# Galeria secures loan to stabilize operations amid insolvency > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/20261009-galeria-department-store-insolvency > Updated: 2026-10-20T12:20:00.000Z. Sources: 52. Developments: 6. The German department store chain Galeria has filed for insolvency for the fourth time in six years. Following the application at the Düsseldorf District Court on October 2, a preliminary insolvency proceeding was ordered. Significant relief has been provided for the company’s employees, as the Federal Employment Agency has approved the payment of insolvency money. This funding, which is pre-financed by a bank, is intended to secure wages for up to three months. While initial estimates suggested support for 11,250 staff, recent confirmations indicate that approximately 9,650 employees will receive these payments, allowing the company to continue operating its 83 branches while searching for investors. However, operational challenges have intensified. In cities such as Berlin, Cologne, Leipzig, and Trier, customers reported finding entire sections of stores cordoned off with red-and-white tape. Insolvency administrator Frank Kebekus stated that several manufacturers exercised their ‘right of segregation’ to prevent goods from being absorbed into the insolvency estate because products had not been fully paid for. This created uncertainty regarding the validity of existing gift vouchers. In a recent development, Galeria has signed an agreement with US investment firm Gordon Brothers for a mass loan to support operations during the upcoming Christmas season. The financing, which received necessary approvals from the district court and the creditors' committee, is intended to provide “significantly more leeway” and ensure a continuous flow of goods. Consequently, the review and release of payments can resume, and customers are now able to redeem and purchase gift vouchers again. Administrator Kebekus continues to evaluate the economic viability of individual locations to determine if store closures will be necessary. ## Claims - Galeria employs 11,250 people. (disputed by 3 sources) - Approximately 12,000 employees and 83 department stores face an uncertain future. (disputed) - This is the fourth time Galeria has filed for insolvency within six years. (corroborated by 5 sources) - The Federal Employment Agency has approved insolvency payments for Galeria employees. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The Düsseldorf District Court ordered preliminary insolvency proceedings for Galeria. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Galeria filed for insolvency on October 2 due to insolvency. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Monthly salaries for Galeria employees amount to nearly 25 million euros. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Galeria has begun searching for new investors. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Frank Kebekus has been appointed as the preliminary insolvency administrator. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Galeria operates 83 department stores in Germany. (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-20: Galeria secures mass loan to stabilize operations Insolvent retailer Galeria has secured a mass loan from US-based Gordon Brothers to stabilize operations and secure inventory for the Christmas season. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/galeria-secures-critical-loan-to-stabilize-operations ### 2026-10-15: Galeria files for insolvency, begins search for investors Galeria has filed for insolvency for the fourth time in six years, affecting 12,000 employees and 83 stores, while the company begins a search for new investors. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/galeria-department-stores-face-insolvency-challenges ### 2026-10-13: Galeria faces brand sales bans amid ongoing insolvency Galeria faces sales bans on brands like Playmobil as suppliers assert ownership rights during the retailer's ongoing insolvency. Employee wages have been secured via insolvency money to maintain operations. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/galeria-department-stores-restrict-sales-of-major-brands-amid-insolvency ### 2026-10-10: Galeria files for insolvency for fourth time in six years Galeria has filed for insolvency for the fourth time in six years. However, employees will receive insolvency money from the Federal Employment Agency to secure wages while the company's future remains unclear. 24 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/consumer-studies-reveal-limited-savings-in-retail-discounts ### 2026-10-09: German companies face insolvency across automotive, retail, and real estate sectors Multiple German entities, including Autohaus König, Galeria, and Schultheiß Projektentwicklung, face insolvency, impacting thousands of employees, homebuyers, and retail customers. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/galeria-files-for-insolvency-amid-potential-store-closures ### 2026-10-07: Galeria files for fourth insolvency in six years Galeria has filed for its fourth insolvency in six years. Legal experts suggest 12,000 employees may still be eligible for insolvency money due to a transfer of business operations to a new legal entity. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/galeria-employees-may-qualify-for-insolvency-money-after-bankruptcy-filing --- Cite as: Galeria secures loan to stabilize operations amid insolvency. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/20261009-galeria-department-store-insolvency