Examiner appointed to O’Brien’s Sandwich Bars

The High Court today appointed an examiner to O'Brien's Irish Sandwich Bars with a number of stores around the country certain to close as a result.

The company, which started in 1994, has debts in the region of €4m.

The court heard the firm, which has 85 stores in Ireland employing 800 people, is now insolvent.

Lawyers for the company told the court that owing to the economic downturn and high rental costs a number of non performing stores will have to close. The exact number was however not revealed.

In June, the British arm of O'Brien’s was placed into administration as it too is battling challenging trading conditions.

Mr Justice Brian McGovern said he was satisfied this was an appropriate case and appointed Paul McCann of Grant Thornton as interim examiner.

He is to formulate a plan in a bid to save the company. The case is back before the court on July 22.