BRITISH electronic goods giant, Dixons, has promised to retain the majority of the Irish staff of the six Harry Moore stores, which it is taking over, because of its experience in the Dublin market.

Dixons has confirmed the purchase - which was first reported in The Irish Times - but has declined to say how much it paid for the chain. The Dixons group, which has 800 shops in Britain, said it would be using its own brand name on at least two of the newly acquired shops.

Industry watchers pointed to the low margins and high turnover necessary in the world of consumer electronics, and estimated that the deal cost Dixons between £700,000 and £1 million.

Dixons said in its statement that Harry Moore had an annual turnover of £10 million. The British group, which opened its first Irish store in the new Jervis Street centre last month, is taking over the six Dublin retail stores that trade under the Harry Moore name in Dawson Street, Henry Street, Prussia Street, Blackrock, Tallaght and Blanchardstown.

"We are currently finalising our detailed plans for the continuing operations. This will entail a full review of Harry Moore operations and staff, which will take three to four weeks," a spokesman said.

The Panasonic shop in the old Harry Moore premises on Dawson Street, which is also owned by the company, is not part of the deal. Along with the Irish company's finance, rental and mobile phone businesses, it will remain under the control of its managing director, Mr Stephen Cloonan.

Over the past 10 years, Mr Cloonan bought the chain from the original owner, Mr Harry Moore. He said he owned 100 per cent of the shares now being purchased by Dixons. Mr Moore, now aged 76, has retained a customer care role at the chain.

Mr Cloonan said last night that he felt a certain sadness at witnessing the last days of an Irish company that had built up its brand name from nothing. "I have mixed feelings, but I have no doubt that it's the right thing. This guarantees the staff a good future."