Commercial, corporate and M&A in Norway

BAHR

The ‘strong‘ team at BAHR continues to handle a steady workflow of large-scale transactions, and reports an increase in instructions in the technology, aquaculture, energy and oil and gas sectors. Practice head Øystein Guvåg stands out for his expertise in assisting Nordic and international private equity clients with M&A matters, and deputy head Lars Kristian Sande has experience in assisting TMT clients and industrial investors. Svein Gerhard Simonnæs is a key name for private and public M&A, while Morten Smørdal and Stig Engelhart regularly advise oil and gas companies. Jon Christian Thaulow has a solid track record in assisting infrastructure and renewable energy entities.

Practice head(s):

Øystein Guvåg; Lars Kristian Sande

Other key lawyers:

Svein Gerhard Simonnæs; Morten Smørdal; Stig Engelhart; Jon Christian Thaulow

Testimonials

‘Very client-centric, pragmatic and solution oriented.’

‘The BAHR partners stand out with a unique combination of legal skill and insight, commercial understanding, and at the same time having the ability to seek pragmatic solutions.’

‘BAHR always provides a strong and highly competent team, with an exceptional degree of partner access for the client. In the Norwegian market we perceive them as by far the best with regards to M&A.’

Key clients

Arctic Securities

Aker, including its affiliates, Aker Solutions and Aker BP

The John Fredriksen Group, including its affiliates Seatankers, Golden Ocean Group, Frontline, FLEX LNG and Archer, and others

Explore Equity

Norvestor Equity

Axcel

HitecVision

REITAN

Argentum Fondsinvesteringer

Blackstone

Equip Capital

Maersk

Nordea

DNB Bank

Triton

Work highlights

  • Acted for Aker and Aker BP in a NOK125bn merger between Aker BP and Lundin Energy Norway.
  • Acted for a consortium of investors, consisting of Hafslund Eco, HitecVision and Infranode, on the consortium’s acquisition of Fortum’s 50% stake in Fortum Oslo Varme, and assisted the City of Oslo with its divestment of a 50% stake in Fortum Oslo Varme to Hafslund Eco.

Advokatfirmaet Schjødt AS

Advokatfirmaet Schjødt garners praise for its ‘first-class expertise‘ in high-value, cross-border M&A transactions. The practice is jointly led by Robert Romansky, who acts for private equity funds, and Tord Fondevik, who is regularly sought after by blue-chip companies. Knut Smith-Erichsen and Stavanger-based Dag Sigvart Kaada are co-heads of the department’s transactional group, and oil and gas expert Geir Evenshaug has ‘a quick and analytical legal mind‘. Caroline Karlsson, who specialises in private M&A, is another key practitioner. In 2022, Arild Frick moved to Wikborg Rein, and Christoffer Bjerknes and Mathias Teir joined from Advokatfirmaet Simonsen Vogt Wiig.

Practice head(s):

Tord Fondevik; Robert Romansky

Other key lawyers:

Caroline Karlsson; Knut Smith-Erichsen; Dag Sigvart Kaada; Geir Evenshaug; Christoffer Bjerknes; Mathias Teir

Testimonials

‘Geir Evenshaug has a pragmatic but hands-on approach and he has a quick and analytic legal mind and provides to-the-point advice. He is also very approachable and good to work with.’

‘Good balance between commercial and legal assistance. Pragmatic when needed.’

‘Schjødt is a top corporate/M&A firm in Norway, offering first class expertise in all areas a client could need. Their presence in Stockholm and London also gives a unique cross-border corporate offering which no other Norwegian law firm has.’

Key clients

MOWI ASA

Infronode AB

Keystone Academic Solutions AS

Lundin Energy AS

CVC Capital Partners

Ferd Capital

Paine Schwartz Partners

Entra ASA

FSN Capital

IMK Gruppen

Work highlights

  • Advised Infranode on all aspects of the NOK20bn acquisition of Fortum Oslo Varme.
  • Acted for Lundin Energy in its NOK125bn acquisition by Aker BP ASA.

Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS

Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS‘ ‘very strong‘ practice is home to a team ‘with a commercial mindset, dedicated approach, and willingness to go the extra mile‘. Practice head Christian Grüner Sagstad regularly acts for private equity houses, private companies and investment banks on M&A and equity capital markets work. Anders Arnkværn is ‘an excellent commercial M&A lawyer‘, and Hans Cappelen Arnesen has an established track record in handling transactional mandates. Solveig Fagerheim Bugge specialises in securities matters, and Thomas Abrahamsen is ‘calm under pressure‘ with solid expertise in advising oil and gas clients. Managing associate Katinka Ranberg is also a key name to note.

Practice head(s):

Christian Grüner Sagstad

Other key lawyers:

Hans Cappelen Arnesen; Anders Arnkværn; Solveig Fagerheim Bugge; Thomas Abrahamsen; Katinka Ranberg; Nicolai Julsvoll

Testimonials

‘Extremely efficient work.’

