Bech-Bruun > Copenhagen, Denmark > Firm Profile
Bech-Bruun Offices
LANGELINIE ALLÉ 35
2100 COPENHAGEN
Denmark
Bech-Bruun > The Legal 500 Rankings
Denmark > Banking and finance Tier 1
Bech-Bruun‘s team maintains its ‘excellence and deep experience‘ in cross-border acquisition financings, whilst also advising on asset transactions, energy project financings, and real estate finance matters. The team is also adept at asset financings, particularly concerning rolling stock, aircraft and ships. Praised for his ‘strong work ethic‘, Thomas Thordal Sevelsted assists a number of banks and investment management companies with the financing of their acquisitions, refinancings, and the private placement of senior notes.Other key lawyers:
Thomas Thordal Sevelsted; David Moalem
Testimonials
‘Bech-Bruun’s team is extremely competent, thorough and knows exactly what the client needs. They are highly skilled and never let us down.’
‘Thomas Thordal Sevelsted and his team are among the best within finance and offer insight in all relevant aspects of financing. They demonstrate excellence and deep experience, and are extremely sophisticated in their advice.’
‘Thomas Thordal Sevelsted has a well-found theoretical foundation and a very pragmatic approach towards his cases and is delivering great service to his clients.’
‘The team is highly skilled and the service level is outstanding. Any projects are run with the outmost care. The team is always available.’
‘Thomas Thordal Sevelsted maintains a high service level and a strong work ethic.’
Key clients
3i Group Plc
Nordea Bank
Advent International
Blackstone Real Estate Group LP
Danske Bank A/S
Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB
Handelsbanken
Scandinavian Airlines
Hamburg Commercial Bank
JP Morgan
Strawberry Fields AB
Danica
Savill Investment Management
Lineage Logistics Holding
Scan Global Logistics A/S
Activum SG
KKR
Catella
AMBU A/S
CASA A/S
SoLiX Group
EKF Denmark’s Export Credit Agency
PF BankNordik
Ikano Bank
Welltec
Royal Unibrew
Denmark > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 1
Bech-Bruun houses a team of ‘leading M&A advisers‘ which regularly advises portfolio companies, large energy and renewables corporates, and clients within the oil and gas industry. Simon Milthers, Jakob Kristensen, and Claus Aagaard Nielsen jointly lead the practice. Milthers advises on large transactions in the energy, infrastructure, and utilities sectors; Kristiensen handles cross-border transactions on both the buyer and seller sides within the private equity domain; and Nielsen is an acquisition and corporate reorganisation specialist. Jacob Hjortshøj acts for a range of notable private equity funds, and advises on ownership restructurings, while M&A and company law specialist Søren Kamp Nørbæk advises on shareholders’ disputes and agreements, and commercial contracts. Andreas Nielsen joined the practice in early 2023 from Bruun & Hjejle.Practice head(s):
Simon Milthers; Jakob Kristensen; Claus Aagaard Nielsen
Other key lawyers:
Jacob Hjortshøj; Søren Kamp Nørbæk; Steen Rode; Ole Nørgaard; Morten Bruun-Larsen; Mikkel Anker Heegaard; Andreas Nielsen
Testimonials
‘Bech-Bruun shows a unique ability to adapt and perform in a transactional environment. The team is highly specialised, and they have a high level of professionalism, quality of their legal advice, and approachability stands out, and proves their position as leading M&A advisers.’
‘Simon Milthers, supported by Mikkel Anker Heegaard, is highly involved in all aspects of the negotiations and had an excellent ability to understand our business, expectations and goals. He was extremely competent and has the ability to adapt his approach and negotiation style, where he stands out as a leading M&A lawyer.’
‘Mikkel Anker Heegaard shows a high level of legal skill, he is efficient and capable of driving and progressing the various work streams. He is a huge support, Mikkel is a Senior Associate to be noticed.’
‘The team members have many different areas of expertise, which is very useful in different situations.’
Key clients
TotalEnergies S.E.
Danfoss A/S
Maj Invest Equity A/S
CVC Capital Partners
3 (HI3G Denmark ApS)
Royal Unibrew A/S
BESTSELLER A/S
Energinet (the Danish TSO)
ATP
A.P. Møller-Mærsk A/S
A.P. Møller Holding A/S
Ineos
FMC Corporation / Cheminova
Salling Group A/S
Gro Capital
Altor Equity Partners
Solix
Welltec A/S
Danske Bank A/S
Aller Media A/S and Aller Holding A/S
Getinge
CEE Group
Nordic Entertainment Group
VKR Holding A/S
Encavis
If Skadeförsäkring Holding AB
Nordic Investment Opportunities
Norgine B.V.
Norlys a.m.b.a.
ActivumSG Capital management
Lunar
Bagger-Sørensen
Work highlights
- Advised Subway Surfers and its owners of the sale of SYBO, the developer and publisher of the Subway Surfer game, to Tencent-owned Miniclip.
- Advised FMC Corporation/Cheminova A/S on its acquisition of BioPhero ApS, a Denmark-based pheromone research and production company. BioPhero ApS was acquired through FMC’s Danish subsidiary Cheminova A/S.
- Advised Nordea AB and a consortium formed for the transaction on its acquisition of BC Hospitality Group A/S, a Copenhagen based hotel operator.
