News Release

Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. (ticker: HSII, exchange: NASDAQ) News Release - 5-Aug-1999

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Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. Reports Record Revenues and Earnings for the Second Quarter of 1999
Business Editors

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 5, 1999--

Successful Execution of Strategy Drives Results to Exceed Published Consensus Estimates

Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. (Nasdaq:HSII), the world's leading executive search firm, today announced record revenues and earnings for the second quarter and six months ended June 30, 1999, excluding prior period nonrecurring items and assuming the merger of Heidrick & Struggles, Inc. ("H&S Inc.") and Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. ("HSI") occurred on January 1, 1998 (hereafter referred to as "adjusted basis").

The merger, completed on February 26, 1999, combined the operations of H&S Inc., which operated in all regions of the world except Europe, with HSI, a Europe-based company, which previously had been approximately 35% owned by H&S Inc. The quarter's results exceeded the published analyst consensus estimates as the company's revenue growth continued to surpass that of the industry.

On an adjusted basis, revenue increased 29.0% in the 1999 second quarter to $108.6 million from $84.2 million in the 1998 comparable period. Net income grew 433.9% to $4.6 million. Diluted earnings per share in the quarter rose 400.0% to $0.30 per share, compared with $0.06 per share last year. On a reported basis, revenue in the 1999 second quarter grew 105.8%, and net income increased 272.0%.

"These results are evidence that we are solidly executing the growth strategies we have developed over the past several years. We are leading in top-level placements in the technology and e-commerce arenas, which are experiencing explosive growth," said Patrick S. Pittard, President and Chief Executive Officer. "We are also reaping the benefits of building our global network of consultants at an accelerated rate in 1998. Most rewardingly, the heightened focus on profitability exhibited by our management team is resulting in substantially higher earnings."

On an adjusted basis, revenue from executive searches in International Technology and e-commerce grew over 100% over last year's comparable quarter. The Industrial, Consumer Products and Financial Services practices also recorded strong performances. Demand for the Heidrick & Struggles' senior-level search capabilities and improved consultant productivity resulted in confirmed searches increasing by 12% over the 1998 second quarter, and fees per search rising 15%.

On a geographic basis, Heidrick & Struggles extended its market leadership in the United States, where revenues increased 43% over last year's second quarter. The unprecedented demand for the company's expertise in technology and e-commerce searches, aggressive business development activities, and the successful integration of new consultants into the firm's global network were all factors in the quarter. In Europe, growth in the International Technology, Industrial and Financial Services practices contributed to a 9% increase in revenues. The Other International segment, which consists of Canada and the Latin America and Asia Pacific regions, recorded a 27% rise in revenue, as the Asia Pacific area displayed some early signs of economic recovery.

Operating income on an adjusted basis grew 51.3% in the quarter, to $8.3 million. The operating margin improved over 100 basis points. Salaries and employee benefits as a percent of revenue were more than 200 basis points lower due to increased consultant productivity and greater leverage of the support staff. As expected, the general and administrative expense ratio increased because of costs related to the company's technology initiatives and investment spending for the development of new, complementary businesses.

Six Month Results

On an adjusted basis, revenue for the six months ended June 30, 1999 grew 26.6% to $200.3 million. Net income of $6.4 million was recorded, an increase of 207.5%. Diluted earnings per share were $.41, up 192.9% from last year's $.14 per diluted share. On a reported basis, revenues rose 82.7%. A net loss of $5.5 million for the 1999 year to date period included a $12.4 million nonrecurring pre-tax charge. This charge was the result of the modification of the terms of HSI's acquisition agreement with Mulder & Partner GmbH & Co. KG, including the termination of all employment contingencies.

Heidrick & Struggles is the world's leading executive search firm, specializing in chief executive, board of directors and senior level management assignments. Today, over 750 Heidrick & Struggles professionals serve a broad range of organizations including Fortune 500 companies, financial institutions, major health care organizations, universities and not-for-profit organizations, leading mid- cap companies, and emerging growth companies from offices in 65 locations throughout North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. For more information about Heidrick & Struggles, please visit our website at (http://www.heidrick.com/).

Certain matters discussed in this news release are forward-looking statements that are necessarily dependent upon assumptions, estimates and data that may be incorrect or imprecise, and include known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Some of the risks, uncertainties, assumptions and factors that could affect the Company's financial results are included in the Company's recent SEC filings. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct. All forward-looking statements in this news release are expressly qualified by these cautionary statements, and the Company expressly disclaims any duty to update such forward-looking statements.

