Manulife Financial (TSX, NYSE and PSE: MFC) has selected CGI Group Inc. (CGI) (TSX: GIB.A; NYSE: GIB), among the largest independent information technology and business process services firms in North America, to create an information technology support centre in Halifax. The mission of this centre of expertise will be to provide systems development, maintenance and integration services to Manulife and other CGI clients in the U.S. and Europe.
The memorandum of understanding, when finalized as a contract, would be valued at CDN$120 million for a five-year agreement. As part of the agreement, 300 Halifax-based technology professionals will join CGI in September 2004. Over time, CGI expects to grow employment at the centre to 500 technology professionals.
"We are committed to a substantial presence in Halifax following our recent acquisition of Maritime Life and this is a major step toward that goal," said Bruce Gordon, senior executive vice president and general manager of Manulife Financial's Canadian Operations.
"We see Halifax as a central part of our business and sought a leader in applications maintenance and development with a strong client service focus. In joining forces with CGI, we are collaborating with a global partner. CGI possesses deep skills in the insurance sector and has a proven track record in building and maintaining industry-specific centres."
The centre will become CMM and ISO 9001 quality certified. The Capability Maturity Model (CMM) describes the principles and practices underlying software process maturity. It covers practices for planning, engineering, and managing software development and maintenance. Quality processes have always been at the forefront of CGI's operations. In 1994, CGI became the first information technology company in North America to become ISO 9001 certified for its project management framework.
Michael Roach, CGI's president and chief operating officer added: "We are proud to be embarking on this initiative with Manulife and look forward to continued collaboration. As part of our commitment, we will be investing in our Halifax operations including the development and training of our professionals. In creating this and other such centres moving forward, we are clearly taking steps to further build our near-shore capabilities enabling us to better serve our North America and European clients via our global delivery model."
Manulife Financial Corporation and John Hancock Financial Services, Inc., including its Canadian subsidiary, The Maritime Life Assurance Company, completed their merger on April 28, after receiving all necessary regulatory and shareholder approvals.
About Manulife Financial
Manulife Financial is a leading Canadian-based financial services group serving millions of customers in 19 countries and territories worldwide. Operating as Manulife Financial in Canada and Asia, and primarily through John Hancock in the United States, the Company offers clients a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners. Pro forma funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were Cdn$355.9 billion (US$271.6 billion) as at March 31,2004. Manulife Financial Corporation trades as 'MFC' on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under '0945' on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at Website: www.manulife.com.
About CGI
Founded in 1976, CGI is among the largest independent information technology and business process services firms in North America. CGI and its affiliated companies employ approximately 25,000 professionals. CGI provides end-to-end IT and business process services to clients worldwide from offices in Canada, the United States, Europe, Asia Pacific as well as from centers of excellence in India and Canada. CGI's annualized revenue run rate is currently CDN$3.8 billion (US$2.8 billion) and at March 31, 2004, CGI's order backlog was CDN$12.0 billion (US$9.1 billion). CGI's shares are listed on the TSX (GIB.A) and the NYSE (GIB) and are included in the S&P/TSX Composite Index as well as the S&P/TSX Capped Information Technology and MidCap Indices.. Website: www.cgi.com.
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 that term in Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. 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 authorities, as well as assumptions regarding the foregoing. The words "believe", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "anticipate", "foresee", "plan", and similar expressions and variations thereof, identify certain of such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. In particular, statements relating to future revenue from outsourcing contracts are forward-looking statements. CGI disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. .
-30-
For more information:
Manulife Financial:
Investor relations:
Edwina Stoate
Vice president, investor relations
1-800-795-9767 or (416) 926-3490
Media relations:
Toronto
Donna Lindell
Vice president, corporate communications
(416) 926-5226
Halifax
Joanne Gerrish
Communications consultant
(902) 493-6538
CGI:
Investor relations:
Ronald White
Director, investor relations
(514) 841-3230
Media relations
Eileen Murphy
Director, media relations
(514) 841-3430