Denmark > Data privacy and data protection Tier 1
Bech-Bruun houses a ‘very skilled and competent‘ IP and technology team, which often serves domestic businesses and international companies. Mikkel Friis Rossa and Susanne Stougaard jointly lead the team from Aarhus and Copenhagen respectively. Standout practitioner Rossa is ‘highly skilled‘ in advising on international data transfer issues and compliance programmes, and Stougaard advises public authorities and businesses on security breaches and business transfer due diligence. Associate Egil Husum is frequently appointed DPO for municipalities and public authorities, often advising on the implementation of technological solutions.Practice head(s):
Mikkel Friis Rossa; Susanne Stougaard
Other key lawyers:
Thomas Munk Rasmussen; Egil Husum; Nilas Monberg
Testimonials
‘Susanne Stougaard and Nilas Monberg are among the best in their field and provide experience and service at the highest level. They keep themselves updated on all relevant GDPR news and maintain the highest level of compliance.’
‘The data privacy team at Bech-Bruun excel at understanding their clients needs before going into solution mode. They cultivate a very down to earth approach and are straight shooters who look for solutions.’
‘Mikkel Friis Rossa stands out. He always goes the extra mile and is is highly skilled.’
‘Very skilled and competent team, with a good sense of the reality in business.’
Key clients
DIGIT Kommunerne
Salling Group A/S
CAN Insurance
DSV Panalpina Group
Arp-Hansen Hotel Group
Rockwool International
HI3G
DFDS
Arla Foods
Jyske Bank
The Zealand Region of Denmark
Pandora
Danske Bank
The Southern Region of Denmark
Georg Jensen
Nordic Entertainment Group
The Danish Medical Association
Capio
Norli Liv og Pension
Work highlights
- Represented Arp-Hansen Hotel Group A/S (AHHG) in a landmark decision on storage of personal data under the GDPR.
- Representing CNA Insurance in all instances where the cybersecurity insurance of CNA’s customer is triggered due to a cyber security breach.
- Appointed through public tenders as DPO for 13 municipalities organised in formalised digital working groups.
Denmark > Dispute resolution Tier 1
The ‘extremely qualified team‘ at Bech-Bruun often appears before the Supreme Court in commercial litigation and international arbitration proceedings. Johannes Grove Nielsen heads up the practice, which includes Anne Buhl Bjelke, who has ample experience in representing clients in cases concerning liability for damages and insurance cover, as well as reinsurance claims. The team’s varied client base includes notable insurance companies, banks, and pension funds. Camilla Søgaard Hudson is a transport, maritime and insurance law specialist, who handles cases concerning charterparties, carriage of goods, and bunker disputes; and associate Rasmus Schmidt focuses on representing clients in commercial contract disputes, management liability cases, and post-M&A litigation. In 2023, the practice also benefitted notably from the firm’s merger with ‘super strong‘ boutique litigation firm Lundsgaard & Partnere, adding ‘outstanding lawyer‘ Søren Lundsgaard, ‘very skilled litigator‘ Arianne Svardal-Stelmer and associate Daniel Myhre Engell to the firm’s roster. Carsten Pedersen retired in 2022.Practice head(s):
Johannes Grove Nielsen
Other key lawyers:
Claus Berg; Anne Buhl Bjelke; Rasmus Schmidt; Camilla Søgaard Hudson; Søren Lundsgaard; Arianne Svardal-Stelmer; Daniel Myhre Engell; Camilla Søbjerg Nielsen
Testimonials
‘Profound knowledge base, timely, efficient, they are an extremely qualified team. Especially capable in multi-jurisdictional advice. Very responsive and pleasant to work with.’
‘Bech-Bruun has at all levels a service minded approach.’
‘Søren Lundsgaard is a beacon in the Danish dispute arena, he enjoys an excellent reputation and rightly so. He has a remarkable presence and is not afraid to embrace any dispute. Daniel Myhre Engell also deserves recognition for taking a deep dive into matters and leaving no stone unturned.’
‘Søren Lundsgaard stands out. Cross examining is a skill but cross examining in a foreign language with skill and humour is exceptional. Arianne Svardal-Stelmer is a very bright lawyer with a strong future ahead of her. Daniel Myhre Engell has excellent English skills and brings careful thought and consideration to the team.’
‘Johannes Grove Nielsen has assisted clients in an excellent manner, he is very skilled.’
‘It has been a great pleasure to work with the team. Camilla Søbjerg Nielsen has been great.’
‘Anne Buhl Bjelke was the partner we worked with and provides a very good service in long running disputes.’
Key clients
Energinet (owned by the Danish Ministry of Energy)
MAN Energy Solutions SE
Howden Insurance Brokers AB (part of the Hyperion Insurance Group)
VTG Rail Europe GmbH
Gjensidige Insurance
Vejdirektoratet
Landbrug & Fødevarer
BETRI P/F (formerly P/F Tryggingarfelagið Føroyar)
Kai Andersen A/S
Danfoss A/S
ABB A/S
AIG Insurance
Danske Bank A/S
Danica Pension, Livsforsikringsaktieselskab
BAIN & COMPANY DENMARK P/S
Alm. Brand Forsikring A/S
Frasers Group PLC
Evergreen Marine Corporation (Taiwan) Limited
Marsh & McLennan Agency A/S
Bo-Vita
AP Ejendomme A/S
Work highlights
- Represented a former board member of Roskilde Bank A/S in a dispute regarding alleged mismanagement of a bank collapse in 2008 due to the financial crisis. The claim amounts to DKK1bn.
- Representing Evergreen Marine Corporation (Taiwan) Limited before the Maritime and Commercial High Court against Maersk A/S. The dispute arose out of the container vessel Ever Given’s blockage of the Suez Canal in March 2021.
- Representing the estate of Thor Shipping and Sofia Shipping in a number of disputes against Thornico A/S and Thorco Projects A/S in relation to claw back claims from the bankruptcy of Thor and Sofia Shipping as well as in D&O claims against former management.
