Senior European Restructuring Partner and Head of Weil’s London Restructuring Practice, Andrew Wilkinson, recently appeared on CNBC TV and BBC News to discuss the latest findings from the Weil European Distress Index.

During the interviews, Andrew examined the current state of corporate distress across Europe and explored the economic and geopolitical trends continuing to shape the restructuring landscape.

Speaking on CNBC, Andrew discussed the continued increase in corporate distress despite earlier expectations that lower interest rates would provide relief. He highlighted what appears to be the beginning of a structural reset, driven by a combination of “higher energy costs which fed into inflation, higher input costs and a generally higher interest rate environment,” all of which continue to place pressure on corporate markets.

Andrew also highlighted that signs of distress remain particularly evident in the consumer, retail and industrial sectors. While the travel and leisure sector has been among the most resilient since the pandemic, he noted that it is now beginning to show early signs of pressure as rising fuel and operating costs weigh on businesses.

During his appearance on BBC News’ Business Today, Andrew commented on these trends in the travel and leisure sector, stating: “Post-pandemic, it was the sector that rebounded the strongest and had the least signs of distress a year and a half ago. But now a lot of pressure on travel because of cost.”

To watch the full interviews, please click here for BBC News and here for CNBC.

Click here to read the latest Weil European Distress Index (WEDI)