The long-established display manufacturer pod GmbH from Braunschweig has been rescued. Insolvency administrator Tobias Hartwig has sold the business to a team of investors from Knappe + Lehbrink. The site and jobs will be retained.
The business operations of the pod company were stabilised after filing for insolvency in May and handed over to investors from Knappe + Lehbrink in August. Insolvency administrator Tobias Hartwig from Schultze & Braun explained that together with the management, employees and customers, it was possible to steer the company into calmer waters and find a viable solution for the future.
Location and jobs secured
The takeover means that the Braunschweig site and around 30 jobs will be retained. Pod, founded in 1907, is the oldest manufacturer of promotional products in the city and generates an annual turnover of around four million euros with 32 employees. The company develops and produces customised displays and packaging for the point of sale, which are primarily used in retail, drugstores, pharmacies and bookshops.
Investors focus on synergies
The team of investors led by Simone Knappe, Oliver Lehbrink and Ingmar Grünewald from Knappe + Lehbrink want to strengthen pod in the long term. Managing Director Oliver Lehbrink emphasised that the location would not only expand capacities, but also acquire additional expertise and ideas. Simone Knappe added that the collaboration with pod's experienced team provides an ideal basis for future growth.
Continuity with a new structure
Maike Bethmann-Dreyer will remain on board as managing partner and sees the new partnership as a sustainable prospect for the company. The business will continue to operate under the name pod Display GmbH & Co. KG in the future. Nothing will change for employees or customers as a result of the takeover, according to reports.
Source: Schultze & Braun
