Fewer businesses and institutions bankrupt

In March this year, 521 businesses and institutions (excluding one-man businesses) were declared bankrupt,  i.e. nearly 100 down from February 2014. The number of bankruptcies was reduced by more than one quarter relative to March 2013.

Many businesses and institutions declared bankrupt in March were active in the sectors trade (127), financial services (78) and construction (77).In most sectors, the number of bankruptcies was below the level of the preceding month.

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.

With 578 versus 603, the three-month moving average was also lower in March than in February. After having peaked at 751 in July 2013, the average has declined significantly.

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