The Guardian · 25 Oct, 09:00 · Business briefing

Bust companies revived in ‘phoenix’ deals more likely to fail again, study finds

A recent study indicates that companies resurrected through ‘phoenix’ deals — where a new entity assumes assets from a failed business — face significantly higher risks of subsequent failure.

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The briefing

The story
in brief.

What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

A recent study indicates that companies resurrected through ‘phoenix’ deals — where a new entity assumes assets from a failed business — face significantly higher risks of subsequent failure. This pattern suggests structural vulnerabilities often persist despite legal restructuring. For professionals, this highlights the fragility of such ventures and the importance of due diligence. The findings serve as a cautionary tale regarding corporate longevity and the complexities of insolvency processes in the modern economy.

Employer demand for Risk Management Strategies skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

What this means
for your career.

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You must prioritise rigorous due diligence when considering employment with phoenix companies or advising them. Roles focusing on financial scrutiny, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance are increasingly valuable as stakeholders demand greater transparency. You should develop expertise in identifying hidden liabilities and assessing sustainable business models over quick fixes. Smart professionals will enhance their skills in forensic accounting and corporate governance to navigate these complex landscapes. By understanding the mechanics of insolvency and restructuring, you position yourself as a critical advisor capable of mitigating future failures. Focus on building resilience and ethical oversight in your career path.

For this story, the fields that convert it into pay are Risk Management Strategies, Compliance And Governance, Finance and Accounting and Crisis Management — exactly the programmes matched below. The chart shows the indicative salary uplift certified professionals report in each of those fields; every one of them is a click away, from £79, finishing in as few as 20 days.

Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
Indicative ranges from published continuing-education salary studies, by field — each field is a recommended course below

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