UK electrical giant Dixons has posted a 26 per cent rise in sales for its Irish outlets.
The company said sales at the stores in the Republic rose to £56m from £44m sterling, 8 per cent up on the preceding year.
The UK company said today it was watching events that could lead to a takeover opportunity for Kingfisher's French electrical goods retailer Darty.
It also said the company's overall sales were on target so far this year.
The retailer also posted a seven per cent gain in pre-tax profits, in line with forecasts, for its last financial year ended April 27th, despite a slump in the UK mobile phone and PC markets and start-up losses in Europe.
There has been speculation that Dixons would bid for leading electricals chain Darty, after its owner, UK rival Kingfisher said it wanted to concentrate on the do-it-yourself market and spin-off its electricals division.
Group finance director Mr Jeremy Darroch told reporters there had been no talks with Kingfisher yet, but he was monitoring events closely.
"One of the issues with acquisition is that there are not that many good companies in Europe to acquire," he said.