BAHR > Oslo, Norway > Firm Profile
BAHR Offices

TJUVHOLMEN ALLÉ 16
PO BOX 1524 VIKA
0117 OSLO
Norway
BAHR > The Legal 500 Rankings
Norway > Banking and finance (including shipping finance) Tier 1
At BAHR, restructuring mandates and covered bond matters form key pillars of strength for the practice, and the department has a solid track record in acting for borrower and lender clients on large-scale transactions. The ‘extremely efficient‘ Ida Marie Windrup attracts praise, and clients claim her ‘knowledge of the industry is very impressive‘; she specialises in debt capital matters. Practice head Richard SjøqvistPractice head(s):
Richard Sjøqvist
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Very commercial and precise.’
‘Ida Marie Windrup – very good at client handling and high quality delivery.’
‘Magnus Tønseth-very commercial and has a quick understanding of clients’ needs.’
‘Very experienced company and lawyers. Excellent assistance in challenging cases.’
‘From our perspective, BAHR has been the number one law firm within the covered bond segment since before Norway had its own covered bond legislation.’
Key clients
Nordea Bank Abp
DNB Group
Sparebank 1 Gruppen
Handelsbanken
Sparebanken Vest
Sparebanken Sør
Export Finance Norway (Eksfin)
ABN AMRO Bank N.V.
ING Bank N.V.
Norvestor Equity
Aker Group (incl. Aker Solutions, Akastor, Kværner, Aker Pensjonskasse, and Aker Insurance)
HitecVision Advisory
Argentum Asset Management
Norway > Capital markets Tier 1
BAHR‘s team garners praise for its ‘legal and strategic understanding, coupled with commercial acumen‘. The practice has an excellent track record in handling equity capital markets mandates; the team recently advised DNB Bank on all the Norwegian legal aspects of its public takeover of Sbanken ASA. Large-scale restructurings, refinancings and EMTN programme matters have also been key drivers of work for the group. Lars Knem Christie advises on IPOs and public M&A; he shares leadership of the practice with DCM expert Richard SjøqvistPractice head(s):
Lars Knem Christie; Richard Sjøqvist
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Legal and strategic understanding, coupled with commercial acumen.’
Key clients
ABG Sundal Collier
Aker Group
Pareto Securities
Norwegian Trustee
DNB Bank and DNB Markets
Norwegian Air Shuttle
Adevinta
HitecVision
Morgan Stanley
JP Morgan
Sparebank 1 SMN
Edda Wind
Norway > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 1
The ‘strong‘ team at BAHR continues to handle a steady workflow of large-scale transactions, and reports an increase in instructions in the technology, aquaculture, energy and oil and gas sectors. Practice head Øystein Guvåg stands out for his expertise in assisting Nordic and international private equity clients with M&A matters, and deputy head Lars Kristian Sande has experience in assisting TMT clients and industrial investors. Svein Gerhard SimonnæsPractice head(s):
Øystein Guvåg; Lars Kristian Sande
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Very client-centric, pragmatic and solution oriented.’
‘The BAHR partners stand out with a unique combination of legal skill and insight, commercial understanding, and at the same time having the ability to seek pragmatic solutions.’
‘BAHR always provides a strong and highly competent team, with an exceptional degree of partner access for the client. In the Norwegian market we perceive them as by far the best with regards to M&A.’
Key clients
Arctic Securities
Aker, including its affiliates, Aker Solutions and Aker BP
The John Fredriksen Group, including its affiliates Seatankers, Golden Ocean Group, Frontline, FLEX LNG and Archer, and others
Explore Equity
Norvestor Equity
Axcel
HitecVision
REITAN
Argentum Fondsinvesteringer
Blackstone
Equip Capital
Maersk
Nordea
DNB Bank
Triton
Work highlights
- Acted for Aker and Aker BP in a NOK125bn merger between Aker BP and Lundin Energy Norway.
- Acted for a consortium of investors, consisting of Hafslund Eco, HitecVision and Infranode, on the consortium’s acquisition of Fortum’s 50% stake in Fortum Oslo Varme, and assisted the City of Oslo with its divestment of a 50% stake in Fortum Oslo Varme to Hafslund Eco.
Norway > Dispute resolution Tier 1
BAHR is home to ‘a dedicated and utterly professional dispute resolution team, with a fantastic ability to transform complex factual and legal issues into a understandable language‘. Led by contractual litigation expert Atle Skaldebø-Rød, who is also highly regarded for his experience in arbitration proceedings, the group counts commercial litigation as a key driver of work, with insolvency disputes, post-M&A issues and contentious shareholder mandates prominent in the team’s workload. The practice has a strong focus on the oil, insurance, pharmaceuticals and onshore and offshore construction sectors. Managing partner Thomas K. Svensen focuses on energy sector arbitration and litigation, while Jan JansenPractice head(s):
Atle Skaldebø-Rød
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Atle J. Skaldebø-Rød is very sharp, intelligent, prepared, professional, delivered much-needed local guidance and provided excellent results.’
‘Ability to make complex issues straightforward and focus on the key areas.’
‘Jan Jansen is very capable. Eyes on the target.’
‘Always well prepared.’
‘Sam Harris gives very good advice.’
‘Advice was clear.’
