A smart home installation company collapsed into administration after 42 years in business. Cornflake Limited went into administration on April 17, according to the Gazette.

On its website, the company claims it “curates connection” through “intuitive technology” to create “life-enriching experiences” in the home. Cornflake Limited started life in 1984 as an audio retailer, set up by university students. The name reportedly comes from when they would supplement their university grants by selling vinyls packed in cereal boxes. Today, it is a multi-award-winning audio-visual, home automation and home cinema specialist. Cornflake specialises in home cinemas, media rooms, smart lighting, smart audio-visual, smart heating and air conditioning, and smart blinds and curtains.

On April 20, the company was saved from collapse by luxury group Ateliers de France, which began as a luxury property developer and historical home restorer.

It now brings together “craftsmanship companies and a general contracting division that deliver iconic and exceptional projects”.

Alex Brown, managing director at Cornflake, said: “Joining Ateliers de France Group marks an important step forward for Cornflake, enabling us to firmly focus on the future, whilst our priorities remain the same – providing the highest quality service and delivery for our clients and their teams.

“This partnership allows us to do that with confidence, supported by the financial and operational backing of the group and delivered by the strong and ambitious Cornflake team that I am proud to lead.”

Antoine Courtois, CEO of Ateliers de France Group, said: “We are very pleased to welcome Cornflake to the group. They bring deep expertise in luxury technology integration, along with a respected brand and talented team.

“As a business almost as old as their discipline itself, Cornflake’s heritage and experience in the market give it deep understanding and a well-developed operation that set it apart from its competitors in the UK market for design, planning and execution with the utmost attention to detail. We look forward to supporting their development and working together on exceptional projects.”

This comes amid a number of businesses going into administration. The amount collapsing went up by 41% in January, according to the Insolvency Service. This equates to 151 businesses closing their doors between December 2025 and January 2026, a 14% rise on the year before.

Major chains have not gone unaffected. TGI Fridays, Claire’s, The Original Factory Shop, Russell and Bromley, and Revolution Bars all announced the appointment of administrators.