Bertone's fate to be decided at the end of April

Bertone's most recent financial troubles have been far from secret – its no-show at the Geneva motor show confirmed our fears – but until now the company hasn't released an official statement about its situation.

However the UK newspaper the Telegraph has gained access to a company spokesperson who confirmed that "the problem is many debts and very high costs. At the moment everything is blocked. People haven't been coming to work for a month and a half now."

Bertone has entered official bankruptcy proceedings, the outcome of which will be known by the end of April. Either the Turin-based company will be permanently closed and its assets sold off or it will be sold to a suitable buyer from the "foreign companies" reportedly bidding to buy the historic design house.

Under Italian law the 200 or so company employees will be paid state benefits until its fate is made clear.

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Whos Where: Michael Robinson departs Bertone for ED Design

By Owen Ready