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.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘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.

Lawyers

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Leading partners
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Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Lasse Esbjerg Christensen, Tom Kári Kristjánsson

Other key lawyers

Hans Severin Hansen, Søren Lehmann Nielsen, Jef Nymand Hounsgaard