About this episode

The episode discusses the rising trend of bankruptcies among middle market companies and the factors contributing to this phenomenon.

Send us Fan Mail Privately Held middle market companies have seen bankruptcies surged in 2025, reaching the highest levels since the Great Recession, with over 700 U.S. corporate filings driven by high interest rates, inflation, and yes, tariffs. This upward trend is expected to continue through early 2026, with industrial and consumer discretionary sectors facing the highest distress.

People in this episode

Host: Stephen White

Topics covered

• bankruptcy
• corporate filings
• economic distress
• high interest rates
• inflation
• tariffs

Keywords

• bankruptcy
• corporate filings
• high interest rates
• inflation
• tariffs
• economic distress

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Privately Held middle market companies, industrial and consumer discretionary sectors

Places: U.S.

More episodes of Business Valuation... Real Talk

• The Ultimate Chess Board of Tariffs · March 1, 2026 · 26 min
• Is there a need to have business valuation now? · January 29, 2026 · 36 min
• Valuations – The Gift That Keeps Giving · December 30, 2025 · 24 min
• Why Not Now? · November 30, 2025 · 38 min
• Tick Tock Valuations, Something Has to Give!! · September 23, 2025 · 28 min
• An ESOP Company: The story behind starting and growing an ESOP Company · July 27, 2025 · 45 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Business Valuation... Real Talk podcast page.