German furniture manufacturer Loddenkemper, an established name in bedroom and living room furniture since 1889, confirms its permanent closure from 1 July 2025. The decision follows a failed restructuring and takeover attempt by Akindu Industries, which failed to live up to expectations. However, the decision to cease operations is not without emotion and legal consequences.
In an official letter to business associates, Loddenkemper confirms that the company will handle remaining orders until 30 June 2025, but will permanently cease production after that date. The decision comes after serious difficulties in setting up Loddenkemper Manufaktur GmbH, which would be part of the restructuring, and in meeting contractual obligations by the new investor, Akindu Industries.
Disappointment and legal action
Dr Malte Köster, the receiver in charge of Loddenkemper's restructuring process, expresses in the letter his deep disappointment with the course of events. He stresses that the failure of the takeover is particularly painful, especially as the company and its employees had clung to the hope that the takeover would offer a fresh start. Despite the company's commitment and the expectation that it would be able to reverse course, Akindu Industries' investors appear to have failed to honour their crucial commitments.
Dr Köster further indicates that legal action has been taken against the investors of Akindu Industries. This move follows a period of negotiations and restructuring, during which the company had tried to recover after filing for bankruptcy in November 2024. Disappointment at the failure of the takeover has been strong not only among the company's management, but also among staff and unions.
Fierce opposition from staff and unions
The takeover failure leads to fierce reactions from both staff and unions. Both parties express their dissatisfaction with Akindu Industries' role in the failure of the rescue attempt. There was initially hope that the takeover would lead to the continuation of production and job retention for the 120 or so employees. Instead, the company now has to say goodbye to the majority of its employees, and only a small team of about 20 people will handle the remaining orders until closure on 30 June 2025.
The unions express their dissatisfaction with the situation in strong terms. They indicate that the investors of Akindu Industries failed to take responsibility, which not only led to the closure of the company but also caused great uncertainty for the employees concerned. The legal action taken by Dr Köster should be seen as an attempt to protect the interests of staff and enforce accountability for the failed takeover.
The end of an era
Loddenkemper, long synonymous with high-quality furniture "Made in Germany", is closing its doors after 135 years of production. The brand has always positioned itself as a reliable player in the furniture industry, known for its craftsmanship and quality products for the living room and bedroom. It is a dismal end for a company that was valued by customers and business partners alike for many years.
Dr Köster and management stress that, despite the circumstances, they are doing their utmost to handle the remaining orders according to the usual high quality standards. They thank staff, customers and business partners for their long-standing trust and cooperation.
However, Loddenkemper's future is uncertain and, with legal action against Akindu Industries' investors, the company will try to make the best of the difficult situation. Those involved now look to the final phase of the restructuring process and hope that the remaining orders can be completed in a satisfactory manner.
More information
Loddenkemper Raumsysteme GmbH & Co. KG
www.loddenkemper.de