German stoneware secures the future by taking over by Meta Wolf AG

German stoneware secures the future by taking over by Meta Wolf AG

A big step for the building world: German stoneware finds strong partners!

Alfter-Witterschlick. A turning point in the history of the building ceramic: The German stoneware Cremer & Breuer AG and Agrob Buchtal GmbH have fulfilled all the prerequisites for the takeover by META Wolf AG. After the contract for the purchase of important assets was signed in June 2024, the starting signal for a promising future was given on October 1, 2024! With this new beginning, the four production locations from the traditional manufacturer and around 730 jobs are secured. Wow, what a resurrection!

The takeover opens doors! Thanks to the support of the experienced advisory team from Schultze & Braun, White & Case, Heuking and Roland Berger, the two companies were able to maneuver well through the turbulent time. "With Meta Wolf we have a strong partner at our side who gives us decisive advantages through his extensive experience, especially in the field of digitization and green technologies," triumphs Norbert Schäfer, board member of German stoneware.

a hard way to security

In view of the unmistakable challenges in the construction area, German stoneware and Agrob Buchtal had to fundamentally rethink their cost structures. From the devastating floods in the Ahr Valley to Corona pandemic to the energy crisis-our construction hero really went through everything! After the strong declines in the construction industry, a profound personnel adjustment was inevitable. Incredible, but true: Around 240 jobs have to be dismantled, but the employees concerned are given the opportunity to switch to a transfer company. A ray of hope in stormy times!

The renovation from your own strength was under the estimated supervision of Dr. Biner Bähr carried out by White & Case. Together with a competent team, the challenges of the crisis were through. These experts, especially Detlef Specovius and Michael Böhner from Schultze & Braun, acted as general representatives and managed the management through the process. Here the professionals come into play!

a new era with fresh wind

The German stoneware Cremer & Breuer AG is not an unknown name-they stand for first-class architecture, living, swimming pool and facade ceramics! At the locations Ötzingen, Schwarzenfeld, Sinzig and Witterschlick, around 1,000 highly qualified employees work tirelessly to offer a range at the highest level. With the new Meta Wolf resources, the course for digital transformation is set!

"We were able to use the crisis as an opportunity! The takeover ensures that we start the future with fresh leaves," jokes Schäfer. The signs are for success and we can look forward to the upcoming developments!

A team of experts supports change:

• Schultze & Braun: Detlef Specovius, Michael Böhner (insolvency law, Achern); Dr. Christoph von Wilcken (M&A; Berlin)
• White & Case: Dr. Biner Bähr (Lawwalter); Dr. Daniel Schwartz, Svea Stratmann (insolvency law)
• Heuking Kühn Lüer Wojtek: Prof. Dr. Georg Streit (restructuring), Munich
• Roland Berger: Dr. Jörg Eschmann (M&A)