EU and competition in Norway

Arntzen de Besche

Arntzen de Besche‘s ‘very dedicated and friendly‘ team attracts praise for its ‘excellent knowledge of EU and competition matters‘. The practice is widely recognised for its strength in state aid and high-profile merger control matters, however the department fields expertise across the full range of EU and competition work. The group is acting as trustee to the Norwegian Competition Authority in a number of ongoing cases involving abuse of dominant position claims. Stein Ove Solberg is a highly regarded practitioner in the space, with an excellent track record in advising retail and food sector clients on complex merger control mandates; he jointly heads up the practice with the ‘very proactiveSvein Terje Tveit, who focuses on litigation and state aid issues. Other key practitioners include senior lawyer Frida May Behrens, associate Hanna Lundeberg Raanes and senior associate Paul Gunnar Hagelund. Espen I Bakken moved to Advokatfirmaet Simonsen Vogt Wiig in October 2022.

Practice head(s):

Svein Terje Tveit; Stein Ove Solberg


Other key lawyers:

Frida May Behrens; Hanna Lundeberg Raanes; Paul Gunnar Hagelund


Testimonials

‘Strategic advisers, strong legal skills.’

‘Svein Terje Tveit is a good team player, with strong legal skills and able to clearly advise in complex matters.’

‘Svein Terje Tveit has an excellent understanding of competition law, and offers practical solutions to complex issues. He has an easy going presence, great communication skills, and is a pleasure to work with.’

‘Both Stein Ove Solberg and Svein Terje Tveit are great to work with.’

‘Paul Gunnar Hagelund is very dedicated and clever.’

‘Stein Ove Solberg has very high competition law skills. He has extensive experience and is service-oriented.’

‘Frida May Behrens and Hanna Raanes are both very talented, very friendly and client oriented.’

‘Highly skilled and excellent legal knowledge in EU and competition matters, combined with strong and in-depth knowledge of the industry, including regulatory issues. Good combination of experienced partners and up and coming associates. Very dedicated and friendly team.’

Key clients

Shearwater GeoServices Holding AS


Bonnier Books AB


Orkla ASA


SINTEF


The Norwegian Competition Authority


Nortura SA


Toyota Norge AS


ENOVA SF


TINE SA


Virke Business Federation


Maarud AS


HOFF SA


Work highlights


  • Providing ongoing assistance to dairy producer TINE regarding antitrust litigation against truck manufacturers, arising from the European Commission’s Trucks case.

BAHR

Led by Helge Stemshaug, the department at BAHR has an excellent track record in handling antitrust and cartel investigations, damages claims and merger control matters, and reports an increase in public procurement and state aid instructions. The client roster includes names in the oil and gas, renewable energy, offshore and media sectors. In recent work, Beret Sundet led the advice to Norwegian financial services group DNB on the competition law aspects of its acquisition of digital bank Sbanken via a public offer. Arne Torsten Andersen is well known for handling litigation before the EFTA Court, and managing associate Ylva Kolsrud Lønvik handles state aid and merger control work.

Practice head(s):

Helge Stemshaug


Other key lawyers:

Beret Sundet; Arne Torsten Andersen; Ylva Kolsrud Lønvik


Testimonials

Excellent legal expertise.’

‘Beret Sundet is an excellent competition lawyer. She is distinctly solution-oriented, and provides concise and practical advice. She is also service-minded.’

Key clients

REITAN AS


DNB Bank


Aker ASA


Aker Solutions ASA


Aker BP


Aker Offshore Wind


Akastor


Color Line


Noble Corporation


Sport Holding


Strawberry Publishing


Posten Norge AS


Hafslund Eco


Work highlights


  • Assisted Akastor with multi-jurisdictional merger filings, concerning the establishment of a joint venture between Akastor and Baker Hughes.
  • Acting for grocery company REMA 1000 in the Norwegian Competition Authority’s investigation into alleged discriminatory pricing in the grocery sector.

