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McDonald's® Announces Alliance With MasterCard

PRNewswire-FirstCall
OAK BROOK, Ill.
Mar 25, 2004

McDonald's® (NYSE: MCD) has joined with MasterCard International to provide MasterCard cardholders with cashless payment options at participating U.S. McDonald's restaurants. Currently, more than 3,000 McDonald's restaurants accept cashless payments and McDonald's expects the number of participating restaurants to more than double by year-end.

"McDonald's is proud to partner with MasterCard to offer our guests increased payment choices," said Jim Sappington, US Vice President of I/S Management, McDonald's Corporation. "This partnership supports our ongoing commitment to provide a relevant, convenient experience to our customers."

Now accepting cash, credit cards and PIN and signature-debit card payments, participating McDonald's restaurants will feature MasterCard card acceptance signage, as well as additionally accepted brand payment methods, at the counters and drive-thrus to notify customers of cashless payment options.

"In today's economy, people are accustomed to having the convenience of electronic payment options whether it is debit, credit or prepaid cards. Payment cards simplify the dining experience," said Fred P. Gore, senior vice president, North America Acceptance, MasterCard International. "We look forward to again working with McDonald's on initiatives that introduce consumers to the latest payment alternatives at their favorite restaurant."

McDonald's is the leading global foodservice retailer with more than 31,000 restaurants serving nearly 47 million people in 119 countries each day. Approximately 80 percent of McDonald's restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by independent, local businessmen and women.

About MasterCard International

MasterCard International is a leading global payments solutions company that provides a broad variety of innovative services in support of our global members' credit, deposit access, electronic cash, business-to-business and related payment programs. MasterCard International manages a family of well-known, widely accepted payment card brands including MasterCard®, Maestro® and Cirrus® and serves financial institutions, consumers and businesses in over 210 countries and territories. The MasterCard award-winning Priceless® advertising campaign is now seen in 96 countries and in 47 languages, giving the MasterCard brand a truly global reach and scope. For more information go to www.mastercardinternational.com .

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SOURCE: McDonald's

CONTACT: William Whitman of McDonald's, +1-630-623-6745; or Barbara
Coleman of MasterCard International, +1-914-249-6607

Web site: http://www.mastercardinternational.com/
http://www.mcdonalds.com/