One of eight supermarkets owned by a West of Ireland chain which has gone into receivership may be acquired by Aldi, now busily building an Irish network. The German discounter has expressed an interest in buying the 12,000 square foot store in Tuam, County Galway. The outlet is the largest in the troubled Cosmoline Trading chain. Last week the Irish High Court appointed a receiver to the company, whose directors include a number of executives formerly with Dunnes Stores. Cosmoline, which employs 150 staff, began trading three years ago, having bought the eight supermarkets from a west of Ireland company, DH Burke & Sons. The company incurred losses of I£1.5m in the first 18 months of trading and losses are continuing, though greatly reduced. The High Court was told that suppliers are supporting the receivership, so the chain will continue trading while a restructuring plan is put in place. If Aldi succeeds in buying the Tuam store, it will give the German multiple its second outlet in County Galway. The first opened in Galway city a few months ago. Aldi also has stores in Dublin, Cork and in Letterkenny, County Donegal. {{NEWS }}

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