Closing date set for deli chain

Administrators would like to sell the business in its entirety

A closing date for offers for Dundee-based deli chain McLeish Brothers has been set for 1700 GMT on Monday.

About 175 people lost their jobs and seven stores, the head office and central kitchen closed when the company went into administration on 12 January.

Three shops are still trading at Schoolhill in Aberdeen, Whitehall Street in Dundee and in Inverurie.

Administrators said they had already received more than 50 inquiries for the business and its assets.

Iain Fraser from Tenon Recovery said: "We are pleased at the level of interest in McLeish Brothers, which reflects the strength of the brand, the network of suppliers and its potential for growth. The management had also invested in very high quality shop fittings and IT systems.

"The business offers a great opportunity to acquire a strong delicatessen brand, and we would urge interested parties to make sure they lodge their offers with us in good time.

"We would like to sell the business in its entirety, but are open to proposals for individual stores and the central kitchen facility in Dundee."