Chambers Europe Rating

What the team is known for
Bech-Brunn offers clients a strong finance team which frequently acts on behalf of domestic and international banks and large corporations on all aspects of acquisition finance. The firm is particularly recognised for its financing expertise in the energy and real estate sectors. Lawyers in the team are also instructed on refinancing mandates and offer further experience on debt capital market transactions, advising on the issuance of notes. The team is additionally well placed to handle loan transactions and sustainable finance matters.

Strengths
Clients highlight the team's securities expertise, describing an "excellent service and very positive impression."

Another source is quick to highlight the team's "extremely good knowledge and precision."

Work highlights
Assisted Danske Bank with its multicurrency revolving credit facility to Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners.

Notable practitioners
David Moalem is particularly recognised for his knowledge of regulatory issues. He has "extremely good knowledge and precision in his assessment and guidance on this difficult area of law," says one satisfied client.

Department head Morten Krogsgaard "has very good technical skills and is a pleasure to work with," enthuses one respondent. He handles debt restructuring, refinancing and acquisition financing mandates on behalf of both Danish and international clients.

Thomas Thordal Sevelsted represents clients in lending transactions, sale deals, financing and refinancings. Clients appreciate that he "is always available and offers quick turnarounds."

Chambers and Partners Europe 2022, Banking and Finance

What the team is known for
Strong finance team acting on behalf of domestic and international banks, private equity houses and large corporations on all aspects of acquisition finance. Recognised for its financing expertise in the energy and real estate sectors. Also instructed on refinancing mandates. Has experience in debt capital markets transactions, advising on the issuance of notes and high-yield bonds.

What the team is known for
Bech-Bruun is an impressive competition law practice covering complex merger filings, compliance and contentious cases. The law firm has notable experience in a range of industries, including aerospace, manufacturing, construction and waste. The legal team also represents municipalities and government entities in national public procurement cases. The department is highly active in the media and broadcasting sector, advising clients on European Commission investigations and claims for damages before the High Court and Supreme Court.

Work highlights
Assisted the City of Copenhagen and Ejendomsfonden Vandkulturhuset Papirøen in relation to a complaint brought before the Public Procurement Complaints Board by NIRAS.

Notable practitioners
Anders Birkelund Nielsen enters the rankings as a result of strong feedback. He is active on a range of public procurement mandates.

Claus Berg is a notable market presence who is particularly active in public procurement mandates on behalf of clients in the construction and infrastructure industries.

Jesper Kaltoft is active on a broad array of tendering and procurement mandates, offering clients additional support in merger filings and competition investigations.

Head of department Peter Stig Jakobsen represents clients in a range of competition matters, including handling tender procedures for projects, as well as European Commission investigations and claims for damages.

Tina Braad is a well-regarded public procurement practitioner who handles both contentious and non-contentious matters in the construction sector.

Chambers and Partners Europe 2022, Competition/European Law

What the team is known for
The team is well regarded and particularly active in the private equity sphere. It advises on M&A across a range of industries such as energy, manufacturing, financial services, technology and retail. Public M&A is another area of expertise, given its experience in public tender offers. The firm acts for a notable client base on issues that frequently involve international elements.

Strengths
"The services went above and beyond the usual legal advisory services and encompassed strategy, cultural elements and negotiation tactics in a very complex project," one client praises, adding that "they were driven, cost-minded, a real group of hands-on allies."

Work highlights
Represented CVC Capital Partners in its acquisition of STARK Group from Lone Star Funds.

Notable practitioners
Jacob Hjortshøj is a standout M&A practitioner offering a wealth of experience in all aspects of M&A transactions.

Ole Nørgaard regularly advises clients on acquisitions and capital raising mandates. Clients enthuse: "He is pragmatic, commercial, and is always good at finding solutions."

Steen Jensen acts for clients on complex demergers and share transfers and public M&A deals. He is also recognised for his capital markets expertise.

Steen Rode assists clients operating in the manufacturing sector, financial services and private equity spaces with cross-border transactions. Sources note that he is very commercially minded.

Chambers and Partners Europe 2022, Corporate/M&A

What the team is known for
Bech-Bruun's disputes practice represents clients in litigation and arbitration proceedings across a variety of industries. The law firm is particularly active in insurance, insolvency and professional liability disputes, often in the banking sector, representing companies as well as former board members. The team also handles cases arising from breach or non-performance of contracts, and offers further expertise in post-M&A disputes.

Strengths
According to one client, the team offers "very well-tailored" advice with "a very good level of expertise."

Another client remarks that "they react with speed without compromising the high level of expertise."

Work highlights
Represented BETRI in a professional liability matter against the Danish government.

Notable practitioners
Anne Buhl Bjelke represents both public and private clients in litigation cases, often with a focus on insurance-related issues. One impressed client says that she is both "compelling and well prepared in court."

