Following a tender process involving a number of banks, Alliance & Leicester will provide cash handling facilities to the supermarket's Northern Ireland network of superstores.

This latest agreement builds on their existing relationship, whereby Alliance & Leicester Commercial Bank in partnership with Group 4 Securicor provides cash handling services to all Asda superstores in England, Scotland and Wales.

Commenting on the new agreement, Chris Story, Group Treasurer at Asda said: "Dealing both efficiently and effectively with the large volume of cash which passes through our stores is key to our business and we are pleased to be extending our relationship with Alliance & Leicester Commercial Bank. The bank has provided Asda with the high level of service we require for many years and I am confident that they will prove to be a very valuable partner to our stores in Northern Ireland."

Karen Woods, Director of Relationship Banking at Alliance & Leicester Commercial Bank said: "Asda is one of Alliance & Leicester Commercial Bank's biggest cash handling customers, with the service we provide to Asda having developed considerably over the last 10 years in line with their business growth. We are delighted to be extending our relationship with such a successful brand and this type of partnership highlights the expertise we can offer to businesses of all sizes."