Firm Profile > Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS > Oslo, Norway
Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS Offices
HAAKON VII'S GATE 10
PO BOX 1484 VIKA
0116 OSLO
Norway
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Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS > The Legal 500 Rankings
Banking and finance (including shipping finance) Tier 1
Ellen Teresa Heyerdahl and Tore Mydske jointly lead Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS’ banking group, heading up the debt financing and financial regulatory teams, respectively. Other key practitioners include Hans Haugstad, who is a key name for cross-border financings; debt capital markets specialists Einar Grette and Halvor Mansåker, and insolvency and restructuring expert Kristoffer Hegdahl. The practice’s expertise encompasses syndicated corporate financings, acquisition finance work, project finance issues, asset financings and real estate-related matters, alongside substantial knowledge of cross-border work, renewable and infrastructure projects, and debt restructuring issues. Jan J Greve and Bjørn Sande Urtegaard are the key contacts in the Bergen office.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
DNB Bank ASA
Nordea Bank
Danske Bank
Svenska Handelsbanken
Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken
GIEK (Norwegian Export Credit Guarantee Agency)
Pareto Securities
ABG Sundal Collier
Nordic Trustee AS
Nordic Credit Rating AS
Vipps AS
Pareto Alternative Investments AS
Storebrand ASA
Sparebank1 Gruppen AS
Capital markets Tier 1
Fielding a ‘solid and very experienced team’, Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS’ practice is jointly led by Christian Grüner Sagstad and Solveig Fagerheim Bugge and also fields M&A and ECM specialist Hans Cappelen Arnesen, ‘outstanding transaction lawyer’ Anders Arnkværn and financing expert Einar Grette. The group is notably strong in the IPO market and handles the full range of ECM, DCM and regulatory work; it recently advised Oslo Bors VPS Holding on its acquisition by Euronext and also assisted Kongsberg Gruppen with its NOK5bn acquisition of Rolls-Royce Commercial Marine. Other clients include Goldman Sachs International, DNB Markets and Arctic Securities.
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Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Solid and very experienced team. Always receive senior attention.’
‘Considered by us to be the most competent and complete legal advisers in the country. Particularly good in financial services, M&A and securities transactions and on international documentation.‘
‘Strong team with leading experience and insight.‘
‘Efficient work, smooth case handling. (No detours, no unnecessary extra work).’
‘First class legal knowledge and experience coupled with solid commercial understanding.‘
‘Anders Arnkværn is an outstanding transaction lawyer and one of the foremost in his generation. Hans Cappelen Arnesen is perhaps the most trusted legal strategic adviser that we know.‘
Key clients
Goldman Sachs International
ABG Sundal Collier
Pareto Securities
DNB Markets
Nordea
Arctic Securities AS
Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB
Morgan Stanley
UBS Investment Bank
Fearnley Securities
Saferoad Holding ASA and its sponsor Nordic Capital
Salmones Camanchaca S.A.
DOF ASA
Webstep ASA
Elkem ASA
Odfjell Drilling Ltd.
Sparebanken Hedmark Sparebankstiftelse
B2Holding ASA
Oslo Børs VPS Holding ASA
Kongsberg Gruppen ASA
Shelf Drilling, Ltd.
BW Group Limited
BW Offshore Limited
BW LPG Limited
Hafnia Limited
Nordic Trustee AS
Nel ASA
Seadrill Ltd
Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 1
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:
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
Dispute resolution Tier 1
At Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS, the litigation practice fields specialists in the IP, M&A, tax, insurance, employment, shipping and energy sectors, who act for a client roster encompassing Telenor, Transocean, DNB and Bane Nor. In the team, Eirik W Raanes focuses on IP, contract, construction and insurance law and Henning Harborg is active in white-collar crime cases. Other key individuals include Bergen-based practitioners Trond Hatland and Svein Aage Valen, IP and technology litigator Camilla Vislie and tax and company law expert Hanne Skaarberg Holen. The team was also bolstered by the recruitment of Kristine Hyldmo Bjørnvik in 2019 from Advokatfirmaet Haavind AS, who also made partner in 2020 and is now head of the practice.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Thommessen are very knowledgable and are fair in explaining the risks. They will try to get an amicable solution if this is advantageous for the client. They have a huge amount of experience.‘
‘Very in-depth, know all details of the case, all members involved and involves the client in all detailed discussions.‘
‘Eirik Raanes, with his experience, makes the process clear and provides you with a feeling of comfort. During the process he shows that he is well informed. However, even in stressful times, he uses humour.‘
‘Eirik W Raanes has a strong ability to understand complex cases and follow through in the best interest of the client.‘
Key clients
Telenor ASA
Gyldendal ASA
El Proffen AS
Norwegian Hull Club
Banco Popular Español S.A./Banco Santander
Gard AS/Assuranceforeningen Gard
ING BANK N.V
Intervet International BV/MSD Animal Health
Zimmer Biomet Norway AS
TIAN Holding AS
TGS Nopec Geophysical Company ASA
Transocean
TONO SA
Kongsberg Gruppen ASA
DNV GL
Sira-Kvina Kraftselskap
DNB ASA
Hafslund ASA
Orkla ASA
KLP Skadeforsikring AS
Deloitte AS
Ernst & Young AS
Total
Orange (France Telecom)
BW LPG Holding Ltd.