Carsten Pedersen has experience in breach of duty claims and insurance cases, as well as post-M&A disputes, and is well equipped to assist clients with both litigation and arbitration proceedings. An interviewee notes his tactical understanding, adding that Pedersen knows "how to present and how to attack the case."

Chambers and Partners Europe 2022, Dispute Resolution

What the team is known for
Bech-Bruun houses a highly experienced team recognised for its extensive employment law practice. The practice has notable skill in employment dispute resolution, representing clients in litigation proceedings. The team is well versed in handling employment investigations and advising on incentive schemes and collective bargaining, as well as handling employee rights and termination negotiations. Bech-Bruun advises on the employment law aspects of corporate mergers, acquisitions and restructurings.

Strengths
A client reports: "We are very pleased with our collaboration with Bech-Bruun."

Work highlights
Bech-Bruun represented the Capital Region of Denmark in an action brought by the Danish Nurses Organisation.

Notable practitioners
Lise Lauridsen advises clients on breach of employment contract investigations as well as on M&A-related employment questions. She has additional expertise in pension issues, corporate reorganisations and incentive schemes. A client comments: "I am particularly impressed by her down-to-earth, commercial and practical advice on complex matters."

Morten Ulrich is a highly respected practitioner with extensive experience in both collective and individual employment mandates. A client remarks: "He has excellent knowledge about the legal process in both the civil law system, and the labour law system."

Sandro Ratkovic assists with holiday pay issues, collective bargaining agreements and senior executive terminations. Based in Copenhagen, he is also experienced in labour-related investigations.

Chambers and Partners Europe 2022, Employment

What the team is known for
Bech-Bruun houses an outstanding energy practice with noted capabilities in cross-border matters, assisting clients with high-profile M&A, financing and corporate mandates relating to projects. The firm's broad expertise covers both offshore and onshore oil and gas activities as well as renewables, with a strong focus on wind energy. The team advises on the regulatory and EU law aspects of energy matters and acts on environmental issues associated with energy projects. The law firm possesses further strength in representing clients in energy-related arbitration proceedings.

Work highlights
Bech-Bruun represented Energinet in obtaining a ruling in its favour from the High Court of Western Denmark on the infrastructure to connect the Kriegers Flak offshore wind farm to the Danish power grid.

Notable practitioners
Per Hemmer is a well-regarded figure in the energy market who receives plaudits for his regulatory expertise. He regularly advises on energy and infrastructure projects, also assisting with environmental permits. Clients appreciate his "thorough legal advice."

Chambers and Partners Europe 2022, Energy

What the team is known for
Bech-Bruun is a full-service law firm assisting clients with the full gamut of IP strategy, registration, protection and enforcement. The team frequently handles contentious and non-contentious copyright, trade mark and design rights matters. It also acts on patent disputes in the pharmaceutical sector. Bech-Bruun has additional expertise in the commercialisation of IP, including distribution, licensing and franchise agreements The firm is also experienced in mandates involving international elements.

Strengths
A client says: "Bech-Bruun has an excellent ability to manoeuvre between legal and technical matters."

Another client highlights Bech-Bruun's remarkable international capabilities, noting that "the team knows the spirit and values of our company, resulting in excellent and very useful advice."

Work highlights
Represented Samsung Bioepis in a patent infringement case relating to a biosimilar medicine.

Notable practitioners
Claus Barrett Christiansen advances in this year's rankings after receiving remarkable client feedback. He acts for clients on trade mark and design infringement disputes and issues of marketing law. A source enthuses: "He is tough, very knowledgeable and always one step ahead of our opponents when setting the strategy. He has an in-depth knowledge of our business and he is a brilliant communicator."

Dan Bjerg Geary advises on the IP aspects of franchise, distribution and licensing agreements, having additional experience in patent and copyright infringements. A client praises him for "his remarkable ability to combine legal insight with great commercial understanding."

Klaus Madsen advances in the rankings following impressive market recognition. He receives plaudits for his expertise in patent disputes, often representing pharmaceutical companies. Interviewees note his great presence in the courtroom.

Martin Dræbye Gantzhorn assists pharmaceutical companies with IP issues such as patent infringement and regulatory matters. He also acts in disputes pertaining to marketing and advertising issues. Clients distinguish him as "an amazing business partner who is deeply engaged with the client's business" and as "an excellent communicator."

Chambers and Partners Europe 2022, Intellectual Property

What the team is known for
Multidisciplinary team advising on public law regulation and disputes relating to construction projects in the energy, infrastructure and healthcare sectors. Acts for private companies as well as state entities, often on mandates involving procurement and environment law. Also assists public bodies with internal investigations and inquiries, reviews and amendments to legislation and freedom of information matters.

Strengths
Clients praise the "very skilled specialists" for their "high level of communication." 