‘They are hands-on, commercially oriented and the team is well organised and coordinated.’

‘Anders Arnkværn: A rock star, who manages to shift attention between the bigger picture and details. He has a razor sharp intellect.’

‘The team thinks independently, wanting to contribute through working on items which will truly be value-additive for us as a client. They are not afraid to challenge, and have a commercial mindset. They are dedicated and will go the extra mile when deadlines are tight.’

‘I have been very impressed by Thomas Abrahamsen in Thommessen. His legal skills are strong, of course, and he has provided both challenge and insight on a trans-national deal we did with his help. At the same time he is a pleasure to work with, calm under pressure, and always striving to help us get the best deal possible. I would warmly recommend him.’

‘Very strong commercial/M&A practice.’

‘Anders Arnkværn and Nicolai Julsvoll are excellent commercial M&A lawyers. They are driving the deals and give adequate attention to the important issues.’

‘Professional, high quality work, large network for expertise, top-tier people throughout the firm.’

Key clients

Altor Equity Partners

Triton Partners

Ferd

HitecVision

Norvestor

Storebrand

Kongsberg Gruppen

EQT

DNB

Bain Capital

Goldman Sachs

Det Norske Veritas Holding / DNV GL AS

Nordic Capital

KLP

Odfjell Drilling Ltd.

INEOS

BW Group

Oslo Børs VPS Holding

Belships ASA

CapMan

CBRE Caledon

Pioneer Property Group ASA

Reiten & Co.

Akka Technologies SE

Accel Management

Mercell Holding

Altia plc.

Lyse

Komplett ASA

Accent Equity Partners AB

Assemblin AS

DSD AS

TD Veen AS

SpareBank 1 SR-Bank Markets

Work highlights

  • Advised Storebrand ASA on its acquisition of a 100% stake in Danica Pension.
  • Assisted e-commerce company Komplett ASA with its acquisition of NetOnNet AB.
  • Advised Infranode on its acquisition of a 49% stake in Tafjord Connect AS from Tafjord Kraft ASA and Nordvest Nett AS.

Wiersholm

Wiersholm‘s team is singled out for its ‘longstanding and wide experience within M&A‘, and technology, financial services, renewable energy and aquaculture mandates are key drivers of work for the group. Practice head Harald Hellebust has expertise in acting for private equity funds on transactions, while the ‘highly effectiveSverre Sandvik handles capital markets work, and Kai Thøgersen is a key contact for TMT matters. In mid-2022, Jon Martin Atkinson joined from Arntzen de Besche.

Practice head(s):

Harald Hellebust

Other key lawyers:

Sverre Sandvik; Kai Thøgersen; Jon Martin Atkinson

Testimonials

‘Deep knowledge of the field and the client’s needs. Always to the point and efficient.’

‘Always pragmatic but professional.’

‘Harald Hellebust – highly competent within M&A. Excellent negotiation skills. Solution oriented.’

‘Sverre Sandvik: extremely deep legal knowledge, and he is a highly effective.’

‘A team with longstanding and wide experience in M&A that can and will contribute to value creation. Available 24/7 and always pragmatic but professional.’

‘Strong client-centric service model, ensuring continuity, proactive handling of tasks, and efficient work processes.’

‘What sets Wiersholm apart from many of its competitors is the breadth of the team, and the quality – from junior associates to partners.’

‘Continuity in the client team ensures competence and smooth/efficient work processes. Strong availability and responsiveness from key partners.’

Key clients

KKR

Hydro

Yara

Kongsberg Gruppen

DNB

Subsea 7

APAX

Swiss Life

SoftBank

Visma

Kistefos

EQT Equity Partners

IK Investment Partners

Longship

Ferd AS

Summa Equity

Kverva/Kverva Management

Orkla ASA

Schibsted

HG Pooled Management Limited

Nordic Capital

Sector Alarm

Procuritas

Multi-Color Corporation (MCC)

Holzweiler Holding AS

Nordax Bank AB

SalMar ASA

Work highlights

  • Assisted Visma AS with its divestment of Visma Custom Solutions to private equity house CVC Advisers.
  • Assisted US company Multi-Color Corporation with its acquisition of Norwegian private limited liability company Skanem AS’ Norwegian and foreign subsidiaries.

Wikborg Rein

Wikborg Rein‘s department ‘has a strong understanding of the key strengths in the commercial aspects of corporate transactions‘. The practice is jointly led by Sigurd Opedal and Ole Henrik Wille; the duo are highly regarded for their expertise in handling prominent M&A mandates. The team acts for an established client base of private equity funds, investment banks, blue-chip corporates and companies in the financial services, retail, technology, energy and fishing industries. Senior associate Ingrid Aasa Haavaldsen is also a key name to note and, in May 2022, Arild Frick joined from Advokatfirmaet Schjødt.

Practice head(s):

Ole Henrik Wille; Sigurd Opedal

Other key lawyers:

Arild Frick; Ingrid Aasa Haavaldsen

Testimonials

Pragmatic advice.’

