HARRY Ramsden's, the British fish and chip chain which already has restaurants on the Naas Road and the Jervis Centre in Dublin, is looking for franchisees in Cork, Limerick, Galway, Waterford and Dundalk, the company has stated.

Ramsden's director Mr Kevin O'Nolan said: "We would like to get involved with local entrepreneurs within each of the sites nominated for franchise development. I am actively seeking potential investors now. I'm committed to opening a second full service restaurant in Ireland as quickly as possible."

The proposed expansion came as Ramsden's announced a £1.5 million share placing to fund its expansion programme and a 17.3 per cent rise in full year operating profits to over £1.5 million.