突然，崩了！百年大厂，宣告破产！

Core Viewpoint - The Brandt Group, a historic French appliance manufacturer, has been declared bankrupt by a French court, leading to the termination of its operations and the potential loss of over 700 jobs in France [1][3]. Group 1: Company Background - Founded in 1924 by Edgar Brandt, the Brandt Group has a long history and was once considered a "pearl of French industry" [4]. - The company was acquired by Algeria's Cevital Group in 2014 and operates in 36 countries with an annual revenue of €260 million [4]. - Brandt claims that 98% of its kitchen appliances are genuinely "Made in France," emphasizing the value of domestic production [4]. Group 2: Financial Struggles - The Brandt Group has faced severe financial difficulties due to intense market competition and a decline in annual sales, exacerbated by a sluggish real estate market [4][5]. - The company entered bankruptcy restructuring on October 1, 2023, after failing to secure necessary support from banks for a proposed cooperative restructuring plan [3][4]. Group 3: Government and Industry Response - The French government expressed deep sorrow over the court's decision, having previously committed over €17 million in public funds to save the company [1][3]. - The court's rejection of the restructuring plan has been criticized by labor unions and local officials, who view it as a significant blow to French industry [3][6]. - The situation highlights the challenges faced by the French appliance industry in maintaining competitiveness against low-cost products and changing consumer preferences [5][6].