Iconic frozen desserts company Sara Lee has collapsed into administration.

The Australian firm – which has been in operation for more than 50 years – is famous for its frozen treats including apple pies, cheese cakes and ice cream. 

Vaughan Strawbridge, Kathryn Evans and Joseph Hansell of FTI Consulting have been appointed as voluntary administrators – and are looking for a buyer to take over the ailing company.

‘The Australian Sara Lee business has a long history of producing desserts including frozen cheesecakes, pies, crumbles and ice cream, using quality, authentic ingredients,’ the administrators said.

‘The Australian based manufacturing business trades as Sara Lee under license from the global owner of the trademark, with rights to operate in Australia, New Zealand, South East Asia and the Middle East.

‘The appointment to the company is intended to seek a restructuring and sale of the Sara Lee business, while continuing operations.’

Mr Strawbridge believes there will be a lot of interest in taking over the company.

‘We are working with Sara Lee’s management team and staff to continue operations while we secure the future of the business,’ he said.

‘We are immediately commencing a process to sell or restructure the business and continue its long history of manufacturing in Australia.

‘We expect a lot of interest in the business and will work with those parties and stakeholders to achieve an outcome soon as possible to secure the ongoing business and provide clarity to its loyal and committed staff and customers.’

The company, which employs about 200 people, was established in Lisarow, NSW in 1971.