Several offers were received during the formal auction, announced in July, but the board considered none reflected the recent trading, profitability and potential of the division.
The trading statement also said that profits in linen services would be £4million below expectations.
The roll-out of the group’s ERP management planning system had been satisfactory in Workplace Management.
However problems were revealed in Linen Services, which had resulted in delayed invoicing, and an increase in bad debt provision.
The system had also highlighted additional costs which were being addressed.
Of the other divisions, Johnsons Apparelmaster had traded as expected.
Corporate wear had gained a number of contracts , but one rollout was delayed until 2007 first quarter.
Facilities management continued to show solid growth.
Continuing pre-tax profit for the year is now expected to be around £26million.
