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.
Commercial, corporate and M&A in Norway
BAHR
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 effective‘ Sverre 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 pragmatic‘ Per 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 professional‘ Amund 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.
Practice head(s):
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-minded‘ Camilla 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 ‘experienced‘ Frode 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 Fenner ‘goes 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 lawyer‘ Ole Kristian Aabø-Evensen
heads up the group; clients single him out as ‘a market leader for complex M&A deals in Norway‘. The ‘extremely skilled‘ Henning 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.