Very effective and to the point.’

Ole Henrik Wille is an exceptional lawyer with unparalleled negotiation skills, and has solid communication skills with clients.’

Key clients

KKR

Summa Equity

Nordic Capital/Signicat

Altor

Antin Infrastructure Partners

Permira

Softbank

FSN Capital

Norsk Hydro

Telenor

Yara International

Blue water Energy

Elkem ASA

Ferd

DNB Bank ASA

EV Private Equity

Siemens

Ratos AB

Prosus NV / Naspers

Endúr ASA

General Electric Company

NorgesGruppen

Quantafuel ASA

Storebrand

AKVA Group

Amedia

Aeternum Management AS

NSMP

Danica Livsforsikringsaktieselskab, Danske Bank A/S

DoorDash, Inc.

Lerøy Seafood Group ASA

Norway Royal Salmon ASA

Tide AS

Scottish Sea Farms Ltd

Havila

Havyard Group

Work highlights

  • Advised Octopus Bidco AS, KKR & Co. and its affiliates on its NOK7.2bn takeover acquisition via a voluntary offer of Ocean Yield ASA.
  • Advised EcoOnline Holding AS and its largest shareholder on its NOK3.8bn takeover acquisition of EcoOnline Holding AS.
  • Advised Norway Royal Salmon on its merger with SalMar and its acquisition of a 100% stake in Salmonor AS from public transport company NTS ASA.

Arntzen de Besche

M&A specialist Knut Martinsen leads Arntzen de Besche‘s corporate team, which continues to handle high-value transactional work for energy and technology clients. The group is also recognised for its expertise in advising on large-scale cross-border mandates, an area the ‘dedicated and pragmaticPer A Dagslet counts as a core strength. Lars Horgen Hinze specialises in asset management matters, with a solid track record in advising private equity companies, Per Kristian Ramsland has expertise in advising on oil and gas matters, and Steffen Rogstad is a key name for securities work. In July 2022, Jon Martin Atkinson moved to Wiersholm.

Practice head(s):

Knut Martinsen

Other key lawyers:

Per A Dagslet; Lars Horgen Hinze; Per Kristian Ramsland; Steffen Rogstad

Testimonials

‘Always responsive with relevant solutions. Good in-depth knowledge.’

‘Very attentive – every deadline is kept. Straight forward advice with a good sense for the commercial aspects of the deal.’

‘Per Dagslet is always service minded and pragmatic in his approach. He is always very enthusiastic and engaged.’

‘Lars Horgen Hinze: always on top of things, good availability, and very much aligned with commercial intentions.’

‘Understood the role and competence required for the deal. Well synchronised internally.’

‘Per Dagslet is dedicated, pragmatic and with high competence.’

‘Responsive and hands on, constructive and calm.’

‘The team has provided high quality services for several M&A projects, and worked seamlessly with our team of employees to deliver a very good outcome.’

Key clients

Orkla

Edison S.p.A.

Torghatten

Shearwater Geoservices

TrønderEnergi

Castik Capital

Ness, Risan & Partners

Sweco

A.P. Moller – Maersk

Nutreco B.V.

Bonnier Books

Investcorp

NTS

EG

Skanem

Trollfjord AS

Andøy Energi

E.On SE

Mitsui

AnaCap Financial Partners

Work highlights

  • Assisting NTS ASA following a bid on all shares in the company from SalMar.
  • Assisting Mitsui with its €575m investment in Aker Mainstream Renewable AS, concerning the acquisition of a 27.5% stake in Aker.
  • Assisted EG A/S with its NOK619m acquisition of Ørn Software Holding.

Advokatfirmaet CLP DA

Managing partner Lars Gunnar Aas leads Advokatfirmaet CLP DA‘s ‘efficient, hands-on, and commercially minded‘ team, which is highly regarded for its strength in private equity matters. Recent work for the group includes providing a wide range of corporate advice to clients from the retail, technology, manufacturing and telecoms industries. Alexander Lund has extensive experience in venture capital and private equity transactions, as well as handling mergers and demergers, and Jakob Villum has an excellent reputation for his expertise in handling technology transactions. The ‘very professionalAmund Erdal focuses on renewable energy work.

Practice head(s):

Lars Gunnar Aas

Other key lawyers:

Alexander Lund; Jakob Villum; Amund Erdal

Testimonials

‘Highly commercial in approach.’

‘Always available.’

‘Street-smartness combined with thoroughness and an eye for details.’

‘Jakob Villum brings great value.’

‘Effective, solution oriented, fruitful cooperation, value for money. Always ready to give important input.’

‘Amund Erdal lead the team involving all parties in a very professional way.’

