WINNIPEG, Manitoba, February 11, 2013 /CNW/ – Pollard Banknote Limited (TSX: PBL) (Pollard Banknote) is pleased to announce that it has signed a three-year contract to manufacture and supply instant lottery tickets to Veikkaus (National Lottery of Finland). This new agreement commenced January 1, 2013, and also provides the option for a one-year extension.
Since 1993, Pollard Banknote has built a long-standing relationship as a dedicated supplier of instant scratch tickets to Veikkaus. For 20 years, Pollard Banknote has produced one of the Lottery’s most successful core games, Ässä. In addition, through this ongoing partnership, Veikkaus has continued to grow and incorporate a steady stream of innovative solutions into its instant ticket portfolio, including Pollard Banknote’s translucent marking system, patented Scratch FX®, and the Pollard PlayBook®.
“Pollard Banknote is thrilled to continue our relationship with Veikkaus,” said Doug Pollard, Co-Chief Executive Officer. “This contract award speaks to the Lottery’s confidence in our ability to produce industry-leading products of the highest quality.”
“We are delighted to once again team up with Pollard Banknote; a partnership that has thrived over the years,” remarked Karri Paavilainen, Vice President, Daily Games. “Pollard Banknote’s outstanding customer service and complex manufacturing capabilities—including their unrivalled ability to produce cut to singles, pouched and die-cut tickets—combined with Pollard’s patented Scratch FX®, have been vital to Veikkaus’ sustained success.”
All proceeds generated by Veikkaus go to the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture, which then distributes funds to beneficiaries in Finnish arts, sports, science, and youth work. In 2011, a total of EUR 516 million was distributed by the Ministry.
About Pollard Banknote Limited
Pollard Banknote Limited is one of the world’s leading full-service lottery vendors and is a major supplier to North America’s charitable gaming industry. The company manufactures instant lottery tickets and provides related programming, design, and marketing support. As well, Pollard Banknote manufactures pull-tab tickets and bingo paper, and supplies lottery management services (including warehousing and distribution). Established in 1907, Pollard Banknote is owned approximately 73.5% by the Pollard family and 26.5% by public shareholders and currently serves more than 50 lotteries worldwide, including some of the largest and most respected lotteries in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, and Central and South America.
Forward-looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking” statements and information which involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. When used in this document, such statements include such words as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “believe,” “plan,” and other similar terminology. These statements reflect management’s current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date of this document. There should not be an expectation that such information will in all circumstances be updated, supplemented, or revised whether as a result of new information, changing circumstances, future events, or otherwise.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Doug Pollard (dpollard@pbl.ca)
Co-Chief Executive Officer
Telephone: (204) 474-2323
Facsimile: (204) 453-1375
John Pollard (jpollard@pbl.ca)
Co-Chief Executive Officer
Telephone: (204) 474-2323
Facsimile: (204) 453-1375
Rob Rose (rrose@pbl.ca)
Chief Financial Officer
Telephone: (204) 474-2323
Facsimile: (204) 453-1375