Restructuring events
European Restructuring Monitor (ERM)
The restructuring events database contains factsheets with data on large-scale restructuring events reported in the principal national media and company websites in each EU Member State. This database was created in 2002.
Aldebaran, a French robotics manufacturer, has been liquidated, rendering 106 of its employees redundant. The company has been experiencing financial difficulties. Demand for certain robots, such as Pepper, was low, leading to a reduction in Aldebaran's workforce from around 360 to about 180 employees in 2021 SoftBank Robotics 2021 - FR. Most of Aldebaran's workforce were engineers and robotics experts.
According to an employee representative, the German shareholder United Robotics Group was unwilling to invest further in the company. The company had previously undergone safeguard recovery procedures. Two takeover bids were previously submitted by investors but were not deemed suitable. The Chinese company Maxvision acquired Aldebaran's equipment and materials during an auction sale for 900,000 euros.
Eurofound (2025), Aldebaran, Bankruptcy in France, factsheet number 202869, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://apps.eurofound.europa.eu/restructuring-events/detail/202869.