Advokatfirmaet Simonsen Vogt Wiig

At Advokatfirmaet Simonsen Vogt Wiig, the EU and competition team continues to act for Alarmkundeforeningen in the first class action for damages brought against cartel participants in Norway; practice head Jan Magne Langseth leads on this work. Karin Fløistad specialises in assisting telecoms and media sector clients with EU law mandates, and specialist counsel Erik Klevmo is well known for assisting Norwegian and international companies with antitrust cases, EU and EEA regulatory matters, state aid issues and public procurement work. Senior lawyer Olav Haukeli is a key contact, and Espen I Bakken joined from Arntzen de Besche in October 2022.


Practice head(s):

Jan Magne Langseth


Other key lawyers:

Karin Fløistad; Erik Klevmo; Olav Haukeli; Espen I Bakken


Key clients

Alarmkundeforeningen (The Alarm Customers’ Association)


Alsaker Fjordbruk


Bank Norwegian


British American Tobacco


Coop


Fremtind Forsikring


Kindred Group PLC


Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA


RiksTV


Snusbolaget / Haypp Group


St1 Group


Synnøve Finden


Telia


The Ministry of Children and Equality


The Ministry of Trade, Industries and Fisheries


The Ministry of Transport and Communication


TV 2


Yara International ASA


Signicat AS


Tink AB


Work highlights


  • Advising Norwegian carbon tech company Horisont Energi on a range of competition and state aid issues arising from production projects.
  • Acting as counsel to Norwegian marine gas oil supplier St1 on litigation arising from an alleged breach of merger control rules.

Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS

Viewed as ‘a first-tier law firm in the field of competition law‘, Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS‘ ‘outstanding‘ team has an excellent track record in handling, among other areas, complex merger cases, high-profile antitrust investigations, state aid issues and competition litigation. The ‘very experienced and knowledgeableSiri Teigum is ‘an authoritative competition lawyer‘; ‘her broad experience and commercial mindset make her a highly valued discussion partner‘. Teigum shares leadership of the practice with Eivind J Vesterkjær, who has ‘deep knowledge of all areas within competition law‘. Heidi Jorkjend is very experienced in advising on cross-border antitrust investigations, while associate partner Eivind Sæveraas acts for clients in the media, telecoms, construction and financial sectors.

Practice head(s):

Siri Teigum; Eivind J Vesterkjær


Other key lawyers:

Heidi Jorkjend; Eivind Sæveraas


Testimonials

‘Siri Teigum is outstanding.’

‘Thommessen has a strong team, with a lot of experience and deep knowledge. They give precise advice and are down to earth, easy to work with and client-focused. The team works well together.’

‘Siri Teigum combines high integrity with a calm and professional style. She is service minded and has a hands-on approach. Always available at short notice and efficient.’

Heidi Jorkjend is very knowledgeable and highly qualified. She has a unique ability to communicate and explain complex legal issues in a way that is comprehensible to everyone.’

‘Highly efficient and adaptive team.’

‘Siri Teigum and Eivind Sæveraas have deep knowledge of all areas within competition law and very extensive experience.’

‘Effective and commercially focused.’

‘Eivind J. Vesterkjær is very clever, and he provides practical advice.’

Key clients

Telenor ASA


DnB ASA


SpareBank 1


Kongsberg Gruppen


Veidekke ASA


Ringnes ASA


Gyldendal ASA


Lindum AS


Eviny AS


BAMA


NorgesGruppen ASA


Circle K


Mestergruppen


El-Proffen AS


Ferd


Triton Partners


DAF Trucks N.V. / DAF Trucks Deutschland GmbH


Lyse AS / Lyse Produksjon AS


Legemiddelindustrien LMI


Lesaffre International


Sbanken ASA


Nordic Tyre Group AB (Altor)


Kahoot! ASA


Pelagia AS


Storebrand ASA


HitecVision


Peak Invest


Work highlights


  • Advising Elkem on multi-jurisdictional merger filings, relating to the establishment of a joint venture between Vianode and Elkem, Norsk Hydro and Altor.
  • Assisted Lyse with clearance matters arising from its acquisition of Ice Group Scandinavia.
  • Providing ongoing advice to NorgesGruppen concerning the ongoing investigation by the Norwegian Competition Authority into competitive conditions in the Norwegian foodstuffs sector.

