Handelsregister (commercial register)

The Handelsregister is Germany's public directory of merchants and trading companies under §§ 8 et seq. HGB. Kept at the district courts, it contains data on name, seat, legal form, representatives, share capital and authorised signatories.

Two sections: A (sole traders, OHG, KG) and B (corporations: GmbH, AG, KGaA). For insolvency deals, section B is almost always the relevant one.

The „AD detail” view (extract with historical data) is the richest view: it shows all changes since incorporation — director changes, capital increases, seat changes. An essential research tool for buyers to understand structural and management continuity.