‘A dedicated and utmost professional dispute resolution team, with a fantastic ability to transform complex factual and legal issues into a understandable language. Such ability ultimately benefits us as client in court proceedings.’
‘If its possible to win, they will do.’
Key clients
DNB Bank ASA
Sognekraft AS
AINMT Holdings AB and Ice Group Scandinavia Holdings AS
Asset Buyout Partners AS/Åsane Næringspark AS
Steen & Strøm AS/Økern Sentrum ANS
Future Production Holding
OMV (Norge) AS
Coast Seafood AS
Huritgruten Coastal AS
Work highlights
- Representing Sval Energi AS in a $4.1m dispute with Searcher Seismic Pty Ltd concerning a contractual fee.
- Assisted DNB Bank with a NOK450m damages claim arising from alleged wrongful payments made to one of the client’s customers from the government.
- Successfully acted for Sognekraft AS in a post-M&A dispute concerning the termination of a share purchase agreement.
Norway > Employment Tier 1
Tarjei Thorkildsen heads up the employment practice at BAHR, which is particularly well known for representing its established employer-side client base in mandates. In a recent highlight, Tor Olav Carlsen led the advice to life sciences company Aleris Røntgen in a dispute arising from the interpretation of a collective agreement concerning a working time arrangement. Peter Hammerich is sought out for his expertise in pensions law, Børre Sofus Arnet is a key contact for private equity issues, and of counsel Geir Mikalsen assists with the employment aspects of transactions. Senior associates Hannah Osberg Andresen and Agnes Inora Marie Strøm Olsen are also key contacts.Practice head(s):
Tarjei Thorkildsen
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Highly professional and reliable in their work. Excellent legal qualifications and counselling that makes us feel safe when decisions must be taken.’
‘The team has a high level of competence with a mix of established partners and up and coming lawyers. The team has a high standard in their day to day assistance in ongoing cases.’
‘Tarjei Thorkildsen stands out in the market as one of the most competent employment lawyers.’
Key clients
The Employer’s Association Spekter
Norwegian Airline
Color Line
Aker ASA
Norsk Luftambulanse
Sporveien Oslo AS
NRK (Norwegian Broadcast Corporation – NRK)
Sport 1
Posten Norge/Bring
HitecVision
Sval Energi AS
Work highlights
- Acting as longstanding employment law counsel to Spekter, one of Norway’s leading employers’ confederations.
- Providing ongoing employment law advice to Norconsult, including assistance with collective agreements and pension issues.
Norway > Energy
With ‘commercial and efficient advice’ and ‘deep knowledge that never stops impressing’, BAHR is a key name in the market for transactional work across all elements of the energy sector and is also highly regarded for its knowledge of regulatory challenges, development projects, financings, litigation and commercial agreements. In the renewable energy space, the group acts for a high-profile client roster of public and private entities in the carbon capture, offshore wind and hydropower production industries, and the team is also a go-to contact for leading oil and gas E&P companies and oil services businesses. Jon Christian Thaulow leads the energy and environmental law group, while Stig Klausen Engelhart heads up the petroleum division and managing partner Thomas K. Svensen excels in oil and gas projects. Other key practitioners include transactional specialists Rune Svoren and Trond Lingaas, Morten Smørdal, who handles electricity production and wind farm developments, and Jan B. Jansen, who focuses on contentious work.
Practice head(s):
Jon Christian Thaulow; Thomas K. Svensen; Stig Klausen Engelhart
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘On point advice. Very service-minded and pleasant to work with.’
‘Highly competent and always on top of things.’
‘BAHR has sufficient resources to always be able to put together a team that can handle peak loads. Extremely good availability.’
‘My main person within BAHR is Stig Klausen Engelhart. He has been the responsible partner for several significant projects over the last years. In particular I will emphasise his excellent commercial skills, to not lose sight of the commercial objectives and contribute to finding good solutions for us that are acceptable for the counterpart. He is very solution oriented and has always been able to solve sensitive matters and maintain progress according to the timeline.’
‘The BAHR team are always able to address a wide range of legal challenges and demonstrate ability to solve issues that require competence within multiple areas and disciplines.’
‘In general, their deep knowledge of the various parts of the E&P value chain never stop impressing me. I have worked with Trond Lingaas in particular and he demonstrates an understanding of the practical challenges and awareness of any commercial interfaces leaving great confidence in the end products he has been involved with.’
‘BAHR is great due to: – its highly skilled lawyers – its well designed support teams fit to suit the relevant tasks – its customer service and priorities – its diversified teams – its customer availability and service level – its format of practical legal advice and input – its branch- and customer knowledge.’
‘The BAHR team supporting us provides superb legal support by allocating the best team for the relevant task adding unique competence.’
Key clients
Hafslund AS
Statnett
Oslo Municipality (Oslo kommune)
Aker Horizons AS
Aquila Capital
Ymber AS
Aker Offshore Wind
Celsio (formerly Fortum Oslo Varme)
Freyr AS
Aker Carbon Capture
Aker Clean Hydrogen
EDF
Sognekraft AS
Aker BP
Aker Energy AS
Equinor
TOTAL
Shell
ExxonMobil
Neptune
Vår Energi
Sval Energi
CapeOmega
Petoro
Aker Group Companies (Aker, Aker Solutions, Akastor)
Seadrill
PGS
OMV
Work highlights
- Assisting Aker Horizons with its €1bn acquisition of Mainstream Renewable Power, a leading independent renewable energy company with a presence in multiple jurisdictions, and the subsequent €575m investment by Mitsui in Aker Mainstream Renewables.
