The Milanese payment system manufacturer, increases its presence on the foreign market.

The European branches France, Iberica and Polka and the offices in Germany, Argentina (for South America) and in Australia, already work independently on their own markets; to further strengthen the presence on the international market, today, the group leader announces three new alliances.

As from January, the Comestero Group?s distribution and assistance network, already widespread in Italy, can boast of the addition of three new distributors: Brent Electronic (Great Britain), Automated Transaction GmbH (Germany) and SML Entertainement (Canada).

The deal with Brent Electronic, a company of the Bandai-Namco group, was concluded a few days before the London trade fair Atei; in fact at this international event, we took the opportunity of inaugurating this new union by exhibiting the complete range of Comestero?s products on the Brent Electric stand. This partnership between two well-known and respected companies in Great Britain was welcomed warmly, not only by the British market, but also by others. This interest was confirmed by the numerous visitors interested in the RM5 coin validator, in the EuroKey Plus cashless payment systems, in the large range of change machines, including the new Jolly, Dual coin Plus with reader equipped with stacker, the Changeuro Easy Plus and in the coin counter/sorter.

Another important European alliance is represented by the deal stipulated with Automated Transaction GmbH, a German company of the Innovative Technology group, the main manufacturer of Smiley banknote readers.

Representatives of the two manufacturing companies are convinced that it will be always more important to supply customers with a complete kit of payment systems supported by a widespread customer service, which can supply constant assistance; this is the basic aim of the agreement.

Comestero Group will also be able to strengthen its strong technical-commercial position in Germany, where there is already a working office managed by Mr. Sonke Dahms, and further increase the successful results obtained in the last 24 months.

The team Innovative Technology (smiley NV readers) - Comestero Group (RM5 electronic coin validator) can be considered a guarantee, because the machines have already been tried and tested on millions of professional equipment specific for the Gaming, Vending and Car-washing sectors.

Another distribution deal has been signed with SML Entertainement: a well known and appreciated company in the gaming sector. This known Canadian company will be a focal point for the North American market, thanks to its 12 Canadian branches and one Mexican branch.

To reinforce its position on the international market, at Atei, the company celebrated its internet dominium www.comesterogroup.com dedicated to international markets. On this website it is possible to have up-to-date information about the whole range of products with a detailed list of all the Comestero distribution and assistance centres world-wide.

The agreement, which was struck with the Milan-headquartered company in the week prior to ATEI 2006, raises the number of exclusives held by Brent to over 30 - covering sectors including music, pool, security, dedicated spares and money handling.

Sales director, Peter Murphy believes that the agreement with Comestero works well for both companies: "We can certainly provide Comestero with great exposure and sales in the UK and the fact that they have chosen us to represent the range is a powerful endorsement of Brent Electronic's standing in the market."

He added: "Even though we had no time to pre-publicise the agreement, which was completed on the Friday prior to ATEI, the response to the range - in particular Comestero's low cost change machines - was magnificent and augurs especially well for the future."

Piero Martellotta, export sales manager at Comestero Group, welcomed the agreement, saying: "The UK is an important market for amusements and gaming. It's vital that we maximise market share and I believe that in Brent Electronic we have found a distributor that has the infrastructure, contacts and professionalism to take us to a new level."

Other products included Basket Fortune which is tipped by many to be this years must have redemption product.

"Sales of the deluxe in both 52" and 62" version have been fantastic since the launch, but we saw requirement for a smaller cabinet and for operators on a different budget, who didn't feel that gun games in upright cabinets worked that well, the solution is the Mini-Deluxe" offered Sega boss Paul Williams.

House of the Dead 4 is the first title to demonstrate the powerful new Lindbergh hardware. The London based storyline is a continuing one involving two government agents battle against the evil genius Goldman. Previously agent Taylor defeated Goldman's attempt to wipe out the human race and gain world domination in what became known as the "Goldman Incident"

James Taylor is accompanied this time by a sexy and sophisticated sidekick, Kate Green. House of Dead 4 sees a European city under attack from Goldman's army of zombies - if Taylor and Green fail it is the end of mankind!

Players will be able to experience a new weapon that features not only a new reload technique, no more shooting outside of the screen, and also a hand-to-hand combat feature. At times in the game it will appear that a zombie is grabbing the player, and in order to get out if it the player must 'shake' the gun the free himself of the zombie.

"The game has been incredibly strong and Christmas income reports were excellent. With the Mini Deluxe having a small footprint and lower cost, but equally strong game, the return on investment should be very attractive," Paul Williams, continued.

The game boasts the top players in the world including Henman, Roddick, Hewitt and World No.1 Roger Federer. The format of the game takes players on a world tour of some of the most famous courts in the world across France, the US, Australia, Germany and of course the famous halloed turf from SW16.

To increase the player's involvement this version features IC Smart card technology. With the card the player can participate in a virtual "World Ranking", starting at 999th in the world with the aim of becoming World Champ. The progression up the ranks depends on how well matches are won and who against. Equally any matches lost will affect the ranking. Also as a feature to stimulate regular repeat play if a player does not use his card for a period of time his ranking will decrease.

It is also possible to manipulate the play style of the tennis player; whether you want to "play base" line, "serve and volley" or "offensive" amongst a choice of 8 styles you can. With the IC Card the player can change outfits and build up a collection of tournament medals.

For the novice player the game features a series of training sessions. This will strengthen various techniques by setting the player a mission - such as performing 6 forehands followed by 6 backhands followed by a smash volley.

Sega's Justin Burke commented, "Aside from all the great names, famous courts and games features perhaps the 'wow' factor is the amazing graphics that are recreated on the screen. This in a location is going to stand out by a long way. The first two games in this series have both been massive hits and there is every reason that this will be another smash!"