UK bank Abbey is set to spend £200m in revamping its 741-branch network over the next five years.
The plan will be announced when Abbey releases its interim results next week and follows persistent speculation of a possible takeover of the bank, which rejected a bid by Spain's Santander Central Hispano earlier this year.
According to reports, the bank is considering introducing temporary screened banking kiosks in shopping centres and at railway stations. Abbey will also be piloting 10ft-high ATM machines, featuring cash dispensers and e-banking facilities, at sites around the country.
Last year, Abbey awarded Dutch IT services firm Getronics a EUR40 million contract to completely refit its entire UK branch infrastructure. The contract called for Getronics to install hardware and infrastructure across the Abbey's branch network and large office buildings.