Our Insolvency team - headed by Lars Skanvig and Michala Roepstorff - is a leader in both restructuring and bankruptcy. Our extensive experience and specialist legal knowledge combined with a commercial approach and the ability to provide for innovative solutions ensure that the best advice can be given at all time. We advise businesses, banks and creditors as well as assume the position as a trustee or administrator of an insolvent entity.

Cross-disciplinary resources

The Insolvency core team consists of insolvency law experts. The team has access to a large number of cross-disciplinary resources of the highest quality within Plesner's other specialist departments. The practice groups consist of experts within Banking and Finance, Commercial Real Estate, Corporate, Employment, and Tax Law, Dispute Resolution as well as transaction experience (M&A). The relevant practice groups required for the individual restructuring or insolvency matter are always available - and only the specific relevant experts will be added to the team.

Safeguard values

In a distressed entity, often the steps to safeguard the values are to be taken very quickly whether the situation is near-insolvency (out of court solutions) or when proceedings are instigated. The team, with a partner at the helm, is composed within the first hours of a new case.
Whether you are a creditor or a company with financial difficulties you will experience a cost-efficient and structured work-process focusing on securing values and finding the best possible solutions. And if necessary, we have the capacity - based on our vast experience in handling complex litigation - to handle any kind of litigation within insolvency law.

International experience

Our insolvency team has gained experience from a broad spectrum of international restructuring and bankruptcy cases. We are used to work with cross-border matters and our international network also ensures that the best foreign specialists are involved.

With our innovative solutions, cross-disciplinary resources, international reach and experience we provide value-creating services.

Selected cases

  • O.W. Bunker in bankruptcy (Shipping)
    The bankruptcy of the O.W. Bunker Group is the most significant bankruptcy estate in Denmark in recent years. O.W Bunker A/S was the topco holding of approx. 41 subsidiaries worldwide. The activities of the O.W. Bunker Group are complex and characterized by major cross-border transactions. Many of the major disputes connected to the bankruptcy proceedings involve areas within the insolvency legal fields that have so far never been tested.
    Michala Roepstorff is appointed as one of the two trustees of O.W. Bunker A/S. Besides Plesner's insolvency specialists the case is being handled by a broad team of cross-disciplinary resources from M&A, Shipping, Banking and Finance and Dispute Resolution.

  • Burmeister & Wain Energy A/S in bankruptcy (Industrials)
    Burmeister & Wain Energy A/S was a key player on the market for design etc. of boilers for energy plants around the world.
    The case involves i.a. cross-border matters and the clash between the choices of law agreed pre-bankruptcy and the bankruptcy law applicable post-bankruptcy. The impact of the various choices of law clauses on the bankruptcy estate's legal position in respect to various assets and the establishment of joint ventures makes the legal position of the estate complex.
    Lars Skanvig is appointed as the trustee of Burmeister & Wain Energy A/S. Besides Plesner's insolvency specialists the case is being handled by a broad team of cross-disciplinary resources from Construction, Dispute Resolution andM&A.

  • Hellerup Finans A/S in bankruptcy (Finance)
    Hellerup Finans consisted of a group of companies making investments in more than 15 individual companies. More than 400 private investors made capital for investments available. Capital provided was in excess of DKK 200 million. After filing for restructuring and a plan for restructuring failed, the group of companies filed for bankruptcy.
    This case has a large number of investors involved, the financial structure of the capital provided for investment as well as handling of the vast investments made in various types of businesses and companies.
    Lars Skanvig is appointed as the trustee of Hellerup Finans A/S. Besides Plesner's insolvency specialists the case is being handled by a broad team of cross-disciplinary resources from M&A and Dispute Resolution.

  • Europharma.DK ApS in bankruptcy (Life Science)
    Europharma.DK ApS was a parallel importer of pharmaceutical products. The authorization to sell and produce the medicaments was suspended by the Danish Medicines Agency twice before the bankruptcy. The estate has maintained the key personnel in order be able to comply with the requirement for having authorization to sell the pharmaceutical products.
    The case involves close contact with the Danish Medical Health Authorities and operations restricted by legislation and regulations.
    Michala Roepstorff is appointed as the trustee of Europharma.DK ApS in bankruptcy. Besides Plesner's insolvency specialists the case is being handled by a team of cross-disciplinary resources from Life Science.

Ratings

  • "Professional, fast, attention to client's needs"

    "Experts in cross-border insolvency cases. Plesner is practical and commercial in its approach"

    "Knowledgeable in insolvency matters, practical and commercial in their approach" (2023)

  • "The team has very good knowledge of insolvency law" (2023)

  • Plesner is a notable team that is active predominantly on the debtor side of major insolvency and restructuring proceedings. The lawyers regularly act as trustees on bankruptcies, advising on disputes with creditors. The practice works with cases including fraud and mismanagement, using its strength in asset-tracing mandates. The department handles cases relating to companies in a broad variety of sectors, notably finance, pharmaceuticals and energy.

