Capgemini Enhances Utility Asset Optimization Expertise; Asset Experts Paul Halpin and Robert Kelley Join Capgemini's North American Utilities Practice.

NEW YORK -- Capgemini today announced that Paul Halpin and Robert Kelley have joined its Utilities Outsourcing Practice to expand the development of Capgemini's asset optimization solutions for the energy industry in the United States and Canada. Their addition enhances the company's deep utility sector expertise at a time when the industry faces unique challenges from increasing consolidation.

"The addition of Paul Halpin and Bob Kelley demonstrates Capgemini's commitment to helping the utility industry address growing challenges in an era of mergers and acquisitions," said Amin Bishara, vice president and business development leader for Capgemini's Utilities Outsourcing Practice in North America. "Utility companies, under growing pressure to improve both efficiency and overall performance, will greatly benefit from our capabilities in asset optimization, smart metering and integrated supply chain management. Our team has the experience to help energy sector companies drive innovation at a time when demanding market conditions require companies to embrace change - or face the threat of failure."

Halpin, who brings more than 25 years of international experience, joins Capgemini from Aspen Technology, where he oversaw supply chain consulting efforts for a range of industries - including power - across the Americas. Previously, he counseled a variety of companies in Europe. He has written extensively on the use of new technology to improve business practices.

Kelley joins Capgemini from Total Resource Management. He has more than 30 years of North American experience in operations, asset management and project management.

Together, Kelley and Halpin will oversee the implementation of Capgemini's asset optimization solution, which will help utilities increase shareholder value by maximizing productivity from operations.

Asset optimization will continue to be critical to utilities in the coming years as companies seek to generate more power at a time when new-plant development is highly contested, said Bishara, citing a recent Edison Electric Institute report that shows most of the more than 8,600 megawatts of new generating capacity that came on line in 2005 resulted from the expansion of existing plants, rather than construction of new facilities.

"Paul Halpin and Bob Kelley add depth and capabilities to our utilities practice in the high-growth area of asset management," he said. "Their expertise will provide our clients with the kind of insight and practical experience they need to operate as efficiently as possible and to maximize both shareholder value and customer service."

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 of mutual success and the achievement of tangible value, the company helps businesses implement growth strategies, leverage technology and thrive through the power of collaboration. Capgemini employs approximately 61,000 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.