Bochum-Gelsenkirchener Straßenbahnen Aktiengesellschaft (BOGESTRA) has acquired the former company premises used by Aquinos Bedding Germany GmbH, located at Schlaraffiastraße 1-10 in Bochum-Wattenscheid. This area, spanning 70,000 m², previously served as the headquarters, production, and logistics site for Schlaraffia brand mattresses and for the Aquinos Group's European intercompany relations. The acquisition took place approximately one year after the opening of insolvency proceedings against the assets of Aquinos Bedding Germany GmbH.
BOGESTRA plans to establish a new e-bus depot on the site, with commissioning scheduled for the beginning of the next decade. This investment underscores BOGESTRA's efforts to promote innovative mobility solutions and to modernise its own infrastructure in the central Ruhr area.
Structured Sales Process and Site Advantages
The sales process was managed by solicitor Frauke Heier from the law firm Niering Stock Tömp Rechtsanwälte, acting as insolvency administrator. The divestment was carried out within the framework of a structured, international procedure, which was supported by the consulting firms Leo-Impact Consulting and AENGEVELT Immobilien. Demand for the property was significant. Solicitor Heier emphasised that such a large premium plot of land for commercial and logistics uses with direct access to the A40 is rarely available on the market. In addition to excellent motorway access, the site offers outstanding connections to public transport; Wattenscheid station is within walking distance, and a bus stop is directly adjacent to the property.
To ensure a legally secure and swift sales process, a team of employees from Aquinos Bedding Germany GmbH, in close cooperation with the insolvency administrator, carried out extensive preparatory work. This involved providing several hundred relevant documents in a digital data room. This included not only land registers but also historical mining records, forest law information for adjacent areas, and technical specifications such as electricity line capacities. Furthermore, current surveys, valuation reports, and detailed soil, environmental, and contaminant assessments for the buildings on the site were commissioned. Close coordination with the relevant authorities enabled bidders to conduct comprehensive vendor due diligence. The insolvency administrator was supported by the law firm ADVANT Beiten in the legal implementation of the property transaction. BOGESTRA prevailed against several international investors in this competitive process.
BOGESTRA in the Ruhr Area
BOGESTRA has been shaping mobility in the central Ruhr area since 1896. With approximately 2,400 employees, the company daily ensures the transport of hundreds of thousands of passengers in the cities of Bochum, Gelsenkirchen, and Herne, as well as in the Ennepe-Ruhr district and neighbouring municipalities. As a mobility service provider, BOGESTRA focuses on innovations and the use of alternative drives. The company continuously invests in its vehicle fleet, facilities, and track infrastructure to ensure sustainable and future-proof mobility.