Wiersholm

Wiersholm‘s department houses a ‘solid team of experts in complex competition law matters‘. The ‘very knowledgeable and experienced‘ team continues to handle high-profile abuse of dominance claims and merger control issues; investigations, EU and EEA law and state aid matters also remain key areas of instruction for the group. Department head Håkon Cosma Størdal is ‘highly skilled‘, ‘very engaged‘ and ‘knows the ins and outs of competition law‘. Thomas Naalsund and Stephan Jervell are key contacts for litigation and public procurement issues. The ‘very knowledgeableElisabeth Lian Haugsdal, who made partner in January 2023, is well known for advising on damages actions, restrictive practices and abuse of dominance claims. Senior associate Edvard Hamer Rojahn and associate Elisabeth Torkildsen are key names to note.

Practice head(s):

Håkon Cosma Størdal


Other key lawyers:

Elisabeth Lian Haugsdal; Elisabeth Torkildsen; Stephan Jervell; Thomas Naalsund; Edvard Hamer Rojahn


Testimonials

‘Highly skilled team. Very practical sense. Good availability. Nice people to work with.’

‘Håkon Cosma Størdal – highly skilled, very good knowledge of competition law and how to handle both large and small competition law issues.’

‘Elisabeth Lian Haugsdal – highly skilled.’

‘Edvard Hamer Rojahn – highly skilled associate and pleasant to work with.’

‘Excellent knowledge on Norwegian and EU competition law and process. Agile and client minded.’

‘Håkon Cosma Størdal has full understanding of all relevant aspects of competition law. Very engaged, easy to communicate with and holds very high standards in all work done.’

‘Solid team of experts in complex competition law matters.’

Key clients

Altor Funds


DNB


Bertel. O. Steen


Coop Norge SA


Felleskjøpet SA


Hurtigruten ASA/ Hurtigruten AS


IK Investment Partners


JCDDecaux


The Ministry of Petroleum and Energy


Schibsted ASA


Telenor Norge AS


Veidekke ASA/Seby AS


Bravida


Mowi ASA


Wallenius Wilhelmsen


Kistefos AS


Visma AS


Hafslund ASA


Statnett SF


Sector Alarm Holding AS


EQT


The Norwegian Heart and Lung Patient Organisation (LHL)


Statkraft


Santander Consumer Bank


SB1 Markets


Vipps


Netfonds Holding


Summa Equity


Veidekke Entreprenør AS


Skanska Norge AS


Entur AS


Boreal Norge AS


Den Norske Opera og Ballett


Torghatten ASA


ABB AS


Discovery Communications Europe Limited


Bastø Fosen AS


Viking Redningstjeneste Topco AS


Anora (Former Arcus ASA)


Widerøe’s Flyveselskap AS


Norwegian Banks’ Guarantee Fund


Braathens Regional Airlines (BRA)


Ticket


Algeco Holdings B.V


EQT


Strawberry AS


The Ministry of Trade, Industries and Fisheries


The Ministry of Petroleum and Energy


Nordic Capital


AF Gruppen


Multiconsult


Trønderenergi ASA


Work highlights


  • Acting as lead counsel to Vipps and DNB Bank on a merger filing, relating to the contemplated merger between Vipps, MobilePay and Pivo.
  • Representing Coop Norge SA in an ongoing investigation by the Norwegian Competition Authority, concerning alleged anti-competitive practices within the grocery sector.
  • Acting for Schibsted ASA in ongoing litigation arising from its disputed acquisition of Nettbil.

