TCS to Harmonise METRO’s IT Systems Across Europe and Asia

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has been selected as a strategic partner by METRO AG to simplify and harmonise the wholesaler’s IT application landscape across its major markets in Europe and Asia.

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The engagement will move METRO from country-specific systems towards a more centralised technology environment.

Moving Towards a Common IT Environment

METRO has historically operated with localised, country-specific technology systems. Under the new partnership, TCS will support the consolidation of applications and technology operations as METRO moves towards a more centrally governed IT model.

TCS said the transition will include AI-based solutions and is intended to reduce technology complexity and streamline operations. The company said the programme will also help METRO free up resources for customer growth, innovation and other business priorities.

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The engagement covers METRO’s major markets in Europe and Asia. However, TCS has not disclosed the contract value, duration or the number of applications and employees that will be directly affected by the programme.

METRO’s move also comes as the company continues its wider focus on IT standardisation and cost control. In its latest annual meeting update, METRO said progress in IT standardisation was among the measures contributing to savings under its group-wide Cost Leadership Programme.

Change Management Will Be Part of the Programme

The IT programme will involve more than application consolidation. TCS said the engagement will include significant change-management work to support METRO’s move towards a more unified operating approach across the organisation.

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Dr. Khaled Bagban, Chief Information Officer at METRO AG, said the company needs an IT landscape that combines local relevance with clearer central coordination. He added that the systems should be scalable across markets and deliver measurable business value.

For employees and technology teams, such a shift can involve changes in applications, processes and ways of working across countries. The announcement, however, does not provide details on any planned workforce changes, job reductions or new hiring linked to the programme.

Bhuwan Agrawal, Head of TCS Central Europe, and Abhijit Niyogi, VP and Business Unit Head, Retail – UK, EMEA and India, TCS, also commented on the partnership. TCS said its role will include supporting METRO with the technology and operational changes required for a more consistent IT environment.

METRO operates in more than 30 countries and employs more than 84,000 people worldwide. It reported sales of €32.4 billion in the 2024/25 financial year, according to TCS.