Denmark > Employment Tier 1
The ‘strong, very skilled‘ team at Bech-Bruun advises a diverse client roster, including municipalities and the Danish Financial Services Union, on the employment aspects of mergers, investigations of abuse, and contentious matters concerning redundancies. Rated by clients as ‘one of the top employment law advisers in Denmark‘, Lise Lauridsen leads the team and is particularly adept at advising domestic and international corporates on the protection of trade secrets and outsourcing work; she also represents high-level employees before inquiry commissions. Morten Ulrich has ‘exceptional knowledge‘ and primarily advises employers in both the public and private sectors on the employee termination issues, and ‘top-class lawyer‘ Sandro Ratkovic assists companies with business immigration matters and violations of the Danish business immigration regime.Practice head(s):
Lise Lauridsen
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team is strong, very skilled, broad, and always provides top-class service.’
‘Lise Lauridsen truly stands out with her deep and expert knowledge, she is great to work with, and has a superb practical touch to her advice. Lise is one of the top employment law advisers in Denmark.’
‘Sandro Ratkovic is a top-class lawyer. Sandro is pleasant to work with, highly responsive and competent. He has an open and down-to-earth approach, and is always willing to go the extra mile.’
‘The team’s in-depth knowledge and abilities are impressive, and working with the team is very easy. It is an absolute pleasure and it brings a very high degree of comfort and trust.’
‘We feel we are in very safe hands with Bech-Bruun and we always receive high-quality, high-standard advice.’
‘Morten Ulrich has exceptional knowledge of the legal process in both the civil law system and the labour law system.’
Key clients
Finansforbundet
Tandlægeforeningen
DoorDash, Inc.
ActivumSG Capital Management Ltd.
Copenhagen Municipality
Region Zealand
Bruun Rasmussen
Drip Global, Inc.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Defence and former head of Danish Defence Intelligence Service
Ganni
Work highlights
- Represented the Danish Financial Services Union in a contentious matter before the Danish Eastern High Court against the Danish State.
- Carried out an outside council investigation for the Copenhagen Municipality, concerning the sexual abuse of girls and young women at one of the schools in the municipality, including making an assessment of possible sanctions with respect to the involved teachers.
- Advised DoorDash, Inc. on the Danish employment related aspects of the acquisition of Wolt Enterprises Oy.
Denmark > Energy Tier 1
Bech-Bruun‘s broad energy practice handles the full range of transactional and regulatory issues and disputes regarding large energy infrastructure projects. The team is known for its expertise in power purchase agreements (PPAs) and often serves infrastructure fund management and cleantech corporates. Practice head Johan Weihe has over 15 years’ experience in advising waste-to-energy companies and governments on carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects. On the renewables side, energy specialist Per Hemmer is an expert in geothermic energy and waste incineration transactions. Associate Rania Kassis primarily advises on the contractual and regulatory facets of offshore renewable energy and oil and gas projects.Practice head(s):
Johan Weihe
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Jakob Kristensen is hands on, pragmatic with great responsiveness.’
Key clients
Vestforbrænding
Energinet
INEOS
E.ON Danmark
Trefor Varme
European Energy
Shamaran
Dansk Affaldsforening
Encavis
Vattenfall / Vattenfall Vindkraft
The TotalEnergies group
Din Forsyning Varme A/S
LetterOne Corporate Advisor Limited
Energi Viborg
I/S Amager Ressourcecenter
REFA Maribo-Sakskøbing Kraftvarmeværk
Fjernvarme Fyn
Evida Holding
Bornholms Energy & Forsyning Holding
Green Hydrogen
KK Wind Solutions
Work highlights
- Advised Vestforbrænding on its participation in the first tender in Denmark for the capture, use and storage of CO2.
- Advised Energinet on a lawsuit derived from Energinet’s task of grid connecting Denmark’s largest offshore wind farm. The Supreme Court decision from February 2022 establishes that supply companies through compulsory acquisition can legally seek to ensure the continuous and undisturbed placement of cables.
- Advising KK Wind Solutions/A.P. Moller Mærsk on its acquisition of Vestas’s Converter & Controls business for wind turbines in Denmark, India and China.
Denmark > EU, competition and public procurement Tier 1
Bech-Bruun‘s EU and competition group assists domestic and international clients across the media and entertainment, transport, and pharmaceuticals sectors, and often represents clients before the EU Commission. Practice head Peter Stig Jakobsen has extensive contentious expertise and represents electricity customers in damages claims concerning abuses of dominant positions. Tina Braad has particular experience in public procurement work, and often advises on large infrastructure projects, appearing before the Complaints Board for Public Procurement.Practice head(s):
Peter Stig Jakobsen
Other key lawyers:
Jesper Kaltoft; Tina Braad; Anne Bergholt Sommer; Anders Birkelund Nielsen; Mark Gall
Key clients
Scania
Schneider Electric
City & Harbor
KIA
Danfoss
Velux
Salling Group
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark
Nordic Entertainment Group
Procter & Gamble
Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH
Energi Danmark A/S
Scanenergi A/S
Ahlsell Group
Daugaard Biler A/S
Wolters Kluwer
All the five regions of Denmark
FK Distribution A/S
Work highlights
- Advised Rheinmetall on matters related to the procurement of supplies to the Danish Defence.
- Advising the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on all Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA) related procurement procedures and has established a team dedicated to conducting the more than 20 yearly DANIDA related tender procedures in the English and French languages.
- Represented more than 1,000 electricity customers and wholesalers who have filed a lawsuit against Elsam (now Ørsted) with claim for damages of more than DKK4bn due to Elsam’s abuse of a dominant position by charging unreasonably high prices in the period 1 July 2003 to 31 December 2006.
