German craft brewer Eichbaum will cease operations, according to a statement from its managing directors and court‑appointed trustee.
A comprehensive review of the loss‑making brewery’s options concluded that continuation was no longer viable, the company said.
Founded in 1679 and headquartered in Mannheim, Germany, Eichbaum entered self‑administration in October with the aim of restructuring.
The company cited challenging market conditions such as unstable geopolitics, unpredictable tariff policies, intense competition in the beer sector, and a difficult hospitality environment.
Eichbaum had sought to transform from a pure brewer into a broader beverage manufacturer.
In March, Eichbaum announced that a continuation plan had been approved by creditors, with an investor set to acquire the brand and production facilities in an asset deal.
However, the trustee and senior directors have determined that the business cannot continue.
According to a statement issued on Monday, 13 July, transferring the business to an investor is no longer feasible under current economic conditions.
The statement added that the company lacks the financial resources needed to continue operations and that any sale negotiations could jeopardize the insolvency estate and creditor interests.
Despite various restructuring measures, the brewery remains loss‑making. The current liquidity plan shows that further repayment of debtor‑in‑possession loans is not feasible, leaving no alternative but to cease operations from both an economic and insolvency‑law perspective.
Approximately 240 employees work at the Eichbaum site, and the works council has been informed of the decision.
It is deeply regrettable to have to take this step, but under the present circumstances ceasing operations is the only option,” said managing directors Uwe Aichele and Frank Reifel. “We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved, particularly our employees, for their extraordinary commitment, loyalty and long‑standing dedication to Eichbaum.
Court‑appointed trustee Thomas Oberle, who has been overseeing the proceedings, added: “We are obliged to act in the best interests of all creditors and to make decisions based on economic feasibility. I support the self‑administration approach aimed at achieving the best possible satisfaction of creditors’ claims through an orderly liquidation.
NGG union representative Stephanie Albicker called it “extremely disappointing that a traditionally steeped site like Eichbaum has virtually no chance of survival.” She added, “We are convinced the company could have had a future if its potential had been consistently and swiftly harnessed. The employees and the site deserved that opportunity.”