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Download as PDFKurt Erxleben GmbH & Co. KG has been successfully restructured: renowned company Max Valier Holding has fully acquired the business operations of the long-standing automotive supplier based in Wildeshausen effective 1 May 2025. All jobs have been saved. This secures the future of the business, which has continued operating under debtor-in-possession proceedings for the past year and more.
“We had a clear goal from the outset: to preserve the business, safeguard the jobs and ensure a sustainable future outlook. We have achieved this together,” said Dr Christian Kaufmann from PLUTA Rechtsanwalts GmbH, who has been helping the company to navigate the proceedings in his role as general agent. “Despite the very challenging market environment, the cooperation with all involved – from management and staff through to business partners – has been highly constructive.”
The present management team under managing director Mr Hans Hermann Breuer will provide support for the acquisition for several more months to help ensure an orderly transition to the new company.
Close cooperation of all involved
Kurt Erxleben GmbH & Co. KG initiated debtor-in-possession restructuring proceedings with the Local Court of Delmenhorst in February 2024 with a view to repositioning itself in light of industry-wide challenges. The court opened the proceedings in early May 2024.
The business is a leading supplier of formed parts. It has been developing and producing complex sheet metal, welded and machined parts, particularly for the automotive industry, for over 50 years.
The takeover is the result of a structured process to find an investor, supported by RSM Ebner Stolz, under debtor-in-possession proceedings. Management, the restructuring team and the insolvency monitor have worked closely together over recent weeks to devise a viable solution for the company and its some 160 employees and 100 agency workers.
Management has been supported during the proceedings by a restructuring team from PLUTA Rechtsanwalts GmbH under Dr Christian Kaufmann. The team also comprises attorney Mr André Gildehaus and business lawyer Ms Nicole Neumerkel as well as attorney Mr Markus Fünning for the purchase agreement negotiations. Attorney Mr Martin Mucha from law firm GRUB BRUGGER was appointed insolvency monitor by the court and has been overseeing the proceedings in the interests of creditors. He has also expressly welcomed the agreement reached. “The solution ensures the survival of the brand and the business and provides a convincing path forward from the creditors’ perspective as well,” said insolvency monitor Mr Martin Mucha.
“We see great potential in Kurt Erxleben in this changing market”
Max Valier Holding specialises in the acquisition and development of medium-sized engineering, production and service companies in the commercial and industrial sectors. The new owner has also expressed its satisfaction with the outcome. Managing partner Mr Hannes Mahlknecht and Mr Franco Nocera from Max Valier Holding said, “Over the years, Kurt Erxleben GmbH & Co KG has developed technical capabilities that allow it to deliver high-quality, competitive solutions for customers. In view of this and the company’s unquestionable dynamism, we see great potential in Kurt Erxleben GmbH & Co. KG – in respect of its existing customer relationships and the market as a whole, which is undergoing significant change. The professional preparations and the transparency of all involved have been pivotal in bringing this transaction to completion. We look forward to continuing the work accomplished to date and working together to further develop the company successfully.”
Max Valier Holding has extensive expertise in various industrial sectors. Management has deep technical understanding that allows it to identify in detail significant corporate and market potential and offer attractive, tailored follow-up solutions for companies on this basis. The company looks to invest long-term in businesses, foster innovation and support modernisation. To this end, Max Valier Holding helps companies to expand a leading position in selected niche markets on a sustained basis.
The group’s portfolio companies include Rahden-based mechanical engineering business KOLBUS since early 2025. PLUTA attorney Mr Stefan Meyer had supported this company’s repositioning under debtor-in-possession proceedings as insolvency monitor. Other companies within the group include the Boehm Group, a mechanical engineering business, the Schuck Group, a piping system specialist, lightweight component manufacturer ETM International and Dalex, a renowned manufacturer with more than 100 years of experience in resistance welding technology. Some 1,500 people are employed worldwide across all of the group’s companies.