EU and competition in Norway

Arntzen de Besche

Arntzen de Besche’s ‘highly-skilled‘ team attracts praise for its ‘exceptional knowledge of EU and competition legislation‘. With demonstrable industry strength across the trade and retail sectors, the group handles a high volume of merger control and state aid mandates. The ‘outstandingSvein Terje Tveit oversees the department and is particularly active in high-profile state aid investigations and litigation, as well as advising on compliance and merger control mandates. Also in the core team is Stein Ove Solberg, a seasoned competition expert with a solid track record in advising clients within the trade, retail, and food sectors on complex merger control cases. At associate level, Frida May Behrens handles contentious antitrust mandates, while Paul Gunnar Hagelund is also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Svein Terje Tveit


Other key lawyers:

Stein Ove Solberg; Frida May Behrens; Paul Gunnar Hagelund


Testimonials

‘The team’s capacity, availability and ability to understand complex business matters are among the best I’ve ever experienced. The team has exceptional knowledge of EU and competition legislation, combined with the same level of expertise in a national perspective.’

‘Svein Terje Tveit has grown to be a senior adviser with a broad spectrum of competencies that makes our legal processes run as efficiently as possible. Svein Terje also seems to be a magnet to brilliant newcomers in the legal business, due to our experience with all the different employees in his team throughout the years.’

‘Svein Terje Tveit shows outstanding legal and commercial skills, excellent communication, local knowledge and showing good understanding of the industry we operate within.’

‘The team is very proactive and up-to-date on all regulatory and political developments relating to food industry and retail.’

‘Stein Ove Solberg; decades of dedication to our industry. Widely admired and respected for his integrity, efficiency and ability to give practical and applicable advice.’

‘Svein Terje Tveit: an encyclopedia of all regulatory and political development in the EU regarding competition, public procurement and state aid. A “thinker” and dedicated to our industry. Efficient and easy to cooperate with.’

‘Paul Gunnar Hagelund: Paul is an outstanding associate who is creative, efficient and always very well prepared on the facts and the law. A pleasure to cooperate with and “rock solid”.’

‘Highly skilled team with relevant branch insight. Easy to work with and easily available. Practical approach in their advice.’

Key clients

The Norwegian Competition Authority (Konkurransetilsynet)


Orkla ASA


Eviny Group


Bonnier Books AB


Shearwater GeoServices Holding AS


SINTEF


Nortura SA


Toyota Norge AS


ENOVA SF


TINE SA


Abbott Norge AS


Bose Products BV


Colgate Palmolive Norge AS


EG Norge AS


AbbVie AS


Drivkraft Norge


CSL Behring AB


Fitness Group Nordic AS


Work highlights


  • Advised Eviny on its legal challenge against ESA before the EFTA Court concerning its 2022 streetlighting state aid infrastructure.
  • Advised EG Norge, a leading software management company, on several acquisitions in Norway cleared in Phase I.
  • Assisting the Norwegian Competition Authority with a number of trustee cases (e.g. Vipps, Ringnes, Sector Alarm, Foodora).

BAHR

The ‘first-class‘ EU and competition offering at BAHR spans the full range of investigations, damages claims, state aid, and merger control mandates. The latter forms a core pillar of work for the team, which is regularly instructed to advise on cross-border filings, merger inquiries, and notification work. Helge Stemshaug oversees the practice and has a strong track record in handling cartel investigations and merger clearances, while the ‘exceptionally goodBeret Sundet has notable strength in M&A-related competition work in the pharmaceuticals and biotech sectors. Elin Moen re-joined the team from an in-house position in August 2023, strengthening the group's general antitrust offering. The team is supported by a strong pool of associates, including the ‘outstandingYlva Kolsrud Lønvik, recommended for multijurisdictional filings, and Annette Greve, who is experienced in dawn raids and leniency institutes.

Practice head(s):

Helge Stemshaug


Other key lawyers:

Ylva Kolsrud Lønvik; Elin Moen; Annette Greve; Beret Sundet


Testimonials

‘BAHR’s competition law team always deliver first-class advice. In-depth industry and economic knowledge, high degree of availability, combined with practical advice, makes them a natural trusted adviser for competition law advice, especially cross-border M&A cases.’

‘Beret Sundet is an outstanding and preferred competition lawyer in the Norwegian market. She is exceptionally good at explaining complex matters in simple words, provides practical and to-the-point advice and demonstrates in-depth knowledge of the energy sector. Excellent client handling, easy to collaborate with and very responsive.’

‘Ylva Lønvik is an up-and-coming competition lawyer. She repeatedly demonstrates excellent competition law insight, ability to coordinate and handle large cross-border competition clearances and provides clear and practical advice.’

