HP Wednesday announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to form a joint venture in Kuwait with National Computer Services Company WLL (NCS), under which it will acquire the IT services business of NCS. The new company – Hewlett-Packard Services Kuwait Company WLL - will be managed by HP, consolidating the leading technology and solutions provider’s presence in the Middle East.
Commenting on the agreement and the implications for the region, John Hoonhout, director HP Services, HP Middle East, said, “As one of the fastest growing economies in the Middle East, the need for technology and services is critical to support Kuwait’s (deleted economic) growth. The aim of the joint venture is to build upon HP’s commitment to the Middle East, further enhancing our capabilities, and along with our partners, strengthening our ability to serve the Kuwaiti market.”
“The creation of this joint venture will bring HP closer to customers, partners and the market and provides a productive environment to improve and strengthen our existing relations with our partners and customers,” added Hoonhout.
Commenting on the news, Khalid Al-Babtain, Chairman of Al-Babtain Group (owner of NCS) said, “This joint venture with HP is a key achievement for us, both in terms of partnering with the world's leading IT company, and growing the IT service business in the region.”
Mohammed Shalaby, President - IT Group and Vice CEO Planning & Business Development Al-Babtain Group, elaborated that, “Hewlett-Packard Services Kuwait Company WLL will offer one of the broadest ranges of skills and experience in Kuwait providing customers with the most diverse and comprehensive offering in this market. NCS will maintain its status as one of the prominent HP partners in Kuwait and other regions, with a major focus on HP high-end products sales”.
© 2006 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
