Siewert & Kau, a well-known IT distributor based in Bergheim, has filed for insolvency proceedings at the Cologne District Court, marking a significant development for one of Germany's largest medium-sized IT retailers. The company, which has been in operation for over 30 years, employs around 400 people across several European locations, including Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands.
As of Monday, May 5, 2025, insolvency administrator Marion Rodine and her team have been on site to stabilize business operations. Their primary goal is to secure purchasing and delivery capabilities for outstanding orders in the upcoming months, ensuring that the company can continue to serve its customers effectively.
In recent weeks, signs of trouble emerged when the company's webshop and cloud marketplace unexpectedly went offline at the end of April. This sudden disruption raised alarms among customers and partners, many of whom were taken by surprise by the insolvency announcement. Despite these challenges, Siewert & Kau is committed to maintaining its business operations for the time being.
Founded in 1994, Siewert & Kau has evolved into a key player in the computer technology sector, boasting a turnover of over 700 million euros in 2021. The company has made significant investments in its infrastructure, including a five-million-euro expansion of its logistics and office space just a year ago, which doubled its storage capacity. However, CEO Claus Holzleitner attributes the current financial difficulties to an ongoing investment crisis in Germany, which has persisted for more than a year.
"The investment restraint from both the private sector and public institutions has hit our project business hard," Holzleitner explained. He also noted the impact of the volatility of the US dollar since the election of the new US Administration in November 2024, as a large portion of the company's purchases are made in dollars.
Rodine, the insolvency administrator, is focused on ensuring that the intertwined purchasing and delivery processes that define Siewert & Kau's operations can continue during the insolvency proceedings. She expressed optimism about the initial feedback from suppliers and customers, stating, "The first responses have been positive, and we are building on that together with our highly motivated and long-serving employees."
To address immediate financial concerns, an insolvency money pre-financing initiative has been launched to ensure that employees receive their wages and salaries in the coming months. This step is crucial for maintaining employee morale and operational stability.
Despite the challenges, the management team, including co-founder Björn Siewert, is determined to navigate through this difficult period. Siewert emphasized the importance of preserving the legacy of the family business, stating, "As family entrepreneurs, we are committed to the survival of what we have built together with our team over the past 30 years with great passion."
The company is open to exploring potential investor solutions to secure jobs and maintain its relationships with customers and suppliers. "We are willing to engage in a possible investor process and can envision being part of the future solution," Siewert added.
As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on stabilizing operations and ensuring that Siewert & Kau can continue to fulfill its commitments to clients. The coming days will be critical in determining whether the company can successfully navigate this financial storm and emerge with a sustainable plan for the future.
In summary, Siewert & Kau's filing for insolvency marks a pivotal moment in the company's history. With a dedicated team working to stabilize operations and a commitment to preserving jobs and relationships, the future of this long-standing IT distributor hangs in the balance. As the industry shifts towards more consulting-intensive services, Siewert & Kau will need to adapt quickly to remain competitive.
