Zielpunkt becomes the first Austrian food retailer to enable customers to pay with contactless cards 

VIENNA, March 12, 2012 – First Data Corporation, a global leader in electronic commerce and payment processing, today announced that it is equipping Zielpunkt, a leading discount supermarket chain in Austria, with new point-of-sale (POS) terminals, that will enable customers to make contactless payments at hundreds of its stores across Austria.

Zielpunkt has 300 supermarkets, located mainly in eastern Austria. During February and March 2012, First Data plans to deploy approximately 830 POS devices, equipping all supermarkets with contactless card readers. Zielpunkt is the first food retailer to offer contactless payments functionality in Austria.

While the functionality is relatively new to the Austrian market, this year thousands of Austrian consumers will receive a contactless-enabled debit or credit card and their adoption of contactless is likely to grow with the emergence of mobile phone-based NFC (near-field communication) payments.

Contactless functionality provides customers with a quick, convenient and secure means to pay for goods. Customers simply wave or tap their cards or other payment devices at a contactless card reader installed at the point of sale to pay for their purchases. Contactless enables merchants to improve their operational efficiency at the check-out and First Data is already working with a number of retailers in Austria to install these readers.

“We chose First Data because of its modern range of terminals and experience deploying terminals on this scale,” said Jan Satek, chief executive at Zielpunkt. “We have enjoyed a long and successful history in Austria and it was important for us to work with a local services provider, with a strong track record in delivering both innovative and reliable POS network solutions.”

“We are delighted that yet another large Austrian retailer has selected First Data,” said Gert Vido, Managing Director of First Data in Austria. “We look forward to working with Zielpunkt to renew its terminal infrastructure and bring customers more payment choices and greater convenience at the check-out. This agreement complements a number of merchant agreements signed recently and further strengthens our growing terminal business in Austria.”

About Zielpunkt:
Zielpunkt offers the Austrian consumer a wide range of branded goods at discount prices, also working with its delicatessen partner Schirmhofer. Zielpunkt is positioned as the neighbourhood store and adapts its offering to each region in Austria. Zielpunkt currently operates 300 stores across Austria and employs approximately 3,000 employees.

About First Data:
Around the world, every second of every day, First Data makes payment transactions secure, fast and easy for merchants, financial institutions and their customers. First Data leverages its vast product portfolio and expertise to drive customer revenue and profitability. Whether the choice of payment is by debit or credit card, gift card, check or mobile phone, online or at the checkout counter, First Data takes every opportunity to go beyond the transaction.

Contacts
Elle Macchietto della Rossa, First Data
O +43 1 26082-305
Elle.MacchiettodellaRossa@firstdata.at