DoCoMo to offer electronic payment at McDonald's

TOKYO (Reuters) - NTT DoCoMo Inc., Japan's top mobile phone operator, plans to offer electronic payment services at McDonald's Holdings Co. (Japan) outlets, with special promotions for some users.

The companies said in a joint statement on Monday they will set up a 300 million yen ($2.48 million) joint venture in July.

More and more Japanese are using mobile phones equipped with an electronic chip that lets them swipe their handsets over special readers to pay for train tickets and snacks at retailers.

Operators are also working with financial companies to offer credit cards and other services to retain users.

McDonald's Japan will hold a 70 percent stake in the joint venture, with DoCoMo owning the rest.