COGNICASE Announces Major Contracts in Europe
MONTREAL, CANADA--MAY 2, 2001 - 11:21 EDT
COGNICASE Inc. (Nasdaq: "COGI"), a major
provider of IT services and solutions specializing in real time
transactional e-commerce solutions, announced today the signing of
an important two-year contract with BUT, the second largest
furniture and home electronics retailer in France.
The European division of COGNICASE will implement an integrated
management system (customer and supply management, procurement,
invoicing, inventory control, logistics) for all of BUT's 236
stores in France. This contract is estimated at 23 million FF.
COGNICASE Europe is also announcing a major contract with Toyota
Motor Europe. The contract is ongoing and estimated at over 25
million FF. It consists of building one of Toyota Motor Europe's
core business applications and of implementing an open-ended
multi-level Web enabled application that will be used to manage
car parts, warranties and claims the Toyota vehicle management
group in Europe. Toyota Motor factories and distribution centers
all over Europe depend on this application.
"Europe is a strategic market for COGNICASE's continued growth.
We continue to win major contracts in our European operations and
our pipeline of major contracts in Europe remains strong," stated
Ronald Brisebois, President and CEO of COGNICASE.
"Our ability to deliver leading edge e-Solutions has positioned
COGNICASE as a credible player in the European market. We
continue to win business relationships with some of the most
important corporations in Europe," added Vincent Rouaix, Executive
Vice-President and General Manager COGNICASE Europe.
Further details and highlights of these and other contract wins
will be discussed in the Company's upcoming conference call with
members of the public, the investment community and journalists,
scheduled for May 3, 2001 at 5:00 PM, after market close.
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,
software and technology and international Internet engineering and
hosting center, COGNICASE offers secure and scalable solutions
that contribute to its customers' economic success in the digital
economy. COGNICASE is active in several countries, including
Canada, the United States, France, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands
and Australia.
About BUT
BUT, one of France's leading electrical and furniture retailers,
operates 236 stores throughout France and the French Indies. It
employs more than 6,000 employees for sales exceeding 9.5 billion
FF at year end 2000. BUT continuously undertakes significant
retail development programs as a home improvement retailer in the
furniture and household electrical appliances sector. BUT
strengthens the British Kingfisher Group in France, a successful
and thriving retail business operating over 2,900 stores. In
addition to BUT, Kingfisher plc encompasses some of the best known
retail brands in Europe and employs more than 130,000 people in 16
countries."
About Toyota Motor Europe
Toyota Motor Europe is the European Marketing and Engineering
subsidiary of Toyota, the world's third largest motor
manufacturer. Toyota Motor Europe is responsible for marketing
the Toyota range of cars and commercial vehicles across Europe.
It is also responsible for the development of models, such as the
Toyota Yaris, the European Car of the Year 2000. To achieve all
this, Toyota Motor Europe employs over 150 people in its
Information Systems Group. They are involved in projects which
are closely related to Toyota Motor Europe's business critical
activities including Spare Parts Logistics, Vehicle Logistics and
After Sales Service.
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. |
