Claire's Stores operates over 20 outlets in Ireland, and 450 between Ireland and the UK. It has a market capitalisation of over $3bn and has almost 3,000 retail units between the US and Europe. Sales at the company have slowed as teenage girls buy less jewellery. It reported a 20% rise in net income in the year to the end of last January to $172m on revenue of $1.37bn. The company has no debt, which could make it attractive to leveraged buyout firms. JM