In a groundbreaking deal worth 10 million Euros (£6 million) per year, Vodafone AirTouch has signed its first global agreement with consumer brand giant Unilever, to provide the companyus pan-European mobile communications across six countries.
The two-year contract is designed to consolidate all Unileverus mobile requirements through Vodafone AirTouch partner networks in the UK (Vodafone UK), Netherlands (Libertel), Germany (D2 Mannesmann), France (SFR), Italy (Omnitel) and Spain (Airtel).
"This is an extremely significant account for Vodafone AirTouch, and it is a prime example of the demonstrable synergies we can deliver following our recent mergers," said Julian Horn-Smith, CEO of Vodafone AirTouch International Ltd. "With an extensive global footprint, Vodafone AirTouch is now exceptionally well-placed to deliver pan-European and global solutions to its customers worldwide, and we are delighted to have the opportunity to share our expertise with Unilever. Indeed, we hope to expand our initial pan-European agreement with Unilever to bring in other countries, not just in Europe but globally".
Peter Slator, Head of Information Technology for Unilever, commented: "Mobile telecommunications is a rapidly growing area for Unilever, and the Vodafone AirTouch agreement allows us to use a simple and uncomplicated approach which also delivers considerable cost savings and excellent service coverage across Europe. We feel assured that Vodafone AirTouch has the experience, innovation track record and global reach to help us develop and implement new technologies including WAP, GPRS and 3G."
Vodafone AirTouchus key aim will be to offer a consistent service across all partner networks, and to provide consolidated management information on mobile usage and expenditure across national boundaries. The two companies will also work closely together to develop and improve Unileverus mobile communications through new technologies, such as WAP, GPRS and 3G.
Vodafone AirTouchus Global Account Management Team will provide a single point of contact for Unileverus multi-national corporate HQ for all aspects of the new account, whilst the networks in each country will continue to provide high level support to Unileverus in-country operations through their own national account teams.
Notes to editors:
- About Unilever
Unilever is one of the world's largest consumer products companies with sales approaching ?27 billion. It produces and markets a wide range of foods, home and personal care products. Unilever operates in 88 countries around the globe and employs 255,000 people. In the UK its leading brands include: Flora, Oxo, Colman's of Norwich, PG Tips, Wall's ice cream, Birds Eye frozen foods, Persil, Jif, Domestos, Comfort, Dove, Organics, Sure, Lynx, Impulse, Elizabeth Arden and Calvin Klein cosmetics.
- About Vodafone AirTouch
Vodafone AirTouch Plc is the worldus largest mobile telecommunications company, with a current market capitalisation in excess of ?200 billion. The Group is focused on mobile voice and data communications, two of the fastest growing segments in the telecommunications industry. It has a global reach with operations in 25 countries and more than 51 million proportionate customers worldwide.
For further information contact:
Vodafone AirTouch Press Office
Emma Terleske or Corinne Norris
Tel: 07000 500100
Email: press.office@vf.vodafone.co.uk
Website: www.vodafone.co.uk
or
Unilever Press Office
Stephen Milton
Tel: 020 7822 6010
Email: stephen.milton@unilever.com
Website: www.unilever.com
press.office@vodafone.com