Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS > Oslo, Norway > Firm Profile
Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS Offices
Ruseløkkveien 38, 0251 Oslo
PO Box 1484 Vika
NO-0116 Oslo
Norway
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Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS > The Legal 500 Rankings
Norway > Banking and finance (including shipping finance) Tier 1
Praised by clients for its ‘very strong, commercially minded’ team, Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS‘ banking and finance offering spans the full range of financial matters, with a recent highlight showcasing its advice to Danske Bank regarding the sale of its Norwegian personal banking business to Nordea. Ellen Teresa Heyerdahl heads up the firm’s banking and finance practice, working alongside Tore Mydske, who leads the financial regulatory sub-group, another core area of expertise for the firm. Hans Haugstad has a particular focus on cross-border financings and acquisition finance, while Kristoffer Hegdahl takes point on debt restructuring and corporate insolvency work. At associate level, Hedda Leikvang is also recommended for her acquisition financing expertise.Practice head(s):
Ellen Teresa Heyerdahl; Tore Mydske
Other key lawyers:
Hans Haugstad; Faraz Ahmed Ali; Kristoffer Hegdahl; Hedda Leikvang
Testimonials
‘Thommessen has a very strong financing team that covers all aspects of our business needs, from regulatory issues to transaction work.’
‘Hans Haugstad is a natural go-to guy for most kinds of financings. He is very pleasant to work with and good at project management and keeping a transaction going.’
‘Hedda Leikvang is an up and coming star from Thommessen, highly regarded for her skills and effective way of leading transactions in a positive way.’
‘Excellent project management expertise for complex problems. Strong legal competence with a “can do” attitude.’
‘The team handles without problem everything from the most complicated syndicated financing structure case to a plain vanilla bilateral bank financing transaction. The composition of the team is also well balanced and fits together efficiently.’
‘The partners Ellen Heyerdahl, Hans Haugstad, and Kristoffer Hegdahl, and managing associate Faraz Ahmed Ali are hard working, well experienced and top qualified lawyers in different roles of the team. They deliver expert advice both individually and as a team that stands out.’
‘A very strong, commercially minded team with excellent legal knowledge.’
‘Ellen Teresa Heyerdahl is very knowledgeable and very good at seeing and explaining the bigger picture, to assist clients with decision-making.’
Key clients
DNB Bank ASA
Nordea Bank Abp
Danske Bank A/S
Svenska Handelsbanken
Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB
Eksfin (ECA)
Pareto Securities AS
ABG Sundal Collier ASA
Nordic Corporate Bank ASA
Euronext Oslo Børs
Pareto Alternative Investments AS
Storebrand ASA
Swedbank AB
Sparebank1 Gruppen AS
Seadrill Limited
Sparebank 1 SR-Bank
Finance Norway
Kommunal Landspensjonskasse (KLP)
Gabler Investments AS
Pareto Bank AS
Oaktree Capital
Elkem ASA
B2Holding ASA
XXL ASA
Havfram
Seatankers
Work highlights
- Advised Danske Bank A/S with the sale of Danske Bank’s personal banking business in Norway to Nordea.
- Advised Goldman Sachs Asset Management on its NOK6.6bn acquisition of Frøy ASA, including in the financing of the acquisition with a syndicate of banks.
- Advised Swedbank AB on the asset sale of (i) a loan portfolio to Sparebank 1 SR Bank ASA and (ii) investment banking business related to M&A and high-yield bonds to Sparebank 1 Markets AS in 2022.
Norway > Capital markets Tier 1
With a large and experienced team described by clients as ‘one of the best in Norway’, Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS continues to act on a high volume of complex transactions, IPOs, and private placements. Acting for an impressive client roster that includes large domestic and international investment banks and corporates, the team has particular strength in equity capital market transactions. Practice co-head Christian Grüner Sagstad is a key name here, working alongside co-head Einar Grette, who takes point on debt capital markets matters. Other key ECM names include Hans Cappelen Arnesen, Anders Arnkværn and Solveig Fagerheim Bugge, while new partner Frida Stene-Slotte and the ‘highly skilled‘ Halvor Mansåker are key contacts on the DCM front.Practice head(s):
Christian Grüner Sagstad; Einar Grette
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘One of the clear leaders in Norwegian capital markets. Definitely a go-to firm in the Norwegian market. Maybe the best team available for Norwegian ECM/IPOs and they are strong in M&A as well. They have broad capabilities and high quality.’
‘We have worked with Anders Arnkværn on several IPOs. He has a hands-on approach and is quick to respond on important matters. Also pragmatic. We also have very good experience with the rest of the team associates and senior associates (and other partners).’
‘Our go-to firm for negotiations and regulatory discussions. Highly skilled at negotiations and contracts, with particular skills within financial regulations. Very good at resource allocation – always capacity.’
‘Anders Arnkværn – negotiator with exceptional commercial understanding. Hans Arnesen – highly skilled and extremely trustworthy confidant and strategic planner.’