Bane NOR SF
Hav Line Gruppen AS
Storebrand ASA (and subsidiaries)
Norxe AS/Norxe America, Inc
Storebrand International Private Equity V Limited (“SIPE”)
Westcon Yards AS
Electricity and renewable energy Tier 1
Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS is notably active across the renewable space and regularly acts for utility clients in the renewable energy, hydroelectric, wind, heating, waste and bioenergy sectors. The practice also stands out for its regulatory expertise and is active in infrastructure and grid operations work alongside experience in project development work, litigation, licensing issues, environmental law and restructuring matters. Practice head Jens Naas-Bibow regularly handles energy licences and energy sector regulatory work; other key practitioners include power regulation expert Gunnar Martinsen, concession law, corporate and tax specialist Bendik Christoffersen and Jacob F Bull, who advises on energy construction projects. Thomas Borch-Nielsen departed to Advokatfirmaet Grette AS.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
Agder Energi AS with subsidiaries
Akershus Energi AS
Eidsiva Energi AS with subsidiaries
Lyse Energi AS with subsidiaries
Nordkraft AS with subsidiaries
NorthConnect KS
Energi Norge
Haugaland Kraft AS with subsidiaries
Engie International Holdings BV
Zephyr AS
Midtfjellet Vindkraft AS
Agder Energi AS with subsidiaries
Employment Tier 1
The practice at Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS, which ‘gives quick and clear feedback’, is led by senior management and reputational risk expert Stein Kimsås-Otterbech in Oslo, and shipping and oil and gas focused litigator Trond Hatland in Bergen. The group also recently benefited from the recruitment of the highly regarded Tron Dalheim from Arntzen de Besche; Dalheim focuses on contentious work and is active in the oil, energy and aviation sectors. The group handles a variety of contentious and transactional employment mandates and has notable expertise in international matters; the team recently advised on the transfer of 3500 employees in 34 countries from Rolls-Royce to Kongsberg Gruppen. Other clients include Microsoft Norge, Carnegie and Yara International. Managing associate Ingrid Cathrine Nielsen is also a key name to note.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Our impression of the team is that they are aligned and coordinated. They always give quick and clear feedback on requests, and we experienced that clear guidance was given at all times throughout our project.‘
‘We worked closely with both Ingrid Cathrine Nielsen and Stein Kimsås-Otterbech. We especially appreciate the availability and timeliness of their responses.‘
Key clients
Kongsberg Gruppen ASA
NorgesGruppen ASA
Bama Gruppen AS
Microsoft Norge AS
Yara International ASA
Roche Norge
Arbeiderpartiet (Labour Party)
Carnegie AS
Nestlé
Höegh Autoliners Management AS
CGG Services
CapMan Infra and CBRE Caledon
DOF Subsea
Etac AB/Etac AS
EU and competition Tier 1
With expertise across all elements of competition work, Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS handles antitrust investigations, mergers and joint ventures, procurement work, competition litigation and state aid mandates. Practice co-head and ‘one of Norway’s best competition lawyers’ Siri Teigum advises on merger issues and disputes, while fellow co-head Eivind J Vesterkjær focuses on the technology, telecoms, offshore, life sciences and distribution sectors. Managing associate Heidi Jorkjend is also a key contact for antitrust investigations. In a recent highlight, the group represented Telenor in the EFTA Surveillance Authority’s investigation of alleged abuse of dominance in the Norwegian mobile communications market; other clients include DNB, Kongsberg Gruppen and Veidekke.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Excellent lawyers: creative, proactive and client friendly.‘
‘Very strong team with deep knowledge and understanding of competition and EU law. For Norway – a large team, with the capacity to handle large and complex cases. Very good industry understanding which is key for providing relevant advice.‘
‘Siri Teigum is an excellent practitioner. She is one of the top competition litigators in Norway.‘
‘Siri Teigum is one of, if not the best, competition lawyer in Norway.‘
‘Siri Teigum has unprecedented knowledge and experience when it comes to advising and handling abuse of dominance cases. She has vast experience in dealing with the Norwegian Competition Authority and does extremely well. I have nothing but praise for her.’
