World Sports Solutions, the company which markets stars including England footballer Rio Ferdinand, is to be wound up, it emerged today.
The firm, whose shareholders include Arsenal’s Patrick Vieira, told investors it was convening an emergency general meeting on March 28 to close the business voluntarily.
Loss-making WSS, which is headed by Tory peer Lord Taylor and floated 15 months ago, has come under pressure over loans issued when it was still a private company.
It is understood the company could now be sold to a trade buyer or a management buyout could follow.
WSS had previously asked the London Stock Exchange to halt trading in its shares “pending clarification of its financial position”.
Among its high-profile operations, WSS recently brokered a deal between Ferdinand, Britain’s most expensive footballer and Manchester United defender, and Ben Sherman to be the advertising “face” of the brand.
The company also represents jockey Richard Johnson and acts for Leeds United and the Williams F1 team.
WSS shares, which touched 165p soon after the float, have been suspended at 12p.