Antic Limited went into administration over tax bill
London-based pub firm Antic Limited went into administration after it struggled to pay a tax bill from HMRC, it has emerged.
Administrators Richard Toone, David Oprey and Kevin Murphy, partners and restructuring specialists at accountancy firm Chantrey Vellacott DFK were appointed to look after the company, which operates leaseholds on 14 pubs including Balham Bowls Club and the White Hart in Stoke Newington, on 14 Janaury.
They said there had been "significant" interest from potential buyers for the business and its assets.
A total of 12 pubs within Antic Limited continue to trade at various locations across London. Of the remaining two, one is currently closed due to a fire that occurred in December 2012 and, while the company had not started to trade from the other.
"All 12 pubs continue to trade as normal and we are confident of securing the future of the business with either a CVA or a sale of the business and assets out of administration," said Toone.
"We are welcoming offers on each of the individual leaseholds, and the company's business and assets as a whole.
"The main factor behind the business going into administration is due to a HMRC bill it has struggled to resolve.
"The pubs are very popular and the business should be profitable and the substantial interest and offers which have been made reflect this."
The administration is not thought to affect Antic London, the parent company, which continues to trade as usual.
It will continue to run 24 pubs, which include Dogstar Brixton, East Dulwich Tavern and Westow House in Crystal Palace.
