With the right strategy and guidance from qualified professionals, indebted companies are securing a “continue” in the business world

Every company runs the risk of facing the dreaded “game over”: financial crises, mounting debt, and rapid market shifts that drain their extra lives. In Brazil, this “hard mode” has been intensifying. In 2024, there were 2,273 requests for judicial reorganization, according to Serasa Experian—an increase of 61.8% compared to 2023. Micro and small businesses are the most vulnerable, particularly in the service, retail, and manufacturing sectors.

Every day, companies must face a new “final boss,” and to stay alive until the end, strategy is essential. Keeping a company alive is like holding up the base server of a multiplayer online game, an MMORPG: if it crashes, the entire ecosystem suffers. Closures mean unemployment, fewer products, and lower tax revenues. That’s where turnaround comes in—a kind of “strategic reset” that allows a company to restructure its finances, operations, and even its corporate culture, ensuring the game continues.

According to Felipe Granito, partner at Granito Boneli Advogados and a specialist in corporate recovery, turnaround functions like a legendary armor for companies: “It’s not just a survival tool, but also a path to reposition brands, regain competitiveness, and protect the future of thousands of workers and families.”

With the right strategy and support from qualified professionals, indebted companies are managing to secure a “continue” in business life. In some cases, the stories sound like something out of a movie. “We’ve had cases where companies reduced their debt by 90% through proper turnaround execution, ensuring survival even during the recent crises,” explains Granito, who has helped over 200 companies regain their financial footing. To illustrate, in one case, a company managed to settle a R$ 1 million debt for just R$ 40,000. “Turning the game around is possible, as long as there’s strategy, discipline, and courage to act at the right time. A well-executed turnaround protects the company, strengthens organizational culture, and prepares for succession,” Granito adds.

Just like in video games, navigating the business stages requires strategy and acting at the right moment. Knowing when to act is crucial—even if you’re a giant player.

Nissan and the Cost of Delaying Decisions
In 2025, Nissan announced one of the biggest restructurings in its history. The Re:Nissan plan involves closing seven factories, eliminating 20,000 jobs, and a strong focus on electric vehicles. What could have been a gradual adjustment turned into an emergency intervention to cut inefficiencies and contain losses. This case illustrates a common reality in the business world: delaying tough decisions can be far more costly than acting early. A successful turnaround depends on a combination of strategic analysis, early action, and disciplined execution.

Casas Bahia: Breaking Free from the Ball and Chain
In Brazil, Casas Bahia has become a notable example of a financial turnaround in progress. The company advanced the conversion of debentures (debt securities issued by companies to raise money directly from investors), renegotiated its debts, and cut costs. This resulted in a reduction of over R$ 1.5 billion in gross debt and provided cash flow relief for the next two years. More than just the numbers, the operation showcased alignment between creditors and the company, restoring market confidence and allowing management to focus on growth and innovation, rather than simply putting out fires.