‘The BAHR competition team is extremely knowledgeable and effective in their work. They are focused and diligent, dedicated to their client’s strategic goals.’

‘Beret Sundet and Ylva Kolsrud Lønvik are outstanding. They are a great team – both are very detail-oriented and yet strategic in their outlook. They are adept at handling complex, global transactions and related merger control issues. And they are a pleasure to work with.’

‘BAHR is always at the forefront regarding knowledge of new legislation, trends and analytics.’

‘We use them as our main external legal support in this field. BAHR’s competition law team is highly knowledgeable of all relevant developments both on the national and European levels. They deliver tailor-made and ready-to-use advice based on their in-depth knowledge of our business.’

Key clients

REITAN AS


DNB Bank


Aker ASA


Aker Solutions ASA


Color Line


Uno-X Energi/YX Norge


Sport Holding


Posten Norge AS


Hafslund Eco


SalMar ASA


Assa Abloy


SKion Water International GmbH


Offshore Norge


The City of Oslo


Kverva Industrier AS / Scale Aquaculture AS


Skanol A/S


Ahlsell Norge AS


Accenture


Work highlights


  • Advised SalMar, Norway’s second-largest producer of farmed salmon and part of the Kverva group, in relation to its high-profile acquisition of its rival NTS and the associated competition filings with the European Commission, in Iceland and in Norway.
  • Defending Norway’s leading grocery chain REMA 1000 in the landmark “price hunter” antitrust investigation carried out by the NCA.
  • Handling the worldwide filing process for Aker Solutions in connection with the creation of a joint venture combining the global subsea equipment businesses of Aker Solutions and SLB (Schlumberger).

Advokatfirmaet Simonsen Vogt Wiig

Acting for an impressive roster of leading Norwegian players in a diverse range of industries, including the consumer goods, telecoms, IT, and transportation sectors, Advokatfirmaet Simonsen Vogt Wiig handles the full spectrum of cartel cases, merger control mandates, and EU litigation. Jan Magne Langseth oversees the team and takes point on abuse of dominance mandates, cartel investigations, and antitrust litigation. Espen I Bakken handles work in the medtech and pharma sectors, while litigator Karin Fløistad acts for clients in the media and energy sectors, attracting praise for her ‘high knowledge level and precision‘.

Practice head(s):

Jan Magne Langseth


Other key lawyers:

Karin Fløistad; Espen I Bakken


Testimonials

‘A broad team with overlapping areas of knowledge. Speeding up actions and also securing discussions around interpretations.’

‘Extremely tight follow-up and personal passion in solving problems, creating the best possible positions.’

‘The team is efficient and knowledgeable. Solution-oriented in customer communication. Always provide the most efficient team members.’

‘I have worked closely with some of them for years. I will follow the same people going forward as I have always been given high-quality support, solid legal advice and timely responses. The company represents exceptionally high value.’

‘Strong knowledge about EU law and policies.’

‘Karin Fløistad, expert in EU law and policies. High knowledge level and precision in the advice.’

Key clients

Alarmkundeforeningen (“The Alarm Customers’ Association”)


Alsaker Fjordbruk


Nødnett


British American Tobacco


Coop


Melanor


Kindred Group PLC /(Unibet)


Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA (and Widerøe)


Baxter Inc.


Snusbolaget / Haypp Group


St1 Group


Synnøve Finden


Telia


Buypass AS


The Ministry of Trade, Industries and Fisheries


The Ministry of Transport and Communication


TV 2/Riks TV


Yara International ASA


Signicat AS


Abbott Inc.


Work highlights


  • Representing Alarmkundeforeningen in the first-ever class action for damages brought against cartel participants in Norway.
  • Representing Horisont Energi regarding the set up of Barents Blue, Europe’s first large-scale hydrogen/ammonia production based on natural gas from the Barents Sea.
  • Acting as competition counsel to Yara.

Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS

Lauded by clients as ‘simply the best’, Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS continues to act on the full spectrum of EU and competition work, with a ‘stellar’ offering that spans antitrust, cartel, merger control, and regulatory state aid mandates. Practice head Heidi Jorkjend has extensive experience advising on investigations and general merger control mandates. Siri Teigum takes point on contentious mandates, complex mergers, and a range of EEA and competition cases before the various European courts. The ‘experienced and highly competentEivind Vesterkjær has a broad practice that spans competition, state aid, and public procurements matters.

Practice head(s):

Heidi Jorkjend


Other key lawyers:

Siri Teigum; Eivind Vesterkjær


Testimonials

‘Thomessen is a stellar law firm; the go-to firm in Norway. Their lawyers are pragmatic, down-to-earth and sharp litigators. They were simply the best.’

