Administrators complete sale of Preston caravan firm

Lunar Caravans

Administrators David Acland and Lila Thomas of FRP Advisory completed the sale of the trade and assets of Lunar Caravans yesterday, August 14.

Around 60 of the former Lunar workforce have transferred to the new owner, Lunar Automotive, which will maintain production at the existing Preston site.

The Preston-based caravan manufacturer entered administration on July 16, following a difficult trading period linked to declining consumer confidence.

The transaction sees the rescue of this well-known national brand and key part of the Preston business community.

Joint administrator David Acland said: “We are delighted to have achieved a sale of the business to Lunar Automotive Limited and we wish them success in the future.

“Lunar is a well-established manufacturer and given this is their 50th anniversary year, the sale has even greater significance.”

He added: “We would like to thank the staff and management of Lunar who have worked hard with us over the last few weeks.

“It has been tough at times but their professionalism and positive attitude has contributed to this result.

“We would also like to acknowledge the support of key stakeholders involved within the business, in particular South Ribble Council and the Unite Union.”

Nicholas Marks, managing director of Lunar Automotive, said: “We are delighted to have acquired Lunar, we look forward to working with the team, suppliers and customers as we build on this well-respected brand.”

Administrators laid off 142 Lunar Carvavans production workers when the firm entered administration, on July 16. The firm’s total head count at the time was 196.

Ten days later, the administrators announced 124 redundancies, having failed to find a buyer.

Mr Acland said at the time: “Our priority was to find a buyer for the business as a going concern before the planned Summer shut down and whilst this has not happened, we are still in discussions with interested parties and remain hopeful of a positive outcome.”

Lunar Automotive was set up by Mr Marks, as a caravan manufacturer, on August 1, 2019.

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