This latest announcement follows the award of a 140m 10-year contract to Williams Lea in July, for the outsourcing of its document management operations (PrintWeek, 29 July).

The London-based print management group won the contract to handle the Prudential's document-based customer correspondence, such as applications and statements. However, Williams Lea confirmed that the 7m print tender is outside of the contract that it has with the Prudential.

The main objectives of the tender are to improve quality and systems while reducing costs. The successful bidder will be required to improve systems at the life and pensions provider and handle its digital asset requirements.

The print contract will include repro and production of promotional and point-of-sale material. It is understood that the selection process will aim to have an improved operation in place by March 2005. A tender document will be issued this week for interested parties to apply.

Currently the Prudential has a roster of printers but no print management system in place to handle the print budget. The tender process will eventually come down to a shortlist of eight companies, with one successful candidate being chosen by March next year. A number of print management companies have already expressed an interest in applying for the tender.

Prudential is an inter-national financial services group listed on the FTSE 100 with operations in the UK, Europe, Asia and the US.

Story by Andy Scott