‘Eivind Vesterkjær is an experienced and highly competent adviser who can be trusted to serve his clients in the best possible way. He is responsive, communicates well with clients and provides practical advice taking relevant business perspectives into account.’

‘Easy-going and highly professional competition practice. The team was swift to familiarise itself and get up to speed on what we needed.’

‘Competent, agile, practical approach, responsive.’

‘Heidi Jorkjend has been our main contact. She has an excellent understanding of a very complex legal area and was able to quickly get up to speed. From working with her and her team, it’s also clear that she makes an effort to include her associates and ensures that they are given a chance to participate directly with the client in a meaningful manner.’

‘Highly experienced and excellent legal knowledge in EU and competition matters. Siri Teigum has outstanding knowledge of competition law.’

Key clients

SpareBank 1


Kongsberg Gruppen


Veidekke ASA


Ringnes ASA


Gyldendal ASA


Lindum AS


Eviny AS


BAMA


NorgesGruppen ASA


Circle K


Mestergruppen


El-Proffen AS


Ferd


Triton Partners


DAF Trucks N.V. / DAF Trucks Deutschland GmbH


Lyse AS / Lyse Produksjon AS


Kahoot! ASA


Storebrand ASA


HitecVision


Peak Invest


Elkem ASA


Altor


Rexel Dévéloppement S.A.S.


Play Magnus Group


NTS ASA


Bluestep Bank


Danske Bank


Wintershall Dea


BW Offshore


Bane NOR


Work highlights


  • Assisting NorgesGruppen ASA in relation to the Norwegian Competition Authority’s ongoing investigation of the Norwegian foodstuffs market.
  • Advising Gyldendal in connection with the decision of the Norwegian Competition Authority to impose a fine on Norway’s four largest publishing houses and the provider of the database Bokbasen for alleged exchange of future book prices and other competitively sensitive information.
  • Assisted Elkem with the competition law aspects of the transaction that transformed its subsidiary Vianode (producer of sustainable battery materials) into a joint venture between Elkem, Norsk Hydro and Altor.

Wiersholm

Håkon Cosma Størdal and Elisabeth Lian Haugsdal jointly oversee the team at Wiersholm, which has broad competence across the full spectrum of EU and competition issues. The ‘very impressive‘ Størdal handles complex Norwegian and cross-border competition matters, including merger mandates, antitrust investigations, and follow-on litigation. Haugsdal has extensive experience acting for clients in complex litigation proceedings before the Norwegian Competition Authority as well as various EU authorities. The core team also includes seasoned antitrust litigator Stephan L Jervell, described by clients as ‘a rock star in court’, as well as Thomas Naalsund, a key contact for contentious state aid and public procurement matters. At associate level, the ‘very sharpEdvard Hamer Rojahn is also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Håkon Cosma Størdal; Elisabeth Lian Haugsdal


Other key lawyers:

Stephan L Jervell; Edvard Hamer Rojahn; Thomas Naalsund


Testimonials

‘The Wiersholm competition team is a top competition outfit in Norway. Their strength lies in a deep understanding of the law, including relevant EU case law. Their lawyers are critical thinkers and always take the ‘devil’s advocate’ in effect shifting the discussion to what the competition authority will think or do or how they will react to our arguments.’

‘Håkon Cosma Størdal is a veteran competition lawyer. He keeps a cool head and is ready to tackle judges’ most probing questions. Håkon is always pushing the discussion further, asking probing questions and testing the robustness of the legal and economic arguments.’

‘Stephan L. Jervell is a rock star in court, very positive and proactive, and a convincing advocate before judges. Edvard Hamer Rojahn is a rising star, very sharp and always adding to the discussion with important contributions.’

‘The team is headed by Håkon Størdal. He is very impressive. Størdal combines in-depth knowledge of competition law with commercial, strategic and practical thinking. He takes ownership and is able to communicate complex issues in understandable terms. He has been a true resource and guided us with a firm hand in this complex and challenging matter.’

‘We have had the pleasure of working with Stephan Jervell and Elisabeth Haugsdal in addition to several other associates on the Wiersholm team. Jervell is a strategic thinker and his background in litigation has been very valuable in this case. Haugsdal is dedicated, knowledgeable and has full control of the law. She also is a valuable speaking partner and understands the commercial realities. I would also like to recommend Edvard Rojahn as an excellent associate in this area.’

‘Håkon Cosma Størdal is highly skilled and experienced in all aspects of competition law. He has excellent communication skills, has a strong commercial mind and is always available.’

‘Very skilled with a good overview of EU competition legislation and EU bodies. We have good experience with Wiersholm and have had no need to use competing law firms.’

