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.
Quester, an Austrian building-materials retailer operating in the wholesale and construction-supply sector, announced the potential loss of 314 jobs across its nationwide branch network following its filing for insolvency with the Vienna Commercial Court. The restructuring affects employees in sales, logistics and administrative units at multiple locations throughout Austria.
The company stated that the insolvency was triggered by the severe and prolonged downturn in the construction industry, combined with liquidity problems that recently prevented the payment of October 2025 wages. The restructuring process is now formally underway, with further steps dependent on the insolvency administrator’s assessment and on ongoing negotiations with potential investors. No concrete information has been provided regarding whether the job losses would occur through dismissals, attrition or other measures, as the restructuring plan is still in preparation.
Social partners have not yet issued detailed statements, but first reports confirm that discussions between management, creditors and the administrator have begun, with around 1,200 creditors affected. Public authorities are expected to follow the process closely due to the scale of potential job losses.
Quester was founded in 1934 and has undergone several ownership changes, most recently being acquired in June 2025 by the German restructuring firm Callista Private Equity.
Eurofound (2025), Quester Baustoffhandel, Bankruptcy in Austria, factsheet number 203750, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://apps.eurofound.europa.eu/restructuring-events/detail/203750.
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