The record total reflects year-on-year growth for NCR in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), with double digit growth in North America and a surge in demand in Asia Pacific. The company reported revenues of $2.8 billion in its financial self service and retail store automation businesses in 2000.

NCR executive vice president and chief operating officer of the retail and financial solutions group Bill Amelio says demand in both the retail and financial sectors for self-service equipment is strong and growing worldwide.

The company reported triple-digit growth in the provision of ATMs for retail locations and solid growth in self service outsourcing, including a $173 million contract with Royal Bank of Canada.

NCR's bullish outlook is in sharp contrast to the recent downbeat assessment of rival Diebold, which has embarked on a round of belt tightening after experiencing a slackening in demand for cash machines in its core US markets.

In a seperate announcement, NCR has reported a multi-million dollar oder from Moneybox for 1250 ATMs, associated software and maintenance services for deployment at locations such as convenience stores, leisure centers, gas stations, pubs and nightclubs across the UK.

The contract includes new software that will enable Moneybox to centrally manage multi-media advertising through ATMs.

Moneybox has already installed 1000 NCR machines across the UK. Tony Grandidge, vice president for NCR’s financial solutions division in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, comments: "We have seen the UK’s total installed base of convenience ATMs increase to around 3,000 during 2000, and this year we are likely to see other European countries follow the example."