Business services company Hays has signed an agreement with US-based i2 Technologies which will enhance its e-business capability. Hays will have unique use of i2’s software solutions in Europe when offering so called Fourth Party solutions to its major international customers. Hays has made an initial investment of £6.6m, with any further payments linked to results.

i2 Technologies, founded in 1988, is a leading provider of intelligent e-business solutions, linking 'trading communities' via the Internet. The company has a market capitalisation of $17 billion and long-term contracts with major customers including Dell, Texas Instruments, Philips and Compaq.

Commenting on the agreement, Ronnie Frost, Chairman of Hays plc said: "The markets in which we operate are changing, and our customers increasingly require 'Fourth Party Solutions', or complete design and management of complex, integrated and often Internet-based business solutions. Given i2's acknowledged leadership of the market for intelligent eBusiness solutions and supply chain software, we are delighted to have signed this unique agreement with them in Europe."

In a related development, Hays paid £6.5m for the French consultancy Argon Groupe, specialising in supply chain and customer relationship management. Argon, formed in 1994 by former Andersen Consulting partners and managers, employs 80 multi-cultural business consultants and support staff. Its customers include France Telecom, Electricité de France, Intermarché, La Poste, Lyonnais des Eaux and Perrier.

Richard Byatt

More information at www.hays-plc.co.uk and www.argon-groupe.com