Denmark, a nation known for its strong economy and innovative business environment, is home to some of the most successful and influential companies in the world. These companies have not only played a significant role in shaping the Danish economy but have also made substantial contributions to the global market. In this comprehensive review, we will delve into the top 10 biggest companies in Denmark, examining their market share, profit, revenue, number of employees, leadership, services, products, history, and future growth projections for 2025. Each company has been carefully analyzed to provide a thorough understanding of its current position and potential future trajectory.
A.P. Møller – Mærsk, commonly referred to as Maersk, stands as a towering giant in the global shipping and logistics industry. Founded in 1904, Maersk has grown to become the largest container shipping company in the world, with operations spanning across 130 countries. The company’s dominance in the market is reflected in its substantial market share, which accounts for over 16% of the global container shipping market.
In 2023, Maersk reported a revenue of $81.5 billion, with a net profit of $11.9 billion, underscoring its financial strength and operational efficiency. The company employs approximately 80,000 people worldwide, with a significant portion of its workforce based in Denmark. Under the leadership of CEO Vincent Clerc, Maersk has continued to innovate and expand its services, focusing on end-to-end logistics solutions that include shipping, port operations, and supply chain management.
Looking ahead to 2025, Maersk is expected to maintain its market leadership by investing heavily in digitalization and sustainability. The company has set ambitious goals to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, with significant progress anticipated in the coming years. Additionally, Maersk’s ongoing expansion into e-commerce logistics is poised to drive further growth, as the demand for efficient and reliable supply chain solutions continues to rise globally.
2. Novo Nordisk
Novo Nordisk is a global healthcare leader specializing in diabetes care and other chronic diseases such as obesity, hemophilia, and growth disorders. Founded in 1923, the company has a long history of innovation in medical research and development, particularly in the field of insulin production. Today, Novo Nordisk holds a dominant market share in the global diabetes care market, with approximately 50% of the world’s insulin supply being produced by the company.
In 2023, Novo Nordisk reported a revenue of $27.6 billion, with a net profit of $7.8 billion. The company employs over 47,000 people, with a significant number based in Denmark, where its headquarters are located. Under the leadership of CEO Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen, Novo Nordisk has continued to expand its product portfolio, with a strong focus on innovative therapies for chronic diseases.
As we look towards 2025, Novo Nordisk is expected to continue its strong growth trajectory, driven by the increasing prevalence of diabetes and other chronic diseases worldwide. The company’s investment in cutting-edge research, particularly in the field of obesity treatment, is likely to yield significant returns. Additionally, Novo Nordisk’s commitment to sustainability, including its goal to achieve zero environmental impact by 2030, will further enhance its reputation and market position in the coming years.
3. Ørsted
Ørsted, formerly known as DONG Energy, is a leading global renewable energy company with a focus on offshore wind power. The company was founded in 1972 as a state-owned entity responsible for Denmark’s oil and gas resources but has since transformed into a pioneer in renewable energy. Today, Ørsted is the world’s largest developer of offshore wind farms, with a market share of approximately 30%.
In 2023, Ørsted reported a revenue of $13.7 billion, with a net profit of $2.1 billion. The company employs around 7,000 people, with a significant portion of its workforce based in Denmark. Under the leadership of CEO Mads Nipper, Ørsted has continued to expand its renewable energy portfolio, with a strong focus on offshore wind, onshore wind, and solar power.
Looking forward to 2025, Ørsted is expected to continue its growth in the renewable energy sector, driven by the global transition towards clean energy. The company has set a goal to achieve a 50 GW capacity in renewable energy by 2030, with significant investments planned in both Europe and the United States. Ørsted’s commitment to sustainability and innovation positions it well to maintain its leadership in the rapidly growing renewable energy market.
Vestas Wind Systems is another major player in the global renewable energy sector, specializing in the design, manufacture, installation, and maintenance of wind turbines. Founded in 1945, Vestas has grown to become the world’s largest manufacturer of wind turbines, with over 145 GW of wind energy installed across 85 countries. The company’s market share in the global wind turbine market is estimated at around 16%.
In 2023, Vestas reported a revenue of $15.6 billion, with a net profit of $1.2 billion. The company employs approximately 29,000 people, with a significant number based in Denmark, where its headquarters are located. Under the leadership of CEO Henrik Andersen, Vestas has continued to innovate in wind turbine technology, with a strong focus on increasing efficiency and reducing the cost of energy.
As we approach 2025, Vestas is expected to continue its growth, driven by the increasing demand for renewable energy worldwide. The company’s investment in new technologies, such as hybrid energy solutions and offshore wind, will play a crucial role in maintaining its competitive edge. Additionally, Vestas’ commitment to sustainability, including its goal to become carbon-neutral by 2030, will further strengthen its position as a leader in the renewable energy industry.
Top 10 Danish Companies by Revenue (2023)
Carlsberg Group is one of the world’s leading brewing companies, with a rich history dating back to its founding in 1847. The company is known for its flagship brand, Carlsberg, as well as a wide range of other popular beer brands, including Tuborg, Kronenbourg, and Somersby. Carlsberg holds a strong market position in Europe and Asia, with a global market share of around 5%.
In 2023, Carlsberg reported a revenue of $11.1 billion, with a net profit of $1.6 billion. The company employs approximately 41,000 people worldwide, with a significant number based in Denmark. Under the leadership of CEO Cees ’t Hart, Carlsberg has continued to expand its global footprint, with a strong focus on emerging markets in Asia and Eastern Europe.
Looking towards 2025, Carlsberg is expected to maintain its strong market position, driven by continued growth in emerging markets and increasing demand for premium and craft beers. The company’s investment in sustainability, including its ambitious goal to achieve zero carbon emissions in its breweries by 2030, will also play a key role in its future success. Additionally, Carlsberg’s focus on innovation, including the development of new products and packaging solutions, will help it stay ahead of the competition in the dynamic global beer market.
