Next Generation Partners

Rising Stars

Tax in Denmark

Bech-Bruun

Bech-Bruun is well known for its coverage of the full spectrum of contentious and non-contentious tax matters and specialisation across different tax areas, covering financial services and M&A taxes, tax disputes and indirect tax mandates, especially VAT issues. Leading the ‘highly skilled’ team is Thomas Frøbert, who often assists Danish and international companies, charitable institutions, NGO’s and political organisations with various tax issues, with focus on VAT and other indirect tax work. Jesper Buus is experienced in providing tax advice on complex cross-border M&A transactions, while Birka Wendy Mouritzen excels in VAT work.

Practice head(s):

Thomas Frøbert


Other key lawyers:

Jesper Buus; Birka Wendy Mouritzen


Testimonials

‘What sets Bech-Bruun apart is their unwavering commitment to client-centric solutions, blending legal expertise with a deep understanding of clients’ industries and needs.’

‘Thomas Frøbert is a very strong practitioner, supported by a good team, especially Jesper Buus. They are very responsive and understand what we need and think about the drivers of our business.’

‘Thomas Frøbert is technically very able and extremely responsive.’

‘The team at Bech-Bruun is comprised of highly skilled and specialised professionals, each excelling in their respective fields. Their strengths lie in their collaborative approach, fostering a culture of teamwork and knowledge sharing.’

‘Thomas Frøbert is a highly skilled tax lawyer who always delivers accurate work and always within the set deadline. He anticipates scenarios in advance like a professional chess player and delivers reliable and pragmatic solutions.’

‘I know Thomas Frøbert as an outstanding adviser and as a very skilled tax lawyer.’

Key clients

A.P. Møller Mærsk


Total S.A.


Total Energies Danmark A/S


Scan Global Logistics


Danske Bank


Schneider Group


Broadcom


J.P Morgan


Certa Insurance


Nokia


Svenska Handelsbanken


Experian


Takeda Group


Danish Family Business Network “Vækst i Generationer”


Danish Agriculture & Food Council


Kiloutou


Gefion Group


Aarhus Kommune, Herning Kommune, Kalundborg Kommune


SYBO Games


Workday, Inc.


Work highlights


  • Representing Total E&P Danmark A/S and A.P. Møller – Mærsk A/S in a transfer pricing case before the Eastern High Court.
  • Advising Vækst i Generationer in relation to Danish Government legislation regarding reduced taxation of succession of Danish family owned businesses.
  • Assisted the shareholders and management of SYBO Games with the sale of all their shares to Miniclip, a Tencent subsidiary.

Gorrissen Federspiel

Key strengths of Gorrissen Federspiel‘s tax department span advice on corporate tax, transfer pricing, and tax controversy work. The team is well regarded for its work on international tax and cross-border transactions, as well as disputes with cross-border elements. Jakob Skaadstrup Andersen leads the team and is experienced in transactional matters and tax controversy issues, in which he has represented clients in numerous high-profile disputes and major corporate tax matters. Jan Steen Hansen focuses on tax issues in connection with M&A and equity and venture funds and also advises on EU and international tax and indirect taxes; and Niclas Holst Sonne excels in transactional tax work. Jakob Krogsøe joined from Bech-Bruun in January 2023.

Practice head(s):

Jakob Skaadstrup Andersen


Other key lawyers:

Jan Steen Hansen; Jakob Krogsøe; Niclas Holst Sonne


Testimonials

‘The tax practice in Gorrissen Federspiel is characterised by a team of highly specialised individuals. The team boost themselves by being able to handle the full suite within the tax area from litigation to transaction support.’

‘Jakob Skaadstrup Andersen and Jan Steen Hansen among those tax specialist that I have worked with at Gorrissen. They are both very competent in terms of understanding the letter of the law but are also able to convert this into a commercial context.’

‘They have a strong traditional tax practice but also dedicated EU law specialists.’

‘Jakob Skaadstrup Andersen is extremely knowledgeable, a very good advocate in court, very client focused, very good working in a team.’

‘Always high quality deliveries, irrespective of the individuals.’

‘Always proactive and business driven in their approach.’

Key clients

H&M (Hennes & Mauritz)


Total Energies


A.P. Møller – Mærsk


Chr. Hansen


TryghedsGruppen


Scandlines Denmark ApS


Codan Forsikring A/S


Nets/Nexi Group


Riskpoint Group


C WorldWide Asset Management


Heartcore Capital


Swiss Life Asset Management


Nordea Bank


Danske Bank


Fidelity Funds


Henderson Fund


DCS ApS


Work highlights


  • Acting as the lead tax and legal adviser with regard to a merger between two major Danish listed companies, Chr. Hansen A/S and Novozymes A/S.
  • Representing Total Energies EP Danmark A/S and A.P. Møller – Mærsk A/S against Danish Ministry of Taxation in a DKK10bn transfer pricing court case pending before the Supreme Court.
  • Represented TryghedsGruppen before the Supreme Court against the Danish Tax Ministry in a dispute over taxation of distributions to its members.

