Rautakesko and Accenture sign cooperation agreement on developing SAP retail system

Rautakesko has signed an agreement with Accenture on implementing a retail sector SAP solution. Accenture will supply Rautakesko with a new SAP system providing major business benefits to the K-Group hardware and builders’ supplies stores through more uniform chain operations. The solution will boost the growth of retail stores and standardise their operations in the increasingly international Rautakesko.

The development agreement includes an international application solution, which helps to standardise business processes and improve their efficiency in all countries where Rautakesko operates. Norway will be the first to adopt the new SAP solution which will offer uniform business practices taking the language and culture of seven countries into consideration.

“The development project supports the implementation of Rautakesko’s international growth strategy. The application solution to be adopted in all operating countries will speed up standardisation of retail store chain operating practices and improve competitiveness of our retail and wholesale business in all markets,” says Sakari Malka, Rautakesko’s Vice President responsible for Commerce.

“This SAP solution is the most important system adopted in Rautakesko and our most international technology project of all times,” confirms Raimo Kestilä, Rautakesko’s IT Director.

The Accenture implementation will help Rautakesko increase efficiency and transparency in data management. Greatest benefits will be gained by retail stores. Their cost-efficiency will improve through better inventory management, lower transportation costs and more efficient financial management.

“Rautakesko is one of the leading European home improvement and interior decoration chains. As Rautakesko grows and internationalises, the SAP retail store solution supplied by Accenture will help the company achieve major business benefits throughout the retail store chain,” says Juha Pylkkö, Partner, Accenture Products Operating Group.

Rautakesko expands annually by establishing new hardware and builders’ supplies stores in all its operating countries. Rautakesko is the market leader in building supplies sales in Finland, Norway, Estonia and Lithuania. The objective is to further strengthen the position in Northern Europe and Russia.

Rautakesko Ltd (www.rautakesko.com) is engaged in the hardware and builders’ supplies and interior decoration trade in Finland, Sweden, Norway, the Baltic countries and Northwest Russia. It manages and develops its retail store chains and B-to-B Service in its operating area. Rautakesko is responsible for the chains’ concepts, marketing, sourcing and logistics services, store network and retailer resources. Rautakesko’s net sales totalled €1,610.0 million in 2005.

Accenture is a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company. In the financial year that ended on 31 August 2006, Accenture’s net sales totalled $16.65 billion. The company employs over 140,000 professionals in 48 countries. The Finnish staff of over 850 is located in Helsinki, Tampere and Espoo. Further information: www.accenture.com

Contact Information

Sakari Malka

Vice President

Rautakesko Ltd

Contact via E-mail