BAHR is highly regarded for its large-scale transactional work, and has been kept especially busy handling mandates from clients in the energy and technology sectors. Other core strengths for the team include deals in the oil and gas, real estate and infrastructure sectors. Private equity work is another key area of instruction for the group; Peter Hammerich specialises in assisting private equity clients with transactional, tax and regulatory matters, and department head Øystein Guvåg regularly acts as counsel to private equity clients on M&A work. Deputy head Lars Kristian Sande acts for technology and telecoms companies in transactions. Other key names to note are private and public M&A expert Svein Gerhard Simonnæs, firm managing partner Thomas K. Svensen, who stands out for his expertise in energy-related transactions, and Jon Christian Thaulow, who has experience in corporate governance matters. Bjørn Gabriel Reed left the firm in January 2021.
Commercial, corporate and M&A in Norway
BAHR
Practice head(s):
Øystein Guvåg; Lars Kristian Sande
Other key lawyers:
Svein Gerhard Simonnæs; Peter Hammerich; Thomas K. Svensen; Jon Christian Thaulow
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
Reitangruppen
Argentum Fondsinvesteringer
Blackstone
Equip Capital
DNB Bank ASA
Triton
Work highlights
- Advised Adevinta ASA on its $9.2bn acquisition of eBay Classifieds Group.
- Advised Spacemaker AS on its $240m acquisition by Autodesk.
- Assisted Alfa Laval with its NOK3.6bn acquisition of StormGeo.
Advokatfirmaet Schjødt AS
Knut Smith-Erichsen and Caroline Karlsson jointly head up Advokatfirmaet Schjødt‘s M&A practice, which regularly acts for private equity funds and large corporations from a range of sectors on large-scale transactions. Geir Evenshaug is ‘a trusted adviser‘ on international transactions, often within the oil and gas sector, while Tord Fondevik and Robert Romansky act for private equity funds and blue chip corporations. Other key names to note are the ‘extremely practical‘ Arild Frick and Stavanger-based Dag Sigvart Kaada. In 2021 Jan Martin Rostveit left the firm to take up an in-house position, and Marianne Lind Sahl joined from Arntzen de Besche in January 2022.
Practice head(s):
Caroline Karlsson; Knut Smith-Erichsen
Other key lawyers:
Marianne Lind Sahl; Dag Sigvart Kaada; Geir Evenshaug; Robert Romansky; Tord Fondevik; Arild Frick
Testimonials
‘High competence across the team. Hands-on with strong knowledge.’
‘Arild Frick is an awesome M&A and corporate lawyer who sincerely works side-by-side with his clients. His strong and broad range of expertise both academically both also based on his previous experience makes him stand out. He both understands and takes an active role in tactics but also he has in depth knowledge and experience related to operational subjects.’
‘Geir Evenshaug will respond immediately. He understands our need for commercially driven legal advice and is clear when advice is given.’
Key clients
Euronext N.V.
Panoro Energy ASA
Fjordkraft Holding ASA
Veidekke ASA
TietoEVRY Oyj
Smedvig Capital
Solon Eiendom ASA
Companies in the Aker Group, including Cognite and Aker BioMarine
IK Investment Partners Limited (IK)
Keystone Academic Solutions AS
Magnora ASA
Vaccibody AS
Paine Schwartz Partners
Work highlights
- Advised IK Investment Partners on its NOK3bn acquisition of wealth management company Formue.
- Assisted Veidekke ASA with the divestment of its property development operations in Norway and Sweden.
- Advised Smedvig and its minority shareholders on the NOK7.6bn sale of data centre service provider Green Mountain AS to Azrieli Group Ltd.
Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS
Christian Grüner Sagstad heads up Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS‘ corporate and M&A practice, which has established expertise in handling cross-border, complex private and public M&A mandates for a roster of oil and gas, financial services, telecoms, aquaculture and renewables sector clients. Anders Arnkværn and Hans Cappelen Arnesen are highly regarded practitioners in the space and regularly advise on M&A and equity capital markets work. Solveig Fagerheim Bugge is a key contact for securities matters, while Ervin Auren represents real estate and renewable energy clients. Øyvind Mork Karlsen was promoted to the partnership in January 2021.
Practice head(s):
Christian Grüner Sagstad
Other key lawyers:
Hans Cappelen Arnesen; Anders Arnkværn; Solveig Fagerheim Bugge; Øyvind Mork Karlsen; Ervin Auren
Testimonials
‘Hard-working, creative, responsive, solution-oriented.’
‘Highly competent, hard working, come up with creative solutions to problems, and always respond rapidly.’
‘High quality advice.’
‘Unbelievable attention to detail and responsiveness.’
‘Reliable, service-minded and skilled.’
