Smithfield handles comms for Blockbuster admin process

Deloitte has brought in Smithfield to manage comms around the high profile administration process of video rental firm Blockbuster.

Smithfield was hired by the business advisory firm following its appointment as administrator for the 528-store chain in January.

The agency was charged with leading the comms process on Blockbuster, a programme including establishing an outsourced press office to handle regional and national media.

It is thought to be the first time Deloitte has looks to outsource comms on an administration process and came as the Deloitte comms team itself was charged with handling the collapse into administration of music retailer HMV.

The Smithfield team is led by director Alex Simmons, with support from account manager James McFarlane.

The agency has worked alongside James Igoe, acting head of media relations, corporate finance, in the Deloitte comms team and lead administrator Lee Manning, chair of R3 at Deloitte.

It is thought that Smithfield was brought in without a competitive pitch.

The future of the Blockbuster business remains uncertain, dispute Deloitte’s actions to shrink the firm’s offering to a smaller core business and the closure of 324 stores.

Restructuring firm Gordon Brothers is reportedly bidding to take control of the DVD and video game retailer, while industry contemporary GA Europe was thought to be preparing a bid, but has seemingly backed away from any deal.

It is thought Deloitte will detail plans for either a sale or winding down of the remaining Blockbuster business over the coming weeks.

Smithfield is understood to be handling comms and media around Blockbuster until the end of the administration process.

This article was first published on prweek.com