Key clients
Telenor ASA
DnB
SpareBank 1
Kongsberg Gruppen
Veidekke ASA
Ringnes
Gyldendal ASA, including its subsidiary Ark AS
Finans Norge
BAMA
NorgesGruppen ASA
Circle K
Mestergruppen
El-Proffen AS
Fishing and aquaculture Tier 1
Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS’ fishery and aquaculture team handles the full spectrum of matters in the sector encompassing patent issues, contractual work, transactional matters and financings with notable expertise in regulatory mandates. The practice’s client base spans producers, transportation companies, banks and financiers; notable examples include Pelagia, Sølvtrans, DNB Bank and Biomar. Mons Alfred Paulsen, who clients praise as ‘an outstanding professional in his field’, leads the Bergen-based department and focuses on M&A, corporate and tax issues; Rune Ulriksen Steinsland handles contract law, and recently promoted senior associate Henrik Lovund has experience in contractual issues, M&A and regulatory work.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘In-depth knowledge of the business, always on the alert and available, excellent capabilities.‘
‘Thommessen and the lawyers that we cooperate with in this firm are very service-minded, always available for discussions on short notice. They also have a great understanding of the industry, the players and the topics that we have needed assistance with.‘
‘The team has an overall insight to all aspects of our industry, they have a unique network of relations within the industry keeping them updated on hot and relevant topics. The team also has specialists to support us with top-level skills in all possible assignments.‘
‘The partners I have dealt with in aquaculture matters have a very good knowledge of the sector, both in Norway and abroad, e.g. South America. They are dynamic and very proactive, always working out solutions. Most importantly, they cover finance and tax aspects of the transactions, but where most lawyers would stop, they also provide regulatory advice and dominate pure operational aspects of the ships, fish and cages.‘
‘I will mention Mons Alfred Paulsen in particular. He is an outstanding professional in his field.‘
‘Leader of the team, Mons Alfred Paulsen, has, with his extensive knowledge of our industry and his network, created an efficient and capable team.‘
‘Both Bergen partners Rune Ulriksen Steinsland and Bjørn Sande Urtegaard are dynamic and pro-active.‘
Key clients
Sølvtrans
Pelagia
Biomar
MSD Animal Health
EWOS/Cargill
NCE Seafood/The Seafood Innovation Cluster
DNB Bank
Nordea Bank
Hav Line Gruppen
Austevoll Seafood/ Br. Birkeland
Måsøval
Bolaks
Isqueen
Firda Seafood Group
Lingalaks
Salmonor
Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 1
Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS excels at a domestic and international level and handles the full breadth of work including financial restructurings, insolvencies, debt negotiations and foreign procedures including Chapter 11 issues and Scheme of Arrangements. The team is particularly recognised for its sector expertise in the oil and gas, offshore and shipping industries; it has been notably active assisting banks and loan syndicates with multiple restructuring projects in the oil services sector. Kristoffer Hegdahl heads up the practice and specialises in financial restructurings; Einar Grette focuses on the bank and bond markets, Halvor Mansåker handles financial restructurings in the bond market, and Ellen Teresa Heyerdahl is an expert in debt financing work.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
Nordic Trustee (+ bondholders committees)
DNB Bank ASA
Nordea Bank
Danske Bank
Swedbank
GIEK (The Norwegian Export Credit Guarantee Agency)
DVB Bank SE
ABN Amro
NIBC
The Export-Import Bank of China (CEXIM)
Seadrill
Eksportkreditt (Export Credit Norway)
Eksportfinans ASA
Handelsbanken
DBS
Danish Ship Finance
SpareBank 1 SR-Bank
Sparebank 1 Søre Sunnmøre
Sparebanken Møre
Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken (SEB)
Insurance Tier 1
Andreas Meidell leads the department at Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS, which is a key name for marine insurance work; the group recently represented Norwegian Hull Club in a total loss matter relating to a vessel detention in Nigeria. The practice also advises on non-marine insurance, liability and recovery, and regulatory and corporate insurance work for its insurer client base. Henrik Hagberg is singled out for his oil services and shipping expertise, Tore Mydske acts for financial institutions, Trond Hatland is the key contact in Bergen.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
Gard
Den norske Krigsforsikring for Skib
Norwegian Hull Club
Tryg
Industriforsikring
UK Club
Zurich
XL Caitlin
Chubb
Navigators
Markel
Allianz
AXA Corporate S.A.
Cardif
RiskPoint
Intellectual property Tier 1
The 'analytical and solution-oriented' practice at Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS is a go-to name in the market for high-profile and complex IP disputes spanning patent, trade mark, trade secret, copyright and unfair competition claims, regularly acting in the Supreme Court. The group is also highly active in major IP transactions and stock exchange listings; the team recently advised Kongsberg Gruppen on the IP aspects of its acquisition of Rolls Royce's commercial marine business. Camilla Vislie heads up the practice, which also fields the highly regarded Eirik W Raanes and managing associate Magnus Hauge Greaker, who focuses on industrial patent law.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Thommessen has a good IP team with Eirik Raanes and Magnus Greaker. They work well together and have a good knowledge of IP issues. In addition, they have a good understanding of the industry and know what it is about. That means that they can give good advice.‘
‘Dedication is top notch, flexibility in terms of finding ways forward under difficult circumstances is very good, and competence in relevant fields of expertise is superb.‘
‘I have mainly worked with Camilla Vislie. She is highly skilled, provides reliable advice on the basis of thorough assessments of the relevant matter.‘
‘High theoretical skills and legal knowledge.‘
‘Eirik Raanes is a very experienced lawyer and is able to value the issues on their merit and is therefore well able to focus on the issues that matter. He does this in a very relaxed and calm manner with a good sense of humour.‘
‘Magnus Greaker knows the issues very well and will go the extra mile for you. He is a no-nonsense person and will provide clear advice.‘
‘Professional, friendly, in-it-together feeling, at the same time arms-length distance in terms of providing advice.‘
Key clients
TONO SA
Samsung Electronics
Dagens Næringsliv AS
Ulstein ASA
BioMar Group AS
Gramo
Orkla ASA
Eli Lilly and Company
Zimmer Biomet Norway AS
Welltec A/S
Enhanced Drilling AS
Telenor Digital AS
Equinor (formerly Statoil) ASA
Kongsberg Maritime AS
Krogh Optikk AS
Norgesgruppen ASA
Patogen Analyse AS
Rolex (Gros & Waltenspühl)
Intervet International BV (MSD)
Tetra Pak AB
Beerenberg Corp. AS
PatientSky AS
IFPI Norway
Nexans Norway AS/Nexans SA
Video Communications Services AS
Maritime law Tier 1
Mads Haavardsholm heads up the department at Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS, which handles the full range of contentious and non-contentious shipping work for its client roster of ship owners, banks, rig owners and insurers. The practice also works closely with the firm’s banking and finance, insolvency, litigation and M&A teams to provide a cross-disciplinary service. The group’s core areas of expertise span charter parties and freight contracts, transactional work, vessel and rig sales and purchases, financing mandates and competition law. Stephen Knudtzon is a key name for contract law, insurance work and litigation; Olav Vikøren focuses on dry shipping matters, and Andreas Meidell and Henrik Hagberg are recommended for insurance-related mandates.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
Höegh Autoliners and Höegh LNG
Wilh Wilhelmsen Holding ASA
Gard AS
Offshore Heavy Transport AS
Forland Shipping AS
Island Offshore AS
Jo Tankers AS
Knutsen NYK Offshore Tankers ASA
Norwegian Hull Club
BW Maritime/BW Offshore/BW LPG
Team Tankers International Ltd.
