In 2024, this number increased even further – to 4,457 proceedings, which represents an increase of 7.4% compared to 2023 and as much as 102.6% compared to 2022. Such a jump indicates a growing number of companies that need to adapt to dynamic economic changes and face new challenges.

Some sectors are more vulnerable to financial crises than others, which means that they are more likely to opt for restructuring. The reasons for this are rising operating costs, changing market conditions and more difficult access to financing. It is worth looking at which industries are in the most difficult situation and what steps entrepreneurs can take to avoid problems.

Why is the number of restructurings in Poland growing rapidly?

Recent years have brought significant economic changes that have affected the financial condition of many companies. In 2023, the number of restructurings increased by as much as 123.3% compared to 2021. As the 2025 report shows, more and more entrepreneurs are treating restructuring as a viable alternative to bankruptcy. Awareness of protecting a company through appropriate procedures is constantly growing. There are several reasons for this situation:

• High operating costs – rising energy, raw material and wage prices are a serious burden on businesses.
• Decline in consumer purchasing power – inflation and rising living costs are making customers more cautious about spending, which is affecting companies’ revenues.
• Difficulties in obtaining financing – high interest rates limit the availability of credit, which particularly affects construction and trade.
• Changing market realities – digitalisation, globalisation and the development of e-commerce are affecting the way businesses operate, forcing companies to be flexible.

Added to this are disruptions in supply chains, seasonal fluctuations in demand, rising labour costs and increasingly difficult access to external financing. According to experts, the problems faced by companies are not always the result of poor management, but increasingly often of external factors.

Industries with the highest number of restructuring proceedings

Not all sectors of the economy are equally affected by the difficulties. In 2023, the highest number of applications for restructuring proceedings were recorded in:

• Trade – 600 restructurings, an increase of 93.4% compared to the previous year.
• Industrial processing – 422 applications to open restructuring proceedings, an increase of 109.8%.
• Construction – 349 restructurings, an increase of 168.1%.
• Transport and warehousing – 322 restructurings.

The high number of restructurings in these sectors is mainly due to rising operating costs, changes in consumer habits and liquidity problems. In 2024, the structure was very similar – the highest number of restructuring proceedings concerned: trade (941), construction (688) and industrial processing (646).

Sectors with the highest restructuring rate – which industries are most at risk?

Not only the number of restructurings, but also their proportion in relation to the total number of companies in a given industry shows which sectors are in the greatest crisis. In 2023, the percentage of companies forced to restructure was exceptionally high in some industries, indicating deeper structural problems rather than just temporary market difficulties.

The highest restructuring rate was recorded in mining and quarrying, where approximately 4 out of every 1,000 companies began restructuring proceedings. This is the result of a gradual shift away from traditional energy sources and rising extraction costs. The increased rate also affected transport and industry, where sharp increases in the costs of fuel, energy and raw materials affected the profitability of operations.

A high proportion of companies undergoing restructuring was also recorded in construction, which was severely affected by rising material costs and limited access to investment financing. The catering and hotel industries were also affected – although the sector is recovering from the pandemic, rising labour costs and changing customer preferences mean that many companies are still struggling financially.

In 2024, companies in the transport, mining and water supply sectors also underwent restructuring relatively more often. The data also shows that the largest share of restructured companies were those that had been operating for 5 to 10 years.

How can companies strengthen their financial position?

Restructuring is not always inevitable – companies that implement preventive measures early enough can avoid having to take radical steps.

The key is to constantly monitor the financial situation and react quickly to the first signs of trouble. Cost optimisation, renegotiation of contracts with suppliers and diversification of revenue sources can increase a company’s stability and reduce the risk of losing liquidity. It is also worth keeping an eye on available financial support programmes that can help maintain profitability.

It is equally important to adapt to changing market conditions. Companies should invest in modern technologies, process automation and digitalisation, which can improve operational efficiency and increase competitiveness. Maintaining a flexible business model that allows for rapid adaptation to new realities can play an important role in preventing financial crises. In 2024, as many as 90% of companies decided to apply for approval of an arrangement – the simplest and most commonly chosen form of restructuring.

Restructuring as an opportunity for stabilisation and growth

Although restructuring is associated with difficulties, it can be an effective tool for getting a company back on track. When carried out properly, the process can reduce debt, improve liquidity and adapt the business model to current market conditions.

Data from 2023 shows that more and more companies are treating restructuring not as a last resort, but as a viable strategy to avoid bankruptcy and gain a competitive advantage. Properly taken measures can not only help overcome the crisis, but also pave the way for further growth and stabilisation.

This trend is also confirmed by data from 2024, which saw a record number of proceedings. The average number of cases per restructuring advisor also increased – from 8.5 to 8.7, which demonstrates the high level of involvement of experts. The highest number of restructuring proceedings were opened in the provinces of Mazovia (826), Silesia (574) and Greater Poland (491).