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Download as PDFThe future of the ‘An der alten Molkerei’ retirement home in Leer has been secured. Dr Christian Kaufmann from PLUTA Rechtsanwalts GmbH has found an investor in the insolvency proceedings for ESG Leer GmbH, which operates the facility. Effective 1 November 2025, Lebenshuus An der Alten Molkerei GmbH i.G. will take over the running of the retirement home and keep on all 75 employees. The parties have agreed not to disclose any details concerning the purchase agreement.
The retirement home with 92 single rooms currently has 44 residents. Their continuity of care is ensured and they will be able to stay in their home. The facility can look ahead to a stable future.
“With this solution, we have ensured the retirement home’s ongoing operation and continuity of care for the residents. At the same time, the outcome provides future stability for staff and the facility as a whole,” said insolvency administrator Dr Christian Kaufmann. The PLUTA restructuring team further includes attorney Mr Alexander Bortfeldt (LL.M.), business lawyer Ms Nicole Neumerkel and business management expert Mr Frederic Hupens (M.A.).
ESG Leer GmbH had filed for insolvency in the summer. On 24 July 2025, the Local Court of Leer ordered provisional administration for the care provider’s assets and appointed Dr Christian Kaufmann as provisional administrator. On 2 October 2025, the court opened the insolvency proceedings and appointed the PLUTA attorney as administrator.
He has kept the facility operational over recent months and ensured residents received the usual level of care. Over the same period, the PLUTA team has conducted the structured process of finding an investor. Several parties made offers to take over the retirement home. The administrator has now been able to successfully conclude the negotiations. Puke Dresen Mall GmbH based in Hamburg have supported the M&A transaction. The apartment owners (owners’ association) have also given their approval and agreed the rental terms with the new operator.
Future stability for residents and staff
The welfare of the residents was paramount during the entire restructuring process. The aim of the proceedings was to find a sustainable solution that would provide future stability for all involved. With the b.health Group, the administrator has found an investor that will further develop the home over the long term.
The acquirer is part of the b.health Group based in Münster, which already runs two care facilities in the Leer district. The b.health Group specialises in establishing, operating and developing rehabilitation institutions as well as facilities for inpatient and outpatient care and for psychosomatic medicine. In total, it employs around 600 people at 20 locations.
Mr Torsten Brinkmann, managing director of the b.health Group, spoke positively about the takeover: “We welcome the addition of the retirement home to our group and are pleased that we can further build on our care structures in the Leer district. We want to work with the existing team to strengthen the facility and keep the local community intact. We see potential here and intend to gradually increase the occupancy rates.” The retirement home’s present manager will remain in her role going forward.