Fearnley Advisors AS
TRF Ship Management AS
Clean Marine AS
Belships ASA
Kongsberg Gruppen ASA
Gdansk Shiprepair Yard “Remontowa” SA
Tschudi Shipping Company
Hunter Group ASA
Offshore construction and shipbuilding Tier 1
With ‘excellent negotiation and analytical skills’, Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS acts for offshore yards, shipyards, EPC contractors, suppliers, shipowners, rig owners and oil and gas companies on a range of contentious and non-contentious mandates including restructurings, development projects, contractual issues and disputes. Noteworthy practitioners include construction project specialist Jacob F Bull, shipping practice head Mads Haavardsholm, Henrik Hagberg, who also assists with insurance work; and Pål Lieungh, who has experience handling international projects. Litigator Kristine Hyldmo Bjørnvik, who joined from Advokatfirmaet Haavind AS in 2019, made partner in early 2020.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Thommessen’s team has excellent negotiation and analytical skills. I can highly recommend them.‘
‘The group is pragmatic and to the point.‘
‘Pål Lieung is a very good negotiator – very convincing and able to find commercial solutions.‘
‘Jacob Bull is an excellent legal thinker.‘
‘Jacob Bull has a sharp legal mind, but with the ability to combine it with real life experience and industry knowledge.‘
Key clients
Equinor ASA (previously Statoil ASA)
Myklebust Verft
DNO International ASA
Island Offshore/Borgstein
RAK Petroleum PLC
Enhanced Drilling AS
Dong E&P A/S
ConocoPhillips
Kongsberg Gruppen
NYMO AS
Viken Shipping
Gdansk Shiprepair Yard “Remontowa” S.A.
Vard Group AS
Fearnley Advisors AS/Transportation Recovery Fund
Apollo Asset Ltd/Hunter Group ASA
Arne Blystad/Offshore Heavy Transportation
Qatar Navigation – Milaha
Connect LNG AS
Island Drilling AS
OHT Alfalift AS
TECO Tech AS
Oil and gas Tier 1
Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS excels across the full spectrum of oil and gas mandates including M&A, financing work, development projects and litigation. ‘Rising star in the oil and gas sector’ Christian Hals leads the oil and gas team while ‘great negotiator’ Pål Lieungh heads up the oil services practice; Jacob F Bull is also singled out for his expertise in development projects, Mads Haavardsholm focuses on contract negotiations and transactions, Ståle R Kristiansen assists with tax-related matters, and Henrik Hagberg handles work in the oil services sector. Kristine Hyldmo Bjørnvik is also recommended for contentious work; she joined the firm in 2019 from Advokatfirmaet Haavind AS and made partner in 2020. The practice also notably strengthened its Stavanger offering in 2020 with the recruitment of Thomas Abrahamsen, Audun Stornes and newly promoted partner Jone Stakkestad from Kluge Advokatfirma AS.Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Excellent client service and great quality advice. The firm is especially strong in oil and gas work in the energy sector and has an excellent track record. The team is very well informed on what is happening in the market and with regulators and other oil and gas stakeholders. Hands-on, client driven and very easy to work with.’
‘Thommessen’s team have excellent negotiation skills and are very analytical in their approach.’
‘They do not beat around the bush and they find solutions.’
‘Christian Hals is a rising star in the oil and gas sector. He is very pleasant to work with, dedicated and able to deliver top quality work at all times.’
