New Delhi, Jan. 12 -- HCLTech has signed a multi-year partnership with The Magnum Ice Cream Company to build and run a new digital and IT foundation as the ice cream business separates from Unilever and operates as an independent company.
The partnership covers the design and management of cloud, data, and infrastructure platforms, with HCLTech deploying its AI Force platform across IT operations. The project is aimed at enabling automated monitoring, predictive analytics, and minimal human intervention in day-to-day IT management as Magnum exits its transition services agreement with Unilever and sets up a standalone technology environment.
The deal reflects a growing demand among large enterprises for technology-led carve-outs, where IT systems must be rebuilt rather than migrated. HCLTech said the work will move Magnum's IT operations from traditional AIOps models toward higher levels of automation using agent-based systems.
The partnership was announced alongside HCLTech's third-quarter FY26 results, where artificial intelligence and platform-led services featured prominently. The company reported revenue of Rs 33,872 crore for the quarter, up 6.0% sequentially, driven largely by digital, engineering, and AI-related services. In constant currency terms, digital services grew 17.7% year on year and now account for over 43% of services revenue.
Advanced AI services revenue reached $146 million during the quarter, growing nearly 20% sequentially. The company said client demand is increasingly centered on generative AI, agentic AI, and AI-enabled operations, particularly in application modernization, data platforms, IT operations, and engineering services. Several large deals signed during the quarter involved AI-led transformation of applications, data centers, and enterprise operations, including the use of autonomous agents and GPU-based infrastructure.
The company also highlighted progress in what it calls "Physical AI," which combines AI software with sensors, vision systems, and robotics, particularly for manufacturing, utilities, and industrial clients. HCLTech said these offerings are moving from pilots to scaled deployments.
Operating profit for the quarter stood at Rs 6,285 crore, with an EBIT margin of 18.6%, despite restructuring costs linked to organizational changes. New deal bookings totaled $3.0 billion, reflecting continued enterprise spending on AI-driven modernization rather than discretionary IT projects.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from TechCircle.