John Stephenson & Sons goes into administration

The business advisory firm, Deloitte has been appointed joint administrators of Lancashire based John Stephenson & Sons (Nelson) Ltd and Wharton Wade Wines Ltd.

The group operates as a wholesaler and distributor of wines, beers, and spirits from a site in Nelson, supplying principally to food outlets around the north west of England.

Joint administrators, Bill Dawson and Ian Brown have announced the sale of the stock and the majority of the other business assets to Walsall based European Food Brokers Ltd.

Bill Dawson, partner in the reorganisation services practice at Deloitte, said: "We are pleased to announce the sale of the majority of the business and assets of John Stephenson. The sale will help secure all 33 jobs at the business.

"The group has undertaken an extensive search to find an investor or buyer. It has become necessary to sell the business via an administration, due to its financial position."

Raj Chatha, chief executive of EFB Group said: "John Stephenson and Sons have been servicing the on-trade market with beers, wines and spirits since 1914. Their commitment to offering a local and personal service to over 1500 independent free trade accounts, matched with an extensively sourced product range has meant they have developed a formidable reputation in the local area.

"Integrating John Stephenson and Sons to our portfolio adds breadth and range to our current wholesale operation.  We understand the independent on trade business extremely well as we own and operate our own estate. It will strengthen our business considerably, particularly in areas such as wine, which will complement all divisions within the EFB Group."

• Editorial
• News