What does a merger of companies mean?
In short, a merger of companies means that two or more companies become one. Company law distinguishes between two types of mergers: actual and non-actual mergers. A non-actual merger means that a company transfers all its assets and liabilities to another existing company and then ceases to exist. An actual means that a new company is formed by the merger of two existing companies that then cease to exist.
A distinction is also made between so-called vertical and horizontal mergers. Vertical mergers are mergers between parent companies and subsidiaries, while horizontal mergers are mergers between companies that are not mutually parent companies and subsidiaries, respectively.
How does a merger of two companies take place?
The Companies Act stipulates a procedure for carrying out mergers. This procedure means that many documents must be prepared, signed, submitted to the Danish Business Authority and then published. This procedure aims to secure both the shareholders of the merging companies and the creditors of the companies.
Through the many documents that must be prepared, the shareholders are ensured a better decision basis before the final decision on the merger must be taken.
For creditors, the procedure gives them the means to secure that the merger does not weaken their legal position. A merger entails a universal succession, i.e. that the debtor is replaced without the creditor being able to prevent it. Therefore, creditors must ensure that their legal position is not weakened by having a new debtor due to the merger.
The documents to be prepared as part of the merger are:
- Merger plan
- Merger statement
- Intermediate balance
- Valuation report for capital increases
- Assessor’s statement
- Creditor statement
However, several of these document requirements may be waived by agreement between the shareholders.
The documents are sent to the Danish Business Authority. The merger can be completed no earlier than four weeks after the Danish Business Authority has published the merger plan and the creditor statement.
If only public limited companies are participating in the merger, an “immediate merger” can be carried out. This means that the merger can be completed on the same day as it is decided. However, it is a requirement to implement an immediate merger that the creditor statement is positive.
You need to be aware of this in a merger process
In addition to following the Companies Act’s procedure, mergers between large companies must, in certain circumstances, be approved by the Danish Competition and Consumer Authority. This is because mergers between large companies may harm competition.
In addition, several tax consequences of the merger will arise, and it is today possible to carry out a tax-free merger under certain conditions.
Finally, there are exceptional circumstances you need to be aware of if one of the merging companies is in liquidation, bankruptcy or foreclosure. For instance, a company in bankruptcy can only participate in a merger as the discontinuing company. The merger can only take place with the consent of the trustee.
What benefits can you get from a merger?
There can be several good reasons to conduct a merger. Firstly, a merger of two companies could bring economies of scale. Secondly, a merger can be a strategic means of achieving growth.
However, a merger may also be relevant in the event of a generational succession or a restructuring to ensure the company’s survival.
Professional advice on mergers
At Advokatgruppen, we have many years of experience in advising owners and companies facing a merger. Therefore, we are always ready to provide professional advice to you and your company throughout the entire merger process.
