SAN ANTONIO --Valero Retail Holdings inked a pact with Cardtronics to be the exclusive provider of ATM services for the retailer's U.S. convenience store portfolio.

The long-term deal adds more than 950 cash machines to Cardtronics' fleet of brand-able ATMs. The agreement also includes expansion rights for future stores. The cash machines will pop up in Valero convenience stores in Arizona, California, Colorado, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and Wyoming.

The switch to Cardtronics' ATM services will occur in the first half of this year. The bulk of the conversions -- more than 600 stores -- will occur in Texas.

"Valero Corner Stores' reputation for fast, friendly service in clean, well-lit stores meshes perfectly with Cardtronics' criteria for ATM payments," said Rick Updyke, president, U.S. Business Group, Cardtronics. "As a direct result of Cardtronics carefully selecting well-regarded locations such as Valero Corner Stores, our ATMs play an important role in connecting consumers with financial institutions, creating a convenient cash access in destination retail locations."