Insolvent Hellweg and BayWa hardware stores to be liquidated; some stores to be sold

The insolvent hardware store chains Hellweg and its subsidiary BayWa Bau- & Gartenmärkte are facing liquidation, with buyers expected for 35 of the more than 110 branches. Investors are set to take over these locations and their employees, though the acquisitions are still subject to antitrust approvals and final agreements with landlords.

The brands Hellweg and BayWa will be discontinued, and the acquired stores will be operated by other retailers. Obi announced it would integrate up to twelve Hellweg and BayWa stores into its network, but the fate of the remaining locations is uncertain.

No solution has yet been found for a significant number of Hellweg and BayWa stores. Employees at these affected branches have already been terminated, as it is unclear if a continuation solution can be found for them. Discussions with potential buyers are ongoing, but if no investors are found, these markets will likely close by the end of November.

The exact number of employees who could be affected remains unclear. The company filed for insolvency in self-administration in June.