After a string of wrongful death allegations and legal troubles that have ensnared its founder, the Wonka Chocolate Company is facing its latest challenge: a new owner with little to no experience save for eating a chocolate bar one time.
Without going through the proper legal channels, William Wonka, the company's owner and CEO, reportedly attempted to "sign over" his world-famous chocolate business to an impoverished eleven year old child. Lawyers for the financial lenders that backed Wonka's business say he has "no legal right" to do so, and are planning their own lawsuit, demanding immediate payment of its outstanding credit facility.
Meanwhile, the confection company said Tuesday that it is seeking financial support and protection by filing a notice of intention to file a proposal under the British Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act as dozens of Oompa Loompas plan to strike until the dangerous working conditions are improved.
"As the company changes hands, we are positioning ourselves for long-term financial stability and developing a restructuring plan that is acceptable to our stakeholders," said a release sent to The Oxford Gazette.
One disgruntled employee mentions a dangerous chocolate river trenched without a permit and several precariously-placed open trash chutes.
The most recent notice of intention comes almost a year after Wonka had invited children to the factory floor without ensuring proper safety standards and protocols. Hard hats were not offered and protective eyewear was only offered in the Television Chocolate room.
Other shareholders were shocked to learn that Mr. Wonka is allegedly responsible for at least five deaths during the tour and several other injuries. British police officials are still investigating the accidents and offer no further comment at this time.
Wonka stepped down from his company after the lawsuits and following a Scotland Yard raid on the company's headquarters. Wonka has long blamed his troubles on Arthur Slugworth, a rival chocolateer, whom he claims is spying on him and trying to sabotage his business.
This is not the only controversy surrounding the company at this time. Investigators are looking into the hiring practices of the company after several Oompa Loompas spoke out against their former employer's dangerous and toxic workplace conditions. One disgruntled employee mentions a dangerous chocolate river trenched without a permit and several precariously-placed open trash chutes.
Other Oompa Loompas accused Wonka of luring them to his chocolate factory under the pretence of equal opportunity employment in order to exploit them and pay them low wages. Several plaintiffs in the suit said they were underage when Wonka kidnapped them from their home island of Loompaland.
While representatives for Wonka admit mistakes were made, they deny all claims of wrongdoing. The statement said the accusations have caused the company to be "maliciously battered" and suffer a "devastating media onslaught."
"Wonka and the company look forward to exposing the extent of the alleged conspiracy and restoring the company brand to its former glory," said the release. "In response to these pressures, the company has determined that the Notice of Intention and naming a new CEO is the best option while all alternatives are assessed."
Instituting Charlie Bucket as new owner might be a step in the right direction, but many are critical of his lack of credentials and his relationship with his ninety-six and a half year old grandfather, "Grandpa Joe," a free-loading conman and grifter.