German bicycle manufacturer and wholesaler Böttcher Fahrräder GmbH has entered preliminary insolvency proceedings. On 7 October 2026, Meldorf Local Court (Amtsgericht Meldorf) appointed Vanja Alexander Kovacev, a lawyer at international commercial law firm CMS, as preliminary insolvency administrator.

The company, based in Wesseln near Heide in the Dithmarschen district of Schleswig-Holstein, says its production and business operations continue without restriction. Existing customer orders are to be processed as scheduled, and the company continues to accept new orders.

Böttcher manufactures and wholesales bicycles, focusing primarily on commercial customers. Its history dates back to a manufacturing workshop founded in 1851.

According to an announcement published by CMS on 9 October, the salaries of the company's nearly 100 employees are initially secured for three months through Germany's insolvency benefit system, known as Insolvenzgeld.

Böttcher Managing Director Hauke Niemann said the company does not currently anticipate delays in processing existing orders. The company has also continued its customer activities under the BOETTCHER brand following its recent rebranding and product range development.

Investor Search and Restructuring Underway

Before filing for insolvency, Böttcher's management had already initiated restructuring measures and launched a structured investor process.

Following his appointment, preliminary insolvency administrator Kovacev and his team began taking steps to stabilise business operations and opened discussions with key parties involved in the proceedings. A preliminary creditors' committee is overseeing and supporting the restructuring efforts, with the aim of securing the company's long-term future and developing a viable solution for continued operations.

The investor process is being supported by a team from consultancy enomyc GmbH, led by Tim Bauer, Otto Rantzau and Peter Kink. The process remains ongoing, with the parties examining restructuring options and seeking a sustainable solution for the business.

In 2026, Böttcher repositioned the BOETTCHER brand and further developed its range of customisable bicycles and fully equipped models. According to CMS, the company generated approximately €18.1 million in revenue in 2025.

Photo: Böttcher