Bankruptcies in February at lowest level in 30 years

More recent figures are available on this topic. View the latest figures here.
© CBS / Nikki van Toorn
The number of corporate bankruptcies, adjusted for court session days, has decreased. There were 28 fewer bankruptcies in February than in the previous month, according to Statistics Netherlands (CBS). In February, the number of pronounced bankruptcies was at its lowest point since January 1991.

Number of bankruptcies at historically low level

The number of corporate bankruptcies (excluding sole proprietorships), adjusted for court session days, is seen to fluctuate significantly. Ups and downs alternate in rapid succession. The number of bankruptcies peaked in May 2013 (816). The number then decreased up to and including August 2017. Subsequently, the trend remained fairly flat until mid-2020. Since then, the trend has been downwards. In February 2021, the number of bankruptcies (on a monthly basis) reached its lowest level since January 1991.

Most bankruptcies recorded in trade

If the number of court session days is not taken into account, 107 businesses and institutions (excluding sole proprietorships) were declared bankrupt in February 2021. With a total of 20 (13 fewer than in January), the trade sector suffered most.

Trade is among the sectors with the highest number of businesses. In February, the number of bankruptcies was relatively highest in the sector renting and other business services (including employment agencies).

Figures published in this news release are provisional and subject to revision.

Related items