Sympatex Technologies GmbH, a leading developer and manufacturer of functional membranes for sports and outdoor clothing, filed for insolvency on 22 January 2026 due to its inability to pay. The Munich Local Court granted the application and ordered provisional insolvency administration on 26 January. Lawyer Axel W. Bierbach from the Munich-based law firm Müller-Heydenreich Bierbach & Kollegen was appointed provisional insolvency administrator. The parent company Smart Solutions Holding GmbH has also filed for insolvency. Despite the financial difficulties, business operations will continue. The wages and salaries of the approximately 70 employees are secured until the end of March 2026 through insolvency benefits from the Federal Employment Agency.
Sympatex current situation
According to the company, filing for insolvency had become necessary due to ongoing economic burdens, which had recently led to insolvency. Kim Scholze, sole Managing Director of Sympatex Technologies GmbH since the end of September 2025, explains the situation: "The filing for insolvency is the result of difficult economic conditions that could no longer be offset by the operating business alone." The insolvency proceedings are intended to create the necessary framework to reorganise the company in a structured restructuring process.
The provisional insolvency administrator Bierbach and his team have already begun to gain a comprehensive overview of the company's overall economic situation. In the coming weeks, all options for continuing the business will be examined. Employees, customers and suppliers were informed about the current situation on Monday. The insolvency administrator wants to ensure that customer orders can continue to be processed and ongoing projects can be realised as planned.
Investigations by the public prosecutor's office since 2023
A look at the available business figures shows that the economic problems have existed for some time. The company already posted losses in 2017, 2018, 2020 and 2021. The last publicly available financial statements from 2022 show high liabilities. There has been bad news in recent years due to transactions by the previous owners. In 2023, the company hit the headlines because the Munich I public prosecutor's office remanded the former owners Stephan Goetz and Stefan Sanktjohanser in custody and investigated them for fraud involving millions. In 2025, the Munich 1 public prosecutor's office then brought charges against seven people involved - including the two former owners and management consultants. The charges: fraud, attempted fraud, incitement to breach of trust and market manipulation. The case centres on a bond issued by Sympatex Technologies for 13 million euros in 2013, when a debt haircut was agreed with the creditors due to the threat of insolvency. It is to be clarified in court whether the defendants correctly presented the economic situation at the time. A guilty verdict has already been announced in an initial judgement.
Sympatex membrane
Sympatex has been developing and producing non-porous membrane technology at European locations since 1986. The membranes are used in functional clothing, footwear, workwear, personal protective equipment and technical applications. The company is positioned internationally through a network of brand, industry and development partners.
The technology is based on polyester and is completely PFAS-free - an important aspect in view of the increasing regulation of these chemicals in the outdoor industry. The membranes are designed to be waterproof, windproof, breathable and elasticated. Selected versions contain a bio-based component and are available in different material thicknesses. On this basis, Sympatex develops functional, mono-material polyester and fibre-to-fibre laminates with a focus on recyclability.
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Sympatex restructuring opportunities
Despite the current difficulties, the provisional insolvency administrator Axel W. Bierbach sees potential for a successful restructuring: "Sympatex has a strong technological position in the market and employees with extensive specialised knowledge. The aim of the proceedings is to secure this substance and develop a viable solution for the future of the company." The insolvency offers the opportunity to restructure Sympatex and enable a start without the burdens of the past.
Managing Director Scholze emphasises the company's strengths: "Sympatex stands for knowledge, attitude and innovative strength - and for people who have shaped this company for decades." These foundations could now be utilised for a new start as part of the insolvency proceedings.
Sympatex is an important supplier of functional materials for the outdoor and sportswear industry. The early investments in recyclable concepts, the high standards of transparency and the partnership-based transfer of the technological expertise developed characterise the company's sustainable product development and could represent a competitive advantage in times of increasing demand for environmentally friendly materials.
Kristian Bauer
Editor
