Next Generation Partners

Fishing and aquaculture in Norway

Advokatfirmaet Haavind AS

Hailed by clients for its ‘very extensive’ industry knowledge, the fisheries and aquaculture team at Advokatfirmaet Haavind AS acts for an impressive roster of high-profile clients across the sector, including industry bodies, government ministries, and leading corporations. Bjørn Sørgård and Ida Espolin Johnson jointly oversee the practice; Sørgård advises commercial parties and trade associations on corporate and regulatory matters, while Johnson takes point on contentious matters. The team has recently seen an increase in instructions relating to the proposed new ground rent tax for the aquaculture industry as well as an uptick in transactional mandates. In 2023, the team also strengthened its west coast offering with the arrival of aquaculture expert Torbjørn Gjelsvik, who splits his time between Bergen and Oslo.

Practice head(s):

Bjørn Sørgård; Ida Espolin Johnson


Other key lawyers:

Torbjørn Gjelsvik


Testimonials

‘High status in the field and recognised in the industry.’

‘Very extensive industry knowledge of several of the lawyers.’

‘Competent. Available, deep industry knowledge.’

Key clients

Sjømat Norge


Nordlaks Oppdrett AS


Nova Sea AS


Wilsgård Fiskeoppdrett AS


Sporbarhet AS


Jarle Bergs Sønner AS


STIM AS


Gildeskål Forskningsstasjon


Sinkaberg-Hansen AS


Benchmark Genetics Norway AS


Gigante Salmon AS


Norcod AS


Skår og Østervold Invest AS


Blom Fiskeoppdrett AS


Work highlights


  • Assisting the Norwegian Seafood Federation in several cases, including advising on several principal regulatory matters.
  • Representing STIM, a leading supplier of veterinary and aquamedical services to the Norwegian fish farming industry, with high-stakes patent litigation within the aquacture industry.
  • Assisting several salmon farming companies with handling the consequences of the new resource rent tax introduced by the government.

SANDS

With several offices along the Norwegian coast, SANDS’ full-service and specialised fishing and aquaculture team maintains a market-leading offering, advising leading industry players on the full range of regulatory, transactional and contentious work in the sector. Regulatory advice is a particular strength of the team, and practice head Halfdan Mellbye has a solid track record advising on regulatory frameworks relating to fisheries and fish farming, including environmental issues and sales regulations, from the Bergen office. Ole-Martin Lund Andreassen in Tromsø handles coastal zone planning and aquaculture concessions work for cod farming clients. Transactional mandates are handled by Eirik Edvardsen, while Frode Henning Antonsen is hailed by clients as ‘supremely the best’ in industry-related construction matters; both are based in Trondheim.

Practice head(s):

Halfdan Mellbye


Other key lawyers:

Frode Henning Antonsen; Bjørn-Ivar Bendiksen; Ole-Martin Lund Andreassen; Eirik Edvardsen


Testimonials

‘The team is made up of people with different skills who complement each other very well. They are forward-thinking and aggressive and are able to combine their legal skills with a great understanding of the purpose and processes in the aquaculture industry.’

‘Frode Henning Antonsen is a highly skilled lawyer. His strength is his expertise in the field combined with extensive experience with construction projects. He is very service-minded and stands up when we need his support. He is supremely the best in the market from our point of view.’

‘Halfdan Melbye stands out.’

‘Sands has many employees with heavy experience on legal issues concerning fishery legislations.’

‘I recommend Ole-Martin Lund Andreassen and Bjørn-Ivar Bendiksen.’

‘To the point understanding of our needs and very clear on this in their advice to us.’

‘The experience and insight Halfdan Melbye has from the sector is outstanding and has been most valuable for our company. Also has his ability to read and understand our needs.’

