COGNICASE Announces Major Contracts in Europe

    MONTREAL--May 2, 2001--COGNICASE Inc. , a major provider of IT services and solutions specializing in real time transactional e-commerce solutions, announced today the signing of an important two-year contract with BUT, the second largest furniture and home electronics retailer in France.
    The European division of COGNICASE will implement an integrated management system (customer and supply management, procurement, invoicing, inventory control, logistics) for all of BUT's 236 stores in France. This contract is estimated at 23 million FF.
    COGNICASE Europe is also announcing a major contract with Toyota Motor Europe. The contract is ongoing and estimated at over 25 million FF. It consists of building one of Toyota Motor Europe's core business applications and of implementing an open-ended multi-level Web enabled application that will be used to manage car parts, warranties and claims the Toyota vehicle management group in Europe. Toyota Motor factories and distribution centers all over Europe depend on this application.
    "Europe is a strategic market for COGNICASE's continued growth. We continue to win major contracts in our European operations and our pipeline of major contracts in Europe remains strong," stated Ronald Brisebois, President and CEO of COGNICASE.
    "Our ability to deliver leading edge e-Solutions has positioned COGNICASE as a credible player in the European market. We continue to win business relationships with some of the most important corporations in Europe," added Vincent Rouaix, Executive Vice-President and General Manager COGNICASE Europe.
    Further details and highlights of these and other contract wins will be discussed in the Company's upcoming conference call with members of the public, the investment community and journalists, scheduled for May 3, 2001 at 5:00 PM, after market close.

About COGNICASE

    COGNICASE is an innovative company specializing in the development and integration of real time transactional solutions. Relying on its results-driven approach, software and technology and international Internet engineering and hosting center, COGNICASE offers secure and scalable solutions that contribute to its customers' economic success in the digital economy. COGNICASE is active in several countries, including Canada, the United States, France, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands and Australia.

About BUT

    BUT, one of France's leading electrical and furniture retailers, operates 236 stores throughout France and the French Indies. It employs more than 6,000 employees for sales exceeding 9.5 billion FF at year end 2000. BUT continuously undertakes significant retail development programs as a home improvement retailer in the furniture and household electrical appliances sector. BUT strengthens the British Kingfisher Group in France, a successful and thriving retail business operating over 2,900 stores. In addition to BUT, Kingfisher plc encompasses some of the best known retail brands in Europe and employs more than 130,000 people in 16 countries."

About Toyota Motor Europe

    Toyota Motor Europe is the European Marketing and Engineering subsidiary of Toyota, the world's third largest motor manufacturer. Toyota Motor Europe is responsible for marketing the Toyota range of cars and commercial vehicles across Europe. It is also responsible for the development of models, such as the Toyota Yaris, the European Car of the Year 2000. To achieve all this, Toyota Motor Europe employs over 150 people in its Information Systems Group. They are involved in projects which are closely related to Toyota Motor Europe's business critical activities including Spare Parts Logistics, Vehicle Logistics and After Sales Service.

Forward Looking Statement

    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. 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, the estimated number of transactions being lower than expected and a possible reduction in the needs of COGNICASE's customer for IT services over the period of such agreement.