Overview
- The nationwide insolvency rate rose to roughly 76 per 10,000 firms, with Berlin at about 130, Thüringen at 48 and Bavaria at 55 as all 16 states posted increases.
- Small businesses account for over 80% of cases, yet roughly 140 larger companies also failed, including several hospital and care operators, alongside notable rises in retail and manufacturing.
- Estimated creditor losses reach about €57 billion, with roughly 285,000 jobs threatened or lost in 2025.
- The upswing has slowed from the steep 2023–2024 jumps, but Creditreform does not expect a trend reversal in 2026, suggesting federal investment plans may only temper the increase.
- Retail distress stands out, with Allianz Trade counting 2,490 shop insolvencies in the year to August and cases such as Görtz and Gerry Weber, while services still generate the most filings.