Andrew Andronikou and Michael Kiely at insolvency practitioner UHY Hacker Young were appointed to the London-based company yesterday afternoon.

PrintWeek understands that Hacker Young is seeking the sale of the business as a going concern, with four potential buyers understood to be interested. Alito is continuing to trade as normal during the administration.

Alito joint managing director David Collins said that he was hoping to continue with the business alongside a new investor, however, following the administration, which he claimed would likely see the end of the group chairman Terry Brady's involvement in print.

He added: "We have the full support of our customers; this was a move we had to take to protect the business. We want to have as quick a transition as possible, but I am confident the business will go forward in some form."

It is also expected that Northampton-based Flair Press (UK), which traded as Alito Web, will enter administration today.

A notice of intention to appoint administrators was filed at the High Court on 18 February 2011 by the directors of the company, Andrew Parker and Michael Kingsman.