Firm Profile > Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS > Oslo , Norway

Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS
HAAKON VII'S GATE 10
PO BOX 1484 VIKA
0116 OSLO
Norway

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Banking and finance (including shipping finance) Tier 1

Hans Haugstad leads the debt financing team at Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS and Tore Mydske heads up the financial regulatory group, both of which benefit from the firm's financial restructuring and insolvency department, led by newly promoted partner Kristoffer Hegdahl. Haugstad and Ellen Teresa Heyerdahl recently advised Seadrill on its debt structuring, Mydske assisted Nordic Credit Rating with its establishment as a credit rating agency under the supervision of the European Securities Markets Agency, Einar Grette and Halvor Mansåker handled a number of high-yield bond issuances for various financial advisers and issuers, and Bergen-based Jan J Greve advised Flex LNG on a term loan facility. Other clients include DNB Bank, Nordea Bank, Svenska Handelsbanken and Pareto Securities. Shipping and maritime industry expert Bjørn Sande Urtegaard made partner in 2018.

Leading individuals

Hans Haugstad - Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS

Next Generation Partners

Ellen Teresa Heyerdahl - Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS

Capital markets Tier 1

Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS provides 'excellent support' to its clients and has 'a solid mix of commercial understanding and legal knowledge combined with an efficient and proactive approach' thanks to 'a solution-oriented and client-centric team' jointly led by Ervin Auren and Solveig Fagerheim Bugge. Clients also praise the highly regarded Anders Arnkværn, who 'stands out for his outstanding knowledge and understanding of his clients'; newly promoted partner Christian Hals and ECM lawyer Hans Cappelen Arnesen. Arnesen recently advised Elkem on its IPO on the Oslo Stock Exchange, Arnkværn and Bugge assisted Shelf Drilling with its IPO, and Einar Grette acted for DNB Bank, DNB Markets and Nordic Trustee on Chembulk Holdings' €250m bond issuance.

Leading individuals

Anders Arnkværn - Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS

Einar Grette - Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS

Next Generation Partners

Solveig Fagerheim Bugge - Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS

Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 1

As a key name in the market for cross-border transactions, Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS acts for a high-profile client roster including DNB, Altor Equity Partners and Storebrand. In a recent highlight, the well-regarded Anders Arnkværn advised SafeRoad Holding and Nordic Capital on FSN Capital's NOK2bn acquisition of SafeRoad; other mandates include Hans Cappelen Arnesen assisting Hellman & Friedman with its recommended cash offer for payment service provider Nets, Christian Grüner Sagstad (the head of department) handling Triton Partners' acquisition of a majority stake in Glamox, and Ervin Auren advising Alimentation Couche-Tard on the divestment of its marine fuel business through the sale of Statoil Fuel and Retail Marine to St1 Norge. Baard Bale, Stig Berge and Solveig Fagerheim Bugge are also key names to note. Christian Hals and Rune Ulriksen Steinsland made partner in 2018.

Leading individuals

Hans Cappelen Arnesen - Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS

Anders Arnkværn - Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS

Next Generation Partners

Solveig Fagerheim Bugge - Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS

Electricity and renewable energy Tier 1

Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS' 'highly competent, effective and strategic' team 'always adds value and delivers on time' on mandates including transactions, disputes, concession work, licensing issues and environmental law with notable experience in corporate restructurings, project developments and investments in renewable energy assets. Department head Jens Naas-Bibow acted for NorthConnect on the establishment of a high-voltage direct-current interconnector between Norway and the UK, Bendik Christoffersen advised Zephyr on the development, sale and project financing of Guleslettene wind farm; Jacob F Bull led advice to Lyse Produksjon on the procurement and construction of a new hydro power plant, and Gunnar Martinsen assisted Energi Norge with the implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive. Managing associate Thomas Borch-Nielsen is also a name to note.

