Capgemini Announces Broadened IT Outsourcing Agreement to Facilitate Merger Integration for Astellas in the U.S.; U.S. Pharmaceutical Company Anticipates Improvements in Efficiency, Service Levels to Support Growth.

NEW YORK -- Capgemini America, Inc. announced it has expanded its relationship with Astellas US LLC in an agreement that focuses on strategic IT systems and support services that will help enable the pharmaceutical company's efficient growth in the United States.

Astellas was formed in 2005 with the merger of Fujisawa Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and Yamanouchi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Under the terms of its agreement with Astellas, Capgemini will further Astellas US LLC's merger integration efforts by consolidating and increasing the efficiency of its information technology infrastructure and by serving as Astellas' strategic partner for application systems and related services.

Over the five-year term of the agreement, which was renewed in 2006, Astellas US LLC expects to improve IT service levels, decrease base costs compared to that under the former contract and benefit from a variable cost structure to support growth and financial value by rationalizing data center and technical help desk capabilities and leveraging global resources in areas such as application system lifecycle support.

"Among our top priorities are making sure we fully benefit from the merger and optimizing both our organization and cost structures to remain efficient in a growth environment," said Yoshihiko Hatanaka, president and CEO of Astellas US LLC. "We must align our business structure to support our long-term strategy and continually enhance our performance. We are confident Capgemini will assist us with these priorities."

Glenn R. Ward, vice president of information technology of Astellas US LLC, added, "Astellas' goals for IT in 2006 include ensuring appropriate capabilities are in place to provide ongoing support for new key systems, improving internal customer satisfaction and aligning the IT staffing structure with Astellas' global direction. Our continuing relationship with Capgemini is an important aspect in reaching these goals."

To meet Astellas US LLC's IT objectives, Capgemini will use its Rightshore(TM) approach, which will allow Astellas US LLC to receive IT services delivered from a combination of locations coordinated around the pharmaceutical company's specific business goals. As a result, some the company's IT operations will remain at existing company sites, while others will be moved to Capgemini delivery centers around the world.

"We've been fortunate to work with Astellas and its predecessor companies for the past three years, and we are honored that this visionary company has asked us to continue to collaborate with them," said Bob Pryor, head of Capgemini outsourcing services in North America.

In addition to the IT outsourcing agreement, Astellas US LLC recently awarded Capgemini the lead integrator role in its SAP implementation project for North America.

"This service relationship will enable all operations, whether on-site at Astellas US LLC or in centers operated by Capgemini, to attain consistent, high quality service levels," said Pryor. "It will also give Astellas the ability to predict costs and delivery schedules, which in turn will allow the company to easily manage its growth."

About Astellas US LLC

Astellas US LLC is a US affiliate of Tokyo-based Astellas Pharma Inc. Astellas is a pharmaceutical company dedicated to improving the health of people around the world through the provision of innovative and reliable pharmaceutical products. The organization is committed to becoming a global pharmaceutical company by combining outstanding R&D and marketing capabilities and continuing to grow in the world pharmaceutical market. For more information about Astellas US LLC, please visit our website at www.astellas.com/us.

About Capgemini

Capgemini, one of the world's foremost providers of Consulting, Technology and Outsourcing services, has a unique way of working with its clients, which it calls the Collaborative Business Experience. Through commitment to mutual success and the achievement of tangible value, Capgemini helps businesses implement growth strategies, leverage technology, and thrive through the power of collaboration. Capgemini employs approximately 61,000 people worldwide and reported 2005 global revenues of 6.954 billion euros. More information about individual service lines, offices and research is available at www.capgemini.com.

All trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners.