HCL Tech acquires Apollo contact center

NEW DELHI: HCL Technologies has announced the acquisition of the balance 10% equity, in the Apollo Contact Center, Belfast of HCL Technologies BPO Services (NI) Ltd (HCL NI) from BT plc (BT). HCL Technologies now has 100 percent stake in the contact center.

In December 2001, HCL Technologies had acquired 90 percent stake in the Apollo Contact Center and structured a 90:10 JV with BT— HCL NI - with a clause to acquire the balance stake after 36 months. In accordance with this agreement the balance 10 percent stake has been acquired by a wholly owned subsidiary, HCL Technologies America Inc. for £1,803,488.

During 2003-'04, over £1.5 million were invested by HCL in this facility, which offers services to companies in eight European languages. During the past three years, the Apollo Contact Center has increased its manpower base from 350 to 1,600.

Commenting on the occasion, HCL Technologies global BPO operations COO, Ranjit Narasimhan said, "The smooth and amicable completion of the agreement commitments, reflect the mutual regard between BT and HCL. Apart from being a sensitive and supportive JV partner for the past three years, BT is also our most valued BPO client partner. 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."