Malibu Health Products Limited, the British manufacturer behind Malibu Sun suncream, entered administration on 15 October 2026 following a fire at its St Albans facility. The company had been operating for 27 years before the incident disrupted its manufacturing and trading activities.
The Hertfordshire business supplies sun protection products to retailers including Morrisons, Boots, Home Bargains, The Range and TK Maxx. Although administration raised questions about its future, a rescue agreement has since been completed, allowing the brand to continue operating without job losses.
Warehouse Fire Forces Malibu Health Products Into Administration
Malibu Health Products Limited was established in 1999 as a family business in Hertfordshire. Its products, including sun lotions, after-sun treatments and tanning oils, are manufactured in St Albans and sold in more than 40 countries.
The company’s financial difficulties followed a fire on 11 August 2026 at its trading and manufacturing warehouse. The incident damaged stock, raw materials and specialist machinery, preventing the business from maintaining normal production.
According to the Mirror, the company’s administrators explained that an extended insurance investigation meant the business could not resume manufacturing or operate normally while awaiting settlement of its claim.
The disruption eventually led to formal insolvency proceedings. Marco Piacquadio and Rachel Ennis of FTS Recovery Limited were appointed joint administrators on 15 October.
The appointment was subsequently published in The Gazette on 26 October under High Court case reference CR-2026-007840. The company’s registered number is 03751009.
Financial records provide additional context about the business before administration. According to Business Sale Report, its accounts for the year ending 31 December 2024 showed fixed assets of approximately £96,000 and current assets of around £5 million. Total equity stood at slightly under £348,000 during the same reporting period.
The manufacturer had previously informed customers about the fire through social media, confirming that everyone had been accounted for and that those affected were receiving appropriate care and support.
It also advised retail customers that trade orders could continue through its distribution partner, Pricecheck, while the company assessed the disruption.
Rescue Agreement Preserves Employment and the Malibu Sun Brand
Despite the administration proceedings, the company‘s administrators have confirmed that an agreement was reached to transfer the business’s goodwill to a new company operated by its director.
According to the Daily Express, the transaction was completed on the same day that the administrators were appointed, providing a route for the Malibu Sun brand to continue trading.
The arrangement also protects employees affected by the restructuring. All nine head office staff are transferring to the new business, retaining their existing contracts, salaries and statutory employment protections.
Around 30 manufacturing employees, who work for a separate company within the group, have also remained unaffected.
The manufacturing operation, Malibu Manufacturing Ltd, and the company holding the brand’s intellectual property were not included in the administration.
The new operating business has been working on distribution arrangements and discussions with suppliers to restore normal commercial activity. Customers cannot currently purchase Malibu products directly through the brand’s website. Instead, the company directs shoppers towards other online retailers, including Amazon and JustMyLook.