‘Thommessen typically is strong at not only making the client understand the issues, but also come up with clear advice.’
‘The uniqueness is the ability to get a lot of complex legal requirements for going public as a company into understandable and practical deliverables. The project management is also of great importance when undertaking an IPO and Thommessen really has a strong project management ability.’
Key clients
Altor Equity Partners
Triton Partners
HitecVision
Ferd
Norvestor
Storebrand
Danske Bank
Kongsberg Gruppen
EQT
DNB
Bain Capital
Goldman Sachs
DNV AS
Nordic Capital
KLP
Bank Norwegian
Odfjell Drilling Ltd.
INEOS
BW Group
Oslo Børs VPS Holding
Belships ASA
CapMan
CBRE Caledon
Pioneer Property Group ASA
Reiten & Co.
Accel Management
Mercell Holding
Altia plc.
Lyse
Work highlights
- Advising Danske Bank on the merger between Nordic mobile payment providers MobilePay, Vipps AS and Pivo.
- Advising Bank Norwegian on Nordax AB’s public offer for all shares in the company, following its merger with Norwegian Finance Holding ASA.
- Advised robotics and software company AutoStore AS on SoftBank Group’s acquisition of a 40% stake worth $2.8bn in the company.
Wiersholm
Wiersholm‘s department houses a ‘broad team of M&A practitioners‘. The practice has an excellent track record in handling large-scale M&A transactions within the Nordic markets, and is equally adept at handling instructions from private equity clients. Harald Hellebust heads up the team, which includes Jarle Kvam, who focuses on high-profile, complex international transactions, capital markets specialist Sverre Sandvik, TMT expert Kai Thøgersen and Kristian Martin Lind, who has expertise in cross-border joint venture matters.
Practice head(s):
Harald Hellebust
Other key lawyers:
Jarle Kvam; Sverre Sandvik; Kai Thøgersen; Kristian Martin Lind
Testimonials
‘Very skilled and dedicated lawyers, excellent business understanding.’
‘Jarle Kvam: very competent M&A lawyer. Value driven and always on the spot on challenges in transactions.’
‘Kristian Lind – Commercially oriented and creative lawyer. Can be trusted with complex matters. Sverre Sandvik – extremely knowledgeable on corporate matters, and strong on M&A as well.’
‘Very strong team.’
‘Very responsive, available, knowledgeable.’
Key clients
KKR
EQT Equity Partners
IK Investment Partners
Ferd AS
Longship
Summa Equity
Kverva/Kverva Management
Orkla ASA
Schibsted
HG Pooled Management Limited
Nordic Capital
Sector Alarm
Work highlights
- Advised Alussa Energy on its acquisition of FREYR AS.
- Assisted Kværner ASA with its merger with Aker Solutions.
Wikborg Rein
Wikborg Rein‘s ‘very hands-on, pragmatic and solutions-oriented‘ group acts for private equity houses, blue-chip corporations and domestic and international industrial companies on complex, cross-border M&A transactions. The practice has a strong presence in the financial services, technology, renewables, oil and gas and shipping sectors, to name a few. Sigurd Opedal and Ole Henrik Wille jointly head up the practice, which includes Ketil E Bøe, who regularly advises investors, banks and financial institutions on M&A and divestments, and restructuring expert Kaare Christian Tapper.
Practice head(s):
Ole Henrik Wille; Sigurd Opedal
Other key lawyers:
Ketil E. Bøe; Kaare Christian Tapper
Testimonials
‘Very hard working, flexible and with a high degree of availability.’
‘Sigurd Opedal is always available. A great team player and supporter.’
‘Ketil Bøe has deep and international experience within corporate finance, governance and transactions. Always ready to dig into whatever comes his way and come up with solutions or clear advice.’
‘Highly skilled individuals, strong client collaboration.’
‘Unrivalled attention to detail, and proactive client advice.’
Key clients
Altor Equity Partners
Amedia
Antin Infrastructure Partners
Blue Water Energy
DNB Bank ASA
EcoOnline AS
Elkem ASA
Endur ASA
EV Private Equity
FSN Capital
General Electric Company
KKR
Nordic Capital
Norfund
Norges Gruppen
Norsk Hydro
Permira
Prosus NV / Napspers
Quantafuel ASA
Softbank
Söderberg & Partners
Storebrand
Summa Equity
Yara International
Work highlights
- Assisted Altor Equity Partners and Altor Fund IV with the sale of Nordic Trustee AS to Ocorian.
- Advised Antin Infrastructure Partners on its €230m acquisition of DESS Aquaculture Shipping AS via the portfolio company Asterix Bidco AS.
