Commercial, corporate and M&A in Norway
Advokatfirmaet Schjødt
Advokatfirmaet Schjødt stands out in the market for its presence in the private equity field and counts multiple national and international private equity houses as clients; examples include Blackstone and Norvestor. The group also recently advised Euronext on its acquisition of Oslo Børs VPS Holding, the holding company for the Oslo Stock Exchange. Knut Smith-Erichsen and Tord Fondevik jointly lead the M&A department, which also fields Stavanger-based technology and energy sector specialist Dag Sigvart Kaada and Jon Kristian Sjåtil, who handles cross-border transactions. Senior lawyer Jan Martin Rostveit is also a key name to note. The practice has strengthened its oil and gas sector offering through its merger with boutique firm Michelet & Co in 2019.
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Testimonials
‘Schjødt, and especially partner Tord Fondevik, have a unique ability to combine legal skill with deep understanding of commercial dynamics, making sure that we achieve the best possible commercial outcome of a process. They are great at managing processes efficiently and making sure we meet the desired results with as little resources and costs as possible. They have demonstrated unique skills in coordinating work streams with several advisers.‘
‘The team has the ability to (1) understand commercial objectives, (2) create and execute a negotiation strategy, and (3) creatively structure and finance a deal. They are dedicated as a team and as individuals. As a client, when you’re facing a deal situation, you want to have the best guys on your team. And if you’re looking for the new generation lawyers in Norway, there’s no alternative in my opinion.‘
‘Tord Fondevik is probably the best M&A lawyer in Scandinavia. I have worked with most of the top tier firms, and no one has been able to deliver on his level. He is very intelligent, he can understand complex matters quickly and breaks it down to understandable conclusions.‘
Key clients
Euronext N.V.
Oy Karl Fazer AB
Norvestor
Blackstone Energy Partners/Blackstone Private Equity
Companies in the Aker Group
Gjensidige Forsikring
Schlumberger
Hitec Vision
Exxon Mobile
Evry
Work highlights
- Acted for Euronext on its acquisition of shares in Oslo Børs VPS Holding, the holding company for the Oslo Stock Exchange and Verdipapirsentralen.
- Advised Gjensidige Forsikring on the sale of Gjensidige Bank to Nordea.
- Acted for Schlumberger on the sale of the Schlumberger Marine Seismic Acquisition Business to Shearwater Geoservices Holding.
BAHR
BAHR’s ‘first-class legal knowledge’ makes it a powerhouse in the market for domestic and international M&A, regularly handling high-profile mandates with notable expertise in the private equity, energy, real estate and infrastructure sectors. The team also has substantial fund formation experience and counts multiple international investors as clients. In a recent highlight, the group advised DNB Bank on the sale of its majority stake in Luminor Bank to a consortium managed by Blackstone. Practice head Øystein Guvåg specialises in M&A and private equity transactions, and deputy head Lars Kristian Sande is experienced in the telecoms industry. Other key practitioners include Bjørn Gabriel Reed, Svein Gerhard Simonnæs, offshore specialists Rune Svoren and Thomas Svensen, energy expert Jon Christian Thaulow and Peter Hammerich, who leads the asset management and private equity industry group. Charlotte Håkonsen joined from an in-house role in 2018 and shipping specialist Anne Dahl Frisak was promoted to the partnership.
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Testimonials
‘First-class legal knowledge and experience, coupled with solid commercial understanding.‘
Key clients
Arctic Securities
Aker, including its affiliates, Aker Solutions, Kvaerner and Aker BP
The John Fredriksen Group, including its affiliates Seatankers, Golden Ocean Group, Frontline, FLEX LNG and Archer, and others.
Investinor
Norvestor Equity and portfolio companies
Axcel
HitecVision and portfolio companies
Reitangruppen
Argentum Fondsinvesteringer
Blackstone
Explore Equity
DNB Bank ASA
Triton
Work highlights
- Advised Explore Equity Partners on its acquisition of a 40% stake in Face2Face Creatives International.
- Assisted Noreco and its subsidiary Altinex with its acquisition of Royal Dutch Shell’s upstream assets in Denmark.
- Acted for Akastor on its formation of a joint venture with Mitsui & Co and Mitsui OSK Line for the AKOFS Offshore Business.
Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS
Leveraging its notable M&A strength, Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS is singled out for its project management expertise and is regularly instructed on high-profile transactions involving multiple jurisdictions. The practice is also active in the energy, oil and gas, shipping, telecoms, financial services and aquaculture sectors with a client roster including Altor Equity Partners, EQT, Odfjell Drilling, Ineos and HitecVision. Group head Christian Grüner Sagstad is a key contact for private equity work, Anders Arnkværn ‘keeps the main priorities in sight’ and Hans Cappelen Arnesen regularly handles ECM work. Other key practitioners include Baard Bale, Ervin Auren, Solveig Fagerheim Bugge , managing associate Øyvind Mork Karlsen and corporate governance expert Stig Berge. The practice also notably strengthened its oil and gas focus through its new Stavanger team with the recruitment of Thomas Abrahamsen, Audun Stornes and newly promoted partner Jone Stakkestad from Kluge Advokatfirma AS in 2020.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Øyvind Mork Karlsen; Solveig Fagerheim Bugge; Anders Arnkværn; Hans Cappelen Arnesen
Testimonials
‘Strong and versatile M&A experience across sectors; depth and breadth required to handle complex transactions. A client and target-oriented attitude.‘
‘Anders Arnkværn has a toned down approach, keeping in sight the main priorities, an ability to relate smoothly with both client and counter-parties, exceptionally efficient in time and process to reaching the main goal, keeps his calm in difficult situations and conflicts.‘
Key clients
Altor Equity Partners
Triton Partners
Norvestor
Storebrand
Kongsberg Gruppen
EQT
DNB
Bain Capital
Goldman Sachs
Det Norske Veritas Holding / DNV GL AS
Nordic Capital
SafeRoad Holding ASA
Odfjell Drilling Ltd.
INEOS
BW Group
Oslo Børs VPS Holding
Belships ASA
CapMan
CBRE Caledon
HitecVision
Work highlights
- Advised Kongsberg Gruppen on its €587m acquisition of Rolls-Royce Commercial Marine.
- Acted for Oslo Børs VPS Holding on the public take-over offers from Nasdaq and Euronext.
- Assisted Shelf Drilling with its acquisition of two jack-up rigs from affiliates of China Merchants and Great Wall Ocean Strategy and Technology Fund.
Wiersholm
The ‘highly accessible and commercial’ department at Wiersholm handles some of the market's top M&A and private equity work and regularly advises on international deals at a Nordic and global level. The team is led by Harald Hellebust, and also counts transactional specialist Jarle Kvam, cross-border focused Ståle Gjengset and Kai Thøgersen, who focuses on the technology and telecoms sectors, as key practitioners. Clients also praise Andreas Mellbye, Sverre Sandvik and Gunhild Dugstad. Erik Thyness is now a Supreme Court judge.
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Testimonials
‘The team is highly accessible and commercial in the way it thinks.‘
‘They are highly available at any time and, in addition to being the very best in their field legally, they have good knowledge of our business.‘
Key clients
Altor Equity Partners
Longship AS
EQT Equity Partners
Herkules Capital AS (Herkules Private Equity Fund)
IK Investment Partners
Summa Equity
Kverva/Kverva Management
Orkla ASA
Schibsted
Via Equity
Nordic Capital
Equinor ASA
Work highlights
- Acted for Sector Alarm Holdings on the sale of 30% of its shares to KKR.
- Assisted DNB with the combination of DNB and Sparebank 1 Gruppen’s insurance companies and the related restructuring.
- Advised Visma on its acquisition of Raet Group.
Wikborg Rein
At Wikborg Rein, Kaare Christian Tapper leads the corporate, finance and tax department while Ole Henrik Wille heads up the M&A practice group. The full-service group counts international and domestic companies as clients and is increasingly active for private equity firms; Sigurd Opedal is a key name for private equity work. The practice also utilises the firm’s London, Singapore and Shanghai offices to assist with cross-border transactions. Other key individuals include Ketil E Bøe, who handles DCM work; Bergen-based Jan Erik Clausen and newly promoted partner Ingeborg Aavatsmark, who specialises in private M&A.