Key clients

Sulefisk


Osland Havbruk


Nofima


Grøntvedt Pelagic


Langøylaks – Troland Fiskeoppdrett – Austevoll Melaks


Skjerneset Fisk – Mork Rensefisk


Sjømatbedriftene


Nergård


Akvaplan Niva


Driva Aquaculture


Lofoten Sjøprodukter


Kime Aqua


Work highlights


  • Acted as legal consultant for Sjømatbedriftenes’ activities regarding the Norwegian government’s introduction of ground rent tax on the aquaculture industry, to reduce the negative impact of this new tax regime.
  • Advised Oddvar Nes AS, one of the largest companies within white fish in Northern Norway, on its purchase of 100% of the shares in Vesterhav AS.
  • Assisted Lofoten Sjøprodukter with re-establishing a permit from the authorities to use a fish-farming location.

Advokatfirmaet Simonsen Vogt Wiig

With offices in Oslo, Bergen, Tromsø and Trondheim, Advokatfirmaet Simonsen Vogt Wiig is well-placed to serve seafood, aquaculture, and fisheries sector clients, both domestic and international, on all matters related to the industry. Led by seasoned practitioners Arthur Duus and Kenneth Mikkelsen in Bergen and Tromsø respectively, the group’s expertise spans regulatory, contentious and corporate advisory work; Duus works mostly on contracts, corporate, and regulatory matters, while Mikkelsen is the key name for high-profile industry-related litigation, including administrative and criminal proceedings, with experience before the Supreme Court.

Practice head(s):

Arthur Duus; Kenneth Mikkelsen


Key clients

Alliance Seafoods Inc


Alsaker Group


Nergård Havfiske AS


Norges Sildesalgslag SA


Andreassen Rederi ANS


Arctic Pioneer AS


Berg Fiskeriselskap AS


Bjølve Bruk AS


Eidsvaag AS


Eimskip


Fjon Bruk AS


Fosen Yard AS


Grimsholm Fiskedrift AS


Hermann Export AS


Hermes AS


Karls Fisk og Skalldyr AS


Kvitungen AS


Lenangen Fiskeriselskap AS


Lerøy Norway Seafoods AS


Midsund Fiskebåtrederi AS


Work highlights


  • Assisting Alsaker LFC Holding AS (a subsidiary of Alsaker Fjordbruk AS) with the delivery and post-delivery process following the building of one of the world’s largest well- boats at Astilleros Murureta, a shipyard in Bilbao, Spain, with a value of approx. NOK500m.
  • Leading negotiations on behalf of Bjølve Bruk AS for a contract securing rights of access to freshwater, following successful litigation for damages against Statkraft ASA.
  • Assisted Alsaker Fjordbruk AS and its subsidiaries with the 2023/2024 round of applications for growth under the Norwegian regime for growth regulation in the aquaculture industry (also called ‘the traffic light system’).

Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS

Fielding a ‘highly skilled‘, large and cross-disciplinary team with extensive industry experience, Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS leverages its strength across several legal disciplines to provide a full-service offering that stands out for its ability to handle high-value and complex contentious and non-contentious mandates. Mons Alfred Paulsen oversees the group and has extensive experience advising clients on corporate and tax matters relating to the industry, with a recent area of focus being the new proposed ground rent tax. Trond Hatland takes point on contentious mandates, while Rune Ulriksen Steinsland is also recommended as the key contact for contracts, project developments, and financing mandates.

Practice head(s):

Mons Alfred Paulsen


Other key lawyers:

Rune Ulriksen Steinsland; Trond Hatland


Testimonials

‘Our view is that Thommessen has a strong team with in-depth knowledge about our industry.’

‘The individuals we work with have very good knowledge about the industry.’

‘Mons Paulsen and Rune Steinsland are trusted and have a high degree of integrity. Competence of the industry sector.’

‘Highly skilled team, with in-depth industry knowledge.’

‘The combination of legal experience and industry knowledge is excellent. They also appear dedicated and polite in their work. If there are challenges, they are able to look for compromises which makes sense for all involved. In general, a very solution-oriented team.’

