IT recruitment consultancy Harvey Nash has signed a £44m deal with Alcatel-Lucent for the provision of wireless technology maintenance and research and development services.

The services will be provided via a new subsidiary known as Nash Technologies over the initial period running from 1 October 2008 to 31 December 2010.

The partnership is expected to boost Harvey Nash's research and development capabilities, and provide high levels of service, increased utilisation of the global skills base, and scalability while driving cost efficiencies.

"At a time of considerable uncertainty in global markets, this opportunity is a powerful example of how the Harvey Nash portfolio of services can bring significant benefit to the group's Fortune 1000 client base," said Albert Ellis, chief executive at Harvey Nash.

Harvey Nash shares jumped 13.5 per cent after the deal was announced.