Iceland acquires franchised stores in Ireland
Iceland Foods has acquired the seven Iceland stores in the Republic of Ireland previously operated by its franchisee AIM Group for an undisclosed sum.
Under the terms of the acquisition, all staff at the stores in Ballyfermot, Finglas, Navan Road, Ilac Centre, Coolock, Clonmel and Carlow have been offered the opportunity to transfer to Iceland.
Iceland chairman and chief executive Malcolm Walker said: “We see great opportunities for growth in Ireland and taking direct control of these stores will help us to ensure that we offer the best value and the highest standards of service to our valued Irish customers. It will also help us to accelerate the expansion of the business, creating new Irish jobs, more opportunities for Irish suppliers and making our unique branded products available to more people throughout the country.”
Iceland has operated its own stores in the Republic of Ireland in the past but withdrew when it needed to simplify the business in 2005. AIM Group took on the Iceland stores in the Republic in 2009.
Never Miss a Retail Update!Walker added: “Now is the right time for us to return, as part of our international growth strategy that aims to make Iceland the world’s number one frozen food brand.”