Kromann Reumert

Kromann Reumert‘s department provides full-service tax advice on all areas of domestic and cross-border tax, including transfer pricing issues, cross-border structuring and optimisation matters, incentive schemes, and VAT. Arne Møllin Ottosen leads the team and specialises in tax litigation, corporate tax mandates and transfer pricing issues; he has represented domestic and international companies before the Danish Supreme Court. Michael Nørremark uses his combined expertise in tax and corporate law to advise on the tax aspects of M&A, capital market transactions, and restructurings.

Practice head(s):

Arne Møllin Ottosen


Other key lawyers:

Michael Nørremark


Testimonials

‘This is a very strong team who have good depth and are always available.’

‘If you are in a storm, you want to have Arne Møllin Ottosen at the helm.’

‘Michael Nørremark is exceptionally technical and user friendly. He is also always extremely responsive.’

‘Kromann Reumert is very commercial with cross-functional expertise – focused on the advice provided to customers with high focus on implementable solutions.’

‘Simple and clear communication of tax matters, with simple description of alternative solutions and structures available.’

‘Dedicated experts, pleasant to work with.’

Key clients

TDC A/S


Ørsted A/S


Goldman Sachs


Simcorp A/S


Nets A/S


Microsoft Inc.


Carlsberg A/S


Danske Bank A/S


ISS A/S


Tempur-Sealy Inc.


Verizon Inc.


JPMorgan


Danica


Nykredit


Mercedes-Benz


AP Moller-Maersk


Novo Nordisk


Work highlights


  • Advised Axcel Private Equity on the acquisition of Itm8.
  • Advised FLSmidth on its acquisition of thyssenkrupp AG’s mining business.
  • Advised Axcel Private Equity on its acquisition of NTI Group.

Plesner

Advising blue-chip Danish and international clients on all aspects of Danish taxes, Plesner‘s tax department covers is particularly noted for its capabilities in high-profile tax litigation. The department is jointly led by Lasse Esbjerg Christensen, who has a ‘very strong capacity within tax litigation and transfer pricing’, and Tom Kári Kristjánsson who litigates cases relating to indirect taxes and duties, including VAT, customs duties, and excise duties. Hans Severin Hansen has extensive experience in Danish tax litigation alongside fellow litigator Søren Lehmann Nielsen. The ‘up-and-coming’ Jef Nymand Hounsgaard is also a key name to note.

Practice head(s):

Lasse Esbjerg Christensen; Tom Kári Kristjánsson


Other key lawyers:

Hans Severin Hansen; Søren Lehmann Nielsen; Jef Nymand Hounsgaard


Testimonials

‘Their industry and practice knowledge is very strong.’

‘They have a detailed knowledge of tax and, combined with a incredible business understanding, they are able to turn a complex matter into a simple line of arguments to make a convincing story.’

‘Lasse Esbjerg Christensen has successfully stepped into the huge shoes of the long-term practice leader Hans Severin Hansen.’

‘Jef Nymand Hounsgaard is an up-and-coming partner.’

‘Very experienced and competent within tax litigation and transfer pricing. Strong mindset around people.’

‘Lasse Esbjerg Christensen is a very strong capacity within tax litigation and transfer pricing.’

‘Responsive, convey technical legal matters well in general business terms.’

Key clients

A.P. Moller – Maersk Group


ATP


Axcel


British American Tobacco


Codan Forsikring A/S


Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners


ECCO Sko A/S


EET Group


Gro Capital


Group 4 Securicor


Johnson Controls Group


NetApp


Nordea Bank Group


Nordic Investment Opportunities


NREP


Saga Private Equity


Sandoz


Takeda


Denmark’s Export and Investment Fund (EIFO)


Work highlights


  • Representing numerous clients, including NetApp, Heavy Transport, Macquarie, Takeda Pharmaceuticals and Altor Equity partners, before the Danish Supreme Court in cases concerning withholding taxes on dividends and interest following the “beneficial ownership” CJEU judgments.
  • Advising GF Forsikring A/S and GF IT A/S on the question of whether the tax authorities can set aside a legally established VAT group due to alleged abuse of rights.
  • Advised Novozymes A/S in connection with its merger with Chr. Hansen Holding A/S.

