24 January 2007
Smudged Limited (formerly Merrythought Toys limited)
Following the liquidation of the above company, please be advised that the assets, work in progress and the stock belonging to the above company have been purchased by Merrythought Limited, the holding company under the terms of a licence agreement.
The liquidator, and his staff regret that they are now unable to assist in queries in relation to these assets, please therefore direct any enquiries to the following address.
Merrythought Limited
Ironbridge
Telford
TF8 7NJ
e-mail: contact@merrythought.co.uk
Mrs Caroline Smith
Senior Insolvency Manager
For those interested in aquiring Merrythought products at retail, please be advised that the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust continue to run the Teddy Bear Shop and may be contacted on:
Telephone: 01952433029
Fax: 01952435999
e-mail: igmt_teddybears@enta.net
14 December 2006
Re Merrythought Toys Limited (now Smudged Limited)
A spokesperson for Heathcote and Coleman LLP said:
“Merrythought Toys Limited has today (14 December 2006) been placed into creditors voluntary liquidation. Mr Gerald Davis, licenced insolvency practitioner of Heathcote and Coleman LLP, has been appointed as liquidator.
“The liquidator’s main priority is to deal with the claims of the 48 employees who were made redundant on 27 November 2006.
“The DTI Redundancy Payments Office in Birmingham has advised Heathcote and Coleman LLP that it will endeavour to resolve these claims as fast as possible in order to alleviate immediate financial hardship over the Christmas holiday, although no guarantees can be made.
“The liquidator will then consider the method of disposal of the company’s assets.
A licence agreement between Merrythought Limited (the holding company) and Merrythought Toys Limited (in liquidation) restricts the liquidator’s disposal options, as all intellectual property rights are held by Merrythought Limited.
“Under the licence, no stock bearing the Merrythought name can be disposed of other than with the consent of the holding company.”
Mrs Caroline Smith
Senior Insolvency Manager
27 November 2006
Britain’s Last Toy Manufacturer Ceases Production
The Directors of Merrythought Toys Limited regrettably announce the cessation of manufacture of their products in Ironbridge, Shropshire, due to the ongoing effects of external economics.
A three-generation family business and the sole remaining toy manufacturer in the country, Merrythought has continued to be an integral part of the history of Ironbridge. The company’s quality products, including collectable teddy bears, rocking and wheeled toys together with a comprehensive range of soft toys, have been demanded worldwide, achieving collector status and a global following.
Despite the best endeavours of the management team and the absolute dedication of a loyal and talented workforce, it has proved impossible for Merrythought to remain competitive against foreign produced goods, which take advantage of significantly lower manufacturing and overhead costs.
On the 27 November 2006, production ceased and 48 redundancies were announced.
The company will be placed into Creditors Voluntary Liquidation in December 2006, at the instigation of the directors.
The directors extend their most sincere thanks to all those who have supported the business and enjoyed its unique products throughout the extensive generations of quality toy manufacturing.
All enquires should be directed to Mrs C Smith at Heathcote & Coleman LLP a member firm of DFK International on 0121 454 4141 or cs@heathcote-coleman.co.uk