Arntzen de Besche
Arntzen de Besche‘s team of ‘highly experienced commercial transaction lawyers‘ is well known for its expertise in the energy sector, and regularly handles transactional work for oil and gas and renewables clients. M&A specialist Per A Dagslet stands out for his expertise in large-scale, cross-border transactions, and Jon Martin Atkinson focuses on corporate law and M&A work. Per Kristian Ramsland specialises in oil and gas mandates, and also assists venture capital and private equity companies. Lars Horgen Hinze counts asset management work as a core strength. Former practice head Marianne Lind Sahl moved to Advokatfirmaet Schjødt in January 2022.
Other key lawyers:
Per Dagslet; Per Kristian Ramsland; Lars Horgen Hinze; Jon Martin Atkinson
Testimonials
‘Good at analysing the opponent’s stance in a negotiation.’
‘Commitment to deliver as requested and on time is absolute!’
‘Always quickly responsive.’
‘Per Dagslet is “on the ball” 24/7 if needed. Delivers the right product at the right time. Organises our account with his firm in a confident way.’
‘Highly experienced commercial transaction lawyers, able to address and solve the key issues of the transactions.’
Key clients
Edison S.p.A.
Torghatten ASA
NTS ASA
Shearwater Geoservices
KMC Properties ASA
Karnov AB
TrønderEnergi
Castik Capital
Sweco AB
Investcorp
Carneo AB
Bonnier Books
A.P. Moller – Maersk
Roxel
Brightstar Capital Partners
EG A/S
Nutreco B.V.
Tellu IOT AS
Abax
Work highlights
- Advised Torghatten ASA following a bid on all outstanding shares in the company from EQT Infrastructure V, through Hati Bidco AS as bid entity.
- Advised Edison International S.p.A. on all corporate matters relating to the sale of Edison Norge AS.
- Advising shipping services company A.P. Moller – Maersk on the Norwegian aspects of its SEK2.6bn acquisition of KGH Customs Services.
Advokatfirmaet CLP DA
Boutique firm Advokatfirmaet CLP DA houses a ‘dedicated‘ team that ‘delivers premium advice in corporate/M&A matters‘. Private equity work is a cornerstone area of expertise for the practice, and the group has also been kept busy handling large transactions for clients in the technology sector. Firm managing partner Lars Gunnar Aas heads up the practice, and has an excellent reputation for his expertise in handling cross-border M&A mandates for domestic and international clients, as well as assisting funds and investors with acquisitions and investments. Jakob Villum has extensive experience in technology transactions, and Alexander Lund focuses on private equity and venture capital work.
Practice head(s):
Lars Gunnar Aas
Other key lawyers:
Jakob Villum; Alexander Lund
Testimonials
‘CLP offers a unique combination of pragmatic approach and very commercial advice. They work effectively and are always easy to reach at all times.’
‘Great M&A knowledge, thought leadership, customer centric and extremely pragmatic/solution orientated.’
‘Very pragmatic.’
‘CLP acts as a trusted adviser at the highest level. They stay 100% on top of all legal matters, in addition the team has deep insight and lengthy experience and can advise at a holistic level to articulate the best path forward.’
‘Lars Gunnar Aas is a very strong deal maker with an international flair.’
‘The CLP team is very knowledgeable, direct and to the point. Crisp and clear advice.’
‘Alexander Lund is knowledgeable, confident, yet humble.’
Key clients
Mercell Holding ASA
Jordanes AS
Element Logic AS
Ferd
SpareBank 1 Gruppen
Fortum Oyj
Kredinor
Viking Venture
Standout Capital
Alliance Venture
Agder Energi
Powel
Verdane Capital
Stykket Invest
Credo Partners
Arribatec Solutions ASA
Summa Equity
Hofseth International AS
Nysnø Klimainvesteringer AS
Work highlights
- Advised a global growth equity company on a $150m investment in industrial software company Cognite AS.
- Advised the shareholders of Element Logic AS on the divestment of a majority stake in the company to Castik Capital.
- Assisted Mercell Holding ASA with its acquisition of a 100% stake in Finnish e-procurement platform Cloudia Oy.
Advokatfirmaet Haavind AS
Viewed as ‘very knowledgeable in the M&A space‘, Advokatfirmaet Haavind AS‘ ‘responsive‘ team is an excellent choice for high-profile joint ventures, transactions and private equity deals. Offshore, technology, energy, aquaculture and real estate mandates are prominent in the group’s workload. The ‘pragmatic and solution-oriented‘ Bjørn Olav Torpp heads up the practice, and regularly handles private equity and cross-border transactions. Other key practitioners include offshore and oil and gas expert Bård Sandstad, ‘hands-on and responsive‘ M&A specialist Kjetil Hardeng, and senior associate Ragnar Gundersen Koffeld.
