Since 1997, 2L has been an active investor in companies and real estate.
2L is a Danish-based investment company based in central Copenhagen. 2L's primary business areas are active ownership of small and medium-sized Danish companies and real estate development around Greater Copenhagen. Both activities take place in their own dedicated subsidiaries. Additionally, the group owns a number of commercial properties in Greater Copenhagen.
"2L is created based on a strong set of values centered around integrity, action and good business sense. The fundamental belief is to do things right and follow them through – and treat people and good ideas with the respect they deserve. We combine big ideas with a good dose of common sense – and an unquenchable will to make things succeed and find new ways when necessary."
Lars-Erik Christensen & Lau Kristensen
Timeline
Ambitions through generations of active ownership and dedicated value creation.
1986-1987
CBS & NYU
2L's history begins long before the company was formally founded. In the late 1980s, Lars-Erik Christensen and Lau Kristensen met as fellow students at Copenhagen Business School and during a study abroad at New York University. A shared set of values, curiosity and a strong entrepreneurial spirit formed the foundation for a collaboration that has since proven to be sustainable long-term.
1990-1996
Christianshavn Video
In 1990, Lars-Erik Christensen and Lau Kristensen purchase Christianshavn Video with six stores in Copenhagen. The ambition is to create a nationwide chain of high-quality video rental stores. Over the next six years, the business grows significantly, and in 1996, 35 stores are sold to the American company Blockbuster. The sale creates the financial foundation for the next phase of the partnership.
1997
The Founding
In 1997, 2L Holding A/S is founded. Building on the experiences from Christianshavn Video, the focus shifts to investments in companies and real estate. 2L works with active ownership and a long-term perspective, where development, professionalization and strategic direction are central elements in value creation
1998
DSS A/S
2L invests in the industrial company DSS A/S (Danish Separation Systems), which at this time is owned by Dow Chemical and facing closure. In close collaboration with the company's leading employees, DSS is developed into an internationally dominant player within its business areas. Later, the company is divested in two separate entities to different international industrial buyers.
2003
Real Estate Development
2L builds a strong position in real estate development and realizes a number of award-winning real estate projects, primarily in and around Copenhagen. Real estate development activities are consolidated under the subsidiary 2L Projektudvikling, which serves as a developer on both its own projects and projects for external investors and pension funds.
2023
2L Capital
In 2023, 2L's portfolio of unlisted company investments is consolidated under 2L Capital, and a dedicated investment team is established. The initiative marks a strengthened focus on active ownership and continues 2L's approach to long-term value creation based on more than three decades of experience.
2L's values
Integrity
We treat everyone with respect, are fair and dedicated. Integrity is the foundation for the trust our relationships are built on.
Action
We are proactive, focused and have simple decision-making processes. We want to make an impact that can be felt.
Good Business Sense
We emphasize running a healthy, solid business where we understand the risks we take and make decisions with long-term value in mind.