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Testimonials
‘A well diversified team that knows what needs to be done, why and when, with a solid knowledge of both the law and business. Excellent service guaranteed.‘
‘I consider them professional, diligent and efficient.‘
‘Sigurd Opedal is commercially strong, always makes time and thinks one step ahead.‘
‘Ingeborg V Aavatsmark is very responsive and always available to take your call when needed. She has in depth knowledge of the law in her area of expertise combined with actual commercial awareness. Her work will supersede your expectations.‘
‘Kaare Christian Tapper has sharp business acumen with a solution-oriented approach to things. A lawyer with excellent understanding of clients’ needs and most importantly the ability to deliver results. A partner who will pick up the phone when needed.‘
‘Ingeborg V Aavatsmark has been our primary contact person in the latest deals and we have been very happy. Ingeborg is professional, diligent, quick and efficient and we had a very good cooperation in these very complex transactions. She was able to explain matters clearly. I also have a similar positive impression for partner Kaare Christian Tapper.‘
Key clients
AKVA Group ASA
Altor Equity Partners
Amedia
Antin Infrastructure Partners
BKK
Blue Water Energy
EV Private Equity
First Reserve
FSN Capital
General Electric Company
Hafslund
HitecVision
Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR)
Lerøy Seafood Group
Nordic Capital
NorgesGruppen
Norsk Hydro
Permira Private Equity Company
Reiten & Co Private Equity
Siemens
Storebrand
Summa Equity
Yara International
Work highlights
- Assisted KKR with its acquisition of 30% of Sector Alarm.
- Acted for Nordic Capital on its acquisition of Signicat including the related reinvestment by certain sellers.
- Advised Antin Infrastrcture Partners on its acquisition of Sølvtrans.
Arntzen de Besche
Arntzen de Besche leverages its firm-wide sector strength in the oil and gas, energy, fishing and aquaculture, and life sciences sectors to handle transactions at a domestic and international level. The group’s cross-border strength is also evident in its recent work for private equity investors involved in Norwegian acquisitions. Marianne Lind Sahl heads up the practice, which was recently bolstered by the recruitment of Karl Rosén from Advokatfirmaet Grette AS, Jens Baumann Melberg from Kyllingstad Kleveland Advokatfirma DA, Per Kristian Ramsland from Kluge Advokatfirma AS, Susanne Munch Thore from Wikborg Rein and Knut Martinsen from an in-house position at Evry. Other key names include Per A Dagslet, Lars Horgen Hinze, Trondheim-based Jon Martin Atkinson and newly promoted partner Henrik Braavold Johansen.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
DCC Plc
Investcorp
RASMUSSENGRUPPEN
Cargill
Shearwater Geophysical
Teekay
Pentair Inc.
Benchmark Holdings plc
McDonald’s Corporation
NTS ASA
Torghatten ASA
Work highlights
- Advised Shearwater Geoservices on its acquisition of the marine seismic acquisition assets and operations of WesternGeco.
- Acting for TrønderEnergi and NTE Holding on the establishment of a new power grid corporation.
- Assisted Lundin Petroleum with the redemption of its shares, currently held by Equinor, and the related divestment of 2.6% of Lundin’s interest in the Johan Sverdrup oil field project to Equinor.
Advokatfirmaet CLP DA
Lars Gunnar Aas leads the department at Advokatfirmaet CLP DA, which has the ‘ability to easily gain the client’s trust’ thanks to a ‘commercially insightful’ approach. The group is singled out for its private equity expertise and fund work and counts private equity firms, funds, investors and financial institutions as clients; notable examples include Ferd, Viking Venture and SpareBank 1 Gruppen. Alexander Lund is a key name for private equity and fund issues, Jakob Villum focuses on M&A work, and Edvard Cock also handles capital markets transactions. Amund Erdal was promoted to the partnership in 2019.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘I mostly appreciate the team’s ability to easily gain the client’s trust, sticking their necks out when recommending structures and solutions.‘
‘Mid-sized legal adviser, fully competitive with other top providers. Always available, commercially insightful and consistent partner presence throughout the process.‘
‘Jakob Villum stands out with solid commercial mindset, experience in venture structuring and his ability to get transactions over the line. Especially the last point, and his commitment to deals.‘
‘Lars Gunnar Aas is highly driven, insightful across disciplines and always available.‘
Key clients
Ferd
SpareBank 1 Gruppen
Fortum Oyj
Kredinor
Viking Venture
Standout Capital
Alliance Venture
Agder Energi
Cubera
Powel
Verdane Capital
Stykket Invest
Credo Partners
Signicat
Scandza
Summa Equity
Hofseth International AS
Flying Elephant
Work highlights
- Acted for Sparebank 1 Gruppen on the merger between its subsidiary SpareBank 1 Forsikring and and DNB Forsikring.
- Assisted certain shareholders of Signicat with the acquisition by Nordic Capital of a majority interest in Signicat.
- Advised Viking Venture on its acquisition of a 30% stake in Mercell Holdings.
