- Insolvency under self-administration since November 18, 2025
- Around 700 employees in Germany, wages secured until January 2026
- Stores in Germany remain open, Austria and Switzerland not affected
Renewed insolvency proceedings under self-administration
Polo Motorrad has applied to the Mönchengladbach Local Court for self-administration proceedings. The company wants to use this to restructure itself under insolvency law protection. Operational business at the main location in Jüchen and in all branches will continue as normal. According to information from company circles, the wages and salaries of the approximately 700 employees are to be secured by insolvency payments through January 2026.
Reasons for the financial difficulties
Polo cites the tense overall economic situation as the main cause. Despite positive sales development in 2025, industry-wide reluctance to purchase accessories and rider equipment is weighing on liquidity. The entire motorcycle industry is seeing a significant decline in new registrations of around a quarter in the current year, which means around 50,000 fewer vehicles than in the previous year. As a result, demand for clothing and technology also remains at a lower level.
Impact on branch network and workforce
Branches in Germany, including those in Hanover, Braunschweig, Osnabrück, and Oldenburg, are to remain open for the time being. Business operations are to be kept stable in order not to lose the trust of customers and suppliers. However, according to sources close to the company, investors or a viable restructuring plan are necessary for a successful continuation.
The locations in Austria and Switzerland are not affected by the current insolvency and will continue to operate as normal.
Background: Second insolvency in 14 years
Polo looks back on a long company history. Originally founded in 1980 as a small mail order business, the company developed into a full-range supplier in the motorcycle sector by the mid-1980s. In the following years, Polo grew strongly, opened numerous branches, and relocated its headquarters several times, most recently to Jüchen in 2008.
Polo had to file for bankruptcy for the first time in 2011. Restructuring by several investors enabled the company to continue operating at that time, followed by expansion into Austria and the strengthening of online sales. The outcome of the current proceedings remains open. The company is once again in a difficult position, which is strongly influenced by the weak market development in the motorcycle sector.
What could happen next
Whether Polo Motorrad can continue its business operations in its current form depends crucially on the results of the restructuring process. A lasting solution would require securing financial resources and presenting a robust concept. In addition, the stability of ongoing operations plays an important role in maintaining the trust of creditors, suppliers, and landlords.
