New A|wear owner plans to expand

The new owner of A|wear has revealed plans to open 10 new shops across the country.

Michael Flacks of the Flacks Group is heading up a group of international investors which bought the fashion chain from a receiver yesterday.

The sale is good news for the 460 employees whose jobs have been secured, with 32 existing outlets set to keep their doors open.

Monaco-based Mr Flacks said he "downed tools" and flew over as soon as he heard that A|wear could be for sale, and he is already looking at opening new shops.

"We've got 10 in the pipeline now, all in the Republic," he said.

"All shops have been taken over, all employees in the Republic of Ireland are keeping their jobs. Period.

"A|wear has been there for many years and we plan to keep it around for many years."