Insolvency counter-counter: Menrad in Schwäbisch Gmünd before the end!
Insolvency counter-counter: Menrad in Schwäbisch Gmünd before the end!
The traditional family company Menrad, known for its products in the eyewear industry, has arrived at the end of a long way and now has to face difficult times. With the opening of the insolvency proceedings on the assets of Ferdinand Menrad GmbH + Co. KG at the end of May 2025, the signs are at saying goodbye to the Schwäbisch Gmünd location. According to Eyebizz , negotiations with potential investors are underway, but the big one for around 100 employees in the headquarters is emerging. A potential investor only wants to take over some sales representatives, but the future of the entire company remains uncertain.
The reasons for the bankruptcy, which was already registered on March 31, 2025, are diverse. Liquidity problems as well as a declining order and sales development finally led to the closure of the location, as reported by the
In a meeting on May 28, 2025, the employees were informed about the bitter news. Almost 100 employees have to accept their terminations with immediate effect. A social plan, developed in coordination with the works council, is intended to mitigate the effects of the closure for the employees concerned. Nevertheless, the farewell remains difficult because the company, which was founded in 1896 and has locations in Schwäbisch Gmünd and Munich, has not only an economic but also a personal story for many employees. The insolvency administrators, led by Florian Zistler from Pluta Rechtsanwalts GmbH, try to enable the company to be renovated, but the financial problems are considerable. The assessment of the financing gap is sobering, especially in the low-sales summer months of June and July. From June, salaries from ongoing business operations must be paid for because the bankruptcy money period has expired. The situation around Menrad is not unique. In Germany, too, the number of bankruptcies in 2024 increased by 22.4 % compared to the previous year, according to the ifm bonn . This development shows that many companies are faced with similar challenges. It is to be hoped that in the case of Menrad a path will be found to save the brand and some of the existing jobs, while other manufacturers in the industry also have to work on their survival. The coming weeks will be crucial to see whether the conversations with potential investors can lead to a solution. According to the current information, the purchase contract could already be concluded in June, but until then the situation remains tense and the future uncertain. The employees in focus
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| Ort | Schwäbisch Gmünd, Deutschland |
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