CustomerLinx acquires ETC Data Services: acquisition to broaden customer care and fulfilment capabilities

ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 22 2001/PRNewswire/ - CustomerLinx Corp., a company specialising in Web-enabled, multi-mode Customer Relationship Management (eCRM) services, recently acquired ETC Data Services, a provider of custom solutions for customer service, fulfilment, database development and data entry services. ETC Data Services now operates under two separate divisions: CustomerLinx of New York and CustomerLinx of Connecticut. The acquisition broadens and reinforces CustomerLinx's total interactive customer care service offering.

Founded in 1959 by former IBM Service Bureau personnel, ETC has evolved from a data processing and fulfilment centre to include a complete vertical service offering, specializing in customer relationship management, customer service, inbound sales and retention services, key entry, scanning and imaging. Currently, ETC maintains locations in Farmington, Connecticut, Newburgh, New York and Montgomery, New York. CustomerLinx will retain all existing locations.

Jeff McDermott, President and CEO, CustomerLinx said, "Our mission is to provide seamless customer relationship processes for our clients. ETC allows us to deliver the robust analytical tools and responsive customer service required to garner higher levels of customer satisfaction, retention and lifetime value".

CustomerLinx operates customer contact centres in Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Connecticut, California and New York. Through its LinxCenters and advanced CRM/eCRM platform, CustomerLinx allows middle market and Fortune 500 companies to combine traditional inbound contact centre communications with inbound web- based and digital eCRM communications. CustomerLinx's combined CRM/eCRM services allow companies to operate their CRM platforms in a more cost effective manner, while applying continuous improvement best practices in the execution of their CRM strategies. The company's web-enabled platform offers scaleable solutions, secure, real-time reporting of results and performance metrics. The company's suite of eCRM services includes: web and voice interaction, interactive voice response (IVR), email response, order entry, fulfilment, data mining and modelling and market research.

CustomerLinx is headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia. The company employs approximately 1,000 highly qualified professionals. CustomerLinx clients represent a variety of industries including financial services, insurance, marketing, e-commerce, health care, catalogue and retail sales and publishing. For more information, visit the CustomerLinx web site at http://www.customerlinx.com