Business areas in focus

Insolvency

Challenges and requirements

When a business gets into financial difficulty, it creates uncertainty, not only for the business itself and the owners of the business, but also for suppliers, employees and other creditors. If the reconstruction of the business is not feasible, it is important that the winding up of the business occurs as soon and as quickly as possible, and with all the involved parties experiencing the least loss possible.

How we can help

We have extensive experience with bankruptcy and insolvency issues and can therefore administer estates in bankruptcy of all sizes and within all industries. We ensure that the estate's assets are realised in the best possible manner, either through the entire sale of the financially well-functioning part of the business, or at the highest attainable price.

Moreover, we ensure, through an extensive investigation, that any transactions made at an undervalue, preferences given to suppliers, customers or financial institutions or any unlawful charges to property which occurred in the period prior to the bankruptcy, are challenged before the courts and revert to the estate for distribution to all creditors. Finally, we endeavour to inconvenience creditors as little as possible during the winding up process.

Our advice encompasses, among others:     
  • Operational winding up of the assets of the estate in bankruptcy
  • Representation of creditors
 
 
  • Effective implementation and speedy conclusion of the administration of an estate

Our ratings

Chambers Europe Rating 2012

Restructuring and Insolvency

This large, expanding team was further strengthened by the firm's merger with Philip in January 2012. It is equipped to handle the most demanding and sophisticated insolvency cases, and acts on a high-volume of bankruptcies and restructurings. The firm regularly works to achieve the best market price and survival solutions for creditors. Recent highlights include acting on the huge Landic Group bankruptcy. Representing clients such as Nordea, Danske Bank and BNP Paribas Fortis, the team continues to be recognised domestically and internationally. Sources say: "One of the biggest firms in the country, it has been excellent for many years." 

A highly active trustee, Troels Tuxen is "doing some really excellent work" and is well thought of for his businesslike attitude. Peers have great respect for Ole Borch, a "very hands-on and smart adviser" with huge experience. Michael Serring is "great at unwinding and unravelling all the assets and considerations." "Excellent litigator" Ulrik Holsted-Sandgreen acts as an administrator. "Handling cases in a focused, pragmatic manner," Erik Malberg consistently impresses clients with his ability to "maintain control of the matter, using his knowledge and experience in insolvency to ensure you only really need to get involved in the final decisions." Bjørn Wittrup is recommended as "a lawyer of great professional competence."

Chambers and Partners Europe, Restructuring/Insolvency

Chambers Global Rating 2012

Restructuring and Insolvency

A highly active trustee, Troels Tuxen is "doing some really excellent work" and is well thought of for his businesslike attitude. Peers have great respect for Ole Borch, a "very hands-on and smart adviser" with huge experience. Michael Serring is "great at unwinding and unravelling all the assets and considerations," while "excellent litigator" Ulrik Holsted-Sandgreen acts as an administrator.

Chambers and Partners Global, Restructuring/Insolvency

IFLR 1000 Rating 2012

Insolvency and restructuring

Bech-Bruun has a very large restructuring and insolvency team and also possesses more lawyers than any other firm who have special relations with the Copenhagen Bankruptcy Court. This allied to its involvement in some of the year's most noteworthy deals, sees them move up to the top tier this year. "Bech-Bruun are strong here, and should be moved up to tier one," agrees one partner.

In terms of mandates, a highlight this year was simply the largest ever bankruptcy in Denmark. Acting for the creditors, leading lawyer Troels Tuxen was appointed as trustee and worked in regard to the collapse of the Landic Group of companies. Involving over 200 separate legal entities, the total balance was €3 billion. The work continues at time of writing.

ILR1000, Restructuring and insolvency

Legal 500 Rating 2012

Insolvency

With 36 fee-earners including eight partners, Bech-Bruun has Denmark’s largest insolvency practice, which acts across a range of matters including acting as trustee in bankruptcies, supervisor in suspensions of payments cases, and advises creditors’ committees and handles out-of-court arrangements. Clients appreciate the lawyers’ ‘reasonable response times and clever solutions’. Michael SerringKarl Stephensen and the ‘effective, open-minded and friendly’ Ole Borch are appointed receivers at Copenhagen Bankruptcy Court. Practice head Troels Tuxen is one of three trustees of the Landic Group. The team is advising Essex Group, JMI Invest and Flexa Holding on restructuring.

Legal 500, Insolvency

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Bech-Bruun News 14 February 2006

Denmark's leading lawyer in restructuring