Wickes has agreed a franchise agreement with Moritz Home Improvements to roll out stores acrossIreland, according to parent company Travis Perkins.

The home improvement stores that will launch under the Wickes brand are set to open next year. They will be operated by Moritz, with Wickes selling products to the business and getting commission from retail sales.

Travis Perkins chief operating officer John Carter said: “This is an excellent low-risk opportunity to gain experience of extending the Wickes brand outside theUK. We believe there are good prospects for a high-quality, trade-focused home improvement business like Wickes.”

Moritz is a commercial and property developer inIreland that also runs builders merchant stores.