Scott Tod reversed into shell company Darwin Capital last november.
On 2 October 2003, Darwen Capital announced that it had acquired a 20%
shareholding in Scott Tod Developments Limited ('Scott Tod'), which distributes
and maintains automated teller machines and is also involved in the development
and manufacture of card vending machines and change machines, for 525,000 from
A Cohen & Co PLC.
On 7 October 2003, Darwen Capital announced that it had agreed to
acquire the outstanding 80% of Scott Tod, and raised 2.5 million in a placing at 25p per share.

David Massie, the Chairman of Darwen Capital, commented:

'Scott Tod is an excellent business with tremendous growth prospects.
The flotation through reversing into Darwen will not only raise its profile in
the City but will enable it to grow more rapidly through carefully targeted
acquisitions.
Trading at Scott Tod is encouraging and, with plans for a further 200 ATM
machines to be deployed over the next two months, I am confident that the
outlook for the business is excellent.'

The Three Business Divisions

ATMS.

Scott Tod's ATMs are
all free-standing and are situated indoors, typically in pubs, leisure and
retail outlets. Scott Tod currently has an estate of over 900 ATMs in operation,
with revenue generated from a transaction fee of, on average, of 1.43 per
withdrawal and approximately 19p for all other transactions effected on any ATM
owned or operated by Scott Tod.
Key ATM customers include Scottish & Newcastle plc, Enterprise Inns PLC,
Wolverhampton & Dudley Breweries PLC, Six Continents PLC, The Laurel Pub Company
Limited, Megabowl Limited and Tussauds Group.
In April 2001, Scott Tod became a full member of LINK, the ATM network operated
by LINK Interchange Network Limited. This enables Scott Tod to process all
transactions through its estate of ATMs.

Card Vending Machines

Scott Tod develops and manufactures its own range of card vending machines.
These are able to vend all types of cards, from pre-paid mobile phone top up
cards to pre-valued payment cards for use on land line calls, bill payment or
simple business or scratch cards. There are approximately 1,500 Scott Tod card
vending machines in operation, of which 1,200 are installed in approximately 120
hospitals in the UK and the Netherlands.

Change Machines

Scott Tod develops and manufactures its own range of change machines,
predominantly for the leisure industry, including free-standing and wall-mounted
machines which can give back change in either coins, tokens or tickets from an
input of coins, notes or both.

Jewel In The Crown

This is of course its ATM business which is growing at massive pace and is one of only 3 listed ATM companys other than Banks on the main markets the other two being Cardpoint and Ambient, which will float off its atm business Moneybox in a few months time.
The other independent ATM deployers being Hanco ATM Systems
Limited, TRM Corporation, Bank Machine Limited,
InfoCash Limited, INKAS Financial Corp. Limited, OmniCash Limited
and the Travelex Group.

There is of course a fantastic opportunity therefore for SCD with its 1.8 million cash the opportunity for consolidation in the sector.


Business Development

Scott Tod

* Over 900 ATMs deployed

* 1,500 Card Vending Machines

* Over 10,000 Change Machines installed

* Turnover 6.9 million (up 94% from 2002)**

* Profit before tax 158,000 (up 95% on 2002)**

* Market continues to grow

* Current trading encouraging

* 200 ATM machines planned to be deployed in next two months

* Orders for over 500 card vending machines

* Positive about future growth prospects.


Financials

Years ended 30 June 30 June 30 June
2001 2002 2003
'000 '000 '000

Turnover:
Change and card machines 1,724 2,684 3,154
ATMs nil 866 3,747
---------------------------- --------- --------- ---------
1,724 3,550 6,901
---------------------------- --------- --------- ---------
Operating profit 81 200 488
---------------------------- --------- --------- ---------
Profit on ordinary activities before taxation 15 81 158
---------------------------- --------- --------- ---------


Forward Outlook

The Directors and the Proposed Directors, having regard to the performance of
Scott Tod in the current financial year as warranted by the Vendors believe
that, taking into account the additional working capital to be provided by the
Placing, the prospects for the new group for the remainder of the current
financial year are good.
Current trading is encouraging with orders for over 500 card vending machines
and plans in place to deploy a further 200 ATMs in the next two months.

Accordingly, the Directors and the Proposed Directors view the future growth
prospects for new group with confidence.

Results

Interims due 11th of February and the directors propose to pay a dividend.

I rate this as a medium to long term recommendation and as always please DYOR, and you are responsible for your own buying and selling timing actions.

cheers Gf.

It's great when a stock you own rises by 15% in a day, especially when you don't know why!! I suspect that bid rumours might be the reason. Anyone out there know anything?

Regards gk

volumes were up higher today?

gallick,

Cardpoint has climbed well over the last couple of days too!
maybe there is a more general rumour circulating?

Cardpoint have just opened in the German market, a far more profitable market apparently, so worth keeping an eye on both of these IMHO.

