Robson Brown closes its doors
Robson Brown has ceased trading following its administration last week, leading to the loss of around 96 jobs.
The Newcastle advertising and media agency, which has been operating for around 26 years, has closed its doors, leading to the loss of around 96 jobs.
Kevin Coates, director of its administrator Zolfo Cooper, said: "Despite examining all possible avenues for Robson Brown Limited, we have regrettably been left with no other option than to cease trading. Whilst we’re pleased to have negotiated a sale and saved jobs at Attinger Jack Advertising Limited, this is understandably difficult news for staff at Robson Brown Limited.
"Regrettably, we were simply left with no option but to close the business. We would however like to thank the staff for their continued professionalism during what has been an exceptionally difficult period."
It is understood that only a handful of staff remain at the agency as the company winds down.
Clients had already begun to leave the agency following its administration, which meant that its value continually decreased, leaving administrators with little hope of finding a buyer.
The closure of the agency comes less than a year after its acquisition by US media firm Round2, which went on to buy AW Communications and Attinger Jack Advertising.
Together they became part of Round2 UK Group, which was placed in adminstration last week due to financial difficulties.
Robson Brown founders Alan Brown and Stuart Robson had not been fully paid from the buy-out deal and were the agency's largest creditors.
Attinger Jack was bought out by its senior management and its former owner David Attinger, having formed a new company within 24 hours of the administration process starting.
R2 Communications (formerly AW Communications) was bought over the weekend by WTTW Communications, led by former AW Communications boss Nick West.
For Robson Brown, the pain of administration was compounded by the loss of its largest media account, Dreams, which is estimated to be worth £35m and was moved to Starcom MediaVest last week.
The Dreams creative account, which was also held by Robson Brown, is still up for review.
Robson Brown had said that it was looking to form a partnership with a media company having lost its credit insurance, needed to buy media, due to entering administration.
The agency's client list included Flymo, Crown Paints, Chester Zoo and Metro Centre.