In the fourth quarter of 2013, the number of bankruptcies went up compared with the same quarter in 2012. In 2013 as a whole, more bankruptcies were registered than the year before.

The total number of bankruptcies in 2013 was 4 564, which is an increase of 19.7 per cent, or 750 more bankruptcies compared with 2012. The largest rise in percentage terms was in the county of Østfold, with 48 per cent more bankruptcies. Oslo was the county with the largest increase in absolute figures, with a total of 213 more bankruptcies.

Seven out of ten bankruptcies - a total of 3 253 - related to enterprises (excluding sole proprietorships). This is an increase of 18 per cent compared with 2012. One third of these enterprises were in wholesale and retail trade.

The remaining 1 311 bankruptcies related to sole proprietorships and personal bankruptcies. Compared with 2012, this number grew by 25 per cent. Thirty-six per cent of these bankruptcies were in construction.

In the fourth quarter of 2013, the total number of bankruptcies was 1 156. This is a rise of 16 per cent compared with the same quarter the year before.

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