Global partner with local roots: Almost half of all transactions in Denmark involve foreign parties

The latest transaction figures show that international deals account for 42% of the Danish market in the first three quarters of 2025. This is clearly reflected in our international department, which is handling a growing number of cross-border assignments. Our international department was established more than seven years ago and serves international investors and companies operating in Denmark, as well as Danish companies active abroad. Communication with foreign firms is about far more than just language - legislation, building regulations, business culture and expectation management all play a significant role.

International investors once again feature prominently in the largest transactions in Denmark and, overall, account for 42% of the total transaction volume for January to September 2025. Helle Nielsen Ziersen, Head of EDC International Poul Erik Bech, explains the work carried out in the international department:

“We work across borders and offer full-service solutions to international investors and foreign companies operating in Denmark. The way we assist our clients varies depending on their needs and level of experience. In recent years, international clients have accounted for a slightly smaller share of transactions, but activity has picked up again, and Denmark continues to be seen as a safe haven for many foreign investors. Over our seven years as an international department, we have built a broad network and have completed assignments for clients and partners in no fewer than 86 countries.”

Close collaboration with JLL

Helle Nielsen Ziersen continues: “We have a strong and well-functioning partnership with one of the world’s largest real estate companies, JLL, which operates in more than 80 countries, with a turnover of DKK 147 billion and over 106,000 employees worldwide. Together with JLL, we are able to handle assignments across the globe, and we also prepare reports on the Nordic market in collaboration with them. The partnership works extremely well, and we also assist Danish companies with property activities abroad, whether involving transactions or lease agreements. We recently visited London for the JLL Nordic Investor Summit, where it was confirmed that the property market remains strong across the Nordic countries.

”We make no claim to know the local market or legislation outside Denmark’s borders, but we work closely with Danish companies and address their challenges in collaboration with JLL’s local experts. We always assemble a team that includes at least one person who speaks the client’s language and is available during the same hours. Thanks to JLL’s global reach, we can access almost every part of the world. This gives us tremendous strength and depth when handling these assignments. We are, in every sense, a global partner with local roots.

International clients are different

Foreign parent companies often have a different approach and level of prior knowledge than their Danish subsidiaries. Helle Nielsen Ziersen explains: “First and foremost, legislation in Denmark differs from that abroad, and we spend considerable time clarifying these differences and aligning expectations. Many professional landlords also appreciate our assistance on behalf of tenants, as the process can be time-consuming. Danish legislation, building regulations, business culture and traditions are different, and we help create transparency and accommodate international clients’ needs within Danish conditions. For example, this might concern the non-termination clauses of a lease, where in other countries leases are often limited in duration and subject to renegotiation, while in Denmark they typically continue until terminated. In other words, we help ensure clarity. In addition, we provide the decision-making basis and financial analyses, which include far more than just rent.”

” We are involved in many cases where companies are deciding whether to extend their existing leases or find new premises - or whether a sale and leaseback arrangement would be the right solution. We handle numerous search assignments for new premises on behalf of companies across the office, retail and logistics sectors. In some cases, the companies decide to stay in their current locations, and we help negotiate new and improved terms with the landlord. In most cases, it is in the best interest of both landlord and tenant to remain in the property the landlord avoids vacancy and may secure a longer non-termination period, while the tenant benefits from rent adjustments or upgrades.”

“We are also seeing a growing number of Danish companies and investors looking to buy or lease properties abroad, negotiate new contracts or exit existing agreements — and we assist with that as well. In such cases, we help Danish companies navigate markets where they are unfamiliar with local legislation, trends and business practices.”

Nordic countries at the top internationally

JLL recently hosted the Nordic Investor Summit for the fourth time, this year in London, where EDC Poul Erik Bech participated as JLL’s Danish partner. It was clear that the Nordic countries are generally performing very well. Helle Nielsen Ziersen, Head of International Relations at EDC Poul Erik Bech, says:

”The international investors gained valuable insight into economic trends, transactions and developments across the Nordic markets, all presented in the context of the current European and global landscape. A key takeaway was that the Nordic countries continue to rank among the world’s very best in terms of economic performance, stability, business climate and infrastructure. All four Nordic nations are placed in the global top 15 of the IMD World Competitiveness

Ranking, which assesses 69 countries across these dimensions. Denmark holds the highest position at number 4, followed by Sweden at 8, Norway at 12 and Finland at 14.”

” We had, as always, many productive discussions with our international partner JLL and the numerous investors who took part, all of whom continue to show strong interest in the Nordic region and in Denmark. The Nordic countries form a robust and innovative region with solid economic foundations and a stable investment climate, supported by a high level of innovation and commitment to sustainability. Sweden and Finland are expected to outperform the EU average in terms of growth, driven by increased capital inflows and diversification, while Denmark and Norway continue to demonstrate economic strength and rising transaction volumes.

More information

Helle Nielsen Ziersen, Head of International Relations, EDC Poul Erik Bech • +45 5858 8563 • hni@edc.dk