IPSE GmbH files for insolvency – new operator sought for Slavic heritage site

Innovative Personal- und Strukturentwicklungsgesellschaft mbH Neustrelitz (IPSE GmbH), a non-profit organisation whose activities include running the Slawendorf Neustrelitz Slavic heritage site, has filed for insolvency. The Local Court of Neubrandenburg has appointed attorney Mr Michael Bohnhoff from PLUTA Rechtsanwalts GmbH as provisional administrator. The company has had to file for insolvency due to liquidity problems attributable to the coronavirus pandemic and related closure requirements, among other things.

Attorney Mr Bohnhoff has already been able to gain an initial overview of the situation. He stated, “Together with management, I have taken immediate action to stabilise the business and ensure continued operations over the coming weeks. The insolvency court has already issued the authorisation needed to secure pre-financing of the specific substitute benefits provided under Germany insolvency law. We are also in contact with the Federal Employment Agency, which has responded positively. Accordingly, I’m confident that the upcoming wage and salary payments will be covered. The employees have been informed about the state of affairs.”

IPSE GmbH was founded in 1993 as an employment entity and functioned as an instrument for mitigating the consequences of structural change following German reunification. The company coordinated a multitude of job market development measures with up to 2,000 employees for municipal shareholders and acted as a municipal service provider. In the years that followed, the number of people receiving support decreased as unemployment fell. The company currently still employs more than 30 people. In addition to this, approximately 30 people hold a volunteer position accredited by the federal government within the company. Another 20 people are employed in the company through publicly funded job programmes.

Currently, the company’s main focus is running the reconstructed Slavic settlement in Neustrelitz, a heritage site that attracts visitors from the region and further afield. Extensive renovation work was carried out there only last year, made possible through significant public funding. The intention is to find a new operator for this heritage site during the proceedings.