‘Elisabeth Haugsdal is highly appreciated for her excellent competence and availability.’

Key clients

Altor Funds


DNB


Bertel. O. Steen


Coop Norge SA


Felleskjøpet SA


Hurtigruten ASA/ Hurtigruten AS


IK Investment Partners


JCDDecaux


The Ministry of Petroleum and Energy


Schibsted ASA


Svenska Handelsbanken AB


Veidekke ASA/Seby AS


Bravida


Mowi ASA


Wilh. Wilhelmsen Holding ASA


Kistefos AS


Visma AS


Hafslund ASA


Statnett SF


Sector Alarm Holding AS


EQT


The Norwegian Heart and Lung Patient Organisation (LHL)


Statkraft


Santander Consumer Bank


SB1 Markets


Vipps MobilePay AS


Vipps Holding AS/BankID BankAxept AS


Netfonds Holding


Summa Equity


Veidekke Entreprenør AS


Skanska Norge AS


Entur AS


Boreal Norge AS


Den Norske Opera og Ballett


Torghatten ASA


ABB AS


Discovery Communications Europe Limited


Bastø Fosen AS


Viking Redningstjeneste Topco AS


Anora (Former Arcus ASA)


Widerøe’s Flyveselskap AS


Norwegian Banks’ Guarantee Fund


KLP


Ticket


Algeco Holdings B.V


Equinor ASA


Strawberry AS


The Ministry of Trade, Industries and Fisheries


The Ministry of Petroleum and Energy


Nordic Capital


AF Gruppen


Multiconsult


Trønderenergi ASA


Aneo AS


Norsk Hydro ASA


Orkla ASA


Yara International ASA


IBM


Space Norway AS


Discovery Communications Europe Limited


Bane NOR SF


OSM Maritime Group


Work highlights


  • Successfully represented Schibsted ASA before the Norwegian Supreme Court, where the Norwegian Competition Authority (NCA) and the Competition Appeal Tribunal’s decision to block Schibsted’s acquisition of Nettbil was annulled.
  • Successfully represented a client before the Norwegian Supreme Court, where the Supreme Court confirmed that Norwegian procedural law did not allow for holding group members responsible for external funding costs in a class action such as the one at issue filed by “Alarmkundeforeningen”.
  • Assisting Widerøe AS with the acquisition by Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA before the Norwegian Competition Authority.

Wikborg Rein

The ‘extremely knowledgeable and pragmatic’ team at Wikborg Rein acts for large private companies and public bodies in Norway, including major energy, telecoms, aquaculture, and transport players. Handling a high volume of infringement cases before Norwegian competition authorities, the team is also routinely instructed to act on antitrust investigations, follow-on claims and cartel mandates. Mads Magnussen heads up the team and is hailed by clients as a ‘fantastic adviser’. Preben Milde Thorbjørnsen is another core member of the team and handles both contentious and non-contentious competition mandates, including transactions and infringement litigation. Specialist counsel Stuart Stock, who is dual-qualified in Norway and England, takes point on cross-border and international matters, with an emphasis on merger control work. Hanne Camilla Zimmer departed the team in 2023.

Practice head(s):

Mads Magnussen


Other key lawyers:

Stuart Stock; Preben Milde Thorbjørnsen


Testimonials

‘The team from Wikborg Rein has been led by partner Preben Milde Thorbjørnsen. He is very knowledgeable and experienced, despite his young age, and has the rare ability to put complex matters into understandable and clear language.’

‘The Wikborg Rein team combines deep knowledge of EU and Norway competition law with a very practical approach to giving advice.’

‘They have a deep understanding of the law and regulations that they manage to apply in a pragmatic and commercial manner.’

‘We are very impressed with the competition law team as they are extremely knowledgeable and pragmatic, solution oriented and great to work with.’

‘The team is knowledgeable and provides sound legal advice in a clear and pragmatic way. The team is diverse. They know our business and goals, and support us to reach our goals whilst ensuring we comply with competition law risks.’

‘Stuart Stock has vast experience and knowledge of competition law. He is efficient, a problem solver and communicates clearly. I trust his advice.’

‘In my opinion, Wikborg Rein’s team deliver exceptional quality, are service-minded and very pleasant to work with. But above all, they really know what they are doing and are first class advisers.’

‘I have used Mads Magnussen in Wikborg Rein as legal adviser for many years, in a number of different cases. He is a fantastic adviser. He is efficient, extremely knowledgeable and pleasant to work with. I have worked with several other good lawyers too, but Mads Magnussen stands out as my first choice.’