               HEIDRICK & STRUGGLES INTERNATIONAL, INC.
                   CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                 (In thousands, except per share data)
                              (unaudited)

                                       Three Months Ended June 30,

                                       1999        1998    % Change

Revenue                              $108,612    $52,778    105.8%
                                     --------    -------

Operating expenses:
  Salaries and employee benefits       73,110     37,852     93.1%
  General and administrative
   expenses                            27,163     12,184    122.9%
  Nonrecurring charge (1)                  --         --        --  
                                     --------    -------   
       Total operating expenses       100,273     50,036    100.4%
                                     --------    -------
       Operating income                 8,339      2,742    204.1%
                                     --------    -------

Non-operating income (expense):
  Interest income                         418        250     67.2%
  Interest expense                       (417)       (62)   572.6%
  Other, net                               64        200    -68.0%
                                     --------    -------
       Net non-operating
        income (expense)                   65        388    -83.2%
                                     --------    -------

Equity in net loss of affiliate            --       (729)       --  
                                     --------    -------

  Income (loss) before income taxes     8,404      2,401    250.0%
Provision for income taxes              3,791      1,161    226.5%
                                     --------    -------

       Net income (loss)               $4,613     $1,240    272.0%
                                     ========    =======


Basic earnings (loss)
  per common share                      $0.33      $0.46    -28.3%
                                     ========    =======
Basic weighted average
  common shares outstanding            14,113      2,680
                                     ========    =======
Diluted earnings (loss)
  per common share                      $0.33      $0.46    -28.3%
                                     ========    =======

Diluted weighted average
  common shares outstanding            14,141      2,680
                                     ========    =======

     (1) The $12.4 million charge is the result of the modification of
the terms of the Mulder acquisition agreement, including the
termination of all employment contingencies. This nonrecurring charge
represents the write-off of $2.9 million of deferred compensation
assets, the settlement of the remaining cash due of $4.3 million, and
the issuance of 428,452 common shares (worth $5.2 million) to the
previous owners of Mulder.


               HEIDRICK & STRUGGLES INTERNATIONAL, INC.
                   CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                 (In thousands, except per share data)
                              (unaudited)

                                       Six Months Ended June 30,

                                       1999        1998    % Change

Revenue                              $180,331    $98,715     82.7%
                                     --------    -------

Operating expenses:
  Salaries and employee benefits      119,952     72,613     65.2%
  General and administrative expenses  47,147     22,533    109.2%
  Nonrecurring charge (1)              12,420         --        --
                                     --------    -------
       Total operating expenses       179,519     95,146     88.7%
                                     --------    -------
       Operating income                   812      3,569    -77.2%
                                     --------    -------

Non-operating income (expense):
  Interest income                         580        405     43.2%
  Interest expense                       (850)      (118)   620.3%
  Other, net                               78       (164)       --
                                     --------    -------
       Net non-operating
        income (expense)                 (192)       123        --
                                     --------    -------

Equity in net loss of affiliate          (630)      (906)   -30.5%
                                     --------    -------

  Income (loss) before income taxes       (10)     2,786        --
Provision for income taxes              5,489      1,346    307.8%
                                     --------    -------

       Net income (loss)              $(5,499)    $1,440        --
                                     ========    =======


Basic earnings (loss)
  per common share                     $(0.55)     $0.53        --
                                     ========    =======
Basic weighted average
  common shares outstanding            10,019      2,709
                                     ========    =======
Diluted earnings (loss)
  per common share                     $(0.55)     $0.53        --
                                     ========    =======

Diluted weighted average
  common shares outstanding            10,019      2,710
                                     ========    =======

     (1) The $12.4 million charge is the result of the modification of
the terms of the Mulder acquisition agreement, including the
termination of all employment contingencies. This nonrecurring charge
represents the write-off of $2.9 million of deferred compensation
assets, the settlement of the remaining cash due of $4.3 million, and
the issuance of 428,452 common shares (worth $5.2 million) to the
previous owners of Mulder.


               HEIDRICK & STRUGGLES INTERNATIONAL, INC.

                 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                            (In thousands)


                                      June 30,    Dec 31,  June 30,
                                       1999        1998     1998
                                    ----------  --------  --------
                                    (unaudited)          (unaudited)
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents           $ 65,737  $ 10,428  $ 18,509
  Accounts receivable, net of
   allowance for doubtful accounts      79,216    40,816    45,349
  Other receivables                      3,163     2,862     1,630
  Notes receivable from
   affiliate                              --       1,900     5,148
  Prepaid expenses                       3,654     1,771     1,879
  Prepaid income taxes                    --       3,575     3,600
  Deferred income taxes                 15,860     8,871     7,133
                                      --------  --------  --------
       Total current assets            167,630    70,223    83,248
                                      --------  --------  --------

Property and equipment, net             46,623    24,778    20,349
                                      --------  --------  --------

Other assets:
   Cash and investments designated
    for nonqualified retirement
    plans                               30,924    13,552    12,559
   Investment in Heidrick &
    Struggles International, Inc.         --       4,766     5,874
   Investments and other assets         12,544      --        --
   Deferred income taxes                 5,483     1,776     2,541
   Goodwill & other
    intangibles, net                    45,376     8,055     6,147
                                      --------  --------  --------
        Total other assets              94,327    28,149    27,121
                                      --------  --------  --------

        Total assets                  $308,580  $123,150  $130,718
                                      ========  ========  ========


