Axis Bank is in talks to acquire 3,500-4,000 of its automated teller machines (ATMs) currently managed by struggling service provider AGS Transact Technologies. The bank is looking to transfer the machines to a new service provider due to concerns over deteriorating service quality. Under the current agreement, Axis Bank and AGS Transact have a “Brown Label ATM” arrangement, where the service provider manages the entire ATM lifecycle, including maintenance and cash management, while the bank’s branding appears on the machines.
The acquisition would involve a comprehensive audit of the ATMs to determine the purchase price, which would be based on factors including depreciation, maintenance, and upgrade costs. Axis Bank has already started discussing the deal with other ATM service providers, but will need to wait for the buyout to be completed before making the transition.
The move comes after a recent ET report highlighted the financial troubles of AGS Transact, which has impacted over 38,000 ATMs of major banks, including State Bank of India, ICICI Bank, and HDFC Bank. AGS Transact’s financial woes have led to the migration of over 50% of its machines to other network providers, and the company is struggling to pay its debts, which stand at over ₹726 crore. Credit rating agencies have downgraded the company’s ratings, citing a high risk of debt default. Despite these challenges, 80-85% of Axis Bank’s ATMs continue to function smoothly, with the bank operating over 15,000 ATMs and cash recyclers across the country.