Business areas in focus

Finance

Challenges and requirements

The credit crisis and the renewed focus on complying with regulatory requirements have resulted in an increased need for advice concerning financial services. The difficulties experienced by some banks with refinancing has, in addition, changed customers' possibilities for attaining financing from banks and forces them to consider alternative options. In this market, our clients require specialist advice concerning financing and related regulatory matters.

How we can help

Based on our long-standing experience and thorough knowledge of the international banking and finance market, we advise both lenders and borrowers as regards loan financing. In addition, we have particular knowledge of the applicable regulatory matters, derivatives and structured products. We have, moreover, extensive experience of acquisition finance and the financing of all types of assets, and have some of the most experienced finance and train and aeroplane leasing lawyers in Denmark.

We represent Danish and international banks and private equity funds, as well as Danish and international companies and concerns.

Our advice encompasses, among others:     
  • Finance law
  • Syndicated loan agreements
  • Acquisition financing, refinancing, crisis debt
  • Asset financing, including aeroplane, train and ships
  • Structured products
  • Investment grade loans
  • Financing via international capital markets
  • Derivatives, including ISDA Master Agreement and Credit Support Annex 
 
  • Loan agreements
  • Securitisation
  • Issue of bonds and issuance programs
  • Project financing, e.g. public private companies/partnerships, energy/renewable energy
  • Leasing of e.g. aeroplanes, trains and ships
  • Guarantees and collateral security
  • Regulatory matters (products and banks)
 

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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Professional News 07 December 2011

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