Purpose: To investigate if Altman´s Z´-score model, which calculates financial distress, can be applied on companies established in Sweden and if the financial crisis in 2008 made previously healthy companies go bankrupt.

Methodology: Quantitative studies with a positivistic foundation. Empirical data will be collected in order to examine if there is generalizability among the studied objects. Conclusions will be made by comparing the empirical data with the theoretical foundation. Financial distress in firms will be measured.

Theoretical perspectives: Altman´s Z´-score model, designed to predict financial distress in private firms.

Empirical foundation: A selection of 93 private firms that have gone bankrupt in the years 2008, 2009 or 2010. The firms selected all have a turnover that exceeds 20 million SEK. The years examined will be 2005 to 2009.

Conclusion: As this study is carried out, the conclusion is that Altman´s Z´-score model cannot be applied on companies established in Sweden.