Advokatfirmaet Haavind AS
At Advokatfirmaet Haavind AS, the practice has built on its traditional sector specialisms in the technology, energy, oil, offshore and real estate sectors with the recruitment of fishing and aquaculture specialists Ida Espolin Johnson and Bjørn Sørgård from Arntzen de Besche. The team is also highly regarded for its cross-border expertise and private equity work; BlackRock, FSN and Broodstock Capital Partners are clients. Group head Bjørn Olav Torpp is a key contact for M&A mandates, Kjetil Hardeng regularly handles cross-border transactions, and Preben Brecke leads the private equity team. Other key names include oil and offshore specialist Bård Sandstad, technology expert Andreas Vik and Bjørn Brevik.
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Testimonials
‘The Haavind team is a very hands-on team with quick and skilled response to our needs. They also add their strategic know how and analysis capacity to our M&A processes.‘
‘Despite being a large law firm with all its advantages when it comes to strength and competence, Haavind still manages to keep a sense of boutique feeling and client attention. Haavind is always service minded, with prompt and professional delivery, at the same time focusing on balanced successful outcome for both parties, rather than just to win every small battle.’
‘The people we work with are very customer-oriented, quick to respond when we need it and skilled in the different topics in which we need professional support.’
Key clients
Telenor
Axactor AB
Broodstock Capital Partners
Equinor Venture
BlackRock
Ahlsell Norway AS
Tieto
Ferd
Seacrest Capital Group
National Oilwell Varco
FSN
Constellation Software Group / Vela Software
Investinor
Norsun
Work highlights
- Advised Tieto on its cross-border merger with Evry to create TietoEVRY, the largest IT company in the Nordics.
- Assisted Seacrest Capital Group as investor with Okea’s acquisition of the Draugen and Gjøa fields from Norske Shell.
- Acting for Eolus Vind Norge on the development of Øyfjellet, a licensed wind power project in Northern Norway.
Advokatfirmaet Selmer AS
Advokatfirmaet Selmer AS’ sector expertise encompasses the energy, fishing, retail and healthcare industries alongside the group’s notable private equity and financial services strength; the group recently advised Ekornes on its acquisition by China-based private equity firm, Huatai Zijin Investment. Camilla Magnus leads the practice, which also fields corporate finance expert Ingar Solheim, Are Herrem, who regularly acts for private equity funds; and Robert Sveen, who is co-head of the firm’s equity capital markets team. Remi Dramstad was promoted to the partnership in 2019.
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Testimonials
‘The Selmer team, particularly Ingar Solheim, stood out from the other legal advisers and really proved themselves as a top tier firm. Always on top of the game, with excellent business understanding, strong problem solving skills, integrity and professionalism.‘
‘They are service minded and gain great knowledge about us as clients.‘
‘Selmer has a highly professional legal team with strong business and commercial understanding, efficient deliveries with high quality, enjoyable to work with and very well liked by their clients in our experience.‘
‘Ingar Solheim has very strong legal skills. He is always available and responsive and also has a high versatility, understanding the business and thinking out of the box to find solutions to complex problems.‘
Key clients
Ekornes
Infront
Europris
EQT Partners
Viking Life-Saving Equipment
EQT Infrastructure III
Kitch’n
iCON Infrastructure
Work highlights
- Advised listed furniture manufacturer Ekornes on its €540m acquisition by QuMei Home Furnishings and Huatai Zijin Investments.
- Assisted Infront with its acquisition of Market Connect’s operations division from Mediobanca.
Advokatfirmaet Simonsen Vogt Wiig
Advokatfirmaet Simonsen Vogt Wiig fields ‘a solid team of young and energetic lawyers’, which is led by Christoffer Bjerknes, who specialises in private equity mandates - a growing area of focus for the firm. Other noteworthy individuals include private equity group head Mathias Teir and senior lawyer Kristoffer Birkeland, who joined from Kluge Advokatfirma AS in early 2019. Alongside the group’s private equity expertise, the team also has notable strength in the TMT, shipping, oil and gas, and financial services sectors, and counts FSN Capital, Telia and MVI Advisors as clients.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Extremely professional in all matters. Excellent in negotiations, flexible, goal-oriented, always “on line” with quick feedback – e-mails, phone and drafts. Positive and easy going individuals.‘
‘Solid team of young energetic lawyers and partners.‘
Key clients
FSN Capital
Optimar AS
MVI Advisors
DNB Markets
Credo Partners AS
Getaround, Inc.
Valedo Partners Fund
Prime Capital
Active Brands AS
Franz Haniel & Cie GmbH
Telia Company AB / Telia Norge AS
General Electric Company/Baker Hughes
Yara
Bank Norwegian AS / Norwegian Finans Holding ASA
Work highlights
- Assisted Telia Company with its acquisition of GET and TDC Norway.