Leading individuals

Gunnar Martinsen - Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS

Jens Naas-Bibow - Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS

Next Generation Partners

Thomas Borch-Nielsen - Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS

EU and competition Tier 1

Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS fields 'a very strong legal team, which excels in understanding clients' business goals and legal goals' and has 'solid knowledge of the industry's dynamics and challenges'. The department handles the full scope of competition issues including merger control work, competition litigation, investigations and cartel cases, state aid issues and public procurement matters. The practice recently acted for Höegh Autoliners Shipping in investigations into the car carrier industry by several international competition authorities, represented Telenor in the EFTA Surveillance Authority's (ESA) investigation into alleged breaches of EEA competition rules, and handled the competition and antitrust aspects of Kongsberg Gruppen's acquisition of Rolls Royce Marine. Siri Teigum and Eivind J Vesterkjær jointly lead the practice; Teigum is 'probably the best EU and competition lawyer in Norway' and 'her name and recognition give credibility to a position', and Vesterkjær is 'to the point and always willing to give clear answers'. Clients also praise managing associate Svein Terje Tveit, who is 'technically strong but also pragmatic and creative if needed'.

Leading individuals

Siri Teigum - Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS

Next Generation Partners

Svein Terje Tveit - Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS

Fishing and aquaculture Tier 1

Fielding a team of 'hands-on partners and juniors that work incredibly hard', Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS is 'a perfect partner for complex operations' and has th ability to 'learn quickly, work swiftly and expediently, and remain solution oriented throughout'. Mons Alfred Paulsen leads the 'highly trustworthy' group, which has notable expertise in regulatory issues. Recent highlights include representing Isqueen in an appeal case against the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries relating to the allocation of green salmon farming licenses, advising Hav Line Gruppen (a joint venture between Sekkingstad and Haugland Gruppen) on its establishment, financing issues and a vessel construction, and assisting Salmones Camanchaca with its IPO and dual listing on the Oslo and Santiago Stock Exchanges. Other clients include Pelagia, Sølvtrans and Biomar. Lars Eirik Gåseide Røsås, Rune Ulriksen Steinsland and managing associate Kenneth Steffensen are also names to note.

Leading individuals

Mons Alfred Paulsen - Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS

Insurance Tier 1

Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS' 'thorough and skilled' team is led by Andreas Meidell, who is arguably 'one of the best lawyers in Norway for insurance matters' and has 'an impressive ability to keep up with the details'. The department handles the full spectrum of corporate insurance work with notable strength in marine insurance; it recently acted for Norwegian Hull Club in a claim following a collision in the Gulf of Mexico and represented SwissMarine and Gard in a recourse direct action against Skuld. Other noteworthy individuals include Henrik Hagberg, Trond Hatland, Stephen Knudtzon and managing associate Hugo-A. B Munthe-Kaas.

Leading individuals

Andreas Meidell - Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS

Next Generation Partners

Hugo-A. B Munthe-Kaas - Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS

Intellectual property Tier 1

Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS' 'superior' practice 'really enters into a case and becomes a natural part of a bigger team' in IP litigation. In a recent highlight, department head Camilla Vislie represented Tono in the Supreme Court in a dispute against a TV distributor relating to music clearance and remuneration to music rights holders connected to the audiovisual distribution of multiple broadcast channels and multi-territorial licensing; Vislie also represented Nexans Norway in a patent infringement and validity case, and acted for Eli Lilly and Company in a preliminary injunction filed against generics companies preventing the launch of a product that infringes on a patent. Eirik W Raanes is also a key contact; he defended Zimmer Biomet Norway in claims relating to unfair competition issues and the misappropriation of trade secrets.

Leading individuals

Camilla Vislie - Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS

Maritime law Tier 1

With 'good business understanding and in-depth knowledge of the industry', Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS 'consistently delivers high-quality work' and clients single out group head Mads Haavardsholm, who is 'always reachable and is a professional team player'. The department recently acted for Norwegian Hull Club in litigation relating to a cover claim following a collision in the Gulf of Mexico, and assisted Cargow Investments with the sale and leaseback of four new vessels. Other key names include the highly regarded Stephen Knudtzon, insurance specialist Andreas Meidell and Henrik Hagberg.

Leading individuals

Stephen Knudtzon - Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS

Next Generation Partners

Mads Haavardsholm - Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS

Offshore construction and shipbuilding Tier 1

The 'experienced, responsive and solution-oriented' team at Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS has 'deep-rooted experience in the industry thanks to a group of very dedicated partners who have excellent legal and commercial skills'. Key practitioners include Mads Haavardsholm, Jacob F Bull, who is 'a top pick for the most difficult legal issues', and the 'extremely gifted and very thorough' Pål Lieungh. Haavardsholm recently advised Nymo on the fabrication and construction of 18 subsea structures relating to the Eni Offshore Cape Three Points field off the coast of Ghana, and Bull assisted Dong E&P (now part of Ineos) with the execution of the Hejre field development in the North Sea. Asle Bjelland is now a judge. Managing associate Kristine Hyldmo Bjørnvik joined from Advokatfirmaet Haavind AS in 2019.