Practice head(s):
Bjørn Olav Torpp
Other key lawyers:
Kjetil Hardeng; Bård Sandstad; Ragnar Gundersen Koffeld
Testimonials
‘The Haavind team provides legal advice in a pragmatic, timely and professional manner.’
‘The combination of competitive pricing combined with strong M&A competence is attractive. The Haavind team is well organised, understands how to run complex processes and makes sure that advice is made in a timely and to the point manner.’
‘Bjørn Olav Torpp’s ability to stay one step ahead of the game is impressive. He is always well prepared and deals with issues in an efficient manner.’
‘Very agile and skilled M&A experts.’
‘Bjørn Olav Torpp stands out as a high performing and exceptional individual. Kjetil Hardeng also stands out.’
‘Ragnar Koffeld is a great collaborator with strong communication skills. He has an efficient and smooth way of finding solutions to situations that traditionally could be experienced as hard and energy consuming. He is easy to work with and our experience is that he has solid all-around competence as an M&A lawyer.’
‘Bård Sandstad is an experienced lawyer that knows a broad scope of the law. He is a great collaborator, and easy to get along with regardless of situational circumstances. His significant experience shines through.’
‘Very professional and competent people. 100% dedicated and available through the whole process.’
‘Bjørn Olav Torpp has an agile, solution oriented and proactive attitude. Always present, very precise and skilled. His leadership made his colleagues act the same way.’
Key clients
Telenor
Investinor
TechnipFMC
Norsun
Norsk Hydro
Ferd
Equinor Venture
Ryde Technology
FSN
Nortura
Arctic Securities
Fontavis
Gjensidige Forsikring
Statkraft
BlackRock
Work highlights
- Assisted Hydro Energi AS with a large-scale merger.
- Assisted real estate company Fastighets AB Balder with its acquisition of Asset Buyout Partners Invest AS from HitecVision.
Kvale Advokatfirma DA
Kvale Advokatfirma DA‘s corporate and M&A practice has an excellent reputation for advising clients in highly-regulated industries on large, high-profile M&A transactions. Practice head Anne Kjølseth Ekerholt is a key contact for transactional mandates, and also handles restructuring matters. Jostein Moen focuses on the shipping and offshore sectors, and M&A specialist Øystein Løken advises companies in the natural resources, TMT and retail sectors. Thomas Farhang is a highly regarded practitioner in the space.
Practice head(s):
Anne Kjølseth Ekerholt
Other key lawyers:
Jostein Moen; Thomas Farhang; Øystein Løken
Testimonials
‘The team at Kvale presents high end capabilities across the board; competence, capacity, service, speed, tenacity and strategy.’
‘Kvale is very focused on quality service. Øystein Løken and Thomas Farhang are stand outs. Very good with drafting, negotiations and getting things done, without cutting important corners.’
‘Hands on. Excellent response times. Very commercial, good practical advice is given.’
‘Thomas Farhang stands out.’
Key clients
Aleph
Aventron
Danske Bank
DNB Bank
Pandion Energy
Elkjøp Nordic (Dixons Carphone)
Höegh Autoliners
NES Global Talent
Orkla
Telia
Greif
Philips Lighting Holding
Koninklijke Philips
Eniro
Nordic Mining
Fearnley Offshore
Pfizer
Bourbon Offshore
Norsk Telegrambyrå (NTB)
Tacora Resources
Buer Gruppen
Viatris
Advokatfirmaet Selmer AS
Led by private equity expert Camilla Magnus, Advokatfirmaet Selmer AS‘ corporate and M&A department has ‘unique expertise when it comes to acquisitions between two different countries‘, according to clients. Robert Sveen is a key contact for cross-border transactions, and regularly acts for a range of investment banks and private equity funds. Are Herrem has established expertise in advising domestic and global private equity funds on investments into Norway, often for clients in the media, oil and gas and fishing industries. Other key names include corporate finance expert Ingar Solheim and Remi Dramstad, who focuses on venture capital work.
Practice head(s):
Camilla Magnus
Other key lawyers:
Robert Sveen; Are Herrem; Ingar Solheim; Remi Dramstad
Testimonials
‘Very proactive, very business minded and pragmatic, whilst keeping attention to detail.’
‘Remi Dramstad always grasps the situation quickly, is always available when needed and has the all important aspect of a good adviser: he sees his clients’ business as his own. Highly recommended!’
‘Selmer has unique expertise when it comes to acquisitions between two different countries. They are efficient and solution-oriented.’
‘Robert Sveen is always available, and he has an incredible amount of knowledge.’
