SHENZHEN, China, Nov. 3 /PRNewswire-Asia-FirstCall/ -- China Nepstar Chain Drugstore Ltd. (NYSE: NPD) ("China Nepstar" or the "Company"), the largest drugstore chain in China based on the number of directly operated stores, today announced that it has entered into a strategic cooperation agreement with ATMU (China) Technology Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of ATMU Inc., one of the largest ATM operators in China, to install ATMs in Nepstar stores.
This cooperation will not only provide convenience to customers and generate rental revenue for China Nepstar, but will also help increase store traffic and accelerate the development of electronic payment services at Nepstar stores. ATMU plans to complete initially 1,000 ATM installations in China Nepstar's existing stores by end of 2010.
ATMU Inc. is one of the largest ATM operators, ATM media service providers and ATM maintenance providers in China. ATMU Inc.'s strategic business partner, Postal Savings Bank of China, is the fifth largest commercial bank in China. Established on what was the financial services network of the China Post Bureau, Postal Savings Bank of China provides full commercial banking services to more than one billion residents in rural and urban markets across mainland China.
Mr. Jason Wu, Chief Operation Officer of Nepstar, commented, "We are delighted with this new initiative. With our broad geographic coverage in China and outstanding brand name, China Nepstar is the logical partner for ATMU. This cooperation is another step towards our long term goal of bringing maximum convenience and high quality products to our customers. We believe that the installation of these ATMs, along with other in-store service terminals such as the utility bill payment system, will further help increase our store traffic and strengthen our customer relationships."
About China Nepstar Chain Drugstore Ltd.
China Nepstar Chain Drugstore Ltd. (NYSE: NPD) is China's largest retail drugstore chain based on the number of directly operated stores. As of June 30, 2009, the Company had 2,312 stores across 64 cities, one headquarter distribution center and 12 regional distribution centers in China. China Nepstar uses directly operated stores, centralized procurement and a network of distribution centers to provide its customers with high-quality, professional and convenient pharmacy services and a wide variety of other merchandise, including OTC drugs, nutritional supplements, herbal products, personal care products, family care products, and convenience products including consumables. China Nepstar's strategy of centralized procurement, competitive pricing, customer loyalty programs and private label offerings has enabled it to capitalize on the robust economic growth in China and to take advantage of the demographic trend in China to achieve a strong brand and leading market position. For further information, please go to http://www.nepstar.cn .
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements constitute "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates" and similar statements. Among other things, the quotations from management in this press release and the Company's strategic operational plans and business outlook, contain forward-looking statements. Such statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual report on Form 20-F. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable law.
For more information, please contact:
In China:
Lucia Qian
China Nepstar Chain Drugstore Ltd.
Vice President, IR
Phone: +86-755-2641-4065
Email: qianrt@nepstar.cn
In the United States:
Dixon Chen
Grayling
Investor Relations
Tel: +1-646-284-9403
Email: dixon.chen@us.grayling.com
Ivette Almeida
Grayling
Media Relations
Tel: +1-646-284-9455
Email: ivette.almeida@us.grayling.com
