Who we are
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Since 1977, our group has worked across the commodity trading industry, creating mutually beneficial, long-lasting relationships.
We connect the dots in Global Trade
Navigating complexity, Copenhagen Merchants Group connects the dots across international commodity trading, brokerage, shipping, logistics, and terminal operations.
As a second-generation family-owned business, we provide stability in volatile markets. Our expertise helps buyers and sellers manage price risk and secure successful deals. From delivering market insights to offering integrated shipping and logistics solutions, we ensure seamless support throughout the trading process.
In the CM family
Brokerage
Copenhagen Merchants offers end to end customized agri-brokerage services. Today more than 30 professionals from 7 hubs facilitate trading and execution worldwide.
Shipping
Navi Merchants specializes in coaster to handysize vessels in the Atlantic. Major newbuilding program initiated to complement the current +40 vessels in own and JV pools.
Digital
CM Navigator provides daily updates on grain markets, live bids and offers, lineups, instant freight rates for over +250K routes and more.
Plant Protein
Our facility, Aarhus Protein, manufactures sustainable feed and food ingredients from faba beans and other pulses. Our processes include dehulling, spray drying, and packaging.
Terminals & Logistics
11 modern port terminals across Denmark, Sweden, Poland, and Latvia in partnerships with trusted partners. Total bulk storage capacity exceeding 700,000 MT.
Broker Hubs
7
Vessels
18
Terminals
11
Employees
+300
Our Financials
Revenue
1.25B
The income statement for 2023 shows a revenue of DKK 1,25 billion / approx. EUR 167 M.
Profit
145M
The income statement for 2023 shows a profit of DKK 145 million / approx. EUR 19 M.
Equity
865M
The balance sheet of 2023 shows an equity of DKK 865 million / approx. EUR 115 M.
Defining Moments in Our History
It all began ...
1977
Copenhagen Merchants was founded by Torben Christensen in the basement of his home.
First Terminal investment
1984
Copenhagen Merchants, in partnership with Fredericia Shipping, invests in its first Agri-bulk terminal.
Inspection Company established
2000
Copenhagen Merchants establishes the survey and inspection company Euro Cargo Services (ECS).
Simon Christensen starts
2003
After earning a master’s degree in Finance from Copenhagen Business School and gaining experience at Danske Private Equity and Cargill in Germany, Simon joins Copenhagen Merchants.
First International Broker Hub
2006
Copenhagen Merchants establishes the first of its now seven international brokerage entities in Madrid, Spain.
First investment in Shipping
2008
Copenhagen Merchants and Fredericia Shipping jointly acquire Schultz Shipping, each owning 50%.
CM Biomass is founded
2009
Copenhagen Merchants creates CM Biomass by separating its biomass trading activities.
Entering the Plant-Based Protein sector
2013
An investment in Aarhus Bulk Terminal marks the start of the 'Plant-Based Proteins adventure'.
Torben retires from day-to-day business
2016
After 39 years dedicated to his life’s work, Torben steps back from daily operations but continues to contribute as a member of the company board.
CM Navigator platform is born
2018
Copenhagen Merchants initiates development of the agri-commodities platform, CM Navigator.
Navi Merchants founded
2021
The chartering business grows into a company of its own – Navi Merchants is born.
Our Culture
Our organization and culture are anything but typical. Amongst others, we operate with a flat (almost nonexistent) hierarchy, believing strongly in the value of joint ventures, and our ‘cultural ambassador’ is an octopus named T.W. Heart—Trust We Heart—symbolizing our commitment to trust, adaptability, and close collaboration.
Our history
Family owned since '77
A story of incremental entrepreneurship
It all began in 1977, when Torben Christensen founded the brokerage company Copenhagen Merchants from the basement of his home. Driven by a determination to make a difference, he built the company step by step, turning it into a significant player in the international commodity industry.
In 2016, the second generation of the Christensen family formally took over. Under Simon Rodian Christensen's leadership, with the support of his sister, Copenhagen Merchants has continued to grow, further advancing the company’s development.