- Assisted an investor consortium consisting of Hafslund AS, HitecVision and Infranode with the acquisition of Fortum’s 50% stake in Fortum Oslo Varme AS (now Hafslund Oslo Celsio AS), the largest supplier of district heating in Norway, and acted for Hafslund AS and the City of Oslo in relation to the latter’s transfer of a 50% stake to the former.
- Advising Aker and Aker BP in connection with the NOK125bn acquisition of Lundin Energy Norway AS.
Norway > EU and competition Tier 1
Led by Helge Stemshaug, the department at BAHR has an excellent track record in handling antitrust and cartel investigations, damages claims and merger control matters, and reports an increase in public procurement and state aid instructions. The client roster includes names in the oil and gas, renewable energy, offshore and media sectors. In recent work, Beret SundetPractice head(s):
Helge Stemshaug
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Excellent legal expertise.’
‘Beret Sundet is an excellent competition lawyer. She is distinctly solution-oriented, and provides concise and practical advice. She is also service-minded.’
Key clients
REITAN AS
DNB Bank
Aker ASA
Aker Solutions ASA
Aker BP
Aker Offshore Wind
Akastor
Color Line
Noble Corporation
Sport Holding
Strawberry Publishing
Posten Norge AS
Hafslund Eco
Work highlights
- Assisted Akastor with multi-jurisdictional merger filings, concerning the establishment of a joint venture between Akastor and Baker Hughes.
- Acting for grocery company REMA 1000 in the Norwegian Competition Authority’s investigation into alleged discriminatory pricing in the grocery sector.
Norway > Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 1
BAHR‘s restructuring group is highly regarded for its ‘legal and strategic understanding, coupled with commercial acumen‘. The department has a solid track record in acting for bondholders and banks, with cross-border restructuring work and prominent insolvency matters acting as core areas of instruction for the team. Richard SjøqvistPractice head(s):
Richard Sjøqvist
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Magnus Tønseth is on top of the game.’
‘Diverse expertise, ranging from national to international practices such as capabilities in Chapter 11 processes.’
‘Magnus Tønseth’s dedication and drive to get things done promptly truly stands out.’
‘Legal and strategic understanding, coupled with commercial acumen. Best team in Norway.’
Key clients
Aker Group
Nordea Bank Norge ASA
DNB Bank ASA
Nordic Trustee ASA
ICE Group ASA
Norwegian Air shuttle ASA
Norvestor VI L.P.
ING Bank NV
Swedbank AB
Work highlights
- Acted as joint lead restructuring counsel for a coordination committee of creditors, representing lenders under 12 credit facilities, holding approximately $5.7bn of secured debt concerning the restructuring of an offshore company.
- Advised Nordea Bank Norge ASA, as agent for a syndicate of lenders, in connection with the refinancing of Prosafe SE and its subsidiaries.
Norway > Insurance Tier 1
BAHR is renowned for its work with major international and domestic insurance groups in the marine and offshore insurance fields and is highly regarded for its knowledge of regulatory matters and disputes. The firm has niche expertise in marine insurance, personal injury claims and issues relating to real estate insurance and property damage claims. Jan JansenPractice head(s):
Jan Jansen
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘They set up a small efficient team for handling the matters and they provide swift and clear advice, and they are confident in their conclusions, making it easy to use their advice when handling matters.’
‘Atle Skaldebø-Rød is a very bright lawyer who is always accessible and who displays deep knowledge on a wide range of issues. He is also an excellent litigator.’
‘Mads Schjølberg is a bright lawyer who provides swift and actionable advice, and he has a calm and pleasant demeanour, which makes him easy to work with.’
‘The team has excellent legal capabilities and very good knowledge of the P&I market and insurance practice. The combination of insight into the industry and legal knowledge is key and a strength that the firm and its insurance team provide.’
‘Mads Schjølberg and Atle Skaldebø-Rød: Industry insight, excellent legal knowledge and quick turnaround of complex matters. Very good at seeing commercial realities in a legal context. Atle is a very good and strategic negotiator.’
‘Very hands on and client friendly approach. Legal issues are understood quickly, and they do not waste time on unnecessarily lengthy advice (unless specifically requested).’
‘Atle Skaldebø-Rød is a great litigator and an excellent man for the courtroom, with great appreciation of commercial issues as well, Mads Schjølberg is one to watch for the future.’
‘Mads Schjølberg is a senior associate worth following. He is a pleasant and very skilled lawyer.’
Key clients
Zurich Insurance Group
Chubb Insurance
Norwegian Hull Club
Assuranceforeningen Skuld (Gjensidig)
Den Norske Krigsforsikring for Skib
If Skadeforsikring NUF
Tryg Forsikring NUF
Nordnet AB
DNB Livsforsikring ASA
Oslo Pensjonsforsikring ASA
AIG
Protector Forsikring
Livsforsikringsselskapet Nordea Liv Norge AS
Duvi AS
Aker pensjonskasse
The Norwegian association of pension funds (Pensjonskasseforeningen)
Work highlights
- Represented the Strawberry Hospitality Group (Choice Hotels) in a coverage dispute with Codan, Scandinavia’s third largest insurance company, concerning losses related to the Covid-19 outbreak.
