Hudson continues to trade under its own brand as part of the ASX-listed technology recruiter, closing out a five-month administration saga that began in April.
HiTech Group Australia (ASX: HIT) has completed its acquisition of Hudson Global Resources’ Australian operations, according to an update posted to Hudson’s website on 16 September. The deal brings a well-known national recruitment brand under the umbrella of the Adelaide-headquartered technology and consulting group, and draws a line under a difficult year for Hudson’s local business.
“HiTech Group Australia Limited’s acquisition of Hudson’s Australian operations has now been completed,” Hudson said in a statement on its website. “Hudson continues to operate under the Hudson brand as part of HiTech Group, with the same focus on supporting our clients, candidates, and contractors.”
From administration to acquisition
Hudson Global Resources (Aust) Pty Limited entered voluntary administration on 22 April 2026, with administrators from WLP Restructuring appointed, according to the notice published on ASIC’s insolvency register. The business subsequently lost its Victorian labour hire licence, with the Victorian Labour Hire Licensing Authority cancelling the licence effective 10 July 2026. Hudson said at the time it intended to appeal the decision.
HiTech Group entered a binding agreement on 20 July 2026 to acquire Hudson’s Australian operations and selected business assets from the administrators, for upfront consideration of A$7 million, industry publication Staffing Industry Analysts reported. The purchase price comprised a A$1 million deposit payable on signing, plus conditional deferred consideration of up to A$3 million within 12 months of completion, contingent on future cash generation from the acquired business.
The acquired operations were reported to contribute roughly A$190 million in pro forma FY2026 revenue, based on annualised May billings from active contractors intended to transfer to HiTech. HiTech management described the deal as the most transformational transaction in the company’s 33-year history, positioning the combined group to compete more broadly across Australia’s workforce solutions market beyond HiTech’s traditional base in ICT recruitment and consulting.
Clearances and contractor transition
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission granted unconditional Phase 1 clearance for the transaction, finding it was not likely to substantially lessen competition in any relevant market. Completion followed the standard 14-day statutory review period after publication of the ACCC’s reasons for decision.
Hudson has been managing the practical mechanics of the transition for its contractor workforce in recent weeks, including a cutover to new payroll and timesheet profiles under the HiTech-owned entity. Contractors were required to submit and have approved timesheets for the week ending 6 September under their previous Hudson profile, before moving to new logins for the week ending 13 September.
One matter remains unresolved and separate from the HiTech transaction: outstanding superannuation that accrued prior to and during the administration period. Hudson’s FAQ page states this “remains subject to the outcome of the current ATO appeal proceedings and cannot be finalised until those proceedings have concluded,” with the relevant Court hearing listed for 29 September 2026. WLP Restructuring, as liquidators, said they would update creditors once the appeal outcome is known.
Sources
Hudson Australia FAQs | Voluntary Administration updates
HiTech Group to acquire Hudson Australia operations for AUD 7 million – Staffing Industry Analysts