Denmark > Information technology Tier 1
The ‘experienced and skilled‘ team at Bech-Bruun handles the full scope of IT matters, from traditional system development and operational service agreements, to emerging technology issues relating to blockchain, IoT, and robotics. Based in Copenhagen, co-head Niels M. Andersen advises domestic and overseas corporates on public and private procurements, transfers and due diligence in addition to contract management related IT issues. Mikkel Friis Rossa co-heads the practice from Aarhus, and consistently ‘goes the extra mile‘ when advising corporates on strategic digital transformation projects, using his expertise at the intersection between data protection and IT law. Senior associate Joachim Nydam Bjerregaard handles contractual and regulatory issues within the IT and telecoms spaces.Practice head(s):
Niels M. Andersen; Mikkel Friis Rossa
Other key lawyers:
Peter Lind Nielsen; Joachim Nydam Bjerregaard
Testimonials
‘One of the most experienced and skilled in the field.’
‘Mikkel Friis Rossa deserves a special mention, for standing out positively. Mikkel goes the extra mile, regardless of the client need. He is always available and dependable.’
Key clients
Salling Group
Microsoft
Samsung
Energinet
Jyske Bank
JYSK A/S
Lessor (Paychex)
Kvadrat
Pandora
Royal Unibrew
Accenture
Nordisk RSC
Region Zealand
Aalborg Municipality
Danish Foreign Ministry
Phase One
XP Digital
Denmark > Insurance Tier 1
Bech-Bruun houses a team of insurance specialists who handle all risk, D&O, marine, and life insurance mandates, and often represents agricultural company owners in product liability disputes and insurance coverage matters. Practice head Anne Buhl Bjelke is a regulatory and corporate insurance specialist, who advises international insurance companies on passporting and distribution issues. The ‘dutiful, thorough and business minded‘ Camilla Søgaard Hudson primarily advises on maritime business insurance and disputes. The firm merged with litigation boutique Lundsgaard & Partnere in early 2023, adding the expertise of professional liability expert Søren Lundsgaard to its ranks.Practice head(s):
Anne Buhl Bjelke
Other key lawyers:
Camilla Søbjerg Hudson; Mogens Gaarden; Søren Lundsgaard; Arianna Svardal-Stelmer
Testimonials
‘Camilla Søbjerg Hudson is dutiful, thorough and business minded.’
‘Arianna Svardal-Stelmer. Incredibly skilled in insurance and tort law.’
‘Søren Lundsgaard is calm, measured, and practical. Highly responsive to requests and helpful.’
Key clients
American International Group (AIG)
Amager Ressource Center I/S (ARC)
ATP
Atradius
Betri
City of Aarhus
Codan
CNA Insurance
Danica
Danske Bank
Enstar EU limited
FM Insurance
GARD
Gjensidige Forsikring
HDI-Gerling Verzekeringen N.V.
Howden Insurance Brokers AB (part of Hyperion Group)
JT3 Klima A/S
Live Nation
Lloyd’s
Marsh
Protector Forsikring
QBE Insurance
Santander Insurance/Santander Life Insurance
SKULD
Swedish Club
Topdanmark Forsikring
Tryg Forsikring
Tryggingamiðstöðin hf
UK Defence Club
Vejdirektoratet
Velliv (previously Nordea Liv og Pension)
Work highlights
- Represented Danica Pension in a litigation filed by one of Danica Pension’s business customers, an employer, regarding a large company pension scheme concerning more than 1,000 employees. The litigation concerns the employer’s termination of the contract with Danica Pension.
- Representing six owners of agricultural companies with large scale pig productions in a lawsuit against the largest producer of boar semen for artificial insemination in Europe. The lawsuit is a product liability dispute arising out of deliveries of virus infected boar semen which resulted in substantial damages.
- Advising Norwegian insurance company Gjensidige, covering all major areas of the insurance company’s claims and dispute resolution as well as corporate and regulatory matters.
Denmark > Intellectual property Tier 1
The ‘impressive, wide-ranging team of IP experts‘ at Bech-Bruun continues to provide advice to domestic and international companies, including Sony, UEFA, and Samsung Bioepis on life sciences and patents work. Claus Barrett Christiansen and Mikkel Friis Rossa jointly lead the team, with Christiansen often advising clients on cases concerning dynamic blocking injunctions regarding trade mark infringement allegations. Klaus Ewald Madsen has a ‘wealth of experience‘ in acting for pharmaceuticals and medical device companies in cases concerning patent infringement issues and the launch of biosimilars, and Jeppe Brinck-Jensen excels in patent and trade secrets litigation. Rated by clients as being ‘among the top IP lawyers in Denmark‘, Dan Bjerg Geary primarily assists with patent and technology licensing work, and often advises on technology transfers and IP strategies. Associate Sisse Langberg Lassen supports the team from Aarhus with her expertise in handling multi-jurisdictional trade mark, design and environmental marketing litigation.Practice head(s):
Claus Barret Christiansen; Mikkel Friis Rossa
Other key lawyers:
Klaus Ewald Madsen; Martin Dræbye Gantzhorn; Dan Bjerg Geary; Louise Thornemann; Jeppe Brinck-Nielsen; Sisse Langberg Lassen
Testimonials
‘Really strong and specialised focus on bio and pharma patent litigation.’
‘Klaus Ewald Madsen and the team have a wealth of experience, are great team players, and are extremely easy to work with. Klaus is highly recommended for his experience, and his really good practical advice, especially in life sciences.’
‘Bech-Bruun’s IP department continues to be top of the game and delivers high-level advice on complex issues. It boasts an impressive, wide-ranging team of IP experts.’
‘Dan Bjerg Geary shows extraordinary understanding. He is attentive and alert, and has an impressive knowledge. Dan excels in litigation and delivers proactive and solution-oriented advice at a very high level.’
‘Dan Bjerg Geary provides outstanding service reflecting his in-depth experience and knowledge of the industry. Dan is among the top IP lawyers in Denmark.’
