle East."Since launching our Financial Services Practice in 1989, Australia has been one of the largest markets for Heidrick & Struggles globally. We have an outstanding team in place, and this acquisition further enhances our ability to help our clients with their senior-level talent strategies."

Since its formation in 2005, Scambler MacGregor has created a niche within the corporate and institutional banking, insurance, asset management and wealth management sectors throughout Australia. It brings established relationships with a number of major financial services institutions.

"I am truly delighted that the Scambler MacGregor team is now a part of Heidrick & Struggles, which has led our industry for 60 years," said Scambler, the firm's co-founder. "As part of Heidrick, we gain access to a global network and market insights that will allow us to add value to our financial services clients both in the breadth and depth of the services we offer. We know we are joining the best in the business."

Scambler brings more than 20 years of Executive Search experience. He has advised a wide range of financial services companies on their talent strategies and focuses on the asset management sector. Prior to establishing Scambler MacGregor, he was an Executive Director at Hamilton James & Bruce, where he established the group's Melbourne office. Earlier in his career, he specialized in tax and computer advisory services at KPMG.

Williams has more than 18 years of experience, having worked at both boutiques and ASX-listed Executive Search companies. He has served clients throughout the institutional, corporate and retail banking, insurance and funds management sector and has completed Board appointments in both the corporate and not-for-profit sectors. He joined Scambler MacGregor in 2006, helping establish the business and became Partner in 2008. Earlier, he worked at Collins Consulting, a local boutique search firm, and Hamilton James & Bruce, where he led the National Account Management team.

The transaction is consistent with the company's strategy to strengthen its presence in growing markets and follows Heidrick & Struggles' recruitment of the leading team in the Middle East in June 2012. Currently, Heidrick & Struggles has more than 15 offices across Asia Pacific and the Middle East, including offices in Sydney and Melbourne.

About Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.

Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. (Nasdaq:HSII) is the premier provider of senior-level Executive Search, Culture Shaping and Leadership Consulting services. For 60 years, we have focused on quality service and built strong leadership teams through our relationships with clients and individuals worldwide. Today, Heidrick & Struggles' leadership experts operate from principal business centers in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia Pacific. For more information about Heidrick & Struggles, please visit www.heidrick.com.

CONTACT: Jennifer Nelson
         +1 (404) 682.7373
         jnelson@heidrick.com