In a significant move that reshapes the UK’s retail banking landscape, Sainsbury’s has announced the sale of its ATM business to NoteMachine, a Brink’s Company. This deal, set to be finalized by May 2025, involves the transfer of approximately 1,370 cash machines across the country.
For shoppers, the good news is that nothing changes on the surface. All ATMs will stay put, continuing to offer free cash withdrawals. It’s business as usual when it comes to getting your hands on some cash during your grocery run.
Behind the scenes, however, it’s a different story. Sainsbury’s is streamlining its operations, moving away from directly managing these machines. Instead, they’re partnering with NoteMachine, a company that specializes in ATM services.
Simon Roberts, Sainsbury’s Chief Executive, reassured customers about the change. “We’re keeping free cash access at all our current spots,” he said. “At the same time, we’re making our banking business simpler and cutting costs.”
This move is part of a bigger plan. Back in January, Sainsbury’s announced it was gradually stepping back from its core banking business. This ATM deal is another step in that direction.
On the other side of the transaction, NoteMachine sees this as a chance to grow. Steve Makaritis, their CEO, expressed excitement about the partnership. “We’re all about making banking easier and more accessible,” he explained. “Taking on Sainsbury’s ATMs helps us do just that.”
NoteMachine isn’t just buying the machines; they’re taking on the responsibility of keeping them running smoothly. They’ll handle everything from restocking cash to maintenance.
For Sainsbury’s, this deal means a steady income from ATM commissions without the hassle of day-to-day management. It’s a win-win: they keep offering a valuable service to customers while focusing more on their core business – selling groceries.
This change reflects a broader trend in retail banking. As more people use digital payment methods, managing physical cash becomes more complex for supermarkets. By partnering with specialists like NoteMachine, Sainsbury’s adapts to these changing times.
The transition will happen gradually over the next few months. Customers might notice some rebranding on the ATMs, but the service itself should remain unchanged.
In the end, this move by Sainsbury’s shows how retailers are rethinking their additional services. They’re finding ways to keep offering conveniences like cash access while adapting to a changing financial landscape.
For shoppers, the message is clear: Sainsbury’s Local ATM business isn’t going anywhere. It’s just getting a new behind-the-scenes operator. So next time you need some cash for your shopping trip, you can still count on finding it at your familiar Sainsbury’s ATM.