Current liabilities:
  Short-term debt                     $   --    $ 22,000  $  5,151
  Current maturities of
   long-term debt                        4,070     2,547       734
  Accounts payable                       9,649     2,918     3,340
  Accrued expenses-
    Salaries and employee benefits      83,036    23,090    49,182
    Profit sharing and retirement        1,830     3,155     1,305
    Deferred compensation                6,729      --        --
    Payroll taxes                        2,780       920     1,013
    Other                               15,704     7,401     5,452
  Income taxes payable                   1,878      --        --
                                      --------  --------  --------
    Total current liabilities          125,676    62,031    66,177
                                      --------  --------  --------
Long-term debt, less
 current maturities                      2,024     5,150     5,737
                                      --------  --------  --------
Liability for nonqualified
 retirement plans                       28,555    11,358    11,201
                                      --------  --------  --------
Mandatorily redeemable
 common stock                             --      44,611    47,603
                                      --------  --------  --------

Stockholders' equity                   152,325      --        --
                                      --------  --------  --------
 Total liabilities, mandatorily
  redeemable common stock and
  stockholders' equity                $308,580  $123,150  $130,718
                                      ========  ========  ========

               HEIDRICK & STRUGGLES INTERNATIONAL, INC.

       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME, AS ADJUSTED (Excluding
      one-time adjustments and assuming completion of the merger
     of H&S and HSI and public company status at January 1, 1998)
                 (In thousands, except per share data)
                              (unaudited)

                                     Three Months Ended June 30,
                                            (Adjusted)
                                   -------------------------------
                                  
                                     1999 (1)    1998 (1)   % Change
                                    ---------   ---------  ----------
                                                
Revenue                            $ 108,612   $  84,180     29.0%
                                    ---------   --------- 
Operating expenses:
   Salaries and employee
    benefits (2) (3)                  73,110      58,476     25.0%
   General and administrative
    expenses (4)                      27,163      20,194     34.5%
                                    ---------   ---------
     Total operating expenses        100,273      78,670     27.5%
                                    ---------   --------- 
     Operating income                  8,339       5,510     51.3%
                                    ---------   --------- 
Non-operating income (expense):
  Interest income                        418         250     67.2%
  Interest expense                      (417)       (268)    55.6%
  Other, net(5)                           64      (2,941)     --
                                    ---------   --------- 
   Net non-operating
    income (expense)                      65      (2,959)     --
                                    ---------   ---------
   Income before income
    taxes (6)                          8,404       2,551    229.4%
Provision for income taxes             3,791       1,687    124.7%
                                    ---------   ---------

    Net income                     $   4,613   $     864    433.9%
                                    =========   =========
Basic earnings per
 common share                      $    0.30   $    0.06    400.0%
                                    =========   ========= 
Basic weighted average
 common shares outstanding (7)        15,361      14,255      7.8%
                                    =========   =========
Diluted earnings per
 common share                      $    0.30   $    0.06    400.0%
                                    =========   ========= 
Diluted weighted average
 common shares
 outstanding (7)(8)                   15,400      14,414      6.8%
                                    =========   ========= 

 

(1) Amounts assume that the merger of H&S Inc. and HSI had occurred January 1, 1998.

(2) Amortization of deferred compensation expense of $1.2 million to the acquisition of Mulder has been eliminated from the three months ended June 30, 1998.

(3) Amount has been adjusted by $0.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 1998 to eliminate compensation expense representing the difference between the amount actually paid to management for bonus over the amount which would have been paid under the Company's GlobalShare plan. The GlobalShare plan will issue options to managing partners and corporate officers in lieu of a portion of their annual cash performance bonus.

(4) Includes amortization related to acquired intangibles and goodwill arising from the merger of H&S and HSI and other merger related costs of $0.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 1998

(5) Includes a $2.9 million charge for the three months ended June 30, 1998, arising from the write-off of leasehold improvements and accruals for non-cancelable lease commitments due to the decision to relocate the Company's London office.

(6) Equity in net loss of affiliate has been eliminated for the three months ended June 30, 1998 to reflect 100% ownership of HSI after the merger.

(7) Amount has been adjusted to give effect to the initial public offering of 3.7 million shares and issuance of 0.7 million shares under the Company's GlobalShare plan as of January 1, 1999 and 1998, respectively. In addition, the three months ended June 30, 1999 has been adjusted for the issuance of 0.5 million shares on June 1, 1999 which arose from the exercise of a portion of the over-allotment option granted to certain underwriters of the initial public offering.

(8) Amount has been adjusted to give effect to the issuance of options pursuant to the Company's GlobalShare plan equivalent to 0.04 and 0.2 million shares for the three months ended June 30, 1999 and 1998, respectively, under the treasury stock method.

--30--AMP/ALW/se*

CONTACT:  Heidrick & Struggles Inc.
Jennifer Silver, 404/572-0019 (media) or Lynn McHugh, 312/496-1593 (analysts)

KEYWORD: afxal ILLINOIS
INDUSTRY KEYWORD:  EARNINGS COMPUTERS/ELECTRONICS COMED
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