Chambers and Partners Europe

What the team is known for
The law firm Bech-Bruun is home to a distinguished real estate and construction law practice, regularly acting for international investors, pension funds and public entities. One of the firm’s key areas constitutes the sale and acquisition of real estate portfolios and assets including residential properties, logistics centres and offices across Denmark. The team also assists with tender procedures for building land and joint venture agreements for development projects. Furthermore, clients benefit from the firm’s strength in construction projects including hotels, artificial islands and hospitals with further expertise in large urban development projects. Similarly, the team is sought after for its advice on infrastructure construction projects. In addition, Bech-Bruun shows significant strength in construction arbitration and litigation proceedings pertaining to building defects and price disputes.

Strengths
Appreciating the firm's "maximum level of commitment," one client goes on to highlight: "They have a hands-on approach in handling complex issues, remain calm, friendly and approachable and are technically very strong with a view for key commercial aspects."

Endorsing the firm's cross-border capabilities, one client explains: "Bech-Bruun coordinates very well with external advisers."

Work highlights
Advised Pareto Securities and Studentbostäder i Sverige on their acquisition of a residential and student housing project in Copenhagen from the Gefion Group, valued at around DKK1.3 billion.

Notable practitioners
Claus Berg rises in the rankings following strong support from market commentators. He is highly active in complex construction disputes, including litigations and arbitrations pertaining to building defects and construction delays. Reflecting on his market standing, interviewees call Claus Berg "very brilliant."

According to clients, Jens Hjortskov "delivers services of high standard and quality and has a professional way of solving different issues." He regularly advises on large urban development projects including artificial islands and also represents clients in construction-related disputes.

Clients endorse Steen Puch Holm-Larsen for "really understanding what's important from a commercial perspective." He remains a sought-after adviser due to his strength in handling large-scale acquisitions and divestments of real estate portfolios and assets with further expertise in the set-up of joint ventures for development projects.

Appreciating their cooperation, one client endorses Sven Frode Frølund for his "outstanding legal expertise, commercial awareness and great commitment." He enters the rankings due to his involvement in large real estate portfolio acquisitions, where he often acts for international investors.

Clients mandate Torben Brøgger due to his expertise in the construction of hospitals and the handling of large urban development projects throughout Denmark.

Chambers and Partners Europe 2022, Real Estate

What the team is known for
The law firm Bech-Bruun is home to a distinguished real estate and construction law practice, regularly acting for international investors, pension funds and public entities. One of the firm’s key areas constitutes the sale and acquisition of real estate portfolios and assets including residential properties, logistics centres and offices across Denmark. The team also assists with tender procedures for building land and joint venture agreements for development projects. Furthermore, clients benefit from the firm’s strength in construction projects including hotels, artificial islands and hospitals with further expertise in large urban development projects. Similarly, the team is sought after for its advice on infrastructure construction projects. In addition, Bech-Bruun shows significant strength in construction arbitration and litigation proceedings pertaining to building defects and price disputes.

Strengths
Appreciating the firm's "maximum level of commitment," one client goes on to highlight: "They have a hands-on approach in handling complex issues, remain calm, friendly and approachable and are technically very strong with a view for key commercial aspects."

Endorsing the firm's cross-border capabilities, one client explains: "Bech-Bruun coordinates very well with external advisers."

Work highlights
Advised Pareto Securities and Studentbostäder i Sverige on their acquisition of a residential and student housing project in Copenhagen from the Gefion Group, valued at around DKK1.3 billion.

Notable practitioners
Claus Berg rises in the rankings following strong support from market commentators. He is highly active in complex construction disputes, including litigations and arbitrations pertaining to building defects and construction delays. Reflecting on his market standing, interviewees call Claus Berg "very brilliant."

According to clients, Jens Hjortskov "delivers services of high standard and quality and has a professional way of solving different issues." He regularly advises on large urban development projects including artificial islands and also represents clients in construction-related disputes.

Clients endorse Steen Puch Holm-Larsen for "really understanding what's important from a commercial perspective." He remains a sought-after adviser due to his strength in handling large-scale acquisitions and divestments of real estate portfolios and assets with further expertise in the set-up of joint ventures for development projects.

Appreciating their cooperation, one client endorses Sven Frode Frølund for his "outstanding legal expertise, commercial awareness and great commitment." He enters the rankings due to his involvement in large real estate portfolio acquisitions, where he often acts for international investors.

Clients mandate Torben Brøgger due to his expertise in the construction of hospitals and the handling of large urban development projects throughout Denmark.

Chambers and Partners Europe 2022, Real Estate - Construction

What the team is known for
Bech-Bruun is an esteemed and well-resourced practice that regularly assists domestic and international creditors with a range of bankruptcy and insolvency issues, including debt structuring. The law firm assists with the administration of estates, including the sale of businesses as going concerns, or liquidates companies' assets through formal insolvency proceedings. The legal team also acts on out-of-court restructurings. The practice handles bankruptcy matters in a broad range of sectors including manufacturing, construction and retail.

