Uni-Select Inc. (TSX: UNS), a leading distributor of aftermarket auto parts in North America, and CGI Group Inc. (CGI) (TSX: GIB.SV.A; NYSE: GIB), among the largest independent information technology and business process services firms, today announced the signing of a 10-year, end-to-end IT (information technology) outsourcing contract valued at CDN$35 million. As part of the contract, CGI will manage all infrastructure support, applications support and special IT projects. Up to 23 Uni-Select professionals will be joining CGI as part of this contract.
"Through this agreement, we will be able to further focus on our strategic IT orientation and future growth initiatives. As one of the largest purchasing groups in the North American automotive aftermarket industry, we are always seeking new ways of being more effective and efficient for our merchants. We feel strongly that this initiative will contribute to that goal," said Jacques Landreville, president and CEO of Uni-Select.
Serge Godin, chairman and CEO of CGI added: "We are pleased to welcome our new professionals to the CGI team and welcome Uni-select as a new client. We are excited about building upon our distribution expertise as well as serving such a long-established firm. We are confident that in working together we will achieve desired business results."
About Uni-Select
Uni-Select is Canada's second largest distributor of automotive replacement parts, equipment, tools and accessories and through Uni-Select USA, Inc., the company also provides service to merchants in the United States where it is the 8th largest distributor. Its subsidiary, Palmar, sells replacement parts, tools and accessories for heavy duty vehicles and wheels in Canada. The Uni-Select Network includes over 800 independent jobbers in Canada and almost 2,000 in the United States. Uni-Select is headquartered in Montreal and is expected to generate revenues in excess of CDN$1.1 billion in 2005. Uni-Select shares (UNS) are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX). Website: www.uni-select.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$3.0 billion) and at March 31, 2005, CGI's order backlog was CDN$12.9 billion (US$10 billion). CGI's shares are listed on the TSX (GIB.SV.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 growth 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.
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For more information:
Uni-Select:
Richard G. Roy
Vice-president administration and chief financial officer
(450) 641-2440
CGI:
Investor relations
Jane Watson
Vice-president, investor relations
(416) 945-3616
Ronald White
Director, investor relations
(514) 841-3230
Media relations
Eileen Murphy
Director, media relations
(514) 841-3430
