Berlin—Global law firm Dentons represented the buyer of the bakery chain Unser Heimatbäcker (known under the brand name “Lila Bäcker”) in connection with its takeover as part of the insolvency plan. With a new company structure and new financing, the bakery chain will continue to operate with its insolvency proceedings having been cancelled by the District Court of Neubrandenburg.

The company is one of the largest bakery chains in Germany. It employs around 2200 people, mainly in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Berlin and Brandenburg. The company filed for insolvency in January 2019. According to the insolvency plan, all remaining 270 branches will stay open. In the future, the Unser Heimatbäcker Group will be divided into three divisions: Unser Heimatbäcker GmbH produces bakery products in Pasewalk and will operate the branches; a newly founded company will be responsible for business with major customers; and another newly founded company will bundle all logistics services.

A Dentons team led by Restructuring, Insolvency and Bankruptcy partner Andreas Ziegenhagen advised the acquiring company on the takeover.

Andreas Ziegenhagen, Head of the Europe and German Restructuring practice: "With the termination of the insolvency proceedings, the company is able to make a fresh start. We are pleased that the restructuring within the scope of the insolvency plan proceedings was successful as a result of the successful cooperation of all parties involved".

Advisor to acquiring company:

Dentons (Berlin/Munich):

Restructuring: Andreas Ziegenhagen (Partner, Berlin/Frankfurt), Martin Horstkotte (Of Counsel), Dr. Jan Seelinger, Dr. Benjamin Kurzberg (both Counsel), Franziska Nordmann (Associate, Berlin)

Employment: Matthias Stelzer (Counsel, Berlin)

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