Abu Dhabi, 21 February 2011, Al Taif Technical Services, a leading provider of Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul, and upgrade services for heavy utility vehicles, ground support equipment and fighting platforms, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nexter Systems, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Nexter Group (formerly GIAT Industries), specializing in the manufacture and maintenance of land Defence Systems, including  vehicles, weapons and munitions. Al Taif is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Mubadala Development Company (Mubadala), the Abu Dhabi based investment and Development Company.

"This partnership will allow Al Taif to benefit from Nexter's considerable technical expertise in all aspects of land defence systems. It strengthens our relationship and will help us meet our common goal of enhancing military vehicle lifecycle management across the UAE and Beyond," said Cyril Arar, CEO Al Taif.

The MoU reinforces existing collaboration in the support of Nexter equipment used by the UAE Armed Forces. It also maps out ways in which the relationship could be extended to areas beyond GHQ and the UAE, bringing to bear the companies' combined strategic capabilities.

Philippe Burtin, Chairman and CEO, Nexter, added; "Nexter's strength derives from strong strategic partnerships combined with the experience of how to make these relationships successful and sustained. We are delighted to be able to continue supporting Al Taif and GHQ/GMC with our land system capabilities".

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About Al Taif Technical Services:
Al Taif Technical Services is a leading Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services provider for defence-related land systems, armoured combat vehicles, main battle tanks, tracked and wheeled heavy utility and ground support equipment in the UAE and the Gulf region.

The Company was launched by Mubadala Development Company in late 2006, and operates in close collaboration with the General Head Quarters (GHQ) of the UAE Armed Forces.

Al Taif Technical Services' largest client is the UAE Armed Forces, with whom it has secured a 20-year contract. This contract includes servicing a large and diverse fleet of international military vehicles and equipment, as well as providing stores and inventory management, training and training management, spares provisioning and facilities management services.

With global expertise and partnerships, a significant skills base, first-class facilities, local knowledge and the commitment to building a sustainable and commercially viable support system for the UAE and regional armed forces, Al Taif is fast becoming a centre of excellence and a regional partner of choice.

About Nexter Systems:
Nexter applies its expertise in land defense systems to meet the needs of the French army and other forces internationally. The scope of its business includes the supply and support of Land Defense Systems, including vehicles and munitions for Army, Air Force, Navy and law enforcement applications. In 2009, Nexter reported revenue of USD 1,1 billion, of which 12% were allocated to Research & Development. The range of products offered by Nexter includes: Leclerc battle tank, VBCI Infantry combat vehicle, ARAVIS® highly protected armored vehicle, CAESAR®, BONUS intelligent munitions and

SITV1 command system, all backed up by customer service, support and recycling. Nexter equipment is in service in more than 100 countries.

For Further Information Contact:
Mariam Bumajeed:
PR & Marketing Manager,
Al Taif
050-1895936

John Hunter:
Business Development Executive
050-5581671

© Press Release 2011