Hellweg and BayWa retail chains face mass closures following insolvency

The insolvency proceedings for DIY retail chains Hellweg and its subsidiary BayWa Bau- und Gartenmärkte have entered a liquidation phase. Out of more than 110 total locations, investors have been identified for approximately 35 stores. These buyers are expected to take over the sites and their respective employees, though deals remain subject to antitrust approvals and lease agreements.

Competitor Obi has announced plans to integrate up to 12 of these locations into its own network. Specifically, Obi has already secured five sites, including locations in Berlin-Tiergarten, Berlin-Yorckstraße, and Münster-Gievenbeck, with a planned reopening in early 2027.

For the remaining 68 locations where no buyer has been found, operations are expected to cease by the end of November 2026. Employees at these sites have already received precautionary termination notices to provide planning security during the insolvency process. The brands Hellweg and BayWa are expected to be phased out as the stores transition to new operators.