The firm was placed into liquidation with PricewaterhouseCoopers on Monday (16 April). Bergamot’s sister company, Kent-based printer Lordswood Litho, was placed into liquidation at the end of last month (21 March).
All 25 staff at the two firms, which had a joint turnover of £23m in their last published accounts, have lost their jobs. Both firms were owned by GMAB Holdings, which had bought the printer in June 2004 and Bergamot last February.
Joint liquidator Karen Dukes of PwC said: “Both companies lost major contracts and due to the highly competitive nature of the marketplace. They were unable to replace the revenue in time to remain operational.”
She said that GMAB directors Gary Anderson and Mark Box originally approached PwC with a view to securing a buyer or investor for the businesses.
However, after no interested party could be found, the two firms were placed into voluntary liquidation. Staff at both firms were made redundant prior to the appointment of the liquidators.
Box and Anderson were unavailable for comment as PrintWeek went to press.
BERGAMONT FACTFILE
Founded early 1980s
Base Wandsworth, London
Turnover Around £20m
Staff 5
Clients BA Holidays, Club 18-30, The White House (bars), JP Boden, Dive Worldwide, Croner CCH Group, Cendant VRG (tour operators)
Source: www.bergamot.co.uk