Key clients

Technology Crossover Ventures (TCV)

Jordanes AS

Element Logic AS

Morrow Batteries

Ferd

Instalco

Fortum Oyj

Kredinor

Viking Venture

Alliance Venture

Agder Energi

Verdane Capital

Stykket Invest

Credo Partners

Summa Equity

Hofseth International AS

Nysnø Klimainvesteringer AS

Work highlights

  • Advised Fortum Oyj on the sale of its controlling stake in Fortum Oslo Varme to a consortium of investors.
  • Advised Verdane Capital and other sellers on the €306m sale of Kappa Bioscience to Balchem Corp.

Advokatfirmaet Haavind AS

Ellen Schult Ulriksen and M&A expert Bjørn Olav Torpp share leadership of the practice at Advokatfirmaet Haavind AS, which garners praise for its ‘deep industry and commercial understanding, and provides practical advice‘ on complex, high-profile transactions, large M&A deals, private equity work and joint ventures. The client roster includes aquaculture, technology, real estate, manufacturing, oil and gas and energy companies. Kjetil Hardeng is highly regarded as ‘a very experienced and skilled M&A lawyer‘, while managing partner Preben Brecke specialises in private equity work, and Bård Sandstad focuses on oil and gas and offshore matters. At senior lawyer level, Ragnar Gundersen Koffeld is a noteworthy name.

Other key lawyers:

Kjetil Hardeng; Bård Sandstad; Preben Brecke; Ragnar Gundersen Koffeld

Testimonials

‘Hands on team, accessible.’

‘Strong know-how with excellent availability.’

‘Bjørn Olav Torpp – very efficient in managing his team. Always ahead of potential problems.’

‘The team has profound knowledge, is proactive and delivers results 24/7. The team is outstanding.’

‘Profound knowledge, listens and understands the clients’ issues, quick turnaround time with precise and high quality solutions.’

‘Haavind has extensive cross-border experience on large and complex M&A projects.’

‘Very good goal orientation. Superb understanding of the business so that the legal work was very targeted.’

Key clients

FSN Capital

Telenor

Norsun

Vardar

Blackrock

Green Investment Group (GIG/Corio)

TechnipEnergies

Equinor Venture

Broodstock

Ringerike Kraft

Gjensidige

ABL Group

Statkraft

AP Møller

Work highlights

  • Assisting Vardar, one of the owners of regional power company Glitre AS, with the planned merger between Glitre AS and Agder Energi AS.
  • Acted for private equity fund FSN Capital in connection with the acquisition of sports equipment company Active Brands AS.
  • Advised European specialist growth equity investor Verdane on the sale of e-commerce delivery platform Porterbuddy to European consumer-based parcel delivery service provider Instabox.

Kvale Advokatfirma DA

Led by transactional expert Anne Kjølseth Ekerholt, Kvale Advokatfirma DA‘s corporate and M&A group is ‘very pragmatic, responsive and straight to the point‘. Thomas Farhang is a key contact for advising blue-chip companies on a range of M&A matters, and Øystein Løken has an excellent reputation for advising clients in the TMT, natural resources, and retail sectors. Carl Christian Marthinussen is ‘very open-minded, responsive, proactive, solution-oriented and pragmatic‘, while senior lawyer Janne Kaada Erichsen counts energy sector transactions as a core strength.

Practice head(s):

Anne Kjølseth Ekerholt

Other key lawyers:

Thomas Farhang; Øystein Løken; Carl Christian Marthinussen; Janne Kaada Erichsen

Testimonials

‘The team is knowledgeable and always available. We had very good cooperation and the transaction went seamlessly.’

‘Thomas Farhang is very responsive and easy to work with.’

‘Kvale is very pragmatic, responsive and straight to the point. They are great at finding solutions to help clients achieve their business goals.’

‘Carl Christian Marthinussen is very open-minded, responsive and proactive. He’s solution-oriented and pragmatic.’

Key clients

Aleph Investments

Aventron

Danske Bank

DNB Bank

Elkjøp Nordic (Dixons Carphone)

Höegh Autoliners

NES Global Talent

Mærsk Drilling

Telia

Greif

Philips Lighting Holding

Koninklijke Philips

Eniro

Nordic Mining

Fearnley Offshore

Bourbon Offshore

Norsk Telegrambyrå (NTB)

Viatris

Ramstad Bil

Pfizer

Avallon

Lian Group

TransPerfect

Tine

Sparebank 1 Markets

Clarksons Platou Securities

Vow

Bilia

Axxelerator

Compusoft

Solon Eiendom

Clayton Dubilier & Rice

Advokatfirmaet Selmer AS

At Advokatfirmaet Selmer AS, recent instructions for the ‘dedicated, extremely service-minded and very high-quality‘ team include advising telecoms company Neovada and e-commerce company Convert Group on the sale of all shares in Convert Group to Pearl Group, a portfolio company of private equity house Norvestor. The ‘business-mindedCamilla Magnus heads up the practice, and is a highly regarded practitioner in the M&A space, with a solid track record in advising on private equity matters. Robert Sveen‘s ‘service-mindedness is second to none. He is experienced in the field of M&A, with a keen ability to maintain focus on key issues‘. Ingar Solheim focuses on corporate finance work, and Remi Dramstad has significant experience in venture capital matters.

