NFU Mutual announces Atos Origin as preferred external IT partner

London, 6 September 2006 - NFU Mutual has today announced the selection of Atos Origin, a leading international IT services company, as the preferred external provider of IT technical services and some of its IT customer services.

Atos Origin was selected after a detailed evaluation process and was chosen from amongst the leading providers of IT outsourcing services. Negotiations are continuing, however contracts confirming the arrangements are due to be signed shortly.

“We are delighted to have been chosen as preferred bidder and look forward to the potential opportunity to work closely with NFU Mutual to manage a successful outsourcing transition programme and to effectively deliver meaningful IT solutions to the business,” said Joe Edwards, Vice President – Financial Services for Atos Origin. “The team has considerable experience of working with financial institutions and relishes the chance to share that knowledge and expertise across NFU Mutual.”

As a result of this around 80 of NFU Mutual’s IT staff, mostly based in Stratford upon Avon, will be transferred to Atos Origin later this year. The bulk of the company’s IT functions will however continue to be provided in-house.

William Schouten, NFU Mutual Corporate Services Director, said: “Outsourcing these parts of the company’s IT operations will bring greater flexibility and deliver cost savings whilst providing service levels to meet changing business needs.

“The choice of supplier focused not only on their ability to provide the required expertise and levels of service, but also their fit with our culture and their commitment towards the welfare and development of employees.

“We are convinced that Atos Origin will deliver in all of these areas and look forward to a successful partnership.”

Notes to editors:

1. Recognised as the UK’s leading rural insurer, NFU Mutual offers a wide range of products, including general insurance, life, pensions, investments, and risk management services. These products and services are delivered through the agency network, as well as through a direct sales and service centre.
2. With over 300 offices located in rural towns and villages throughout the UK, NFU Mutual has become part of the fabric of rural life and remains committed to serving the needs of people who visit, live or work in the countryside.
3. The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

About Atos Origin
Atos Origin is an international information technology services company. Its business is turning client vision into results through the application of consulting, systems integration and managed operations. The company’s annual revenues are more than EUR 5,5 billion and it employs over 47,000 people in 40 countries. Atos Origin is the Worldwide Information Technology Partner for the Olympic Games and has a client base of international blue-chip companies across all sectors. Atos Origin is quoted on the Paris Eurolist Market and trades as Atos Origin, Atos Euronext Market Solutions, Atos Worldline and Atos Consulting.

Contact Information

Marie-Tatiana Collombert

Atos Origin

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