Sépaq Opts for COGNICASE and National Bank of Canada
Electronic Payment Solutions
MONTREAL, CANADA--JANUARY 30, 2001 - 08:37 EST
COGNICASE Inc. (Nasdaq: "COGI"), a major
provider specializing in real time transactional e-commerce
solutions, announced today the signing of a four-year contract
with La Société des Etablissements de Plein Air du Québec (Sépaq)
to provide its customers with an electronic payment solution
generating transactional fees using point of sale terminals and
processing over 2 million payment transactions.
Sépaq manages a network of 16 wildlife reserves, 8 recreation and
tourism centers and 20 national parks throughout Québec.
COGNICASE, in association with the National Bank of Canada and the
Ministère des Finances du Québec, will offer a secure integrated
electronic payment solution for all Sépaq points of sale. This
solution will allow payments, refunds and cancellations for credit
and debit cards. It will combine robustness and performance to
assure users of rapid response time. With its partners' support,
COGNICASE will also offer a secure Internet credit card processing
system, which will be integrated into the reservation system.
To meet the Government's needs, the Ministère des Finances du
Québec recently adopted the mission of offering different
departments and agencies, as well as government-owned
corporations, the possibility of using its P@iement en Ligne
electronic payment service in partnership with the National Bank
of Canada and COGNICASE.
"Sépaq has chosen to realize substantial savings in its
operational activities and improve the availability and quality of
the services offered in its 175 points of sale. COGNICASE's
electronic payment solution will help us achieve these goals.
Thanks to payment on the Internet, we will now reach even more
potential customers," said Yvan Bilodeau, Sépaq's President and
General Manager.
"COGNICASE plays a leading role in the scalable and secure
e-commerce solutions market. We have concentrated on development
of an e-payment solutions transactional platform. Our customers
benefit from this by upgrading their business processes, using the
new Watch4Me-Payment Solutions technology," declared Ronald
Brisebois, COGNICASE's President and Chief Executive Officer.
About COGNICASE
COGNICASE (TSE: "COG", Nasdaq: "COGI") is an innovative company
specializing in the development and integration of real time
transactional solutions. Relying on its results-driven approach,
its software and technology and its international Internet
engineering and hosting center, COGNICASE offers secure and
scalable solutions that contribute to its customers' economic
success in the new digital economy. COGNICASE's activities are
spread over several countries, including Canada, the United
States, France, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands and Australia.
About the National Bank of Canada
The National Bank of Canada (www.bnc.ca) is an integrated group
that provides complete financial services to its clientele of
individuals, small businesses and major corporations in its main
market, and specialty services to its other clients around the
world. The National Bank offers a full range of banking services,
including services for major corporations, and all the services of
an investment bank. It is active on the international capital
markets and, through its subsidiaries, in investment dealing,
insurance, patrimony management and mutual fund and pension fund
management. The National Bank has assets of over $75 billion and,
with its subsidiaries, employs over 16,600 people. Its securities
are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and its head office is
based in Montréal.
About La Société des Etablissements de Plein Air du Québec
Sépaq is a government agency mandated to operate fifty
recreational facilities and territories throughout Québec. Its
mission is to manage, operate, and develop these natural sites in
conjunction with local partners, with a view to protect, conserve,
ensure profitability, and foster sustainable development. Sépaq
manages a network of 16 wildlife reserves, 8 recreation and
tourism centers and 20 national parks throughout Québec.
Furthermore, Sépaq owns half of the Sépaq-Val-Jalbert s.e.n.c
assets. As a leader in outdoor activities, Sépaq manages over
72,000 kmý of natural territory. With locations in 15 Quebec
administrative regions, Sépaq employs more than 2 000 employees
with an annual revenue of approximately $46 million.
Forward Looking Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the
meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
(US), which involve risks and uncertainties. Risk factors
relating to this press release include the ability of COGNICASE to
negotiate and finalize the definitive agreements related to the
transaction described herein, the possible cancellation of such
definitive agreements before the end of their expected duration,
the estimated number of transactions being lower than expected and
a possible reduction in the needs of COGNICASE's customer for IT
services over the period of such agreement. |