- Representing Norwegian Hull Club in a large P&I direct action brought by West of England P&I Club. The claim relates to damages to a valuable cargo of drilling rigs. The case is the first-time coverage defences under a P&I policy will be heard by the Norwegian courts.
- Assisted with the development of the DNB Scandinavian Property fund, including the establishment of new Norwegian and Luxembourg feeders, adjustments to Solvency II, AIFMD, different tax issues, VAT and a number of capital issues from the different feeders.
Norway > Maritime law Tier 1
Praised as an ‘extremely strong team’ and a ‘go-to’ firm for many in the maritime space, BAHR fields a leading shipping practice, working with elite Norwegian blue-chip businesses operating in Norway and abroad. Shipping banks, marine insurers, brokers, ship-owners and ship operators all trust the broad ranging, full-service expertise of the group. The team also has a prominent dry shipping practice, which handles a wide range of equity capital market transactions in the maritime space, and leverages the firm's strong litigation practice. Geir Gustavsson and Anne Dahl Frisak co-lead the group; Gustavsson is praised for his ‘excellent commercial mindset while still delivering impeccable legal advice’, and the ‘reliable’ Frisak focuses on high-value shipping and offshore transactions, including sale and leaseback projects, shipbuilding contracts, vessel purchases and charterparties. Robin Bakken is a M&A and equity capital market expert, and Ida Marie Windrup focuses on sustainable financing within the maritime sector. Øystein Meland joined the firm’s Bergen office from Wikborg Rein, bolstering the firm’s dry shipping practice.
Practice head(s):
Geir Gustavsson; Anne Dahl Frisak
Other key lawyers:
André Ueland; Richard Sjøqvist; Ida Marie Windrup; Robin Bakken; Øystein Meland; Rolf Johan Ringdal;Lars Knem Christie
Testimonials
‘Geir Gustavsson has for a long time been my preferred partner for maritime law. He has a unique ability to see alternative solutions and provide solid advice on matters that go beyond what one expects from a lawyer. He has an excellent commercial mindset while still delivering impeccable legal advice.’
‘Our group works with Øystein Meland and have followed him since he got his new position in BAHR when they established in Bergen. Our team also has André Ueland. Our team is competent with social knowledge, and we collaborate easily.’
‘I consider Øystein Meland to be the most experienced and competent lawyer in Norway in legal matters regarding shipbuilding and shipbuilding contracts.’
‘An extremely strong team. Our go-to firm in Norway.’
‘On ship finance, team leader Richard Sjøqvist is very able and particularly well-connected and Partner Ida Marie Windrup is also extremely good and fantastically diligent – a very safe pair of hands. Partner Geir Gustavsson knows the shipping industry very well, is very commercial and communicates well. Partner Anne Dahl Frisak is also good and reliable.’
Key clients
Eastern Pacific
Cool Company
Torghatten
PGS
Østensjø Rederi
Color Line
Okeanis
Navig8
Nordea
DNB
The Aker Group
Assuranceforeningen Skuld (Gjensidig)
Norwegian Hull Club
Star Bulk
Philly Shipyard ASA
Edda Wind
Golden Energy Offshore
Fosen Namsos Sjø AS
Hurtigruten Group ASA
Stadyard
Solstad Offshore ASA
Havfram
Work highlights
- Advised Aker Capital, part of OSE-listed Aker ASA, on a strategic process relating to the sale of all of its shares (61.65%) in OSE-listed Ocean Yield ASA, a leading Norwegian maritime leasing company (taken private following the transaction), to KKR, resulting in a recommended voluntary offer by KKR on all shares in Ocean Yield ASA.
- Advised Eastern Pacific in connection with its $150m investment and acquisition of a large equity stake in Cool Company Ltd.
- Advised Edda Wind on its separation from its founder through its business combination with, and investment from, the Norwegian blue-chip ship-owning group, Wilh. Wilhelmsen.
Norway > Offshore construction and shipbuilding Tier 1
Fielding ‘a very experienced team’ with ‘excellent communication and advisory skills’, the offshore construction and shipbuilding practice at BAHR sits within the firm’s wider Ocean and Energy group. Noted for its premier advice on innovative development projects and high-value transactions, the team is trusted by high-profile Norwegian and international clients in the construction and shipbuilding sectors. The broad-based practice also advises on carbon capture and storage (CCS) facilities, shore power projects and offshore wind farm developments. Geir Gustavsson and Morten Smørdal co-lead the ‘competent and capable’ team; Gustavsson ‘combines excellent legal skills and business acumen’ particularly on shipbuilding contract negotiations and disputes, and Smørdal is the go-to individual for floating, production, storage and offloading contracts. Oil and gas field development projects are the purview of both Jan Einar Barbo and Thomas K. Svensen, Øystein Meland
is a shipbuilding expert, and Haakon Flaatten and Anne Dahl Frisak are also recommended.
