# Galeria department store insolvency

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/galeria-department-store-insolvency
> Updated: 2026-10-04T01:00:36.000Z. Sources: 70. Developments: 2.

German department store chain Galeria has filed for insolvency at the Düsseldorf District Court, marking its fourth such application within six years. The company cited a significant drop in sales and a financial deficit of approximately 36 million euros as primary drivers for the filing. While operations are expected to continue for the time being across 83 nationwide branches, the move creates significant uncertainty for approximately 12,000 employees.

Frank Kebekus has been appointed as the preliminary insolvency administrator. There is ongoing uncertainty regarding whether employees will receive insolvency benefits, as the company remains under plan supervision from a previous proceeding.

Following the filing, investor Carsten Maschmeyer criticized the move and called for an end to further government financial support for the retailer. He noted that the state previously provided 680 million euros through the Economic Stabilization Fund during the pandemic, estimating that at least 500 million euros of that aid has not been recovered.

Local officials, including Cologne’s Mayor Torsten Burmester, have expressed concern regarding the potential impact on city centers and have called for a sustainable long-term concept for the retailer’s future. While a complete shutdown remains a possibility, some experts suggest that continuing operations with a significantly reduced number of locations may serve as a viable solution.

## Claims

- Approximately 12,000 employees are facing potential job losses due to the insolvency. (corroborated by 14 sources)
- Galeria has filed for insolvency for the fourth time in six years. (corroborated by 13 sources)
- Business operations are intended to continue initially across 83 nationwide branches. (corroborated by 11 sources)
- Galeria applied for the opening of insolvency proceedings at the Düsseldorf District Court. (corroborated by 10 sources)
- Carsten Maschmeyer demands that no further taxpayer money be provided to Galeria. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- The state provided 680 million euros in taxpayer funds to Galeria Kaufhof via the Economic Stabilization Fund during the Corona crisis. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- At least 500 million euros of the state aid has not been recovered. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- The current proceeding is a regular insolvency rather than a self-administration procedure. (corroborated by 7 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-04: Galeria files for fourth insolvency in six years

Galeria has filed for its fourth insolvency in six years, affecting 83 branches and 12,000 employees. Investor Carsten Maschmeyer is calling for an end to further state aid following previous multi-million euro

20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/galeria-files-for-insolvency-for-fourth-time-in-six-years-1

### 2026-10-01: Galeria department store chain files for insolvency

German department store Galeria has filed for its fourth insolvency in six years, affecting 83 branches and 12,000 employees. Operations are expected to continue temporarily while the company seeks stability.

62 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/galeria-faces-liquidity-crisis-and-potential-store-closures

---
Cite as: Galeria department store insolvency. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/galeria-department-store-insolvency