The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is investigating whether to bring charges against a man arrested in connection with accounting procedures at Merlin Colour Printers.


Administrative receivers were called to the Canvey Island-based firm last week, and it has since been revealed that an arrest was made earlier this year after the firm reported the man to the police. A case file was subsequently submitted to the CPS to decide what charges, if any, should be brought.


DC Marion Tyson of Essex Police said the man was arrested and released on bail without charge, but declined to comment further on the case other than to say that it was "complicated". "Its in the hands of the CPS and I am awaiting a response from them," she said.


Administrative receivers Philip Lyon and Graeme Gadsby of Mazars Neville Russell were appointed by the companys bank, HSBC, on 12 July. Merlins managing director, David Marrable, confirmed that the aim was to find a buyer for the business and added that a number of enquiries had already been received.


Marrable also confirmed that Merlins "section 98", or voluntary liquidation meeting, which was called last week and scheduled for 31 July, had been cancelled following the appointment of the administrative receiver (PrintWeek, 13 July).


Merlin was founded in 1961 by Marrables father, Ken. It has sales of around 4m, employs 23 staff and runs Komori presses.


* London-based Drum Digital Print Solutions, of which David Marrable is also a director and shareholder, is a separate company and is not affected by the administrative receivership.


Story by Lauretta Roberts