Practice head(s):
Geir Gustavsson; Morten Smørdal
Other key lawyers:
Eirik Høiby; Øystein Meland; Jan Einar Barbo; Are Stenvik; Thomas K. Svensen; Haakon Flaatten; Anne Dahl Frisak
Testimonials
‘Competence and capabilities – always up to date, their effectiveness, capabilities and access to specialists when needed, excellent communication and advisory skills, their availability and response time.’
‘Geir Gustavsson combines excellent legal skills and business acumen in a unique manner, and his sparkling personality makes him a pleasure to work with. The teams are tailor made and, if required, they are able to include prominent experts like Are Stenvik and Jan Einar Barbo.’
‘A very experienced team.’
‘Eirik Høiby is very experienced and knows the offshore construction business well. Haakon Flaaten is also a safe pair of hands.’
Key clients
Aker BP ASA
Northern Drilling Limited
Torghatten Nord AS
Moreld AS
Edda Wind
Stadyard
MHWirth AS
Akastor AS
Østensjø Rederi AS
Aker Solutions AS
Future Technology AS
Aker Oilfield Services AS
Work highlights
- Assisted Østensjø Rederi and Edda Wind with ordering six new Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (CSOVs) and Service Operation Vessels (SOVs) from the shipyards Astilleros Gondan and Astilleros Balenciaga in Spain.
- Representing Future Production Holding AS in a dispute against Atle Korsmo and Hag Invest AS involving its claim for damages of NOK13.8m plus interest from the sellers under an indemnity in an agreement relating to the shares in Future Production AS.
Norway > Real estate Tier 1
The ‘highly competent’ BAHR team handles high-value real estate transactions and undertakes projects that require broad expertise across various practice areas, including project developments, real estate tax issues and corporate finance work; the practice is also a preferred adviser for large property developments and urbanisation projects. The firm has a notable client list, including large institutional investors, life insurance companies, private equity funds and asset managers, and recently advised Aker on the acquisition of several sites for a large industry hub in Narvik. The team is led by the excellent Anne Sofie BjørkholtPractice head(s):
Anne Sofie Bjørkholt
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Contributes with security and professional expertise in structuring real estate transactions and development matters.’
‘Highly competent team. Diversified skills within all fields of real estate.’
‘Andreas Rørvik among the top 5 lawyers within Real estate in the Norwegian market. Skilled negotiator finding balanced solutions through thorough reasoning. Great ability to stay calm and create a good climate in negotiations.’
‘The team combines excellent legal skills with a very good business understanding. They also have a very good standing in the property market, making them able to find solutions and get the deal done.’
‘The team has a high level of competence with a mix of established and very competent partners and up and coming young lawyers. The team has a high standard in their day-to-day assistance in ongoing cases, but they also provide much valued tips for improvements and legal updates that are relevant for our business.’
‘They have a high level of concern for the client and the clients’ needs that exceed the concrete case.’
‘Anne Sofie Bjørkholt is our preferred partner/lawyer for real estate issues. She is extremely knowledgeable and has a broad experience in the industry. She also has a respectful and pedagogical approach with is very valuable in negotiations.’
‘They have a resourceful, competent and available team.’
Key clients
Aker ASA/Fornebuporten
Rica Hotels
AVA Eiendom AS
Oslo Pensjonsforsikring
Deka Bank Deutche Girozentrale
Höegh Eiendom AS
Union Eiendomskapital
DNB Livsforsikring ASA/DNB Scandinavian Property Fund
Fredensborg Eiendom AS/Fredensborg Bolig AS
Schage Eiendom AS
Entra
Work highlights
- Assisting Aker and Aker Horizons with the acquisition and development of several industrial properties in the city of Narvik as part of their green energy strategy.
- Assisting Höegh Eiendom/Verket Moss with the development of a former cellulose plant outside Moss Municipality.
- Assisting Fredensborg Bolig with the acquisition of the majority of the development projects owned by developer Naturbetong. The portfolio includes a development potential of around 50,000 sqm. in the Oslo region.
Norway > Regulatory, compliance and investigations Tier 1
BAHR has a ‘sophisticated’ compliance and risk management team, which is a ‘go-to for complex matters‘ and also benefits from the notable experience and expertise in the firm’s banking and asset management regulatory and compliance teams when handling a variety of anti-corruption and international trade compliance matters. The group advises a number of financial service organisations, asset managers and investment funds in the Nordic region, as well as companies in the energy and offshore services sectors. The ‘incredibly responsive and knowledgeable’ Morten Smørdal focuses on providing a wide range of advice to clients within the energy and industry sectors, and senior associate Annina Luterbacher is particularly experienced in compliance and risk management matters which leverage her environment and energy knowledge. Jon Christian Thaulow, who leads the firm’s environment and energy department, and Peter Hammerich, who is head of the firm’s asset management and private equity industry group, also contribute to the practice.Practice head(s):
Morten Smørdal; Annina Luterbacher
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘BAHR has the most sophisticated compliance practice in Norway. They are our go-to firm for complex matters that touch Norway.’
‘Morten Smørdal is a compliance expert and also very commercial. He is able to bring practical solutions to novel and complex compliance issues.’
‘BAHR has an integrated compliance practice that is able to service clients on a wide range of issues. BAHR was able to bring together a knowledgeable team of experts that helped assist with the precise issues we were focused on.’
