Blackburns went into administration last month. The profitable direct mail arm was then bought in a controversial pre-pack deal by a management team containing some former directors of the business.

KPMG had previously said it was in talks with a number of interested parties but has now abandoned a possible sale resulting in the redundancy of 33 staff members. In February, 114 staff were made redundant by KPMG upon appointment.

King Sturge has been appointed to sell off the unencumbered plant and machinery on behalf of KPMG, with an auction to be held from 24-26 March.

Prior to its administration, Blackburns employed around 315 staff and had a turnover of £32m.

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UPDATE: Cowman speaks out over Blackburns direct mail MBO