Leading individuals

Pål Lieungh - Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS

Oil and gas Tier 1

At Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS, newly promoted partner Christian Hals leads the oil and gas team and Pål Lieungh heads the oil services group; Hals recently advised Ineos on its acquisition of Dong E&P and Lieungh assisted Island Offshore Shipbuilding with the restructuring of its debt relating to a 30-vessel operation. Other mandates include acting for PGNiG on its acquisition of licence interests in the Fogelberg field and handing Seadrill's restructuring. BP International, Equinor, Kongsberg Gruppen, Faroe Petroleum and Transocean are also clients. Jacob F Bull focuses on construction projects, Mads Haavardsholm advises clients in the oil services sector and Ståle R Kristiansen handles tax work. Rune Ulriksen Steinsland made partner in 2018 and managing associate Kristine Hyldmo Bjørnvik joined from Advokatfirmaet Haavind AS in 2019. Rune Solberg retired and Asle Bjelland is now a judge.

Next Generation Partners

Christian Hals - Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS

Real estate Tier 1

Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS has 'strong legal and commercial skills' and 'ensures all workstreams are subject to a high degree of project management and all lawyers involved know the deal inside out'. Clients also single out Even Bratsberg as 'fantastic', with 'one of the best track records in the legal market' thanks to 'a well-developed commercial awareness that bring out the best in his clients and his team'. Christian Müller leads the team and Christopher Borch and Vidar Havsgård are also key names to note. Müller recently advised Oslo Areal on its purchase of Grenseveien 78, and Borch assisted Storebrand Livsforsikring with the NOK2.2bn sale of its headquarters in Bærum.

Leading individuals

Christopher Borch - Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS

Tax Tier 1

Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS has 'the skills and competences to move issues forward quickly' with expertise in corporate tax, VAT, international tax, litigation and notable strength in the energy, petroleum and shipping sectors. Practice head Finn Backer-Grøndahl primarily handles tax disputes; he recently represented PRA Group in a dispute with the Norwegian Tax Authority relating to penalty tax. Ståle R Kristiansen and Hanne Skaarberg Holen are also recommended for contentious work, Marius Holm Rynning focuses on corporate tax mandates, Espen Ommedal handles international tax issues and Bjørn Christian Lilletvedt Tovsen leads the indirect tax practice.

Leading individuals

Finn Backer-Grøndahl - Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS

Next Generation Partners

Bjørn Christian Lilletvedt Tovsen - Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS

TMT Tier 1

Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS' 'well-aligned and coordinated' practice 'combines legal insight with project expertise' to 'consistently look for solutions instead of identifying theoretical problems'. Department head Christopher Sparre-Enger Clausen is singled out as 'highly experienced and able to cut through irrelevant information and see the core issues'; he advised Telenor on its global GDPR programme and acted for Vipps on its merger with BankAxept and BankID. The group was also bolstered by the recruitment of Espen Werring from Advokatfirmaet Haavind AS in 2018; he is highly regarded for his technology expertise and regularly handles digitalisation strategies. Associate partner and IT expert Haakon Opperud and litigator Eirik W Raanes are also names to note.

Leading individuals

Espen Werring - Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS

Next Generation Partners

Christopher Sparre-Enger Clausen - Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS

Construction Tier 2

As a key name in the market for construction projects in the energy sector, Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS' recent work includes advising NorthConnect on the construction of a high-voltage direct-current interconnector between Norway and the UK, assisting Zephyr with the development of a wind farm project in Guleslettene, and acting for Lyse Produksjon on the construction of a hydro power plant. Other clients include Yara International, Midtfjellet Vindpark and Agder Energi Vannkraft. Jacob F Bull heads the group. Asle Bjelland is now a judge.

