SiTEL integrating B'lore BPO centre into global ops

SiTEL, the US-based global provider of business process outsourcing services, is in the process of integrating its BPO operations in Bangalore, which was originally a joint venture with ITC Infotech.

About 1,500 employees who work for the joint venture will now come into SiTEL’s fold following the integration, which might take a few months to conclude, SiTEL India Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Safir Adeni said.

SiTEL, a $1.8-billion company with 155 centres across the globe including five in India, has already raised its holding in the JV to gain a controlling stake, Adeni said without disclosing the current stake details. He, however, said as a part of its plans to expand its footprints in Asia Pacific region including India, the company said it will acquire the remaining stake in the JV at the earliest. The timeline will be ‘fluid’ according to the terms of the agreement with ITC, he said.

SiTEL operates in Chennai, Hyderabad, Gurgaon and Mumbai. “We are very excited to integrate the Bangalore BPO centre with the larger SiTEL India family. This expanded footprint and capability would further enhance our value proposition to our global clients, while also helping us to leverage the SiTEL brand in the local region. This is a mutually beneficial and complimentary integration,” said Adeni.

The equal JV — known as Client Logic ITC Infotech (CLI3L) — was originally formed between Client Logic and ITC Infotech. However, after Client Logic acquired SiTEL last year, the JV was christened as SiTEL Operating Corporation India. The (Bangalore) centre currently employs close to 1,500 people serving customers across sectors such as technology, telecom, BFSI and retail. The venture is estimated to be close to $30 million in revenue.

SiTEL India, after the integration of CLI3L, will have close to 6,000 people in its roll. Globally, the company has the largest concentration of employees in North America with about 22,000 people across 55 centres, followed by 20,000 people across 54 centres in EMEA region.