(26.01.2022) Switzerland recorded more bankruptcies last year than in 2020. According to the economic information firm Dun & Bradstreet, liquidation procedures increased by 4% in 2021. However, their number remains well below the pre-pandemic period.
In 2021, the number of bankruptcies increased slightly compared to 2020. Yet, paradoxically, the number of insolvency closures has remained relatively low during this pandemic period. This situation is explained by the federal government's measures to help the economy, according to the report. Facilitated credit and the introduction of partial unemployment have, for example, enabled many companies to remain in business and avoid liquidation proceedings.
Last year, 3,946 companies had to stop operating due to insolvency. That's 135 more bankruptcy procedures than in 2020. In 2019, Dun & Bradstreet counted almost 4,700 insolvencies across the country and even over 4,800 in 2018.
The geographical distribution of insolvency proceedings is not uniform. The Mittelland and Eastern Switzerland recorded the highest increases, of 18% and 15% respectively. In contrast, the South West saw a 5% decrease in liquidations. The biggest fall was in Ticino (-17%).
In terms of company formation, 2021 represents a historic high. Across the entire year, Dun & Bradstreet registered 50,537 new companies in the commercial register, representing an increase of 8% compared to 2020.
Last modification 26.01.2022
