Wildcats shirt sponsor Eric France goes out of business with job losses and debts of £22m

The Ossett-based company was a sponsor of Rugby League clubs Wakefield Wildcats and Dewsbury Rams.

A statement issued by the liquidators, KPMG and PricewaterhouseCoopers, said: “It is understood that, according to the directors’ statement of affairs, £21m of the company’s total debts of £22m relate to unpaid VAT.”

David Standish, joint liquidator and partner in KPMG’s restructuring practice, said: “The company has ceased trading and unfortunately all 18 employees have been made redundant.

“The insolvency is due to significant historic debts owed to HMRC. I would now welcome hearing from anybody with information about the company and I can be contacted at KPMG, 1 The Embankment, Neville Street, Leeds, LS1 4DW.”

Eric France Metal Recycling was unable to comment on the story yesterday and referred us to the liquidators.