    "Plesner has very good knowledge and speedy processes" (2023)
  • "Experts in insolvency; excellent communication with client; result oriented"
    "Hands-on approach with clear guidance for the client on what needs to be done"
     (2022)

  • "Good knowledge of insolvency law; commercial; responsive; excellent English language capabilities"

    "Very well structured advice delivered in a proactive manner"

    "Plesner Law Firm has a broad competence in insolvency law, which we use. Their field of expertise covers a wide range of industries"

    "They uncover our needs in relation to bringing the companies out of their problems but can at the same time prepare for any bankruptcy and help reduce losses for the bank"

    "Plesner is very good at insolvency in Denmark and has a very good understanding of insolvency problems in other countries" (2022)

  • Plesner is a notable team that is active predominantly on the debtor side of major insolvency and restructuring proceedings. The lawyers regularly act as trustees on bankruptcies, advising on disputes with creditors and the collection of receivables owed to bankruptcy estates. The practice works with cases including fraud and mismanagement, using its strength in asset-tracing mandates. The department handles cases relating to companies in a broad variety of sectors, notably finance, pharmaceuticals and energy (2022)
  • "Very pragmatic support with clear guidance on what are the different steps to take to progress and conclude specific files" (2021/2022)

  • "The insolvency team is deservedly well known for taking appointments in some of the largest cases"

    "The insolvency team has strong knowledge and experience in high value/key capabilities" (2021)

  • Leading team that is active predominantly on the debtor side of major insolvency and restructuring proceedings. Team members regularly act as trustees in bankruptcies, advising on disputes with creditors and the collection of receivables owed to bankruptcy estates. Works with cases including fraud and mismanagement using its strength in asset tracing mandates. Handles cases relating to companies in a broad variety of sectors, notably finance, pharmaceuticals and energy.

    "The lawyers showcase a commercial understanding of their client's business and a very pragmatic and solution-oriented approach"

    "What stands out is their ability to make commercial decisions, to be very responsive and to have a very good grasp of the intricacies of the Danish bankruptcy law" (2021)

  • Plesner is listed in "Tier 1" as regards Restructuring and Insolvency (2021)
  • Within Insolvency and Restructuring, Plesner is a first tier firm.

    "Strong knowledge and legal capabilities" (2020)

  • Leading team that is active predominantly on the debtor side of major insolvency and restructuring proceedings. Team members regularly act as trustees in bankruptcies, advising on disputes with creditors and the collection of receivables owed to bankruptcy estates. Works with cases including fraud and mismanagement using its strength in asset tracing mandates. Handles cases relating to companies in a broad variety of sectors, notably real estate, maritime, retail and energy.

    "They are experienced and skilled lawyers within the field of insolvency. In addition they are most pragmatic and good business people with the ability to simplify complex legal issues. This enables them to solve even the very big cases smoothly and swiftly"

    "very pragmatic and easy to work with" (2020)

  • Within Insolvency and restructuring, Plesner is a first tier firm.

    "The practice at Plesner is highly skilled in complex bankruptcy and insolvency proceedings" (2019)

  • Leading team that is active predominantly on the debtor side of major insolvency and restructuring proceedings. Team members regularly act as trustees in bankruptcies, advising on disputes with creditors and the collection of receivables owed to bankruptcy estates. Wins praise for handling of asset tracing mandates. Handles cases relating to companies in a broad variety of sectors, notably real estate, maritime, retail and energy. Market commentators note the superb reputations of the firm's senior partners.

    "The Plesner team is hugely experienced"

    "It is one of the largest law firms in Denmark and the lawyers have a lot of knowledge" (2019)

  • Plesner is one of Denmark’s largest and leading firms and has top tier rankings across a range of areas. The restructuring team advised on a number of high-profile financial restructurings and insolvencies (2019)
  • Within Insolvency and restructuring, Plesner is a first tier firm.

    Plesner’s insolvency and restructuring practice is lauded for its "deep industry knowledge" (2018)
  • "Very skilled, with a fast response rate"

    "One of the major players"

    "The lawyers are commercially minded" (2018)

  • Recognised across the board as one of the strongest firms in Copenhagen, Plesner continues to collect plaudits for its work in all areas of practice (2018)

  • Leading team that is active in major insolvency and restructuring proceedings. Team members regularly act as trustees in bankruptcies. Handles a range of domestic and cross-border mandates for clients that include financial institutions.

    "They have very skilled people there, they answer quickly and always have qualified answers to legal queries"

    "They are top-class and have the right skill-set" (2017)

  • Within Insolvency and restructuring, Plesner is a first tier firm. 

    Plesner's "excellent" group often acts for creditors, particularly major banks and insurance companies (2017)
  • One of the established top-tier firms in the Danish market. Clients point to the overall quality of the firm as an outstanding aspect of its work.

    "They deliver very solid work - they are both diligent and commercial"

    "I would be very happy to use them again, they were excellent" (2017)

  • "The team is very good; the lawyers are very responsive and easy to work with" (2016)
  • Within Insolvency and restructuring, Plesner is a first tier firm (2016)

  • Across the board Plesner is recognised by clients and peers alike as one of the leading teams in the Danish market doing some of the most significant work.

    "Plesner are extremely responsive. The high quality of their output is equivalent to a magic circle law firm" (2016)

  • Plesner is listed in "Band 1" as regards Restructuring/Insolvency (2015)
  • Market-leading expertise in insolvency issues, including liquidation and administration of bankruptcy estates. Particularly focused in the real estate, shipping and energy sectors. Boasts significant experience in large-scale restructuring matters.

    "It has the manpower to engage in the largest matters and has superb connections"

    "Usually present on deals and always highly capable and helpful" (2015)

  • Plesner has provided us with high-quality advice and service regarding the various issues in connection with a bankruptcy. Their work, especially the collaboration with foreign lawyers to ensure sound legal advice regarding properties in that country, has been over and above what is normally expected from a Danish law firm (2015)

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