Yara outsources IT services to IBM

Oslo (2007-01-24): Yara International and IBM have signed a comprehensive IT outsourcing agreement. The seven-year contract has a total initial value of NOK 1.26 billion.

The IT services will be provided with a mix of both local resources and resources from IBM’s global delivery centers to support Yara’s production sites and sales offices in 50 countries on all continents. With its globally integrated service functions, IBM will offer flexibility to Yara’s business ambitions, including a pricing model typical of an on-demand business.

“Yara is one of Norway’s most international companies with global IT requirements. The range of services that IBM offers gives the scalability and flexibility needed to support Yara’s growth ambitions”, says Sven Ombudstvedt, Yara International’s Chief Financial Officer and Head of Strategy.

IBM will provide a comprehensive range of services including IT infrastructure as well as business applications.

“Leading companies such as Yara are increasingly turning to strategic outsourcing to transform their IT infrastructure into an environment that enables efficient cost management and innovation”, says Morten Thorkildsen, General Manager of IBM Norway.

Thorkildsen adds that “IBM is showing its competitive strength in offering end-to-end IT services through a combination of local and global sourcing to leading enterprises like Yara International. The agreement with Yara further strengthens our leadership in the Chemicals and Petroleum Industry, and follows a similar services deal with Statoil in November 2006”.

A press conference will be held on Wednesday January 24 at 10.00 at IBM Norway, Rosenholmveien 25, Kolbotn. Sven Ombudstvedt, Chief Financial Officer and Head of Strategy Yara International ASA and Morten Thorkildsen, General Manager IBM Norway will attend the press conference.

To participate please contact Per Vassbotn, Directory of Communication IBM Norway, cellular 930 67 601, e-mail per.vassbotn@no.ibm.com

Yara International ASA is a leading chemical company that converts energy and nitrogen from the air into essential products for farmers and industrial customers. As the number one global supplier of mineral fertilizers and agronomic solutions, we help provide food for a growing world population. Our industrial product portfolio includes environmental protection agents that safeguard air and water purity and preserve food quality. Yara’s global workforce of 7000 employees represents great diversity and talent enabling Yara to remain a leading performer in its industry. www.yara.com

For more information on IBM: www.ibm.com

Contact Information

Hamed Brodersen

Media Relations

Yara International ASA

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