Reiner Schmitt GmbH Acquires Kothe Destillationstechnik in Asset Deal

Reiner Schmitt GmbH Brennereitechnik acquired the business operations of Kothe Destillationstechnik GmbH via an asset deal effective June 1, 2026, as announced by Steffen Beck of PLUTA Rechtsanwalts GmbH. This transaction resolves insolvency proceedings for the Eislingen/Fils-based manufacturer, ensuring its brand and technical know-how remain intact.

How the Kothe Destillationstechnik acquisition was structured

The transaction follows a period of insolvency management overseen by the Göppingen District Court, which ordered preliminary administration in December 2025. The court officially opened the insolvency proceedings on March 2, 2026, appointing Steffen Beck of PLUTA Rechtsanwalts GmbH as the insolvency administrator.

According to Dr. Matthias Lehr of the PLUTA restructuring team, the continuation of business operations and professional cooperation were key factors in attracting multiple interested parties. The investor process was guided by M&A advisor FalkenSteg and concluded with the takeover by Reiner Schmitt GmbH.

The transfer was executed as an asset deal. While the transaction is complete, the parties involved have agreed to keep the purchase price confidential, according to the announcement from PLUTA.

Did You Know? Kothe Destillationstechnik specializes in the production of distillation plants with capacities ranging from 50 to 5,000 liters, used for spirits including gin, rum, and whisky.

Why the Reiner Schmitt GmbH takeover is significant

The acquisition allows Reiner Schmitt GmbH Brennereitechnik to expand its existing product portfolio. Reiner Schmitt currently provides process engineering and plant construction, focusing on customized distillery systems for neutral alcohols and aroma distillates.

By integrating Kothe’s operations, the company gains access to specialized technology for high-quality premium distillates. Steffen Beck stated that the primary goal of the investor solution was to ensure that the brand and technical expertise of Kothe Destillationstechnik are preserved.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that asset deals in insolvency cases often allow buyers to cherry-pick valuable intellectual property and machinery while avoiding certain legacy liabilities. In this instance, the preservation of the “know-how” suggests that the human capital and technical blueprints were the primary drivers of the deal’s value.

What could happen next for the business

Reiner Schmitt GmbH may now begin integrating Kothe’s 50 to 5,000-liter plant designs into its broader engineering offerings. This integration could potentially allow the company to serve a wider range of premium spirit producers.

A possible next step involves the full absorption of Kothe’s brand identity into Reiner Schmitt’s market positioning. Because the business operations were maintained throughout the insolvency process, the company is likely to experience a smoother transition in fulfilling existing customer orders.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the takeover of Kothe Destillationstechnik take effect? The acquisition by Reiner Schmitt GmbH Brennereitechnik became effective on June 1, 2026.
Who managed the insolvency process? The process was managed by Steffen Beck, Dr. Matthias Lehr, and Sarah Dingler of PLUTA Rechtsanwalts GmbH, with M&A advice provided by FalkenSteg.
What was the purchase price of the asset deal? The parties have agreed to keep the purchase price confidential.

Do you think the preservation of specialized technical brands is more valuable than the physical assets in industrial acquisitions?