Historic German Companies Müller & Bauer and German Bionic File for Insolvency Amid Financial Struggles

Two notable German companies have recently filed for insolvency, highlighting the challenges faced by both traditional and high-tech sectors in 2025. Müller & Bauer, the oldest company in Metzingen, established in 1899 and employing 91 people, declared insolvency due to financial difficulties. Despite generating a profit of 3.7 million euros in 2020, the company suffered a combined loss exceeding six million euros over the past two years caused by a significant decline in demand. The company, known for aluminum and tinplate packaging serving the food, chemical, and cosmetic industries, filed for insolvency on October 17, 2025. It is proceeding with a self-administration insolvency process, allowing management to retain control while restructuring efforts are overseen by the newly appointed manager Andreas Florenkowsky. Business operations continue, and employees receive insolvency benefits.

In Augsburg, the high-tech firm German Bionic also filed for insolvency after a failed financing round. Founded in 2017, the company develops exoskeletons to assist workers with heavy lifting, used in sectors such as airports and healthcare. Although the company showed positive sales growth, the unexpected withdrawal of investment commitments triggered a liquidity crisis. Approximately 70 employees continue operations as the company seeks new investment. Provisional administrator Oliver Schartl expressed optimism about German Bionic's prospects, citing its technological leadership and skilled staff. The company plans to pursue a strategic investor by early 2026.

These insolvencies underscore the ongoing financial strains on longstanding manufacturing firms and innovative tech companies in Germany. Unions, such as IG Metall, have raised concerns about the self-administration process enabling current management to remain despite their role in the crisis. However, both companies are actively seeking investors to restructure and resume growth.