23/08/2019

'Healthy Interest' In Purchase Of H&W Shipyard

A number of non-binding offers to purchase the iconic Harland & Wolff shipyard have been submitted, according to the firm appointed as administrators.

The yard was placed into administration earlier this month. BDO have since reported a "healthy level of interest" in buying the business, which is best known for building the Titanic.

The firm's Norwegian owners put it up for sale amid serious financial problems.

Workers had urged the Government to step in and rescue their employer, potentially through nationalisation, but Westminster declined to intervene, insisting the issue is a commercial one.

BDO agreed to extend the unpaid temporary lay-off period until the end of next month while the current workforce, which is believed to be around 125 people, continue to fight for their jobs.

Providing an update this week, BDO said: "There has been a healthy level of interest with regard to purchasing the business, assets and safeguarding the existing jobs since the commencement of the administration process.

"This has resulted in a number of non-binging officers for the business, assets & employers on a going concern basis.

"The administrators and the limited retained team of workers at Harland & Wolff will continue to work with all interested parties and bidders as they undertake further financial and legal due diligence work in the coming weeks as every effort is made to secure a going concern sale."

Other interested parties are also believed to be in constructive discussions, which may secure further offers.



(JG/CM)

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