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The German Chemicals Industry Association hopes for an economic policy breakthrough following the early federal election on February 23. The VCI warns that the country cannot afford a "collective burnout."

In 2024, significantly more companies filed for insolvency than in the previous year, according to new data from the credit rating agency Creditreform. And this trend is expected to continue in 2025.

The EU-Mercosur free trade agreement would place a disproportionate burden on European sugar producers. Mercosur member Brazil is the world’s largest sugar producer.

The federal government plans to tap the money and capital markets less in 2025 than in the current year. 380 billion euros is expected to be raised through auctions. A new ten-year green federal bond will be issued.

The European chemicals industry is not only suffering from the long economic downturn, but also from massive overcapacity, Brenntag CEO Christian Kohlpaintner says in an interview. Consolidation is needed.

The Federation of German Industries (BDI) is calling for a new political approach to sustainability regulation. The taxonomy should only be applied voluntarily, and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive significantly pared down.

The German branch of Morrison Foerster has established itself as a transactional law firm focussing on cross-border takeovers. Managing Partner Dirk Besse expects M&A business to grow in 2025, and would like to see a better environment for start-ups.

Lutz Diederichs, CEO of BNP Paribas Germany, discusses the bank's strategy in the German market, including in the SME sector and private banking. He sees greater use of securitisation as an important step towards Capital Markets Union.

Evonik is streamlining its operations, and merging its existing four divisions into two. Layers of management are being eliminated – and a total of around 7,000 jobs are on the line.

Representatives of Donald Trump's planned Department of Government Efficiency are reportedly considering the abolition of the FDIC. However, even the mere suggestion that Washington might tamper with deposit insurance threatens to destabilise the financial system.

Online fashion retailer Zalando has launched an offer for its smaller competitor About You. The companies hope to achieve synergies in the business-to-business sector, as well as in logistics, payment processing, and commercial collaboration.

The number of sustainability awards and rankings is growing rapidly. But the many accolades being given out threatens their credibility, and more transparency over methodologies is needed.

Despite the uncertain economic climate causing many companies to hold back on investments, the industrial group Viessmann remains proactive. Following the completion of its Encavis acquisition, the company is poised to join forces with EQT later this month for an investment in sustainability software, as exclusively first reported by Börsen-Zeitung.

The crisis at the agricultural trading company Baywa has worsened. The announced reduction of 1,300 jobs is just the beginning, as various domestic and foreign subsidiaries will also be impacted.

Insurance group Talanx is exceeding its financial targets for the current strategic period ending in 2025. Management are now raising the bar even higher.

Having children – or career advancement? Top executives in Germany can now reconsider the answer to this question. Allianz has made a truly revolutionary decision.

Donald Trump moves back into the White House on January 20. The change of government will have a major impact on the monetary policy of the Fed and ECB, says Eric Robertsen, Global Head of Research at Standard Chartered. Robertsen believes the Republican is willing to compromise on the level of tariffs.

Felix Eisel spent several years at a fund boutique before switching to the corporate side. He helped set up Enpal Financial Services, for which one role will be structuring securitisation deals for residential solar panel loans.

Investment firm Triton has launched an internal investigation into behaviour at company parties. In an interview with Börsen-Zeitung, Martin Huth and Claus von Hermann say that they are sending a clear message to all employees regarding company values.

German machinery & equipment exporters are increasing their presence in the United States market. But with uncertainty over the policies of incoming President Donald Trump, diversification into other markets remains key.

Against a background of rising energy prices and geopolitical uncertainties, the government in Rome is planning a nuclear power renaissance. With the addition of Italy, the nuclear bloc in Europe is growing stronger.

Scalable Capital is founding the European Investor Exchange (EIX) in partnership with the Hannover Stock Exchange. The move comes as the planned end of payment for order flow is changing the neobroker business model.