Horten and DAHL to merge

Horten and DAHL are coming together to create a strengthened market position and secure a leading role in the Danish legal market, which is characterised by transition, new entrants, increased consolidation and technological development. The merger enhances HortenDahl’s strategic foundation through greater scale, local presence in Denmark’s growth centres, deeper specialisation and a broader portfolio of expertise. Combining the strengths of the two firms generates the capacity to handle more and larger matters while at the same time establishing a financial framework to support necessary investments in further competencies and IT. In this way, the merger spawns a law firm with significant growth potential and sharpened competitiveness.

HortenDahl will be based in Aarhus, Viborg, Esbjerg, and Herning, with its headquarters remaining in Horten's existing headquarters in Hellerup, Copenhagen. The merger will take effect on 1 January 2026. During the first 12 months, the role of Managing Partner will be shared by Janus Skak Olufsen and Thomas Francis Beckett, currently Managing Partner of DAHL and Horten respectively, to ensure continuity in processes, strong anchoring in the organisation, sufficient leadership capacity and detection of blind spots.

Henning von Lillienskjold, chair of the board of directors at DAHL, says:

“For us, Horten is the natural partner for this merger. We are aligned in values, in our strong sense of responsibility, and in our steadfast dedication to high-quality legal work. DAHL has been pursuing a strategic goal of expanding its footprint in the Copenhagen market to bolster the already solid base we have established elsewhere in Denmark. With Horten, we have found the partner that makes this possible – and that allows us to deliver truly comprehensive counsel to our clients across the globe.”

Lise Lotte Hjerrild, co-chair of the board of directors at Horten, says:

“We chose DAHL because the fit is right in every way and on every level. Both Horten and DAHL are known for our collaborative approach and investment in understanding our clients' businesses, strategies and cultures, in order to build long-term relationships as trusted advisors. As HortenDahl, we will be well positioned with the strength to attract even the most complex assignments from major clients, internationally as well as nationally.”

Lars Lüneborg, co-chair of the board of directors at Horten, says:

“What unites Horten and DAHL is that we are driven by people who are deeply passionate about their profession. This merger allows for even greater opportunities for our employees, offering a broader professional horizon and larger communities in which to grow. HortenDahl will need many talented people, who will find clear development paths and career opportunities in a law firm that is competitive and committed to growing even stronger. But ambition alone does not create success – people do, and we achieve it together.”

Managing Partner at DAHL, Janus Skak Olufsen, says:

"With HortenDahl, we are creating one of Denmark’s most experienced law firms, distinguished by a truly unique market position. We combine international reach with a strong domestic presence through offices across the country. This gives us an exceptional platform for providing holistic full-service advice rooted in deep insight into the contexts in which our clients operate – locally, nationally, and globally. At the same time, our talented employees will gain access to an even larger professional community where they can spar, grow, and develop together."

Managing Partner at Horten, Thomas Francis Beckett, says:

"Horten and DAHL have joined forces because we share a set of fundamental values that provide a solid foundation for our future collaboration. It is about uncompromising professionalism, client focus, employee wellbeing, and a commitment to driving positive change in the society we are part of. The merger brings together the best of both firms – where our respective strengths and cultures align and where we complement each other across key strategic business areas in which we are already strong."



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