Pizza company pushes for NZ expansion

Domino's Pizza is pushing ahead with its New Zealand expansion plan, regardless of whether its Australian parent decides to go public.

The company confirmed market speculation in Australia that it is investigating an initial public offering.

The general manager of Domino's New Zealand, Peter Jones, said the company has a clear expansion plan mapped out in New Zealand, sharefloat or not.

"The New Zealand expansion was happening either way."

Currently the chain has 17 stores, and Mr Jones described the plan to grow the business as "aggressive".

That involves lifting current store numbers to 51 by the end of this year. This will be done mostly by the integration of the Pizza Haven chain, bought by Domino's in January. Mr Jones said those stores will be rebranded to Domino's by July.

The company has recently launched in New Plymouth, and is also looking to open more operations in the regions.

"I'm very confident will have 51 stores by the end of the year if not more," Mr Jones said.

Domino's and Hell Pizza -- which is also targeting 50 stores by the end of 2005 -- are the only large-scale competitors to Restaurant Brands' chain Pizza Hut, which has more than 100 stores.

Mr Jones said there are some smaller chains within New Zealand that Domino's is eyeing, but will look to integrate the Pizza Haven stores before making any decisions.

Domino's has more than 300 stores in Australia and employs nearly 10,000 staff across both countries. If it is decided to go ahead with an IPO, it will be done in the first half of this year, Australian chief executive Don Meij said.

"We have grown considerably over the past few years and expect this growth profile to continue over the medium term. An IPO is just one of the options we are examining to support our growth plans."

- NZPA