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Odyssey company's future in doubt | Odyssey company's future in doubt |
(about 11 hours later) | |
There is "significant doubt" about the future of the development company behind Belfast's Odyssey entertainment complex, independent auditors claim. | There is "significant doubt" about the future of the development company behind Belfast's Odyssey entertainment complex, independent auditors claim. |
The company, Sheridan Millennium, has liabilities of £72.3m, according to information filed within the past three months at Companies House. | The company, Sheridan Millennium, has liabilities of £72.3m, according to information filed within the past three months at Companies House. |
Most of the money is owed to the Anglo Irish Bank in Dublin. | Most of the money is owed to the Anglo Irish Bank in Dublin. |
Accounts for the year ended March 2008 also reveal the company made a net loss of £5.7m. | Accounts for the year ended March 2008 also reveal the company made a net loss of £5.7m. |
No accounts have yet been lodged for 2008-09. | No accounts have yet been lodged for 2008-09. |
Sheridan Millennium was set up by Peter Curistan. | Sheridan Millennium was set up by Peter Curistan. |
Speaking to BBC Newsline, Mr Curistan rebuffed any suggestion the company's future was in doubt and said they were currently looking at "three or four development opportunities". | |
"Those accounts were dated March 2008," he said. | |
"We decided that we would write down the value of Odyssey and also other bits and pieces. "We made £2.5m operating profit that year. | |
"Interest rates have fallen considerably since then. "We are saving over £5m a year in interest. | |
"We got a clear audit opinion which is very unusual in these circumstances and very good news." | |
There is evidence of material uncertainty which may cast significant doubt about the company's ability to continue as a going concern Pricewaterhouse Coopers | There is evidence of material uncertainty which may cast significant doubt about the company's ability to continue as a going concern Pricewaterhouse Coopers |
Two years ago it was announced that an agreement had been struck to sell the company's stake in the Odyssey for around £100m, but the purchase did not go ahead. | Two years ago it was announced that an agreement had been struck to sell the company's stake in the Odyssey for around £100m, but the purchase did not go ahead. |
Sheridan provided £30m for the Odyssey project, with the majority of the capital coming from the public purse. | Sheridan provided £30m for the Odyssey project, with the majority of the capital coming from the public purse. |
It currently holds the long-term lease on the Odyssey Pavillion, home to several bars and restaurants. | It currently holds the long-term lease on the Odyssey Pavillion, home to several bars and restaurants. |
Accountants Pricewaterhouse Coopers, who audited Sheridan's books, said there was "evidence of material uncertainty which may cast significant doubt about the company's ability to continue as a going concern." | Accountants Pricewaterhouse Coopers, who audited Sheridan's books, said there was "evidence of material uncertainty which may cast significant doubt about the company's ability to continue as a going concern." |
The 2007-08 accounts reveal that Sheridan meets its day-to-day working capital requirements through bank facilities. | The 2007-08 accounts reveal that Sheridan meets its day-to-day working capital requirements through bank facilities. |
According to the figures, the company has received assurances from Anglo Irish that sufficient banking facilities will be provided to allow it to continue. | According to the figures, the company has received assurances from Anglo Irish that sufficient banking facilities will be provided to allow it to continue. |
Sheridan is currently in negotiations to sell its investment property "in the foreseeable future with consequent benefits to the company's debt position". | Sheridan is currently in negotiations to sell its investment property "in the foreseeable future with consequent benefits to the company's debt position". |
The company's four directors, among them Mr Curistan, do however, acknowledge its uncertainty. | The company's four directors, among them Mr Curistan, do however, acknowledge its uncertainty. |
Mr Curistan, though, told the BBC the company was healthy. | Mr Curistan, though, told the BBC the company was healthy. |
He said he is close to selling his stake in Odyssey Pavilion, claiming it will fetch over £80m. | He said he is close to selling his stake in Odyssey Pavilion, claiming it will fetch over £80m. |