Practice head(s):

Camilla Magnus

Other key lawyers:

Robert Sveen; Ingar Solheim; Remi Dramstad; Margaret Solberg

Testimonials

‘Practical solutions, business-minded approach.’

‘Pragmatic approach to topics and issues. High quality of work. Quick deliveries. Knowledgeable on a wide range of topics.’

‘Robert Sveen is always available, solution-oriented and has an incredible amount of knowledge. An outstanding lawyer.’

‘Robert Sveen displays extremely high integrity and his service mindedness is second to none. He is experienced in the field of M&A, across various deal sizes, with a keen ability to maintain focus on key issues in order to maintain momentum and complete transactions. His negotiating skills are excellent, and offers clear guidance to client decision makers.’

‘Camilla Magnus – business minded across different market sectors.’

‘Both Camilla Magnus and Margaret Solberg deserve a strong mention. Both of which delivered excellent work, both from a partner and associate level.’

Key clients

A-KKR

Nexi

EQT Infrastructure V

Selvaag Bolig

Carnegie

Amerra

Nysnø Climate Investment

Longship

Solør Bioenergi

Credo Partners

Altor/QNTM Group

Gjensidige Forsikring

Kitron

Europris

Nordic Capital

Monterosa Capital

Advokatfirmaet Simonsen Vogt Wiig

Advokatfirmaet Simonsen Vogt Wiig‘s department has a solid track record in advising on venture capital and private equity work within the commercial, corporate and M&A space, and industrial M&A deals have been prominent in the group’s recent workload. Practice head Amund Fougner Bugge garners praise as ‘an exceptional lawyer with a commercial mindset‘, while associate partner Kristoffer Birkeland is a key name for venture capital matters. Henning Øvrebø is well versed in handling complex transactions for domestic and international companies. In August 2022, Christoffer Bjerknes and Mathias Teir moved to Advokatfirmaet Schjødt.

Practice head(s):

Amund Fougner Bugge

Other key lawyers:

Kristoffer Birkeland; Henning Øvrebø

Testimonials

‘The team are very competent and professional.’

‘Good advice in a timely fashion.’

‘Actively seek solutions to problems.’

‘Amund Fougner Bugge is an exceptional lawyer with a commercial mindset.’

‘Amund Fougner Bugge is the partner that we have worked with. He always looks out for us as a client and is easy to get a hold of when needed.’

Key clients

FSN Capital

Adelis Equity

Core Equity

Valedo Partners Fund

Prime Capital

Litorina

Bank Norwegian

Norwegian Air Shuttle

AMF Pensionsförsäkring

TV2

Sparebank 1 Markets

Exsitec Holding AB

Fox Group

DHT Corporate Services

Tibber AS

Azets Norway Holding AS

Work highlights

  • Acted as Norwegian counsel to engineering and industrial manufacturing company Langley Holdings concerning its acquisition of Norwegian company Bergen Engines from Rolls-Royce Power Systems in Norway.
  • Represented Bank Norwegian in its NOK20bn public takeover by Nordax Bank AB.

Bull & Co Advokatfirma AS

Bull & Co Advokatfirma AS‘ team has an established track record in handling domestic and cross-border M&A work. Technology transactions have been especially prominent in the group’s recent workload; Stian Sørensen Schilvold is a key name to note in this area. Department head Saloume Djoudat has expertise in advising on M&A deals, and Bjarte Bogstad regularly advises clients from highly regulated industries on joint ventures and mergers and demergers. Senior associate Elisabeth Hoffmann is a key contact.

Practice head(s):

Saloume Djoudat

Other key lawyers:

Stian Sørensen Schilvold; Bjarte Bogstad; Elisabeth Hoffmann; Eivind Bergo-Eriksen

Testimonials

‘Bull & Co provides expertise in various areas, while still having the advantages of a medium-sized law firm, such as partner availability.’

‘Our main contact person, Bjarte Bogstad is a service-minded, knowledgeable and likeable professional.’

‘Elisabeth Hoffmann – exceptional skills, efficient and to the point.’

‘Availability, commitment and ability to address legal issues with a business understanding.’

‘Eivind Bergo-Eriksen seems to be the stand-out M&A-person in their M&A department.’

Key clients

Abalonyx

EMS Seven Seas Holding

Fasadgruppen

Endúr

Decisive Holding

Key Assets Group

Krisko Eiendom

Lyfstone

Nova Consulting Group

Opera

Schibsted eCommerce and Distribution

Schibsted Tillväxtmedier

Shortcut/1242 Apps

TRY

Verdens Gang

Vewd

Work highlights

  • Acted for OTT company Vewd on its sale to Xperi Holding Corporation.
  • Assisted Fasadgruppen Norden with the acquisition of nine companies in the construction industry.
  • Acted for Norwegian advertising company TRY on its sale to Ferd Capital.

