Business areas in focus

Corporate Finance

Challenges and requirements

The level of corporate finance transactions, during recent years, has been affected by the financial crisis. While the market is now showing signs of improvement, there is still a shortage of financing options and current circumstances reflect this shortage and lenders' increased focus on potential risks. Moreover, transactions have become more complex and are subject to tighter deadlines, and new actors challenge the financial market. Our clients require, therefore, experienced advisors capable of delivering both legal and strategic solutions.

How we can help

We have extensive experience with corporate finance transactions by virtue of our advice concerning numerous Danish and international mergers and acquisitions.

A close relationship with the client's financial advisers, investment banks and foreign lawyers is a matter of course. We have, therefore, developed effective collaboration procedures to ensure the most optimal process for the client. Moreover, we strive continually to improve our competencies and keep ourselves up to date on all developments in market conditions.

Our client portfolio includes Danish and international companies, banks, investment banks, financing companies, private equity houses and venture companies.

Our advice encompasses, among others:     
  • Capital structure
  • Yields and consolidation
  • Buy back of own equity interests
  • Options, warrants 
 
  • Convertible obligations
  • Financial assistance
  • Taxation matters concerning capital structure

Our ratings

Chambers Europe Rating 2012

Banking and finance

This firm merged with Philip in January 2012. The banking & finance group combines core competencies in finance specialisms such as derivatives and aviation finance, with experience and quality in general corporate finance matters. The former Philip lawyers add special expertise in finance leasing. Recently the team has advised international banks such as RBS and Goldman Sachs on large refinancing projects and syndicated loans, and it also regularly represents borrowers in similar work. In another high-profile mandate the firm advised Eik Banki on its challenges with the Danish Financial Supervisory Authority and the state's Financial Stability Company. Sources say: "Able to contribute to commercial discussions responsively, and quickly advise on the commercial angle."

Interviewees describe Morten Krogsgaard as "creative, proactive, able to consider many viewpoints and capture the problem in simple terms." Steen Halmind is "very accurate and certain of the issues, robust in negotiations and gives unwavering advice." "Extremely able finance lawyer" Steen Jensen serves clients with specialist knowledge of financial services regulation. Finance leasing expert Erik Malberg is commended both for his approach to cases and his role in developing standards in this area. Clients say that he is "one of our finest solicitors, very sought after in the finance leasing market. His knowledge and ability in leasing law and finance are undoubtedly among the very best in the Danish legal community."

Chambers and Partners Europe, Banking and Finance

Chambers Global Rating 2012

Banking and finance

Interviewees describe Morten Krogsgaard as "creative, proactive, able to consider many viewpoints and capture the problem in simple terms." Steen Halmind is "very accurate and certain of the issues, robust in negotiations and gives unwavering advice." Both frequently represent international financing clients, such as UK and German banks participating in the Danish market. "Extremely able finance lawyer" Steen Jensen serves clients with specialist knowledge of financial services regulation.

Chambers and Partners Global, Banking & Finance 

IFLR 1000 Rating 2012

Banking and finance

The team seems to cover all the bases though, with leading lawyer Steen Jensen heavily involved across the practice. "He is very skilled. His technical skills, as well as his personality, are very impressive," says one client, while another highlights his manner: "I actually feel that we have a good relationship personally as well as work-wise."

A clear deal highlight saw the firm act, in June 2010 for Chr. Hansen Holding on its €742 million IPO, one of the largest in Denmark since 2005.

In 2011, a team led by leading lawyer Morten Krogsgaard advised Altor Equity Partners on a large recapitalisation of Sonion Investment. This transaction closed in March for an undisclosed sum.

IFLR 1000, Banking and finance 

Legal 500 Rating 2012

Banking and finance

Morten Krogsgaard and the ‘steadfast, dependable’ Steen Halmind and their team at Bech-Bruun combine ‘responsiveness and strong technical ability with a commercial approach’. Its clients include DnB NOR Bank, RBS, and Goldman Sachs International. Steen Jensen advised Faroese Eik Banki, which was taken over by Finansiel Stabilitet; and Sparekassen Lolland on its DKK730m acquisition of Eik Bank Danmark 2010. Jacob Østervang advised on wind farm and solar power project financings. Aviation finance specialist Thomas Thordal Sevelsted was promoted to partner. The recent merger with Philip Law Firm strengthened the group.

Legal 500, Banking and Finance

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Newsletter 01 September 2011

Bank Package 4