Sara Lee signs shared services deal with IBM

Dec 31 2008 3:05PM

Sara Lee has announced a seven-year agreement with IBM which will see the computer giant provide it with global back office operations.

Under the terms of the deal, IBM will also manage a portion of Sara Lee's North American and European finance and global information services.

Bill Gilmour, general manager for IBM consumer products, said: "Working with IBM, Sara Lee will quickly establish an efficient and effective infrastructure utilizing proven transition methodologies and skilled and dedicated project management resources which will allow them to focus on driving growth in their business."

The deal will also help Sara Lee move to globally integrated back office shared services, he added.

Other areas covered by the contract include indirect procurement services, and application development and maintenance operations.