Key clients
A-KKR
Scatec ASA
Nexi
EQT Infrastructure III
Selvaag Bolig
Carnegie
Amerra
Nysnø Climate Investment
Longship
iCON Infrastructure
Boost.ai
Swarm64
Advokatfirmaet Simonsen Vogt Wiig
The commercial, corporate and M&A group at Advokatfirmaet Simonsen Vogt Wiig, led by Christoffer Bjerknes, counts private equity and venture capital work as core areas of expertise, and the practice reports an increase in work from clients in the TMT sector. M&A deals, divestments and platform investments are also key drivers of work for the team. Mathias Teir specialises in private equity matters, and senior lawyer Kristoffer Birkeland advises on venture capital and industrial M&A.
Practice head(s):
Christoffer Bjerknes
Other key lawyers:
Mathias Teir; Kristoffer Birkeland
Testimonials
‘Highly engaged partners. Strong commercial skills and overview of what is happening in the market. Small dedicated team that invests in understanding and knowing their clients.’
‘Strong experience in technology related businesses.’
‘Strong people skills, engaged, flexible, deep commercial understanding.’
Key clients
FSN Capital
Accel-KKR
Adelis Equity
Core Equity
Valedo Partners Fund
Prime Capital
Litorina
Franz Haniel & Cie GmbH
OpenGate Capital
Credo Partners
CapMan
MVI Advisors
Trill Impact
Providence Capital
Work highlights
- Assisted private equity company Adelis Equity with its first Norwegian platform investment in the Kanari Group.
- Advised Physical Medicine Group AS/Klinikk for Alle AS on its acquisition of Naprapatlandslaget, a provider of naprapathy treatments.
- Assisted Håndverksgruppen with its acquisition of Buer Gruppen.
Bull & Co Advokatfirma AS
Led by Saloume Djoudat, the team at Bull & Co Advokatfirma AS has notable strength in cross-border and domestic M&A transactions, and regularly acts for clients in the retail, technology, media, renewables and construction sectors. Key practitioners in the group include Finn Olav R. Elde, Bjarte Bogstad, who has significant expertise in cross-border work, mergers and demergers and joint ventures, often focusing on venture capital and private equity issues, and Stian Sørensen Schilvold, who is very experienced in acting for TMT companies.
Practice head(s):
Saloume Djoudat
Other key lawyers:
Stian Sørensen Schilvold; Bjarte Bogstad; Finn Olav R. Elde
Testimonials
‘The firm provides solid knowledge and counsel at reasonable prices.’
‘Likeable professionals that are skilled, service-minded and down-to-earth.’
‘Fast and professional at a reasonable price.’
‘Bjarte Bogstad is very professional and always quick to answer.’
‘Pragmatic, efficient, focused on the main issues.’
Key clients
1242 Apps
BMO Entreprenør
Fasadgruppen Norden
FINN.no
Infobric
Lyfstone
Mapei
Nova Consulting Group
Opera
Schibsted Tillväxtmedier
Shortcut
Sixty
Viva Labs
Uno-X Forsyning
ØkonomiBistand
Work highlights
- Advising BMO Entreprenør on the sale of 100% of the company’s shares to Endúr.
- Advising Økonomibistand on the sale of 100% of the company’s shares to Equip Capital.
- Advising Fasadgruppen Norden on the acquisition of four companies in the construction industry.
CMS Kluge
CMS Kluge‘s ‘very service-minded and knowledgeable‘ team regularly acts for domestic and international companies, private equity funds, high-net-worth individuals and governmental bodies on a range of transactional matters, and has been kept particularly busy assisting clients from the technology sector. Practice head Frode Olsen is a key name for IT mandates, and Johan Svedberg advises on mergers and demergers, as well as equity capital markets matters.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Johan Svedberg
Testimonials
‘The CMS Kluge team provides very professional and pragmatic service tailored to its clients’ needs.’
‘Frode Olsen is very much on top of things, and coordinates the rest of the team in an efficient and centralised manner when a multi-disciplinary team is required.’
‘Decent, hard working and competent people throughout the organisation. Frode Olsen leads the team in a professional manner.’
‘Frode Olsen is very service-minded and knowledgeable about our specific circumstances and requirements. Able to adapt to various sell-side situations.’
Key clients
AFRY Group Norway AS
Charles Taylor plc
CO2 Capsol AS
Corporater AS
E.on
Konstel Group
Aimbot Group
Fjellinjen AS
Minimal Holding AS, Gunnes Holding AS, Pasvik Holding AS
Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries
Nordic Waterproofing AS
Qualiware Holding Aps, Qualisoft Holding AS, Espen R Grouff AS
Rejlers Norge AS
RG Rustand Gruppen AS, Unione AS, HRP MgmtCo
VE Partners
Xplora Technologies AS
Work highlights
- Advised AFRY Group Norway AS on its acquisition of ITE Østerhus AS.
- Assisted BakkeWest AS with the acquisition of a 50% stake in Aa HoldCo AS, a single purpose company holding all issued shares in Aarbakke AS.
