Insolvency

Poul Schmith

The ‘market leading’ insolvency practice at Poul Schmith is highly regarded for its expertise in managing all aspects of insolvency and restructuring, including large-scale cross-border matters and advising Denmark’s public sector. Practice leader Boris Frederiksen, described as a ’lawyer at the top of his game,’ is renowned for his exceptional negotiation skills in complex restructurings. The ‘wonderful litigator’ Cathrine Wollenberg Zittan specialises in debtor restructuring, bankruptcy administration, asset tracing, and debt collections, while Rune Derno offers expertise in financial sector bankruptcies, uncovering fraudulent business schemes. Mathias Juul Holter is a notable figure in cross-border insolvency matters, praised for ’simplifying even the most complex legal issues.’

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

'They do the majority of the insolvency cases in or related to Denmark, and are head and shoulders above the others. Well staffed, organised and responsive to boot!'
'Boris Frederiksen: a lawyer at the top of his game; brilliant strategist, sees the endgame from day one, is patient when required and moves decisively when required; and is particularly astute in managing cross-border cases.'
‘Poul Schmith is clearly the leading law firm in Denmark within insolvency and legal advice to public clients. Over a number of years, the firm has achieved a unique market position as a leading legal adviser to the public sector in Denmark. The firm has many high-profile partners within the insolvency area.'
‘Mathias Juul Holter is a superb lawyer able to simplify and argue well even the most complex of domestic and international legal issues. Truly a pleasure to work with and a good sense of humour.'
‘The insolvency team is clearly the market leader and the first choice on any serious issues that require efficient and effective resolution.'
‘As a government insolvency official, whose area of expertise is fraud, I have worked with all Danish lawyer firms who exercises insolvency. I consider Poul Schmith among the very best. Beside their diligence, knowledge, and attention to detail, I value their knowledge of the Danish ministry of tax as an organization, which enabled us to prevent considerable fraudulent activities.'
'Cathrine Wollenberg Zittan is a wonderful litigator. She is able to master the most complex issues and determine appropriate ways forward to achieve the best result. Willing to fight for her client. The one that everyone looks up to within Poul Schmith.'
The team really do get complex legal principles very quickly and then work as a global team to determine the overall strategy to achieve the client's desired goals. Extremely professional, clever and user friendly.'

Key clients

Danke Bank A/S
Nykredit Bank A/S
Jyske Bank A/S

Work highlights

Advised the Danish tax authorities on the recovery of unjustified refunds of withheld dividend tax for a total amount of DKK12.7bn.
Advised on the Nordic Waste A/S bankruptcy as court-appointed trustee.
Advised Altor Fund II on matters related to the default of OW Bunker A/S, the world’s largest ship fuel supplier, which Altor Fund II ultimately owned through a private equity fund setup prior to the company's 2014 listing on Nasdaq Copenhagen.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame

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