ELEVEN serious bids to buy struggling Leyland curtain manufacturers Curtina Group Ltd have been received.

Administrators Andrew Redmond and Derek Oakley, from accountants Lathams, were brought in to salvage the firm nearly three weeks ago after a massive slump in turnover and a cash crisis.

The company's creditors have now agreed to sell the restructured Bison Place business and have attracted almost a dozen serious bids. The deadline for indicative bids is tomorrow (Friday).

Around 50 jobs have been lost in the restructuring - from director to shopfloor.

Curtina's managing director Roger Lamborn said he regretted the job losses and added: "We sincerely wish all members of staff every success in the future."

The period of administration will come to an end in mid-June when the new owners take over.

Mr Lamborn said: "We have been overwhelmed both by the response to our new designer collection of ready-mades and by the warm wishes we've received.

"We know we have to prove our ability to service orders and function effectively and we're now in a position to assure customers we'll be doing exactly that within the next few weeks."

Andrew Redmond, corporate recovery partner with Lathams, added: "We've been surprised by the buoyancy of trade since our appointment as administrators and we are delighted at the level of interest that has been shown in the continuance of Curtina."

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