Distressed M&A in the financial sector: Luther advises Dorotheum from Austria on company acquisition out of insolvency

Dorotheum strengthens its commitment to the German market and relies on Luther's expertise as part of its expansion: In November 2023, Dorotheum Metallverarbeitungs GmbH, based in Vienna, acquired all shares in Leihhaus in der Schillerstraße GmbH. With the acquisition of the Frankfurt-based pawnbroker, the renowned Viennese Dorotheum continues to grow in the pawn business.

For the cross-border transaction, Dorotheum relied on the expertise of Dr Andreas Kloyer and Dr Thorsten Becker, who combine experience in international company acquisitions and sales as well as in insolvency law. The experienced Luther team has established itself in the market as a sought-after advisor for the takeover of companies from insolvency (see press release from the specialised publisher JUVE).

Dr Alexander Schneider, General Counsel at Dorotheum: "The Luther team demonstrated legal and commercial expertise, negotiating skills and commitment. We were supported reliably and pragmatically in all challenges of this transaction."

About Dorotheum:

Dorotheum is an auction house founded in 1707 and headquartered in Vienna. It is the largest auction house for art and applied art in Central Europe and the German-speaking world. In addition to auctions, Dorotheum's mainstays are the trading division and the traditional pawn business. As a pawnbroker, Dorotheum operates 25 branches throughout Austria. In July 2018, Dorotheum took over the pawnbroking business of UniCredit Italy, making it the largest pawnbroker in Europe.

www.dorotheum.com 

On behalf of Dorotheum:

Luther, M&A: Dr Andreas Kloyer (Partner), Dr Thorsten Becker (Counsel, both lead)

Luther, Insolvency Law: Reinhard Willemsen (Partner)

Luther, Regulatory Law: Dr Rolf Kobabe (Partner)

Luther, Tax Law: Ulrich Siegemund (Partner), Dr Frank Seidel (Counsel), Ramona Hubracht, LL.M. (Counsel)