CMS Kluge

Stavanger-based Espen Debes heads up the ‘highly dynamic and agile’ corporate team at CMS Kluge. The ‘highly skilled‘ group is well known for handling large, cross-border M&A transactions for private equity funds and international and domestic companies, and reports an uptick in instructions from private equity clients. Technology matters remain prominent in the team’s workload. Johan Svedberg is a key contact for securities work, and the ‘experiencedFrode Olsen is sought after for his expertise in handling transactional work for technology and construction companies. Senior lawyer Christina Lavold is also a noteworthy individual.

Practice head(s):

Espen Debes

Other key lawyers:

Frode Olsen; Johan Svedberg; Christina Lavold

Testimonials

‘Frode Olsen is a practical and pragmatic lawyer. He’s smart, and understands international transactional work and the intricacies of private equity owned companies.’

‘The team is experienced and competent. They know our business, give relevant advice at the right level of complexity, and always deliver fast/on time.’

‘Solution-oriented.’

‘Always well prepared, professional and fact driven people.’

‘The team was highly dynamic and agile with high competency and the ability to share tasks between themselves to best help us as a client.’

‘They are good lawyers and nice people. Very trustworthy and had control of the process.’

Key clients

DNB Markets

Aimbot AS

ECI Software Solutions Inc

Ocean 14 Capital AS

OBOS Prosjekt AS / OBOS BBL

Ludvig Lorentzen AS

Armada Capital Partners

Bluegreen Investments AS

Inredo AS

Pecunia Forvaltning AS

SkyCity Entertainment Group

Loke Marine Minerals

JÅ Holding AS

Mesta AS

Norsk Hydro AS

CO2 Capsol AS

E.on

Konstel AS

Eurofins Food Testing Norway Holding AS

Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries

Nordic Waterproofing AS

Rejlers Norge AS

Spenncon AS / Consolis Group

VE Partners

Xplora Technologies AS

Kverneland Bil AS

Frydenbø Mobility AS

Investix

Bertelsen & Garpestad

Work highlights

  • Advised DNB Markets ASA on Cool Company Ltd.’s $275m acquisition of eight of Golar LNG’s TFDE LNG carriers.
  • Advised Swedish infrastructure company Transtema on its entry into the Norwegian IT infrastructure market via its acquisition of Tessta Connect.

DLA Piper

Cross-border corporate work forms the backbone of DLA Piper‘s practice, which has been kept busy advising on large-scale acquisition mandates. Key sector strengths for the group include the construction, renewable energy, private equity, and technology industries. ‘Proactive‘ department head Christian Fennergoes the extra mile‘ and focuses on assisting private equity funds. Renewable energy expert Kaare Oftedal is ‘a very experienced transaction lawyer‘, and Sveinung Mjaugedal‘s ‘ability to make complex legal issues understandable is unique‘.

Practice head(s):

Christian Fenner

Other key lawyers:

Kaare Oftedal; Sveinung Mjaugedal

Testimonials

‘Christian Fenner is an excellent partner.’

‘Excellent understanding of our needs and tailored assistance for each project.’

‘Knowledgeable and strong in terms of project management.’

‘Christian Fenner has a unique ability to always be one step ahead. He is able to boil down complex legal matters and follow up with practical suggestions for solutions.’

‘Kaare Oftedal is very knowledgeable.’

‘Sveinung Mjaugedal’s ability to make complex legal issues understandable is unique.’

‘Strong business focus, excellent legal competence, strong international network. Very good at delivering on time.’

‘Kaare Oftedal is a very experienced transaction lawyer. He has a great ability to work out/evaluate complex agreements mechanisms and have a sharp understanding of the agreements interaction. He is determined and loyal on behalf of his clients in a positive way and has the ability to navigate expectations and gain understanding from the opposite side to bridge the agreements. He has great personal skills to create a good atmosphere in negotiations, in addition to be solution/creative oriented. Kaare is in our opinion one of the most qualified transaction lawyers in the Norwegian market.’

Key clients

Telenor

Storskogen Group / Storskogen Norge

Equip Capital Fund I

Cube Infrastructure

Aeternum Capital

Cloudberry Clean Energy

OpenGate Capital

Alder Fund II

Herkules Private Equity

Cennox Holdings

Betonmast

Falck Renewables

Pharmaq (part of Zoetis)

OneCo

DRIV Kapital Fund

Work highlights

  • Advised brewery company Nye Borg Bryggerier Holding on its sale of a 75% stake in Hansa Borg Bryggerier to Royal Unibrew.
  • Assisted Aeternum Capital with its acquisition of a 100% stake in Lime Green Digital AS; the transaction took place via the client’s subsidiary Echo BidCo AS.
  • Assisted insurance company Lockton with its acquisition of a 100% stake in marine specialist insurance broker Edge Norway.

