Malibu Health Products Limited, the manufacturer behind the iconic Malibu suncream sold in high street stores, entered administration in mid-October this year. The company had traded successfully for 27 years before a fire struck its St Albans headquarters.
The brand's products, which included sun lotion and tanning oils, were stocked by major UK retailers including Morrisons, The Range, Home Bargains, TK Maxx, Savers and Poundstretcher.
Administration and appointment
Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, an FTS Recovery spokesperson explained that because the insurance company requires a lengthy investigation before paying the claim, the business could not produce goods or operate normally in the meantime. To manage this crisis, the company entered administration on October 15, 2026, with Marco Piacquadio and Rachel Ennis of FTS Recovery Limited appointed as administrators.
Those handling the administration said the fire hit the company's trading and manufacturing warehouse on August 11, reducing vital stock, raw materials, and specialised machinery to ashes overnight.
Rescue deal secured
It's good news for customers, as the administrators confirmed that the brand will live on after they secured a vital rescue deal. The FTS Recovery spokesperson said: "On the date of the administrators' appointment, a sale of the goodwill of the business was transferred to a new business operated by the director."
Speaking to Express.co.uk, the administrators confirmed that no jobs are being lost in the process. All nine head office staff are transferring to the new company with their contracts, pay, and legal workplace protections remaining intact.
Manufacturing unaffected
The spokesperson said: "All manufacturing jobs (numbering around 30) that are employed by a separate company within the group have been unaffected by the administration and the transfer."
The crucial manufacturing arm of the brand, Malibu Manufacturing Ltd, and the entity holding its intellectual property remain completely unaffected by the administration process. The new purchasing entity is currently finalising distribution arrangements and negotiating with suppliers to ensure Malibu continues to trade on a business-as-usual basis.
