PLUTA M&A team completes transaction in Autolöwen GmbH investor process

The M&A team at PLUTA Management GmbH has successfully completed a transaction as part of a structured process to find an investor for Autolöwen GmbH. Effective 1 July 2026, the company’s Aalen site has been sold to the Widmann Group by way of an asset deal. With this acquisition, automotive retailer Widmann is strengthening its brand portfolio and building on its consistent growth trajectory.

Transaction experts Mr Nikolaus Röver, Mr Simon Eickmann and Mr Julian Scharr have overseen the entire process, from structured investor outreach and due diligence through to supporting contract negotiations and closing the transaction.

“Following constructive discussions, we have achieved a solution for the Aalen site in a challenging market environment,” said Mr Nikolaus Röver, head of M&A Transactions at PLUTA.

Autolöwen GmbH filed for insolvency in late April 2026. The competent local court appointed attorney Dr Markus Schuster from law firm Schultze & Braun as provisional insolvency administrator.

Despite considerable efforts, no investor has been found for the other Autolöwen GmbH sites. Dr Schuster had no choice but to cease operations at the locations in Schwäbisch Hall, Öhringen, Ludwigsburg, Crailsheim and Heilbronn when the insolvency proceedings were opened on 1 July 2026.

Operations and jobs preserved

With the sale of the Aalen site, operations will continue in full and all 33 employees have been kept on. The transfer took place following approval from the creditors’ committee. The site will be integrated into the Widmann Group’s existing infrastructure, with its approximately 1,150 employees, 15 car dealerships and four sales offices across several German states.

“I am very pleased that we were able to reach an agreement with the Widmann Group so quickly through constructive discussions. The preservation of the business and the jobs is good news in these proceedings,” said insolvency administrator Dr Markus Schuster from the nationwide law firm Schultze & Braun.

For customers in Aalen, the dealership will continue to provide its usual services; at the same time, it will benefit from the group’s structures and efficiency going forward. “We are committed to offering an excellent service to the customers at our new location,” said managing director Ms Lisa Widmann.

Autolöwen GmbH was a regional dealer group based in Schwäbisch Hall with several locations in Baden-Württemberg. The company sold new and used vehicles of various makes and models and offered an extensive range of maintenance and repair services. It employed around 180 people and generated annual revenue in the mid tens of millions. Autolöwen GmbH had been operating in the automotive retail sector for over 30 years.