F.R.A. joins Business Interactif Paris, Thursday March 22, 2001

F.R.A., one of the pioneer companies of the Internet in France, joins the Internet services company Business Interactif.

About Business Interactif

Created in 1996, Business Interactif is an Internet services company specializing in the design, development and management of e-business solutions.It currently has over twenty clients, including Alcatel, Airbus, Air Liquide, Bic, Lancôme, Nestlé, SEB, Saint Gobain, Groupe Suez and Exodus.

Listed on the Nouveau Marché of the Paris Stock Exchange on June 27, 2000 (Sicovam 7605), Business Interactif has raised nearly € 29 million (FRF 190 million) to finance its growth. With offices in New York, Paris, Tokyo and Rio de Janeiro, Business Interactif expects to continue its international expansion in 2001.

Synergies in expertise and shared commercial strategy

This acquisition will enhance technical expertise within the Business Interactif group, particularly in back-end applications.The combination will help F.R.A. reach critical mass to expand its offerings and access international markets. Beyond the synergies between their respective specialties, F.R.A. and Business Interactif are developing a joint commercial strategy focused on developing partnerships with a number of select major accounts involving complex projects. F.R.A. will enable Business Interactif to establish a presence in distribution (Carrefour, Picard, K par K) and in banking – insurance (SGAM, AXA).

To F.R.A.'s three founding partners, "the two companies complement one another in their respective strengths, while at the same time sharing common values: quality, rapid but controlled growth, profitability, emphasis on human values, and long-term partnerships with clients on major strategic projects. This combination will make Business Interactif/F.R.A. one of the most competitive players in the market. AXA Private Equity believes in our plans, supports us financially, and remains closely involved in this promising strategic option we have chosen: proof of renewed confidence in our company's future. At the same time, the shareholders retain a strong, solid group with a team of undisputed expertise, and a very significant competitive advantage which strengthens the company's image and opportunities."

About F.R.A.

Since 1994, F.R.A. has supported companies in implementing e-business solutions, including their strategic and operational aspects.

F.R.A. implements e-business platforms involving front-office and
back-office applications and customized client relations.

F.R.A.'s clients include groups such as Carrefour, Société Générale Asset Management, KparK (Groupe Lapeyre). F.R.A., which currently has 80 employees, reported sales of FRF 27.8 million in 2000, an increase of 120%, and operating profit representing 15.4% of sales in 2000. F.R.A.'s offices are located in Paris and Lyon.

Additional information: www.fra.fr

Press Contact:

Véronique Collet
communication@fra.fr
Tel.: +33 1 49 96 49 49

F.R.A.
173, rue Saint-Martin
75003 PARIS
Tel: +33 1 49 96 49 49
Fax: +33 1 49 96 49 48
info@fra.fr