HOUSTON, Dec. 8, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cardtronics, Inc. (Nasdaq:CATM), the world's largest retail ATM owner, today announced a long-term ATM placement agreement in Puerto Rico with National Lumber & Hardware, covering 38 locations for the home improvement and interior design retailer. National Lumber & Hardware is a division of Pitusa, the island's largest Puerto Rico-based retailer.
In a development linked to Cardtronics' newly formed relationship with National Lumber & Hardware — as well as a separate ATM branding contract announced in 2010 — Scotiabank will place its brand on all 38 Cardtronics-owned and operated ATMs placed in National Lumber & Hardware stores. Including the National Lumber & Hardware locations, Cardtronics' ATM branding program has enabled Scotiabank to create convenient surcharge-free ATM access for its customers at more than 90 well-known convenience, grocery and home goods stores, and hotel/hospitality spots in Puerto Rico.
"After observing Cardtronics' demonstrated ability to use its ATMs to create mutually beneficial connections for retailers, financial institutions and the people of Puerto Rico, it became apparent to us that an in-store Cardtronics ATM can create lasting value for our National Lumber & Hardware division," said Israel Kopel, president, Pitusa. "In addition to its long-standing operations in Puerto Rico, Scotiabank has millions of account holders worldwide that can now seek out National Lumber & Hardware stores when in need of surcharge-free ATM cash access. Cardtronics unique network of relationships, including Scotiabank, were central to Pitusa aligning with the company to provide ATM access at these National Lumber & Hardware locations."
"As influential as the prospect of Scotiabank branding was in Cardtronics reaching an agreement with National Lumber & Hardware, Scotiabank equally values the Pitusa family of retailers' ability to enhance its brand presence on the island," said Jorge Fernandez, senior vice president – Latin America region, Cardtronics. "Pitusa and its affiliated brands, with their supreme name recognition, are part of the very fabric of Puerto Rico. And that makes National Lumber & Hardware a logical and highly-effective choice for Scotiabank to expand convenient surcharge-free cash access for its customers by way of its Cardtronics relationship."
About Scotiabank Puerto Rico
Scotiabank de Puerto Rico is a subsidiary of Bank of Nova Scotia, which has been operating in Puerto Rico since 1910, providing banking services to all segments of the population with savings and checking account products, and personal, auto, and mortgage loans. It is also a bank that provides services to small, medium and large businesses. With 1,800 employees and a network of 47 branches across the Island, Scotiabank's focus is on providing first class service to its customers. It is also part of the Scotiabank Group banking network, one of the most important financial institutions in North America and the largest Canadian bank with international standing. The Scotiabank Group and its affiliates have approximately 70,000 employees and serve approximately 18.6 million customers in more than 50 countries around the world. For more information, visit www.scotiabankpr.com.
About Scotiabank
Scotiabank is one of North America's premier financial institutions and Canada's most international bank. With more than 70,000 employees, Scotiabank Group and its affiliates serve some 18.6 million customers in more than 50 countries around the world. Scotiabank offers a broad range of products and services including personal, commercial, corporate and investment banking. With assets above $575 billion (as at October 31, 2011), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto (BNS) and New York Exchanges (BNS). For more information please visit www.scotiabank.com.
About Cardtronics (Nasdaq:CATM)
Making ATM cash access convenient where people shop, work and live their lives, Cardtronics is at the convergence of retailers, financial institutions, prepaid card programs and the customers they share. Cardtronics owns/operates more than 52,800 retail ATMs in U.S. and international locales. Whether Cardtronics is driving foot traffic for America's most relevant retailers, enhancing ATM brand presence for card issuers or expanding card holders' surcharge-free cash access on the local, national or global scene, Cardtronics is convenient access to cash, when and where consumers need it. Cardtronics is where cash meets commerce.
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CONTACT:
Cardtronics - Media
Nick Pappathopoulos
Director - Public Relations
832-308-4396
npappathopoulos@cardtronics.com
Cardtronics - Investors
Chris Brewster
Chief Financial Officer
832-308-4128
cbrewster@cardtronics.com