Restructuring expert Michael Pluta achieves solution in insolvency proceedings for pharmacist’s estate

In the insolvency proceedings concerning the estate of the operator of the Central-Apotheke pharmacy in Schwäbisch Gmünd, insolvency administrator Mr Michael Pluta from PLUTA Rechtsanwalts GmbH has achieved a follow-up solution effective 1 December 2025, despite difficult conditions. Schaal Apotheken OHG has acquired the business and will keep on all 22 staff.

The owner of the long-standing pharmacy died in summer 2025, and the heirs renounced the inheritance. The administrator of the estate had to file an application for insolvency. The Local Court of Aalen appointed Mr Michael Pluta as provisional insolvency administrator on 11 September 2025. On 1 December 2025, the court opened regular proceedings and appointed the restructuring expert as insolvency administrator. The PLUTA team is also comprised of attorney Mr Nikolaus Röver and business lawyer Mr Alexander Kogut (LL.B.).

Resumption of business activities

At the time the proceedings were ordered in September, the pharmacy had ceased operating. Mr Michael Pluta worked together with his PLUTA team and Ms Ira Kröswang, the administrator of the estate, to get the business operating again. There are strict requirements relating to the operation of pharmacies, and the parties involved ensured that these conditions were met at all times. The pharmacy also received special authorisation to operate during the provisional insolvency proceedings. This meant that a follow-up solution was needed quickly and had to be in place by the time the regular proceedings were opened on 1 December 2025.

On 6 October 2025, the city centre pharmacy re-opened. Prior to that, the PLUTA team held constructive discussions with suppliers and business partners to ensure the pharmacy would be supplied with medications and all necessary products. Customers returned to the pharmacy and footfall increased significantly. The PLUTA team also conducted the process of finding an investor and succeeded in securing a suitable buyer – the family-owned Schaal pharmacy business from the same region. Schaal Apotheken OHG runs several pharmacies. It will now keep the city centre pharmacy open and retain all staff.

Long-term solution found

Attorney Mr Michael Pluta said, “Getting the pharmacy open again was a very challenging undertaking. Thanks to the good cooperation with the administrator of the estate and the suppliers as well as the terrific efforts of staff, we have been able to stabilise the pharmacy’s operations and find a long-term solution. With the Schaal family, we have secured a reliable and experienced buyer that will keep the pharmacy operating.”

Schaal Apotheken OHG has been operating in Schwäbisch Gmünd city centre for more than 25 years. It has taken over several pharmacies in that time, starting with Remsapotheke in 1999 and followed by Pfauenapotheke in 2007, Apotheke am Stauferklinikum in Mutlangen in 2022 and Obere Apotheke in 2024. Since 1 December 2025, Schaal Apotheken OHG has been meeting the needs of Central-Apotheke in the city centre; this pharmacy will take over and expand the proven offering of the now-closed Remsapotheke.