‘Pål Lieungh is a great negotiator with a hands-on approach. He really is your true adviser.‘
‘I have worked extensively with Audun Stornes, Thomas Abrahamsen, and Jone Stakkestad. All three are first class oil and gas lawyers with excellent industry knowledge and work ethic. Availability, client engagement, and speed of response are top rate. Thomas specialises in oil and gas M&A work and is a highly effective negotiator; calm, logical and pragmatic, but very persistent when the situation requires it. Audun and Jone have a wider remit and provide well considered and effective advice across the oil and gas spectrum.‘
Key clients
BP International
Equinor
Kongsberg Gruppen
INEOS E&P
Seadrill
DOF ASA
Island Offshore
Faroe Petroleum
PGNiG Upstream Norway AS
Odfjell Drilling
Transocean
Shelf Drilling
DNV GL
BW Offshore
RAK Petroleum
Circle K
EDS Group
TGS-Nopec
MOL Norge
ONE-Dyas
Myklebust Verft
TTC Norge AS
Veolia Environmental
Energean
Real estate Tier 1
With a team of ‘outstanding individuals’ who are ‘knowledgeable, accurate and well oriented in the market’, Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS handles the full range of real estate issues and is noted for its transactional, development and project management expertise. The practice also has environmental law and contentious experience. Practice head Christopher Borch is praised by clients as ‘a bright lawyer who thinks outside the box’, the ‘always excellent’ Christian Müller specialises in property developments, and Even Bratsberg assists with real estate transactions and refinancing work. Vidar Havsgård is the key contact in Bergen.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Thommessen has outstanding individuals within all relevant real estate topics compared to its peers.’
‘The team are always ready to help out – day and night!’
‘The team is knowledgeable with quick and accurate responses, and is well oriented in the market.’
‘Christian Müller and Chris Borch are both outstanding individuals, with in-depth knowledge in all real estate topics.’
‘Chris Borch is a bright lawyer with a lot of experience. Thinks outside the box.’
‘Mads Ole Haugen is a steady lawyer with deep experience.’
‘Christian Müller is excellent, always fast and provides reliable answers.’
Key clients
Artic Securities AS
Clarksons Platou Real Estate AS
Nordic Real Estate Partners AS
Norwegian Property ASA
Oslo Areal AS
Starwood Capital Group
Watrium Eiendom AS
Promenaden Property AS
Scandinavian Property Group AS
Angelo Gordon
Meyer Bergman
Realkapital Investor AS
Oslo Airport City AS
Storebrand Eiendom AS
Søylen Eiendom AS
Industrifinans Capital AS
Kruse Smith Eiendom AS
Bulk Industrier AS
Mustad Eiendom AS
Geilo Holding AS
Blackstone
Glastad Farsund AS and Fortus AS
Vika Project Finance AS
Carucel Eiendom AS
Canica Eiendom AS
Eiendomshuset Malling & Co AS /Malling & Co Eiendomsfond AS
Tellus Eiendom AS
Tristan Capital Partners
Scandinavian Development Constructive Development AS
Orkla Eiendom AS
Neptune Properties AS
Norgesgruppen ASA
Tax Tier 1
Finn Backer-Grøndahl heads up the department at Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS, which is recognised for its expertise in Norwegian corporate tax work, energy, petroleum and shipping tax regimes; indirect taxation, international work including tax treaties and transfer pricing mandates, and tax litigation. Backer-Grøndahl, Ståle R Kristiansen and Hanne Skaarberg Holen are key contacts for contentious work, Espen Ommedal handles international tax work for companies and private equity houses, Marius Holm Rynning leads the asset management group, and Bjørn Christian Lilletvedt Tovsen heads up the indirect tax practice.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Very professional and structured way of handling the court case. The team keeps the client well informed and presents the fair view of the probable outcome.‘
‘A team with strong industry knowledge, combined advisory and litigation experience, and with quality as a guiding principle in what they do.‘
‘Ståle Kristiansen is highly skilled and experienced in tax matters. He also understands our business and mind-set.’
‘Marius Holm Rynning is very skilled and very service minded.‘
‘Bjørn Christian Lilletvedt Tovsen is a very professional legal expert and well available for the client. His calm and professional approach to the case is highly appreciated.‘
‘The team members carry a spirit of confidence in their capabilities to the table, which also gives you a sense of their dedication to their work and client needs.‘
Key clients
Transocean Offshore Limited and Transocean Offshore International Ventures Limited
Gasum
Orange Business Services AS
Ernst & Young
Fias Invest AS
Statkraft
Telenor ASA
Alcoa
Storebrand
Skatteklagenemnda (the Tax Appeal Board)
Odfjell SE
TMT Tier 1
Christopher Sparre-Enger Clausen, who ‘has a talent for finding commercial solutions’, leads the department at Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS, which is singled out for its expertise handling IT and digital transformation projects. The practice is also highly active in the fintech, insurtech and medtech sectors, and is increasingly involved in GDPR and data protection matters alongside its work in the telecoms and media industries at a domestic and international level. Technology specialist Espen Werring receives praise for his ‘outstanding experience and track record’, associate partner Haakon Opperud focuses on IT projects, and Eirik W Raanes handles contentious mandates.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Always solid and well-considered advice, highly responsive, full-service firm with ability to pull in the right resources when needed.‘
‘Thommessen’s TMT team offers very practical and hands-on advice, fields excellent teams with combined expertise, and shows outstanding business acumen.‘
‘Christopher Clausen is a strong partner, with a talent for finding commercial solutions to legal issues in a very regulated environment.‘
‘Espen Werring is highly professional, proactive and has deep knowledge of the areas of transformation, transition and outsourcing work.‘
‘I want to call out Christopher Sparre-Enger Clausen in particular, but the entire team is excellent from my experience working with them for many years. Christopher is very agile and business-oriented, has a wealth of knowledge, provides practical advice that’s easily digestible to the business client and is highly responsive.‘
