STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Feb. 12, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- In November 2002, the Gunnebo security group launched its new patented, sealed and secure cash handling system for the retail sector, known as SafePay.
Swedish retailer ICA Ahold has signed an agreement with Gunnebo's wholly-owned subsidiary E A Rosenbergs AB for the purchase of 4,800 complete SafePay systems for the Scandinavian market. The order, which is estimated to be worth MSEK 400, will extend over a two-year period, with the initial deliveries planned for the middle of 2003.
The agreement with the ICA Ahold includes deliveries to ICA, Statoil and Hakon in Sweden, Norway and Denmark and the Group's companies in the Baltic region.
SafePay has an extensive patent protection and as a complete system for cash handling for the retail sector is unique on the market. SafePay guarantees automatic authentication to protect against counterfeit notes and coins, and can handle several currencies simultaneously. The system also caters for the in-store bank concept as it provides more recycling of notes and coins in the retailers cash register.
SafePay comprises a coin unit, a note unit with the accompanying cartridge system, and an emptying unit. The note unit cartridge system is available in a variety of designs, including smart cartridges that greatly increase in-store security, and a note-dyeing device for more secure transportation.
Increased security and flexibility in the cash handling system for the future
"In 2002, we carried out a number of field trials in our ICA and Statoil shops," said ICA Ahold Purchasing Director Bennet Farnstrand. "We've also involved our shop managers and staff in tests, and all in all I'm convinced that SafePay is a very secure and flexible system for cash handling in the retail sector."
An important first agreement for SafePay
"Since the launch last November, we've seen considerable interest being expressed in SafePay -- on the Continent of Europe as well as in Scandinavia," said Bjarne Holmqvist, Gunnebo's president and CEO. "I am very pleased to be able to say that this first, very large, agreement with ICA Ahold, which covers several countries, confirms that our investment in the development of a fully sealed, secure system for cash handling is correct. This first order is also of strategic importance for the next stage in SafePay's market launch, and means that we are already looking at a larger market than we had previously been planning for."
Constructive cooperation
"Our partnership with ICA Ahold has been characterised throughout by a high level of transparency and constructive proposals for improvements," said Torbjorn Browall, divisional manager at Gunnebo Physical Security. "It's also gratifying that ICA Ahold has opted to invest in a complete security system, and is therefore buying the smart cartridge version to ensure maximum security in the stores as well as note-dyeing systems for more secure transportation."
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GUNNEBO AB (publ) Information
For further information, please contact:
Bjarne Holmqvist, President and CEO Gunnebo AB +46 31 83 68 00 mobile +46 708 40 03 70 Torbjorn Browall, Divisional Manager Gunnebo Physical Security +46 31 749 90 50 mobile +46 705 92 56 04 Janerik Dimming, Head of Group Communications Gunnebo AB +46 31 83 68 03 mobile +46 705 83 68 03 janerik.dimming@gunnebo.se www.gunnebo.se
Gunnebo is today an international fast growing security group with 106 companies located in 32 countries. The Group has sales to a further hundred markets via agents and distributors. Annual turnover amounts to some MEUR 800. Gunnebo's security products mainly include fire and burglar resistant safes, security products for banks and cash handling, electronic security systems, fire protection, entrance control and access control, alarm centres and indoor and outdoor perimeter protection. Gunnebo has at its disposal some of the world's leading brand names in security: Chubb Safes, Fichet-Bauche, Rosengrens, Ritzenthaler, Garny and Leicher.
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