International Bible Society-Send the Light UK (IBS-STL UK) has three trading divisions; Authentic Media, a book and music publisher; STL Distribution, a distributor of Christian resources, and Wesley Owen Books and Music, a retailer with 40 shops in the UK.

Baker Tilly Corporate Finance LLP has been appointed to pursue the sale of its operations and salvage what it can from the ruins of the organisation which grew over 50 years to become one of the top 100 charities in the UK.

The global president of Biblica and former CEO of STL, Keith Danby, said: “Given the severe financial and operational strains we have experienced, the Board of Trustees and management team believe a sale or exit from all or parts of certain operations is a prudent and necessary step.

“Whilst a difficult decision, we are focused on finding a solution to continue the important work of IBS-STL UK, to secure the jobs of the 490 people employed in our ministry, and to fulfill our financial obligations to our suppliers and creditors. We are working diligently and praying vigilantly for a successful outcome.”

The charity already underwent emergency restructuring and business process consultations after a series of financial problems, most notably the failed implementation of a new SAP computer system in October last year.

IBS-STL UK is part of Biblica, a global Bible translation, Bible translation, publishing, distribution and outreach ministry serving more than 100 countries with books, Bibles and other Christian resources. Biblica said the planned sale of the UK operations will not impact its other global operations and donor funds supporting Biblica’s worldwide outreach ministries will not be affected.

The chairman of the IBS-STL UK Board of Trustees, Michael Fitch, said: “We continue to believe strongly in the power of God’s Word and Christian resources to change peoples’ lives. We are praying that we can pass the torch on to other likeminded organisations so that our UK staff, suppliers and ministry partners can carry our work forward.”

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