Joint ATM Network between Nordea and SAMPO bankas in the Baltics

Nordea and SAMPO bankas have agreed to set up an extensive ATM network, which will cover all three Baltic countries: Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. The first ATMs will be put into operation in Baltic countries in September and other banks will be invited to join the network.

It is the first occasion when two major Nordic banks have started cooperation in a key area in the Baltics. The objective of this cooperation is to provide improved bankcard services and broader service access to both banks’ clients. This means also better service for both banks’ customers.

"In the past we have been cautious to open up ATMs in the Baltic Markets but we need to meet our increasing number of customers demands for easy access to cash. We believe that cash withdrawal is a customer service, which can be effectively performed in co-operation," says Thomas Neckmar, Head of Nordea in Poland and Baltic countries.

The ATM network starts with Nordea and SAMPO bankas but other banks will also be invited to join.

"After the creation of the joint ATM network, customer service and cash access for our clients will improve considerably. This joint project is a good example of successful cooperation between strong competitors in a non-core area," says Georg Schubiger, Head of SAMPO bankas East European Banking. He added "By working together, every party wins from this project, especially our customer."

The new ATMs will have a design that bears the logos of both banks - SAMPO bankas and Nordea.

First Data International, a worldwide electronic commerce and payment services provider, will develop and maintain the ATM network for the banks across the Baltic region. Gerd Müller, who leads First Data’s operations in the Nordics, Baltics and CIS region, comments: "We are delighted to be partnering with Nordeaand SAMPO bankas to provide a robust ATM infrastructure that will offer important benefits to the banks’ customers".

The first ATMs provided by First Data under the cooperation agreement will be put up in Baltic countries in September. In the coming years, Nordea and SAMPO bankas are planning to put up altogether 400 ATMs: 100 in Estonia, 100 in Latvia and 200 in Lithuania.