Continuation solutions for two locations of education provider erlebnistage

The PLUTA team has achieved continuation solutions for the Harz Mountains and Lake Schwerin locations in the debtor-in-possession proceedings for erlebnistage gGmbH. Effective 1 September 2025, the respective site managers kept on the staff at both locations and are maintaining operations with newly founded companies. Negotiations with parties interested in the third location in the Bavarian Forest are currently at an advanced stage, with a takeover expected to be concluded in October. There is therefore a strong likelihood that continuation solutions will be found for all three erlebnistage locations under the debtor-in-possession proceedings.

Founded in 1986, the outdoor education provider has been involved in debtor-in-possession proceedings since mid-December 2024. Restructuring experts Mr Philip Konen and Mr Ludwig Stern from PLUTA Rechtsanwalts GmbH have been supporting these proceedings as general agents ever since. The PLUTA team also includes attorneys Mr Ingo Thurm and Ms Denise Schäfer and business management expert Mr Luca Reifenberg. Mr Tobias Hartwig from law firm Schultze & Braun is overseeing the proceedings as insolvency monitor in the interests of creditors.

erlebnistage gGmbH specialises in providing outdoor education experiences though class and group excursions that foster sustainable education and personal development. At the most recent count, erlebnistage gGmbH employed more than 70 people in full-time and part-time positions and as temporary seasonal staff at its three locations. The business has remained fully operational at all three sites over the past eight months. Momentum has been good and new employees have already been hired during the proceedings to handle the many enquiries regarding the company’s outdoor education trips.

Location managers take the reins

Ms Anna Lena Utermöller and Mr Dirk Markert, who had already been managing the location in Braunlage/Hohegeiß in the Harz Mountains, have now acquired the business by way of an asset deal with a new company and have kept on some 20 full-time and 10 seasonal staff. Ms Utermöller and Mr Markert have also acquired the Haus Gifhorn and Haus Lietzenhöh lodges in the Harz Mountains as well as the erlebnistage brand rights. The other locations have been granted a sublicence that enables them to continue operating under the established brand.

Mr Dirk Markert said, “Our experienced team will continue to run the operations in the Harz Mountains. Given all the positive feedback we received in recent months, we decided to acquire the business.” Ms Anna Lena Utermöller added, “The numbers have improved and we are confident that we can get the 2026 booking figures looking even better.”

At Lake Schwerin in Wiligrad, employees Ms Nadja Martella and Mr Tobias Eckstein have taken over the business and are continuing to offer the services there under their own management with some 20 full-time and seasonal staff. “We have kept on all employees, purchased the inventory and infrastructure – the canoes, climbing wall and high-rope course – and leased the popular lodges so that we can maintain our offering, which is thought of so highly all across northern Germany,” explained Mr Tobias Eckstein. “The many messages of encouragement from schools, network partners and guests have given us the confidence to take this step.” Co-managing director Ms Nadja Martella added, “We do more than just provide recreation – our work here builds social bonds. Our courses help children and young people to learn how to discuss constructively, respect differences and work together to find solutions. This has never been more important.”

Best possible outcome

PLUTA attorney Mr Philip Konen said, “We have held good discussions with several potential investors in recent months. These individual solutions for the various locations represent the best possible outcome. The managers there have taken charge and will maintain the offerings for the long term. This clearly demonstrates the advantages of debtor-in-possession proceedings when restructuring a business.”

Insolvency monitor Mr Tobias Hartwig said, “The takeover of the locations is good news for all concerned. The people who were already in charge of the locations will continue to run the operations successfully, and I wish them all the best for the future. With this, we are also achieving a good result for the creditors in particular.”

Debtor-in-possession proceedings are in-court restructuring proceedings to rescue and rehabilitate financially distressed companies. Management remains in charge and guides the company concerned through the proceedings itself with support from restructuring experts. The court appoints an insolvency monitor to oversee the proceedings in the interests of the creditors.