Successful Turnaround: MSSC AHLE GmbH secures future with Meili Germany GmbH as new investor

Cologne, 07.01.2025

The automotive supplier MSSC AHLE GmbH, based in Lindlar, has initiated a new start after successfully completing self-administration proceedings. As of January 1, 2025, Meili Germany GmbH, a subsidiary of the Chinese Zhejiang Meili High Technology Co., Ltd., will take over the company's assets and continue all business units with over 100 employees.

MSSC AHLE GmbH specialises in the production of suspension springs, brake reservoir springs, and rebound springs. Since its establishment in 1904, the company has been a trusted partner to the automotive industry and other sectors, pioneering innovations such as the miniblock spring and the super-progressive spring.

In late June 2024, the management filed an application for the opening of insolvency proceedings in self-administration with the Cologne District Court. The procedure officially commenced on 1 October 2024, with business operations continuing without interruption during this period.

Following a structured investor process, Meili Germany GmbH was selected as the new investor. The internationally established parent company, listed on the ChiNext stock exchange in Shenzhen, aims to further its global expansion through this acquisition. Zhejiang Meili High Technology Co., Ltd. brings over 34 years of expertise in the production of chassis components such as springs, stabilisers, and seat comfort elements.

During the procedure, experienced GÖRG restructuring experts Dr Michael Schaumann and Dr Mike Westkamp, acting as general counsels, as well as GÖRG partner Dr Jan Janßen in an advisory capacity, supported the management of MSSC AHLE GmbH.

Dr Michael Schaumann, general counsel and partner at GÖRG, stated: "The investor process was challenging given the current market conditions. However, together with all stakeholders, we succeeded in finding a sustainable solution that serves the interests of both creditors and employees."

His colleague, Dr Mike Westkamp, added: "The longstanding tradition and dedicated workforce of MSSC AHLE GmbH were decisive factors in gaining the trust of the new investors."

MSSC Ahle GmbH self-administration team

GÖRG Insolvenzverwaltung Partnerschaft von Rechtsanwälten mbB
Dr Michael Schaumann (Partner, General Counsel, Cologne)
Dr Mike Westkamp (Partner, General Counsel, Cologne)
Dr Jan Janßen (Partner, Cologne)

GÖRG Partnerschaft von Rechtsanwälten mbB
Claus Christopher Schiller (Lead, Partner, M&A, Cologne)
Dr Christian Bürger (Partner, Competition/Foreign Trade Law, Cologne)
Dr Damian Tigges (Partner, Real Estate, Cologne)
Dr Frank Wilke (Partner, Labour and Employment Law, Cologne)
Dr Holger Dann, LL.M. (Counsel, Tax, Cologne)
Dr Jia Ding, LL.M. (Counsel, M&A, Frankfurt am Main)
Dr Lars Behrendt (Associated Partner, M&A, Cologne)
Dr Alberto Povedano Peramato (Associated Partner, Labour and Employment Law, Cologne)
Metehan Uzuncakmak, LL.M. (Associated Partner, Competition/Foreign Trade Law, Cologne)
Dr Monique Pröpper (Associate, M&A, Cologne)