Prospective purchasers were circling Harland Simon after the UK-based press control systems specialist was granted extended creditor protection under UK company law today.

The company has been granted an extra ten days after filing notice at the High Court of its intent to appoint administrators, giving it time to try to find a purchaser for the company or its assets

Sales director Rob Watson told GXpress the extra time had been granted because "a significant number of parties" were interested and in discussion. He said the business was likely to be split between its print activities and new ventures in RFID applications, "so there are two deals to be done".

Liquidation would follow if a buyer is not found.

At the Ifra World Publishing Expo in Berlin, Harland Simon's prebooked stand remained empty, with competitor companies including QIPC/EAE (pictured) and manroland Goss web systems taking the opportunity to direct interested parties towards their own stands.

At QI Press Controls, director Menno Jansen admitted his company's interest, and told us he hoped to have news shortly.