BUSINESS MEMO: NEW MANPOWER DIVISION

Manpower Inc. , headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., has announced the formation of a new operating division, The Empower Group, which provides organizational performance consulting services to multinational corporations.

Developed through a combination of acquisitions, alliances and organic growth, The Empower Group is an independent operating division of Manpower. Its key services include consulting support on strategic human resource initiatives; organization design and development; internal branding and communication strategy; as well as helping companies assess and maximize competence, develop leaders, and enhance workers' performance and growth.

"We have been providing consulting services to our customers for many years to help them develop and implement effective strategies in the areas of corporate staffing and organizational performance, so this is consistent with our strategic direction and represents a significant enhancement," said Jeff Joerres, Manpower's president and chief executive officer.

The Empower Group is headed by David Arkless, senior vice president of Manpower and chief executive of the Empower Group, who previously served as vice president of strategic services for Manpower.

Headquartered in London, The Empower Group employs more than 250 people and has offices in Australia, Belgium, Israel, New Zealand, United States, Norway, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, with plans for further significant geographic expansion over the next year.