Reorganisation & M&A
With a tailor-made restructuring concept, Haselhorst Associates stabilised a leading beverage manufacturer and ensured its long-term viability.
Client Challenge
The customer, a leading beverage manufacturer, faced an extremely challenging market environment. Over several years, demand for beer-based beverages in Europe, particularly in German-speaking countries, had been steadily declining. As a result, significant overcapacity emerged in the market in 2022 and 2023, putting pressure on the business. The situation was further exacerbated by the increasing market power of large retailers, including leading supermarket chains and discounters. In addition, high inflation in the eurozone and the economic consequences of the Russia-Ukraine war had a significant negative impact on the company’s activities.
In addition to these external challenges, poor management decisions regarding investments further weakened the company’s position. In view of the existential threat to the company, the client needed comprehensive restructuring to restore viability and ensure long-term success.
Haselhorst Approach
Haselhorst Associates developed and implemented a comprehensive restructuring process that included a strategic realignment. The approach combined strategic planning with operational implementation expertise.
Key elements of the approach:
- Comprehensive status quo analysis to identify weaknesses and opportunities
- Development of a detailed restructuring concept to restore profitability
- Operational management of the restructuring process in the role of Co-CEO, CFO and CRO, supported by a dedicated team
- Adaptation of organisational structures and processes to increase efficiency
- Continuous monitoring and adaptation to changing market conditions
- Structured handover of the reorganisation project to the client’s management
Throughout the process, transparent communication with stakeholders and a consistent entrepreneurial approach were crucial to success.
Results
The restructuring measures led to tangible improvements and ensured the long-term stability of the company:
- Streamlining of the product portfolio and enlargement of production batches to increase operational efficiency
- Sustainable improvement in profitability, financial structure and liquidity
- Restoration of the beverage manufacturer’s long-term viability
The operational and strategic measures implemented by Haselhorst enabled the client to respond flexibly to market changes while securing a solid financial and operational basis.
About the Client
The client is a Tier-1 supplier in the automotive industry with an annual turnover of around €600 million. The company provides components and systems to leading automotive manufacturers and operates multiple production sites. The restructuring project lasted 36 months, with Dr Arno Haselhorst serving as the primary contact. Haselhorst Associates supported the client both strategically and operationally, including direct management involvement via the CRO role, ensuring short-term survival as well as long-term strategic positioning.
