Post-bankruptcy, Alpha bookstores in Lauf and Puschendorf continue to operate

In a significant move for the stationary book trade, the Christian publisher Francke-Buch from Marburg has taken over eleven branches of the insolvent Alpha Buchhandlung GmbH, starting from September 1, 2025. This acquisition makes Francke-Buch the largest bookstore chain in the religious book trade in Germany.

The takeover comes after Tim Schneider, the insolvency administrator, continued business operations with the goal of saving jobs and making the company future-proof. Despite Alpha Buchhandlung filing for insolvency in February 2025, the continued operation of regionally anchored stores ensures local presence, which is crucial for customer loyalty and event work in the stationary book trade.

A total of 58 employees are active in the eleven taken-over Alpha branches, spread across locations such as Auerbach (Vogtland), Bad Liebenzell, Chemnitz, Dresden, Gießen, Holzgerlingen, Lörrach, Mannheim, and Siegen. Some branches, however, will not be part of the takeover. The Alpha branches in Frankfurt, Karlsruhe, and Witten will close by August 30, 2025. The branch previously operated in Nuremberg will continue as an independent bookstore under a local association.

The Alpha branches in Lauf an der Pegnitz and Puschendorf will remain open beyond August 30, thanks to the takeover by Marburger Francke-Buch GmbH on September 1, 2025. Customers can continue to purchase Bibles, Christian calendars, and books from Francke-Buch at these locations, just as they have been doing at the other Francke-Buch bookstores.

The consolidation under Francke-Buch promises cost advantages due to centralization of purchasing, logistics, and range in a challenging market environment. Francke-Buch, which already includes Brunnen Verlag in Gießen and book distribution and wholesale ChrisMedia, is reportedly in talks with the previous eleven Alpha franchise partners for future cooperation as partner bookstores.

Klaus Meiß, managing director of Francke-Buch, expressed his pleasure at continuing Christian literature work at many locations with their bookstores. Francke-Buch offers people the opportunity to learn about or deepen their faith through their bookstores, a mission that is reflected in their expansion.

The webshop for the taken-over Alpha branches will remain accessible under the current address, ensuring a smooth transition for online customers. This move is expected to strengthen Francke-Buch's position in the religious book trade, providing a wide range of Christian literature to customers across Germany.