Press Release 24 April 2007

Efficient purchasing – PricewaterhouseCoopers optimizes processes with web-based on demand solution by IBX

IBX, the leading European provider of efficient purchasing solutions, have entered into a two-year agreement with PricewaterhouseCoopers. IBX will support PwC, one of the leading accounting and consulting companies, in the roll-out and operation of IBX complete web-based on demand procure-to-pay solution based on MySAP SRM (Enterprise Buyer Professional). By working together with IBX, the accounting company expects substantial savings, shorter lead times and a fast return on investment.

IBX supports PricewaterhouseCoopers during the complete roll-out including implementation and training. The new tools will optimize the purchasing processes for the sections facility services, consulting and IT hard- und software. The contract also includes the integration and maintenance of 40 supplier catalogues as well as and the use of the solution for more than 400 users. To capture spend beyond classical catalogue buying, PwC will use IBX new integrated solution for service procurement, IBX Request. The tool will help PwC to make queries and allows to compare and rate the incoming supplier quotes.

PwC decided to work with IBX because of their international expertise in all processes of efficient purchasing. The accounting company concludes that IBX can offer them a unique tailored solution to serve their needs. The on demand procure-to-pay solution will be integrated into PwC’s existing SAP system and the internal IT asset management tool of PwC. The solution simplifies the whole payment and billing processes between PwC and its suppliers.

IBX on the road to success in Germany

With the contract between IBX and PwC, IBX further strengthens its position in Germany. Deutsche Post Worldnet, Lufthansa, Thomas Cook and now PwC are all former customers of trimondo, the German eProcurement company that was acquired by IBX in 2005. All these customers have entered into new multiyear contracts with IBX Germany with ambitious plans to expand the utilization of IBX procure-to-pay solutions during the coming years.

“The expanded partnership with PwC is further proof of our positive business development in Germany and the strong interest among our former trimondo customers to migrate to IBX comprehensive on demand solution based on MySAP SRM”, says Thomas Neubauer, Managing Director of IBX Germany.

New customers bring optimism

On an international scale IBX Europe was recently able to win two other key accounts. “IBX proofs its claim to be the leading European provider of services and solutions for efficient purchasing”, says Hans Ahlinder, CEO of the IBX Group. “The new acquisitions in the sectors Sourcing and Procurement and the overall business development in Germany make us optimistic for the remaining year.”

For more information, please contact:
Thomas Neubauer, Managing Director IBX Germany, Tel. +49/ 69 / 95 41 18.599, e-mail: thomas.neubauer@ibxeurope.com
Jens Bohl, Gesellschaft für strategische Unternehmenskommunikation Maisberger Whiteoaks, Tel.: +49 / 89 / 41 95 99 88,
Fax: +49 / 89 / 41 95 99 12 , jens.bohl@maisberger.com

About PricewaterhouseCoopers
With some 8,100 employees and a turnover of € 1.2 billion, PricewaterhouseCoopers AG Wirtschaftspruefungsgesellschaft is one of the leading auditing and consultancy companies in Germany. Experts at 28 locations work on behalf of national and international clients of every size. The focus is on assurance and business advisory services, tax services as well as transaction, process and crisis services (advisory). The company’s activities are marked by an emphasis on high quality, forward thinking and timely action.

PricewaterhouseCoopers refers to the German firm PricewaterhouseCoopers AG Wirtschaftspruefungsgesellschaft and the other member firms of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited, each of which is a separate and independent legal entity