- Acted for Eni on the merger of Eni Norge with Point Resources.
- Advised Patria Oyi on its joint purchase of Aerospace Industrial Maintenance from the Norwegian Ministry of Defence with Kongsberg Gruppen.
Aabø-Evensen & Co Advokatfirma
Boutique M&A firm Aabø-Evensen & Co Advokatfirma fields an ‘always reliable team’, which is ‘business-oriented with a strong commercial approach’. Name partner Ole Kristian Aabø-Evensen’s broad practice encompasses assisting investors, financial advisers, corporates and private equity funds with M&A and other corporate work. The group also regularly handles large cross-border M&A for a client roster including StormGeo, Cxense and SAR Gruppen. Lars André Gjerdrum, Gard A. Skogstrøm, Hege Dahl and Nils Olav Årseth departed to AGP Advokater in 2020.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Vastly knowledgeable and client dedication is second to none.‘
‘This team is always reliable and our first choice for M&A in Norway.‘
‘High competence and determination, with high client focus. Since the firm is mid-size, you feel more important and prioritised as a client.‘
‘Aabø-Evensen & Co Advokatfirma are extremely good within M&A and capital markets. Its lawyers are very quick and pragmatic.‘
‘The uniqueness with Aabø-Evensen and his team comes to surface immediately as the opportunity for Commercial, Corporate or M&A activities arise. They will look into your position, features and weaknesses, and strengthen your position, but most importantly prepare your team for what is ahead. Their level of experience and know-how into these topics has protected my companies from severe problems.‘
‘Managing Partner Ole-Kristian Aabø-Evensen maintains an unrelenting pace and excels at customer engagement management. Pragmatic, down-to-earth, fact-based and timely advice are key differentiators. Exceptional customer commitment and availability. Deep expertise across all aspects of the M&A process.‘
‘Ole Kristian Aabø-Evensen is always dedicated to the client, always makes himself available and is exceptionally diligent.‘
Key clients
Malorama AS
StormGeo AS
Link Mobility Group AS
FunderMax
Perimeter Solutions
Icare Holding AS
Holta Invest AS
Cxense ASA
Crayin Group Holding ASA
Glamox AS
Kjedehuset AS
Navamedic ASA
Hiddn Solutions ASA
Arnarlax AS
Jotta AS
Svalinn AS
Norstat AS
Clemens Kraftverk AS
FunderMax GmbH
Kraft Allianse AS
Perimeter Solutions
Helgesen Tekniske Bygg AS
NRC Group ASA
Sevencs AS
Makeup Mekka AS
SAR Gruppen AS
Bertel O. Steen Holding AS
Work highlights
- Advised StormGeo and EQT on its acquisition of business from DNV GL.
- Acted for FunderMax on its acquisition of Ranheim Paper and Board from Pemco.
- Assisted Perimeter Solutions with its acquisition of Solberg Scandinavia.
DLA Piper
DLA Piper continues to leverage its pan-Nordic and global presence to be a key name in the market for cross-border mandates. The practice is also expanding its private equity presence and expertise in the energy and natural resources sectors, with clients including Herkules Private Equity and Abry Partners. Sveinung Mjaugedal heads up the team and specialises in the construction, healthcare and technology sectors; Fredrik Lykke handles M&A and corporate finance issues, private equity expert Christian Fenner is ‘extraordinarily well prepared’ and managing partner Kaare Oftedal is ‘smart, business savvy and practical’. Clients also praise Magnus Brox as ‘incredibly responsive and efficient’.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘They are super dedicated and you feel that they want you to be successful. They respect timetables and do what is necessary to achieve the predicted results.‘
‘Experienced team that readily handles new, complex matters with efficiency. They bring the right resources to bear on an issue and help to identify practical solutions.‘
‘The group is knowledgeable, well coordinated and easy to cooperate with.‘
‘Christian Fenner is by far the best lawyer we work with. Extraordinarily well prepared and hands-on. Excellent communication and project management skills. You feel you are a very important customer.‘
‘Kaare Oftedal as lead, and his partner Magnus Brox, were excellent in handling the process. I want to highlight the professional attitude and the willingness to drive and bring us as selling partners in and help us understand the full case. Its hard for use as management to understand the different “steps” taken by the buyer. DLA made us feel comfortable throughout the process.‘
‘Christian Fenner is a down to earth person. Makes sure that his team tailor-made the report to match our needs and had good attention to detail.‘
‘Kaare Oftedal is smart, business-savvy, and practical; always able to identify the right resource at the firm to resolve a particular issue or handle a particular matter.‘
‘Magnus Brox is thoughtful and creative in addressing problems or issues of first impression; incredibly responsive and efficient.‘
Key clients
STG Partners
Urbaser
Cube
Abry Partners
OpenGate Capital
Dustin
BetonmastHæhre
Herkules Private Equity
Eterni Gruppen
TOOLS
Urbaser
Qumei Home Furnishing Group
Huatai Zijin Investment
Sodexo Belgium
Everbridge
Cabinet Group
OneCo
BNS Holding AS
RED
Sony Music Entertainment Norway
Katalysator
Work highlights
- Advising Cube Infrastructure Fund on the sale of the Boreal Group to the Everbright Overseas Infrastructure Investment Fund.
