Primark is gearing up for an assault in Europe, as it sets its sights on stores in Germany, Portugal and the Netherlands next year.

John Bason, finance director of Primark's parent company Associated British Foods, told The Times newspaper, "We now feel that we can develop on all fronts."

Bason said that the success of Primark's first five stores in Spain showed that the concept could work on the continent, despite the presence of rivals such as Zara and H&M. Bason added that there was potential for up to 50 Primark stores in Spain.

Bason said that Primark's expansion in Europe would follow the same model used in Spain. "We are interested in Germany, Portugal and the Benelux countries and are looking at opening our first stores [there] in 2009," he said.