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INGRAM MICRO LANDS OUTSOURCING AGREEMENT WITH TCM IN SWEDENTCM Agreement Further Develops Company's Logistics OperationBRUSSELS, Belgium, Feb. 22, 2000Ingram Micro Europe, the European division of Ingram Micro Inc. (NYSE:IM), the world's largest wholesale provider of technology products and services, today announced it has signed an agreement in principle with Take Care Marketing AB (TCM) to provide extensive outsourcing services for its logistics operation including inventory management, order fulfillment and configuration services. TCM, a leading corporate value-added reseller (VARs) in Sweden, marks its position in the market by focusing on five areas: business systems (ERP), e-business, knowledge management, infrastructure and product maintenance and supply. The common factor for these areas is the company's working infrastructure. TCM has deep and wide experience and competence in the high-availability (advanced server solutions and safe storage of larger data quantities), server-based computing (thin clients), operating systems/database management (such as Microsoft, Novell and Oracle products) and administration areas (administration of networks and standardized equipment like the TCM developed concept). As a part of the further development of its core business, TCM selected Ingram Micro as its sole partner to outsource logistics and distribution of IT products. Under the terms of the agreement, TCM maintains sales responsibility toward the end-user customer, while Ingram Micro will assume tasks such as purchase, order administration, delivery and configuration services. Subsequent to the agreement between the two companies, approximately 25 associates from TCM will transfer to Ingram Micro. The transition will be implemented gradually between March and June 2000. "We have decided to outsource our logistics operation to meet the market's future demand for effective product maintenance and supply, and an altered view on trade and distribution. The deal projects a total volume of more than US$200 million (1,8 billion SEK) for the entire three-year period. We are convinced that together with Ingram Micro we will be able to dramatically raise our logistics quality and to develop our strong customer base further where more and larger deals can be made in a cost-effective way," said Lars Vquist, managing director of TCM Sweden. TCM Customer Implications
"This agreement again proves that the industry really is rapidly changing towards distributors managing the complete logistics operation. We are proud to have TCM trust us with their already strong logistics operation. This new agreement allows TCM in Sweden to offer the best possible levels of customer service, while reducing operating costs and relying on Ingram Micro as an integral business partner," said Karl-Gustav Idh, vice president, Ingram Micro Northern Europe and managing director for Ingram Micro Sweden. Today's agreement is in line with Ingram Micro's global strategy to position itself as the leading services and solutions provider to the entire technology industry by providing resellers and vendors with contracted services. During the last 12 months, Ingram Micro has secured many of the public outsourcing opportunities available in North America and Europe. Some of the more notable agreements in the United States include: CompUSA Inc. (July 1999), Elcom International Inc. (April 1999), Multiple Zones (November 1999), SARCOM (September 1999), Software Spectrum Inc. (North America, February 1999) and Unisys Corp. (June 1999). Additionally, European outsourcing agreements have been secured with Telenor IT Service and Installasjon" in Norway (September 1999), GE Capital IT Solutions in Denmark (September 1999) and IMS in Sweden (September 1999). About Take Care Marketing AB (TCM) About Ingram Micro Inc. |
Contact:
INGRAM MICRO INC.:
Lisa Landry or Carrie Brooks
Benjamin Group/BSMG Worldwide
(714) 245-7500, ext. 225 or 223
INGRAM MICRO EUROPE:
Eline Jongerius
Director of Public Relations
Tel: (+31) 30-2464001, ext. 4400
Fax: (+31) 30-2465400