WeWork contemplates bankruptcy amidst financial turmoil.

WeWork, the embattled office-sharing company, is considering filing for bankruptcy, with reports suggesting that such a move could materialise as soon as next week. This development comes after WeWork recently notified US financial regulators about its agreement with creditors to temporarily defer debt payments.

Once a private business valued at an impressive $47 billion, WeWork has seen its stock market valuation plummet by nearly 98% over the past year. The firm is reportedly contemplating bankruptcy proceedings in New Jersey.

WeWork’s dire financial situation has been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a mass shift towards remote work, drastically reducing the demand for office spaces. The company attempted to go public in 2019 but withdrew its plans amid concerns about its substantial debts, financial losses, and management issues. Just days before confirming the cancellation of its stock offering, founder Adam Neumann stepped down as CEO, stating that the scrutiny of his leadership had become a major distraction for the company.

In 2021, WeWork finally managed to list on the New York Stock Exchange, but at a significantly reduced valuation compared to its earlier lofty figures. During this period, the Japanese conglomerate SoftBank continued to inject billions of dollars into WeWork to support its ongoing operations, despite substantial losses.

WeWork had already raised concerns about its ability to sustain its operations back in August. Softening demand and the challenging business environment posed significant obstacles for the firm. It was also marked by the departure of several top executives, including CEO and Chairman Sandeep Mathrani.

As of the end of June, WeWork maintained 777 locations in 39 countries worldwide. However, the economic and financial challenges it faces are forcing it to consider drastic measures, including the possibility of bankruptcy. WeWork shares plummeted by over 40% in after-hours trading following this announcement, signalling growing uncertainty among investors.