‘Extensive experience and knowledge of the aquaculture and fisheries industry.’

‘Mons Alfred Paulsen has a very good understanding of the industry and has extensive experience from having followed the development of the industry over several decades.’

Key clients

Mowi ASA


Lerøy Vest AS


Marø Havbruk A/S


Steinvik Fiskefarm AS


Kobbevik og Furuholmen Oppdrett AS


Erko Seafood AS


Flokenes Fiskefarm AS


Sulefisk AS


Blom Fiskeoppdrett AS


Svanøy Havbruk AS


Austevoll Melaks AS


E. Karstensen Fiskeoppdrett AS


Firda Sjøfarmer AS


Troland Lakseoppdrett AS


Eide Fjorbruk AS


Landøy Fiskeoppdrett AS


Sjøtroll Havbruk AS


Engesund Fiskeoppdrett AS


Tombre Fiskeanlegg AS


Sandnes Fiskeoppdrett AS


Nordfjord Laks AS


Fjord Drift AS


Osland Havbruk AS


NTA ASA


Pelagia Holding AS


Biomar


MSD Animal Health


EWOS/Cargill


NCE Seafood/The Seafood Innovation Cluster


DNB Bank


Nordea Bank


Hav Line Gruppen


Austevoll Seafood/ Br. Birkeland


Måsøval Fiskeoppdrett


Bolaks


Isqueen


Firda Seafood Group


Lingalaks AS


Salmonor


AquaShip


Langevåg Slakteri


Samlaks


Bluewild AS


Proximar Seafood


Ice Fish farm


Salmones Camanchaca


Polarsmolt AS


Work highlights


  • Advised a majority of the shareholders of NTS ASA on the successful sale of 50.1% of the shares in NTS to SalMar ASA, and advised NTS on the related voluntary offer made by SalMar for all shares in NTS.
  • Assisted Troland Lakseoppdrett AS, Austevoll Melaks AS and Langøylaks AS in the appeal to the Norwegian High Court in a case against the Norwegian Authorities regarding the withdrawal of pollution permits because of the discovery of cauliflower corals beneath an aquaculture site.
  • Advised Goldman Sachs Asset Management when funds it managed acquired the majority ownership stake in Frøy ASA.

Wikborg Rein

Noted for its ‘superior industry knowledge’, Wikborg Rein remains a market-leading presence in the fisheries and aquaculture industry. Counting some of Norway’s largest seafood companies among its impressive roster of clients, the ‘very dedicated‘ team has particular strength in complex regulatory issues and is routinely instructed to advise on licensing issues, emerging regulations, and project development work; Martin Bryde is a key contact here. Under the leadership of regulatory expert Grunde Bruland, the team also works closely with the firm’s litigation and M&A departments to advise on seafood transactions and disputes. At associate level, the ‘highly competent and dedicatedHeidi Ann Vestvik-Bruknapp is also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Grunde Bruland


Other key lawyers:

Heidi Ann Vestvik-Bruknapp; Martin Bryde


Testimonials

‘The combination of solid expertise within the sector’s legislation, knowledge of the administration’s national and regional expertise, understanding of the industry and accessibility.’

‘Grunde Bruland – Impressive knowledge of the seafood industry and legislation.’

‘Martin Bryde – Unique understanding of the administration’s practice of the legislation and its significance for practitioners in the industry.’

‘Ability to use a wide range of competence in complex matters.’

‘Grunde Bruland is excellent.’

‘Superior industry knowledge. Deep, diverse industry network with strong relationships.’

‘Specialised knowledge about the industry and strong network within the industry and relevant authorities. Very dedicated team showing availability and quick response to our requests.’

‘The company has several highly competent and dedicated lawyers such as Heidi Ann Vestvik-Bruknapp. Martin Bryde is a very dedicated lawyer and a strong discussion partner in complicated matters. Understands how our business works and knows our company well and has contributed to our success as a company.’