6. DSV A/S
DSV A/S is a leading global transport and logistics company, offering services in road, air, and sea freight, as well as supply chain management. Founded in 1976, DSV has grown rapidly through a series of strategic acquisitions, including the 2019 acquisition of Panalpina, which significantly expanded its global reach. Today, DSV is one of the largest logistics companies in the world, with a market share of around 2% in the global logistics industry.
In 2023, DSV reported a revenue of $26.8 billion, with a net profit of $1.9 billion. The company employs approximately 75,000 people worldwide, with a significant number based in Denmark. Under the leadership of CEO Jens Bjørn Andersen, DSV has continued to expand its service offerings, with a strong focus on digitalization and innovation in logistics.
As we look towards 2025, DSV is expected to continue its strong growth, driven by the increasing demand for efficient and reliable logistics solutions. The company’s investment in digitalization, including the development of advanced logistics technologies and platforms, will play a crucial role in maintaining its competitive edge. Additionally, DSV’s focus on sustainability, including its goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, will further enhance its reputation and market position in the global logistics industry.
7. Danske Bank
Danske Bank is the largest financial institution in Denmark and one of the leading banks in the Nordic region. Founded in 1871, Danske Bank has a long history of providing a wide range of financial services, including retail banking, corporate banking, asset management, and insurance. The bank holds a dominant market share in Denmark, with a significant presence in Sweden, Norway, and Finland.
In 2023, Danske Bank reported a revenue of $9.4 billion, with a net profit of $1.3 billion. The bank employs approximately 22,000 people, with a significant number based in Denmark. Under the leadership of CEO Carsten Egeriis, Danske Bank has continued to focus on enhancing its digital banking services, with a strong emphasis on customer experience and innovation.
Looking forward to 2025, Danske Bank is expected to maintain its strong market position, driven by continued growth in digital banking and financial services. The bank’s investment in new technologies, including artificial intelligence and blockchain, will play a key role in enhancing its service offerings and maintaining its competitive edge. Additionally, Danske Bank’s commitment to sustainability, including its goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, will further strengthen its reputation and market position in the Nordic region.
8. Arla Foods
Arla Foods is a leading global dairy company, known for its wide range of dairy products, including milk, cheese, butter, and yogurt. The company was founded in 2000 through the merger of Swedish Arla and Danish MD Foods, and has since grown to become one of the largest dairy companies in the world. Arla Foods holds a significant market share in the global dairy industry, with a strong presence in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
In 2023, Arla Foods reported a revenue of $13.2 billion, with a net profit of $554 million. The company employs approximately 19,000 people, with a significant number based in Denmark. Under the leadership of CEO Peder Tuborgh, Arla Foods has continued to expand its product portfolio, with a strong focus on innovation and sustainability in dairy production.
As we approach 2025, Arla Foods is expected to continue its growth, driven by increasing demand for dairy products in emerging markets and a growing consumer preference for organic and sustainable products. The company’s investment in new product development, including plant-based alternatives and functional foods, will play a key role in maintaining its competitive edge. Additionally, Arla Foods’ commitment to sustainability, including its goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, will further enhance its reputation and market position in the global dairy industry.
9. ISS A/S
ISS A/S is a leading global facility management company, offering a wide range of services, including cleaning, catering, security, and property management. Founded in 1901, ISS has grown to become one of the largest facility management companies in the world, with operations in over 70 countries. The company holds a significant market share in the global facility management industry, with a strong presence in Europe and Asia.
In 2023, ISS A/S reported a revenue of $12.5 billion, with a net profit of $504 million. The company employs approximately 400,000 people worldwide, with a significant number based in Denmark. Under the leadership of CEO Jacob Aarup-Andersen, ISS has continued to expand its service offerings, with a strong focus on innovation and sustainability in facility management.
Looking towards 2025, ISS A/S is expected to continue its growth, driven by increasing demand for integrated facility management services and a growing focus on sustainability. The company’s investment in new technologies, including smart building solutions and energy-efficient services, will play a key role in maintaining its competitive edge. Additionally, ISS A/S’s commitment to sustainability, including its goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040, will further strengthen its reputation and market position in the global facility management industry.
10. Coloplast
Coloplast is a leading global medical device company, specializing in products and services for ostomy care, urology, continence care, and wound care. Founded in 1957, Coloplast has grown to become one of the largest medical device companies in the world, with a strong market position in Europe and North America. The company holds a significant market share in the global medical device industry, particularly in the fields of ostomy and continence care.
In 2023, Coloplast reported a revenue of $3.1 billion, with a net profit of $705 million. The company employs approximately 12,000 people, with a significant number based in Denmark. Under the leadership of CEO Kristian Villumsen, Coloplast has continued to expand its product portfolio, with a strong focus on innovation and improving the quality of life for patients.
As we look towards 2025, Coloplast is expected to continue its growth, driven by increasing demand for medical devices and a growing aging population. The company’s investment in new product development, including digital health solutions and advanced wound care products, will play a crucial role in maintaining its competitive edge. Additionally, Coloplast’s commitment to sustainability, including its goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, will further enhance its reputation and market position in the global medical device industry.
What Business Summary
Denmark’s top 10 biggest companies are not only leaders in their respective industries but also pioneers in innovation and sustainability. These companies have demonstrated strong financial performance, with impressive revenue and profit figures, and have made significant contributions to the global market. As we look towards 2025, these companies are well-positioned for continued growth, driven by their commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence in their respective fields. Whether it’s in shipping, healthcare, renewable energy, or financial services, these Danish companies are set to play a crucial role in shaping the future of their industries and the global economy.