- Assisting Abry Partners with its cash offer to acquire all shares in Link Mobility Group.
- Acting for OpenGate Capital on its acquisition of Jøtul from Ratos.
Advokatfirmaet Grette AS
Andreas Myrstad leads the department at Advokatfirmaet Grette AS, which also fields M&A specialist Thomas J. Fjell, who focuses on the oil and oil services sector; newly promoted partner Thomas Borch-Nielsen, who handles matters in the renewable energy sector; and Roland Mörsdorf, who leads the firm’s German desk and assists with international M&A. The group also has notable expertise in the technology, life sciences, financial services and infrastructure sectors, particularly in larger and mid-market transactions. Thomas Alnæs departed to Advokatfirmaet Hjort and Karl Rosén is now at Arntzen de Besche.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Andreas Myrstad is very hands-on in the project, and is a competent and likeable partner to work with.‘
Key clients
AspIT AS
ReCore
BKW Group
Danske Bank
Moelven Industrier
Nemetschek
Mutares AG
Halcyon Capital Management LP
Hove Medical Systems
KMT Gjenvinning
Work highlights
- Advised the Gjedebo family and its investment vehicles Styrbjørn and Njord Capital on the sale of its shares in Real Capital to Watrium.
- Assisted AspIT with an equity raise and the sale of shares by selected shareholders to Kistefos.
- Acted for KMT Gjenvinning and its owners on its merger with the cables recycling business of Norsk Gjenvinning and the subsequent sale of shares by the owners of KMT Gjenvinning in the combined entity.
Kluge Advokatfirma AS
The practice at Kluge Advokatfirma AS has seen notable change in 2019 with Frode Olsen taking over as practice head following Per Kristian Ramsland’s move to Arntzen de Besche and Thomas Abrahamsen's departure to Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS; Andreas Wulff was also recruited from BAHR and Dag Thomas Hansson joined from DLA Piper. The group, which fields a notably strong Stavanger offering, excels in the firm’s core areas of energy, oil services, construction, real estate and the public sector, and is expanding its presence in the technology and private equity fields. Snorre Haukali leads the Stavanger practice, while Stig Even Jakobsen is based in Oslo.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Good knowledge of our specific requirements and a very pragmatic yet firm approach in discussions and negotiations with us and the other party.‘
‘Frode Olsen is very responsive, fast to answer and has a quick and excellent understanding of our specific requirements.‘
Key clients
Wintershall Norge AS
Repsol Norge AS
Edison Norge AS
Øglænd Systemer AS
KLP pension fund
Investinor AS
Oceaneering AS
Segulah private equity fund
Hjellnes Holding AS
Altor private equity fund
Brødrene Kverneland AS
Norsk Hydro ASA
Wärtsilä Corporation
ØsterHus AS
Fidelio Capital AB
Work highlights
- Advised Wellit on its acquisition by Norvestor Equity.
- Acted for GG Storkjøkken, Glassmagasin, Riise Eiendom Holding, AMK Holding and Erø Holding with the sale of shares in Enor, Riise and GG Storkjøkken and Art Trading to Brunzl Holding Danmark.
- Assisted T Kverneland & Sønner with the sale of TKS Heis.