Advokatfirmaet Grette AS

The ‘dedicated‘ team at Advokatfirmaet Grette AS has longstanding expertise in mid and large-market M&A transactions. Practice head Andreas Myrstad is a key contact for capital markets and corporate M&A matters, and Anders Nordli advises on the tax aspects of corporate deals. Thomas Borch-Nielsen specialises in advising renewable energy and infrastructure entities, and Thomas Fjell has a solid track record in handling cross-border mandates, while Øyvind Greaker Bjørndal is ‘available and reliable‘.

Practice head(s):

Andreas Myrstad

Other key lawyers:

Anders Nordli; Thomas Borch-Nielsen; Thomas Fjell; Øyvind Greaker Bjørndal

Testimonials

‘I would like to highlight Øyvind Greaker Bjørndal. From the very beginning, he has been compliant, available and reliable. His professional weight creates trust. In particular, his ability to be present is highlighted so that we as clients feel secure in having professional and personal support. This is a person I have gained complete trust in.’

Key clients

Moelven Industrier

Elop

BKW Group

Lehmkuhl Capital

TechStep

Gjedebo family / Styrbjørn

Hy2Gen

Nobia

EnBW

Hurum Energi

Hywer

Energiteknikk

Lefdal

Electromagnetic Geoservices

Nettpartner

Starship Investments

Wavin

Simplifai

Norkon

Work highlights

  • Advised green-tech company Elop on its NOK140m divestment of AI company Simplifai.
  • Advised Hurum Energi on the sale of a 51% stake in Asker Nett AS to Glitre Energi Nett Holding AS.

Aabø-Evensen & Co Advokatfirma

Aabø-Evensen & Co Advokatfirma‘s ‘always well-prepared‘ team attracts praise from clients as ‘experienced, very knowledgeable, and extremely responsive‘, and is well known for its established expertise in advising on complex cross-border M&A transactions. The ‘exceptionally talented, practical, and responsive lawyerOle Kristian Aabø-Evensen heads up the group; clients single him out as ‘a market leader for complex M&A deals in Norway‘. The ‘extremely skilledHenning Raa ‘knows all there is on M&A tax structuring‘, and Geir Johan Nilsen ‘gets the job done in any legal battle‘.

Practice head(s):

Ole Kristian Aabø-Evensen

Other key lawyers:

Henning Raa; Geir Johan Nilsen

Testimonials

‘The team possesses extremely good market insight.’

‘An extremely strong team.’

‘The lawyers are all first-rate, extremely thorough and professional. They grasp issues quickly and with insight, and have enviable M&A experience. The firm is able to run an extremely tight ship.’

‘Henning Raa is very responsive and extremely thorough and detailed. He is always technically very well prepared.’

‘Geir Johan Nilsen is an extremely clever M&A litigator.’

‘Ole Kristian Aabø-Evensen is an extremely well prepared, creative and excellent negotiator, and a truly impressive M&A lawyer. He wrote the book on M&A.’

‘Geir Johan Nilsen is an impressive M&A litigator. A tough negotiator who is also very pragmatic and pleasant.’

‘In my opinion, Ole Kristian Aabø-Evensen is the best M&A lawyer in the Nordics – a true star.’

Key clients

Vauban Infrastructure Partners

Francisco Partners

SAR Gruppen AS

Azrieli Group Ltd

Marlin Equity

KMD A/S

Fred Olsen Limited

Fred Dessen Limited

Bonheur ASA

nShift

Elmatica

Solgrid AS

E Property Management

Polaris Private Equity

Work highlights

  • Advised Vauban Infrastructure Partners on its acquisition of Norwegian public transport company Boreal.
  • Assisted Azrieli Group with its $853m acquisition of IT service management company Green Mountain AS from the majority owner, Smedvig AS.
  • Advised Nordic private equity fund Polaris and its portfolio company Esoft AS on the acquisition of Inviso AS.

AGP Advokater

The ‘available, pragmatic and pro-active‘ team at AGP Advokater ‘guides clients through transactions in a hands-on way‘ with cross-border M&A transactions forming the backbone of the practice. Gard A. Skogstrøm is ‘a star – very easy to work with, knowledgeable, commercial and always available‘, while Nils Olav Aarseth is ‘very experienced; a great M&A lawyer‘. Lars André Gjerdrum and Hege Dahl are key names for securities work, and Ketil E. Sauarlia represents software and technology clients.

Practice head(s):

Lars André Gjerdrum; Nils Olav Aarseth; Gard A. Skogstrøm; Hege Dahl; Ketil E. Sauarlia

Testimonials

‘A great team.’

‘Very good client care.’

‘Ketil E. Sauarlia is very engaged.’

‘Gard A. Skogstrøm – calm, good at finding pragmatic solutions, innovative in approach.’

‘Lars André Gjerdrum – very experienced, especially in cross-border work, and very responsive.’

‘Available, pragmatic and pro-active.’

‘Gard Skogstrom is a star, very easy to work with, knowledgeable, commercial and always available. Nils Olav Årseth is very experienced, great M&A lawyer. Lars André Gjerdrum would be my go to for any public company transactions.’

