Other stories in brief.
Domino's Pizza to open new Irish outlets
Domino's Pizza plans to open five new stores in the Republic this year, creating up to 125 jobs.
The pizza-delivery chain yesterday released its 2006 results for Britain and Ireland, revealing a 27 per cent increase in net profit to £10.5 million (€15.6 million), and a 16 per cent gain in turnover to £95 million.
The company declined to give specific sales figures for Ireland, but said it expected the launch of its online business in the Republic to fuel growth.
During 2006, Domino's opened 30 new stores in the Republic and 11 in the North.
Ryanair stock split to occur next week
Ryanair yesterday confirmed that its planned two-for-one stock split will take place next week.
The company said it had applied to the Irish and UK authorities for permission to admit 1.5 billion ordinary shares of €0.635 to the market. The split was approved at its annual general meeting in December. The last day of dealing in existing shares is this Friday.
O2 Ability Awards entries rise 10%
The number of organisations entering the annual O2 Ability Awards has increased by 10 per cent this year, boosted by a jump in applications from small to medium-sized companies.
Almost half the entries have been received from Dublin-based organisations. The Irish Times supports the scheme.
Troops 'prevented loss' at Shannon
Shannon Airport would have sustained a loss in 2006 if not for the 280,000 US troups who used the airport's facilities last year, Shannon Airport Authority executive chairman Pat Shanahan has said.
Mr Shanahan outlined cost-cutting proposals at a meeting with airport managers yesterday, which he said would go "some way" towards reducing the airport's cost base by the targeted €10 million per year. Non-core areas of business will be curtailed, and the jobs of 90 temporary workers are particularly at risk, he said.
Hotel investment up in eastern Europe
The latest report by property consultants CB Richard Ellis shows that hotel investment activity in central and eastern Europe has increased significantly over the past two years, boosted by sustained growth in inbound visitors to the region. Irish investors were among the most active investors in the region.
Salmon distribution deal in Germany
Irish salmon and trout supplier Atlantic Fare announced yesterday that it had sealed a major deal with Gottfried Friedrichs KG to distribute its organic Irish salmon throughout Germany.Managing director Richard McNamara said the deal would also give access to a retail group in Austria.
EU market directive enters Irish law
Minister for Finance Brian Cowen welcomed the transposition of a new EU financial services directive, known as the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (Mifid), into the State's legislation. The Republic is one of the first EU member states to do so.
The directive effectively gives investment firms a "single passport" to provide their services across the EU.
Appointment at Candidate Manager
Global recruitment software company Candidate Manager has appointed Ryan Reid as senior vice-president.
He rejoins the firm from Oracle.