‘Martin Gantzhorn is exceptionally good and highly trusted. His key strength is the combination of a deep understanding of the regulation and practice applicable to the pharmaceutical industry combined with his excellent and persuasive communication skills.’
Key clients
Danish Telecommunication Industry Association
UEFA
MT Højgaard
Zealand Pharma
Norgine B.V.
Quooker
Innargi
Haworth
Panzerglass
Coloplast
Miinto
Nakdcom One World AB
Stylepit
Hilfiger
A.P. Møller Maersk Holding
Hewlett-Packard Enterprise
Volkswagen
Schneider Corporation
Janssen-Cilag
Pandora
Arla
Herman Miller
Moët Champagne (LVMH)
Danisa Foods
Bang & Olufsen
SONY
IKEA
Philip Morris
Samsung Bioepis
UCB
Joe & the Juice
Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
Fazer
Queue-IT
Source Technology
Work highlights
- Representing Samsung Bioepis in legal proceedings against Fresenius Kabi. Fresenius Kabi – a competitor developer of biosimilars – which sought a preliminary injunction against manufacture and marketing of Samsung Bioepis’ biosimilar of Humira, which is called Imraldi.
- Representing Edwards Lifesciences Corporation in preliminary patent infringement proceedings against several distributors of balloon expandable heart valves from the Indian company Meril Lifesciences.
- Advising Aarhus Vand on IP and licensing issues relating to its public tender for its upcoming ReWater project.
Denmark > Media and entertainment Tier 1
Bech-Bruun houses a diverse team which advises on the full spectrum of media and entertainment issues across the social media, film, TV, and music industries. The team frequently acts for artists, licensing agencies and record companies on matters relating to distribution via traditional media and online streaming platforms. Niels M. Andersen and Claus Aagaard Nielsen jointly head up the practice; Andersen has long-standing experience in advising on the licensing, recording, and publishing of music and often represents international media companies, while Nielsen has over 15 years’ experience in representing medium-sized and large industrial enterprises on business acquisitions and sales.Practice head(s):
Niels M. Andersen; Claus Aagaard Nielsen
Other key lawyers:
Claus Barrett Christiansen; Johnny Petersen; Joachim Nydam Bjerregaard
Testimonials
‘Niels M. Andersen and Joachim Bjerregaard form a strong team by being in touch with their clients situation and having important market understanding.’
Key clients
Various performing artists (Sigurd Barett, L.O.C, Emil Stabil)
Samsung
HI3G
Microsoft
Blackwood Seven
Motion Picture Licensing Company (MPLC)
AlchemisT
UIP
Nordic Entertainment Group AB (NENT)
Viaplay Group
Work highlights
- Advised on personality rights, including the use of names and images in television series and commercials.
- Represented MPLC in a seven-day court hearing before the Danish Commercial Court in an extensive lawsuit against Danish copyright collecting society Copydan.
- Advised Playmobil on compliance issues relating to its negotiations and agreements with international toy production company Playmobil (LINK) regarding film production for Playmobil and streaming and transmission via YouTube.
Denmark > Real estate and construction
Bech-Bruun houses a team which has broad expertise and serves a diverse client base of international funds and investors. Tina Braad and Jens Hjortskov jointly lead the team from Aarhus and Copenhagen respectively. Hjortskov often represents general housing organisations and entrepreneurs in disputes, while Braad regularly advises public authorities and utilities on tender procedures and public procurement issues, areas in which associate Nikolaj Kromann Hellesen is also a specialist. Construction and procurement specialist Claus Berg is ‘extremely well prepared‘ when handling disputes and arbitration proceedings before the Building and Construction Arbitration Board (BCAB) concerning designer and consultant liability.Practice head(s):
Tina Braad; Jens Hjortskov
Other key lawyers:
Claus Berg; Per Bjerg Christensen; Nikolaj Kromann Hellesen
Testimonials
‘A true full service team in all real estate aspects with great market awareness.’
‘Claus Berg has a very professional approach to the task, are always extremely well prepared and has a good understanding of the technical issues.’
Key clients
Strawberry Fields AS/Strawberry Brothers AS/NordicChoice Hotels
PFA Pension
Blackstone Real Estate Group L.P.
Nordic Real Estate Partners (NREP)
BlackRock
Allianz Real Estate GmbH
Round Hill Capital
Mirastar Real Estate Investment Management Europe
Cibus Nordic Real Estate
AEW Europe
Lægernes Pension
PensionDanmark
Savills Investment Management
Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. Inc.
Mileway
Catella Residential Investment Management
Aberdeen Standard Investments
Municipality of Aarhus
CPH City and Port Development
NCC Danmark
Rambøll Danmark A/S
Danica Ejendomsselskab
Danish Crown A/S
Copenhagen Municipality
Aarhus Municipality
Southern Denmark Region
Northern Denmark Region
Central Denmark Region
Nordkranen
Rizzani de Eccher
Odense Letbane P/S
Hovedstadens Letbane I/S
Universal Robots A/S
Herlev Municipality
AP Ejendomme A/S
Work highlights
- Advised AP Pension on the acquisition of BoStad from Castelake in a large residential portfolio transaction with a total asset value of DKK3.3bn.
- Advised Blackstone on the €21bn recapitalisation of Mileway.
