A BURGER restaurant at Bournemouth’s BH2 development has been saved after the chain that owns it went into administration.

Nine Handmade Burger Company branches were closed after the business went into administration earlier this month, with the loss of 163 jobs.

But the remaining 20 restaurants, including the one which opened in the Bournemouth leisure complex this April, have been saved. The sale by administrators safeguards 530 jobs.

A statement by Leonard Curtis Business Rescue and Recovery said: “The joint administrators of the Sargeant Partnership Limited and Hand Made Burger Company LLP can now confirm that a sale has been completed and all 530 jobs have been safeguarded.

“The restaurant chain’s 20 remaining outlets will continue to operate.”

Joint administrator Julien Irving said: “Since our appointment on July 6 we have worked hard to secure the most favourable outcome for all creditors.”

The Birmingham-based recovery specialist had been unable to propose a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) to keep the business trading but added: “We have since managed to secure a buyer for the business and are delighted that this positive outcome has been achieved.”