Due to a still unsteady economic outlook, many banks will be forced to make tough decisions in 2012 about whether to amend and extend certain loans. This is especially true for companies in the restaurant and retail industries, which may require them to find other ways to restructure their debt, according to an article on TheStreet.

The article noted that about $912 billion of “high-yield” debt will mature over the next three years, and that could boost restructuring activity as these companies with debt due will need to figure out how to extend their loans. In a Fitch Ratings report, analysts said that, “periods that experience a greater amount of refinancing needs often face instability as lenders are forced to reevaluate where to lend.”

The part of the sector that could be affected the most includes middle-market companies with high debt levels and these have already seen their share of trouble restructuring their debt, the article said.

To read The Street’s article in its entirety, click here.