PLUTA attorney Dr Christian Kaufmann secures Waltron GmbH’s future

Attorney Dr Christian Kaufmann, insolvency administrator for Waltron GmbH based in Warmsen, has found a follow-up solution for the company. The restructuring expert from PLUTA Rechtsanwalts GmbH has sold the business operations to Tropical Heimtierbedarf Deutschland GmbH from Ruhmannsfelden, Bavaria, effective 1 October 2024.

All 13 employees have been kept on by the new owner. The parties have agreed not to disclose any details concerning the purchase price.

Lighting system manufacturer Waltron has been involved in insolvency proceedings since late July 2024. On 1 October 2024, the insolvency proceedings were opened and Dr Christian Kaufmann was appointed administrator. He had already been acting as provisional administrator for the company prior to this. Together with his PLUTA team, comprising attorney Mr André Gildehaus and business lawyer Ms Nicole Neumerkel, Dr Kaufmann has been keeping the business operational since the application for insolvency was filed. The restructuring expert also launched a process to find an investor, which has now been successfully concluded. Waltron will be fully integrated into Tropical Heimtierbedarf Deutschland GmbH, but the Warmsen site will be maintained.

“In less than three months, we have been successful in quickly finding an investor thanks to the excellent cooperation of all involved. I am particularly pleased that business operations will be maintained in Warmsen and all 13 employees can be kept on,” stated Dr Christian Kaufmann. He added, “There is also positive news for creditors – they can expect to receive an above-average recovery rate, which is a very gratifying outcome.”

Owner-managed company since 1991

The Waltron company based in Warmsen was founded more than 30 years ago. It produces and supplies modern luminaires with various different technology and is committed to sustainability, the greatest possible energy efficiency and the highest quality standards, true to the ‘Made in Germany’ philosophy. It produced its first LED lighting systems – daytime for aquariums, worktime for industrial applications and growtime for cultivating ornamental and crop plants – in 2012.

Pet supplies expert expands its portfolio

Tropical Heimtierbedarf Deutschland GmbH, founded in 2004, is a subsidiary of Tropical Tadeusz Ogrodnik in Poland, which has been operating in the aquarium and pet product market since 1977. As a specialist provider of high-quality products for aquariums, terrariums and pond care, Tropical can draw on many years of expertise and high standards. It produces flake and granulated food for aquarium and pond fish as well as reptiles, grain mixes and extruded food for small rodents and birds, and aquarium care products and test kits in Poland. The German company is responsible for distribution. The business supplies the German, Austrian, Swiss and Benelux markets from Germany. All other countries are served from Poland.

“We are pursuing a targeted expansion of our portfolio with the acquisition of Waltron GmbH. Just like us, Waltron places great value on sustainability, and the daytime LED lighting system for aquariums is perfect for our pet supplies department,” said a pleased managing director Mr Michael Degen, speaking about the takeover.