How Danish SMEs use leasing to strengthen liquidity and drive growth

Commercial leasing has become a growth engine for Danish small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Over the past year, data shows that several hundred companies nationwide have used Kompasbank’s leasing solutions to strengthen liquidity, invest in new equipment, and keep up with technological developments. A review of our customers reveals that the average leasing facility amounts to DKK 1.2 million. As many as 74% of agreements have been entered into as sale and leaseback arrangements — a clear indication that leasing has become an essential tool in the growth strategies of many Danish businesses.

Leasing as a growth tool for Danish companies

More Danish SMEs have, over the past year, adopted commercial leasing as a permanent part of their growth strategy. The trend is clear: leasing is no longer used merely as an alternative financing option but as an active tool for freeing up capital and investing in the future.

At kompasbank, companies such as Skovtroldens Udkørsel have used leasing agreements precisely for that purpose — to gain access to new and advanced equipment without tying up liquidity. With the latest Sleipner forestry machine, the company can complete tasks faster, increase capacity, and take on more customers — a concrete example of how leasing can generate real growth.

Skovtrolden's story is just one example of how Danish SMEs strategically use leasing and sale-and-leaseback arrangements to create flexibility, strengthen liquidity, and accelerate growth. Since the launch of kompasbank's leasing product, it has become clear that business leasing has become an essential part of Danish companies' financial toolkit.

Focus on equipment – where Danish SMEs use leasing the most

At kompasbank, businesses can lease everything from IT and office equipment to specialized machinery and production tools. Tailored leasing agreements allow you to modernize production, optimize operations, and maintain flexibility — without tying up capital in assets.

When looking at how Danish SMEs actually use leasing financing, experience shows that interest is primarily concentrated in a few key areas:

• Production equipment and tools: CNC machines, welding equipment, milling machines, 3D scanners, and storage racks make up a large share of the demand. Many companies are modernizing or expanding their capacity through leasing — without large upfront payments.

• Building and construction-related assets: Investments in heating systems, pumps, retail premises, and technical installations also play a significant role. Leasing is used to finance long-term improvements that enhance efficiency and the working environment.

• Transport and energy: There is growing interest in leasing energy solutions such as electric-powered systems, solar parks, and robotic arms.

• IT and software: ERP systems, software packages, and IT infrastructure are among the most in-demand leasing assets. Leasing IT equipment provides flexible access to the latest technology — a prerequisite for competitiveness in many industries.

Across the country — from manufacturing in Jutland to retail and services on Zealand — SMEs are choosing leasing as a flexible way to preserve liquidity and maintain agility.

Sale and lease back – the dominant form of leasing

Sale and lease back is by far the most used form of leasing among kompasbank's customers. As many as 74% of the agreements have been entered into as sale and lease back, while 26% relate to leasing of new equipment.

Why sale and lease back?

This model allows businesses to sell assets they own while retaining the right to use them through a lease agreement. This frees up capital that can be used for growth initiatives, such as hiring, marketing, development, or green transition, without straining liquidity.

Leasing of new equipment – flexibility and modernisation

Although sale and lease back dominate, leasing of new equipment continues to play an important role. This gives companies access to the latest technology and machinery, without large cash investments. This creates flexibility and makes it possible to upgrade continuously – a crucial advantage in industries with rapid technological development.

Financial framework and benefits of commercial leasing

The average leasing limit for kompasbank's customers is around DKK 1.2 million. A framework agreement of this size can majorly impact the company's finances and development opportunities.

The typical benefits of leasing:

• Stronger liquidity: Commercial leasing frees up cash that can be used for operations, growth, and investments.

• Risk mitigation: One-time investments and large payouts are avoided, while the risk associated with assets depreciating quickly is reduced.

• Flexibility: A leasing framework allows for the ongoing leasing of new equipment, in accordance with the need.

• Strengthened key financials: Leasing improves the balance sheet and makes the company more attractive to banks, investors, and partners.

For many Danish SMEs, flexibility and risk management are precisely why they choose leasing over traditional business loans.

Leasing creates results across Denmark

Data from the past year clearly show that commercial leasing is not just a financial alternative, but a strategic tool that gives Danish SMEs greater freedom to act.

Companies such as Skovtroldens Udkørsel demonstrate how leasing can free up capital, reduce risk, and provide access to advanced equipment — without straining liquidity.

With several hundred agreements completed over the past year, it is clear that leasing, sale and leaseback, and flexible leasing facilities now form a central part of Danish SMEs’ growth strategies — from manufacturing companies in Northern Jutland to service providers on Zealand.

Want to know more?

Book a meeting with one of lompasbank’s leasing advisors to learn how commercial leasing can help your company free up capital, invest in growth, and keep up with developments.

Commercial leasing at kompasbank is offered in collaboration with grenke Denmark.