Key clients

Telenor


Norsk Hydro


AB Volvo


Aschehoug


NorgesGruppen


Jotun


Amedia


Verisure


Lerøy Seafood Group


Vygruppen


Elkem


Kesko


Naftogaz


Transocean


Norsk Gjenvinning


DFDS


Altor


Odfjel


Bertel O. Steen Power Solutions


Statkraft


FSN Capital


Solstad Offshore


Work highlights


  • Representing Telenor in connection with a large follow-on damages claims, made by its competitor Telia, based on decisions of the EFTA Surveillance Authority and the Norwegian Competition Authority imposing large fines on Telenor for abuses of a dominant position in the Norwegian market.
  • Representing Aschehoug in relation to a large investigation into alleged anti-competitive behaviour in the Norwegian publishing market, where the Norwegian Competition Authority imposed a total of NOK545m in fines on the four large Norwegian publishers.
  • Advised Kesko, and in particular its subsidiary Onninen AS, on the acquisition of its competitor Elektroskandia Norge AS (previously a part of the Rexel Group).

CMS Kluge

With demonstrable strength in state aid and public procurement work, CMS Kluge fields a ‘highly competent and hardworking’ team which is also increasingly active in the complex merger control field. Henrik Nordling heads up the team and focuses on national and European competition issues, state aid work, and regulatory mandates. ‘Strong leaderBjørnar Alterskjær has a strong track record in advising private companies and governmental entities on large and complex state aid matters, while Clemens Kerle handles notification and complaint procedures before the EFTA Surveillance Authority.

Practice head(s):

Henrik Nordling


Other key lawyers:

Bjørnar Alterskjær; Clemens Kerle; Stian Hultin Oddbjørnsen


Testimonials

‘The team is highly competent and hardworking and tuned into Norwegian society – which is important in the state aid field.’

‘Bjørnar Alterskjær and Clemens Kerle are the firm’s stars, by far. Both are pillars in the state aid legal community.’

‘Bjørnar Alterskjær is a strong leader with an important focus on building a strong team with the best network.

‘Clemens Kerle is super smart within his field and has great qualities when it comes to written argumentation. Henrik Nordling is business-oriented and puts in use and suggests other tools to support our case, if it’s pre-meeting or approaching things from a different angle.’

‘In my opinion Kluge has the largest and most outstanding EU/EEA Competition, State aid and public procurement law practice in Norway. They are particularly good at state aid and public procurement. The lawyers have heavy professional expertise and commercial understanding and provides extensive assistance to both private and public actors.’

‘Bjørnar Alterskjær and Stian Hultin Oddbjørnsen are both very knowledgeable, service-minded and efficient.’

‘Quick response. Expert knowledge. Forward leaning.’

‘Expert knowledge. Nice to work with. Thorough.’

Key clients

Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries


LEIA


HeltHjem Netthandel


ENWA


PLU


Norwegian Association for District Heating


Cramo


CEPI


NorgesGruppen


UECC


Låssenteret


Work highlights


  • Advising ENWA on its sale to Skion, securing unconditional Phase II approval from the Norwegian Competition Authority.
  • Advising the Norwegian government on structuring the aid package in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
  • Advising HeltHjem on a complaint relating to the financing of certain activities of Posten, the national postal incumbent.

Kvale Advokatfirma DA

Lauded by clients for its ‘excellent professional expertise and industry understanding’, Kvale Advokatfirma DA handles merger clearances, infringement claims, and abuse of dominance cases for a strong group of clients in the telecoms, media, grocery, and life sciences sectors. Practice head Kristin Hjelmaas Valla handles merger clearance, cartel and leniency processes, and compliance work, while Robert Lund takes point on state aid and public procurement cases; state aid forms a core pillar of work for the group. The ‘eliteGjermund Mathisen joined the group and has extensive in-house experience from the EFTA Surveillance Authority.

Practice head(s):

Kristin Hjelmaas Valla


Other key lawyers:

Gjermund Mathisen; Robert Lund; Hermann Solheim


Testimonials

‘Insight in market and business issues, coupled with strong legal competence.’

‘The team offers a combination of excellent professional expertise and industry understanding with practical advice.’

‘Kristin Hjelmaas Valla and her team have provided proactive and highly appreciated support and advice in complex, high-profile cases of great importance for the company. Their services and advice have been relied on with success in both long-term projects and separate cases.’

‘Extremely knowledgeable and probably one of the best in Norway in this field. I worked with Robert Lund and Gjermund Mathisen.’

‘Kvale has assisted us with several state aid legal issues. They are very professional and the deliveries have been very good.’

‘We have received particularly good assistance from Gjermund Mathisen. His solid background in state aid and experiences from ESA have been very valuable. He responds quickly and works efficiently.’

