A WINDOW company has bought the brand name of a long-standing conservatory maker that went into administration.

Hertfordshire-based double glazing company Everest has bought the Darlington-based Amdega brand for an undisclosed sum, and is now trading using the name of the world’s oldest conservatory manufacturer.

Everest is not responsible for any outstanding Amdega orders and there are no plans to bring jobs back to Darlington following the acquisition.

The Amdega name, established in 1874, has been sold by administrators KPMG, who are disposing of the business’s assets to settle the company’s outstanding debts.

The deal emerged after former Amdega customers contacted The Northern Echo after spotting an advert for the company in The Observer Magazine.

However, both administrators KPMG and Everest deny placing the full-page glossy advert for Amdega.

Amdega went into administration in April, cutting 188 jobs out of 197 at its Faverdale, Darlington, factory, and leaving up to 300 orders for conservatories – which can cost up to £150,000 – potentially unfulfilled.

A number of sub-contractors are also owed money.

A spokeswoman for KPMG said: “When administrators come in, they try to sell off any assets with the view to try and raise funds for all who are owed money.

“The brand name is one of those assets. They have sold the brand name Amdega to Everest.”

She said Everest had bought the brand name only.

She also said Amdega had not placed The Observer Magazine advertisement.

A spokesman for Everest confirmed they had bought the Amdega brand name, and the agreement meant that Everest had acquired the rights to the name only, and not to any staff, machinery or existing customer orders.

He said Everest had not placed the advert, saying the company had not started an Amdega marketing campaign.

Andrew Stanway, managing director of Everest’s conservatory division, said: “Naturally, we are very pleased with this acquisition. Conservatories represent an important part of our business and adding a major brand name like Amdega allows us to strengthen and extend our existing offering of high end conservatories.”

The Northern Echo made repeated attempts to contact The Observer Magazine, but failed to get a reply.

Any queries regarding the administration should be directed to KMPG, on 0113-254- 2980.