A bakery in operation since the 1800s will close after owner Maple Leaf Bakery, the UK arm of Canada's Maple Leaf Foods, could not find a buyer.

In November, Maple Leaf decided to close the facility in the West Midlands town of Walsall, although it said the workers could see their jobs saved as potential buyers had expressed interest in the plant, reported just-food.

However, the sale fell through and the bakery is now due to close between February and March, putting 236 out of work, according to the Express and Star newspaper.

A spokesperson from the company was not available for comment.

In October, Maple Leaf reported third-quarter net earnings of C$43m (US$43.4m) for the three months to 30 September, compared to a loss of C$19.9m last year.