‘Gjermund Mathisen: outstanding knowledge of the EU law, including the bureaucratic procedures. An elite academic and legal practitioner who is also able to convert the academics into applicable and “to the point” advice.’

‘Kristin Hjelmaas Valla: One of the most efficient lawyers dealing with competition cases in Norway and for merger cases in particular. Hermann Solheim: Understands cases really quickly.’

Key clients

Telia Norge


Hydro


Pfizer


Tine


Visa Europe


Vigmostad & Bjørke


Barilla


Coca Cola European Partners Norge


GlobalConnect


DLF (the Grocery supplier’s association)


NHO Mat og Drikke (FoodDrinkNorway)


Grønnegata 21


Kirkeveien 72


Mano


Nortura


Elkjøp Nordic / Currys


Ministry of Trade and Industry


Lerum


DNB Bank


Diplom-IS


Bilia


Tradesolution


The Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities (KS)


The Coastal Shipowners Association (Kystrederiene)


Innovation Norway


Work highlights


  • Advising Vigmostad & Bjørke on its appeal against the Norwegian Competition Authority’s investigation and infringement decision, finding it participating in an anti-competitive agreement with other book publishers.
  • Advising Elkjøp Nordic on the ongoing investigation by ESA (EFTA Surveillance authority).
  • Working for several parties involved in the Boligbygg case, a large state aid lawsuit filed by the Municipality of Oslo relating to the so-called ‘housing construction scandal’.

Advokatfirmaet Schjødt AS

Advokatfirmaet Schjødt AS leverages its Scandinavian network of offices to advise its clients on both domestic and international joint ventures, investigations, and the competition aspects of large mergers. Olav Kolstad leads the competition group and stands out for his extensive track record advising oil and gas sector clients on the full range of contentious and non-contentious EU and competition mandates. Kolstad works alongside litigator Thomas Nordby, a public procurement and EU competition law specialist. Also in the core team is Elsa Brandt Stensrud, whose broad practice has a notable focus on abuse of dominance cases and investigations by the Norwegian Competition Authority.

Practice head(s):

Olav Kolstad


Other key lawyers:

Thomas Nordby; Elsa Brandt Stensrud


Testimonials

‘I recommend Olav Kolstad.’

‘Experienced, to the point.’

Key clients

Cappelen Damm AS


Mowi ASA


Schlumberger Limited (SLB)


Fjordkraft ASA


TietoEVRY Oyj


Norsk Hydro ASA


SalMar ASA


Royal Unibrew A/S


FSN Capital Partners


Orkla ASA


Work highlights


  • Assisted Vår Energi ASA in connection with the E&P company’s acquisition of Neptune Energy Norge AS, which happened in parallel with the Italian company Eni S.p.A’s acquisition of Neptune Energy’s rest of the world business.
  • Assisted Schlumberger Limited on all aspects of its participation in a joint venture together with Aker Solutions and Subsea 7.
  • Assisting Cappelen Damm ASA in an ongoing complaint before the Norwegian Competition Appeals Board.

Selmer

With strength in merger control and transaction-related competition issues, Selmer acts for public and private sector clients on the full range of public procurement matters, investigations, and state aid mandates. Ole-Andreas Torgersen and Karen Anne Rekkedal jointly lead the team; Torgersen is recommended for his extensive merger control expertise as well as distribution and cartel-related litigation, while Rekkedal is the name to note for public procurement and state aid matters.

Practice head(s):

Ole-Andreas Torgersen; Karen Anne Rekkedal


Testimonials

‘Very experienced, top legal skills, strategic and clever.’

‘Understands our business and mindset.’

‘The team has thorough knowledge of our companies and the business within which we operate, which makes them able to offer prompt and to-the-point advice.’

‘The people that we work with are direct, able to scope the work in accordance with our needs and give clear guidance on not only the legal question but also the documentation needed.’

‘The team is always available, motivated and keen on doing an outstanding job for us as a client. They are impressively well coordinated between themselves.’

‘Our key partner regarding EU and competition practice is Ole-Andreas Torgersen. He is driven, genuinely interested in giving us value-adding advice and always trying to be a good adviser with efficiency. I would give Mr. Torgersen my best recommendations.’

