fewer bankruptcies

According to Statistics Netherlands, 487 businesses and institutions (excluding one-man businesses) were declared bankrupt in November  2014, 50 fewer than in October.

In the period January-November, 6,124 businesses and institutions were declared bankrupt. This is 21 percent down on the same period last year. The number of bankruptcies is still high compared to the pre-crisis level: 3,420 businesses and institutions went bankrupt in the first eleven months of 2008.

Downward trend

As the number of businesses declared bankrupt in a particular month is closely related to the number of days courts are in session, it may vary considerably from one month to the next. Therefore, the three-month moving average is a more reliable indicator.

At 521, the three-month moving average was just about the same in November as in the preceding month. The average has decreased considerably following a peak in mid-2013. In the past few months it has been at its lowest level for three years.   

Bankruptcies of businesses and institutions (excluding one-man businesses)

Most bankruptcies recorded in the South Holland and North Brabant

In provinces South Holland and North Brabant just over 100 businesses went bankrupt in November. The lowest number of bankruptcies was recorded in Zeeland. The number of bankruptcies in a province correlates with the number of businesses in the same province. The number of businesses in South Holland is much higher than the number in Zeeland.

In terms of economic activity, wholesale and retail trade had the highest number of bankruptcies: 110. The financial services sector also had a substantial number: 87.

Bankruptcies of businesses and institutions (excluding one-man businesses) by province

More figures can be found in dossier Business cycle.

For more information on economic indicators, see the Economic Monitor.