Business areas in focus

Mergers & Acquisitions

Challenges and requirements

There is, again, an increase in the number of M&A transactions. Industrial companies have been the main actors in the market in recent years and they will, presumably, continue to play an active role. Many capital funds are, after the lull of activity during the past few years, eager to purchase businesses and this can lead to an increase in the price of well run companies. Parties to M&A transactions require legal assistance based on commercial understanding and insight, as well as assistance with the project management and planning of the M&A process.

How we can help

We have advised on M&A transactions of all sizes and with respect to all branches, during a number of decades and our M&A team of lawyers is one of Denmark's largest and most distinctive. As many M&A transactions have an international element, our lawyers have attained substantial insight into international matters, including how the international markets behave.

As a result of our active participation in international networks, we have attained knowledge as to where our clients can obtain the best legal assistance abroad. Through these networks we can keep abreast of international market trends, which enable us to always be aware of movements in the markets and their possible effects in Denmark.

We advise a broad spectrum of Danish and foreign financial and industrial actors, including capital funds and businesses.

Our advice encompasses, among others:     
  • Mergers and demergers
  • Takeover bids
  • Mergers & acquisitions
  • Restructuring of concerns and companies
 
 
  • Venture capital investments
  • Joint ventures
  • Management buy-outs and buy-ins
 

Our ratings

Chambers Europe Rating 2012

Corporate/ M&A

This sizeable and well-known firm focuses on large cross-border M&A deals and private equity clients investing in Sweden. It was strengthened by its merger with Philip in January 2012, and recently opened a new Chinese desk, adding to its international reach. The practice attracts some prestigious international and domestic clients including Clipper, A.P. Moller - Maersk and Nova Instruments. Sources say: "A well-regarded team that provides an excellent, high-quality service."

Clients praise Jacob Hjortshøj for his negotiation skills and "excellent understanding of business and our motivations." Peers confirm that Søren Meisling "really stands out" for his M&A skills and experience. Sources recommend Eivind Einersen for his "detail-oriented approach and excellent problem-solving skills."

Chambers and Partners Europe, Corporate/M&A

Chambers Global Rating 2012

Corporate M&A

Clients praise Jacob Hjortshøj for his negotiation skills and "excellent understanding of our business and motivations." He recently advised A.P. Moller - Maersk on its sale of Rosti to Stella Plastic. Peers confirm that Søren Meisling "really stands out" for his M&A skills and experience. His recent mandates include acting for PBS Holding on its EUR1.2 billion cross-border merger with Norwegian Nordito.

Chambers and Partners Global, Corporate/M&A

IFLR 1000 Rating 2012

Mergers and Acquisitions

Clients still seem more than satisfied, as one says: "I take great pleasure in using Bech-Bruun." Another praises the firm's proactive style: "I don't want the story from before, I want what's happening now and they are good at solving the problems we see and finding those we don't see. They are complex problems, but they handle them very well."

With the market seeing a pick-up in private equity exits this year, the team acted on one such deal this year. Thomas Gjøl-Trønning advised IK Investment Partners and Ratos on its sale of Superfos Industries. The pre-eminent pan-European injection moulded plastic packaging producer was acquired by British RPC Group for €240 million in February 2011.

Leading lawyer Søren Meisling also advised on a large cross-border agreement between electronic payment solutions providers PBS Holding and its Norwegian counterpart company Nordito. Bech-Bruun acted for the former. The merger created the largest northern European company of this type with over 2000 employees in five countries.

IFLR1000, Mergers and acquisitions 

Legal 500 Rating 2012

Mergers and acquisitions

Bech-Bruun fields a ‘strong, competent’ practice, as part of which Jacob Hjortshøj represented Altor 2003 Fund and LD Equity 1 K/S in the sale of Aalborg Industries to Alfa Laval. Together with Thomas Gjøl-Trønning, Hjortshøj also acted for IK Investment Partners and Ratos in the €240m sale of Superfos Industries. Steen Jensen and Regina Andersen advised Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board (OTPP) on acquiring a 39% stake in Brussels Airport and 30% in Copenhagen Airport from MAp Airports. The ‘skilful, efficient’ Monica Reib is also recommended, and Aarhus-based Claus Aagaard Nielsen was promoted to partner. However, a number of partners left the firm.

Legal 500, Mergers and acquisitions

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Bech-Bruun News 23 January 2012

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