Heswall-based investment consultants SMD & Co. have taken part in a deal that will keep the Friendly Giant alive - thanks to the support of Manchester Chartered Accountants and Insolvency Practitioners Clarke Bell.
Named after the famous Roald Dahl character, Friendly Giant made its name as a computer games maker and website animator. Unfortunately, like many other internet specialists, they were hit by the dot.com downturn and went through a creditors voluntary liquidation in late 2001.
However, through SMD and Clarke Bell's efforts, the company's assets were purchased and the Friendly Giant name preserved, with their software development operations now forming part of Manchester wireless entertainment publishers iPhone.
"Along with a valuable brand name there was a lot of highly developed technology, specialist software and talent that would have been lost," said SMD director David Bates.
"But Clarke Bell very quickly helped us create a new company that safeguarded the products and expertise of the old one. Their specialist experience in the insolvency field was invaluable in guiding us towards the best course of action."
The Friendly Giant is now active again, particularly in the fields of digital marketing and website animation. Through iPhone, a number of exciting mobile phone games have been released and other internet aware mobile applications are being developed.
"Businesses like Friendly Giant often possess valuable assets in the form of intellectual properties such as computer software, as well as highly creative human resources", commented John Bell, Senior Partner of Clarke Bell.
"Companies finding themselves in difficulties should take expert advice quickly, as it is often possible to preserve these assets and form the basis of a new business operation."....
