Sanwa Bank and game software distributor DigiCube Co. plan to set up a joint venture with other partners to install e-commerce terminals in shops across the nation to offer financial services and sell game and music software, sources at the companies said Monday.
Sanwa and its group companies, including credit card operator JCB Co., will hold a combined 50 percent stake in the new company, which is to be set up in September, the sources said.
DigiCube will hold 20 percent, while the remaining 30 percent will be held by the NTT Corp. group and other investors including a trading house, the sources said.
The venture will install 5,000 terminals in such places as convenience stores, supermarkets, rental video shops and JR railway stations.
With the terminals, users can withdraw cash from their accounts at Sanwa Bank, and buy music and game software, as well as entertainment and airline tickets.
Users can also apply for unsecured loans at a new lending company for individuals that Sanwa will establish in April with nonbank financing firm Promise Co., the sources said.
In the future, the terminals will also be able to be used to withdraw cash from Sanwa's Financial One group of companies -- Sanwa and six affiliated firms that will offer a joint service, also from April, for wealthy individuals in the management of assets and inheritance.