‘Gard Skogstrøm always seems to understand the problem and have a unique way of returning with solutions or guidance within short time frames. He seems to be available all the time’.

Key clients

Waterland Private Equity Investments B.V.

Karbon Invest AS

Sikri Holding ASA

StrongPoint ASA

Heydays Holding AS

Tom Wood AS

All Things Live

EQOM Group

Link Mobility Group Holding ASA

Innsikt Holding AS

Work highlights

  • Advised Xperi Holding Corporation on its $109m acquisition of OTT company Vewd.
  • Assisted Sikri Holding ASA with its SEK724.3m acquisition of Swedish company Metria.
  • Advised Karbon Invest AS and Bidco Compact on its NOK300m acquisition of fitness company chain EVO AS.

Brækhus Advokatfirma DA

At Brækhus Advokatfirma DA, recent work for the team includes advising real estate company Recreate on its €80m acquisition of the office building ‘Parallel’, which is located in central Oslo. Real estate-related transactions have been prominent in the group’s workload, and the department continues to advise a solid client roster of renewable energy, construction and TMT companies. Practice head Christoph Morck has an excellent reputation for advising international clients on entering into and investments in the Norwegian market. John Sveinsvold specialises in company law, and Christian Bendiksen regularly handles cross-border mandates.

Practice head(s):

Christoph Morck

Other key lawyers:

John Sveinsvold; Christian Bendiksen

Key clients

Capgemini Norge AS

Recreate (Prev. R8 Property ASA)

PostNord

Veo Oy, Veo AS

Federal Republic of Germany

Busch Dienste GmbH

Kao Germany GmbH

Uzin Utz Norge AS

BPW Hofstad AS

WALO International AG

Wintersteiger AG

Advokatfirmaet Hjort

At Advokatfirmaet Hjort, recent instructions for the group include advising technology company Sopra Steria on all aspects of its acquisition of a 100% stake in digital company Labs, design company Eggs Design and Footprint. Practice head Thomas Alnæs assists private equity houses and financial institutions with corporate matters, and Rolf Trolle Andersen stands out for his strength in handling international transactions. Managing associate Mariann Andersen and associate Helene Eng are also key names to note.

Practice head(s):

Thomas Alnæs

Other key lawyers:

Rolf Trolle Andersen; Mariann Andersen; Helene Eng

Testimonials

‘Good professional strength, quick responses and good availability.’

‘The team understands our challenge in the business vertical we are operating in. This reduces time to market and secures our business.’

Key clients

Mo industripark

BMS International

SKY Fitness AS

Avinor

Novamont S.P.A/ Biobag AS

Odfjell Technology

Husqvarna/Gardena

Sopra Steria

Interflora/Floriss

MECA Norway AS

Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners

SFE

Batteriretur AS

Borg CO2 AS

Trondheim Havn IKS

Oslobanken (Fornebu Sparebank)

Ramfoss Kraftlag

AAP Aviation

Energiselskapet Hardanger AS

SANDS

Espen Furuholt heads up the team at SANDS, which continues to handle high-value M&A transactions for clients in the healthcare, fishing, technology and manufacturing sectors. Erik Lind is ‘consistently hands-on and solution oriented, and provides efficient and to-the-point legal advice‘. Terje Gulbrandsen has an excellent reputation for his expertise in advising on domestic and international transactional work.

Practice head(s):

Espen Furuholt

Other key lawyers:

Erik Lind; Terje Gulbrandsen

Testimonials

‘Very service-minded approach.’

‘They go the extra mile for the customer.’

‘Broad range of expertise.’

‘Excellent and timely assistance.’

‘They always treat the client with respect.’

‘Terje Gulbrandsen contributed with extraordinary effort to land the process within the deadline.’

‘Erik Lind is consistently hands-on and solution oriented.Provides efficient and to-the-point legal advice.’

‘The people we work with have an exceptional ability to understand complex situations but to explain and respond in an understandable way. They step up for the client, have high accessibility and short response times. Their competence is second to none.’

Key clients

Salmar ASA

Capio AB / Volvat Medisinske Senter

Tysse Industrier

Umoe

Confrere AS

Palion Medical AS

Jotta / Hawk Infinity

Sølvtrans AS

Bewi ASA

Salvesen & Thams AS

Telemark Group

Cautus Geo AS

Aberhold AS

Psykologisk Forum AS

Per Aarsleff Holding A/S

Oceanbolt AS

Topro Industri AS

S K Y E P A R T N E R S/ Phoenix Games

Invent Sport / Sport Norge Holding

Depo Solutions

Work highlights

  • Advised Tysse Industrier and its shareholders on its acquisition by Swedish company Storskogen AB.
  • Assisted telehealth company Confrere AS and its shareholders with its sale of a 100% stake to US company Daily.
  • Advised healthcare provider Capio AB’s subsidiary Volvat Medisinske Senter AS on its acquisitions of Spiren Fertilitetsklinikk AS and Forusakutten AS, as well as a 49% stake in Orbita Øyelegesenter.