Rebates paid by operators of automatic teller machines are on the rebound, suggesting that consolidation in the sector is serving to intensify competition for sites among ATM operators.Data compiled by PwC Securities and published by Customers Limited yesterday shows that rebates climbed by about 20 per cent over the first nine months of 2011.  PwC Securities expressed the change by reference to an index rather than the actual rebates paid, however.In February, Customers put the rise in average rebates paid to merchants at 64 cents for the second half of 2011, up from 51 cents a year before.Customers published the "expert's report" by PwC Securities in connection with the scheme booklet for the proposed takeover of the firm by DirectCash, a niche Canadian bank that specialises in the ATM sector.The PwC report is short on new information on the sector, and on some topics it relies on industry analysis published more than two years ago. One section meant to cover "pricing trends" omits data on pricing trends altogether.The PwC report estimates the fair value of a share in Customers at between A$1.20 and $1.40.DirectCash has offered $1.27 a share. The takeover will proceed by scheme of arrangement, assuming shareholders approve the plan, and this will be put into force at a special meeting to be held on June 14.