HCL seals Apollo centre deal

HCL Technologies today announced the acquisition of the balance 10 per cent equity in Apollo Contact Centre, Belfast, Ireland to its stake to 100 per cent. The 10 per cent stake has been acquired from by a wholly owned subsidiary, HCL Technologies America for £1,803,488.

"Apart from being a sensitive and supportive JV partner for the past three years, BT is also our most valued BPO client. This event endorses our confidence in the capability and commitment of our Belfast team, as well as the government of Northern Ireland, both of whom have made vital and valuable contributions to the success of HCL's operations in Northern Ireland."

Ranjit Narasimhan, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of HCL Technologies' global BPO operations said in a release. In December 2001, HCL Technologies had acquired 90 per cent stake in the Apollo Contact Centre and structured a 90:10 JV with BT- HCL Technologies BPO Services with a clause to acquire the balance stake after 36 months.

Commenting on the buyout, Alan Hall, BT Director, Service said, "We look forward to continuing this relationship and bringing first class management and customer care standards to our customers."

During the past three years, the Apollo Contact Centre has registered strong growth, increasing its manpower base from just below 350 to 1600. It has grown to become Northern Ireland's largest BPO delivery

operation and one of the top 10 private sector employers in the country. In recognition of the company's achievements, the Northern Ireland government recently awarded a grant of £900,000 to facilitate additional job creation.

During 2003-'04, HCL invested over £1.5 million in this facility, which offers high value services to leading global companies, in 8 European languages.