Atlanta-based management consultancy North Highland Co. has acquired a controlling stake in a Chinese consulting firm that has served as its in-country partner since last February.

North Highland, which has 45 offices in the U.S., Europe and Asia, will join with HBC Consulting, pending Chinese government approval of the deal, the terms of which were not disclosed.

The combined firm will operate under the North Highland name.

North Highland opened a representative office in Shanghai, China, last year to support its U.S.-based clients doing business in the rapidly growing country.

"North Highland went to China because our major international clients wanted our assistance there," said Dan Reardon, North Highland's CEO, in a news release. "Our evolution from staffing a representative office to expanding a locally based company allows us to provide complete market and cultural expertise for U.S. clients, as well as seize the opportunity for rapid growth among Chinese companies.”

Zhaolin Zhang, North Highland's China CEO, said the acquisition shows the company's appreciation for cultural nuances in China.

The company plans to open offices in three to five more cities in the next five years.

Visit www.northhighland.com for more information.

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