Viennese Building Materials Dealer Quester is Insolvent: 290 Jobs at Risk

The reason is the "persistently negative development of the construction industry." Now, an insolvency administrator must decide what will happen with the company, founded in 1934, and its 290 employees.

On Friday, it became known that Quester cannot pay the salaries for October. For these, the state insolvency compensation fund, which is financed from payroll-related costs, will step in - albeit with a delay. It legally secures employees' outstanding claims in the event of an employer's insolvency.

Company: Talks with Potential Investors

Quester is relying on fresh money from an investor for continuation. Intensive talks are already being held with potential investors, including about the financing of the reorganization plan. "The seamless continuation of operations will be coordinated with the insolvency administrator based on the already developed continuation plan," the company management expressed optimism. Quester did not disclose the amount of debt or how many creditors are affected.

Viennese Building Materials Dealer Quester Files for Insolvency

The past years have been anything but smooth for the building materials and tile dealer with 18 locations in Vienna, Lower Austria, Styria, and Carinthia. The former family business has changed owners three times since 2005 and has belonged to the German "turnaround" specialist Callista Private Equity since June 2025. According to the commercial register, Quester recorded a loss of 7 million euros and 15 million euros in the past two years. Revenue has halved over the past 20 years to 130 million euros.

(APA/Red)

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