The shock was huge: Last summer, the job cuts at the „Sport 2000“ cooperative Zentrasport became known. Now there are news. The purchasing cooperative Zentrasport with its headquarters in Ohlsdorf (District Gmunden) has a perspective again. In August, the Alpine Creditors Association reported a liquidity shortage at the purchasing cooperative. The reasons: the insolvency of the Styrian sports retailer Geomix, a high inventory level, and payment delays from other partners. A rejection from the house bank further exacerbated the situation. In addition, the company was affected by consumer reluctance to make purchases as well as increased labor and energy costs. Despite intensive efforts, Zentrasport could not find any financing options. The result: around 64 million euros in debt. Now a solution seems to have been found: the German ANWR Group is taking over the operational business of the Upper Austrians. The future and the preservation of jobs in Ohlsdorf are secured. Last year, it was mentioned that 56 out of 131 employees were supposed to be cut. With the integration into the group, the international trade cooperation strengthens the position of its sports division. „The previous Sport 2000 GmbH, which consisted of five countries, will now become a seven-country alliance with Austria and the Czech Republic,“ explains ANWR board member Tobias Eichmeier. He expects special synergies from the close cooperation of retailers from Austria, Switzerland, and southern Germany. The areas affected are winter sports and biking. The ANWR Group, based in Mainhausen, Hesse, according to its own information, is one of Europe’s most turnover-strong trade cooperations. The focus is on shoes, sports goods, and leather goods. The group employs around 1,400 people. Traditional bakery goes bankrupt The Innviertel bakery Zagler Brot with several branches has slipped into bankruptcy. The reason: increased labor costs and weaker sales. 66 employees and 178 creditors are affected; the debts amount to 1.77 million euros. Key points summarized • The German ANWR Group takes over the operational business of the Austrian „Sport 2000“ cooperative, which has 64 million euros in debt • The future and preservation of jobs in Ohlsdorf are secured, and the international trade cooperation strengthens its position through integration • The ANWR Group is one of Europe’s most turnover-strong trade cooperations with a focus on shoes, sports goods, and leather goods.