Key clients

Orkla


SpareBank 1 Sørøst-Norge


Daimler


Institute for Energy Technology


Nordic Concrete Group


Foodora Norway


SpareBank 1 Betaling


Balder Betaling


Eika VBB


Betong Øst


Å Energi (former Agder Energi and Glitre Energi)


Gjensidige Forsikring


Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations


Fjord1


Alstom


Advania Norge


Getinge


EQT


Canon


Rælingen Municipality


Bertel O. Steen


Nor Tekstil


Bekk Consulting


Solar Norge


Vedal Entreprenør


Viking Entreprenør


Strøm Gundersen


Leca


Rælingen kommune


SBB


Ardoq


Northcom


Dossier


Work highlights


  • Advised Daimler on the follow-on claim lawsuit from the Norwegian Postal Services (Posten Norge) following the European Commission’s truck cartel case.
  • Advised Agder Energi on its merger with Glitre Energi, creating Å Energi.
  • Advised SpareBank 1 Betaling, Balder Betaling and Eika VBB, three of the largest owners in Vipps, the Norway-based mobile wallet, on a merger between Vipps and MobilePay, the Denmark-based mobile wallet.

DLA Piper

DLA Piper leverages its global network of offices to provide an EU and competition offering with particular strength in cross-border mandates, advising clients on merger control, compliance and state aid matters. Line Voldstad heads up the practice and takes point on merger filings, EU regulatory matters, and general competition issues for clients in the energy, retail, and pharma industries. Kjetil Haare Johansen has a focus on distribution matters and regulatory due diligence.

Practice head(s):

Line Voldstad


Other key lawyers:

Kjetil Haare Johansen


Testimonials

‘DLA Piper has very good expertise in several areas that are relevant to us. Our contact has very good expertise in the industry and is a very good sparring partner.’

‘The team has a deep understanding of a broad range of legal topics and has built up expert experience which is of great value to our firm in order to identify risks, opportunities and next steps.’

‘Efficient and to the point.’

Key clients

Gassnova


Norwegian Competition Authority


Work highlights


  • Appointed as trustee to monitor Nortura’s compliance with behavioral remedies following its acquisition of Steinsland & Co.

Advokatfirmaet Haavind AS

Acting for clients in the technology and renewables industries, Advokatfirmaet Haavind AS’ fields a ‘highly skilled and hardworking’ team with expertise in merger control issues, follow-on damages litigation, and state aid matters. Simen Klevstrand, who is ‘highly skilled in all aspects of the competition law field’, oversees the practice and takes point on merger control cases in the technology industry. He is supported by a strong team of associates, including the ‘bright-mindedGaute Bergstrøm and Marianne Henne Møller, who handles abuse of dominance matters.

Practice head(s):

Simen Klevstrand


Other key lawyers:

Gaute Bergstrøm; Marianne Henne Møller


Testimonials

‘A tight, highly skilled and hardworking team of competition law experts. Particularly service-minded and easy to work with.’

‘Simon Klevstrand – Highly skilled in all aspects of the competition law field. Very good at pinpointing all relevant aspects and considerations when providing advice, thereby ensuring the best possible basis for decision-making.’

‘Gaute Bergstrøm – Bright-minded, calm, always on top of the matter at hand. Convincing both as adviser and litigator.’

‘Marianne Henne Møller – Completes the team perfectly. Always keeps track of the details.’

‘Very quick, very pragmatic, real experts.’

‘Simen Klevstrand: Super responsive, friendly, great to work with.’

‘I have worked primarily with Simen Klevstrand and working with him has been a pleasure. He is consistently responsive, strategic and with a good eye for the big picture.’

Key clients

NorgesGruppen


Posten Norge


Norsk Hydro


NBF


Helse Sør-Øst HF


FSN Capital Partners


Recharge


Renewables Norway


Sjømat Norge


OBOS


Norsk Industri


Work highlights


  • Representing Posten Norge in the first cartel damages claim ever litigated before Norwegian courts, against European truck manufacturers fined by the EU Commission in 2016.
  • Acting for a Norwegian salmon farming company in the European Commission’s ongoing cartel investigation.
  • Advised Netsecurity, a Norwegian tech company specialist in IT security, on the competition law aspects of its acquisition of its competitor Data Equipment AS, and handled the merger filing to the Norwegian Competition Authority.

Advokatfirmaet Hjort

Under the leadership of the ‘stand-outMonica Syrdal, Advokatfirmaet Hjort has demonstrable strength in regulatory issues and contentious competition matters, with a solid track record in litigating cartel cases, price-fixing litigation, and abuse of dominant position mandates. Syrdal takes point on contentious competition mandates and investigations for clients in the media and telecoms sector, while Heddy Ludvigsen is the name to note on the state aid front.

Practice head(s):

Monica Syrdal


Other key lawyers:

Heddy Ludvigsen


Testimonials

‘Hands-on, in-depth understanding of our industry.’

‘Always top service. Grasps what is needed to investigate and proactively makes us aware of possible pitfalls or opportunities that lie within the legal framework. Partner Monica Syrdal is a stand-out with great skills and services for the assistance we seek.’

