GÖRG advised the internationally active Cologne-based Picanova GmbH, part of The Customization Group (“TCG”) – a leading provider of personalized print-on-demand products – on the acquisition of the insolvent photo service provider ORWO Net GmbH (“ORWO”), based in Bitterfeld-Wolfen. The acquisition of the business operations was successfully completed with effect from July 1, 2025.

TCG, known among other things for its MEINFOTO and merchOne brands, is strengthening its production capacities with this acquisition. With the integration of the long-established ORWO, TCG is taking an important strategic step towards further expansion in the growing market for photo printing and personalized merchandise products.

The acquisition secures the production site in Bitterfeld-Wolfen and the majority of jobs. ORWO had filed for insolvency in March 2025. As part of the acquisition, TCG is taking over all assets and will continue to operate the long-established ORWO brand.

GÖRG advised Picanova GmbH on the acquisition with a team led by Cologne partners Dr Marcus Richter and Dr Michael Schaumann.
 

Advisors Picanova GmbH / The Customization Group

GÖRG Partnerschaft von Rechtsanwälten mbB
Dr Marcus Richter (Lead, Partner, Labour and Employment Law, Cologne)
Dr Michael Schaumann (Lead, Partner, M&A, Restructuring, Cologne)
Dr Christian Bürger (Partner, Antitrust Law, Cologne)
Dr Katharina Landes (Partner, IP, Cologne)
Dr Jochen Lehmann (Partner, Data Protection, Cologne)
Christopher Schiller (Partner, M&A, Cologne)
Dr Damian Tigges (Partner, Real Estate Law, Cologne)
Dr Alberto Povedano Peramato (Associated Partner, Labour and Employment Law, Cologne)
Dr Thomas Schmitz-Justen (Associate, M&A, Restructuring, Cologne)

Insolvency administration

BBL Brockdorff Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH
Dr Christian Heintze (Partner, Insolvency Administrator, Dresden
Celina Lange (Associate, M&A, Insolvency Law, Dresden)
Dr Beatrice Betka (Beatrice Betka Law Firm, Labour and Employment Law, Dresden)