Atkins, a multinational engineering and design consultancy has signed a five-year IT outsourcing deal with Capgemini UK. The contract, worth £13.7 million runs from 2009 to 2014 and covers support for both IT infrastructure and core corporate applications including finance, human resources and payroll.

The contract, won against competitive bidding, renews and extends IT outsourcing arrangements dating from 2001 and covering a period in which Atkins developed its international focus so that it is now the largest multidisciplinary consultancy in Europe and the world's eighth largest global design firm. Earlier this month Atkins was appointed the official engineering design services provider for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Linda Barker, IS Head of Finance and HR Systems at Atkins, said: “Capgemini won the bidding on the quality of their work for us since 2001 and the excellent relationship they maintain with Atkins. We especially value their commitment to total collaboration with our business, and to ongoing proactive innovation. We are delighted to be working with them for a further five years.”

Working together, Atkins and Capgemini have already successfully managed a transition from locally based IT facilities to integrated systems, based on JD Edwards and Oracle software, tailored to the needs of Atkins international business. Challenges for the next five years include harnessing technology to further streamline business processes and generate continuous improvement in cost-efficiency and customer service.

Services to Atkins under the new contract will continue to be based at Capgemini service centres in London and Woking, with a dedicated team of IT professionals and development consultants working on-site at Atkins key locations.