SHARE
COPY LINK

BANKRUPTCY

TV-maker Loewe files for bankruptcy

One of Germany's original electronics makers, Loewe, said on Tuesday it had filed for bankruptcy. The household name did voice hope that an investor could come to its rescue.

TV-maker Loewe files for bankruptcy
Photo: DPA

The 90-year-old firm, whose high-end flat-screen TVs sell for up to €5,000 each, has suffered heavy losses for years as it has struggled for survival in a market dominated by Asian rivals.

Loewe said it had applied for self-administered insolvency with a court in the southern town of Coburg, but that it had the support of banks and the state of Bavaria to keep operating beyond October 1st.

The share price nosedived 26 percent by 1pm on Tuesday to €4.50.

In mid-July, Loewe had filed for creditor protection under an instrument in German law that allows technically bankrupt but still viable businesses three months to restructure.

Later that month, the company said it had sealed a partnership deal with China’s Hisense consumer electronics company to help it reboot its business.

Loewe chief Matthias Harsch told local media on Tuesday that talks were still ongoing with five potential investors in Germany and abroad, while the company statement said Loewe had received several letters of intent in recent days.

The company, set up by two brothers in Berlin in 1923, said it was making a strategic realignment from TV manufacturer to “a leading premium provider of smart home entertainment solutions.”

AFP/The Local/jcw

Follow us on Twitter @thelocalgermany

Like The Local Germany on Facebook

Member comments

Log in here to leave a comment.
Become a Member to leave a comment.