IBM has signed an agreement with Brazilian company EBX group to acquire 20% stake in its subsidiary, while EBX Group has awarded a $1bn contract to IBM for technology services.
Under the strategic agreement, IBM will acquire 20% stake in SIX Automacao, the subsidiary of SIX Solucoes Inteligentes, a unit of EBX Group focused on technology.
IBM will contribute industry applications, providing new products, software and services that complement SIX Automacao’s expertise in sectors including oil and gas, mining, naval construction, naval ports and others allowing both the companies to create broader portfolio.
Both the companies will also collaborate on research initiative, which will ensure synergy between EBX Group companies and IBM Research.
SIX Automacao and IBM will jointly develop research programmes and intellectual property focused on natural resources, sustainability and solutions aligned to IBM’s Smarter Planet strategy, EBX Group’s business needs and market requirements.
Both the companies will set up a new Solution Center for joint industry solutions to offer customers in four Latin American countries (Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru) to conduct tests, proofs of concept and customise technology for their specific needs.
Under the agreement, EBX will in turn outsource its information technology operations to IBM under a $1bn deal over 10 years.
The new 10-year contract covers EBX Group’s IT infrastructure investments, operation services and new technology projects.
EBX Group chairman Eike Batista said partnering with IBM will offer the company a broad portfolio of modern IT solutions.
"IBM, in turn, will expand its presence in one of the most promising markets in the world, working with a Group that has a significant presence in strategic sectors." Batista said.
