FGvW advises Schwarzwaldmilch Freiburg on the Acquisition of the Martin Bauhofer Cheese Factory

FGvW advised Schwarzwaldmilch GmbH Freiburg on the acquisition of all shares of Martin Bauhofer Käserei GmbH in the Allgäu region in Germany.

The Schwarzwaldmilch Group is one of the leading dairies with 430 employees in Baden-Württemberg, Southern Germany. In 2025, the group collected and processed approximately 260 million kg of milk at its locations in Freiburg and Offenburg. The Freiburg-based dairy was founded in 1930 and to date operated as a cooperative by the approximately 800 Schwarzwaldmilch farms. As a branded dairy, the company focuses on the Schwarzwaldmilch, Schwarzwaldmilch Protein, and LAC lactose-free brands. Among other segments, including pasture-raised milk, organic milk, protein-enriched milk, and the entire lactose-free “White Line” category, the Freiburg-based company is the national market leader.

The Bauhofer cheese factory is headquartered in Bodnegg in the Allgäu region of Württemberg. The family business is currently led by the third and fourth generations, Senior Manager Martin and his son Michael Bauhofer. The cheese factory stands for traditional recipes and artisanal craftsmanship and is especially known for its Allgäu Emmental, mountain cheese, and sliced cheese. In addition, it is breaking new ground – for example, with the innovative Airfryer cheese mix or the Chef’s Selection Halloween cheese.

By acquiring the Bauhofer Cheese Factory the Schwarzwaldmilch Group will take over a company with a 115-year tradition and values that align with those of the Schwarzwaldmilch Group. Building on strong regional roots, the company is adopting an innovative approach to ensure its future viability and to refine the precious raw material milk into high-quality products. Andreas Schneider, Managing Director of the Schwarzwaldmilch Group, states in the Schwarzwaldmilch Group’s press release: “With our three locations in Freiburg, Offenburg, and Bodnegg and their respective specializations, we are optimally diversified and well-equipped to handle varying market conditions – furthermore, this allows us to consistently pursue our strategy of creating value through our brand, strengthen our market position, and process the raw material milk appropriately.”

Schwarzwaldmilch GmbH Freiburg received legal advice on the transaction from an M&A team led by partner Dr Hendrik Thies. Tax advice was provided by Claudia Sippel and Jens Blessing of the Baden-Württemberg Cooperative Association (Baden-Württembergischer Genossenschaftsverband e.V.). The shareholders of Martin Bauhofer Käserei GmbH were advised in particular by Christian Seifert (law firm Kohlöffel + Merkle + Seifert Partnerschaft mbB Steuerberatungsgesellschaft).

Advisors to Schwarzwaldmilch GmbH Freiburg:

Dr Hendrik Thies, Partner (M&A, Corporate Law, Lead)
Jonas Doser, Associate (M&A, Corporate Law)
Dr Till Böttcher, Partner (Real Estate Law)
Dr Andreas Schubert, Partner (Employment Law)
Norbert Hebeis, Partner (Intellectual Property Law)
Dr Hans Christian Wilms, Local Partner (Administrative Law/Public Law)
Jan-Jakob Fahrländer, Associate (Real Estate Law)
Theresa Triquart, Associate (Intellectual Property Law)