A group of creditors has forced beverage manufacturer Le-Nature's into bankruptcy. The group does not necessarily seek the company's liquidation, but rather assurance of payment of US$1.4m, and expects the company to continue producing beverages.

The 17-year-old firm employs some 200 workers and makes waters, teas, juices and nutritional drinks under the Ice, Dazzler, and Kettle Brewed brands.

Earlier, a judge had ruled the company might have engaged in potentially criminal activity.  Company executives were dismissed and prohibited from accessing company property, after financial statements showed discrepancies and insufficient cash to support disbursed cheques and overdue debts totalling more than US$10m.