Key clients

Grieg Seafood ASA


SalMar Aker Ocean AS


Liegruppen Fiskeri AS


Norway Royal Salmon AS (NRS)


Sinkaberg-Hansen


Eide Fjordbruk and Tombre Fiskeanlegg


AS Bolaks


Work highlights


  • Advising Grieg Seafood ASA, Tombre Fiskeanlegg AS, Eidsfjord Sjøfarm AS, Lovundlaks AS, Emildsen Fisk AS and AS Bolaks on the restructuring of their business due to the new resource tax regime.
  • Successfully representing Eide Fjordbruk AS and Tombre Fiskeanlegg in an appeals court and Supreme Court lawsuit granting the clients a larger exception from the reduction in the traffic light system.
  • Assisting Salmar Aker Ocean AS with its efforts to establish offshore aquaculture at an industrial scale beyond the territorial waters of Norway.

BAHR

Drawing on the firm’s strength in transactional work, BAHR’s practice stands out for its solid track record in advising on high-value mergers and transactions in the industry. Lisa Marie Opdahl leads the group and is the key contact for contractual and regulatory matters, including framework regulations and administrative law matters. Stig Engelhart acts for global and domestic salmon farming companies, handling M&A and corporate matters. Silje Remøy joined the team from an in-house position in August 2023, while Ingvild Halsnes attracts praise for her ‘highly relevant and valuable‘ industry expertise.

Practice head(s):

Lisa Marie Opdahl


Other key lawyers:

Stig Engelhart; Ingvild Halsnes; Silje Remøy


Testimonials

‘Strong domain knowledge.’

‘Passion for aquaculture, high capacity, wide network. Good understanding of how the governmental processes work.’

‘Positive, constructive, to the point, professional and highly competent.’

‘Extensive regulatory knowledge regarding aquaculture and aquaculture business. Good insight and multidisciplinary teams.’

‘Good discussion partner in regulatory understanding and strategic approach. Extensive knowledge regarding regulatory work and development.’

‘Friendly, high competence across industries and services, energetic.’

‘Well on top of recent developments in the industry and can offer both legal, strategic and tactical advice for companies.’

‘Especially Ingvild Hasnes has demonstrated a passion for the industry and a drive to move things forward. Her unique background makes her contributions into legal as well as strategic discussions highly relevant and valuable.’

Key clients

SalMar ASA


Frøy ASA


NTS AS


DNV Business Assurance Group AS


Cermaq Group AS / Cermaq Norway AS


Aker Capital AS


Ocean Aquafarms AS


PG Flow Solutions AS


SalmoClinic SpA / Salmoclinic Norway AS


Cargill Inc.


EWOS AS


Bluefront Equity AS


Cflow Fish Handling AS / Cflow Fish Handling S.p.A


Salmon Evolution ASA


DNB Bank ASA/ DNB Markets


Arctic Securities AS


Pareto Securities AS


Norsal AS


EnFlow AS


Coast Seafood AS


Work highlights


  • Advised SalMar on a transaction involving five listed companies in Norway’s salmon farming sector. The transaction included SalMar’s acquisition of NTS shares, a merger with Norway Royal Salmon (NRS), and the prior sale of SalmoNor to NRS.
  • Advised DNV Business Assurance Group AS on its acquisition of Åkerblå Group AS, a leader in knowledge-based marine advice and verification.
  • Acting for Coast Seafood AS on various disputes against Blom Fiskeoppdrett AS, Blom Gruppen AS and Firda Seafood Group AS, including disagreements over a purchase agreement for fish as well as a potential breach of shareholders’ agreement.

