Speculative-grade debt defaults by companies with assets exceeding $100 million will increase at a near double-digit rate over the coming 24 months, according to a bi-annual study in November 2008 by Bain Corporate Renewal Group. Bain CRG forecasts 160 to 190 defaults in 2009 and between 120 and 140 in 2010. That's up sharply from last spring's forecast of 40 to 50 defaults in 2010. Typically, 2/3 to 3/4 of defaults end in bankruptcies within 3 months. That means as many as 150 bankruptcies in 2009 and about 100 in 2010.

Source: Bain Corporate Renewal group