MILAN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 18, 2004--Italian hypermarket Auchan-Gruppo Rinascente, part of the Rinascente Group, today announced it has signed an agreement worth over $6 million with NCR Corporation (NYSE:NCR) to replace the point-of-sale (POS) hardware and software currently installed throughout the chain's 38 stores.

The new front-end solution includes NCR RealPOS(TM) 80c terminals, NCR RealScan(TM) 72 bioptic scanners and new electronic funds transfer PIN pads.

The agreement marks a decisive turning point in the spread of self-checkout in Italy, as Auchan-Gruppo Rinascente will also install four to eight NCR FastLane(TM) self-checkout lanes in all stores. NCR FastLane, called "cassamica" (meaning "friendly cash register") by Auchan, offers customers the option to scan, bag and pay for their own purchases.

"We chose NCR as our sole IT supplier because we feel the company is the best store-automation partner available," said Marino Vignati, information technology manager for Auchan. "NCR FastLane is the most innovative and flexible self-checkout solution in the retail sector and is best suited for our needs."

Shoppers using NCR FastLane at Auchan can pay by cash, credit card or debit card. The system also accepts coupons and includes a module to deactivate security tags during the self-checkout process.

NCR is also providing POS software for Auchan. NCR Advanced Store@Retail, an open, flexible front-end application, will allow Auchan-Gruppo Rinascente to increase its operating efficiency, competitiveness and ability to meet customers' needs.

For example, through the Digital Promotions module it will be possible to quickly develop and introduce new promotions. Highly scalable, NCR Advanced Store@Retail will allow Auchan to manage its multiformat stores through a single application.

"This agreement highlights NCR's broad portfolio of store-automation solutions, as well as our unique ability to address the needs of European retailers," said Alberto Camuri, vice president of NCR Retail Solutions Division for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. "Auchan has already begun to reap the benefits of better customer service and greater operating efficiency."

About Auchan-Gruppo Rinascente

Auchan-Gruppo Rinascente is the Gruppo Rinascente hypermarkets brand. Established in 1997 as a result of an agreement between Auchan Group and La Rinascente, it currently includes 38 hypermarkets in Italy. Auchan has about 12,800 employees and 2002 revenue of 2.710 million euros.

About NCR Corporation

NCR Corporation (NYSE:NCR) is a leading global technology company helping businesses build stronger relationships with their customers. NCR's ATMs, retail systems, Teradata(R) data warehouses and IT services provide Relationship Technology(TM) solutions that maximize the value of customer interactions and help organizations create a stronger competitive position. Based in Dayton, Ohio, NCR (www.ncr.com) employs approximately 29,000 people worldwide.

NCR, NCR EasyPoint, NCR FastLane, NCR RealPOS, NCR RealPrice, NCR RealScan, NCR RealSolutions and Teradata are trademarks or registered trademarks of NCR Corporation in the United States and other countries.

    CONTACT: NCR Corporation
             Joy Griffin, 770-623-7089
             joy.griffin@ncr.com
             or
             NCR Italia Spa
             Lorena Gandolfini, +39-02-4790-5102
             lorena.gandolfini@ncr.com

    SOURCE: NCR Corporation