Terenci Brings Mobile Solutions to European Businesses
Cap Gemini Ernst & Young and Vodafone have chosen Terenci as the name for their Mobile b2b Solutions Joint Venture
12 February 2001
Cap Gemini Ernst & Young and Vodafone Group Plc (“Vodafone”)
announce that their joint venture is to be named “Terenci”.
Terenci will integrate mobile services with internet and IT
solutions to address the growing needs of
European businesses to make mobile technology an integral
part of their operational processes.
Terenci, which combines the management consultancy, information technology and integration skills of Cap Gemini Ernst & Young and the mobile technology and services expertise of Vodafone, will initially focus on those segments of the market where mobile access and timely information are crucial, such as freight and logistics, automotive, and construction.
Terenci, which is headquartered in Düsseldorf, with operations both in Germany and the U.K., is led by John Curtis (formerly Cap Gemini Ernst & Young) as CEO. The Executive Board further consists of: Dr. Armin G. Hessler, Marketing and Services, Ulrich Keuling, Technology and Systems and Ken Woodhouse, Delivery and Implementation.
Only established in mid December following clearance from the EU, Terenci has already experienced very positive customer reactions, and is currently in active discussions with a number of customers in the freight, construction and retail sector.
Terenci will form partnerships with innovative technology players in the mobile applications and services market to develop new business propositions to customers. A first example of such a partnership is a co-operation agreement with V3, a mobile gateway and applications development company. Its skills will form part of several European m-commerce projects that Terenci is undertaking currently in areas such as sales force automation, fleet management services and “smart engineers”, experts in the field using mobile data services.
John Curtis, CEO of Terenci, said, “The market potential for mobile solutions is huge. Businesses are actively seeking services such as load matching or proof of delivery in freight and logistics, on-site materials ordering and tracking in construction, or remote monitoring for security companies. Terenci will create, design, and implement the future end-to-end mobile strategies of companies wanting to get a step ahead.”
Geoff Unwin, CEO of Cap Gemini Ernst & Young, said, “This is a powerful combination. We are bringing together mobile applications and services, IT and systems integration skills, and expertise in management consultancy to put us in an excellent position to become the frontrunner in offering mobile solutions to all b2b markets. The proven strength and capabilities of the two parent companies in their fields will give Terenci the springboard it needs to address the needs of the market very quickly.”
Thomas Geitner, COO Vodafone Europe, added, “Increasingly, wireless solutions and marketplaces will play important roles in everyday life, especially for business to business communications. From simple applications like receipt acknowledgement and proof of delivery, to complete systems built around secure payment technologies; the uses have only just begun to be imagined. This is a market that Vodafone is pursuing and Terenci will play a valuable role in the significant opportunity ahead..”
The name Terenci was chosen by employees and shareholders together; the name was felt to encompass the innovation, stability and trust of a long term commitment to its customers. Terenci is backed by two major global companies who are dedicated to developing this offer jointly through Terenci to corporate customers.
For further information on Terenci, please visit the website at www.terenci.com
For further information on V3, please visit their website at www.v3world.com.
Notes to Editors
Cap Gemini Ernst & Young
Cap Gemini Ernst & Young is one of the largest management
and IT consulting firms in the world. The company offers management
and IT consulting services, systems integration, and technology
development, design and outsourcing capabilities on a global
scale to help traditional businesses and “dot companies”
continue to implement growth strategies and leverage technology
in the new economy. The organization employs more than 59,000
people worldwide and reports global provisional revenues of
about 8.5 billion euros (2000 pro forma). More information
about individual service lines, offices and research is available
at www.cgey.com
Vodafone
Vodafone Group Plc is the largest wireless operator in the
world by subscribers, and has a presence in 25 countries across
five continents. At the end of December 2000, Vodafone had
approximately 78.7 million proportionate subscribers (1) and
approximately 172 million venture customers (2).
For further information on Vodafone Group Plc, please visit the website at www.vodafone.com.
1 On a proportionate basis ie based upon the percentage shareholding of Vodafone in each company.
2 Venture customers - represents the total subscriber base of each company in which Vodafone has an investment.
For further information:
Cap Gemini Ernst & Young
Philippe Guichardaz
Telephone: +33 (1) 47 54 50 45
Phguicha@capgemini.fr
Vodafone
Melissa Stimpson, Head of Group Investor Relations
Jon Earl, Investor Relations Manager
Vodafone Group Plc
Telephone: +44 (0) 1635 33251
Tavistock Communications
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7600 2288
