Bodycare sold by administrators

ADMINISTRATORS acting for a struggling Preston tolietries firm have sold the business back to its former management.

Bodycare Toiletries, which supplies supermarkets with personal care and beauty products, was hit by a decline in sales.

The deal, handled by the Manchester office of accountancy firm Deloitte, is understood to have saved 147 jobs.

Deloitte partner Bill Dawson said: “Given the current market turmoil, we are particularly pleased with the sale, which will offer greater security to employees, customers, suppliers and other stakeholders.”

Bodycare’s chief executive John Carrington led the buyout. He said: “We are really happy with the acquisition and look forward to working with our stakeholders to ensure the future progress and growth of the business.”

Bodycare was established in Burnley in 1987. It was acquired by the Dutch company Norit in 1994, which was then bought by the Dutch utility company Nuon. Bodycare’s management carried out a buyout in 2001.