
Poul Schmith’s team handles a broad range of cross-border transactional and regulatory work, with strength in leveraged, mezzanine, fund and receivables financing matters; the firm has also expanded its offerings into the venture financing and sustainable financing markets. The practice is led by the ‘exceptionally competent’ Peter Hedegaard Madsen, who is an expert in financial regulations and funds. Kim Rasmussen is an esteemed practitioner for takeovers and structured financing work, and Jakob Bernhoft has expertise in all types of financings, bond issuances and securitisation mandates. Flemming Pristed is a specialist in financial regulations and spearheads the team’s sustainable finance and investment work.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Peter Hedegaard Madsen is an outstanding legal adviser with an impressive ability to maintain a clear overview, even in the most complex cases. Peter has sharp analytical skills and translates difficult concepts into practical, actionable advice.’
‘Poul Schmith’s team stands out for its practical and client-focused approach. Their deep knowledge of the legal landscape, especially in regulatory matters, allows them to provide clear and actionable advice. One of their key strengths is their ability to simplify complex legal challenges. Their responsiveness and collaborative approach also contribute to an efficient working relationship.’
‘The individuals I’ve worked with at Poul Schmith, particularly Flemming Pristed, stand out for their attention to detail and understanding of the nuances in our industry. What makes them different from competitors is their ability to balance technical legal expertise with a pragmatic, solution-oriented mindset. I’ve valued their clear communication and consistent availability, which has made navigating legal issues smoother. Flemming Pristed has been a standout for his ability to anticipate potential challenges and provide strategic guidance.’
‘Strong and experienced team in Copenhagen, practising both Danish and English law in the same team creating speed and confidence in the practical execution.’
‘Peter Hedegaard Madsen is exceptionally competent in his area of expertise.'
Key clients
- Axcel
- Polaris Equity Management
- European Energy A/S
- SEB
- Capital Four
- HSBC Innovation Bank Limited
- Gilion
- Ageras A/S
- Danske Bank A/S
- Nykredit Bank A/S
- EIFO (Denmark’s Export and Investment Fund)
- Altor
- Finanstilsynet (the Danish Financial Supervisory Authority)
- Finansministeriet (the Danish Ministry of Finance)
- Nationalbanken (the Danish Central Bank)
- AP Pension
- IFU (Investment Fund for Developing Countries)
- Lægernes Pension & Bank
- DSB (the Danish State Railways)
- Finansiel Stabilitet
Work highlights
- Advised Polaris Equity Management in its capacity as mezzanine lender (junior lender) and equity co-investor on the acquisition by McWin of Sticks n Sushi.
- Advising the Danish Ministry of Financing on the legal design and establishment of an investment vehicle (State Wind Holding) aimed at direct minority investment in offshore wind farms with a total investment capacity of $2.4bn.
- Advised DSB in connection with the 2024 update of its €3bn EMTN Programme.
Lawyers

Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Peter Hedegaard Madsen