Corporate Insolvencies March 2026: Increase of 15.8 Percent

Consumer Insolvencies Also Rose

In addition to corporate failures, consumer insolvencies also increased noticeably in March: their number rose by 18.9 percent to 7,462 cases. In March, there were 7,462 consumer insolvencies - almost a fifth (18.9 percent) more than the previous year. In the first quarter, the number rose by six percent.

The creditors' claims from the corporate insolvencies reported in the first quarter were estimated by the local courts at around 9.3 billion euros. The creditors' claims from the corporate insolvencies in the first quarter amounted to around 9.3 billion euros - significantly less than a year earlier at 19.9 billion euros. In the same quarter of the previous year, the claims had still stood at around 19.9 billion euros.

Creditor Claims Decline Despite More Cases

This significant decline in claims despite rising case numbers results from the fact that in the same period of the previous year, more economically significant companies had to file for insolvency. According to the Federal Statistical Office, this is because in the first quarter of 2025, more large companies had filed for insolvency.

When interpreting the results, it should be taken into account that the applications are only included in the statistics after the first decision by the insolvency court. The actual date of the insolvency application is in many cases approximately three months earlier.

Outlook: Further Restructuring Expected

According to a study by consulting firm EY Parthenon, banks specializing in crisis cases expect more restructuring in light of rising energy and raw material costs, wars, and a weaker economy. The highest restructuring needs in Germany are expected in the automotive and mechanical engineering sectors, while pressure in the real estate industry is easing.

As an export nation, Germany is more affected by the globally slower economic growth and geopolitical crises than other countries in Europe. Experts such as the credit reporting agency Creditreform also expect more insolvencies in Germany in the current year.

The report was published by Dow Jones Newswires on June 12, 2026, at 02:27 ET (06:27 GMT).