Debtwire Forum Europe 2026

location_on Nobu Hotel Portman Square, London Map
24 Feb

Transforming sectors – Automotive and chemicals

Weak demand, high costs and rising global competition combined with high energy prices and a shift away from fossil fuels are reshaping both the automotive and chemicals sectors. The automotive sector also faces additional pressure from the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) with plunging investment raising concerns for the European industry. Turnaround efforts are largely focused on consolidation and cost optimisation as companies review their portfolios to focus on core capabilities and streamline operations. This panel will examine the forces driving change in these sectors, review lessons from recent transformations and explore what the future might hold. 

  • What factors shaped automotive and chemicals sector financial restructurings in 2025 and what challenges and opportunities lie ahead in 2026? 
  • What insights can be drawn from recent automotive and chemicals turnaround situations? 
  • Bankruptcy versus out-of-court restructuring- how should companies weigh the risks and benefits of each approach? 
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  • Speakers keyboard_arrow_down
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    Adam Samoon Head of High Yield Debtwire
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    Wolfgang Felix Founder Sarria Bio
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    Joerg Giebels Associate Partner / Principal Oliver Wyman Bio
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    Diana Torres Senior Managing Director, Corporate Turnaround and Transformation Teneo Bio