What are the main challenges that are facing the automobile sector at the moment?
The changes in the sector are hitting hard, and the transformation to alternative drive systems is presenting many businesses – particularly suppliers – with enormous economic challenges. Among these are rising energy costs, insecure supply chains and increasing regulation. The pressure is huge! Medium-sized companies, in particular, are often standing with their backs to the wall, because they are barely able to cope with the structural changes on their own. We see this, for example, in cases such as that of S-Group with its 1,500 employees, a tradition-steeped automobile supplier, that got into difficulties because of declines in production of well-known OEMs. If a company doesn’t strategically realign itself early, it risks its competitive position.

How can BBL help companies in this crisis?
Our 360-degree approach focuses on management levels, employees and suppliers in equal measures. Because the experience from operations such as Kamei, Schlote and Jama shows that, through working together, more ways to overcome a crisis open up – but the earlier companies act, the better are the prospects. Whether a restructuring outside insolvency proceedings, StaRUG proceedings or insolvency in self-administration ⎼ we analyse precisely which strategy promises the greatest success. This meant we were able to successfully stabilise and restructure Kamei, a well-known manufacturer of car roof boxes, by negotiating specifically with investors and creditors. It is always our aim not just to stabilise the business in the short term, but to create a genuine prospect for the future.

And what can companies themselves do in order to actively shape the structural transformation?
Act early and be open to change! Companies mustn’t rely exclusively on their existing business model. There are related sectors such as electromobility, software and new mobility solutions which offer great opportunities. It is also important to proactively seek dialogue with banks, investors and other stakeholders. In the case of Jama, a major supplier, we did just that. Together with all those involved, we found a restructuring solution that safeguarded the site and many jobs. Our network and our expert knowledge of the industry help to return businesses to a sustainable growth path.