Denmark > Shipping and transport Tier 1
Bech-Bruun houses a ‘first-class practice‘ which handles the full range of issues, including international dispute resolution and mediation proceedings arising from dry and wet shipping matters; the firm is also known for its dedicated cross-border insolvency shipping team, giving it tremendous ‘strength in depth‘ across the shipping sector. The ‘exceptionally bright‘ Johannes Grove Nielsen spearheads the practice and has notable contentious expertise and ‘exceptional knowledge‘ of commercial, insolvency and damages related disputes within shipping. Camilla Søgaard Hudson often provides ‘stellar’ advice to domestic and international P&I clubs, shipping companies and insurance companies on charterparty agreements and cargo transportation issues. Managing associate Louise Lundsby Wessel is also active in insurance-related work. Jes Anker Mikkelsen has since retired.Practice head(s):
Johannes Grove Nielsen
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Leading first-class practice, maintained and constantly developed. Bech-Bruun has real strength in depth across the shipping and marine insurance sectors, with a good and pragmatic approach to dispute resolution.’
‘You are sure to always receive first-class advice. Thorough legal analysis, pro-active approach, very short response time, clear reporting. The team provides fast and precise responses and are not afraid to make specific recommendations.’
‘Johannes Grove Nielsen is exceptionally bright and knows the ins and outs of all aspects of shipping law. He is extremely service minded and has a great commercial understanding which brings the extra edge to his first-class advice.’
‘Johannes Grove Nielsen is one of the outstanding Danish maritime lawyers. He has a profound knowledge of both the law and the sectors that he serves. His advice is direct and to the point. I unreservedly recommend him as one of the elder statesmen among Danish shipping lawyers.’
‘Johannes Grove Nielsen is a very competent lawyer with a pragmatic approach to dispute resolution. He is also very good at assimilating technical aspects of disputes.’
‘Camilla Søgaard Hudson is a future star, and her work is stellar. I have been involved in a matter that entailed complicated time and jurisdiction issues, where I was most impressed by her work.’
‘Johannes Grove Nielsen has a calm and confident approach to matters, combined with exceptional knowledge and his smart procedural moves are very reassuring and we will not hesitate to provide them with further business or recommend them to others.’
‘Both Johannes Grove Nielsen and Camilla Søgaard Hudson are excellent ambassadors of the firm. One feels the matter to be in good hands in all respects. Would like to highlight Johannes, who has great insight in complex issues – both from a legal and commercial point of view.’
Key clients
MAN Energy Solutions
GARD
Remontowa Shiprepair Yard
SKULD
Kuehne & Nagel A/S
A.P. Møller-Mærsk A/S
Monjasa
Codan Insurance
ADM
Oxymat A/S
Evergreen Marine Corporation (Taiwan) Limited
MS Amlin Marine
Hamborg Offshore AHT “Pegasus” GmbH & Co
Haltbakk Bunkers AS
Denmark > Tax Tier 1
Bech-Bruun‘s ‘dedicated‘ team handles both disputes and non-contentious tax mandates including advising on tax structuring issues, transfer pricing litigation, and VAT legislation challenges. The practice assists a varied client roster of municipalities, financial leasing businesses and asset management companies. Practice head Thomas Frøbert maintains his focus on advising domestic and international companies and NGOs on duty and VAT issues. Michael Serup is ‘second to none‘ with his insight into advising on shareholder and corporate tax issues, often appearing before the National Tax Tribunal in disputes.Practice head(s):
Thomas Frøbert
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Excellent at giving a good overview of the issues and finding solutions. They lead their clients though all the complex decisions, making them feel well advised.’
‘Thomas Frøbert is service minded and solution-oriented with a commercial mindset.’
‘Michael Serup’s insight is second to none. He has the ability to analyse and find precise and creative solutions to difficult problems. Michael is very smooth and efficient.’
‘Michael Serup and his team are more dedicated than you can expect. It is the most professional help I have ever received from any external lawyer or adviser.’
Key clients
A.P. Møller Mærsk
Total S.A.
Total Energies Danmark A/S
Modern Times Group
Maersk Tankers A/S
H&M
Broadcom
J.P Morgan
ATP
Nokia
Svenska Handelsbanken
Experian
Takeda Group
Danish Family Business Network
Danish Agriculture & Food Council
Udviklingsselskabet By & Havn I/S
Falck Danmark A/S
Aarhus Kommune
Herning Kommune
Kalundborg Kommune
Conquest
Workday, Inc.
Denmark > Capital markets Tier 2
Bech-Bruun‘s capital markets and regulatory practice frequently advises domestic and international stock broker companies and alternative investment fund managers on de-listings, securities trading work and secondary offerings. David Moalem and Steen Jensen co-head the practice. Moalem has vast expertise in regulatory matters and often advises financial institutions and payment services providers on buyback programs and multilateral trading facilities, and Jensen specialises in P2P transactions, takeover bids and prospectuses.Practice head(s):
David Moalem; Steen Jensen
Key clients
Jyske Bank
Green Hydrogen Systems
Bank Nordik
H Lundbeck
Onxeo SA
Lunar Bank
Euronext Denmark (VP Securities)
Ambu
Novozymes
Flügger group
North Media
H+H International
Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken
Danske Bank
Work highlights
- Advised Green Hydrogen Systems, which was capitalised with funding from AP Moeller Holding and then matured, on the company’s IPO on Nasdaq Copenhagen.
- Advised Nordea Bank, JP Morgan, Danske Bank and SEB as joint global coordinators on multiple matters for Alm Brand, including its rights issuance of DKK10.5bn to finance the acquisition of Codan and private placing of DKK900m Alm Brand shares to partly fund its use of pre-emption rights.
- Advised Welltec on its successful issuance of $325m 8.25% senior secured notes.
