Feneberg Files for Insolvency Under Protective Shield Procedure

Kempten, 15 January 2026 – Feneberg Lebensmittel GmbH, Germany’s largest independent Edeka dealer, has filed for insolvency under a protective shield procedure at the Kempten District Court. The Allgäu-based family business aims to restructure while keeping all stores open and securing jobs for its approximately 3,000 employees across more than 70 locations in southern Germany and Austria’s Kleinwalsertal.

Background to the Insolvency

Feneberg, part of the Edeka network, has been struggling with ongoing losses, high pension liabilities, and structural issues in its store network. The company reported double-digit million euro losses in recent years, exacerbated by the insolvency of its subsidiary Allgäu Fresh Foods in 2025. Despite previous restructuring efforts since 2019, including outsourcing and job cuts, the firm has not achieved sustainable profitability. Edeka Südbayern provided financial support, but it was insufficient.

Restructuring Plans

The protective shield procedure allows Feneberg to continue operations under court supervision. Sanierer Stephan Leibold, who previously handled the Allgäu Fresh Foods case, leads the effort alongside family members Amelie and Christof Feneberg. Advisors from the Grub Brugger law firm and Sachwalter Martin Hörmann from Anchor are involved. The goal is to complete restructuring by the end of 2026, potentially involving store closures, transfers to investors, or Edeka takeovers. Unprofitable locations, such as those in Erding, Murnau, and Garmisch-Partenkirchen, are under review.

Impact on Employees and Customers

All stores remain open, with wages secured and supply chains intact. However, gift cards and vouchers are currently not redeemable. The company emphasises its commitment to regional independence as a family-owned business, but job losses are possible if restructuring requires it.

Key Facts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a protective shield procedure?

In German insolvency law, it allows companies facing insolvency but not yet insolvent to restructure under court protection, keeping operations running.

Will stores close?

Some unprofitable stores may close or be transferred, but the focus is on preserving as many as possible.

Are jobs safe?

Wages are secured during the procedure, but restructuring may lead to redundancies.

What about customers?

Stores stay open with full stock, but gift cards are suspended temporarily.