According to a survey, many medium-sized companies have existential concerns as a result of the energy crisis. However, the economic situation is still relatively stable for the time being, according to an economic survey conducted by the SME association among its members.

Specifically, according to the association, more than a third of the association groups estimate that the energy crisis will endanger the existence of a large part of their members if politicians do not take countermeasures with bridging measures. The federal government has announced extended state financial aid for companies as part of the planned multi-billion dollar protective shield.

The association represents groups such as Edeka, Rewe and Expert. According to the association, 57 group headquarters with around 42,000 affiliated companies from a total of 16 sectors took part in the economic survey.

More than 26 percent of the companies therefore expect a drop in sales in the next few months - in a survey in the previous quarter it was 16 percent. Around 30 percent of companies reported a decline in earnings from July to September. The number of employees is stagnating.