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Question

In September 2019, which one of the following giants declared itself bankrupt?

This question was previously asked in
CDS I 2020 Elementary Mathematics Previous Year Paper (02-Feb-2020)
The correct answer is

Thomas Cook

Understanding the September 2019 Company Bankruptcy Question

The question asks to identify a major company, often referred to as a 'giant' in its industry, that filed for bankruptcy in September 2019. We are given four options, all of which are associated with the travel and tourism sector.

Analyzing the Options for the Bankruptcy Event

Let's look at the companies listed:

  • Expedia: A major online travel agency. While facing market challenges, Expedia did not declare bankruptcy in September 2019.
  • Cox & Kings: An Indian travel company that also faced significant financial troubles around this period. Cox & Kings filed for bankruptcy proceedings in India, but typically the bankruptcy event most widely reported globally in September 2019 refers to a different company.
  • SOTC: Another well-known Indian travel company. SOTC did not declare bankruptcy in September 2019.
  • Thomas Cook: A historic British global travel group. Thomas Cook was indeed a major international travel giant.

Thomas Cook's Bankruptcy in September 2019

In September 2019, the travel industry and global news were significantly impacted by the collapse of Thomas Cook. After failing to secure crucial funding, the company, which had a history spanning 178 years, ceased trading immediately on September 23, 2019.

This event was widely reported as the bankruptcy (or insolvency and liquidation) of a major travel giant, leading to significant disruption for hundreds of thousands of travelers worldwide and the loss of thousands of jobs.

Considering the options and the specific timeframe of September 2019, Thomas Cook is the company that declared bankruptcy and fits the description of a 'giant' in the travel industry whose collapse made significant international headlines at that time.

Why Thomas Cook Faced Financial Troubles

Several factors contributed to Thomas Cook's financial difficulties leading up to its bankruptcy in September 2019. These included:

  • High levels of debt accumulated over the years.
  • Intense competition from online travel agencies and budget airlines.
  • Geopolitical events and disruptions affecting tourism.
  • Failure to adapt quickly enough to changing consumer preferences and the digital landscape.

The failure to secure a rescue package ultimately led to the declaration of insolvency in September 2019.

Company Status in September 2019
Expedia Operating
Cox & Kings Facing financial issues, later insolvency proceedings initiated in India (after Sept 2019 widely reported event)
SOTC Operating
Thomas Cook Declared Bankruptcy/Ceased Trading

Conclusion on the Bankruptcy Question

Based on the events of September 2019, Thomas Cook was the global travel giant that declared bankruptcy, making it the correct answer to the question.

Revision Table: September 2019 Bankruptcy

Key Event Date Company Involved
Major Travel Giant Bankruptcy September 23, 2019 Thomas Cook

Additional Information on Company Bankruptcies

When a company declares bankruptcy, it means it cannot pay its debts. The process varies depending on the country and the type of bankruptcy. For a large company like Thomas Cook, bankruptcy leads to significant consequences, including:

  • Cessation of operations.
  • Liquidation of assets to pay creditors.
  • Loss of jobs for employees.
  • Disruption for customers.

The Thomas Cook bankruptcy in September 2019 was a notable event due to the company's long history and its scale of operations globally. It highlighted the challenges faced by traditional tour operators in a rapidly evolving digital and competitive market.

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