Industrial Tech and Automation M&A

Liquidity crises rarely emerge overnight. They often begin with deteriorating supplier confidence, tightening payment terms and increasing pressure on Working Capital. Organizations that prepare early can significantly improve their ability to absorb liquidity shocks and maintain operational stability. This insight presents Fortlane Partners' perspective on stress-testing liquidity resilience. It highlights practical measures to strengthen cash management, stabilize operations and prepare organizations for adverse liquidity scenarios before they materialize.

Working Capital remains one of the largest untapped value levers for companies. Our analysis of 289 companies across the DACH region reveals more than €150 billion tied up in excess inventories, receivables and payables. At the same time, many growing businesses convert only a fraction of additional revenue into cash.The Working Capital Barometer 2026 highlights the key trends, benchmarks and performance gaps shaping cash efficiency today. It provides CFOs and finance leaders with practical insights into where the greatest opportunities lie—and how sustainable working capital performance can be achieved.