UNG.L Regulatory News (UNG)

Valero selects Universe Group plc for its UK Secure Fuel Payment Solution

25 September, 2014

Southampton, UK

Universe Group plc (AIM:UNG.L), a leading developer and supplier of payment and on-line loyalty systems announces that Valero has chosen HTEC Ltd ("HTEC"), a subsidiary of Universe, to provide its new electronic funds transfer, loyalty and fuel card acceptance platform in the UK. The roll-out of this solution is now well underway.

Valero supplies over 650 Texaco-branded wholesale sites, which makes it is the largest branded dealer network in the UK. Valero trades under the Texaco brand, which has been in use in the UK since 1916.

The solution is based on HTEC's GemPAY platform ("GemPAY"). This is a terminal specifically configured to meet Valero's future requirements and handles all major credit and debit cards, the latest derivatives of major UK and international fuel cards as well as the popular Texaco Star Rewards Loyalty Scheme.

Supporting the solution is HTEC's Terminal Management System ("TMS") which has been designed in partnership with leading fuel card suppliers and oil companies and is a major feature of GemPAY. The TMS provides remote diagnostics, upload and download terminal configurations, adjustable parameters, libraries and applications thus enabling maximum up time for the terminal. GemPAY is fully approved and complies with the Payment Card Industry ("PCI") Data Security Standard.

Martin Reynolds, Commercial IS Manager Valero UK said "We chose HTEC based on their experience, capabilities and reputation in the payment arena. We look forward to realising the benefits of our enhanced relationship."

Jeremy Lewis, CEO of Universe Group added "We are delighted that Valero has chosen us as their technology and service partner and we look forward to supporting one of the UK's leading fuel wholesalers into the future".

About Universe Group plc:

Universe, with its HTEC trading subsidiary, develops class-leading point of sale, payment and loyalty solutions. This PCI compliant proprietary software is deployed as a cloud based service into demanding, mission-critical trading environments. Through product innovation and customer service level excellence Universe Group build multi-year partnerships with customers who include some of the world's leading retailers, particularly in the petrol forecourt and convenience store markets. See www.universeplc.com.

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