Pollard Banknote Wins New Primary Contract for Instant Tickets in Ireland

WINNIPEG, May 4 /CNW/ - Following a procurement competition that took place in late 2009, Ireland's An Post National Lottery Company (NLC) has awarded Pollard Banknote a new two-year primary contract for the production and delivery of instant lottery tickets, with the option to renew for up to an additional two years. This new contract extends the company's partnership with NLC until the end of 2013 - provided the renewal options are exercised - and carries an estimated total value of $12 million (US).

Pollard Banknote's relationship with NLC dates back to the Lottery's inception in 1986. As the Lottery's primary instant ticket supplier since 1996, Pollard Banknote currently provides NLC with instant scratch games in addition to value-added services such as game design, ticket production, marketing support, and strategic planning.

"Pollard Banknote is proud to continue building on the relationship we've established with NLC over the past 23 years," said Gordon Pollard, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Pollard Banknote. "Our years of partnership have resulted in substantial gains for one of our longest-standing clients. We have worked hard to help the Lottery hone and maximize its selection of products according to the challenges posed by the transitioning Irish marketplace."

"We are delighted to announce that Pollard Banknote Limited continues to be a key partner in the development of our scratch card business," stated Eddie Banville, Head of Marketing for NLC. "We have enjoyed a very fruitful relationship with the Pollard Banknote team for many years and we look forward to further successes during the term of this new contract."

Throughout Pollard Banknote's tenure as the Lottery's primary instant lottery ticket supplier, instant ticket sales have grown significantly from approximately (euro)101 million in FY 1996 to an all-time record of (euro)170.2 million in FY 2008 - nearly a 41% increase. Similarly, overall NLC generated a previously unsurpassed amount of (euro)267.8 million for good causes in 2008, up (euro)22 million from (euro)245.5 million in 2007.

About Pollard Banknote Limited Partnership

Pollard Banknote Limited Partnership ("Pollard Banknote") is one of the world's leading full-service lottery vendors and is a major supplier to North America's charitable gaming industry. The firm manufactures instant tickets and provides related programming, design, and marketing support. As well, Pollard Banknote manufactures ticket vending machines, pull tab tickets and bingo paper, and supplies lottery management services (including warehousing and distribution). Established in 1907, the firm is owned by the Pollard family and the Pollard Banknote Income Fund and currently serves more than 45 lotteries worldwide, including some of the largest and most respected lotteries in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, and Central and South America.

About Pollard Banknote Income Fund

Pollard Banknote Income Fund (TSX: PBL.UN) is an unincorporated, open-end trust which owns 26.7% of Pollard Holdings Limited Partnership, which in turn owns Pollard Banknote Limited Partnership.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements relating to expected future events and financial and operating results of the Pollard Banknote Income Fund ("the Fund") or Pollard Holdings Limited Partnership that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from management expectations as projected in such forward-looking statements for a variety of reasons, including market and general economic conditions and the risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in the Fund's periodic reports and registration statements filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities. Due to the potential impact of these factors, the Fund disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable law.

For further information: Gordon Pollard ([email protected]) or John Pollard ([email protected]), Co-Chief Executive Officers, Phone: [phone], www.pollardbanknote.com