DUNNES STORES last night declined to comment on claims by the retail workers' trade union Mandate that the supermarket operator "may be sold" in the near future. Citing "reports" that a sale was imminent, it said it had been inundated with inquiries from worried staff who were concerned the business might be sold.
Gerry Light, Mandate assistant general secretary, said a meeting of store managers had been arranged with a view to making a significant statement tomorrow.
Asked what the basis was for the claims, Mr Light said "that's what we're hearing". Unofficial reports heard by staff were the sole basis for such claims, he indicated.
"We've no comment," said a spokeswoman for Dunnes. Controlled by members of the Dunne business family, the firm is one of the largest businesses in the State.
The claim centres on the possibility of a deal involving Asda, the UK unit of US retailer Wal-Mart. A Wal-Mart spokeswoman did not respond when asked if Asda planned to enter the Irish market.
