28th Jun 2005 06:30
VERTEX AND IBM JOIN FORCES IN NORTH AMERICAN ALLIANCE Vertex, the business process outsourcing arm of United Utilities PLC, hasjoined forces with IBM, the world's largest provider of business transformationoutsourcing, to provide business transformation services to the North Americanenergy and utility market.The alliance unites the two companies' complementary skills and experience incustomer management, business consultancy, transformational outsourcing andinformation technology.As part of this alliance initiative, Vertex will team with IBM on its $1.6bncontract with US multi-state energy company NiSource to provide a broad rangeof business transformation and outsourcing services. Vertex will providecustomer contact centre, sales services and billing activities.This initiative represents an important development for Vertex, building apresence in the US energy and utility market and complementing its existingcontract with Canadian utility Hydro One.Chief Executive of United Utilities, John Roberts, said:"The North American market presents Vertex with a number of very significantbusiness opportunities. It is also difficult for a new market entrant to gain afoothold, which is why this alliance is important to us. We look forward toseeing further business growth with IBM."The North American energy and utility sector is large and growing, fuelled bya trend for business process transformation and a desire for marketderegulation. The scope of services the alliance can provide is very broad,leveraging the capabilities of both IBM and Vertex within the energy andutilities market."United Utilities' Contacts:For further information please contact:John Roberts, Chief Executive +44 (0) 1925 237000Simon Batey, Finance Director +44 (0) 1925 237000Darren Jameson, Investor Relations Manager +44 (0) 1925 237033Evelyn Brodie, Corporate and Financial Communications +44 (0) 20 7307 0309NotesVertex is the third largest business process outsourcing company in the UK. Itprovides business process services to utilities, local and central governmentand the service segment of the private sector. It specialises in transformingfront and back-office processes and the management of customer relationships.Vertex's clients include Powergen, Westminster City Council, Thurrock Council,Marks and Spencer, Hydro-One and TheTrainline.ENDUNITED UTILITIES PLCRelated Shares:
United Utilities