To: Ruby who wrote (261 ) 12/21/1998 4:58:00 PM From: J_W Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 283
Kroger to install 125 additional U-Scan Express Self-Checkout Systems 09:31 a.m. Dec 16, 1998 Eastern MONTREAL--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 16, 1998--Optimal Robotics Corp. (Nasdaq:OPMRF) today announced that The Kroger Co., North America's largest supermarket chain, has signed a letter of commitment to purchase and install an additional 125 U-Scan(R) Express self-checkout systems. Kroger already has approximately 65 stores equipped with U-Scan(R) Express spanning all of its divisions. Kroger operates approximately 1,400 food stores across the United States and has recently announced its intent to merge with Fred Meyer, Inc. The combined company will have approximately 2,200 supermarkets with annual sales of approximately $43 billion. "Optimal is very pleased that Kroger has once again expanded its commitment to our U-Scan(R) Express self-checkout system and its partnership with us", said Henry M. Karp, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Optimal Robotics. "Kroger's additional commitment to U-Scan(R) continues to demonstrate that U-Scan(R) is becoming the standard in a rapidly growing marketplace for self-checkout", added Mr. Karp. "We look forward to working closely with Kroger in the successful implementation of our systems in their stores." Optimal Robotics is the leader in the development and implementation of automated self-checkout systems for retail applications with 57 U-Scan(R) systems installed year-to-date and an install base approaching 100 systems in North America. The U-Scan(R) Express System is designed to reduce the cost of checkout transactions to retailers and increase shoppers' convenience by providing a level of service and convenience similar to that provided in the banking industry by ATMs. The U-Scan(R) Express is currently being used by such leading retail chains as The Kroger Co., Meijer, Inc., Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., Marsh Supermarkets, Inc., Shaw's Supermarkets, Inc., Hy-Vee, Inc., Albertson's, Inc., and Star Market Company, Inc. In addition to historical information contained herein, this news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The Company's future actual results could differ materially from the forward-looking statements discussed herein. Copyright 1998, Business Wire