‘BAHR’s team was excellent across the board. We worked most directly with partner Morten Smørdal and managing associate Annina Luterbacher. Each of them was incredibly responsive and knowledgeable, and we were extremely pleased with their work.’
‘Annina Luterbacher stands out for her diligence, responsiveness, and legal expertise.’
‘The most important element for us is the capability to understand complex business matters and quickly relate them to relevant regulatory legislation and act accordingly. Their international perspective has proven extremely valuable in new regulatory matters.’
Work highlights
- Advising a variety of prominent Norwegian and international clients on establishing compliance and ESG programmes, including conducting industry and business-specific risk assessments, drafting policies, procedures and internal control routines and assisting with the development of compliance e-learning.
- Providing advice to various Norwegian and international clients in relation to compliance in the context of major M&A transactions.
- Regularly advising prominent clients on the potential impact of trade sanctions and export control regimes, such as sector-related asset freeze sanctions.
Norway > Tax Tier 1
BAHR‘s tax team is ‘highly competent and experienced‘, and garners praise as ‘excellent to work with, always welcoming, and assists in an outstanding way‘. Real estate tax is a key driver of work for the group, alongside assisting a solid client roster of oil and gas and petroleum companies with tax litigation, structuring matters and transfer pricing work. The department is also well known for its capabilities in handling the tax aspects of M&A transactions, an area ‘very analytical‘ practice head Joachim BjerkePractice head(s):
Joachim Bjerke
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Jan Jansen is really good at making complex matters simple and provides valuable input. He has the ability to see an issue from different angles and provides trustworthy advice. He is splendid to work with and always listens carefully to the client.’
‘Joachim Bjerke is extremely diligent. With his knowledge and sound judgement, he also impresses in-house business experts.’
‘Joachim Bjerke is an absolutely first-class tax lawyer, and very easy to co-operate with. He gives very robust and realistic advice. He is an excellent team player and adviser in complex transactions.’
‘Excellent legal skills and at the same time good business understanding.’
‘The tax team at BAHR is highly competent and experienced. They have excellent business understanding and when needed also draw on other parts of the law firm chasing the best solution for the client. The team is excellent to work with and are always welcoming and assist in an outstanding way.’
Key clients
Aker BP
Shell
Awilhelmsen
HitecVision
Equinor
Argentum
Norvestor
Explore Equity
DNB Scandinavian Property Fund
Equip Capital
Aker Asset Management
UNION
Work highlights
- Assisted Aker BP with all tax aspects of its NOK125bn acquisition of Lundin’s oil and gas business in Norway, including tax issues arising from a post-closing restructuring.
- Assisted Norvestor with all tax aspects of the restructuring of its fund business and the establishment of its eighth private equity fund.
- Advised private equity company HitecVision on the cross-border tax and structuring aspects of two cross-fund investments in Sval Energi AS and Neo Energy Ltd.
Norway > Construction Tier 2
BAHR is well versed at handling both infrastructure development projects and complex contractual disputes related to construction projects. Particularly strong at advising on infrastructure projects, the team handles some of Norway’s high-profile public projects, including the high-speed railway Follo Line Project, and various water projects for Oslo municipality. The practice is co-led by onshore construction specialists Sam E. Harris and senior associate Sofie Komissar; the latter has extensive experience in design and engineering contracts. Jan Einar BarboPractice head(s):
Sam E. Harris; Sofie Komissar
Other key lawyers:
Jan Einar Barbo; Halvor Mathisen
Testimonials
‘Jan Einar Barbo is highly skilled.’
‘Competence and response time.’
Key clients
Aker Solutions ASA/Aker ASA /Akastor ASA /Aker BP ASA
Statsbygg
Sporveien AS
Bane Nor SF
Hafslund Oslo Celsio AS
Oslo municipality, department of water and sewage
AVA Eiendom AS
Steen & Strøm AS
Work highlights
- Advising Statsbygg in connection with the NOK6bn project for the construction of the new National Museum in Oslo.
- Advising Bane NOR under a framework agreement, assisting them with various matters related to construction projects.
- Assisting Oslo municipality with an infrastructure project regarding the construction of a new water supply for Oslo.
Norway > Fishing and aquaculture Tier 2
Lisa Marie Opdahl leads BAHR‘s fishing and aquaculture practice, which maintains a strong track record in advising on high-value mergers and transactions. Recent highlights for the team include advising on several large offshore fishery construction projects. Opdahl is trusted by many high-profile seafood industry players on contractual and regulatory mandates, and Stig Engelhart is also noted within the team, particularly for regulatory work.Practice head(s):
Lisa Marie Opdahl
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘They are responsive and know the topics well. Quick action and a strong support team of many specialists.’
‘Overall very good team with broad expertise.’
Key clients
SalMar ASA
Cermaq Group AS / Cermaq Norway AS
Aker Capital AS
Ocean Aquafarms AS
Aker BioMarine AS / Aker Biomarine Antarctic AS
PG Flow Solutions AS
Norvestor
SalmoClinic SpA / Salmoclinic Norway AS
Cargill Inc.
