Nikolai Smolenski, who placed parts of TVR in administration at the end of last year, has regained ownership of Blackpool Automotive, including the TVR trademarks, the Blackpool manufacturing facilities and their equipment. Unions were quick to point out that Smolenski intended to move all TVR production away from the Blackpool area and the UK. TVR's administrators explained Smolenski's company had simply come in with the highest offer.