German brewery Eichbaum closes after 350 years as rescue fails

After nearly 350 years, the insolvent Eichbaum brewery in Germany is closing its doors. Rescue efforts have failed, forcing the Mannheim-based company to cease operations due to ongoing financial losses and an inability to repay loans.

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Against this background, for economic and insolvency law reasons, there is no other option than to initiate the cessation of operations.

The company stated that restructuring measures did not overcome the deficit, leaving no alternative but to initiate the shutdown. This decision affects all approximately 240 employees at the site, who will face immediate dismissals. Even those who had agreed to join a transfer company will be impacted, as such arrangements are contingent on the company's continued existence.

Extensive reviews of various restructuring and continuation solutions proved unfeasible. The company lacks the necessary funds to continue operations or negotiations for a potential sale without jeopardizing the insolvency estate and creditors' interests. Eichbaum filed for insolvency in October 2025, citing reduced export sales and declining domestic demand, leading to a liquidity crisis.

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Now, negotiations on a social plan are needed quickly.

While a potential investor had expressed interest in injecting funds and acquiring key assets, negotiations apparently did not succeed. The NGG trade union had hoped to save nearly 100 jobs and is now urging for prompt negotiations on a social plan to provide security and prospects for the affected workers. Founded in 1679, Eichbaum previously supplied goods to over 60 countries and had plans to diversify beyond brewing into a broader beverage manufacturer. The company recently sold its Karamalz brand and production to Veltins.

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The employees need security and prospects - they should not be left without support overnight.