Bruna owner Audax is teetering on the brink of bankruptcy

The Dutch retail and media group Audax, owner of the Bruna bookstore chain, is fighting for its survival. Debts running into the millions and a bitter management crisis have left the company in acute financial distress. The court has granted Audax some temporary breathing room.

Suppliers are waiting for millions

According to the Financieele Dagblad, Audax has more than 9 million euros in outstanding debts to suppliers. They are increasingly demanding immediate payment, which is complicating the supply of goods to Bruna stores in the run-up to the crucial end-of-year period. The group operates 94 company-owned stores and 340 franchisees, and also owns magazine distributor Betapress and various publishing operations.