Wipro expands presence in the payments market by acquiring mPower, a US headquartered company with an offshore facility in Chennai

Chennai, December 22nd 2005: Wipro Inc, the US subsidiary of Wipro Limited (NYSE: WIT), has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire New Jersey, US based mPower and MPACT Technology Services, based in Chennai, for a total consideration of USD 28 Million, payable in cash. mPower, a niche company focused on the payment processing space, has a total estimated revenue of around USD 18 Million and an EBIT of USD 4.6 Million for fiscal year 2006. Wipro Technologies also entered into a strategic engagement with MasterCard International, by acquiring 100% stake in MPACT, a joint venture of MasterCard and mPower. The acquisition will be part of Wipro Technologies - Global IT services business of Wipro Limited. The closing of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

Avendus Advisors was the sole investment banker for the transaction.

With this acquisition, Wipro technologies gains a 300 member strong team and deep domain expertise in the payment space which will enable it expand its addressable market in the financial solutions business. As a part of this agreement, Wipro will provide MasterCard and other clients in the payment space with a wide range of services that could include Application Development and Maintenance, Infrastructure Services, Package Implementation, BPO and Testing.

The acquisition is in line with Wipro’s strategy to invest in niche areas where it can establish leadership through superior domain knowledge and operational excellence. Wipro has a track record of rapid growth in its financial services business, and expects this acquisition to help scale growth in this vertical.

Commenting on the transaction, Naru Narayanan, Chairman and CEO, mPower said, “The entire team is delighted to join the family of Wiproites. This partnership brings together the niche expertise of mPower in payments space and Wipro’s wide range of services and extended global reach. We are confident that this winning combination can significantly expand market address and provide superior customer solutions.”

Sriram Srinivasan, Vice President – Banking Solutions, Wipro Technologies said, “the payments industry is an area where we expect to see rapid growth in the near future, and this acquisition strengthens our capability in the payments arena, where we work across the chain from traditional, electronic and cards payments. Our 360 degree integrated IT and BPO service portfolio, understanding of regulatory frameworks and experience in improving operational efficiencies, positions us as an ideal partner for Payment solutions companies including MasterCard.”

About Wipro Ltd.

Wipro Limited is the first PCMM Level 5 and SEI CMM Level 5 certified IT Services Company globally. Wipro provides comprehensive research and development services, IT solutions and services, including systems integration, Information Systems outsourcing, package implementation, software application development and maintenance services to corporations globally. In the Indian market, Wipro is a leader in providing IT solutions and services for the corporate segment in India offering system integration, network integration, software solutions and IT services. Wipro also has profitable presence in niche market segments of consumer products and lighting. Wipro's ADS’ are listed on the New York Stock Exchange, and its equity shares are listed in India on the Stock Exchange - Mumbai, and the National Stock Exchange.

For more information, please visit www.wipro.com

About mPower Software Services

mPower Software Services, a global software services & technology consulting company, serves the IT needs of businesses in the financial services and payment processing space. mPower provides a full spectrum of software consulting services including application management, testing, systems integration, product development, systems maintenance and technical support. mPower has established a strong brand and has developed in-depth domain expertise in the payments processing space with over 1000 person-years of payment experience.

For more information, please visit www.mPowerss.com

About Avendus Advisors

Avendus Advisors is an Investment Bank specializing in Private Equity Syndication, Cross-Border M&A, Fixed Income and Strategic Advisory services to corporates and funds. The company focuses on industries where Indian companies have a strategic growth advantage, including IT Services, IT Enabled Services, Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare, Media and Consumer Products and Services. Avendus clientele ranges from small fast growing technology firms to large international corporates and established private equity funds. It has served more than 100 corporates in cross border transactions and in raising growth capital, and has closed deals more US$ 250 Million during the last fourteen months.

For more information, please visit www.avendus.com