Lowest number of bankruptcies in 7 years

Statistics Netherlands (CBS) reports that, adjusted for court session days, the number of bankruptcies, declined by 7 in September 2015 relative to August, thus reaching the lowest level since October 2008. The downward trend in bankruptcies continues.

Downward trend

The number of businesses declared bankrupt in a particular month is closely related to the number of days courts are in session. This may vary considerably from one month to the next. Therefore, the series adjusted for the number of days courts are in session provides a more reliable indicator. September had 5 court session days, while August had 4.

In September 2015, the number of bankruptcies adjusted for court session days reached the lowest level since October 2008. It peaked in May 2013, followed by a downward trend.

Most bankruptcies in the trade sector

In September this year, 367 businesses and institutions (excluding one-man businesses) were declared bankrupt, resulting in a total over the first 9 months of this year of 4,020, i.e. more than 21 percent down from the same period last year.

With a total of 77, the trade sector had the highest number of bankruptcies. The sector financial institutions accounted for 54 bankruptcies. These two sectors also include the highest number of businesses. In relative terms, the construction sector recorded the highest number of bankruptcies (43).