Tenant NTT Com Security caught cold by Gherkin administration

Iconic landmark received by Deloitte this afternoon

Iconic London building the Gherkin plunged into administration today, sparking an uncertain future for its tenants, which include security integrator NTT Com Security.

Earlier this afternoon 30 St Mary Axe was received by Deloitte after senior leaders "reluctantly" called it in.

NTT Com Security - formerly Integralis - moved into the Gherkin in 2011 and the location is a permanent base for about 30 of its staff. It has other UK offices in Reading, Leeds and Manchester.

The firm, which partners with the likes of Check Point and Palo Alto, had no official statement but a representative said the news was a "surprise to them and they willl have to wait to see what happens".

Deloitte insisted it was working hard to minimise the disruption to tenants.

Neville Kahn, joint receiver and restructuring services partner at Deloitte, said: "The Gherkin is a truly exceptional building, a landmark recognised around the globe.

"Our priority is to preserve the value of this asset. We are in the process of communicating with all tenants and working with the property manager to ensure the continuation of all property management services with no interruption to tenants."

The Gherkin is the permanent base for solicitors Kirkland and Ellis and reinsurers Swiss Re, but a number of channel firms, such as video security vendor Mobotix, have called the building home over the years too.

Channel firms regularly use the building to host events and meetings in a bid to impress city customers.

The building was opened in 2003 and stands at 180 metres tall.