The number of bankruptcies in Sweden increased by 17 % in October 2025, making the month the toughest of the year so far. According to Credit safes bankruptcy statistics It is mainly small limited companies without employees that are responsible for the rise – while trade is showing signs of recovery for the first time in a long time.

Bankruptcies are on the rise again

During October 968 limited liability companies in bankruptcy, compared to 828 in the same month last year and 829 the year before. This represents the largest monthly increase so far in 2025.
The total number of bankruptcies on an annual basis is now 8 302, which corresponds to the same level as in 2024.

– October marks a clear turnaround after a calmer summer. The increase is worrying, especially since it is coming from already historically high levels. At the same time, we see that the upturn is primarily driven by companies with very low or no turnover, says Henrik Jacobsson, CEO of Creditsafe.

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Small companies account for the increase

This month's bankruptcies are dominated by smaller limited companies with low or no turnover. The proportion of such companies is significantly higher than during the same period last year.
Despite the upturn, the impact on the labor market is limited – only 2,040 people was affected, which is 21 % fewer than 2024.

Construction and transport are under pressure – trade is recovering

The largest increase in October was noted in consulting firms (+65 %), haulage companies (+44 %) and car repair shops (+38 %).
Also construction industry (+24 %) and hotel and restaurant sector (+11 %) shows a clear increase.

However, trading breaks the trend with a reduction in bankruptcies within

• e-commerce (−43 %),
• wholesale (−24 %)
• retail (−20 %).

This indicates a cautious recovery in the consumer sector.

Biggest bankruptcies in October

The biggest bankruptcy of the month was BRA Sweden AB (Bromma) for, with a turnover on SEK 1.5 billion. The company is part of the same group as Braathens International Airways AB, which went bankrupt in September.

Other major bankruptcies include:

• LOGS Logistics AB – 235 million, 43 employees (Skärholmen)
• Dahab AB – 115 million, 7 employees (Helsingborg)
• Carvest AB – 102 million (Stockholm)
• LH Ventteknik AB – 101 million, 23 employees (Rönninge)

Every other major bankruptcy had a tax deferral

The proportion of companies with granted tax deferral remains high.
In total, there were 19 % of the month's bankrupt companies have been granted a reprieve.
Among companies with a turnover of over ten million, the proportion was 50 %, which shows that tax deferral is still a clear risk factor.

More start-ups despite challenges

Despite the increase in bankruptcies, new business continues to grow.
In October, it was registered 4,890 new limited companies, an increase of 17 % compared to the same month in 2024.
Sweden now has over 800,000 active limited companies.

Bankruptcies by industry (Jan–Oct 2025)

📊 Source: Creditsafe – Bankruptcy statistics October 2025

Biggest bankruptcies in October

About the statistics

Creditsafe's bankruptcy statistics covers Swedish limited companies and is published on the first weekday of each month.
The figures are always updated in the morning of the same day as publication, which means that even bankruptcies registered late are included in the statistics.
For more details, visit Creditsafe.se