PLUTA attorney Dr Kaufmann appointed provisional administrator for Ostfriesische Presse Druck GmbH and OBD Ostfriesische Bogendruck GmbH

On 6 June 2025, the Local Court of Aurich ordered provisional insolvency administration for the assets of Ostfriesische Presse Druck GmbH (OPD) and OBD Ostfriesische Bogendruck GmbH. The court appointed Dr Christian Kaufmann from PLUTA Rechtsanwalts GmbH based in Oldenburg as provisional insolvency administrator for the two companies. Both are headquartered in Emden and currently employ 45 people in total there. Their salaries are guaranteed for a period of three months thanks to specific substitute benefits provided under German insolvency law.

Both OPD and OBD are part of the SKN media group – no insolvency applications have been filed for its other companies and nor is this intended. The SKN media group is the leading printing and publishing group in East Frisia, Germany, with a history stretching back to the founding of the newspaper publishing house by D. G. Soltau in 1867.

Laying the foundations for a possible continuation solution

“The printing industry has been under considerable economic strain for years. Many companies are facing major challenges due to rising costs, the structural shift in media usage and increasing competitive pressure. Having been appointed provisional insolvency administrator, I now intend to gain a comprehensive overview of the financial situation of both companies. The aim is to ensure the continuation of operations, stabilise the businesses and lay the foundations for a possible continuation solution,” said attorney Dr Christian Kaufmann. He is being supported in the PLUTA restructuring team by attorney Ms Natalia Leo and business management expert Mr Frederic Hupens (M.A.).

The companies had already concluded debtor-in-possession proceedings back in 2023. A comprehensive restructuring plan implemented during these initially stabilised business operations. However, despite the progress made at the time, the market environment remained difficult. Following a decline in orders, the application for insolvency became inevitable.

No other companies in the SKN Group affected

Managing director Ms Charlotte Basse said, “We did not take the decision to file for insolvency lightly. However, the current situation left us with very little room for manoeuvre. We will work closely with the provisional insolvency administrator to keep the business operational and find a solution.”

No other companies in the SKN Group are affected by the application for insolvency.

All parties involved are committed to maintaining and preserving both companies. The provisional insolvency administrator will therefore examine the possible restructuring options and launch the process of finding an investor in the near future.