Takeover was always part of the game plan

THE IAWS deal with Hiestand broadens the global spread of the group significantly, giving it access to markets in Japan, Malaysia and Australia, where the Swiss group has been active.

Germany also comes into the frame adding to the Irish group’s growing European presence that includes Ireland, Britain and France.

Add to that the North American presence of the Irish group, coupled with its joint venture with the Canadian chain Tim Hortons, and the logic of the move becomes even more compelling.