Tim’s Expands Abroad

Article Excerpt

TIM HORTONS $34.59 (Toronto symbol THI; SI Rating: Extra Risk) (905-845-6511; www.timshortons.com; Shares outstanding: 190.5 million; Market cap: $6.6 billion) has mostly focused on expanding in North America so far, apart from an outlet for the Canadian Forces in Afghanistan. However, it is developing a serious presence in Ireland. SPAR Ireland, the leading convenience food retailer in Ireland with over 440 franchised locations, has just opened its 50th Tim Hortons coffee and donut self-serve kiosk. SPAR now plans to make the concept available to SPAR storeowners throughout Ireland over the next few years. The self-serve kiosks, featuring Tim Hortons coffee and a selection of donuts, were tested and introduced over the past few months. Cuisine de France is managing the rollout, under license from Tim Hortons. Independent SPAR retailers operate the kiosks. Cuisine de France, a leading provider of lifestyle foods in Ireland, is a subsidiary of IAWS Group plc. IAWS is a major food and agri-business group with operations in Ireland,…