The rise and rise of Primark

Not many people have heard of Associated British Foods, but nearly everyone has heard of Primark. The fast-growing discount fashion chain is owned by ABF, and after taking the UK by storm has its sights set on the rest of Europe.

Primark – described by City analysts as ABF's "jewel in the crown" – has gone from strength to strength in the face of the decline of high street stalwarts and could be worth £19 billion, says investment bank UBS. How did the 'cheap and cheerful' retailer make it thus far from its humble Irish origins?%VIRTUAL-SkimlinksPromo%