16.7.2003: Meldung: Powergen signs Contract with Vertex

Vertex, the business process outsourcing arm of United Utilities PLC, has signed a contract for the provision of customer management and business process outsourcing services with Powergen. The contract, which is effective immediately, replaces Vertex""s previous contract with TXU Europe. It has an overall term of nine years and is subject to review after four years. Vertex has been providing services to Powergen ever since Powergen acquired TXU Europe""s retail business in October 2002, and this contract consolidates the relationship between the two companies. Prior to the acquisition, Vertex had been providing services to TXU Europe under a 10-year contract, which was signed in August 2002. In servicing the contract Vertex will utilise a proportion of its contact centre capacity in India, which was acquired when Vertex purchased the UK contact centre operator, 7C, and its shareholding in 7C India in December 2002. Chief Executive of United Utilities, John Roberts, said: "I am delighted that Vertex has signed this contract. This consolidates the relationship that was first established when Powergen acquired TXU Europe""s retail business in October last year. We look forward to developing our working relationship with Powergen." Chief Executive of Powergen UK, Paul Golby, added: "Powergen is committed to providing excellent customer service while staying focused on controlling its costs. With the transition from TXU to Powergen, Vertex has professionally handled what has been a challenging time, and this more focused contract realises better value for Powergen. I am confident we will continue to set an example to the industry with the service Powergen provides."

For further information, contact:
John Roberts, Chief Executive 01925 237000 Simon Batey, Finance Director 01925 237000 Simon Bielecki, Investor Relations Manager 01925 237033 Evelyn Brodie, Head of Corporate and Financial Communications 020 7307 0300

Vertex, the business process outsourcing arm of United Utilities, specialises in Customer Relationship Management (CRM). Every year, Vertex handles over 34 million customer accounts, handles over 204 million UK contacts, prints and sends over 65 million bills and documents, processes over 95 million transactions and collects in excess of £6 billion in payments for a wide range of clients in the public and private sectors.
Vertex clients include: Cable & Wireless, Hydro-One, Littlewoods Bet Direct, the London Borough of Ealing, Birmingham City Council, Companies House, Westminster City Council, United Utilities, the Department of Work and Pensions, and the trainline.com.