Restructuring in Central and Eastern Europe

Due to the financial crisis and unsolved structural problems, the need for restructuring in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) is growing. Companies in the region are responding more and more quickly to crises, but more often than not, the necessary early warning systems are still lacking. When companies in this region restructure, they try to increase sales and reduce material costs. Reducing HR costs is (still) not a main focus – in contrast to Western Europe. Low equity remains a problem for companies in CEE.

69% of the companies surveyed have taken restructuring actions in the past three years. By contrast, in Western Europe the figure was 81% for the same period. The top reason given for restructuring was reorganizing structures and processes, followed by reducing costs and realigning strategy. This is the same breakdown as in Western Europe.

This is the fourth time that Roland Berger Strategy Consultants has conducted its international restructuring study.