eTelecare Enters the South African Call Centre Market

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona - eTelecare Global Solutions (PSE: ETEL), a leading provider of complex business process outsourcing (BPO) solutions, has completed the purchase of the Phone House Group, a subsidiary of Carphone Warehouse. eTelecare is one of the world’s largest and fastest growing Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies with 15 contact centres employing over 14 000 people across the US, Philippines, Nicaragua and now South Africa.

According to Wynand Schutte, Managing Director of eTelecare South Africa, “The call centre industry is well positioned and should continue to experience growth as companies begin to outsource in an effort to reduce costs. The acquisition will extend eTelecare’s business into the South African market and is expected to add an additional 500 jobs locally over the next twelve months.”

“Since 2003, South Africa has experienced a dramatic expansion in call centre employment due to its skilled, multi-lingual labour force providing cost-effective, dependable service to local and international clients,” said mayor Helen Zille. “We are now seen as a world class destination.”

This call centre employment growth has been assisted by the Government Assistance and Support programme (GAS) which provides training grants and job creation incentives to BPO companies. Following cabinets approval of a BPO&O business strategy in December 2006, the government has made use of GAS to assist it in reaching its goal of creating of 100 000 jobs by 2010.

“Despite the current economic slump, investment is still flowing into the call centre market, with more and more companies both locally and internationally realising the benefits that come with outsourcing,” says Sipho Zungu Chief Executive Officer of Calling the Cape.

About eTelecare Global Solutions

Founded in 1999, eTelecare Global Solutions is a leading provider of business process outsourcing (BPO) focusing on the complex, voice and non-voice based segment of customer-care services. It provides a range of services, including technical support, customer service, sales, customer retention, chat and email from both onshore and offshore locations. Services are provided from delivery centers in the Philippines, United States, Nicaragua, and South Africa. Additional information is available at www.etelecare.com.

Source: eTelecare Global Solutions

Patrick Gordon, 021-683-8223, cell, 072-149-9214, patrick at duomarketing.co.za, or Judith Middleton, 021-683-8223, cell, 082-889-5301, judith at duomarketing.co.za, both of DUO Marketing + Communications, for eTelecare Global Solutions; or Wynand Schutte, General Manager of eTelecare Global Solutions, 021-673-7101, Wynand.Schutte at etelecare.com / NOTE TO EDITORS: Due to Wynand Schutte’s international travel schedule, for any media interviews / queries please contact Patrick Gordon directly.