ATM gurus try move into vending movies

Clive Mazin and Mervyn Kark founded ATM Solutions Australasia, an independent ATM supplier, which Bank of Queensland bought in 2003 for $16 million (approximately U.S. $12.6 million).

Their new franchise, Movies24, was established by business partner Michael Marcus, who brought the Nando's Chicken franchise to Australia 14 years ago.

Movies24 aims to roll out the machines - which resemble freestanding ATMs - in service stations, supermarkets and apartment blocks.

Marcus said a similar concept had been successful in Europe and the United States, with hospitals, train stations, restaurants and supermarkets adopting the technology.

"After placing a trial order for 130 machines, McDonald's in America has now ordered 13,000 units to cover all of its stores in the U.S.," he said.

Marcus said the company, established seven months ago, would use some of the distribution channels established by ATM Solutions to sell the machines.