Kvale Advokatfirma DA
Jostein Moen heads up the department at Kvale Advokatfirma DA, which handles domestic and cross-border mandates for a roster of clients spanning the technology, financial, industrial, energy and pharmaceuticals sectors; notable examples include Danske Bank, Compsoft, Telia and Pandion Energy. Moen also has substantial expertise in the shipping sector, Marius L Andresen focuses on cross-border work and Thomas S Farhang is a key name for technology clients. Other key names include maritime, technology and fintech specialist Susanne Schneider, oil and gas expert Yngve Bustnesli and Trygve Norum, who regularly acts for Norwegian and international investors. Carl Christian Marthinussen made partner in 2019, and the group recruited Anne Kjølseth Ekerholt, Henrik Grung, Kristin Nyhus Halvorsen and Sverre Tysland from SANDS in 2020.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘I consider Kvale one of the most professional and streamlined teams in Norway. A big experienced team is available on short notice, which is crucial.‘
‘Extreme speed and execution when necessary in complex cases.‘
‘A large professional team, well-coordinated, makes the difference. All in defined roles.‘
‘Thomas Farhang is an extremely valuable lawyer. Service minded, always available, and with necessary toughness when needed.‘
Key clients
Aventron
Danske Bank
DNB Bank
Pandion Energy
Elkjøp Nordic (Dixons Carphone)
Höegh Autoliners
Katalysator
NES Global Talent
Orkla
Compusoft
Telia
Greif Inc
Heinrich Bauer Verlag KG
Philips Lighting Holding B.V
Koninklijke Philips N.V.
Eniro AB
Nordic Mining ASA
Work highlights
- Assisted Compusoft with its sale of a controlling stake in the company to TA Associates.
- Acted for Pfizer on a joint venture with GlaxoSmithKline, which will combine their consumer health businesses.
- Assisted with the sale of Øyafestivalen to Providence Equity Partners.
SANDS
SANDS’ ‘highly competent and professional’ practice leverages its substantial growth in recent years to assist a broad range of clients with domestic and international work with particular expertise at a Nordic level. The team is also singled out for its sector expertise and handles matters across the healthcare, energy and natural resources, fishing, insurance and technology sectors. The group is also increasingly active in the private equity field, with expertise led by Espen Furuholt, who joined from Wikborg Rein in 2019. Terje Gulbrandsen and healthcare specialist Erik Lind are also key names to note. In 2020, former practice head Anne Kjølseth Ekerholt and Sverre Tysland joined Kvale Advokatfirma DA.
Testimonials
‘Highly competent and professional, with high speed and accuracy of deliveries.‘
‘The team has great insights when finding solutions.‘
Key clients
Ambea Norge
Aconto.no
Arcus
Transtema Group
Låshuset Sikkerhetssenter
Norgesbakeriene Holding
Bakst Holding
Apollonia Holding
KMC Family
Aleris – Sirela Sweden
Arrat
Asor
Work highlights
- Advised Sirela Sweden on the SEK2.6bn sale of Aleris Care to Ambea.
- Assisted Ambea Norge with its separate acquisitions of TBO-Helse, Varphaugen, Målrettet Interevensjon and Tiltaksgruppa Fokus.
- Acted for the shareholders of Aconto.no and Lendr on the sales of the companies to Hudya Group.
Advokatfirmaet Ræder AS
Advokatfirmaet Ræder AS’ department has recently focused its efforts on a sector-oriented approach with substantial experience in the technology, construction, real estate and renewable energy sectors. Alongside its transactional and contract knowledge, the group is noted for its operational management skills, and expertise in finance and strategy issues and technology and business development matters; it also regularly assists with cross-border mandates. Carl Garmann Clausen leads the group, which also includes competition team head Carl Arthur Christiansen, technology sector expert Morten Opstad, Erik Salbu Aasland and Jan Fjellestad.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
NorgesGruppen ASA
Fook Folk Norge AS (McDonald’s Norge AS) and Food Folk Group Holdings AS
IDEX ASA
Simula Research Laboratory AS
Simula Innovation AS
Isachsen Gruppen AS
Thin Film Electronics ASA
Akershus Teknologifond AS
Securitas AS
Changetech AS
PCI Biotech Holding |ASA
Norsk Elektro Optikk AS
Polypure AS
Fabriscale Technologies AS
Purapipe Holding AS
GAC Norway AS
Breed Reply Investments Lt.
Celerway Communication AS
Exela Technologies AS
Daniel Wellington (Norway) AS
Atvexa AB
Work highlights
- Assisted Atvexa with its acquisition of Ulna, a Norwegian kindergarten company with operations in Norway, Sweden and Germany.
- Acted for the shareholders of Bastion Forlag on the sale of 50% of the company to Strawberry Publishing and the grant of an option to Strawberry Publishing to acquire the remaining shares.
- Advised the shareholders of Skala Technologies on its sale to Graphcore.