- Advised the Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries on the dissolution of the joint ownership with Aker ASA in Aker Kværner Holding AS, and the corresponding transfer of shares to the government.
Advokatfirma DLA Piper Norway DA
The corporate and M&A team at Advokatfirma DLA Piper Norway DA particularly stands out for its track record in cross-border mandates, drawing on its established footprint in the Nordic region. Technology and renewable energy transactions have been especially prominent in the group’s recent workload; Kaare Oftedal, who leads the firm’s renewable energy practice, is a name to note. The ‘thorough‘ Sveinung Mjaugedal focuses on assisting major industrial companies and private equity leaders and Fredrik Lykke specialises in corporate finance work. Practice head Christian Fenner is ‘truly committed to his clients and walks the extra mile‘, while Magnus Brox has significant experience assisting financial clients.
Practice head(s):
Christian Fenner
Other key lawyers:
Fredrik Lykke; Kaare Oftedal; Sveinung Mjaugedal; Magnus Brox
Testimonials
‘Commercially oriented. Clear and to the point discussions. Knowledgeable and experienced.’
‘Because of the presence across the Nordics, DLA is able to support our operation and M&A activity with well integrated practices across the group. This is very helpful for us.’
‘Unique combination of experience, knowledge and project management.’
‘Sveinung Mjaugedal has good insight in our business, he knows our policies well. Forthcoming, friendly and pragmatic, but firm when needed.’
‘Magnus Brox has provided us with consistently excellent service on company law and fundraising matters.’
‘Christian Fenner is truly committed to his clients and walks the last mile.’
‘Kaare Oftedal – always available with a great competence.’
Key clients
Telenor
Cube Infrastructure
OpenGate Capital
Cloudberry Clean Energy
Azrieli Group
Equip Capital Fund I
Katalysator
Herkules Private Equity
Cennox Holdings Limited
Betonmast
Falck Renewables
Pharmaq (part of Zoetis)
OneCo
XXL Sport og Villmark
Storskogen 3 Invest
Work highlights
- Advised Herkules Private Equity Fund IV on all aspects of its sale of Eterni to Moment Group APS.
- Advised Azrieli Group on its NOK7.6bn acquisition of the Green Mountain data centres from the Smedvig family.
- Advised Mobell and other shareholders of Com4 on all aspects of the sale of Com4 to Wireless Logic.
Advokatfirmaet Grette AS
Large and mid-market transactions form the core of Advokatfirmaet Grette AS‘ M&A practice, which is well known for advising clients from the life sciences, renewables, oil and gas, infrastructure and technology sectors. Department head Andreas Myrstad has extensive experience in corporate M&A and capital markets work, and Thomas Fjell specialises in advising oil and gas entities. Thomas Borch-Nielsen focuses on transactions in the infrastructure and renewables space, while Anders Nordli is a key name for tax issues. The group is also recognised for assisting clients from German-speaking countries with M&A deals in Norway; Roland Mörsdorf is the key contact.
Practice head(s):
Andreas Myrstad
Other key lawyers:
Thomas Fjell; Roland Mörsdorf; Thomas Borch-Nielsen; Anders Nordli
Testimonials
‘Roland Mörsdorf is a very experienced and pragmatic partner with high responsiveness.’
‘Andreas Myrstad is highly regarded.’
‘Fast moving and solution minded.’
‘Anders Nordli is extremely skilled and hard working. Delivers fast and is always responsive. Highly recommended.’
‘Thomas Borch-Nielsen is very competent and solution minded. Highly recommended.’
Key clients
Consignor Group/Thomsen Holding
ReCore
BKW Group
Lehmkuhl Capital
Moelven Industrier
Gjedebo family/Styrbjørn
Mutares
Nobia
EnBW
i3 Verticals
Wavin
Canica
Hospitality Invest/Adolfsen Group
Electromagnetic Geoservices ASA
Nettpartner AS
Starship Investments AS
Pimpus Holding AS
Work highlights
- Advised Thomson Holding, as a stakeholder in Consignor, on Consigor’s cross-border merger with Swedish company Unifaun.
- Assisted KA Østnes AS with its merger with Termad/XO Maintenance.
- Advised EnBW Energie Baden-Württemberg on the establishment of the joint venture “Norseman Wind AS”.
Aabø-Evensen & Co Advokatfirma
The ‘strong and cohesive‘ team at Aabø-Evensen & Co Advokatfirma has ‘outstanding M&A expertise‘, with a solid track record in handling large transactions, frequently involving international elements, for private equity funds and corporations. Name partner Ole Kristian Aabø-Evensen heads up the practice, and is ‘a truly impressive M&A lawyer‘. Henning Raa is a key contact for M&A tax issues, and Geir Johan Nilsen is ‘a tough negotiator‘ with ‘exceptional legal knowledge‘.