Key clients
Microsoft Corporation (including its Norwegian subsidiary, Microsoft Norge AS)
Vipps AS
Hafslund Nett AS
Wilh. Wilhelmsen ASA
The Council on Ethics for the Norwegian Government Pension Fund Global
The Association of the Pharmaceutical industry in Norway (LMI)/NomVec AS
Yara International
Lyse Energi AS including its subsidiaries Altibox and Smartly
NHST Media Group AS (Dagens Næringsliv)
Zalaris ASA
Construction Tier 2
Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS leverages its ‘very knowledgeable and diligent’ team to advise on large development and construction projects in the renewable energy, infrastructure and transport sectors. The group is currently advising NorthConnect on the proposed establishment of a high-voltage direct-current interconnector between Norway and the UK and is assisting Mustad Eiendom with a property development project in Lilleaker. Jacob F Bull leads the practice, which also includes litigator Svein Aage Valen in the firm’s Bergen office. Asle Bjelland is now a judge.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘The Thommessen team are very knowledgeable and diligent. They are fast working and always to the point. They have remarkable knowledge in technical matters and quite often ask critical questions in meetings. Their extensive experience in construction contract work has in many instances avoided legal disputes.‘
‘Very client-oriented. Understands clients needs.‘
‘Kristine Hyldmo is perceptive and delivers well. Jacob Bull always has a solid, well thought through and efficient way of providing advice.‘
‘Fast working, always available, knowledgeable and very friendly.‘
Key clients
NorthConnect KS
Zephyr AS
Lyse Produksjon AS
Midtfjellet Vindpark AS.
Eidsiva Energi AS
Sira-Kvina Kraftselskap DA
Watrium Eiendom AS
Yara International ASA
Hordaland Fylkeskommune
SEB
Universitetet i Bergen
K21 Holding AS
Neptune Properties AS
Mustad Eiendom AS
Statens Vegvesen (Norwegian Public Road Authorities)
Agder OPS Vegselskap AS
Arbaflame AS
Austri Vind
Vardar
Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS > Firm Profile
Thommessen is one of Norway’s leading commercial law firms, with offices in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger and London. Since our foundation in 1856, we have been closely involved in most of the defining developments in Norwegian business. Our clients are Norwegian and international businesses, in both the private and public sector.
At Thommessen, we enable our clients to achieve their objectives by understanding their challenges and opportunities. Our advice is clear, well-founded and practically oriented, and is premised on in-depth understanding of the factors affecting the interests of our clients, whether commercial, technological, societal, political or global.
Earning trust
Our business is built on trust. We repay that trust by how we relate to each other, our clients, our business partners and other parties. In a rapidly changing world, we are focused on understanding our clients and tailoring our services to their needs. We earn trust.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
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Managing Partner | Sverre Tyrhaug | sty@thommessen.no | +4723111330 |
Asset Management | Marius Holm Rynning | mhr@thommessen.no | +4723111387 |
Banking and financing | Ellen Teresa Heyerdahl | eth@thommessen.no | +4723111329 |
Compliance and investigations | Hugo-A. B. Munthe-Kaas | huk@thommessen.no | +4723111127 |
Construction | Jacob F Bull | jbu@thommessen.no | +4723111156 |
Data protection and cyber security | Christopher Sparre-Enger Clausen | csc@thommessen.no | +4723111141 |
Debt capital markets | Einar Grette | eig@thommessen.no | +4723111220 |
Dispute resolution | Kristine Hyldmo Bjørnvik | khb@thommessen.no | +4723111035 |
Employment | Stein Kimsås-Otterbech | sto@thommessen.no | +4723111174 |
Equity capital markets | Solveig F Bugge | sbu@thommessen.no | +4723111199 |
EU/EEA and competition | Siri Teigum | ste@thommessen.no | +4723111121 |
Financial regulation | Tore Mydske | tmy@thommessen.no | +4723111252 |
FinTech | Christopher Sparre-Enger Clausen | csc@thommessen.no | +4723111141 |
Fishery and aquaculture | Mons Alfred Paulsen | mpa@thommessen.no | +4755306142 |
Insolvency and restructuring | Kristoffer Hegdahl | keg@thommessen.no | +4723111308 |
Insurance | Andreas Meidell | ame@thommessen.no | +4723111304 |
Intellectual property and marketing law | Camilla Vislie | cav@thommessen.no | +4723111178 |
Life sciences and health care | Magnus Hauge Greaker | mag@thommessen.no | +4723111147 |
M&A | Christian Grüner Sagstad | cgs@thommessen.no | +4723111328 |
Oil and gas | Christian Hals | chh@thommessen.no | +4723111096 |
Oil service | Pål Lieungh | pli@thommessen.no | +4723111112 |
Private equity | Christian Grüner Sagstad | cgs@thommessen.no | +4723111328 |
PropTech | Christopher Sparre-Enger Clausen | csc@thommessen.no | +4723111141 |
Public Procurement | Eivind J Vesterkjær | eve@thommessen.no | +4723111123 |
Real estate | Christian Müller | cmu@thommessen.no | +4723111101 |
Renewable energy and infrastructure | Jens Naas-Bibow | jbi@thommessen.no | +4723111362 |
Retail | Eivind J Vesterkjær | eve@thommessen.no | +4723111123 |
Shipping | Mads Haavardsholm | mha@thommessen.no | +4723111242 |
Sustainability and climate risk | Tore Mydske | tmy@thommessen.no | +4723111252 |
Tax and duties | Finn Backer-Grøndahl | fba@thommessen.no | +4723111103 |
Technology and digitalisation | Espen A Werring | eaw@thommessen.no | +4723111493 |
Venture capital | Ylva B. Gjesdahl Petersen | ybg@thommessen.no | +4723111105 |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
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Mr Hans Cappelen Arnesen | Mr Hans Cappelen Arnesen (“Hasse”) works primarily with matters concerning M&A, offerings… | View Profile |
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Mr Anders Arnkværn | Partner. Mr Anders Arnkværn has long experience within the areas of M&A… | View Profile |
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Mr Ervin Auren | Partner. Mr Ervin Auren works primarly with mergers, acquisitions and capital market… | View Profile |
