The European distressed debt market is likely to experience a surge in restructurings in the first six months of this year, according to a new report, just as high-yield debt issuance enjoys its busiest start to a year on record.

According to the Debtwire European Distressed Debt Market Outlook 2010, launched this morning at an event in the West End of London, European restructuring is set to peak in the first half of 2010.