UNG.L Regulatory News (UNG)

11 October 2017  

AIM: UNG.L

Universe Group plc

("Universe", the "Group" or the "Company")

UNIVERSE COMMENCES GEMPAY 3 ROLL OUT

Universe Group plc (AIM: UNG.L), a leading developer and supplier of point of sale, payment and on-line loyalty systems, announces it has commenced the roll-out of its new Gempay 3 payment solution to fuel forecourts. The first customers include MRH, Certas Energy, Rontec and Valero. This solution brings contactless payment, updated security and digital media screens to thousands of customers.

There are currently over 3,000 previous generation Gempay terminals in use on UK forecourts and this number continues to increase. The new Gempay 3 is capable of supporting a wide range of debit, credit and fuel cards including contactless, Apple Pay, Android Pay, Samsung Pay and loyalty programmes including Nectar, Clubcard and Star Rewards.

The introduction of a colour touchscreen on the Gempay 3 opens the scope for enhancements such as the delivery of advertising, served out of the cloud by Universe's Iocaste digital media suite. In addition, the latest PCI-PTS 4 compliance allows an extended operating life to ensure excellent return on investment for retailers.

After exhaustive reviews and in depth analysis of competing products, Universe selected Ingenico Group's Telium TETRA hardware for Gempay 3. This platform offers the best in class features and performance capabilities and further cements the close working relationship between Ingenico and Universe. This is the first terminal using Telium TETRA to deploy in the UK.

Separately, the Company continues to work to sign and deliver the small number of high value contracts referred to in the Interim Results announcement. Further announcements will be made in due course.

Jeremy Lewis, Chief Executive of Universe said:

"The Gempay 3 payment solution has been designed to meet the demanding requirements of the fuel retail and convenience store sectors. The distinctive landscape media screen and shielded keypad have been well received by our retailer clients wanting a modern, robust interface for their customers. This is a comprehensive and highly reliable payment solution with the additional capability of digital media advertising managed by Universe's Iocaste digital media solution."

Jacques Behr, EVP Retail and Board Member at Ingenico Group SA said:

"Ingenico, as a global leader in seamless payments, is delighted to be working closely with Universe, dominating as they do, the forecourt and convenience store market in the UK. Both organisations have a culture of innovation excellence and customer care. We feel this is a strong partnership for the future."

For further information:

About Universe Group plc:

Universe provides some of the world's leading retailers with point of sale, payment and loyalty solutions. The Group's solutions are based on its own proprietary software and are offered out of the cloud on a software as a service model with its data centres processing over 5 billion transactions every year. For further information, please see www.universe-group.co.uk

About Ingenico Group SA:

Ingenico Group (Euronext: FR0000125346 - ING) is the global leader in seamless payment, providing smart, trusted and secure solutions to empower commerce across all channels, in-store, online and mobile. With the world's largest payment acceptance network, we deliver secure payment solutions with a local, national and international scope. We are the trusted world-class partner for financial institutions and retailers, from small merchants to several of the world's best known global brands. Our solutions enable merchants to simplify payment and deliver their brand promise.