STRATEGIC PARTNERS
February 24, 2002
TOKYO -- Sumitomo Bank plans to install an ATM at a Circle K Japan Co. store in Osaka in February, according to the Nihon Keizai Shimbun.
If consumer response is favorable, the bank plans to set up ATMs in more Circle K outlets, Japan's fifth-largest convenience store operator.
Sanwa Bank already has ATMs in convenience stores operated by Lawson Inc. Some 60 Circle K stores in the Tokai region have ATMs of Tokai Bank and a number of regional banks.
Other Japanese convenience stores are reportedly considering, in conjunction with several banks, installing ATMs developed by IBM Japan Ltd. Cashing cards of several different banks can be used on IBM's machine.
