F.I.GROUP (FI), the business technology services company, today announces that it has signed a five year strategic partnership with AXA Sun Life providing a committed order bank of over GBP70million to increase the flexibility, scalability and value in AXA Sun Life’s applications management services.

This alliance is an important part of a major change programme designed to reduce AXA Sun Life’s fixed cost base, to improve business responsiveness and grow revenues. It will include the transfer to FI in April 2001 of over 400 staff based at Bristol, High Wycombe and Coventry.

FI will be responsible for the support and development of all existing life and pensions administration systems and will play a key role, working with other strategic partners, in implementing new systems and processes to enhance customer intimacy, increase speed to market and improve product flexibility and operational effectiveness.

Jo Connell, FI’s Group Managing Director comments:

We are delighted to announce this strategic partnership which significantly enhances our offering in the financial services sector. The increasingly competitive 1% world of financial services requires flexibility, responsiveness and cost-effective operations. IT has a crucial role to play in this.

We welcome everyone from AXA Sun Life who will transfer in April. The financial services skills they bring are invaluable to this important sector for FI. We are confident that they will enjoy a rewarding career with FI while reaping the benefits of the many opportunities we are able to provide.