One More Thing:Leading UK mobile telephone retailer Phones 4 U is believed to be looking at entering the Irish market.

The company, founded in 1987, is understood to have run the rule over 3G, the 23-strong chain of mobile phone stores run by Tony Boyle that is up for sale.

It is not clear if the UK group has lodged a bid but this would seem like a good way of entering this market.

Industry players say 3G is worth €10-12 million although Boyle is believed to be seeking up to twice that amount.

3G also sells iPods and broadband connections. It has sales of about €21 million but is loss-making.

IBI Corporate Finance has been engaged to find an interested buyer.

Phones 4 U is regarded as a cut-throat operator in the UK.

It sold about one million mobile phones last year and has been involved in intensive competition with Carphone Warehouse.

The company operates 385 outlets in the UK, including a number in Northern Ireland.

It was sold last year by billionaire tycoon John Caudwell for £1.1 billion to Providence Equity Partners.

Phones 4 U's entry into the Republic would pose an interesting challenge for existing players, including Carphone Warehouse.

Not that every UK retailer has made a success of this market. Remember C&A, BHS or Iceland?