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PRESS RELEASE

MEI enables Retail Kiosks and Other Self-Serve Systems to
Accept New $10 Bill with Ease!

14 November, 2005 - MEI Global  - MEI announced plans to seamlessly transition retail customers to accept the soon-to-be-released U.S. $10 bill in Kiosks, self- service checkouts, and other self-service retail systems. The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) will begin releasing the new $10 bill in early 2006.

MEI will offer customers several options to upgrade their bill acceptors in the field so that they will recognize and accept the new $10 bill immediately upon release. Upgrade and pricing options differ according to the bill acceptor model. Most products can be easily upgraded with a simple software change using a handheld device. MEI customers will receive detailed upgrade ordering information from MEI via e-mail and service bulletins that will be issued to service centers, distributors, and direct to customers.

Systems with either an MEI CASHFLOW™ SC or a Series 2000 (AE2800) bill acceptor can be upgraded by remote FLASH download through the interface or by using an MEI handheld tool (CPM/BPM). Most product lines that have been discontinued but are still in operation out in the field will be supported with this upgrade.

For high performance in both bill handling and security, MEI bill acceptors use optical sensing technology rather than magnetic technology and are ideally suited to handle the new, highly secure currency designs. The research and development team supporting MEI's optics-based products anticipated the BEP's changes and provides customers with future-ready technology.

Based on its close working relationship with the U.S. Treasury BEP, MEI designed its upgrade technology to ensure that retail kiosks and self-serve systems could be updated to accept the new $10 bill even before its official launch. All upgrades should be in place by December 2005.

"Seamless acceptance of new currency designs is critical to retailers' business, especially in unattended applications," said Andrew Osborne, global marketing manager for MEI's retail division. "MEI has consistently provided this level of support for new currency, and we look forward to the same success in this case."

About the New $10 Bills
The new $10 bills, like the $20 and $50 notes introduced in 2003 and 2004, respectively, incorporate state-of-the-art security features to combat counterfeiting, including color-shifting ink, a watermark, and security thread. These features are easy to use for consumers and cash handlers alike, and they will help to maintain global confidence in U.S. currency. The new $10 design is safer, smarter, and more secure: safer because it is easier for cash handlers and consumers to check, smarter to stay ahead of tech-savvy counterfeiters, and more secure to protect the integrity of U.S. currency. To learn more about the new $10 bill, visit http://www.moneyfactory.gov/newmoney.

About MEI's Full Line of Cash Acceptors for Self-Serve Systems
MEI (Mars Electronics International) offers the industry's most complete line of note and coin acceptors for the varying needs of retail self-serve applications. MEI SODECO™-BNA56 note acceptors are designed specifically for use in high-volume, high-value applications with dedicated cash-box collection and a revenue center. MEI CASHFLOW® SC Series note acceptors are the world's most technically advanced cash acceptor for retail applications. MEI Series 2000 note acceptors provide a lower end alternative for retail applications that do not require premium features or a lockable cash box. MEI Combo Acceptors are the industry’s first unit that accepts cash, credit and debit. MEI CASHFLOW 9500 coin acceptors are ideal for kiosks and other unattended retail systems. MEI provides all the technical support that OEMs, professional software developers and systems integrators need to design, integrate, test and deploy their self-serve systems.

  

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