PLUTA restructuring expert Dr Kaufmann keeps Bremerhaven fish processing businesses operational

On 5 February 2026, ISEY Fischimport GmbH and Fimex Tiefkühl GmbH applied to the Local Court of Bremerhaven, as the competent court, for the opening of insolvency proceedings for their assets. Following this, on 6 February 2026, the court ordered provisional insolvency administration for both and appointed attorney Dr Christian Kaufmann from PLUTA Rechtsanwalts GmbH as provisional administrator in each of the proceedings.

Despite having filed for insolvency, the two companies based in Bremerhaven remain fully operational. Both businesses work closely together on the importation, acceptance, storage and further processing of frozen and fresh fish products. They cover the entire range of services: ISEY Fischimport GmbH’s core business is the import and sale of fish products, while Fimex Tiefkühl GmbH focuses on processing.

Import, storage and delivery operations are continuing as planned, and existing orders are being handled as usual. Management at both companies are working closely with provisional insolvency administrator Dr Kaufmann in the provisional proceedings to analyse the financial situation and develop a viable, long-term solution.

Wages and salaries of the 36 employees guaranteed

“I intend to gain a comprehensive overview of the financial situation and review the possible solutions with management over the coming days and weeks,” said Dr Christian Kaufmann. He is being supported in the PLUTA restructuring team by attorneys Dr Oliver Liersch and Mr Sören Werhahn as well as by economist Mr Jürgen Schendel on business matters.

The wages and salaries of the 11 employees of ISEY Fischimport GmbH and 25 employees of Fimex Tiefkühl GmbH are guaranteed for a period of three months thanks to specific substitute benefits provided under German insolvency law. Dr Kaufmann said, “We are dealing with food here, so it is particularly important that the businesses continue to operate seamlessly. We have already informed the staff about the proceedings and the first steps. They are motivated, and the initial discussions with business partners have also gone well.”

ISEY Fischimport GmbH and Fimex Tiefkühl GmbH were founded in 1989. The core business is the import of fresh fish from Iceland for the German and European markets. Immediately after the catch, the fish are covered in ice, loaded into special refrigerated containers in Iceland and delivered directly to Bremerhaven. The majority of the imported species are redfish, cod, plaice, wolffish and saithe, originating from MSC-certified fisheries.

Customer deliveries take top priority

The companies have had to file for insolvency due to sharp cost increases that have ultimately strained their liquidity, as they could not pass on the additional costs to the necessary extent given the very volatile market. Nevertheless, management is optimistic about the future: “Our top priority remains to maintain our business activities and supply our customers. We are working with the provisional insolvency administrator on setting out future prospects.” Attorneys Dr Daniel Kunz and Mr Julian Dann from law firm Taylor Wessing PartGmbB have been advising the companies during the filing process.

Dr Christian Kaufmann from PLUTA is an attorney for general law and a specialist attorney for insolvency and restructuring law. He has extensive experience in the food industry, including having acted as insolvency administrator for a wholesale bakery. In addition, he has also supported a large number of insolvency proceedings in the maritime sector.