Waterford Wedgwood is to go into administration, the maker of cut glass and designer crockery said on Monday. Deloitte has been appointed as administrator of some of the company’s UK and Irish subsidiaries.

”I am disappointed that certain of the group’s UK and Irish subsidiaries have had to go into administration and receivership, but we remain optimistic that ongoing discussions will result in a buyer being found for the businesses,” said David Sculley, the group’s chief executive.