‘Advokatfirmaet Hjort impresses us with being to the point and keeping a practical focus. They have a good understanding of our business and work efficiently to provide valuable advice.’

‘Heddy Ludvigsen, public procurement and competition law: Solid advice, professional, quick response, easily available. Monica Syrdal, competition law: very competent, practical focus, quick response, to the point.’

‘Skillful and with high competence within the legal area that is important to us (EU-law within the railway area). Good service in every way.’

‘Hjort covers several of our needs and Monica Syrdal always finds someone who can contribute to the team. High quality in deliveries. They always show up. Listens if we have objections and is good at learning and listening.’

‘Monica Syrdal has particularly high qualities. She is always on and delivers extremely well in all contexts. She draws on others if she knows they can contribute and works well with others.’

Key clients

Telia


Polaris Media ASA


Allente


Avinor AS


Bokbasen AS


Nordea AS


Bane NOR


REMA


Sopra Steria


Norsk Dekkretur


Work highlights


  • Representing Bokbasen in the so-called “Bokbasen” case which concerns an illegal information exchange case in the Norwegian publishing industry.
  • Represented Bane NOR (which operates the Norwegian railway infrastructure) in a dispute with Flytoget (the main operator transporting passengers to and from the main airport in Oslo) and the Norwegian Railway Authority regarding competition law principles of non-discrimination with respect to fees.
  • Advised Avinor AS on the state aid notification of a new airport in Mo i Rana.

SANDS

SANDS ‘excellent team within EU and competition practice’ advises clients active in a wide range of industries, including the fisheries and aquaculture, waste and recycling, healthcare, and transport sectors. The team has a particular focus on providing competition compliance advice, assisting with merger control processes, and supporting in private damages litigation. The team is headed up by Aksel Joachim Hageler, who possesses expertise in infringement and access to the market cases as well as risk analysis related to merger proceedings. With ‘deep knowledge of competition law’, Thomas Sando routinely handles competition-related matters for large and medium-sized domestic and foreign companies. Special counsel Lennart Garnes has ‘broad knowledge’ of EU and EEA free movement rules, and public procurement, competition and state aid law.

Practice head(s):

Aksel Joachim Hageler


Other key lawyers:

Thomas Sando; Lennart Garnes


Testimonials

‘Always available and have a practical approach to the application of law.’

‘SANDS has excellent knowledge of competition law as well as public procurement law.’

‘We work most with Thomas Sando, who is outstanding. Thomas is extremely service-minded, and he always responds at short notice. Probably because of his deep knowledge of competition law and his calmness and professionality, we always feel that we have an advantage in discussions with counterparts – and that we have chosen the best lawyer.’

‘The team has proven very valuable as they possess detailed competence of all aspects of legal issues regarding international business trade. Our company is engaged in complex system deliveries across the globe and face numerous legal challenges concerning contracts and potential issues. They have always been able to provide the correct competence and experience to provide good legal advice within all such areas.’

‘Lennart Garnes, Special Counsel: He has an excellent analytic approach and I have been impressed by his ability to identify important challenges overlooked by others. I trust his advice and feel at rest when he presents the practical consequences of a given legal framework.’

‘SANDS offers an excellent team within EU and competition practice. A particular strength of the team is its dedication to the case and thoroughness. The team communicates well in cases with complex stakeholder structures’.

‘All individuals I worked with exhibit a high standard of expertise and utmost professionalism. I have particularly valued their caution towards legal risks and ability to incorporate independent economic analysis into their proceedings. I worked with Partner Aksel Joachim Hageler and Special Counsel Lennart Garnes.’

‘Sands has a strong position in the Norwegian Market. The main reason for this is their reputation for housing the best legal competence in Norway, attracting the smartest and the most hardworking lawyers in the market. Our main contact has been Thomas Sando, the managing partner in Sands. He has supported us on several big public tenders with a great success.’

Key clients

Iveco Group (CNH Industrial; Iveco; Iveco Magirus; and Stellantis N.V.)


Stendi & Norlandia Health & Care Group


Bewi Norway AS


Volvat Medical Center (Ramsay Health Care Limited)


Research Council of Norway


NOFIMA


Norsk Takst


Salvesen & Thams


Work highlights


  • Defending CNH Industrial against a NOK410m claim, a result of the European Commission’s record-breaking €3bn cartel fine in 2016.
  • Advising Stendi & Norlandia on a legal battle against Oslo Municipality’s exclusive allocation of public nursing home service contracts to non-profits.
  • Provided legal guidance to NOFIMA which has helped ensure compliance with State aid and competition laws, particularly concerning projects that blend research and development with commercial sales, and involve collaborations with other entities.