Jobs saved as Peats’ survival approved

The High Court has approved a survival scheme for electrical retailer Peats which reversed its decision to cease trading earlier this year.

The scheme involvesinvestment by the Peat family which will mean two of its 11 stores will continue to trade and a total of 27 jobs saved, the court heard.

Mr Justice Peter Charlton said he was happy to approve the scheme taking Peats World of Electronics out of examinership after hearing all conditions set down in an independent accountant’s report for its survival had been met.

These include that two of its Dublin stores, the original Peats of Parnell St and another in Rathmines are to continue trading.

The judge noted that Revenue, which the court heard previously is owed €319,000, is to receive most of what is owed to it, while unsecured creditors will be getting a 2% dividend.

This meant there was a saving to the exchequer of €163,000 in redundancy payments and creditors will get something rather than nothing had the company been wound up, he said.

He also noted there had been a waiver of rent due to the Peat family for €390,000 and a rent holiday for 12 months in relation to the Parnell St and Rathmines stores.

In addition, there was a cash investment from Peats chairman Ben Peat and from Josephine Peat of €140,000 in working capital and €15,000 in equity.