Denmark > Environment Tier 2
Bech-Bruun‘s environment, nature and planning practice primarily dispenses advice on the environmental law aspects of infrastructure projects. The team exhibits strength in handling public law disputes and public law related environmental regulation, handling cases before the Environmental and Food Board of Appeal. Practice head Jacob Schall Holberg is a specialist in public and environmental law, who often appears before the High Court on behalf of development and construction companies. Infrastructure specialist Hanne Mølbeck regularly represents public construction authorities and infrastructure owners.Practice head(s):
Jacob Schall Holberg
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Femern A/S
Energinet
Metroselskabet I/S
Odense Letbane P/S
Hovedstadens Letbane (The Greater Copenhagen LightRail)
By & Havn
The Municipality of Lejre
M. Goldschmidt Holding A/S
Ny Valby Byggemodning P/S
Ny Valby Udvikling A/S
Municipality of Aarhus
Vattenfall
MT Højgaard Projektudvikling A/S
Work highlights
- Advising state-owned company Femern A/S on environmental and public law issues relating to the €7bn project that will ultimately lead to the construction of the longest immersed tunnel in the world.
- Advising Energinet on environmental matters in connection with the Baltic Pipe Project, which aims to improve the transmission of natural gas from Norway to Poland, Denmark, Sweden, the Baltic countries, and central and eastern regions of Europe.
- Advising By & Havn on all legal issues arising from the Lynetteholmen artificial island project, including representation of the client in a dispute brought by an environmental association which alleges that the environmental impacts of the project on the surrounding areas have not been examined in accordance with the requirements set in EU environmental and international environmental law.
Denmark > Insolvency Tier 2
The team at Bech-Bruun utilises its ‘lengthy experience‘ in cross-border insolvency mandates across Germany, Greenland and China. The team assists a diverse client base of domestic banks and government funds, in addition to corporates, and domestic subsidiaries on the debtors side. Practice head Anders Hoffmann Kønigsfeldt handles bankrupt estates, and often appears before the High Court in matters aimed at avoiding bankruptcy. Troels Tuxen is ‘extremely experienced‘ in advising shipping companies on the out-of-court suspension of payment procedures, creditor arrangements, and frequently acts as trustee of bankruptcy estates.Practice head(s):
Anders Hoffmann Kønigsfeldt
Other key lawyers:
Jørgen Hauschildt; Michael Serring; Troels Tuxen; Anders Hauge Gløde; Søren Christensen Volder
Testimonials
‘They are always very responsive, effective and to the point. The team works well and knows the sector.’
‘Troels Tuxen is a gentleman and a good lawyer with more than 30 years of experience. Troels has a broad knowledge of insolvency and is extremely experienced. He is always accessible and provides solid advice.’
‘Bech-Bruun’s team is extremely specialised and has lengthy experience within bankruptcies and restructurings. They act quickly and accurately.’
‘Michael Serring and Anders Hauge Gløde provide excellent advice.’
Key clients
Danske Bank A/S
Nordea Bank Denmark A/S
Nykredit A/S
Sydbank A/S
The Danish Travel Guarantee Fund
Jyske Bank A/S
Sparekassen Kronjylland A/S
Skjern Bank
ATP
Lønmodtagernes Garantifond
The Danish Growth Fund
Work highlights
- Appointed co-administrator of Great Dane Airlines A/S in bankruptcy.
- Appointed co-administrator of Daurehøj Erhvervsbyg A/S in bankruptcy.
- Appointed administrator of the Thor Shipping A/S and Sofia Shipping A/S in July 2020.
Denmark > Telecoms Tier 2
Bech-Bruun houses a strong IT, outsourcing and telecoms practice which often advises pension funds and corporates on transactional and contentious issues, including transmission rights and streaming mandates, often with a regulatory angle. Mikkel Friis Rossa and Niels M. Andersen jointly head up the practice from Aarhus and Copenhagen respectively. Andersen often advises domestic and international corporates such as Samsung and Microsoft on distribution agreements and regulatory requirements in relation to their products and services.Practice head(s):
Mikkel Friis Rossa; Niels M. Andersen
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Energinet
Samsung
HI3G
Microsoft
Blackwood Seven
KDDI Europe Limited
Colt Core
Accenture
Nordic Entertainment Group AB (NENT)
Eniro
Greenland > Foreign firms Tier 2
With particular knowledge of the Greenland energy and mining sectors, Bech-Bruun advises clients on obtaining mineral resource licences, public law issues and matters arising from energy infrastructure projects. Per Hemmer is the key contact and is an energy sector and climate specialist with knowledge of renewable energy projects and regulatory issues.
Other key lawyers:
Bech-Bruun > Firm Profile
Firm overview: Bech-Bruun is a full-service law firm with highly skilled and experienced lawyers in all commercial practice areas. The firm provides value-adding legal advice and services to a large sections of the Danish corporate and public sectors, as well as global enterprises. With 570 experienced and highly specialised employees, of which 60 are partners, we are among Denmark’s leading full-service law firms and one of the largest in the Nordics. From our offices in Copenhagen and Aarhus, we advise on all aspects of corporate and commercial law, providing tailored, interdisciplinary and value-adding solutions based on in-depth industry knowledge.