Bluefront Equity AS
Cflow Fish Handling AS / Cflow Fish Handling S.p.A
Salmon Evolution ASA
DNB Bank ASA/ DNB Markets
Arctic Securities AS
EWOS AS
Pareto Securities AS
Norsal AS
Arion Banki hf.
EnFlow AS
ABG Sundal Collier
Framo Fusa AS
Israel Corp.
Coast Seafood AS
Work highlights
- Acting for Aker Capital AS (a subsidiary of Aker ASA) in relation to the creation of a strategic partnership with SalMar ASA to establish a global offshore aquaculture company.
- Acting as legal adviser to SalMar ASA in connection with its voluntary NOK15.1bn offer to purchase all outstanding shares in NTS ASA.
- Assisted Israel Corp., a listed Israeli company, in connection with its investment in AKVA group ASA, one of the world’s largest providers of solutions and services to the aquaculture industry.
Norway > Intellectual property Tier 2
Are Stenvik and managing associate Eirik Basmo Ellingsen jointly head up the intellectual property practice at BAHR, which is highly regarded for its established expertise in patent litigation. Life sciences and pharmaceuticals companies are prominent in the group’s client base, which also acts for retail, aquaculture and technology sector entities. Of counsel Gunnar SørliePractice head(s):
Are Stenvik; Eirik Basmo Ellingsen
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Aker
Amer Sports
Baker Hughes
Bayer
Cisco
Equinor
Ewos AS
Neurim Pharmaceuticals
Novartis
Reitan Convenience
REMA 1000
Roche/Genentech
Umoe Restaurants
Work highlights
- Representing Neurim Pharmaceuticals in patent litigation concerning the validity of the patent for the medicine Circadin.
- Acted for Amer Sports in patent infringement litigation, brought against the company by ski equipment companies Rottefella and Madshus.
Norway > Public procurement Tier 3
The team at BAHR is singled out for advising large private sector companies on the whole life-cycle of public procurement contracts. The group has notable strength in the pharmaceuticals, healthcare, construction, technology, media and energy sectors, and regularly assists government entities. Practice co-head Arne Torsten Andersen is acting for gambling company Norsk Tipping in long-running litigation arising from a claim brought by Maltese-based gaming company EveryMatrix, contesting the client’s award of a NOK1.5bn ID and payment platform contract to Norwegian company BuyPass. Practice co-head Beret Sundet is a key name for competition work, and managing associate Daniel Sipos is also a noteworthy practitioner.
Practice head(s):
Beret Sundet; Arne Torsten Andersen
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Arne Torsten Andersen is a highly skilled and experienced lawyer within public procurement law. He is always willing to support.’
‘Highly skilled specialist within the field.’
Key clients
GlaxoSmithKline
MSD
Eli Lilly
Novartis
Biogen
Vertex
Fortum Oslo Varme
AV Form
Norconsult
LeasePlan
NRK
TV2
Discovery Networks Norway
Nordic Entertainment Group
Reitan Convenience
Cushman Wakefield
Ministry of Transportation
Bane NOR
Statsbygg
Stamveg AS
Norconsult Informasjonssystemer AS
VR-Group
Norsk Tipping AS
Hav Eiendom AS
Nobina Norge AS
Troms Holding AS /Troms Kraft AS
Statnett SF
Norwegian Federation of Industries
Work highlights
- Assisting Statsbygg, the Norwegian Government’s property developer, with public procurement issues arising from the NOK6bn development and construction of the National Museum of Norway.
- Acting as counsel to engineering consultancy Norconsult on public procurement matters, especially tender procedures.
Norway > TMT Tier 3
At BAHR, the team continues to act as counsel to Norwegian supermarket chain REMA 1000 on all aspects of the development of Æ, an app-based customer loyalty program and discount scheme, including advising on domestic and international marketing and data protection compliance issues. TMT disputes are another core area of expertise for the group. Lars Kristian Sande, who is highly regarded for his strength in M&A, shares leadership of the practice with managing associate Eirik Basmo Ellingsen, who assists a client roster of life sciences, energy, aquaculture, and telecoms sector entities with contractual issues, litigation and transactions. Lars Norheim is sought after for his expertise in franchising and licensing law.Practice head(s):
Lars Kristian Sande; Eirik Basmo Ellingsen
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Adevinta
Bonnier
Broadnet
Cognite
Eisai & Co
Nets
Merck & Co
Nordic Entertainment Group – NENT (TV3, Viaplay, Viasat, etc.)
Norvestor
REITAN (REMA 1000, 7-Eleven)
BAHR > Firm Profile
BAHR is a leading Norwegian business law firm founded in 1966, that has successfully been advising Norwegian and international clients since then.
Our practice covers all core business law disciplines. A seamless approach to large, complex and often multijurisdictional corporate transactions is among the hallmarks of BAHR’s practice.
Many leading Norwegian and international clients turn to us for assistance in domestic and cross border matters, knowing that our team possesses the broad international experience, knowledge and business acumen they require.