Wikborg Rein

The competition team at Wikborg Rein stands out for its ‘leading expertise in the field‘. The group reports an uptick in contentious work, with damages claims, high-profile infringement cases and merger filings prominent in the department’s workload, while the practice's client roster includes names in the media, fisheries and aquaculture, retail, transport and food sectors. Mads Magnussen, who heads up the practice, has ‘outstanding knowledge of competition law‘ and is noted for his expertise in infringement work. Hanne Camilla Zimmer is a key name for public procurement and state aid mandates, and specialist counsel Eivind Stage is a ‘dedicated and thorough competition practitioner’. Specialist counsel Stuart Stock is ‘incredibly knowledgeable‘ with a track record in handling multi-jurisdictional investigations and merger control mandates. Newly promoted partner Preben Milde Thorbjørnsen is a key name for antitrust work.

Practice head(s):

Mads Magnussen


Other key lawyers:

Hanne Camilla Zimmer; Stuart Stock; Eivind Stage; Preben Milde Thorbjørnsen


Testimonials

‘Great availability, easy to collaborate and communicate with. Always solution minded.’

‘Stuart Stock – very responsive & helpful, a technically strong lawyer.’

‘The team is incredibly knowledgeable and demonstrates a phenomenal service mentality. They are highly responsive and pro-active.’

‘Preben Milde Thorbjørnsen provides quick, practical and good legal advice.’

‘Eivind Stage has outstanding knowledge of competition law.’

‘Mads Magnussen is a fantastic adviser. He is efficient, extremely knowledgeable and pleasant to work with.’

‘They show good commercial understanding. They have high professional integrity, are always service minded and very pleasant to work with.’

‘Hanne Zimmer is a superb lawyer with in depth knowledge of EU competition law, and particularly state aid law.’

Key clients

Telenor


Norsk Hydro


AB Volvo


Mastercard International


NorgesGruppen


Jotun


Amedia


Verisure


Lerøy Seafood Group


Vygruppen


Elkem


Kesko


Norsk Gjenvinning


Statens jernbanetilsyn


Naftogaz


Aschehoug


Work highlights


  • Providing ongoing advice to the Lerøy Seafood Group on all aspects of the ongoing EU Commission investigation into suspected anti-competitive conduct in the market for Norwegian farm-raised Atlantic salmon, alongside concomitant class action litigation in the US and Canada.
  • Acting for AB Volvo in damages claims arising from the European Commission’s ‘Trucks’ case.
  • Representing Norwegian publishing company Aschehoug in an ongoing investigation by the Norwegian Competition Authority regarding allegations of infringement.

CMS Kluge

CMS Kluge stands out as ‘one of the premier state aid law firms in Norway', and also attracts praise for its ‘deep understanding regarding relevant EU and EEC legislation‘. Henrik Nordling heads up the ‘very professional‘ team, and is sought after for his expertise in handling competition litigation. Firm managing partner Bjørnar Alterskjær is ‘very knowledgeable, service-minded and efficient‘ and has an excellent reputation for advising prominent national companies and government entities on state aid and public procurement work. Clemens Kerle is well known for assisting clients with cases involving the EFTA Surveillance Authority, and senior lawyer Frederik Nordby assists with state aid matters.

Practice head(s):

Henrik Nordling


Other key lawyers:

Bjørnar Alterskjær; Clemens Kerle; Frederik Nordby


Testimonials

‘Highly qualified and make you feel seen and important as a customer.’

‘Clemens Kerle and Bjørnar Alterskjær are leaders in the field of state aid law – both are highly respected, knowledgeable and diligent.’

‘CMS Kluge offers good responsiveness, great competence, and high-level clarifications when needed and in-depth assessments on more complicated matters to the satisfaction of our company and partners.’

‘Bjørnar Alterskjær – I regard him as a front figure in the legal community, and especially among those who work with EU and competition law.’

