Iceland (the country) considers SUING Iceland (the supermarket) in a bid to make them drop their name

THE Icelandic government could be about to start a “cold war” with British supermarket chain Iceland in a bid to make them drop their name.

Iceland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has revealed the country might try and sue the frozen foods giant more than 45 years after it was founded.

The Nordic country and the budget food chain have had a frosty relationship for many years.

Collapsed Icelandic retail conglomerate Baugur held a controlling stake in the grocer until its collapse in 2009.

The stake then fell into the hands of Icelandic banks Landsbanki and Gitnir, which was later acquired as part of a management buy-out led by founder and chief executive Malcolm Walker.

Amid news the European country will try and sue the chain, Iceland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: “I can confirm that this is being looked into, but no decision has been made.”

A spokesman for Iceland the budget food chain said: “Iceland Foods has traded under the Iceland name in the UK since 1970, and is today one of the UK’s most recognised brands.

“We have also traded as Iceland for many years in other EU countries, and in non-EU countries, including Iceland itself.

“We are not aware that our use of the Iceland name has ever caused any confusion with Iceland the country.”

Iceland, which has its headquarters in Deeside, Flintshire, has over 800 stores across the UK and employs more than 23,000 staff.

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