What September 2026 insolvencies reveal to business owners

A mixed September: sharp monthly rise, steady annual trend

September 2026 saw a sharp rise in collective insolvency proceedings compared with August 2026 (+110.3 %), with 5,999 cases published in the BODACC. This spike reflects seasonal or short-term factors rather than a structural shift. Year-on-year, however, the figures remain stable (-2.6 %), with 6,162 cases in September 2025. Over the last twelve months, the total is virtually unchanged (-0.3 %), confirming an overall stable landscape despite monthly fluctuations.

For business owners, this annual stability is reassuring: it suggests that the average risk of insolvency has not increased, even if temporary peaks may occur. For buyers, the stability indicates that the market for distressed businesses remains active, though without a sudden surge in opportunities.

Regions and sectors most at risk: where are the hotspots?

Over the last twelve months, three regions recorded a rise in insolvencies: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (+4.4 %), Île-de-France (+2.1 %) and Nouvelle-Aquitaine (+0.5 %). Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur saw a slight decline (-0.9 %). These regional differences reflect local dynamics but do not point to a lasting imbalance.

By sector, insolvencies remain concentrated in traditionally vulnerable industries:

• Trade and vehicle repair: 2,485 cases in the last 90 days
• Construction: 1,993 cases
• Accommodation and food services: 1,771 cases
• Professional, scientific and technical activities: 745 cases
• Manufacturing: 731 cases

Business owners operating in these sectors should anticipate heightened risk, particularly if they notice cash-flow or margin pressures. For buyers, these figures highlight potential targets, but thorough due diligence is essential before any acquisition.

Three practical steps if your business is struggling

If your business shows signs of weakness, three actions can help mitigate risks:

• Review your financial position: A detailed balance sheet can reveal levers for improvement. A free financial analysis based on your accounting records or balance sheet can help prioritise corrective measures. [Explore our free analysis tool][1]

• Plan ahead for insolvency proceedings: If the situation is critical, filing for safeguard or receivership can prevent immediate liquidation. These proceedings provide a framework to negotiate with creditors and restructure operations.

• Prepare for a sale: If recovery is not feasible, selling the business before insolvency can preserve its value. A platform like [Bilanea’s marketplace][2] can connect you with serious buyers.

For buyers, the approach is reversed: identify struggling businesses before they reach the courtroom using the [radar for distressed companies][3], then assess their potential with tailored tools.

Collective proceedings: what outcomes can businesses expect?

Of the 3,326 safeguard and receivership cases opened in the last twelve months, only 167 have a known outcome so far. The results are mixed:

• 2 sale plans were approved
• No continuation plans were validated
• 155 cases were converted into liquidation

These figures show that safeguard or receivership proceedings do not always lead to a positive outcome. For business owners, this underscores the importance of acting before proceedings begin, when options still exist. For buyers, the data highlights the need for in-depth analysis before acquiring a business in receivership, as viability is not guaranteed.

Sales and acquisitions: an active market, but proceed with caution

In September 2026, 3,101 business sales and asset transfers were published in the BODACC. This confirms that the market for acquisitions remains dynamic, even if insolvencies are not surging. For buyers, this means opportunities exist—but due diligence is critical to avoid pitfalls.

Tips for a secure acquisition:

• Assess the target’s financial health using a [sample financial report][4].
• Browse [businesses for sale][2] to identify targets within your budget.
• Use [Bilanea’s analysis tools for buyers and investors][5] to refine your choice.

In summary, September 2026 signals neither a widespread crisis nor a market collapse. Business owners should remain vigilant, especially in vulnerable sectors. Buyers can find opportunities, but rigorous analysis is essential before making a decision.

[1]: /en/free-analysis "Free financial analysis tool" [2]: /en/marketplace "Bilanea’s marketplace for businesses for sale" [3]: /en/marketplace/radar "Radar for distressed companies" [4]: /en/sample-report "Sample financial report" [5]: /en/for/buyers-and-investors "Analysis tools for buyers and investors"

Source: notices published in the BODACC (open data), Bilanea calculations. The full series are in the business failures observatory.

Article written with the assistance of artificial intelligence from the data of the Bilanea observatory and public sources, then checked automatically before publication.