[3] The company originates from a wholesale wine and spirits business, founded by Allan Whittle and Robert Mayor.

[8] Until July 2013, ECI remained the majority shareholder when the company floated on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM).

With the collapse of First Quench Retailing, who owned Threshers, in November 2010, Bargain Booze became the largest off licence chain in the United Kingdom.

[10] The company had earlier said it was considering tapping shareholders for funds, and had arranged meetings with institutional investors to persuade them to take part in its share placing to raise the required money.

[11] This was unsuccessful and at the end of March, Conviviality announced its intention to appoint administrators within a fortnight, putting 2,600 jobs at risk.