PLUTA expert Dr Kaufmann appointed provisional administrator for tree nursery BCM

BCM Baumschule Christoph Marken GmbH & Co. KG has filed for insolvency with the Local Court of Oldenburg. Following this, on 15 August 2022, the competent local court ordered provisional insolvency administration for the company’s assets and appointed attorney Dr Christian Kaufmann from PLUTA Rechtsanwalts GmbH as provisional administrator.

The company has had to file for insolvency due to liquidity problems. These have resulted in part from a considerable decline in sales brought about by the complete collapse of the Russian market as a consequence of the Ukraine war. Various cost increases have also put a strain on liquidity. The business with 45 employees remains fully operational. This is all the more important as the plants have to be watered, especially given the current dry and hot spell.

Provisional insolvency administrator Dr Kaufmann is in the process of gaining a detailed overview of the company’s financial situation. “The first objective is to stabilise the business. After that, we will look for a viable solution that will preserve BCM. All options, from an insolvency plan to an asset deal, are on the table. Our goal is to save the company and as many jobs as possible. I will hold discussions with all parties to this end.”

Since 2007, Mr Christoph Marken has been the owner of BCM, which bears his name. For over 50 years, the company has operated tree nurseries on approx. 66 hectares at a total of four locations in the Ammerland region. It also farms some 34 hectares of agricultural land with grain and maize. The group is particularly known for its stock of rhododendrons, deciduous shrubs, roses and bamboo as well as conifers and soft fruit. All products can be acquired in sizes from 1 to 1,000 litres.

Mr Christoph Marken said, “The weeks ahead will be very challenging for the whole team. We will keep the business operational and support the administrator to the best of our abilities. I hope we will be able to achieve a viable solution.”

Other companies in the BCM and EPS Groups are not affected by the insolvency proceedings.