Dozens of jobs are at risk after a data management business announced it has gone into administration.
Manifest Information Services, which is based at Freebournes Court, in Newland Street, Witham, has appointed accountancy firm Moore Stephens to run the administration proceedings.
The business analyses companies on behalf of investors and advises on corporate governance issues worldwide.
It is understood to employ roughly 30 members of staff at its Witham base, whose jobs are now on the line.
Jeremy Willmont is the partner at Moore Stephens tasked with the administration of Manifest
He said: “Manifest has been a pioneer in providing the tools and enabling institutional investors to engage more closely in corporate governance issues.
“In Manifest’s 20 years, they have played a key role in driving the corporate social responsibility and shareholder stewardship agenda.
“Whilst they have entered administration, Manifest continue to operate and continue to add to their vast and valuable databases and research for their clients.”
Manifest’s clients manage assets with more than $1 trillion worldwide and the business works closely with a number of large investors as well as regulatory bodies like the Financial Reporting Council.
As corporate responsibility becomes of growing importance to shareholders, the business has taken a key role in this, working with many major companies.
Manifest is called a “proxy advisor” which means it assists businesses and shareholders with decision making, particularly before things like annual general meetings of shareholders.
It is not clear why Manifest has gone into administration, however reports suggest it may be related to cash flow problems.
Moore Stephens says it will be exploring all possible options for the business, including a sale to maximise its value.
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