Accura Advokatpartnerselskab

Accura Advokatpartnerselskab's direct and indirect tax practice is reputed for the depth of its expertise in M&A and transactional tax, VAT and disputes with the tax authorities. The practice works with various clients within the private equity and venture capital space and advises on the implementation of incentive programmes as well as structuring management reinvestments. The ‘absolutely first-class’ Poul Erik Lytken, who specialises in the tax elements of M&A and real estate transactions, leads the department. Newly promoted associate partner Christopher Erik Oldenburg focuses on real estate tax work and tax disputes.

Practice head(s):

Poul Erik Lytken


Other key lawyers:

Christopher Erik Oldenburg


Testimonials

‘Poul Erik Lytken is absolutely first class. Strong analytical skills.’

‘The team has extensive experience when it comes to transactional tax matters.’

‘Christopher Erik Oldenburg is very knowledgably within VAT and has strong communication skills whereby complex VAT matters become understandable.’

‘Poul Erik Lytken leads Accura’s tax team with high professionalism.’

‘Poul Erik Lytken has a deep and thorough understanding of Danish and cross-border tax issues and appears to focus on delivering practically applicable solutions to complex issues with the aim of meeting the needs of the parties and the deal.’

‘Christopher Erik Oldenburg is in my experience one of the best in his field, primarily tax and VAT treatment of real estate. He is highly praised by his clients, due to his wide knowledge and service-minded approach.’

‘What makes Christopher Erik Oldenburg unique is that he can advise on both indirect and direct tax matters.’

‘Poul Erik Lytken combines commercial understanding with a strong technical skillet and great personality.’

Key clients

Alm. Brand A/S


Danmarks Eksport- og Investeringsfond


ATP Ejendomme A/S


Nordnet Bank


Fingrid Oyj


Nordic Real Estate Partners (NREP)


CataCap


AP Pension


Topdanmark


Mercell


Work highlights


  • Advised REMA 1000 on the acquisition of the majority of ALDI’s Danish activities.
  • Advised Vaekstfonden and EKF Denmark’s Export Credit Agency on the merger into Denmark’s Export and Investment Fund (EIFO).
  • Advised Topdanmark on the DKK2.3bn acquisition of the Danish health insurance company Oona Health.

BACHMANN PARTNERS

Boutique tax firm BACHMANN PARTNERS specialises in a broad spectrum of mandates encompassing income tax, VAT, motor vehicle registration tax, and tax litigation. Exemplifying the group's breadth in particular are practice co-heads Christian Bachmann and Diana Mønniche, who have comprehensive expertise across the tax space. Michael Amstrup adds vast knowledge of restructurings and tax litigation; he is also experienced in tax-related criminal cases.

Practice head(s):

Christian Bachmann; Diana Mønniche


Other key lawyers:

Michael Amstrup


DLA Piper Denmark

DLA Piper Denmark‘s tax department advises on both direct and indirect tax issues, and handles the restructuring of companies, transaction structures, international tax planning, and transfer pricing work. The firm is also recognised for its litigation practice, including its expertise in tax criminal cases. Department head Jakob Schilder-Knudsen is particularly strong regarding the structuring of national and international alternative investments projects and incentive programmes, while Mario Fernandez has a significant track record in indirect tax advice relating to M&A.

Practice head(s):

Jakob Schilder-Knudsen


Other key lawyers:

Mario Fernandez


Testimonials

‘Deep understanding of transaction taxes.’

‘Jakob Schilder-Knudsen is a leading lawyer in Denmark, when it comes to transaction taxes and taxes relating to M&A.’

‘Mario Fernandez is very strong on VAT.’

‘Highly skilled and competent team with a wide range of experts in various fields of our industry. We get access to the knowledge of multiple experts without having to engage and interact with more than one employee at DLA Piper.’

‘Jakob Schilder-Knudsen is the sole reason we stay loyal to DLA Piper. He is without any doubt, the most passionate and involved lawyer we have ever had the pleasure of working with.’

Key clients

Mdundo.com


Trinseo


Sampension


Axcel


Angelo Gordon


TotalEnergies


Uniqlo


Discovery Networks


ALD Automotive


Takeaway (JustEat)


FOM Technologies


Vision Ejendomme


Mermaid Properties


SEB Denmark


Patrizia Multi Managers A/S


Savara Inc. US


AIG


Allianz Group


Citi Group


The Bank of Nova Scotia


Polestar Automotive


BlackFin Capital Partners


William Hill


Work highlights


  • Advised GLS Sweden Holdings AB on the tax structuring aspects in connection with an acquisition, including tax structuring, negotiations, signing and closing of the transaction.
  • Advised HY24 on all Danish tax structuring aspects of its €200m joint venture with Everfuel for accelerated development of green hydrogen infrastructure in the Nordics.
  • Assisted Patrizia with all Danish tax aspects related to its DKK390m acquisition of Ringsted Outlet Center in Ringsted, Denmark, including tax and VAT due diligence, tax structuring, cash flow analysis and SPA negotiations.

