The fragmented and independent sector that owns and maintains automatic teller machines is finding a new domestic champion. Banktech Group Pty Ltd, the owner of the CashConnect ATM network, yesterday said it had acquired Authentic ATM Pty Ltd.Authentic ATM owns and operates a network of more than ATMs that are primarily located in NSW hotels and clubs.The combined ATM network "will now exceed more than 2,500 ATMs making Banktech one of the largest independently owned ATM networks in Australia," the firm said in a media release.Banktech may now rank as number two in a segment dominated by the Canadian firm DC Payments.In a background blurb on its media release, Banktech described itself as "becoming a diversified payments and services organisation across the region, including India, China and the Philippines."The firm "owns and operates ATMs on behalf of Westpac, ANZ Bank, China Construction Bank, Citibank and Travelex" and said it "processes in excess of A$1 billion worth of payments per month."