‘The lawyers have heavy professional expertise and commercial understanding, and provide extensive assistance to both private and public actors.’

‘Bjørnar Alterskjær is very knowledgeable, service-minded and efficient.’

‘Very dedicated and competent team.’

‘They are all very professional, engaging to work with and results oriented.’

Key clients

Bane NOR SF


LEIA AS


Helthjem


Polarsirkelen Lufthavnutvikling AS


Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries


Norges Pelsdyralslag (The Norwegian Fur Animal Association)


A & A Salte


CEPI


Siva


Work highlights


  • Assisting the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries with its notification to the EFTA Surveillance Authority regarding national state aid schemes to counteract the current crisis in Ukraine.
  • Providing ongoing assistance to Lotteries Entertainment Innovation Alliance AS (LEIA), a joint venture between the national lotteries of Norway, Finland, Denmark and France, with all public procurement and competition matters.
  • Advising Helthjem on lodging a complaint against Posten AS regarding an alleged breach of EEA state aid rules before the EFTA Surveillance Authority.

Advokatfirmaet Haavind AS

Led by the ‘very knowledgeable‘ and ‘very pragmaticSimen Klevstrand, the department at Advokatfirmaet Haavind AS houses ‘a seamless and tight team of highly skilled competition law experts‘. Key areas of strength for the group include merger control mandates, state aid work, competition damages claims and cartel investigations. Senior lawyer Gaute Bergstrøm has ‘a bright mind‘ and notable strength in advising on state aid issues, and senior associate Marianne Henne Møller provides ‘precise advice‘ on merger control matters and abuse of dominance claims.

Practice head(s):

Simen Klevstrand


Other key lawyers:

Gaute Bergstrøm; Marianne Henne Møller


Testimonials

‘Haavind’s competition practice group delivers excellent work and is highly recommendable.’

‘Simen Klevstrand is pragmatic and fast in delivering and replying. I can fully recommend him for all competition law related matters in Norway.’

‘Very professional attitude. Always deliver on time.’

‘Strong knowledge of competition law, a leader in their field.’

‘Simen Klevstrand – always helpful and pleasant to work with.’

‘Simen Klevstrand – always available and hands-on.’

‘Simen Klevestrand and his team are highly qualified within competition law.’

‘Gaute Bergstrøm – Bright mind who, despite a low key appearance, should not be underestimated. Not afraid of doing the dirty work if required. Convincing both as adviser and as a litigator. Marianne Henne Møller – Cool and friendly even in stressed situations. Not afraid of giving precise advice.’

Key clients

Posten Norge AS


Norsk Hydro ASA


NBF


Helse Sør-Øst HF


FSN Capital Partners AS


Sjømat Norge


OBOS


Recharge


Energy Norway


Norsk Industri


Work highlights


  • Providing ongoing assistance to Posten Norge against European truck manufacturers in the long-running first cartel damages claim being heard before Norwegian courts.
  • Acted as lead counsel to private equity fund FSN Capital VI on its acquisition of Active Brands AS, involving merger filings in Norway and Austria.

Kvale Advokatfirma DA

Under the leadership of department head and ‘excellent adviserKristin Hjelmass Valla, Kvale Advokatfirma DA‘s ‘commercially oriented‘ team continues to act for Norwegian publishing company Vigmostad & Bjørke in an investigation by the Norwegian Competition Authority concerning allegations of infringement. Valla is well known for advising on merger clearances, cartel cases and state aid issues, to name a few areas of expertise. Procurement specialist Robert Lund is sought after for his experience in state aid law, and senior lawyer Maria Esbensen has a track record in appearing before the EFTA Surveillance Authority and the Norwegian Competition Authority. Senior associate Haakon Schiøtz and associate Sindre Svendsen are also key names to note.


Practice head(s):

Kristin Hjelmaas Valla


Other key lawyers:

Robert Lund; Maria Esbensen; Haakon Schiøtz; Sindre Svendsen


Testimonials

‘Good insight into current legislation. Good advice when needed.’

