Mega Bankruptcies Grew 33% Over Past Year, Above Historical Rate

More corporate bankruptcies involving over $1 billion in assets were filed in the first half of 2025 than any other six-month period since the outset of the Covid-19 pandemic, with some distressed companies blaming decreased consumer demand and inflation, according to a new report.

There were 32 “mega” bankruptcies filed in the last 12 months, with 17 in the first six months of 2025, Cornerstone Research’s Wednesday report on corporate bankruptcy trends found. That’s a 33% increase from the previous 12-month period, when there were 24 mega bankruptcies, the report said.

Historically, mega bankruptcies—those with more than $1 billion in ...