Practice head(s):
Ole Kristian Aabø-Evensen
Other key lawyers:
Henning Raa; Geir Johan Nilsen
Testimonials
‘The team possesses extremely good market insight.’
‘Ole Kristian Aabø-Evensen is a top-notch outstanding lawyer.’
‘Henning Raa is a great M&A and tax structuring lawyer who can think of creative solutions and is proactive in suggesting new approaches. He knows his stuff, is very solid and very responsive. Geir Nilsen leads the firm’s M&A litigation department, and he gets the job done in any legal battle.’
‘Ole Kristian Aabø-Evensen is a market leader for complex M&A deals in Norway. An extremely impressive lawyer.’
‘Henning Raa is very responsive and extremely thorough and detailed, as well as being very pleasant to work with.’
‘Ole Kristian Aabø-Evensen has the broadest breadth and depth of experience in M&A that I’ve encountered. Henning Raa is extremely skilled, he knows all there is on M&A tax structuring.’
‘Ole Kristian Aabø-Evensen is incredibly hands on.’
‘Ole Kristian Aabø-Evensen is among the best corporate and M&A lawyers in Norway. There is no M&A, joint venture or capital markets deal in the Nordics he could not handle. He is able to demonstrate depth of experience, a robust commercial approach and amazing client care. He is clever and smart, as well as being one of the best negotiators I have ever met.’
Key clients
Francisco Partners
Consignor Group AS
NEC Corp.
Timex Group Luxury Watches B.V.
KMD A/S
SAR Gruppen AS
Polaris Private Equity
IWMAC Holding AS
Fred Olsen Limited
Fred Dessen Limited
Bonheur ASA
E Innovation
Malorama AS
E Plug
Summa Equity
Tenzing Private Equity
Solgrid AS
E Property Management
Work highlights
- Advised US private equity fund Francisco Partners and its portfolio company, Consignor, on Consignor’s cross-border merger with Swedish company Unifaun.
- Advised the shareholders and the board of Timex on a partial-exit to the Boston-based investment company Baupost Group, combined with a global refinancing of the Timex Group.
- Advised Nordic private equity fund Polaris and its portfolio company, ProData Consult, on its acquisition of Bragd Consulting.
AGP Advokater
AGP Advokater‘s ‘extremely responsive‘ team counts cross-border M&A transactions as a key pillar of strength, and acts for large corporations across the technology, manufacturing and financial services sectors. Nils Olav Aarseth ‘combines sound, pragmatic legal advice with excellent client and project management skills‘. Gard A. Skogstrøm focuses on M&A and equity transactions, and Lars André Gjerdrum has expertise in equity capital markets. Hege Dahl and Ketil E. Sauarlia are also noteworthy individuals.
Practice head(s):
Nils Olav Aarseth; Gard A. Skogstrøm; Lars André Gjerdrum; Hege Dahl; Ketil E. Sauarlia
Testimonials
‘Nils Olav Aarseth is a stand-out M&A lawyer on the Norwegian market.’
‘Available, attentive, pragmatic.’
‘The team is very friendly and easy to work with and extremely responsive. AGP gives the impression of a very modern law firm in the way they work.’
‘Gard Skogstrøm is a great lawyer and my first choice for M&A counsel in Norway. I appreciate his easy and pragmatic approach in addition to great technical capabilities and business savvy.’
‘I have had the pleasure of working with Nils Olav Aarseth on a wide variety of transactions and general commercial contract issues. Combines sound pragmatic legal advice with excellent client management skills and project management. Always delivers.’
‘In a word, collaborative. AGP knows what it is good at and where it would be better suited for clients to interface with other teams for select services. This creates a high level of integrity in the client relationship.’
‘AGP is keen to get involved in areas where they themselves can learn and they do an excellent job making every customer, no matter how big or small, feel important.’
Key clients
StrongPoint ASA
Bertel O. Steen Industri AS
Sikri Holding AS
Glamox AS
LINK Mobility Group Holding ASA
Waterland Private Equity
Crayon Group Holding ASA
Contera AS – Right Price Tiles AS
Karbon Invest AS
Documaster ASA
Work highlights
- Advised smart retail technology company StrongPoint on the sale of its cash security business to Cennox NV.
- Advised Waterland on its acquisition of Bano Group.
- Advising LINK Mobility Group Holding ASA on its NOK3.6bn acquisition of global CPaaS provider Soprano Design.