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Finn Backer-Grøndahl | Partner. Mr Finn Backer-Grøndahl works with both national and international tax law… | View Profile |
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Mr Baard Bale | Partner. Mr Baard Bale focuses on, and has significant experience with, equity… | View Profile |
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Mr Stig Berge | Partner. Mr Stig Berge is one of Norway’s leading lawyers within corporate… | View Profile |
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Kristine Hyldmo Bjørnvik | Partner. Kristine mainly works with dispute resolution with a particular focus on… | View Profile |
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Mr Christopher Borch | Partner. Mr Chris Borch mainly works with purchase and sale, development, leasing,… | View Profile |
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Mr Even Bratsberg | Partner. Mr Even Bratsberg has twenty years of experience as lawyer in… | View Profile |
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Mrs Solveig Fagerheim Bugge | Partner. Mrs Solveig Fagerheim Bugge has extensive experience with M&A and capital… | View Profile |
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Mr Jacob F Bull | Mr Bull’s work mainly relates to offshore and onshore construction projects within… | View Profile |
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Mr Bendik Christoffersen | Mr Christoffersen works with matters concerning renewable energy and focuses on concession… | View Profile |
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Mr Tron Dalheim | Tron is a recognized employment law adviser to Norwegian and international companies.… | View Profile |
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Mrs Ylva Gjesdahl Petersen | Ylva works with equity capital market transactions and M&A across various industries,… | View Profile |
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Mr Einar Grette | Mr Einar Grette’s practice focuses on financing and restructuring in the bank-… | View Profile |
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Mr Mads Haavardsholm | Mr Haavardsholm works primarily with contract negotiations and transactions towards clients in… | View Profile |
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Mr Henrik Hagberg | Partner. Mr Henrik Hagberg has broad experience from working with both contentious… | View Profile |
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Mr Christian Hals | Partner. Christian works primarily with M&A and securities law within the oil… | View Profile |
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Mr Henning Harborg | Mr Harborg assists clients from a wide range of business areas with… | View Profile |
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Mr Magnus Hauge Greaker | Managing Associate Magnus mainly works with patent, trademark and trade secrets litigation,… | View Profile |
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Mr Hans Haugstad | Mr Hans Haugstad predominantly works with financing transactions and assists both banks/financial… | View Profile |
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Mr Kristoffer Hegdahl | Partner. Kristoffer has extensive experience from domestic and cross-border financing transactions, acting… | View Profile |
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Mrs Ellen Teresa Heyerdahl | Partner. Mrs Ellen Teresa Heyerdahl has extensive experience with financing. She assists… | View Profile |
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Mrs Heidi Jorkjend | Managing Associate Heidi works with competition law and marketing law. She has… | View Profile |
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Stein Kimsås-Otterbech | Mr Stein Kimsås-Otterbech has extensive experience with matters concerning employment law and… | View Profile |
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Mr Stephen Knudtzon | Mr Knudtzon’s practice includes legal advice with emphasis on maritime and oil… | View Profile |
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Mr Ståle R Kristiansen | Mr Kristiansen advises several major Norwegian and foreign companies in connection with… | View Profile |
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Pål Lieungh | Mr Lieungh has many years of experience as legal advisor within the… | View Profile |
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Mr Halvor Mansåker | Mr Mansåker works primarily with debt capital market transactions, assisting both managers… | View Profile |
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Mr Gunnar Martinsen | A significant part of Mr Martinsen’s work is related to the conditions… | View Profile |
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Mr Andreas Meidell | Mr Meidell works mainly on commercial insurance claims and coverage issues, such… | View Profile |
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Mr Øyvind Mork Karlsen | Managing Associate. Øyvind has long experience within Mergers & Acquisitions, and acts… | View Profile |
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Christian Müller | Mr Müller has been involved in a large number of the most… | View Profile |
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Mr Tore Mydske | Mr Mydske advises financial companies with what is considered as regulated activity… | View Profile |
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Mr Reidar Myhre | Associate Partner. In recent years, Mr Myhre has been involved in several… | View Profile |
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Mr Jens Naas-Bibow | Mr Naas-Bibow deals with matters concerning energy law, environmental law and litigation.… | View Profile |
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Mrs Ingrid Cathrine Nielsen | Managing Associate Ingrid Cathrine advises both Norwegian and international clients within all… | View Profile |
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Mr Lars Eirik Gåseide Røsås | Partner. Mr Lars Eirik Gåseide Røsås advises a number of listed companies… | View Profile |
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Mr Eirik W Raanes | Mr Raanes works primarily with dispute resolution within contract law, construction law,… | View Profile |
