Wickes has entered a franchise agreement with Moritz Home Improvements under which Moritz will develop home improvement stores in Ireland under the Wickes brand.
While Moritz will be responsible for operating the business, Wickes will sell products to the business from its own range and receive commission on retail sales.

It will also provide training and marketing support.

Moritz is a subsidiary of Moritz Holdings Ltd, a leading commercial and
residential property development company in Ireland, which also operates a chain of builders merchant stores.

John Carter, chief operating officer of Travis Perkins described the move as 'an excellent low risk opportunity'.

He added:" We are delighted to be joining forces with Moritz in Ireland where we believe there are good prospects for a high quality trade-focussed home improvement business like Wickes."

The first Wickes store in Ireland will open in 2008.