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Technology Stocks : Cognicase (COGI, T.COG) - Integrated IT Solutions -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Gilbert Drapeau who wrote (831)	5/14/2002 8:10:28 AM
From: Al Collard	Respond to of 843

COGNICASE Complements Processing and Infrastructure Outsourcing Services Offering: Acquires Meta-4 Systems Corporation MONTREAL, QUEBEC--COGNICASE Inc. (TSE: COG, NASDAQ: COGI), an innovative IT solutions provider specializing in the development and integration of transactional solutions, today announced the acquisition of Meta-4 Systems Corporation, a Montreal-based provider of installation and technical services for mid-range and micro computer systems and automated teller machines (ATMs). Founded in 1981, Meta-4 employs 158 people in five offices throughout Canada. The company offers a full scope of third party technical services for mid-range and micro computer systems and peripherals, as well as the installation and support of local area networks (LANs). It provides major financial institutions with full second line ATM support, repair, maintenance and installation services and currently services almost 5,000 ATMs. Most of the contracts are for standard five-year terms. Meta-4 is an authorized video lottery terminal installation and service partner for La Societe des Loteries Video du Quebec Inc, and maintains approximately 4,300 machines. The company also provides installation and technical services for multi-function automated teller machines in the entertainment and gaming market and was the first non-financial institution in Canada to install "private label" ATMs. Meta-4 operates over 600 of its own ATMs and is an associate member of the INTERAC network. Ronald Brisebois, COGNICASE Chairman of the Board, President and CEO, stated, "This acquisition is important because it serves as a base for entering the processing, monitoring and outsourcing of ATM and point-of-sale (POS) transactions market. It also complements the offering of our infrastructure services unit and will create potential synergies in consolidating call centres. Our reputation as a provider of end-to-end services will be enhanced, and the recurring revenue stream of 50% from maintenance contracts supports our business model." Peter Karabetian, Meta-4 Systems Corporation President and CEO, concurred that, "The acquisition of Meta-4 Systems by COGNICASE is extremely positive and synergetic for both companies, as it will provide Meta-4 with additional opportunities to grow and strengthen its technical support capabilities, while offering COGNICASE and its customers a full and complementary set of additional in-house services and available expertise." About COGNICASE COGNICASE (TSE: "COG", Nasdaq: "COGI") is an IT products and services provider specializing in advanced transaction processing and Internet-based applications. Relying on its results-driven approach, its software and technology and its Application Services Technology Centre, COGNICASE offers secure and scalable solutions that contribute to its customers' economic success in the age of the new economy. The Company is active in Canada, the United States, and Europe. About Meta-4 Systems Meta-4 Systems is a Montreal-based provider of installation and technical services for mid-range and micro computer systems, peripherals, video lottery terminals and automated teller machines. Founded in 1981, the company employs 158 people and serves clients from offices in Montreal, Quebec City, Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver.

To: Gilbert Drapeau who wrote (831)	7/4/2002 11:40:56 PM
From: Gilbert Drapeau	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 843

COGNICASE Comments on Third Quarter Results MONTREAL, QUEBEC, CANADA--JULY 4, 2002 - 16:41 EDT COGNICASE Inc. (TSX: COG, NASDAQ: COGI), an innovative IT solutions provider specializing in the development and integration of transactional solutions, today commented on its results for the third quarter ended June 30, 2002. Final results are scheduled for release on August 6, 2002. Third quarter 2002 revenues are expected to be in the range of $135-$140 million, compared to $106.7 million in the corresponding 2001 period. Net income should be in the range of $0.07-$0.09 per share on a fully diluted basis compared to cash earnings of $0.08 per share on a fully diluted basis in the third quarter of last year. For fiscal year 2002, the Company expects revenues to exceed $500 million, compared to $405.5 million in fiscal 2001. Net income is expected to be between $0.32-$0.39 per share, compared to cash earnings of $0.34 per share in fiscal 2001. The Company is revising its earlier guidance as a result of tighter competition in the Canadian, U.S. and European markets. Social legislation has also increased the cost of rationalizing some of the Company's European units. Other contributing factors include the decision by many of the Company's customers to reduce IT spending or to defer capital spending decisions until they see a sustained improvement in their businesses. Also, during the third quarter, operating margin contribution from some recently acquired companies was lower than expected and is not expected to improve until their full integration toward the end of the fourth quarter. The Company has also maintained a high level of investment in R&D, as well as business development expenditures related to its growing processing and products initiatives. COGNICASE has also shifted its strategy to a more product-oriented, ASP-based, business model which is characterized by longer sales cycles. Software makers have historically booked their strongest sales in their fourth quarters (calendar), and their weakest in the first. COGNICASE's business model features a certain level of stability resulting from recurring revenues, which is a definite advantage in a turbulent market. Outlook for Fiscal 2002 and Fiscal 2003 "Based on current market conditions, we expect a soft fourth quarter but solid first quarter to start fiscal 2003," said Ronald Brisebois, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Despite the difficult environment, we believe that our strategy remains the right one and we are committed to taking actions to improve our competitiveness. We are exceptionally well positioned to take advantage of improvements in existing business conditions." "Based on current trends in our business sectors and our assumptions for the year as a whole, we are optimistic that the Company will continue to achieve sequential revenue and earnings growth in fiscal 2003," concluded Mr. Brisebois. About COGNICASE COGNICASE (TSX: "COG", Nasdaq: "COGI") is an IT products and services provider specializing in advanced transaction processing and Internet-based applications. Relying on its results-driven approach, its software and technology and its Application Services Technology Centre, COGNICASE offers secure and scalable solutions that contribute to its customers' economic success in the age of the new economy. The Company is active in Canada, the United States, and Europe. 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. As a result of a number of factors, including factors that the Company may not currently foresee, the Company's actual results could differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Certain other factors that might cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements include the Company's ability to (i) successfully develop additional products and services and new applications for its existing products and services and otherwise respond to rapid changes in technology, (ii) successfully compete in its industry for customers and developers and other personnel with expertise in information technology, (iii) successfully identify and consummate acquisitions on favorable terms and integrate acquired businesses, (iv) successfully manage its growth and changing business, (v) be awarded contracts under its IS/IT and Preferred Supplier Agreement with the National Bank of Canada, as well as other risks and uncertainties set forth under the heading "Risk and Risk Management" in its 2001 annual report.