The National Bank of Denmark published 2025 direct investment statistics showing Danish direct investments abroad reached a record DKK 244 billion, with unusually large corporate acquisitions driving the increase. Key transactions cited include DSV’s acquisition of DB Schenker in Germany, Genmab’s acquisition of Merus in the Netherlands, Carlsberg’s acquisition of Britvic in the United Kingdom, and Novo Nordisk’s acquisition of Akero Therapeutics in the United States. DSV reported a total purchase price of DKK 107 billion for DB Schenker, described as the second-largest Danish corporate transaction, exceeded only by Novo Nordisk’s acquisition of US company Catalent in 2024 together with Novo Holdings. The release reiterates that direct investments cover cross-border investments where the investor has significant influence, distinguishing outward direct investments (Danish investments abroad) from inward direct investments (foreign investments in Denmark).
National Bank of Denmark 2026-02-13
National Bank of Denmark reports record DKK 244 billion Danish outward direct investment in 2025 driven by major acquisitions
The National Bank of Denmark reported that Danish direct investments abroad reached a record DKK 244 billion in 2025, driven by significant corporate acquisitions including DSV's DKK 107 billion purchase of DB Schenker in Germany, among others. The report highlights the distinction between outward direct investments, where Danish investors have significant influence abroad, and inward direct investments.