OpenText deepens commitment to economic transformation in SA with BEE investment

Issued by Global Research Partners for Open Text
Johannesburg, 24 Mar 2015

OpenText, a global leader in Enterprise Information Management (EIM), today announced it had completed a BEE investment for the company's South African operation (OpenText SA) with Kutana Investment Group, a black-women-owned and led black economic empowerment (BEE) investment group, which is closely aligned with the economic transformation goals of the government of South Africa.

OpenText's BEE initiative is designed to support the meaningful participation of black South Africans (African, Indian and coloured persons) in the economic success of the company, and a number of other BEE initiatives.

"Developing nations have an incredible opportunity to embrace the benefits of a digital-first world," commented Simon (Ted) Harrison, Senior Vice-President, Fast Growth Markets at OpenText. "We believe that today's announcement will underpin our efforts to support South African organisations in the continued transformation of the country's economy and help to grow our business in the region to the benefit of all our employees, partners and shareholders."

The selection of Kutana Investment Group was based on a common vision of BEE; cultural and strategic fit with OpenText; and a shared vision for digitally transforming the information sector in South Africa.

"We seek partnerships that offer growth potential, and look to build solid relationships where we can actively contribute to the future success of an organisation," explained Thoko Mokgosi-Mwantembe, CEO of Kutana Investment Group. "OpenText is a clear fit and complements many of our other technology investments and interests."

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In addition to the crucial investment in OpenText SA, other elements of OpenText's BEE initiative include:
* Preferential procurement: OpenText has implemented new procurement practices in South Africa, by working closely with companies that have a strong BEE rating. One example of this was the company's recent move to new premises in the Design Quarter office park.
* Employment equity and skills development: OpenText South Africa actively seeks to employ people across the demographics of the country and invest in skills development for all employees.
* Enterprise development and social economic development: OpenText has engaged in a number of projects to support local businesses and establish the company as an involved and responsible corporate citizen.

"OpenText remains firmly committed to the South African market and its future opportunities," added Lenore Kerrigan, OpenText Country Sales Director, Africa. "We have a broad customer base in southern Africa and a number of key local partners who, working alongside OpenText, are enabling customers to prepare for a digital-first world."

OpenText

OpenText is the leader in Enterprise Information Management, helping customers to create a digital-first world by simplifying, transforming, and accelerating their information needs. Over 100 000 customers already use OpenText solutions, either on-premises or in the OpenText cloud. For more information about OpenText (NASDAQ: OTEX; TSX: OTC), please visit: www.opentext.com.

Kutana Investments

Kutana Investments is a black-women-owned and led Pan-African BEE investment group. It is focused on delivering significant shareholder value through sound strategic investment practice, while contributing to the transformation of the economy and society at large. Kutana is pioneered and steered by seasoned corporate professionals bringing to bear over 70 years' combined experience in leading successful organisations across Africa and South Africa.

Certain statements in this press release may contain words considered forward-looking statements or information under applicable securities laws. These statements are based on OpenText's current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about the operating environment, economies and markets in which the company operates. These statements are subject to important assumptions, risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, and the actual outcome may be materially different. OpenText's assumptions, although considered reasonable by the company at the date of this press release, may prove to be inaccurate and consequently its actual results could differ materially from the expectations set out herein. For additional information with respect to risks and other factors which could occur, see OpenText's Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other securities filings with the SEC and other securities regulators. Unless otherwise required by applicable securities laws, OpenText disclaims any intention or obligations to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Copyright 2015 Open Text Corporation. OpenText is a trademark or registered trademark of Open Text SA and/or Open Text ULC. The list of trademarks is not exhaustive of other trademarks, registered trademarks, product names, company names, brands and service names mentioned herein are property of Open Text SA or other respective owners. All rights reserved. For more information, visit: http://www.opentext.com/2/global/site-copyright.html_SKU.

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