‘Friendly, forthcoming and easy to deal with. Thorough and reliable.’

‘Kvale is always available and very efficient.’

‘Unique industry knowledge.’

‘Kristin Valla has excellent industry knowledge.’

‘Robert Lund has detailed knowledge. He is an excellent litigator. He is tough, but responsive. An excellent lawyer.’

‘Kvale has a highly experienced team in EU and competition matters. The lawyers are professional and service-minded, and give good and to the point advice.’

‘Kristin Valla has solid knowledge and experience within competition law. She is efficient, professional and easy to cooperate with.’

Key clients

Visa Europe


Vigmostad & Bjørke


Barilla


GlobalConnect


DLF


NHO Mat og Drikke


Grønnegata 21


Kirkeveien 72


Mano


Nortura


Elkjøp Nordic / Currys


HR Prosjekt


Lerum


DNB Bank


KLP


Diplom-IS


Bilia


Tradesolution


EveryMatrix Software


The Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities (KS)


Work highlights


  • Providing ongoing advice to four entities in litigation concerning the ongoing Boligbygg case, involving property purchases and state aid issues.

Advokatfirmaet Schjødt AS

Advokatfirmaet Schjødt AS‘s ‘highly experienced‘ team has ‘excellent legal knowledge in EU and competition matters, combined with strong and in-depth knowledge of regulatory issues and company law’. Merger notification matters are a key driver of work for the group, which is equally adept at handling antitrust mandates. Practice head Olav Kolstad has ‘extensive professional expertise in competition law‘, and regularly acts as counsel to oil and gas clients. At senior associate level, Morten Henriksen is a key contact for abuse of dominance matters and state aid work, and Elsa Brandt Stensrud advises on anti-competitive issues and merger control mandates.

Practice head(s):

Olav Kolstad


Other key lawyers:

Morten Henriksen; Elsa Brandt Stensrud


Testimonials

‘Strong knowledge of the law, and practical knowledge on situations and processes in this field. Easy to work with.’

‘Olav Kolstad is an excellent professional in his field. Very pleasant to work with.’

‘Olav Kolstad gives precise advice and understands the customer’s needs.’

‘Highly experienced and excellent legal knowledge in EU and competition matters, combined with strong and in-depth knowledge in regulatory issues, company law and commercial understanding.’

Key clients

Fjordkraft ASA


Egmont International Holding A/S


Royal Unibrew A/S


Gjensidige Forsikring ASA


Kommunal Landspensjonskasse Gjensidig Forsikringsselskap (KLP)


Royal Unibrew A/S


Tine SA


Work highlights


  • Assisted Entra ASA with a merger filing relating to its multi-billion acquisition of Oslo Areal.
  • Assisted Royal Unibrew A/S with the merger filing of its NOK3bn acquisition of Norwegian brewery Hansa Borg.

Selmer

Selmer is home to an ‘exceptional‘ team, praised as ‘extremely commercially oriented, responsive and innovative‘, which reports an uptick in instructions from the retail, automotive and telecoms sectors, as well as an increase in cartel cases. Merger control work remains a core pillar of the practice. Department head Ole-Andreas Torgersen has a solid track record in advising on international merger control work, and is equally adept at handling distribution and cartel-related litigation. Public procurement specialist Karen Anne Rekkedal and senior associates Ellev Sandtrøen and Håkon Christoffersen are also key names to note.

Practice head(s):

Ole-Andreas Torgersen


Other key lawyers:

Karen Anne Rekkedal; Ellev Sandtrøen; Håkon Christoffersen


Testimonials

‘Ole-Andreas Torgersen is always engaged and thorough in his advice, available for valuable discussions, and very friendly. In the most important legal matter ever for the company, I would say that Ole-Andreas was decisive for our success.’

‘Håkon Christoffersen is a rising star, and every company who gets to work with him is very lucky. With his composite professional background he has valuable perspectives to bring to the table, and has an admirable work capacity and ethics. He has also been great to work with and his contributions to our company have been priceless.’

