EANS-Adhoc: FirstGroup plc once again opts for new ticket machines from Hoeft & Wessel AG

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ad-hoc disclosure pursuant to section 15 of the WpHG transmitted by euro
adhoc with the aim of a Europe-wide distribution. The issuer is solely
responsible for the content of this announcement.
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Contracts

03.09.2011

- 4,000 ITSO-compliant electronic ticket machines ETMs
- Development of EMV contactless payment

Hannover/Germany, 03/09/2011. FirstGroup plc, headquartered in
Aberdeen, and Hoeft & Wessel AG, Hannover/Germany, have signed a
framework agreement for the supply of electronic ticket machines
(ETMs). This is part of First´s new E- Ticketing system for its
English bus fleet. The initial order volume covers a solution with
4,000 ETMs tightly integrated into Firsts IT-system. Further orders
with a volume of 1,500 machines and more are planned. The supply
contract also includes the development of the contactless credit card
option EMVco (Europay, Mastercard, Visa contactless) for the ETMs.
EMVco has become an international standard and supports fast
contactless payment and ticketing.

The delivery of the large-scale order is scheduled to begin
immediately. The UK´s largest bus operator with 5,000 buses outside
of London has already ordered ETMs from the Almex division of Hoeft &
Wessel for its regional operation utilities in Wales and Scotland.
This contract supports the long- lasting co-operation between both
companies.

The order comprises on-board computers with ticket printers of the
new almex.optima bl series, mobile terminals of the product line
almex.mobile, validators of the product group named almex.smartfare,
and the almex.office back-office system. All functionalities are
based on the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS)
with the E-Ticketing standard ITSO.

The Hoeft & Wessel Group is the leading IT and engineering technology
Group for ticketing, parking and mobile solutions in Germany and
Great Britain. With its Almex ticketing solutions Hoeft & Wessel is a
leading supplier of E-Ticketing systems based on open standards like
ITSO, VDV-KA or Calypso in Europe. Its main locations are Hannover,
Germany, and Swindon, UK, to the west of London.

Further inquiry note:
Hoeft & Wessel AG
Investor Relations and Public Relations
Dr. Arnd Fritzemeier
Rotenburger Str. 20,
30659 Hannover, Germany
Phone +49 511 6102-300
Mail IR@hoeft-wessel.com

end of announcement euro adhoc
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issuer: Höft & Wessel AG
Rotenburger Str. 20
D-30659 Hannover
phone: +49-511-6102-0
FAX: +49-511-6102-411
mail: ir@hoeft-wessel.com
WWW: http://www.hoeft-wessel.com
sector: Technology
ISIN: DE0006011000
indexes: Prime All Share, Technology All Share
stockmarkets: regulated dealing/prime standard: Frankfurt, free trade: Berlin,
Hamburg, Stuttgart, Düsseldorf, Hannover, München
language: English