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Industry News from INSOL Europe
11 March 2026
French gaming giant Nacon has officially filed for insolvency following a major financial crisis involving its parent company, Bigben Interactive. The move was triggered after Bigben’s banking pool unexpectedly refused to authorise a drawdown needed to repay a €43 million debt. This forced Nacon to seek judicial reorganisation to protect its 1,000+ employees and 16 development studios.Nacon is currently using the court-supervised process to freeze debts and restructure. Operations remain active, and the company has expressed its intent to move forward with major 2026 releases such as GreedFall II and Styx: Blades of Greed. Trading of Nacon and Bigben shares on the Euronext Paris remains suspended as the Lille Métropole Commercial Court determines the next steps for a continuation plan.
Read more at Indy100
Commission approves €390 million Italian rescue loan to Acciaierie d'Italia under EU State aid rules
04 March 2026
On February 10, 2026, the European Commission officially approved a €390 million rescue loan for Acciaierie d’Italia (ADI), the operator of Italy’s largest steelworks in Taranto, clearing the path for its recovery. This state aid, granted under strict EU regulations, provides a critical lifeline to ensure the company’s liquidity and business continuity during its ongoing extraordinary administration.The funding is designed to cover urgent operating costs and essential environmental maintenance, preventing a total production halt that could devastate the regional economy. As a condition of the approval, Italy must present a comprehensive restructuring or liquidation plan by August 2026.
The intervention marks a pivotal moment in the 2026 recovery strategy, aiming to stabilize the plant’s industrial output while the government seeks a long-term private buyer to modernize the facility and secure thousands of jobs.
Read the full Press Release from the European Commission
02 March 2026
Reports suggest that James Watt is preparing a £10 million comeback bid to regain control of BrewDog, as the struggling craft beer giant faces a potential sale. Backed by private equity, the proposed deal would acquire the company’s brands, bars, and brewing operations, preserving the business as a whole rather than breaking it up. The move follows five consecutive years of pre-tax losses, including a £37 million deficit in 2024, with restructuring advisers AlixPartners overseeing the sales process.
Crucially, the plan may allow some of BrewDog’s 220,000 crowdfunded retail investors to roll over their shares. If successful, the founder-led bid could reshape the company’s future, raising questions about valuation, governance, and whether returning leadership can stabilise a once high-flying brand.
Read more at The Drinks Business here
28 February 2026
Italian-based Graphilm Entertainment has regained full ownership and returned to independent operation following the liquidation of its French former parent company, Cyber Group Studios. After the French animation giant entered administration last year, Graphilm successfully restored 100% ownership, allowing it to operate as a fully independent Italian production house once again.The company is also strengthening its production and distribution partnerships. Crucially, the studio has recovered the rights to its key intellectual properties, including the animated series McFire Family.
This restoration of ownership marks a new chapter for the 38-year-old studio, preserving its creative legacy while stabilizing its international production pipeline amidst the collapse of its former corporate partner.
More on this story at World Screen
23 February 2026
Rocket startup Orbex is on the brink of collapse after failing to secure a rescue deal or fresh investment, with its Danish subsidiary already having filed for bankruptcy in January 2026. The UK company, based in the Highlands, is preparing to enter administration, as of mid-February, putting jobs at risk and jeopardizing the UK’s goal of a homegrown space launch.
Despite receiving £26 million in government loans since last year, Orbex has struggled with a scale-up funding gap, typical of the capital-intensive aerospace sector. Plans to launch its low-carbon "Prime" rocket from the Shetland Islands this year are now in doubt after merger talks with Germany's The Exploration Company fell through.
While it is reported that rival firm Skyrora has expressed interest in acquiring some assets, the potential failure marks a significant blow to Scotland’s burgeoning space industry and raises questions regarding the effectiveness of taxpayer-funded support for high-risk tech ventures.

