Dominos buys Pizza Haven

Domino's Pizza today confirmed it had signed a deal to buy Pizza Haven.

Domino's chief executive Don Meij said the deal will make it the second largest pizza chain in the country, with a total of 51 stores in both North and South Islands.

Domino's has 16 outlets in the North Island, against Pizza Haven's 35, which are spread across both islands, Mr Meij said in a statement.

Most Pizza Haven franchisees would be able to convert their stores to the Domino's brand, but a change was not compulsory.

"Pizza Haven and Domino's Pizza both recognise that the competitive market in New Zealand needs to be rationalised and that greater buying power will offer better returns for Pizza Haven franchisees," he said.

In Australia, pizzerias that converted to the Domino's brand experienced a turnaround in sales and turnover.

Pizza Haven's joint managing director, Bill Christou, said the sale was the best possible outcome for that firm's franchisees.

However, the move comes shortly after rival firm Hell Pizza unveiled plans for what it calls "total world domination".

Founder Callum Davies said in December that Hell had grown from four shops to 30 in just two years, with 29 of the outlets franchised.

This year, Hell plans to open its first South Island store in Christchurch and is also looking to set up shop in Australia.

"There will definitely be a couple of test stores in Australia next year," Mr Davies said.

Another key player in the market, Restaurant Brands-operated Pizza Hutt, posted increased same store and total sales in the 12 weeks to November 2003.

It, too, had an eye on increasing its performance in the sector.

- NZPA