Halifax-based, credit union leader, League Data and CGI Group Inc. (TSX: GIB.A; NYSE: GIB) (CGI) today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for a 10-year outsourcing services agreement valued at CDN$80 million subject to League Data shareholder approval due by the end of June. CGI will manage League Data's current banking environment as well as build a new browser-based front-end solution. To do so, CGI will acquire intellectual property for the solution from League Data. Together, the firms will bring to the Atlantic credit unions emerging technologies and solutions such as loan origination, customer relationship management and Internet banking.
As part of the Agreement, 50 League Data employees located in Halifax will join CGI's operations in Atlantic Canada, as part of the CGI North American business unit serving credit unions. CGI provides services to over 2,300 credit unions making it one of the largest providers of consulting, integration and operational services to the industry across North America.
"Our goal is to find the best IT service delivery channel for our 320,000 end users while at the same time reduce our IT delivery costs. To do that, we have to provide quality solutions in a faster timeframe. We sought a strategic IT partner, who had the industry knowledge, focus and ability to build the infrastructure for our banking solution. That is how CGI came into the picture," said Steve Mills, senior vice-president & chief operating officer of League Data.
Michael Roach, president and chief operating officer, of CGI added: "We are very proud to be chosen by League Data as their strategic IT partner. This partnership further strengthens our leadership position in the credit union vertical while renewing our commitment to Atlantic Canada. Also, we are pleased to welcome our 50 new members to our Atlantic operations where we employ 130 professionals."
About League Data
League Data was incorporated in 1975 and currently provides information technology services to 70 credit unions at 145 locations throughout Atlantic Canada on the system represented by 320,000 members with over one million deposits and loan accounts. In addition to League Data's multifaceted financial banking system, it offers a broad spectrum of services and applications such as telephone banking, a loan origination package, adhoc reporting system and automated teller machines.
About CGI
Founded in 1976, CGI is the fourth largest independent information technology services firm in North America, based on its headcount of more than 13,700 professionals. CGI's annualized revenue run-rate totals US$1.3 billion (CDN$2.1 billion). CGI's order backlog currently totals US$6.7 billion (CDN$10.7 billion). CGI provides end-to-end IT services and business solutions to more than 3,000 clients worldwide from more than 60 offices. CGI's shares are listed on the NYSE (GIB) and the TSE (GIB.A). They are included in the TSE 100 Composite Index as well as the S&P/TSE Canadian Information Technology and Canadian MidCap Indices. Website: www.cgi.ca.
Forward-Looking Statements
All statements in this press release that do not directly and exclusively relate to historical facts constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements represent CGI Group Inc.'s intentions, plans, expectations, and beliefs, and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors, of which many are beyond the control of the Company. These factors could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements.
These factors include and are not restricted to the timing and size of contracts, acquisitions and other corporate developments; the ability to attract and retain qualified employees; market competition in the rapidly-evolving information technology industry; general economic and business conditions, foreign exchange and other risks identified in the Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) in CGI Group Inc.'s Annual Report or Form 40-F filed with the SEC, the Company's Annual Information Form filed with the Canadian securities commissions, on the Registration Statement on Form F-4 filed with the SEC in connection with the acquisition of IMRglobal and with the Forms 10-K and 10-Q of IMRglobal filed with the SEC for the periods ended December 31, 2000 and March 31, 2001 respectively. All of the risk factors included in these filed documents are included here by reference. CGI disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
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For more information:
League Data:
Steve Mills
Senior vice-president & chief operating officer
(902) 454-3113
CGI:
Investor relations
Julie Creed
Vice-president, investor relations
(312) 201-4803
Ronald White
Director, investor relations
(514) 841-3230
Media relations
Eileen Murphy
Director, media relations
(514) 841-3430
