Major UK company enters administration putting jobs at risk

Exertis UK formally appointed joint administrators on May 29 and has described the move as “deeply disappointing news.”

Around 70 staff remain on the payroll.

Administrators Martin Armstrong and Andrew Bailey of Turpin Barker Armstrong, along with James Hopkirk of Kreston Reeves, have begun overseeing the company’s affairs and business, according to IT Channel Oxygen.

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— Exertis Ireland (@ExertisIreland) June 2, 2026

A note on the company’s website said: “Please note that Martin Armstrong and Andrew Bailey of Turpin Barker Armstrong, together with James Hopkirk of Kreston Reeves, were appointed as joint administrators of Exertis (UK) Ltd on May 29, 2026.

“The affairs, business and property of Exertis (UK) Ltd are being managed by the joint administrators, who act as agents of the company and contract without personal liability.”

The company had announced plans in December to cut more than 90 per cent of its workforce, following its acquisition by private equity firm AURELIUS just weeks earlier.

Despite emerging from a 45-day consultation period in January with plans to reposition itself as a “specialist, independent distributor” focused on the retail sector, a second consultation was launched less than two months later for all remaining staff.

Back in December last year, staff in Basingstoke, Burnley, Elland and Harlow were reportedly told that 1,200 roles would be reduced to 130, subject to consultation.

Dr Paul Harvey, leader of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, said the “shock” news raised questions about private equity firm Aurelius.

The Independent councillor told the BBC at the time: “It is deeply concerning, especially right on top of Christmas for all the employees affected.

‘There are so many losers in this story’

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“It’s a shock that this has happened and people deserve a full and transparent disclosure from the private equity owners and also those who sold the company in the first place.”

Now, Alex Tatham, a veteran of the IT distribution sector, said: “As is so often the case, there are so many losers in this story.

“I feel particularly sorry for the employees who worked hard to make Exertis a great place to work.”

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