‘They are all highly skilled individuals on all levels.’

‘Selmer’s competition team is exceptional. Not only are their professional and academic capabilities great, but they are extremely commercially oriented, responsive and also innovative in their counselling. They are also very nice to work with, which is an advantage not only in the (sometimes) daily collaboration, but also as our external representative in a regulatory matter.’

‘Strong competence and swift reply!’

Key clients

Orkla


SpareBank 1 Sørøst-Norge


Daimler


Institute for Energy Technology


Nordic Concrete Group


Foodora


SpareBank 1 Betaling


Balder Betaling


Eika VBB


Betong Øst


Agder Energi


Gjensidige Forsikring


Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations


Fjord1


NRK


Dragefossen


Getinge


EQT


Canon


Link Arkitektur


Bertel O. Steen


DLA Piper

At DLA Piper, the competition team is led by the ‘very down-to-earthLine Voldstad, who has a solid track record in handling cross-border competition law mandates, often for pharmaceuticals and retail sector clients. The group, which is housed within the firm’s regulatory department, is well known for working in tandem with the firm’s wider Nordic and global network in order to assist healthcare, automotive, construction and retail entities with a broad range of competition and public procurement work. Firm country managing partner Kjetil Haare Johansen has extensive experience in distribution matters, and associate Ingunn Martinsen is a key name for merger control work.


Practice head(s):

Line Voldstad


Other key lawyers:

Kjetil Haare Johansen; Ingunn Martinsen


Testimonials

‘Very close to the national market, ear on the ground and a natural mix of legal and more general commercial advice.’

‘Line Voldstad – a brilliant lawyer! She has specific and deep knowledge of the pharma sector.’

Key clients

Gassnova


Advokatfirmaet Grette AS

The ‘knowledgeable‘ and ‘highly skilled‘ team at Advokatfirmaet Grette AS has ‘an outstanding reputation for work across all aspects of Norwegian and EU competition law‘. Practice head Odd Stemsrud attracts praise for his ‘incredible wealth of knowledge of all levels of competition law, be it in relation to the global approach, the EU or Norway‘ and is well known for his expertise in antitrust litigation, state aid work and merger control matters. Other key practitioners include Marie Braadland and Silje Grimseth Ullebust, who stand out for their expertise in public procurement work, and associate Vilde Rydvang.


Practice head(s):

Odd Stemsrud


Other key lawyers:

Marie Braadland; Silje Grimseth Ullebust; Vilde Rydvang


Testimonials

The quality of advice is consistently excellent. They are out-of-the-box thinkers who go the extra mile and explore every possible argument.’

‘Odd Stemsrud is one of the best competition lawyers in Norway. He is an amazing practitioner and his work and advice have been gold standard.’

‘Grette is highly skilled.’

‘They are highly motivated, provide good service and always see the key issues in any case.’

Key clients

UK – HM’s government


The Norwegian Parliament


Höegh Autoliners Holdings AS


GSK/GlaxoSmithKline


Vinmonopolet


Norske Tog


Entur AS


The Western Region Health Authority


The Central Norway Regional Health Authority


The Norwegian Tax Administration


OsloMET


Norwegian Public Roads Administration


Norrøna


Moelven Industrier ASA


Johnson & Johnson (Janssen-Cilag)


Avinor AS


Stagecoach Group


Norwegian Customs


The Norwegian Food Safety Agency


Work highlights


  • Providing ongoing advice to Vinmonopole, Norway’s only retail monopoly, on competition, regulatory and public procurement matters.
  • Providing ongoing advice to Höegh Autoliners (as global coordinating counsel) on enforcement matters arising from a maritime car carrier cartel case.
  • Acting as main legal counsel to the Norwegian Parliament on competition, state aid, public procurement and regulatory matters.

