Sigma Strengthens Collaboration with the IKEA Group


STOCKHOLM, Sweden, May 28, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- Sigma is signing a framework agreement with IKEA IT AB for Sigma's combined range of consultancy services. The agreement has an estimated value of SEK 37 M.

"Sigma has previously had framework agreements with IKEA at the subsidiary level. Having the opportunity to now establish a framework agreement at the Group level is strategically important," said Gote Berntsson, Business Area Manager, IT Solutions at Sigma.

The one-year agreement applies for the IKEA Group, which includes Swedwood and other operations, and spans Sigma's complete range of consultancy services, such as systems development, business and process development, project management, CAD services, infrastructure, technology services, methods and projects. Both individual services and solutions as well as outsourcing of various functions are included. The value of the agreement is estimated at SEK 25 M for services and approximately a further SEK 12 M for hardware and licenses.

"We have collaborated successfully with IKEA for a long time. The framework agreement extends this in areas including analysis and process development," explained Max Andersson, Key Account Manager at Sigma.

The IKEA Group has a total of 149 stores in 22 countries. A further 21 stores in 14 countries are owned and operated by franchisees outside the IKEA Group. During the 2000/2001 operational year, IKEA stores around the world received slightly more than 260 million visitors. More than 21 million persons visited the stores in Sweden.

Sigma supplies solutions that safeguard the customers' competitiveness. Operations are based on entrepreneurial, niche subsidiaries that develop services and products in close cooperation with customers. Services are offered within three business areas: Business Solutions, IT Solutions, and Network & Wireless Solutions. The Group has approximately 1,100 employees within 33 subsidiaries in Sweden and five other countries. Sigma is listed on the O-List of the Stockholm Exchange. www.sigma.se.

For further information, contact:


Max Andersson, Key Account Manager, Sigma, tel +46 40-662 21 10,
mobile +46 703-79 09 10. Gote Berntsson, Business Area Manager,
IT Solutions, Sigma,  mobile +46 703-79 12 23

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