Brækhus Advokatfirma DA
Christoph Morck leads Brækhus Advokatfirma DA‘s ‘proactive‘ team, which is noted for its strength in handling cross-border transactions and investments. The group provides commercial advice to a client roster of TMT, construction, real estate and renewable energy sector companies; Morck is well known for regularly assisting German-speaking companies in Norway with a broad range of commercial, corporate and M&A matters. Other key practitioners include Stein E Hove, who garners praise for his ‘strong business understanding‘, and John Sveinsvold, who has expertise in equity transactions.
Practice head(s):
Christoph Morck
Other key lawyers:
Stein E. Hove; John Sveinsvold
Testimonials
‘Co-operation is excellent, quick and competent. Billing is transparent.’
‘Brækhus Advokatfirma DA is professional with dedicated advocates of the highest standards.’
‘Our experience is 100 % professional.’
‘Very strong at understanding our business as a client. Proactive and seeking closure.’
‘Stein Hove: Very strong knowledge, business understanding. Perfect guidance on both strategic and tactical level.’
Key clients
Capgemini Norge AS
Veo Oy, Veo AS
Federal Republic of Germany
Wintersteiger
Uzin Utz Norge AS
Busch Dienste GmbH
Fratelli / Megeve Investments
Nordic Hamburg Invest (HK) Ltd.
Kao Norway AS
Ostfriesische Volksbank eG
XAL GmbH
WALO International AG
PH Thorstensen Holding AS
Vennelsborg Holding AS and Øystein Hærem AS
Stigar AS
STB-EIendom AS
Work highlights
- Acting as longstanding counsel to Capgemini Norge on a range of commercial and M&A matters.
- Providing corporate financial advice to Finnish company VEO Oy relating to the client’s deliveries to wind farm projects in Norway.
- Advised Austrian company Wintersteiger AG on its acquisition of Norwegian distributor Ski & Board Teknikk AS.
Advokatfirmaet Hjort
Thomas Alnæs heads up the ‘proactive and business focused‘ team at Advokatfirmaet Hjort. The group has been kept busy handling transactional mandates from clients in the technology, energy, pharmaceuticals and biotech sectors. Rolf Trolle Andersen focuses on international transactions, and Jørn A. Uggerud specialises in the renewable energy sector.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Rolf Trolle Andersen; Jørn A. Uggerud
Testimonials
‘Rolf Trolle Andersen is a highly professional and trustworthy and legal adviser. Always puts the client first. Very thoughtful.’
‘Highly skilled team, fair fee level, always deliver services with high quality.’
‘Thomas Alnæs is efficient and to the point.’
Key clients
Samlerhuset Group B.V.
Energiselskapet Hardanger AS
Rallybio IPA LLC
MECA Norway AS
Gassnova SF
Barco nv
Ironstone AS
Mørk Engebretsen Invest AS, SIA Worldfarm Management
Space Norway AS
Novamont S.P.A
Fluxy
OSM Aviation
ACRE Operating Group LLC
Hybrid Technology AS
RNDV Holding/RNDV Group
Implenia
Creative Clicks BV
Fornebu Sparebank
JKS Norge AS
Anonymous Content LLC
SANDS
SANDS‘ corporate team has ‘a solid commercial awareness, thinks creatively outside the box and has a keen eye for detail‘. The group reports an increase in M&A transactions with a particular focus on the energy, fishing, healthcare and technology sectors. Department head Espen Furuholt specialises in assisting investment banks and private equity funds with private M&A work. Erik Lind focuses on the healthcare sector, and Terje Gulbrandsen is an M&A specialist.
Practice head(s):
Espen Furuholt
Other key lawyers:
Erik Lind; Terje Gulbrandsen
Testimonials
‘Dedicated, skilled, on time, trustworthy.’
‘Strong interpersonal skills and a consistent ability to quickly grasp the essence of the legal issue at hand.’
‘Erik Lind has great people skills, ensuring constructive communication and processes with both clients and counterparties.’
‘Highly competent and skilled professionals with high degree of customer orientation, providing good solutions.’
‘Partner Espen Furuholt – extremely responsive, strong analytical and advocacy skills.’
Key clients
The Norwegian State
Bonnier Group
Scope Capital Advisory AB
Wright Group Holding
Aleris – Sirela Sweden
Abax
Bauda (Toyota)
Ambea Norge
Arcus
K Strømmen
Artec Holding
Volvat Medisinske Senter
Asplan Viak
Scanhold Norge
Pelagia
UniMicro Holdco
Next Generation Lotteries and its shareholders
Tysse Industrier
Stord Innkvartering
Korell Invest (Oasen Ressurssenter)
Work highlights
- Advised the Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries on the sale of a NOK2.35bn stake in Entra ASA.
- Advised the shareholders of Artec Aqua on its NOK690m sale to Endúr ASA.
- Advised Scanhold Norge on its sale of Holdbart to Summa Equity and a subsequent reinvestment in the buyer.