Bestyrelsens kompetence, tvangsindløsningshjemmel og overtagelsestilbud

The article examines the competence of the Board of Directors in Danish listed companies in connection with takeover bids to allow for the amendment of warrant terms, e.g. to permit transfer or early exercise. It is thus examined whether the Board of Directors may allow a potential bidder to acquire or exercise warrants, otherwise subject to restrictions or prohibitions on transfer and exercise, and thus reach the threshold necessary to complete a takeover bid and subsequent compulsory redemption. Further, the article examines other actions that could possibly be taken by the Board of Directors to facilitate a takeover bid, and the interests that the Board of Directors should protect and take into consideration. In addition to considering the provisions of specific takeover-legislation, the article also addresses the protection of individual rights under Danish law, and the reluctance by Danish courts to limit especially ownership rights. It is thus concluded that the shareholders and not the Board of Directors should decide on the acceptance of a takeover bid, and that a bidder wishing to obtain a majority sufficient for carrying out compulsory resolution, must do so by obtaining necessary acceptance from shareholders and not through decisions made by the Board of Directors.