SUPERMACS’ plans for multinational expansion could be in danger following an objection from McDonald’s.
Irish fast food chain Supermacs has plans to move into the markets in Britain, Australia and the EU but McDonald’s is objecting to the use of the 'Supermacs' name in any international expansion.
If McDonald’s is successful it could mean Supermacs will have to operate under a new name in Britain.
The fast food chain currently operates 103 branches across Ireland, north and south of the border. Plans to expand into the Australian market are already at an advanced stage.
The company was established by Pat McDonagh, a former teacher, in the late 1970s in Galway. From humble beginnings, the stores took off with annual profits now reported at around €100million.
McDonald’s released a statement saying that if Supermacs was allowed to operate under its current name, it would "take unfair advantage of the distinctive character” of the McDonald’s trademark.
In response, Mr McDonagh said: “Supermac’s and McDonald’s have grown and coexisted together within the family restaurant business in Ireland since 1978.”