Brækhus Advokatfirma DA
Christoph Morck leads the department at Brækhus Advokatfirma DA, which is notably active in the TMT, real estate and construction sectors and regularly handles cross-border transactions - enhanced by the firm’s involvement in several international networks. The practice also fields managing partner and former practice head Frank Aase, John Sveinsvold, tax expert Toralv Follestad and corporate governance specialist Stein E Hove. Associate partner Audun Kleppestø joined from SANDS and Johan Mølbach-Thellefsen departed to new firm Advokatfirmaet Dehn DA.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘The Brækhus M&A team is very precise and timely in its advice. They bring an international flavour to a domestic team.‘
‘We consider Brækhus to be a great alternative to other international firms. They were always available and prioritised the client’s needs to ensure that timescales were met.‘
‘Christian Morck is the star of Brækhus. He is very knowledgeable about domestic law and brings an international value proposition to the table.‘
‘Christoph Morck provides clear and concise advice and is able to meet tight timescales.’
Key clients
Capgemini
Porsche Financial Services GmbH
Artefact
TBL Gruppen
DMG Mori Finance GmbH
Allianz Versicherungen AG
Anixter Limited
Portable Multimedia Limited
Veo Oy, Veo AS
Beurer GmbH
Robert Bosch GmbH
German Norwegian Chamber of Commerce
Federal Republic of Germany
Work highlights
- Advised Artefact on the sale of its Nordic entities to Daisycon.
- Assisted TBL Gruppen with the sale of its Norwegian entity, FH Gruppen, to Altor Equity Partners.
- Acted for Porsche Financial Services with its registration as an insurance agent with the Norwegian Financial Authority.
Bull & Co Advokatfirma AS
Bull & Co Advokatfirma AS’ practice ‘combines business acumen and a pragmatic legal focus’ for its client roster of small to medium-sized business. The group is particularly active in the technology, finance, oil and gas, and renewables sectors with clients including YX Norge, Bryan, Garnier & Co and Norgesnett Holding. Eivind Bergo-Eriksen leads the team, which also includes industrial technology and biotech specialist Bjarte Bogstad, M&A expert Erlend Balsvik and Saloume Djoudat, who regularly acts for clients in the oil and gas industry.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Combination of business acumen and a pragmatic legal focus. The understanding of business realities and a pragmatic legal approach makes them partners in completing complex transactions.‘
‘Exceptional professionalism, availability and solution focused.‘
Key clients
YX Norge
Bryan, Garnier & Co
Familiehjelp
Uno-X Forsyning
YX Norge
Norgesnett Holding
Lyfstone
Schibsted Growth
Standard Garanti Forsikring
Strav Uteliv
Spiff
Work highlights
- Acted for Bryan, Garnier & Co with its expansion into the Nordics via its acquisition of Berunger Finance.
- Handling Schibsted Tillväxtmedier’s various investments into growth companies in the technology sector.
- Advised Infobric on two add-on acquisitions.
Advokatfirmaet Hjort
At Advokatfirmaet Hjort, the practice has substantial experience in the energy and real estate sectors and assists with investigations, professional liability work and white-collar crime mandates alongside its traditional corporate and M&A advice. The group is also a key name in the market for public sector clients. Rolf Chr. Trolle Andersen and Jørn Uggerud jointly lead the group, and Morten Fjermeros and Sigve Braaten specialise in tax-related work. Thomas Alnæs joined in 2019 from Advokatfirmaet Grette AS.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Wide expertise within the unique competency areas, one person that always holds the project as a lead.‘
Key clients
Kamic Group AB
Agder Energi AS
Gassnova SF
Space Norway AS
VKR Group
Samlerhuset AS
Energiselskapet Hardanger AS
Telenor AS
International Corporate Art
KLP Eiendom AS
Metallco Holding AS
Work highlights
- Advising Samlerhuset Group on the issuance of CEO shares.
- Acting for Energiselskapet Hardanger on a possible reorganisation.
- Assisting Metallco Holding with its acquisitions of various companies.
Advokatfirmaet PricewaterhouseCoopers AS
With bases in Oslo, Stavanger, Bergan, Ålesund, Kristiansand and Tromsø, Advokatfirmaet PricewaterhouseCoopers AS focuses on mid-market domestic mandates while also utilising the firm’s global network to handle larger transactions and restructurings as part of an international team. Andreas Dypvik leads the department, which also includes Lene Sakariassen, who heads up the business law group; and Stavanger-based Kjell Richard Manskow, who is head of legal services in Norway.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Client centric and agile in their approach, which contributed to a speedy transaction process. Easy and pleasant to work with, and could assist us at short notice. Offered us a team that had the right capabilities to execute quickly and diligently.‘
‘Andreas Dypvik ensured we felt we were prioritised and in good hands. Knowledgeable about the topics we discussed.‘