Andy.. we meet again

I was in cardpoint from 86p until approx 140p. Was tempted to buy in at 130 again when it fell back, but missed out. I followed gf on this and went into scd after coming out of cardpoint. But I think cardpoint will continue to do well (I have seen price targets of 190p and is only on a 20X earnings multiple), but at the moment I am happy to hold scd and data. My next choice would definately be cardpoint ahead of moneybox.

regds gk

Blimey just seen the rise today. Whats this about a bid rumour then? I havent heard anythin.

cheers GF.

GF,

Both Scott Todd and Cardpoint are well up in the last few days,so maybe there is a decent rumour doing the rounds, but they are not sure who is the target?

This might help Andy from todays Independant............


From the Independant today.............
Scott Todd (SCD.L) and Eidos (EID.L) enlivened by takeover speculation.

cheers GF.

GF,

I could have predicted that - my holding is in Cardpoint!

We should be making some good money here andy over the next week or so. Goes from strength to strength............

RNS Number:0701Y
Scott Tod PLC
28 April 2004

FOR RELEASE 7.00AM 28 April 2004

Scott Tod Plc
("Scott Tod" or "the Company")
(Distribution and processing of ATMs and a
developer and manufacturer of card vending and change machines)

FURTHER PROGRESS AT SCOTT TOD

* Successful pilot of Cash-in-Transit business

* Approval by NatWest as National Cash Carrier

* Major new contract win for 250 ATMs

* 1,437 installed ATMs at 31 March 2004 - a 36% increase
on 31 December 2003 figure

* Targeting approximately 2,000 installed ATMs by 30 June 2004

Scott Tod announces today the result of its pilot of a new Cash-in-Transit
business, admittance to the NatWest National Cash Carriers Scheme and a major
new contract for provision of Fully Managed ATM machines.

The Company announced in its interim statement on 11 February 2004 that it was
piloting a Cash-in-Transit ("CiT") business to improve its product offering on
Fully Managed ATMs, whereby the Company would take in-house the delivery of the
cash and restocking of various ATMs.

The pilot has proved highly successful:

* The Company's in-house CiT business has produced greater eliability
with significantly fewer ATMs running out of cash and greater
customer confidence and satisfaction;

* The quantity of cash that needs to be allocated per ATM has
been reduced by approximately 40%.

* A trend is becoming apparent whereby utilisation of Fully Managed ATMs under
in-house CiT control increases when customers become aware of
the increased reliability.

NatWest Bank has now approved the Company as a 'National Cash Carrier' enabling
Scott Tod direct access to its cash centres for collection of bank notes.

As a result of the successful pilot and the approval as a National Cash Carrier,
the Company intends to roll-out the CiT offering over its entire Fully Managed
ATM estate in the next few months. All costs of the pilot have been expensed.

This new service has led to an immediate contract gain as the Company has been
awarded a new contract for the provision and operation of a further 250 Fully
Managed ATMs to be sited in pubs owned by Wolverhampton & Dudley Breweries Plc.
All these ATMs will be serviced by the in-house CiT business.

Of the two major contracts announced in February 2004, the roll-out of the
contract with Leisure Link for 500 Merchant Fill machines is proceeding apace
and should be completed by May 2004. The first installations of the Mitchell &
Butler Merchant Fill contract are scheduled to commence in May 2004 and they
have asked for 50 machines from this contract to be installed immediately as
Fully Managed machines, using the Company's in-house CiT service.

At 31 December 2003, the Company had 1,053 ATMs installed of which 316 were
Fully Managed and 737 Merchant Fill. At 31 March 2004, the figures were 1,437,
with 370 Fully Managed and 1,067 Merchant Fill ATMs. The new contract will
increase the number of Fully Managed machines by approximately 75% from the
31 December 2003 level and confirms the Company's position as the leading
supplier of ATMs to the pub sector.

The Company is still targeting to have approximately 2,000 ATMs installed by
30 June 2004 with further growth thereafter.

For further information:

Scott Tod Plc
David Massie (Chairman) 020 7389 1770
Nicholas Tod (Chief Executive) 01873 811 634

Beattie Financial
Brian Coleman Smith / James Chandler / Grace Marriner 020 7398 3300

--------------------

cheers Gf.

Gf
This is great news, those ATM's are coming thick and fast. Surprised that the rise has only been 3-4%. It may not have registered with the larger investors yet though.

regds
gk

Yes GK, very promising indeed.

cheers GF.

LAMF !!

Scott Tod PLC
26 May 2004


FOR RELEASE 7.00 AM 26 May 2004

Scott Tod Plc
('Scott Tod' or 'the Company')
(Distribution and processing of ATMs and a
developer and manufacturer of card vending and change machines)

2,436,000 placing to fund roll-out of Cash-in-Transit business

Scott Tod, a leading distributor of ATMs and developer and manufacturer of card
vending and change machines, announces that it has placed conditionally, only on
Admission, 4,200,000 new ordinary shares at 58p per share to enhance its working
capital. The funds, amounting to approximately 2,376,000, will initially be
used to provide cash for the ATMs to complete the roll-out of Scott Tod's
in-house Cash-in-Transit ('CiT') business and for further expansion of the ATM
business.

