Iceland has acquired seven of its Irish stores, which were previously operated by its franchisee AIM Group, for an undisclosed fee as it steps up plans to expand internationally.
The move to control its Republic of Ireland operation will help the frozen foods retailer in its bid to become the world’s number-one frozen food brand, according to Malcolm Walker, chairman of Iceland.
“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,” said Walker.
AIM Group had been in control of the Iceland brand in Ireland since 2009, with the seven stores located in Ballyfermot, Finglas, Navan Road, the Ilac Centre, Coolock, Clonmel and Carlow. The staff in each store have been offered the opportunity to transfer over to Iceland.
Walked added: “Iceland has operated its own stores in the Republic in the past, but we withdrew because we urgently needed to simplify the severely troubled business to which I and my colleagues returned in 2005.
“We are grateful to Naeem Maniar and his team at AIM Group for their good work in maintaining our brand in the Republic since they took on the franchise in 2009. 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.”
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