Our 11 practice groups include:
- Banking and finance
- Dispute resolution
- Employment and labour
- Energy
- EU and competition
- IP and technology
- IP and trademark
- Real estate and construction
- Restructuring and insolvency
- M&A corporate
- Tax
Offices
Copenhagen (head office)
Gdanskgade 18
2150 Copenhagen
Denmark
Aarhus
Værkmestergade 2
8000 Aarhus C
Denmark
T +45 7227 0000
F +45 7227 0027
E info@bechbruun.com
W https://www.bechbruun.com/
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Banking and finance | Thomas Thordal Sevelsted | tts@bechbruun.com | +45 7227 3604 |
Capital markets | Steen Jensen | sj@bechbruun.com | +45 7227 3346 |
Chinese desk | Jingjing Su | jsu@bechbruun.com | +45 7227 3341 |
Commercial contracts | Dan Bjerg Geary | dbg@bechbruun.com | +45 7227 3640 |
Company law | Steen Rode | rode@bechbruun.com | +45 7227 3313 |
Corporate compliance and investigations | Thomas Munk Rasmussen | tmr@bechbruun.com | +45 7227 3355 |
Dispute resolution and litigation | Johannnes Grove Nielsen | jgn@bechbruun.com | +45 7227 3377 |
Employment and labour | Lise Lauridsen | llau@bechbruun.com | +45 7227 3635 |
Energy and cleantech | Per Hemmer | phe@bechbruun.com | +45 7227 3550 |
Energy and cleantech | Johan Weihe | jhw@bechbruun.com | +45 7227 34 53 |
EU and competition | Jesper Kaltoft | jek@bechbruun.com | +45 7227 3569 |
Financial analysis and valuation | Claus Bjørn Galbo-Jørgensen | cgj@bechbruun.com | +45 7227 3696 |
FinTech | David Moalem | dmm@bechbruun.com | +45 7227 3324 |
Insolvency and restructuring | Anders Hoffmann Kønigsfeldt | ahk@bechbruun.com | +45 7227 35 53 |
Intellectual property rights | Martin Dræbye Gantzhorn | mdg@bechbruun.com | +45 7227 3636 |
Intellectual property rights | Claus Barrett Christiansen | clb@bechbruun.com | +45 7227 3633 |
Life science and medico | Martin Dræbye Gantzhorn | mdg@bechbruun.com | +45 7227 3636 |
Mergers and acquisitions | Steen Rode | rode@bechbruun.com | +45 7227 3313 |
Personal data protection | Mikkel Friis Rossa | mif@bechbruun.com | +45 7227 3359 |
Public law and environment | Per Hemmer | phe@bechbruun.com | +45 7227 3550 |
Real estate & construction | Jens Hjortskov | jeh@bechbruun.com | +45 7227 3444 |
Shipping and insurance | Johannes Grove Nielsen | jgn@bechbruun.com | +45 7227 3377 |
Tax | Thomas Frøbert | thf@bechbruun.com | +45 7227 3433 |
Technology, media and telecommunications | Claus Barrett Christiansen | clb@bechbruun.com | +45 7227 3633 |
Technology, media and telecommunications | Niels M. Andersen | nma@bechbruun.com | +45 7227 3406 |
Data Privacy and GDPR | Mikkel Friis Rossa | mif@bechbruun.com | +45 7227 3359 |
Lawyer Profiles
Staff Figures
Number of lawyers : 325 Number of employees : 571Languages
The Scandinavian languages English Spanish French German Chinese CroatianMemberships
TerraLex World Law Group (WLG) TAXANDOther
Other offices : AarhusDiversity
Diversity and inclusion are an essential part of Bech-Bruun’s DNA. We have set a clear direction for our work with diversity and inclusion in the coming years. We want to be able to attract and retain a diverse employee composition at all levels, which is why we have launched a number of initiatives within the different phases of working life that our employees go through. In 2020, we set two ambitious diversity targets towards 2025 and 2030 respectively:
- By 2025, every third new partner should be a woman.
- From 2025 and up to 2030, half of them should be women.
Achieving our diversity goals in 2025 and 2030 is important, but more diversity can’t stand alone. We also need to realise the potential of becoming a more inclusive workplace. With our strategy for diversity and inclusion towards 2025, we have therefore decided to step up the pace and do even more. We do this both as a workplace for our more than 550 employees and as a player in the industry, where diversity and inclusion remain a major challenge.
Bech-Bruun’s strategy for diversity and inclusion towards 2025
Towards 2025, we have chosen to prioritize five focus areas to ensure the goal of increased diversity and inclusion in Bech-Bruun. The five focus areas we will be working on in the coming years are:
Flexibility: We believe that greater work-life flexibility may contribute to more employees experiencing that they are able to combine working at Bech-Bruun with whatever else they want to spend time on. We are all different and naturally have different preferences in terms of how we want to live and work. We will be working with flexibility in three areas in particular: pregnancy, maternity and working hours and place of work.
Talent development: We aim to have a recurring and more inclusive dialogue about the professional personal and career development of every individual employee. This dialogue is first and foremost secured by changing our concept for appraisal interviews.
Recruitment: Over the next couple of years, we will review our overall recruitment process to ensure that it optimally supports our need to be able to attract the top talents of the legal profession.
Career paths: A key component of our talent development is creating more openness about the different career paths available available at Bech-Bruun. In particular, we need to ensure greater openness about the partner role and the path to becoming a partner.
Mentoring scheme: Over the next couple of years, we will build a mentoring scheme for employees of Bech-Bruun, which is intended to contribute to more effective career development.
International Capabilities
Today, the need for legal services often crosses country borders. Such need calls for prompt access to professional legal advice of a high quality in different jurisdictions. We have built a unique, global network of leading law firms for cross-border legal assistance.
We are members of the World Law Group, Taxand and TerraLex – three international networks of independent law firms with members in more than 100 countries. This means that we are at all times capable of drawing on the skills and knowledge of leading experts across the world.
An increasing number of our clients are non-Danish and international enterprises and organisations. Accordingly, we have a strong international focus. We are experts in Chinese, German, Greenlandic, English and EU law and have set up a Chinese and a German Desk.
Many of our lawyers have worked abroad, for instance with law firms in our international network.
To ensure that we remain updated on international trends and market potential we have established an international committee, dealing with our international relations and business development.
- Banking and finance
- Commercial, corporate and M&A
- Data privacy and data protection
- Dispute resolution
- Employment
- Energy
- EU, competition and public procurement
- Information technology
- Insurance
- Intellectual property
- Media and entertainment
- Real estate and construction
- Shipping and transport
- Tax
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Capital markets
- Environment
- Insolvency
- Telecoms
Firm Rankings
- Greenland > Foreign firms