We believe well-organised and focused teams based on the “best person for the job” principle are best suited to efficiently work on complex matters. While we will never compromise on the staffing and resources required to do the job, we aim at a lean and cost-efficient approach.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Asset management & Private Equity | Peter Hammerich | ph@bahr.no | |
Asset management & Private Equity | Camilla Jøtun | caj@bahr.no | |
Competition and EU Law | Helge Stemshaug | hst@bahr.no | |
Competition and EU Law | Beret Sundet | bsu@bahr.no | |
Competition and EU Law | Arne Torsten Andresen | ata@bahr.no | |
Compliance and RM | Morten P Smørdal | mps@bahr.no | |
Privacy | Lars G Norheim | lgn@bahr.no | |
Corporate M&A | Øystein Guvåg | ogu@bahr.no | |
Corporate M&A | Svein Gerhard Simonnæs | sgs@bahr.no | |
Dispute resolution | Atle Skaldebø-Rød | atska@bahr.no | |
Dispute Resolution | Jan B Jansen | jbj@bahr.no | |
Employment, Benefits and Pensions | Tarjei Thorkildsen | tth@bahr.no | |
Employment, Benefits and Pensions | Geir Mikalsen | gmi@bahr.no | |
Energy and Climate Change | Thomas K. Svensen | tks@bahr.no | |
Energy and Climate Change | Jon Christian Thaulow | jct@bahr.no | |
Energy and Climate Change | Henrik Bjørnebye | heb@bahr.no | |
Finance and Capital Markets | Richard Sjøqvist | ric@bahr.no | |
Finance and Capital Markets | Lars Knem Christie | lkc@bahr.no | |
Debt Capital Funding | Audun Nedrelid | aun@bahr.no | |
Financial Regulation | Markus Nilssen | marni@bahr.no | |
Fisheries and Aquaculture | Stig K Engelhart | skl@bahr.no | |
Fisheries and Aquaculture | Lisa Marie Opdal | lisop@bahr.no | |
Public Sector | Asle Aarbakke | aaa@bahr.no | |
Public Sector | Rune Svoren | rs@bahr.no | |
Real estate | Anne Sofie Bjørkholt | asb@bahr.no | |
Real Estate | Andreas Rørvik | aro@bahr.no | |
Real Estate | Ole Andreas Dimmen | oadim@bahr.no | |
Construction | Sam E Harris | seh@bahr.no | |
Restructuring | Richard Sjøqvist | ric@bahr.no | |
Restructuring | Magnus Tønset | magto@bahr.no | |
Shipping and Offshore | Geir Gustavsson | ggu@bahr.no | |
Shipping and Offshore | Anne Dahl Frisak | andfr@bahr.no | |
Shipping and Offshore | Lisa Marie Opdahl | lisop@bahr.no | |
Shipping and Offshore | Rolf Johan Ringdal | rjr@bahr.no | |
Tax | Joachim M Bjerke | jmb@bahr.no | |
Tax | Camilla Jøtun | caj@bahr.no | |
Technology | Lars Kristian Sande | lks@bahr.no | |
Intellectual property | Are Stenvik | ast@bahr.no |
Lawyer Profiles
Staff Figures
Number of partners : 41 Number of lawyers : 165Languages
English French German Spanish Dutch Scandinavian languagesDiversity
At BAHR, we recognise that in order to maintain our role as a leading law firm, we must be able to attract the most talented people regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation.
BAHR recruits about 30 new team members each year and we make targeted efforts to maintain and evolve diversity at the firm. Our recruitment team does at all times comprise personnel in various professional categories and of different age and gender. Our recruitment guidelines include a number of provisions to promote diversity, such as for example:
- We shall recruit from all three university law schools in Norway
- We shall have a good gender balance
- We shall attract candidates from different cultural, social, ethnical and professional backgrounds
- We shall recruit a number of experienced lawyers each year, in addition to recent graduates
- We shall each year facilitate secondments from our business partners, both in and outside Europe, typically for a period of 6 months
- We recruit a number of lawyers with international law degrees (experience from other jurisdictions and other cultures)
Working at BAHR shall provide the ultimate foundation for a successful legal career: regardless of how long a team member remains at BAHR, the time spent with us shall be rewarding and valuable. Many of our former BAHR colleagues now occupy leading positions in business and public administration, and quite a few return to BAHR after pursuing career opportunities in other organisations. This makes us proud and contributes to the diversity of our team.
The overall gender balance at our firm is favourable, at about 50/50.
It is a clear ambition for BAHR to increase the number of women in our partnership, and we are working actively to achieve this.
Comparative Guides
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Norway: Acquisition Finance
Published: January 2023
Authors: Audun NedrelidIda Marie WindrupMagnus TønsethMarkus Nilssen
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Acquisition Finance laws and regulations applicable in Norway.
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Norway: Securitisation
Published: March 2023
Authors: Markus Nilssen Vanessa Kalvenes Marcus Cordero-Moss
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Securitisation laws and regulations applicable in Norway.
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Norway: Cartels
Published: April 2023
Authors: Helge StemshaugBeret SundetArne Torsten AndersenYlva Lønvik Kolsrud
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Cartels laws and regulations applicable in Norway.
- Banking and finance (including shipping finance)
- Capital markets
- Commercial, corporate and M&A
- Dispute resolution
- Employment
- Energy
- EU and competition
- Insolvency and corporate recovery
- Insurance
- Maritime law
- Offshore construction and shipbuilding
- Real estate
- Regulatory, compliance and investigations
- Tax
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Construction
- Fishing and aquaculture
- Intellectual property