Business · Companies · 8 hrs ago
Belgian buyer takes over DreiMeister brand and equipment
Belgian entrepreneur Jo Ballet has bought DreiMeister’s brand and equipment, taking over assets from the insolvent German chocolate maker.
DreiMeister, known for handmade pralines and other chocolate specialties, was based in Werl, North Rhine-Westphalia.
The company entered insolvency proceedings in May after rising costs, including for cocoa, and other financial pressures.
Its production equipment is to be moved from Werl to Waregem, where Ballet plans to build a new facility.
All 101 remaining employees were dismissed in July because the company’s funds could not cover their wages during the notice period.
Production in Belgium is planned to start in January, though the brand’s future production will no longer be in Germany.
Belgian entrepreneur Jo Ballet has acquired the brand rights and machinery of insolvent German chocolatier DreiMeister.
Production is planned to move from Werl, Germany, to Waregem, Belgium.
The machinery is due to be dismantled and transported to Belgium, with production planned to start in January.
DreiMeister filed for insolvency in May, and all 101 remaining employees received notice of dismissal on July 1.
- Who
- Belgian entrepreneur Jo Ballet acquired DreiMeister’s brand rights and machinery.
- What
- The insolvent chocolatier’s brand and equipment were taken over, and production is planned to move to Belgium.
- When
- The takeover was reported on October 24, 2026. Production is planned to start in January.
- Where
- DreiMeister is based in Werl, Germany; planned production is in Waregem, Belgium.
- Why
- The sources say DreiMeister entered insolvency amid higher raw-material and energy costs, crop failures and other economic pressures.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
DreiMeister initiated insolvency proceedings under self-administration.
All 101 remaining employees received notice of dismissal at a staff meeting.
t-online reported that Jo Ballet had acquired the brand rights and machinery.
Up to 30 trucks were expected to transport the equipment to Belgium, according to the Soester Anzeiger.
Production is planned to start in Waregem.
- Buyer
- Jo Ballet, a Belgian entrepreneur
- Brand and equipment
- DreiMeister’s brand rights and machinery
- Planned production site
- Waregem, Belgium
- Company location
- Werl, Germany
- Remaining employees dismissed
- 101
- Planned production start
- January
What people are saying
Despite intensive efforts, nobody submitted a concrete, workable offer to enter or take over the company.