Dispute resolution Tier 2

Recent highlights for the 'highly professional and reliable' practice at Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS include Camilla Vislie acting for Tono in a dispute with a TV distributor relating to multi-territorial licensing issues, and practice co-head Henning Harborg defending TGS Nopec Geophysical Company in a tax fraud case. Other noteworthy individuals include Eirik W Raanes, who handles IP and construction disputes; Trond Hatland in Bergen, whose expertise encompasses fishery, insurance, corporate and employment disputes; and tax specialist Hanne Skaarberg Holen. Former team head Asle Bjelland is now a judge. Managing associate Kristine Hyldmo Bjørnvik joined from Advokatfirmaet Haavind AS in 2019.

Employment Tier 2

Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS' 'knowledgeable' practice is led by Stein Kimsås-Otterbech and Trond Hatland is the key contact in the Bergen office; Kimsås-Otterbech is recognised for his expertise in senior management issues and cases involving reputational risk and Hatland focuses on contentious work, particularly in the shipping and oil and gas sectors. Recent highlights include advising Bama Gruppen on working time issues, transfers of undertakings, collective bargaining agreements and employee terminations; assisting Boliden Odda with gender equality issues and employee termination-related litigation, and acting for Tidal in a dispute brought by an employee following their redundancy.

Next Generation Partners

Stein Kimsås-Otterbech - Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS

Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 2

Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS' 'strong team of restructuring lawyers is experienced in the shipping and offshore sectors' and 'has the experience, tools, manpower and know-how to handle matters competently and efficiently'. Group head Kristoffer Hegdahl has 'good insight into the offshore industry and performs well'; he recently acted for seven banks including DNB and Nordea Bank on the restructuring of Solship Invest 3. Financing expert Einar Grette, bond restructuring specialist Halvor Mansåker and associate partner Reidar Myhre are also names to note. Jo Rodin retired.

Department	Name	Email	Telephone
Capital markets
Compliance and investigations
Construction
Debt financing
Dispute resolution
Employment
Environment
EU/EEA and competition
Financial regulation
Fishery and aquaculture
Insolvency and restructuring
Insurance
Intellectual property
IT and data protection/privacy
M&A and corporate law
Oil and gas
Oil service
Private equity
Real estate
Renewable energy
Shipping
Tax and duties

Name	Position	Profile
Mr Hans Cappelen Arnesen		View Profile
Mr Anders Arnkværn		View Profile
Mr Ervin Auren		View Profile
Mr Finn Backer-Grøndahl		View Profile
Mr Baard Bale		View Profile
Mr Stig Berge		View Profile
Mr Christopher Borch		View Profile
Mr Even Bratsberg		View Profile
Mrs Solveig Fagerheim Bugge		View Profile
Mr Jacob F Bull		View Profile
Mr Bendik Christoffersen		View Profile
Mr Einar Grette		View Profile
Mr Mads Haavardsholm		View Profile
Mr Henrik Hagberg		View Profile
Mr Christian Hals		View Profile
Mr Henning Harborg		View Profile
Mr Hans Haugstad		View Profile
Mr Kristoffer Hegdahl		View Profile
Mrs Ellen Teresa Heyerdahl		View Profile
Mrs Hanne Skaarberg Holen		View Profile
Mrs Kristine Hyldmo Bjørnvik		View Profile
Mr Stein Kimsås-Otterbech		View Profile
Mr Stephen Knudtzon		View Profile
Mr Ståle R Kristiansen		View Profile
Mr Pål Lieungh		View Profile
Mr Bjørn Christian Lilletvedt Tovsen		View Profile
Mr Christian Müller		View Profile
Mr Halvor Mansåker		View Profile
Mr Gunnar Martinsen		View Profile
Mr Andreas Meidell		View Profile
Mr Hugo-A. B Munthe-Kaas		View Profile
Mr Tore Mydske		View Profile
Mr Reidar Myhre		View Profile
Mr Jens Naas-Bibow		View Profile
Mr Haakon Opperud		View Profile
Mr Lars Eirik Gåseide Røsås		View Profile
Mr Eirik W Raanes		View Profile
Mr Marius Holm Rynning		View Profile
Mr Eivind Sæveraas		View Profile
Mr Christian Grüner Sagstad		View Profile
Mr Christopher Sparre-Enger Clausen		View Profile
Mrs Siri Teigum		View Profile
Mr Sverre Tyrhaug		View Profile
Mr Svein Aage Valen		View Profile
Mr Eivind J Vesterkjær		View Profile
Mr Olav Vikøren		View Profile
Ms Camilla Vislie	Partner	View Profile
Mr Espen Werring		View Profile