BLAKES - Britain's oldest Ford dealership and established 1871, is up for sale through Receivers Grant Thornton.

At the request of directors Malcolm Shierson, Nigel Ruddock and Les Ross, Grant Thornton have been appointed administrative receivers to J. Blake Group Ltd (Blakes), holding company for the Liverpool based Ford dealers. The main trading subsidiary J. Blake and Co Ltd, which trades as Blakes Ford, is also in receivership.

The group employs some 260 people, most at Blakes, Speke. The company also has premises in Prescot and Prescot Street, Liverpool, and operates a bodyshop in Birkenhead on a modern site leased to another motor dealer.

Total debts of Blakes are around £20m. In 1997, Group turnover totalled around £60m. Annual vehicle sales are estimated at 5,700 units, including used cars. the business has been making a loss since 1997 and is in breach of its bank covenants.

Grant Thornton partner Malcolm Shierson told the Globe: "We will be trading the business normally while its operations can be assessed. It is our intention to market the business to potential buyers, either as a whole or in parts. The business has a long track record in the North West. We are optimistic that a sale can be achieved and this will safeguard the interests of employees, suppliers, customers and creditors."

Customer deposits will be safeguarded by the receiver. Warranty work will continue to be carried out. Inquiries to Grant Thornton.

Blakes was established 1873 as a coach builder in Mount Pleasant, Liverpool. In 1910 it officially became a Ford dealer and sold the Manchester built Model T Ford. Until recently the company had a branch in Birkenhead.

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