Since Scott Tod announced on 28 April 2004 the result of its successful pilot of
its CiT business and that it had been admitted to the NatWest National Cash
Carriers Scheme, the Company has continued a soft roll-out and as at 10 May 2004
was delivering the cash and restocking 271 ATM machines out of its Fully Managed
estate of 411 machines, with the remaining 140 machines still being serviced by
a third party carrier.

The move to bring the management of cash in-house has been very encouraging and
has resulted in significantly better ATM availability and greater customer
confidence and satisfaction in the service offered, a key to the development of
the business. This has resulted in greater efficiency with the quantity of cash
that needs to be allocated per ATM being reduced by over 40% and a clear trend
of increased utilisation is emerging. The additional funds raised through the
placing will be used to bring 'in-house' the remaining ATMs currently serviced
by a third party and fund the roll-out of approximately 150 further Fully
Managed ATMs by 30 June 2004.

At 10 May 2004, the Company had 1,680 ATMs installed in total, compared to 1,437
at 31 March 2004 of which 1,269 were Tenant Fill and 411 were Fully Managed. The
Company remains on target to have approaching 2,000 ATMs installed by 30 June
2004. The Company is hopeful that the number of ATM machines, both Tenant Fill
and Fully Managed, will increase significantly in the new financial year which
commences on 1 July 2004.

The Change Machine and Card Vending division continues to trade in line with
budget.

David Massie, the Chairman, commented:

'We continue to make good progress. The decision to move the Cash-in-Transit
business in-house has received an enthusiastic welcome from our customers who
appreciate the greater efficiency which has already resulted in an increase in
transaction volumes and improved cash utilisation. It is our intention to manage
the cash delivery and restocking for the whole of our ATM estate by the end of
this financial year.'

For further information:

Scott Tod Plc

David Massie (Chairman) 020 7389 1770
Nicholas Tod (Chief Executive) 01873 811 634
Beattie Financial
Brian Coleman Smith / James Chandler / Grace Marriner 020 7398 3300



cheers GF.

This is going to be such a competitive area soon, even the local pub now has a cash machine, all these providers are going to get more competitive to get new business, not only with installation but the fees payable will become an issue too.

New types of business always good for a while until it begins to dawn on folk that competition is heating up & the pressures that go with it.

Competition has always been there. I think ATM's tie in with our lazy culture. People can not be bothered to leave the pub and walk for a few minutes and save themselves 1.75. These have got a long way to go IMHO and they could be gobbled if competition really gets going.

gallick soon people are going to catch on the rate of interest they are paying.

Imagine drawing out 20 & paying 1.75 (your figure) for doing so, that is 8.75% daily rate or an annual rate of 3193%.


Do people really realise what they are paying?


Talk about 30% Apr being high, I think this will hit the fan at some stage and have an effect on these companies.

ThirdEye,

You would have thought so, but I doubt it!

People are lazy, and lethargic, and just seem to accept things without too much thought, so I think the charge won't make any difference.

I never use a chargeable ATM, unless really desperate, but if you look at Cardpoint's figures, as an example, I am in the minority!

I hold CASH, not SCD, but same principle applies IMHO.

Cardpoint are now going into Germany, a very immature market, so plenty of room for expansion I reckon.

Andy please take a look at your PMs.

cheers Gf.

GF,

Yes thanks, a better day today, AU has turned nicely!

Well Andy i thought there might start to be campaigns to wise folk up, it's typical Watchdog material anyway I see it's started, a article from Motley Fool:

Avoid Your Supermarket Cash Machine

By Jane Mack
May 28, 2004

What on earth did we ever do before the invention of the hole-in-the-wall cash machine? Oh, yes, I remember. We had to queue at the bank to get cash and sometimes it took up the whole of our lunch hours.

Now we think nothing of sticking a card in the slot, tapping in a number and pocketing all the delicious dosh that comes out. There are now almost 50,000 cash machines shared over the LINK network by various different banks, building societies and independent suppliers, 32,000 of which don't charge you for the privilege of getting easy access to your money.

However, there are still 17,000 machines that do charge you - as much as 1.50 in many cases. Although most of the major banks decided not to charge for cash machine withdrawals a couple of years ago, the ones you find outside supermarkets or on petrol station forecourts quite often do.

They're usually in places that wouldn't normally justify the cost of installing a cash machine because fewer people are expected to use them, hence the reason for the charges. And although the surcharging machines only deal with about 2.5% of total cash withdrawal transactions (nearly 200 million transactions a month), operators are still making a considerable amount of money out of us.

Although you'll always be warned during the transaction if a charge applies, you're unlikely to use the option to cancel if it means you have to walk further up the road to one that doesn't. If you're willing to pay the charge, that's your call but for the most part it's a complete waste of money. Remember that most supermarkets these days offer a free cash-back service and paying up to 1.50 a time for the convenience of drawing out your own money from a machine outside the building is a bit of a rip-off when you think about it. So don't be a mug be a Fool.