Two Taj grocery stores in Brighton, which fell into administration, have continued trading after the owners set up a new company to buy the stores.

The stores’ parent company, Taj Natural Foods, was taken over by administrators BDO LLP on 23 March. Three days later, the business was bought by new company Taj Mahal International Foods, which has the same owners.

BDO says the deal was not a ‘pre-pack administration’ because the sale had not been arranged before the company fell into administration. Pre-packs are controversial because they often leave creditors unpaid, but the family that owns Taj said they were committed to paying their debts despite trading under a new company name.

“These are tough times and we had to restructure certain parts of the business to move forward,” said joint owner Shahid Khan. “We have the support of our suppliers and are committed to meeting our obligations.”

BDO business restructuring partner Matthew Tait said: “The sale of the trading division protects all 30 jobs and secures continuity of service.”

Taj, which specialises in organic and exotic fresh produce, had recently announced plans to open a third shop in the city, which Khan admitted were “now on hold”.