Advokatfirmaet Schjødt AS

Hailed by clients for its ‘extensive’ industry expertise and insight, Advokatfirmaet Schjødt AS recently expanded its west coast offering with the January 2023 arrival of Erik Staurset Andresen, based in the firm’s Ålesund office. Andresen, whose practice covers all regulatory aspects of both onshore and offshore aquaculture, now co-heads the practice alongside Oslo-based Tore Fjørtoft, who takes point on administrative and corporate matters. Also in the core team is the ‘strongSigrid Ratvik Østvik, who has in-house experience from the aquaculture industry.

Practice head(s):

Tore Fjørtoft; Erik Staurset Andresen


Other key lawyers:

Sigrid Ratvik Østvik


Testimonials

‘Professional team in a firm which is very responsive and agile.’

‘High level of knowledge and multidisciplinary team. Always available with high working capacity.’

‘Extensive insight and knowledge in and of the fishing and aquaculture business.’

‘Erik Staurset Andresen is an independent lawyer with high competence in the aquaculture sector.’

‘A good team for aquaculture with broad experience within the government areas of management.’ 

‘Sigrid Ratvik Østvik is a strong resource specialised to the industry.’

‘Our biggest source of regulatory knowledge about aquaculture. Enormous ability to see solutions, and ability to see opportunities.’

Key clients

Cermaq Norway AS / Cermaq Norway Salmon AS


Hofseth Aqua AS


Aker BioMarine ASA


Salaks AS


Salfjord AS


Losna Seafood AS


Gratanglaks AS


Austevoll Melaks AS


Ode AS


Ava Ocean AS


Viewpoint Seafood AS


Engesund Fiskeoppdrett AS


Kleiva Fiskefarm AS


Bremnes Seashore AS


Blom Fiskeoppdrett AS


Solhaug AS


Andfjord Salmon ASA


Norcod AS


Eco Seafood AS


Work highlights


  • Provided regulatory advice and advised on all other legal matters in connection with the restructuring of the Norwegian part of Cermaq Group.
  • Successfully assisted Losna Seafood AS in a lawsuit against the Norwegian government – the Directorate of Fisheries had withdrawn Losna Seafood AS’ license to produce land-based salmon.
  • Advised a consortium of mid-sized fish farmers in accordance to maximise their productivity within the regulatory framework, and to simplify the collaboration agreements between the parties.

Arntzen de Besche

Working closely with the firm’s M&A and litigation departments, Arntzen de Besche has particular strength in aquaculture and fishery sector acquisitions, investments, and share purchases. The group also handles large-scale offshore construction projects as well as contentious matters, an area of significant recent activity for the team. Ole Skeidsvoll Moe and Anders Dyrseth jointly head the practice from the firm's Trondheim office.

Practice head(s):

Ole Skeidsvoll Moe; Anders Dyrseth


Key clients

NTS ASA


Salmar ASA


Frøy ASA


Nordlaks AS


SINTEF OceanAS


Wilsgård Fiskeoppdrett AS


Midt-Norsk Havbruk AS


Norwegian Fishfarming Technologies AS


Nutreco B.V


Ecofisk


Bluegrove AS


Aqualoop AS


Gaia Salmon Holding AS


Work highlights


  • Advising Gaia Salmon Holding AS on the process of developing a state-of-the-art land-based recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) facility.
  • Advising Fishfarming Technologies AS (NOFITECH) as the trusted adviser on all projects for Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) facilities.
  • Advising newly-established investment company, Frøy Kapital AS, on several matters, including day-to-day corporate matters and its investments.

Kvale Advokatfirma DA

Under the leadership of the ‘extraordinary’  Rode S. Rønning-Hansen, Kvale Advokatfirma DA routinely handles the full spectrum of issues relating to the industry from its offices in Oslo, Tromsø and Ålesund. Henrik Grung is the key name for corporate and M&A matters, while Monica Gjerde Sperre handles aquaculture and fishery-related shipping and maritime matters. Senior associate Jørgen Blix Nicolaysen is also recommended for regulatory frameworks relating to wild-caught fish.

