LONDON — Waterford Wedgwood, maker of classic china and crystal, filed for bankruptcy protection Monday after attempts to restructure the struggling business or find a buyer failed. Four administrators from business advisory firm De loitte were appointed to run the company’s businesses in Britain and Northern Ireland, while a Deloitte partner in the Irish Republic was appointed as receiver.
The U.K. joint administrators said they intended to continue to run the business as they seek a buyer. Trading in the company’s shares was suspended on the Irish Stock Exchange, and the company’s directors handed in their resignations.
“Waterford, Wedgwood and Royal Doulton are quintessentially classic brands that represent a high quality product which is steeped in history,” the administrators said in a statement. “The administration team will be working closely with management, customers and suppliers during this time to ensure operations continue whilst a sale of the business is sought.” The Associated Press
