CGI retained by Kesko for IT services

CGI Inc. has been retained by Kesko to provide IT services. CGI is a leading IT and business consulting services firm that offers a comprehensive portfolio of capabilities, including strategic IT and business consulting, systems integration, managed IT, business process services, and intellectual property solutions. The company specializes in digital transformation, data analytics, and managed services, and works with clients through a local relationship model and global delivery network. CGI has operations in various regions, including Western and Southern Europe, the United States, Canada, Scandinavia and Central Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia, Finland, Poland, and the Asia Pacific region.

CGI Inc. (TSX: GIB.A, NYSE: GIB), a leading IT and business consulting services firm, has entered into a strategic partnership with Kesko, a significant retail services company, to accelerate digital transformation across Kesko's operations. The comprehensive agreement encompasses end-user services, capacity and cloud services, integrations, and broader digital development support for Kesko's K Group retail network.

The partnership, announced on August 20, 2025, was driven by Kesko's goal to become a forerunner in digital services within the retail sector. Kesko selected CGI through a competitive bidding process, citing the company's international expertise and local presence as key factors [1]. The collaboration model includes shared goals, risks, and joint metrics for achieving strategic objectives.

CGI's role in the partnership is to leverage its core strengths in retail digital transformation. The company specializes in AI and data-driven strategies, which will help Kesko enhance profitability by delivering friction-free omnichannel customer experiences, enhancing supply chain agility, streamlining store operations, advancing sustainable transformation, and optimizing IT investments [2].

CGI's extensive portfolio of capabilities, including strategic IT and business consulting, systems integration, managed IT, business process services, and intellectual property solutions, positions it well to support Kesko's digital transformation journey. The partnership aligns with CGI's broader strategy of helping retail organizations implement AI and data-driven approaches to enhance profitability through improved customer experiences, supply chain optimization, and streamlined operations [3].

For CGI, this deal leverages its core strengths in retail digital transformation while expanding its footprint in the Nordic market. The agreement represents a substantial long-term value for both companies, given its scope and the inclusion of multiple service areas and joint development initiatives [4].

The partnership appears to be substantial in scope, with Kesko specifically selecting CGI through a competitive bidding process. Kesko's stated goal is to become a forerunner in digital services within the retail sector, with particular emphasis on automation and AI-based solutions to renew their business operations and improve productivity [4].

While the press release doesn't disclose financial terms, strategic partnerships of this nature typically represent substantial long-term value, especially when they include multiple service areas and joint development initiatives as described here.

References:
[1] https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cgi-and-kesko-enter-strategic-partnership-to-accelerate-digital-transformation-302533648.html
[2] https://seekingalpha.com/news/4487262-cgi-and-kesko-enter-strategic-partnership
[3] https://www.barchart.com/story/news/34264878/cgi-and-kesko-enter-strategic-partnership-to-accelerate-digital-transformation
[4] https://www.stocktitan.net/news/GIB/cgi-and-kesko-enter-strategic-partnership-to-accelerate-digital-mf2yti3c18x7.html