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Insolvency shock for Hammer markets: 3,900 jobs at risk!
The Brüder Schlau Group files for insolvency under self-administration. Over 3,900 employees affected, but still active in business.
Insolvency shock for Hammer markets: 3,900 jobs at risk!
In a worrying move, the “Brothers Schlau” group, known for its hammer specialty stores and craft markets, has filed for bankruptcy. The company based in Porta Westfalica applied for self-administration insolvency proceedings at the Bielefeld District Court on July 7, 2025. This affects a total of 3,900 employees who now have to worry about their professional future. But there is a glimmer of hope: operations should continue as normal for the time being and all branches will remain open. The orders will also be executed as usual.
The company management's goal is to put the Brüder Schlau Group on a stable foundation for the future and to carry out a comprehensive restructuring. A well-thought-out financing concept is already in place, and the salaries of the employees are covered by the insolvency benefit from the Federal Employment Agency up to and including August. The general representative for the proceedings is the Bielefeld lawyer Yorck Streitbörger, while Dirk Andres acts as the provisional administrator. These measures are intended to help the company successfully meet the challenges of insolvency.
Background to the bankruptcy
The current wave of insolvencies in Germany should not be underestimated. According to an analysis by the Leibniz Institute for Economic Research Halle (IWH), the number of bankruptcies rose by 24% in the first month of 2025 compared to the previous year. The Brüder Schlau Group is also affected by external challenges such as the energy crisis, high inflation rates and regulatory hurdles that are bringing many companies to their knees. These factors are also driving an increase in the service, manufacturing and construction sectors.
Current statistics show that around 1,342 corporate bankruptcies were reported in January 2025 alone. Many companies need to develop viable strategies to counteract the constant risks and challenges. The signs for the coming months suggest that the insolvency rate will remain high, with no clear improvement in sight.
In these challenging times, we can only hope that the Brüder Schlau Group will take the necessary steps with its self-administered insolvency proceedings to secure the future of the company and the jobs of its employees. It's clear that the road to recovery could be long and difficult, but with the right approach, this company can get back on its feet.
Further information on the development of insolvencies in Germany can be found in the reports from Westphalia sheet and t online, as well as comprehensive analyzes of economic conditions strongpartners.