Here you can find historical information about the development of the Danske Bank Group. Detailed background information about the history of the individual precursor businesses is available in the About us section.
2007 – merger of Danske Bank and BG Bank
In spring 2007 BG Bank was fully absorbed into Danske Bank to form one bank. The two banks had become increasingly similar since the merger of RealDanmark with Danske Bank in 2001. The logic for the merger was that as a single entity the new Danske Bank would be even more accessible and competitive.
2006 – purchase of Sampo Bank
On November 9, 2006, the Group strengthened its activities in northern European markets with the purchase of Finland’s Sampo Bank, which also owns subsidiary banks in the Baltic states. The takeover was approved by the relevant authorities on January 30, 2007.
2005 – international business boosted by two Irish banks
The Group expanded its international business with the purchase of National Irish Bank in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Bank in Northern Ireland. This single transaction was concluded on February 28, 2005. Since then, both banks have been integrated into the Group’s central IT platform.
2001 – Realkredit Danmark and BG Bank join the Group
On January 1, 2001, RealDanmark merged with the Danske Bank Group, with Danske Bank as the parent company. Both Realkredit Danmark and BG Bank continued operating under their familiar brand names.
1999-2000 – two name changes
In 1999, Danica disposed of its non-life business to Topdanmark and, as a natural consequence of the sale, changed it name to the more recognisable Danica Pension. A year later the Den Danske Bank name was shortened to Danske Bank.
1998 – BG Kredit and Kapital Holding A/S, later RealDanmark, established
BG Kredit and the holding company Kapital Holding A/S, later RealDanmark, were established as a result of the partnership between Realkredit Danmark and BG Bank. Since then, RealDanmark has become a part of the Danske Bank Group.
1997 – Sweden’s Östgöta Enskilda Bank & Norway’s Fokus Bank come onboard
In 1997, the Group launched its strategy that the entire Nordic region would be considered its home market. This led to Sweden’s Östgöta Enskilda Bank’s joining the Group and the establishment of branches in Oslo, Stockholm and Helsinki. Norway’s Fokus Bank was acquired by the Group two years later.
1995 – Danica Pension joins the Danske Bank family
In the mid-1990s the Group benefited from a succession of improved results, which were reflected in an increased stock market valuation. One of the reasons behind the improvement was the development of new business areas and the acquisition of Danica from Baltica.
1990 – merger between Handelsbanken, Provinsbanken and Den Danske Bank
Handelsbanken, Provinsbanken and Den Danske Bank merged as a result of the increasing liberalisation of the Danish banking laws. After the merger, the Den Danske Bank name was retained for the new bank.
1980 – first Group annual report
The Danske Bank Group came into being as a separate legal entity with the publication of its first annual report.
1970-1976 – accessibility throughout Denmark
The Group works to make its products and services accessible all over Denmark, and by the mid-1970s this task is almost complete. Expanding company exports then paved the way for new opportunities for the Bank abroad.
Twentieth century – establishment of subsidiaries begins
The Group started life as Den Danske Landmandsbank, but during the 20th century it gradually began expanding its business with the establishment of subsidiaries. However, it was not until the 1990s that the Group began to look like the one we know today.
Nineteenth century – foundation of the Group’s businesses
The Group’s businesses were incorporated in the nineteenth century with Northern Bank, founded in 1809, the oldest, and Handelsbanken, founded in 1873, the youngest. The Danish roots go back to 1846 with the establishment of Fyns Disconto Kasse, later Provinsbanken, and the creation of Den Danske Landmandsbank, which later became Den Danske Bank, in 1871.