These were firms that barely stayed afloat in the boom and both creditors and employees were taking a punt on their promise to pay debts and generous health-care benefits.

• 这两家公司一直是在一片繁荣中摇晃，不管是债权人还是雇员都在以支付债务和大量的医疗保险的方式，拿自己的未来作赌注。