STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Jan. 28, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- The appraisal of the tenderers in Apoteket's procurement process for IT outsourcing is now complete. In a statement issued by Apoteket on January 28, WM-data has been appointed Prime Contractor for Apoteket's IT operations. It is intended that the parties will sign an agreement on February 9.
As Prime Contractor, WM-data will have primary responsibility for contracts covering systems management, systems development and IT production. With regard to IT production, Apoteket has selected EDB Business Partner ASA as sub-contractor to WM-data. The value of the contract is approximately SEK 1 billion over a maximum contract period of five years.
Apoteket is a state-owned limited company with a sole and exclusive right to sell pharmaceuticals to the general public and is responsible for the provision of pharmaceuticals throughout Sweden. Apoteket currently has approximately 11,000 employees and 900 pharmacies. A total of 39 suppliers were involved in the procurement process to outsource Apoteket's IT operations.
-- We are very pleased to have selected two suppliers that offered the best price combined with the best quality. I am convinced that we will realize gains, both financially and in terms of development," says Stefan Carsson, President of Apoteket AB.
-- We are very pleased to have been selected. Apoteket is one of WM-data's most important customers and over the years we have built up extensive knowledge of Apoteket's operations and IT support, says Ake Satterstrom, Senior Vice President, who was responsible for the tender. Apoteket is facing major operational challenges, placing demands on adapting future IT operations. This transaction concerns a very extensive delivery requiring interaction between several areas. It is highly satisfying to demonstrate WM-data's ability and capacity to manage such a broad assignment and fully meet Apoteket's business challenges.
For further information please contact:
Ake Satterstrom, Senior Vice President and responsible for the transaction with Apoteket, mobile: +46 733 98 00 19, e-mail: ake.satterstrom@wmdata.se
Stefan Gardefjord, Country Manager, WM-data Sweden, mobile: +46 733 98 00 05, e-mail: stefan.gardefjord@wmdata.se
Anna Brogren, Press Officer, WM-data, tel: +46 8 670 71 72, mobile: +46 733 98 01 19 e-mail: anna.brogren@wmdata.se
WM-data was founded in 1969 and is one of the leading IT companies in the Nordic region today. Through a broad offering of design and IT- related services, we create increased efficiency and tangible benefits for our customers. Annual sales amount to approximately SEK 7,000 million, with approx. 6,000 employees. For additional information, visit our website: www.wmdata.se
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