Varta files insolvency for four group companies after losing Apple as main client
The 3,260-employee German battery group filed four insolvency petitions at Stuttgart court after Apple, its biggest customer, switched to Chinese suppliers for AirPods batteries in spring 2026.
Loss of the key customer
Apple, Varta's largest client, decided in spring 2026 to replace the German battery maker with Chinese producers for the supply of batteries destined for its AirPods earbuds. The decision, confirmed by German media and a court spokeswoman, removed the group's primary revenue source. Varta had been heavily indebted for some time and the loss of Apple accelerated its descent into distress. Before the electric battery boom, Varta had competed in Europe with Duracell in the household battery market, but that legacy could not offset the blow.
Insolvency proceedings at Stuttgart court
On 25 July 2026, Varta filed four insolvency petitions for as many group companies at the Stuttgart district court. A court spokeswoman stated that the requests to open insolvency proceedings are currently under judicial review. The company is trying to avoid a full bankruptcy and to keep operations running, but its chances of emerging from the protracted crisis appear slim. Analysts and media have pointed to the risk that the group will be broken up.
- Revenue 793 million euros, EBITDA negative 3.5 million
- Loss of Apple as main AirPods battery client
- Insolvency filing for four group companies at Stuttgart court
Financial crunch and shareholder refusal
An independent analysis showed that Varta needs tens of millions of euros in additional short-term financing. Despite intensive negotiations, none of the existing shareholders (among them carmaker Porsche and Austrian investor Michael Tojner) proved willing to inject fresh capital. The group published its last financial results in 2025, showing revenue of about 793 million euros for the 2024 fiscal year and a negative EBITDA of 3.5 million euros. This financial pressure, combined with the loss of the Apple contract, left the company with no clear path to survival.
Workforce and product lines
Varta employs approximately 3,260 people worldwide, many of them at its headquarters in Ellwangen in southwestern Germany. The company produces microbatteries for hearing aids, energy storage systems, and, historically, well-known household batteries. The Ellwangen site remains the centre of its operations, but the insolvency filing casts uncertainty over these jobs.
Uncertain future
With the insolvency now under court scrutiny and no rescue capital from existing investors, the manufacturer faces potential dismemberment. The loss of its main client and the unwillingness of backers to commit further funds leave the future of the more-than-century-old battery maker in serious doubt. The court's next steps will determine whether the company can restructure or will be sold off in parts.
