Insolvency

Gorrissen Federspiel

Gorrissen Federspiel is frequently engaged on high-end Danish restructuring and bankruptcy matters, handling domestic and cross-border issues stemming from insolvency cases including out-of-court restructurings, debt workouts and liquidations. The group’s robust client list counts Danish and Nordic banks, alongside major international financial institutions. Practice head John Sommer Schmidt acts as liquidator, restructuring administrator and trustee for large, Danish bankruptcy estates as well as acting for financial institutions. Renowned insolvency lawyer Lars Grøngaard is known for his experience in assisting domestic and foreign creditors with the collection of their outstanding balances. Morten Hans Jakobsen is a key point of contact for restructuring and workouts, whilst Preben Jakobsen’s practice emphasises reorganisation proceedings and distressed M&A.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Our partnership has been nothing short of exceptional. Their innovative approach and deep expertise in technology law have proven to be invaluable assets throughout our journey. From the inception of our project to its completion, we have enjoyed a seamless and productive collaboration.'
‘Gorrissen Federspiel has a strong practice with a very good reputation among market participants, including representatives of the judiciary. Members of the practice are often nominated by Danish courts as insolvency office holders for Denmark's largest and most difficult insolvency proceedings, in particular those of a cross-border nature. This is one of the top restructuring and insolvency practices in Denmark.'
‘Preben Jakobsen is extremely competent. He clearly formulates thoughts and remains calm even in the most difficult negotiations. He is very good at managing complex projects. Furthermore, he is seen as one of the leading lawyers in this area in Denmark.’
‘From my experience with John Sommer Schmidt and Preben Jakobsen, I have always experienced a very high level of competence, quality and professionalism.’
‘The team has a highly commercial approach to resolving the cases they receive. They are adept at considering creditors in their considerations regarding the strategy for case resolution, ensuring that collaborations work seamlessly.’
‘It is particularly Preben Jacobsen with whom I have collaborated. The advantage of working with Preben, in addition to his commercial mindset, is that he is well-liked among our clients. It is known that despite the typically stressful situation for the customer, Preben can communicate at the level the customer is at.’

Key clients

Danish State Investment Fund (Vækstfonden)
Nordea Bank Denmark
SEB Denmark
Nykredit
Swedbank
Realkredit Danmark
Jyske Bank
Danske Bank
Danish Tax Authority

Work highlights

Acting as leading Danish counsel for Nordic Aviation Capital, the world’s largest regional aircraft lessor, after it experienced severe financial distress due to mainly the Covid-19 ramifications calling for global financial restructure worth up to USD10 billion.
Advising the major financial creditors in respect of the distressed financial situation of TOP-TOY, previously the biggest toy retailer in the Nordics, in what was the biggest ever restructuring in Denmark based on the number of employees.
Advising the major financial creditor of Apollovej ApS, a company owning a well-known shopping centre, and lienholders in the property. As key creditor and lienholder, our client plays a controlling role to facilitate the restructuring solutions.

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