COGNICASE Closes a Strategic Partnership with Ontario/Quebec Blue Cross.

Business Editors

MONTREAL--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 15, 2000

COGNICASE Inc. (Nasdaq:COGI) (TSE:COG.) and Ontario Blue Cross/Quebec Blue Cross confirmed today that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which COGNICASE will become the exclusive information technologies supplier to Ontario Blue Cross/Quebec Blue Cross for a 10-year period.

For COGNICASE, this strategic partnership is expected to generate approximately C$100 million in revenues over the 10-year period. COGNICASE will manage Blue Cross' Internet/Web strategy, the development of applications enabling the sale of insurance products via Internet and wireless, the evolution of IT applications, as well as Blue Cross' IT infrastructure, including its data/voice transmission network. COGNICASE will also have the rights to the intellectual IT property developed under this agreement.

About Blue Cross

Founded in 1942, Blue Cross of Ontario and Quebec is a leading provider of individual and group healthcare insurance, travel insurance and assistance. Its mission is to anticipate the needs of Quebecers and Ontarians by offering distinctive, high quality products and services. The company has premium income of $211 million and assets of $173 million. With 425 employees and offices in Toronto, Montreal and Quebec City, Blue Cross strives to maintain superior service standards based on the development of its human resources.

About COGNICASE

COGNICASE is an innovative E-Business integrator and Internet/Wireless electronic solutions providers, with offices in several major North American and European business centers. Based on its results-driven approach, technologies, international IT engineering/hosting center, COGNICASE offers innovative solutions that contribute to the business success of its customers in the digital economy. COGNICASE is composed of the four following business units: Outsourcing and Integration, Electronic Business Solutions, Internet/Wireless Technologies and Internet Portals. COGNICASE employs around 3,500 professionals in several countries, including Canada, the United States, France, Spain, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands and Australia.

The information contained under the heading "About COGNICASE" takes into account the proposed transaction between COGNICASE Inc. and National Bank of Canada, which includes the acquisition by COGNICASE of SIBN Inc., the National Bank's IT subsidiary, scheduled to close on May 31, 2000.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (US), which involve risks and uncertainties. As a result of a number of factors, including factors that COGNICASE may not currently foresee, COGNICASE's actual results could differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

Certain other factors that might cause the COGNICASE's actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements include the COGNICASE's ability to (i) successfully develop additional products and services and new applications for its existing products and services and otherwise respond to rapid changes in technology, (ii) successfully compete in its industry for customers and developers and other personnel with expertise in information technology, (iii) successfully identify and consummate acquisitions on favorable terms and integrate acquired businesses, (iv) successfully manage its growth and changing business, as well as those factors set forth under the heading "Risk and Risk Management" in its 1999 annual report. Other risk factors relating to this press release include the ability of COGNICASE to negotiate and finalize the definitive agreements related to the transaction described herein, the possible cancellation of such definitive agreements before the end of their expected duration, and a possible reduction in the needs of COGNICASE's customer for IT services over the period of such agreement.