Historic low and increasing insolvencies

The wave of insolvencies already expected as a result of Corona in 2020 and 2021 failed to materialize. Not least because of the comprehensive Corona aid provided by the German government, which also saved already weakening companies from insolvency. As a result of this aid, which tended to support the so-called zombie companies and prevented a healthy market shakeout, the number of insolvent companies is at a historic low. Even well-known brand-name companies such as Hakle GmbH, Ludwig Görtz GmbH and orsay are feeling the effects of high energy prices and reduced customer purchasing power. In addition, rising wages and production costs are taking their toll. According to Expert:innen opinions, these factors will lead to the number of insolvent companies in November being back at the same level as before the Corona pandemic.

However, even though insolvency figures in Germany are currently at a historically low level, medium-sized companies in particular are fighting for their existence. A survey by the BDI – Bundesverband der Deutschen Industrie e.V. (Federation of German Industries) shows that the enormous increases in energy and raw material prices are becoming or have already become a strong (58%) or existential (34%) challenge. Supply chain problems and the shortage of skilled workers also remain significant difficulties that are drastic for many companies. SMEs that cannot, for example, switch to foreign (production) sites and benefit from lower energy prices have had to finance the crisis from their own resources so far this year.

Especially in times of crisis, it is worthwhile to review one’s own strategy in order to optimize it and create resilient structures. Every crisis also holds the opportunity for a new, healthy company. So there is a need for action – both in politics and within the company – to cushion the various negative influences and disruptive factors that are currently prevalent.