Advokatfirmaet Hjort

The ‘very experienced and highly skilled‘ team at Advokatfirmaet Hjort is notable for its expertise in competition litigation. Abuse of dominance cases, state aid work and public procurement matters are other key strengths of the practice. Practice co-head Monica Syrdal is well versed in advising media, retail, aviation and banking entities on abuse of dominance matters, while practice co-head Heddy Ludvigsen is a key contact for state aid matters. Managing associate Dag Sørlie Lund is ‘a highly skilled lawyer within EU and competition law‘.

Practice head(s):

Monica Syrdal; Heddy Ludvigsen


Other key lawyers:

Dag Sørlie Lund


Testimonials

‘The team provides solid advice and is available when we need it.’

‘Monica Syrdal is a highly skilled competition lawyer. She is valued for her practical approach and clear advice. She knows our business and is to the point.’

Dag Sørlie Lund has especially impressed us in state aid cases, as an outstanding adviser in this field. His advice is solid and to the point.’

‘The lawyers we have used have shown good judgement and the ability to answer legal challenges both quickly and comprehensibly. Necessary assessments have been communicated in a factual, clear and sober way with great authority and professional weight without seeming lecturing.’

‘Hjort has great competence and knowledge within this field, and has used this in a very good and effective way for us as a client.’

‘Pragmatic approach.’

Key clients

Bane NOR SF


Telenor


Nordea


Bokbasen AS


Avinor AS


Work highlights


  • Providing ongoing assistance to Bokbasen concerning an ongoing investigation by the Norwegian Competition Authority into alleged anti-competitive practices within the publishing sector.
  • Assisted Avinor AS with its notification to the EFTA Surveillance Authority regarding state aid being granted for the construction of a new airport in Mo i Rana, located in Northern Norway.

SANDS

The department at SANDS is home to ‘a strong and service-minded‘ team with ‘extensive experience in, and deep knowledge and understanding of EU and competition law‘. Managing partner Thomas Sando is ‘a very skilled competition lawyer‘, who is an expert in advising, among other sectors, aquaculture and fishing, construction and automotive clients on merger control issues. Sando shares leadership of the practice with the ‘very professionalAksel Joachim Hageler, who has been kept busy handling competition damages litigation. Special counsel Lennart Garnes regularly advises on EU and EEA law matters.

Practice head(s):

Thomas Sando; Aksel Joachim Hageler


Other key lawyers:

Lennart Garnes


Testimonials

‘Good business acumen, flexible and efficient.’

‘Thomas Sando is a true professional.’

‘Thomas Sando is very knowledgeable, service-minded, and a trusted partner.’

‘SANDS’ competition lawyers have good industry knowledge, high competition law skills, good commercial sense and great availability.’

‘Thomas Sando has a very good business understanding, and in combination with his strategic and practical thinking he always provides us with excellent legal advice.’

‘Thomas Sando gives advice that can be applied practically in the real world.’

‘SANDS has an excellent team within EU and competition. A particular strength is its dedication to the case and thoroughness.’

‘Thomas Sando has a very calm manner that gives you comfort when you work with him. He always finds good and sensible solutions.’

Key clients

Bewi Norway AS


Volvat Medical Center


Salvesen & Thams AS


CNH Industrial


Bauda AS


Ministry of Trade, Industries and Fisheries


Stendi


Norlandia Care Norge AS


Norwegian Public Roads Administration


Ministry of Transport


Research Council of Norway


NOFIMA


Tysse Mekaniske Verksted AS


Norsk takst


Private Barnehagers Landsforbund


Work highlights


  • Defending CNH Industrial and its subsidiaries, Iveco and Fiat, against a damages claim arising from the European Commission’s ‘Trucks’ case.
  • Assisting BEWI with merger control matters.
  • Acting as counsel to Scandinavian company Stendi & Norlandia concerning a challenge brought against the Municipality of Oslo’s practice of reserving public contracts acquiring nursing home services for non-profit organisations.