Capgemini UK plc has won a five-year contract to provide IT services to C.Hoare & Co, the UK’s leading independent bank. The contact, starting in June 2008, will see Capgemini provide 24/7 datacentre services from a UK delivery centre.

The bank says that its contract with Capgemini will improve the cost-effectiveness of its IT support, provide access to the expertise of a global leader in technology and outsourcing and enable valuable space occupied by computer facilities at its Fleet Street headquarters to be made available for other business activities.

Alexander Hoare, chief rxecutive of C.Hoare & Co, said: "Our strength as a bank lies in our provision of first-class personal service to our clients backed by high levels of efficiency and excellent data, and we are confident that working with Capgemini will maintain and enhance the IT service which provides vital underpinning for our work."

• See News Analysis for more on Capgemini, including its latest results, announced this week.