Now is the time to check in with those suppliers you think might be on the verge of bankruptcy. The Euler Hermes ACI Business Failures Index forecasts a 51% increase in U.S. business bankruptcies this year, after legislation changes in 2006 prevented many U.S. bankruptcies. ACI Chief Economist Daniel C. North anticipates some 30,000 businesses filing bankruptcy this year, as the housing and economic slowdowns claim more victims. Globally, bankruptcies will increase by 7%.