HELSINKI June 11th, 2003 -- M-real, one of Europe's leading suppliers of paper and paperboard, and IBM have signed a major IT and consulting services agreement under which IBM will manage and enhance both M-real's business applications , including SAP and Mill Execution Systems, andM-real's technology infrastructure towards a more flexible and resilient model.
The agreement is valued at approximately 550 million Euros over a 10 year period and will gradually lead to 35 per cent reduction in M-real's IT costs. Approximately 300 people will join IBM from M-real as part of this agreement.
"We have chosen to partner with IBM because of its proven experience and capability in outsourcing and because of its deep understanding of, and extensive consulting expertise with, the forest and paper industry - the latter enhanced by the acquisition of PwC Consulting last year. By reducing our IT-related costs and releasing capital, we aim to further improve our competitiveness "said Mr. Veli-Matti Mynttinen, Executive Vice President and CFO of M-real.
"This contract represents a significantly deeper business relationship than in traditional IT outsourcing", said Doug Hayhurst, Global Forest and Paper Industry Leader, IBM Business Consulting Services. "M-real has an ambitious strategy of value chain mastery - understanding customers' and users'
business and offering service solutions that improve our customers'
competitiveness. The relationship with IBM will be integral to implementing that strategy."
The agreement is subject to competition authorities' approval.
About M-real
M-real is one of Europe's leading suppliers of paper and paperboard. As M-real has quadrupled its turnover in just over five years, it has become one of the most advanced companies in its industry. M-real focuses on coated and uncoated fine papers and high quality magazine papers, as well as on packaging boards for consumer products. More information from www.m-real.com
IBM Global Services
IBM Global Services is the world's largest information technology services and consulting provider, generating over $36 billion in 2002. Approximately 180,000 professionals serve customers in over 160 countries, providing the entire spectrum of customers' e-business needs -- from the business transformation and industry expertise of IBM Business Consulting Services to hosting, infrastructure, technology design and training services. IBM Global Services delivers integrated, flexible and resilient processes -- across companies and through business partners -- that enable customers to maximize the opportunities of an on-demand business environment.
Voor meer informatie:
Etta Pouw
Communications
IBM Nederland N.V.
Johan Huizingalaan 761
1066 VH Amsterdam
Tel: 020 513 4228
Fax: 020 617 7600