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Restructuring Barometer Germany Spring 2025
The Atreus study impressively shows the need for restructuring among German companies in 2025
The Atreus study “Restructuring Barometer Spring 2025” shows which economic, political and technological developments are shaping the corporate landscape in Germany and what challenges companies are currently facing. It provides insights into which strategic decisions will be crucial for companies in the coming years after the 2025 federal elections – and which factors will determine whether Germany can emerge from the current challenges as a stronger business location.
Germany as a business location: Uncertain outlook with development potential
The economic situation in Germany continues to be viewed critically by the managers surveyed. Of those who participated in the study, 42.56% said that the situation has worsened further, while just under half (47.52%) rate the economy as currently weakening but with potential for development. Only a negligible minority (0.60%) see the situation as positive.
These results show that after years of multiple crises – from supply chain problems to energy price increases and geopolitical tensions – the German economy has not yet found a sustainable path to recovery. Uncertainty remains high, but many companies see opportunities as long as political and economic conditions are able to guarantee stability.
The 2025 federal elections were an influencing factor – but not the decisive turning point
Almost half of the managers surveyed (49.92%) rated the result of the federal elections as positive or with potential for positive change, while 36.99% saw no significant impact on economic development. Only 13.08% of those surveyed anticipate negative economic effects or stagnation.
These figures make it clear that the results of the election tend to be viewed positively, but that this alone will not be enough to fundamentally influence the strategic decisions that companies will have to make. Rather, business challenges such as rising costs, regulation, and international competitiveness remain the decisive factors. However, the results also show that there is a certain expectation that the new federal government will be able to provide stimulus in the form of economic policies. And there remains a great deal of skepticism as to whether the new federal government will really take on the obvious challenges and address them along with the difficult decisions they entail. The initial exploratory talks and ongoing coalition negotiations actually offer little cause for optimism.
Restructuring is becoming more complex – and more difficult
The study shows a significant increase in the challenges of restructuring: Of those surveyed, 44.46% report an increase in complexity, while 19.86% see little room for action.
Regulatory requirements are also playing an increasingly important role. ESG requirements and rising financial and legal hurdles are making it increasingly difficult for companies to adapt their business models flexibly
Dissatisfaction With the Speed of Transformation – Companies Are Not Moving Fast Enough
Despite the high level of willingness to transform, many companies are dissatisfied with the speed of their implementation. Of those surveyed, 34.92% feel their transformation is too slow, while a further 17.73% rate it as much too slow.
This shows that although many companies are initiating change, they are struggling with internal resistance, regulatory requirements, or technological hurdles. Faster implementation of innovation and transformation projects could be crucial to remaining competitive at the international level.
Stress test for key industries: Automotive, mechanical engineering, and technology are under pressure
The situation remains particularly challenging for some of the most important pillars of the German economy. The automotive industry is under the most pressure by far: 90.92% of the managers surveyed rated the pressure as strong (31.92%) or even very strong (59.00%).
The pressure is also high in mechanical and plant engineering, where 74.72% of those surveyed view it as strong (57.14%) or very strong (17.58%). The chemical industry is also coming under increasing pressure: 53.72% of study participants see strong (40.92%) or very strong (12.80%) challenges here.
The results of the study make it clear that these industries will either secure their competitiveness in the coming years through decisive transformation or continue to lose market share due to structural weaknesses
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