U-Vend, Inc., a consumer products and technology company that develops, distributes and markets various next-generation self-serve electronic kiosks in a variety of locations including grocery stores, drug stores, mass merchants, malls, and other retail environments across North America, announced today that they have executed a an equipment lease agreement with Perkin Industries, LLC. The agreement will provide the Company with added financial momentum to support the roll-out and expansion of its Mini-Melts kiosks in the Southern California market.
"We are very pleased to partner with Perkin Industries, and in particular, its Founder and CEO, Nicolas Perkin", said Raymond Meyers, CEO of U-Vend. "The working capital resources that Perkin Industries provides will allow us to immediately enter the Southern California market with our Mini Melts self-serve kiosks. The kiosks will be located within big-box retailers, entertainment venues, shopping malls, and other high traffic locations," added Meyers.
On October 28th 2014, U-Vend announced the acquisition of territory operating rights from Mini Melts USA, Inc. for the Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada regions. As part of the agreement, U-Vend has committed to, and will be installing, a minimum of 100 additional new Mini Melt kiosks in strategic locations within these regions over the next 24 months.
"At the core of the decision to enter into this relationship with Ray and the U-Vend team is the Perkin Industries' mandate and focus on hard assets that generate cash flow. The U-Vend model, operational metrics and its growth initiatives are very appealing propositions, and I am eager to assist the Company as they execute their expansion plans, not only in Southern California, but also in other locations where significant opportunity is apparent," stated Nicolas Perkin.
U-Vend's current self-serve kiosk count now totals 108 operating units located throughout Chicago, Illinois and Southern California.
Perkin Industries, LLC is located in New Orleans, Louisiana, and is headed by founder, Chairman and CEO Nicolas Perkin. Mr. Perkin was formerly co-founder and President of The Receivables Exchange, the first and largest electronic marketplace for the trading of commercial receivables. Prior to founding The Receivables Exchange, Mr. Perkin was part of the leadership team that built and ultimately sold Massive Incorporated to Microsoft Corporation in May 2006. Perkin Industries focuses exclusively on assets that sustain or grow in value while simultaneously generating predictable cash flow. Industries include: Food & Beverage, Real Estate, Healthcare, Oil & gas, and hospitality.