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Mr Marius Holm Rynning | Partner. Mr Marius Holm Rynning primarily works with tax law and corporate… | View Profile |
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Mr Eivind Sæveraas | Associate Partner. Mr Sæveraas is primarily recognised for his work on several… | View Profile |
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Mr Christian Grüner Sagstad | Head of M&A and Corporate law department, Partner. Mr Christian Grüner Sagstad,… | View Profile |
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Mr Christopher Sparre-Enger Clausen | Partner. Christopher heads Thommessen’s Technology and Data Protection practice group and specialises… | View Profile |
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Mrs Siri Teigum | Mrs Teigum acts as an advisor and litigator in procurement matters, and… | View Profile |
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Bjørn Christian Lilletvedt Tovsen | 2018-current Partner, Oslo office, Thommessen; 2015-2017 Managing Associate, Oslo office, Thommessen; 2012-2014 Senior… | View Profile |
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Mr Sverre Tyrhaug | Managing Partner. Mr Sverre Tyrhaug has advised on a number of share… | View Profile |
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Mr Svein Aage Valen | Mr Valen has litigated numerous cases before both the public courts and… | View Profile |
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Mr Eivind J Vesterkjær | Mr Vesterkjær’s practice focuses on matters relating to competition law, public procurement… | View Profile |
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Mr Olav Vikøren | Mr Vikøren has extensive experience assisting a wide range of players in… | View Profile |
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Ms Camilla Vislie | Mrs Vislie heads Thommessen’s IP and Technology practice. She works mainly with… | View Profile |
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Mr Espen Werring | Espen is a trusted adviser to organizations developing and implementing their mission-critical… | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of lawyers : 195 at this office : 160Languages
Danish Dutch English French German Norwegian Russian SwedishMemberships
Norwegian Bar Association Lex MundiOther
Contact : Sverre Tyrhaug, managing partner (sty@thommessen.no) Other offices : Bergen Other offices : Stavanger Other offices : LondonInternational Capabilities
INTERNATIONAL APPROACH
A large and ever-expanding share of our activities are international in nature. We represent non-Norwegian businesses in Norway, as well as Norwegian businesses internationally, and have acted in some of the largest cross-border matters into and out of Norway in recent years. We have an office in London and an extensive network of international partners.
THE TEAM
Our lawyers have extensive international experience. This stems not only from the many international and cross-border matters that we handle, including litigation before international, courts, but also from work, secondment and studying abroad.
Our experience and recognition enables us to work well with different international players. We are familiar with cultural diversities and standards, hence we are able to find the best solutions for our clients, also abroad. Thus, we are well placed to seamlessly obtain legal advice from foreign counsel in multi-jurisdictional projects or incidents.
LONDON OFFICE
Thommessen’s London office is headed by Resident Partner Lars Eirik Gåseide Røsås, and has served as an important international market gateway for more than three decades. A large portion of our lawyers have been on secondments to our London office to gain international experience.
Our London team have comprehensive experience in cross-border transactions, and Thommessen’s lawyers have argued numerous cases before international courts and tribunals.
NETWORK
We are the Norwegian member of Lex Mundi; the world’s leading network of independent law firms. Membership provides valuable cross-border knowledge sharing, as well as direct access to leading law firms worldwide – for both us and our clients.
We also have an extensive non-exclusive personal network enabling us to use other partners depending on the case at hand and the requirements of our clients.
MAIN PRACTICE AREAS
Thommessen is perhaps best known for its handling of large and complex public and private M&A work and capital market transactions, involving multiple jurisdictions and often in combination with equity issues and debt financing of the transaction.
Comparative Guides
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Norway: Cartels
Published: April 2020
Authors: Eivind J Vesterkjær Eivind Sæveraas Siri Teigum Heidi Jorkjend
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview to Cartels laws and regulations that may occur in Norway.
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Norway: Litigation
Published: May 2020
Authors: Henning Harborg Audun Stornes Trond Hatland Hedda Rysst
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview to Litigation laws and regulations that may occur in Norway.
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Norway: Patent Litigation
Published: October 2020
Authors: Camilla Vislie Eirik W. Raanes Magnus Hauge Greaker
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview to Patent Litigation laws and regulations that may occur in Norway.
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Norway: Private Equity
Published: January 2021
Authors: Hans Cappelen Arnesen Christian Grüner Sagstad Lars Eirik Gåseide Røsås
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview to Private Equity laws and regulations that may occur in Norway.
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Banking and finance (including shipping finance)
- Capital markets
- Commercial, corporate and M&A
- Dispute resolution
- Electricity and renewable energy
- Employment
- EU and competition
- Fishing and aquaculture
- Insolvency and corporate recovery
- Insurance
- Intellectual property
- Maritime law
- Offshore construction and shipbuilding
- Oil and gas
- Real estate
- Tax
- TMT