Horten

Horten‘s tax team provides full tax and VAT support to clients, especially in the real estate sector, across M&A and corporate tax structuring and reorganisations, cross-border taxes, employee share schemes, and tax disputes. Henrik Stig Lauritsen leads the practice and is highly recommended by clients for his ‘deep knowledge of M&A transaction tax, combined with an intelligent and always solution-based approach’, making him a ‘first choice’. Thomas Brooker specialises in real estate tax and advises major property owners.

Practice head(s):

Henrik Stig Lauritsen


Other key lawyers:

Thomas Booker


Testimonials

‘Horten’s tax team holds a solid body of knowledge within its members. The team is quick to adapt to the problems presented to them and are available and willing to step in at short notice. You feel equally comfortable in presenting them with transactions, disputes or complex legal analyses which speaks to the wide capabilities of the team.’

‘Henrik Stig Lauritsen is the embodiment of calm competence. His deep knowledge of M&A transaction tax, combined with an intelligent and always solution-based approach, makes him a first choice to work with amongst tax lawyers.’

‘Henrik Stig Lauritsen has delivered exactly the service we asked for, and then some. His advice helped us to tailor the agreement to our needs, and the service provided to our employees was precise and adequate – just what we asked for. Overall good advice and to the point. No wasted time.’

‘Honesty and transparency. Not too fancy or “smart” behaviour, high quality output and high level of reflection.’

‘Henrik Stig Lauritsen is amazing. A good listener, problem solver, pleasant to be around and speak to, honest and fair, a real and authentic interest in you, which is hard to find.’

‘What makes Horten’s tax practice great is the combination of professional knowledge, but also the ability to make adjustments.’

Key clients

Telco Industries A/S


Bank Norwegian


Klarna Bank


MDSI A/S


Spirit Energy


QM Technologies


Bain & Company


DNO


Castel Underwriting Europe B.V.


Copenhagen municipality


Heraeus


Creators of the outside world B.V. (CROWD)


Danone


Scandion Oncology A/S


Work highlights


  • Assisted Barclays with tax advice with respect to its equity financing business.
  • Advised Heraeus in connection with the company’s acquisition of 100% of the shares in a Danish company engaged in single mode fibre business activities.

Bjørnholm Law

Bjørnholm Law is reputed for its depth of experience in tax controversy work and acts in disputes with the Danish tax authorities; it also handles international tax mandates. The group is predominantly engaged by listed corporate clients and businesses, but also acts for private individuals. Bodil Tolstrup, who specialises in tax controversies, and Nikolaj Bjørnholm, who is an experienced litigator, jointly lead the department.

Practice head(s):

Bodil Tolstrup; Nikolaj Bjørnholm


Testimonials

‘We always use Bodil Tolstrup and Nikolaj Bjørnholm on tax matters. They understand our business and provide great advice in a timely manner, and you get the feeling that they really care and are right next to you. They are a perfect mix – Nikolaj with the overall perspective and business mindset and Bodil with all the details.’

Key clients

Shell


Accenture A/S


NJORD Law Firm

NJORD Law Firm provides tax advice on cross-border transactions and international trade issues throughout the Nordics. The firm's VAT practice is led by Robert Mikelsons, who is an expert in contentious and non-contentious indirect tax work. The practice received a notable boost with the addition of Kaspar Bastian from KLAR Advokater in February 2023, who specialies in tax disputes and litigation.

Practice head(s):

Robert Mikelsons


Other key lawyers:

Kasper Bastian


Testimonials

‘Kasper Bastian is a proactive, strategic thinking and technical competent adviser.’

‘Both Robert Mikelsons and Kaspar Bastian are highly qualified tax experts and tax advisers in the Danish field of Tax services.’

‘Robert Mikelsons is generally involved in the development of Tax legislation and practice in Denmark.’

‘Kaspar Bastian has an exceptional knowledge of the legal process and negotiation field, the court cases procedure, and the handling of liability cases against individuals.’

‘Good quality on VAT.’

‘NJORD Law Firm has a strong litigation tax team anchored around Kaspar Bastian.’

‘The tax team has great expertise, which they manage to communicate in an easy and accessible way.’

‘Kaspar Bastian is very approachable and pleasant to communicate with. He is conscientious and good at communicating difficult technical material in an easy and accessible way.’

Key clients

OPES Immobilien


Bauhaus


United Chemi-CON


Ress Life Investments


Saint-Gobain


Sanofi-Aventis


Dansk Shell


Parken Sport and Entertainment


Bonnier Publications


Emco Group