Practice head(s):

Rode S. Rønning-Hansen


Other key lawyers:

Monica Sperre; Henrik Grung; Jørgen Blix Nikolaysen


Testimonials

‘Highly skilled with knowledge of the industries in the area.’

‘Henrik Grung is a dedicated lawyer, with excellent understanding of the legal and business aspects of the industry. A skilled negotiator and a superb lawyer.’

‘Monica Sperre – very attentive to customer needs, takes her work and the client very serious, well prepared.’

‘Rode S. Rønning-Hansen has a unique combination of experience and skills needed for our operation. The combination of legal knowledge of a complex regulatory industry, the understanding of fishing boats and their operation, together with good understanding of our business, and how it all comes together, is most likely unmatched by his competitors.’

Jørgen Blix Nikolaysen’s in-depth knowledge on the legal framework for “wild catch”, enables him to quickly respond to our requests. The level of his knowledge, how he responds and communicates, is highly valued and the recommendation is well deserved.’

‘Rode S. Rønning-Hansen is extraordinary. His combination of legal, financial, commercial, and strategic skills must be unrivalled.’

‘Hands on team. Skilled. Know the industries in the area.’

‘Very strong business acumen beyond the legal issues. Great knowledge of and relationships in local business environment in relevant communities where we are involved.’

Key clients

Andfjord Salmon


Nordlaks group


Nergård group


Insula group


Myre Fiskemottak


SUFI


Polar Seafood Norway


Eco Seafood


Fiskernes Agnforsyning


Kråkøy Holding


Normar IV


MMC First Process


Coldwater Prawns of Norway


ABS


Fjordlaks


Karlsøybruket


Intership


Rostein


Nordic Wildfish


Ervik Sævik


Nils Sperre


Nye Giske Havfiske


Nordnes


Selstad


Kystrederiene


Pareto


Fearnley


Krikar (Grimsholm Holding)


Berg Partner Havbruk


Calanus


Sjømatbedriftene


West Atlantic


Lofoten Viking


Bergtun Fiskeriselskap


Smart Fishing


Nor Seafoods


Prestfjord


Andenes fiskeriselskap


Work highlights


  • Advising listed company Andfjord Salmon on the development of its land-based salmon aquaculture plant, for which the company has successfully secured circa NOK1.3bn in financing.

Wiersholm

Svein-Helge Hanken leads the aquaculture and fisheries practice at Wiersholm, which maintains a strong track record in advising on high-value transactions in the industry. The interdisciplinary team also has notable experience handling operational issues, as well as framework conditions and tax matters. Also in the core group is Harald Hellebust, who clients single out for his ‘invaluable’ expertise.

Practice head(s):

Svein-Helge Hanken


Other key lawyers:

Harald Hellebust


Testimonials

‘Deep knowledge of the aquaculture-sector, which is a complex industry, particularly Svein-Helge Hanken.’

‘They have an overall competence that is impressive.’

‘We have worked together with Harald Hellebust for many years. For us, with his competence and demeanour, he has been absolutely invaluable to us. Without his advice, we would not have come close to achieving the goals we have set ourselves.’

Key clients

Mowi ASA


Norway Royal Salmon ASA


Kverva AS


Scale Aquaculture AS


Insula AS


Salmar ASA


Milarex AS


Benchmark Holdings plc


Summa Equity AB


Reyktal


Samherji hf


Kistefos AS


Lumarine AS


Rimfrost AS


Alltech Norway AS


Artic Fish ehf


Norcod AS


Gigante Salmon AS


Statt Torsk AS


Proximar Seafood AS


Work highlights


  • Advised the minority shareholders of Sinkaberg-Hansen on the sale of their joint stake of 44.4% of the shares in Sinkaberg-Hansen AS to BEWI Invest AS for an consideration of NOK2.2bn.
  • Advised Benchmark Holdings plc on its listing of its shares on Euronext Growth, Oslo.
  • Advised Scale Aquaculture AS on its acquisition of Skala Maskon AS.