HORNBACH Baumarkt AG, a leading operator of DIY and garden centres in Europe, has reached an agreement to acquire six DIY store locations from the insolvent Hellweg chain. Legal advice during this process was provided by Gleiss Lutz. The transaction includes properties in Ahrensfelde, Berlin-Köpenick, Dortmund-Kley, Essen-Borbeck, Freiberg in Saxony and St. Augustin.
These locations are expected to be taken over by HORNBACH in early December 2026. This will be followed by extensive remodelling to transform them into HORNBACH DIY and garden centres, featuring the company's characteristic project orientation. The opening of the refurbished stores is anticipated for spring 2027.
Approval Status and Company Expansion
The completion of the transaction is subject to the approval of the German Federal Cartel Office (Bundeskartellamt) and the judicial confirmation of the insolvency plan. Both approval steps are currently outstanding. The acquisition of these locations represents a strategic move to expand HORNBACH's presence in the German market.
HORNBACH Baumarkt AG is established across Europe and currently operates 178 large-format DIY and garden centres, including specialised stores. In addition, online shops in nine European countries are part of its business model. This transaction fits into the company's continuous expansion strategy to optimise market coverage and strengthen its branch network.
By acquiring the six former Hellweg locations, HORNBACH aims to strengthen its competitive position and extend its customer-oriented project approach to further regions. The expansion into these specific regions underscores the geographical relevance and strategic importance of the acquisition.
- —Transaction: Acquisition of six DIY store locations
- —Parties Involved: HORNBACH Baumarkt AG (Buyer), Insolvent Hellweg Chain (Seller), Gleiss Lutz (Legal counsel)
- —Locations: Ahrensfelde, Berlin-Köpenick, Dortmund-Kley, Essen-Borbeck, Freiberg in Saxony, St. Augustin
- —Timeline: Takeover December 2026, Opening Spring 2027
