Waterford Crystal going bankrupt

[eridani]

Signs of the times. Even the well-off can't keep it afloat, apparently.

ttp://abpdd-media.com/portal/wts/ccmc77aT7-aqrkvqBDqUchqFzBj

Waterford Wedgwood PLC, the maker of classic china and crystal, filed for bankruptcy protection on Monday after attempts to restructure the struggling business or find a buyer failed.

Four administrators from business advisory firm Deloitte 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 of Waterford Wedgwood PLC, the ultimate parent of the U.K. companies, and other Irish subsidiaries.

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 where they languished at just one-tenth of a euro cent and the company's directors -- including Anthony O'Reilly, the Irish publishing magnate who along with his brother-in-law Peter Goulandris owns more than half of all Waterford Wedgwood shares -- 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."

[aquart]

1. Nooooooooooo!

[Loudmxr]

2. Ahh stop yer complainin' it stopped for a few hundred years once before.

That's why they put lead in it. So it will last. Hell mine's been through several earthquakes. And the Cavan crystal too. :nopity: (that's me playing the fiddle) :smoke:

[Historic NY]

3. Good thing they finished the Times Square ball.

http://www.timessquarenyc.org/nye/nye_ball.html

[Danascot]

4. Recent developments

Waterford Wedgwood & Royal Doulton US Operations Uninterrupted

http://sev.prnewswire.com/retail/20090107/NY5668107012009-1.html

KPS in talks to buy Waterford Wedgwood assets

http://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idUSL827631620090108

[trof]

5. So what are we gonna buy for wedding presents now?

;-)