Ireland
Desmond buys O'Briens sandwich bars
Thursday, 15 October 2009 20:14
The AIL Restaurant Group has bought the O'Briens sandwich bar brand for the Republic of Ireland from its liquidator.
The company went into liquidation earlier this month. AIL - the company behind the Abrakebabra chain - is backed by businessmen Graeme Beere and Denis Desmond.
O'Briens had been one of the big success stories of the Celtic Tiger. Established by entrepreneur and one time Fine Gael candidate Brody Sweeney, the group expanded into Asia, Australia and Saudi Arabia.
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However, the economic downturn hit the company.
Some outlets became vacant while the group was obliged to pay high levels of rent.
The franchise business went into examinership in July, which meant it had court protection from creditors.
Audio & Video
- Six One News: O'Briens sandwich bars bought
