Galderma Signs Pan European Deal with Scala

Added: (Tue Jun 12 2001)

Pressbox (Press Release) - Pharmaceutical joint venture implements Scala 5.1 to standardise business processes across 6 countries, and gain Euro compliance

London, 12 June 2001: Scala Business Solutions today announced that Galderma, the global pharmaceutical company, has signed a corporate agreement to implement Scala’s back-office software in Spain, Italy, Germany, Sweden, the UK and Belgium.

Until now, Galderma ran several different systems worldwide and this unnecessary complexity forced the company to operate multiple business models. Therefore, the company took the decision to standardise business processes wherever possible in one common model worldwide. With outdated technology, outgrown systems, the complexity of supporting various systems, as well as an urgent need to implement a Euro-compliant system in the Eurozone, Galderma started their selection process early this year.

“We chose Scala because of their international presence and support capabilities,” said Bill Mackenzie, Organisation and Methods Manager for Galderma. “We found that Scala offers a global product with localised versions that comply with the legal requirements in the countries in which we are located together with good general functionality and a solid pharmaceutical customer base. Their excellent Euro-compliant accreditation was also a very strong reason for selecting Scala.”

Scala’s back-office software can safely be used for Euro conversions. It received full EMU accreditation by BASDA (Business and Accounting Software Developers' Association) for the whole process – triangulation and conversion – in March 2000. It is multi-lingual (translated into more than 30 languages) and designed to support the worldwide currency requirements – including the Euro – of global companies. “By standardising our business processes on Scala we will be able to increase operational efficiency,” noted Mackenzie. “Our goal is to contain the cost of system support allowing our affiliates to concentrate on growing their business. We are confident that Scala will help us achieve this goal.”

According to André Israël, Vice President Operations for Scala’s Western European region, this latest contract demonstrates Scala’s suitability for the pharmaceutical industry as well as preparedness for the Euro. “While more than 75% of our customers are already adopting Euro capabilities, a recent survey from the European Commission found that in all but two Eurozone countries, fewer than 1.5% of businesses had switched their accounts to Euros. Therefore, it is refreshing to meet and work with a company like Galderma which clearly sees the need to prepare now in order to complete implementation and testing in time,” he said. “There are major business benefits to be had from the single currency, such as a smoother financial cycle for cross-border trading, as well as price transparency across subsidiaries. Scala's role is to give companies the technology to support this through the implementation of a standard system in any country. Our aim is to make global business simple, and this project highlights that we are achieving our goal for businesses worldwide.”

# # #


Notes to Editors


About Galderma

Galderma, a pharmaceutical company exclusively focused on dermatology, was founded in 1981 as a joint venture between L’Oréal and Nestlé. The company has rapidly become a world leader in research-based dermatological advances. Further evidence of Galderma’s commitment to the field of dermatology is found in their research & development center, among the largest and most prestigious in the world, that has produced more than 800 research publications concerning 130 inventions and 2,000 worldwide patents.

With affiliates throughout the world, Galderma maintains a network of 600 medical sales representatives.

For more information visit www.galderma.com.


About Scala Business Solutions

Scala Business Solutions is a global software provider serving multinational companies. Scala makes global business simple with its world-class software for managing an e-business, combining traditional back office business management systems with software for doing business over the Internet. Scala provides a complete solution for its customers, and also works in combination with other providers to extend the scope its customers may need.

From offices in Europe, North America and the Far East, Scala delivers software that is available in more than 30 languages. The company implements its software through a network of direct offices and partners that together cover more than 100 countries. Local markets are also addressed through a network of dealers.

Scala is listed on the Euronext Amsterdam Stock Exchange (symbol: SCA). 2000 revenue was USD 71.2 million.

Visit Scala’s website at www.scalaworld.com for press information including press releases, information for investors, and company and product information.

© 2001 Scala Business Solutions, NV. All rights reserved. Scala® is a registered trademark. Other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.