French bankers have not been able to find a buyer for the cross-Channel ferry company SeaFrance.

The Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank has been managing the sale since last year, and in December it was reported that four sealed bids had been received and would be considered. The company has been in the hands of administrators since September.

P&O Ferries was thought to have been in the running for buying the company, but subsequently decided not to make an offer. LD Lines and Brittany Ferries were also tipped by some experts as possible new owners.

But talks have come to nothing, and SeaFrance chairman Pierre Fa, speaking at a company meeting, said a suitable buyer had yet to be found.

Full story in this week's Dover Mercury, plus much more news from the port.