Work highlights
Acted as administrator for Libratone on bankruptcy proceedings.

Notable practitioners
Anders Hauge Gløde advises clients on bankruptcies, restructurings and litigation proceedings.

Head of department Anders Hoffmann Kønigsfeldt is a notable market presence who regularly acts as appointed trustee on bankruptcies spanning a range of industries.

Jørgen Hauschildt advises clients on company wind-ups and estate administration, handling both domestic and cross-border mandates.

Michael Serring regularly acts on insolvency litigation advising distressed companies, creditors and other parties in disputes. He also acts as trustee for bankruptcy estates.

Troels Tuxen is known for his work on restructurings and insolvencies, serving domestic as well as international clients. He also regularly acts as administrator for bankruptcy estates.

Chambers and Partners Europe 2022, Restructuring/Insolvency

What the team is known for
Bech-Bruun has an outstanding practice covering all aspects of shipping law on a domestic and cross-border level. The law firm regularly acts on high-profile insolvency proceedings in the shipping sector. The group is also active in maritime insurance cases, including issues in the offshore energy sector. The department demonstrates experience handling collision, capsizing and breakdown disputes, as well as ship arrest cases. Bech-Bruun's clients include transport companies, shipbuilders and insurance companies.

Strengths
"We trust them with complex matters," one source explains, commending the team's "considerable depth" and adding: "They are also commercially tuned in and are able to blend their legal acumen with commercial practicality."

Other sources praise the group's "comprehensive and to-the-point legal advice," with one individual describing the team as "top-notch."

Work highlights
Bech-Bruun acted for a majority of the creditors in the insolvency of Thor Shipping, with lawsuits in Denmark, Japan and Brazil.

Notable practitioners
Anne Buhl Bjelke focuses on insurance matters within the shipping sector. She is based in Copenhagen.

Up-and-coming lawyer Camilla Hudson impresses for her experience in domestic and cross-border shipping disputes. Acting for a range of vessel owners, insurers and energy companies, her expertise covers issues relating to bunker fuel, insolvency and H&M coverage. "She is a very talented lawyer with excellent knowledge of our field of work," says one source, adding: "Her communication skills ensure that everybody understands, even if they don’t have a legal background, and makes people comfortable when dealing with legal matters."

Johannes Grove Nielsen advises clients on a wide range of wet and dry shipping mandates, including insurance claims, insolvency proceedings and vessel arrests. "He has the ability to distil a difficult situation down to understandable terms and issues," explains one interviewee, adding: "He is also very good at developing creative solutions to a problem."

Chambers and Partners Europe 2022, Shipping

What the team is known for
Bech-Bruun has a strong practice working on both domestic and cross-border matters, offering expertise in areas across the full scope of tax law. Its areas of focus include VAT, exit tax and transfer pricing. The team is experienced advising on business succession and withholding tax matters. Its lawyers are active on a variety of contentious matters, as well as assisting with the tax aspects of M&A transactions. The firm has also established a reputable practice in mutual agreement proceedings. Its client base includes those active in the retail, financial and technology sectors.

Strengths
A client reports: "Bech-Bruun has a very good understanding of our business, so they give advice from a commercial point of view."

Another commentator acknowledges: "The firm is well versed in international transactions and issues that arise in a cross-border context."

Work highlights
Bech-Bruun advised the Danish Agriculture & Food Council on the detailing of the principles of future tax assessment of real estate.

Notable practitioners
Michael Serup is an esteemed lawyer in the market who focuses his advice on business succession tax and real estate tax assessment.

Thomas Frøbert acts for clients on tax disputes, including VAT, withholding tax and transfer pricing matters. He also assists with the tax aspects of M&A transactions. A client enthuses: "He is excellent, he is amazingly commercial, very clear and a trusted adviser."

Chambers and Partners Europe 2022, Tax

What the team is known for
Bech-Bruun is a well-known law firm offering strong expertise in IT mandates across Denmark. Its team is well placed to advise on outsourcings and the negotiation of SAP, master licence and SaaS agreements. In addition, clients benefit from the firm’s strength in digitalisation projects, cyber breaches and product launches as well as software procurements. GDPR compliance projects and data protection inspections are also assisted with, while the firm’s members also act as data protection officers. Bech-Bruun is further recognised for its telecommunication expertise, assisting with regulatory mandates such as EECC implementation. Its clientele includes prominent international clients from the technology, automotive and energy sectors as well as public entities.

Notable practitioners
Niels Andersen remains a trusted adviser for his strength in a broad array of IT mandates ranging from large outsourcing projects and software procurements to the negotiation of IT contracts and product launches.

Chambers and Partners Europe 2022, TMT