Best bank:
Danske Bank
Best debt house:
ABN AMRO
Best equity house:
Alfred Berg
Best M&A house:
Carnegie
Danske Bank, Denmark's largest bank, boasts the strongest franchise in its home market and consolidated its position in early 2000 with its acquisition of RealDanmark, a move from which the group has now realized substantial cost synergies. In 2000 Danske held total assets of DKr1,363 billion ($157.6 billion), with core earnings of DKr9,145 billion, a 49% increase on 1999's figures.
Danske continues to dominate in Denmark's retail banking sector. It has a market share of about 37%, confirming its position as the largest retail bank in Denmark, with customers served by an extensive network of branches and corporate centres. The bank is seeking to expand its operations outside Denmark, and now has some three million retail customers in the Nordic region. The challenge it faces is to maintain this position against competition from such rivals as Sydbank, which are gaining ground, partly because of the impressive level of customer service they offer. The acquisition of RealDanmark has helped Danske to increase its coverage and broaden and improve the range of services and products it offers.
Danske's income is split equally between retail and wholesale activities.