Protective shield proceedings: Luther advises hospital group "Pfeiffersche Stiftungen" on merger with Magdeburg University Hospital

At the end of the bidding process, Universitätsklinikum A.ö.R. came out on top with a convincing concept for healthcare in the region in terms of both content and economics. It is joining as an investor and will take over the hospital operations of the hospital in the Pfeiffersche Stiftungen, the MVZ of the Pfeiffersche Stiftungen (both in Magdeburg-Cracau) and the Lostau Lung Clinic – i.e. three companies – on 1 August 2025. In future, the Pfeiffer Foundations will concentrate on nursing care. 

The creditors of the companies have agreed to the merger as part of an insolvency plan, meaning that the investor process can be finalised. The conclusion of the agreement secures the future of the Pfeiffer Foundations' medical facilities. 

Background: At the beginning of 2025, the Pfeiffersche Stiftungen applied for a protective shield procedure. The main reason for this was the rising material and personnel costs without adequate counter-financing and additional structural requirements, which had put the clinics in financial difficulties. 

About the Pfeiffer Foundations 

The Pfeiffersche Stiftungen zu Magdeburg-Cracau, a charitable foundation under civil law founded in 1889, is a charitable organisation and, with around 2,000 employees, the largest diaconal complex facility in Saxony-Anhalt. It includes two hospitals and a medical care centre (MVZ), outpatient care services and residential facilities for people with disabilities and senior citizens, as well as workshops for people with disabilities with a further 600 employees, inpatient and outpatient care for the elderly and a hospice and palliative care service that is unique in Germany. In addition, they hold a 50 per cent stake in the training centre for healthcare and nursing professions and a 52 per cent stake in the Magdeburg Social Paediatric Centre. 

About Magdeburg University Hospital 

The University Hospital Magdeburg A.ö.R. is affiliated to the Medical Faculty of the Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg. The Magdeburg Medical Academy (MAM) was founded in 1954 and is the largest hospital in Magdeburg and northern Saxony-Anhalt with around 1,050 beds. Around 4,800 employees (including the Medical Faculty) work in over 21 institutes and 25 clinics. The main profile areas are neurosciences and personalised mental health, immunology, cell therapy, robotics, cancer medicine, hepatopancreaticobiliary medicine, pregnancy and paediatrics. The University Hospital is the training centre for over 1,500 future doctors. 

On behalf of the Pfeiffer Foundations: 

Luther, lead partner:  Dr Oliver Kairies  (Partner), Gunnar Müller-Henneberg (Partner),  Dr Hendrik Sehy  (Counsel) 

Luther, Restructuring & Insolvency:  Hannah-Laura Schütte  (Senior Associate) Luther, Corporate/M&A:  Dr Karina Wojtowicz  (Senior Associate) 

Luther Hospital Law / Law of Statutory Health Care:  Frances Wolf  (Senior Associate),  Martina Steude, LL.M.  (Senior Associate) 

Luther, Labour Law: Dr Marco Arteaga  (Partner),  Dr Volker Schneider  (Partner), Dr Lisa Kraayvanger  (Senior Associate) 

Luther, Antitrust Law:  Dr Helmut Janssen, LL.M.  (Partner), Dr Daniela Salm  (Counsel)