SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
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PRESS RELEASE |
FOR IMMEDIATE PUBLICATION |
CGI Group announces bid for acquisition
of
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December 6, 2002 Subsequent to this transaction, CGI will have a stronger presence in some of its key industry vertical sectors, including financial services and governments, while also increasing its critical mass in the fast growing business process outsourcing segment. The acquisition would also augment CGIs presence in Western Canada as well as in the US. Serge Godin added, This transaction is consistent with CGIs three-year strategic plan as it will contribute to the ongoing consolidation of the Canadian IT services industry. It will provide greater stability to the clients of COGNICASE and CGI, while ensuring they have access to a broader range of IT services. The integration of COGNICASE and CGI will provide our professionals with a wider variety of career challenges and possibilities, in a very stimulating environment. CGI is very conscious that its success is dependent on a strong, embedded culture which is based on the satisfaction and well-being of its members. On behalf of CGI, I would warmly welcome all COGNICASE professionals to join us in our quest to build a world champion in information technology and business processing services. This offer is conditional upon at least (i) 66 2/3% of the outstanding COGNICASE shares and (ii) 50.01% of the outstanding COGNICASE shares other than those COGNICASE shares held by persons whose COGNICASE shares would not be included as part of the minority in connection with any subsequent acquisition transaction, being validly deposited under the offer and not withdrawn as at 5:00 pm (Eastern time) on January 13, 2003, among other things. CGI has engaged CIBC World Markets Inc. and Desjardins Securities Inc. to act as dealer managers under the Offer. The management of CGI will host a conference call to discuss this release today, December 6, 2002, at 9:30 am. ET. Investors may participate by dialing 888-638-1043 or listen through our website at www.cgi.com. A replay of the call will be available on our website or by dialing 800-558-5253, #21078083. About CGI Forward-Looking Statements |
December 6, 2002 These factors include and are not restricted to the timing and size of contracts, acquisitions and other corporate developments; the ability to attract and retain qualified employees; market competition in the rapidly-evolving information technology industry; general economic and business conditions, foreign exchange and other risks identified in the Managements Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) in CGI Group Inc.s Annual Report or Form 40-F filed with the SEC, the Companys Annual Information Form filed with the Canadian securities authorities, as well as assumptions regarding the foregoing. The words believe, estimate, expect, intend, anticipate, foresee, plan, and similar expressions and variations thereof, identify certain of such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. In particular, statements relating to future revenue from outsourcing contracts are forward-looking statements. CGI disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. -30- For more information: CGI: Media relations Eileen Murphy |
SIGNATURESPursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. |
CGI GROUP INC. (Registrant) | |
Date: December 6, 2002 |
By /s/ Paule Doré Name: Paule Doré Title: Executive Vice-President and Chief Corporate Officer and Secretary |