‘Halvor Mansåker – Highly experienced and skilled legal professional able to see the client’s needs from both a legal and practical point of view.’
‘Frida Stene-Slotte – excellent legal skills. Expedient and accurate and able to deal with a number of highly complex legal matters at the same time.’
‘Extremely qualified and knowledgeable. Very strong team – one of the best (if not the best) in Norway.’
‘Extremely competent team members from partners to junior resources.’
Key clients
DNB Bank ASA
Nordea Bank
Danske Bank
Svenska Handelsbanken
Pareto Securities AS
Pareto Alternative Investments AS
ABG Sundal Collier ASA
Sparebank 1 Markets
Sparebank 1 Gruppen AS
Carnegie AS
Arctic Securities AS
Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB
Fearnley Securities
B2Holding ASA
Nordic Trustee AS
Norlandia Health & Care Group AS
NES Fircroft Bondco AS
Goldman Sachs International
Swedbank AB
Lyse AS
Infront AS
Rederiaktiebolaget Eckerö
Morgan Stanley
UBS Investment Bank
Seadrill Ltd
Salmones Camanchaca S.A.
DOF ASA
Webstep ASA
Elkem ASA
Odfjell Drilling Ltd.
Oslo Børs VPS Holding ASA
Kongsberg Gruppen ASA
Shelf Drilling, Ltd.
BW Group Limited
BW Offshore Limited
BW LPG Limited
BW Energy Limited
Hafnia Limited
Navamedic ASA
RAK Petroleum plc
Stolt-Nielsen Ltd.
Kahoot!
XXL
MPC Container Ships ASA
Höegh Autoliners ASA
Magseis Fairfield ASA
Pioneer Property Group ASA
Icelandic Salmon AS
Everfuel A/S
Norwegian Property ASA
Lytix Biopharma AS
Komplett ASA
Cadeler A/S
Sats ASA
Borgestad ASA
Work highlights
- Advised Kahoot! in connection with the ongoing takeover offer from Goldman Sachs Asset Management and certain other investors for an aggregate equity purchase price of NOK17.2bn.
- Advised Clarksons Securities AS, DNB Markets, a part of DNB Bank ASA and Pareto Securities AS on Borr Drilling Limited’s $250m senior unsecured convertible bonds and $150m senior secured high yield bonds.
- Acted for DOF Group ASA in connection with its comprehensive refinancing (converting debt of appr. NOK6bn to equity) and subsequent IPO on Oslo Børs (main list), completed in June 2023.
Norway > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 1
Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS is ‘capable, pragmatic and solution oriented‘ and is sought after for its expertise in public and private cross-border M&A work, particularly in combination with equity issues and debt financings. Practice head Christian Grüner Sagstad acts for a variety of private equity companies and other clients on M&A and equity capital markets transactions. Hans Cappelen Arnesen is a capital markets and M&A expert, who advises a variety of corporate clients, private equity houses and investment banks; and Anders Arnkværn is highly experienced in public and private M&A and capital market transactions. The group also includes Ervin Auren, who advises on national and international M&A and capital markets transactions; and Baard Bale, who acts in numerous public and private M&A and capital markets transactions. Tore Mydske, who has great ‘commercial skills‘, and Solveig Fagerheim Bugge are also key contacts.Practice head(s):
Christian Grüner Sagstad
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The Thommessen team has a great combination of availability, legal and commercial skills.’
‘The team is very capable, pragmatic and solution-oriented. Strong team. One of the best (if not the best) in Norway.’
‘Competency, availability, market and sector knowledge, and legal finesse.’
‘Tore Mydske is Norway’s best on finance regulatory issues in combination with commercial skills.’
Key clients
Altor Equity Partners
Triton Partners
Ferd
HitecVision
Norvestor
Storebrand
Kongsberg Gruppen
EQT
DNB
Bain Capital
Goldman Sachs
Det Norske Veritas Holding / DNV GL AS
Nordic Capital
KLP
Odfjell Drilling Ltd.
INEOS
BW Group
Oslo Børs VPS Holding
Belships ASA
CapMan
CBRE Caledon
Pioneer Property Group ASA
Reiten & Co.
Accel Management
Mercell Holding
Lyse
Komplett ASA
Accent Equity Partners AB
Assemblin AS
DSD AS
TD Veen AS
SpareBank 1 SR-Bank Markets/SpareBank 1 SR-Bank ASA
DNO ASA
EXP Group AS
EMK Capital
Work highlights
- Advised Goldman Sachs Asset Management on its NOK6.6bn public takeover of Frøy ASA.
- Advised Glitre Energi in connection with the merger with Agder Energi AS.
- Assisted Danske Bank with the cross-border business combination between the Danish leading digital wallet, MobilePay, and the Norwegian wallet Vipps.
Norway > Dispute resolution Tier 1
Kristine Hyldmo Bjørnvik heads up the ‘excellent‘ disputes practice at Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS, which fields a large and experienced team with a strong track record in advising blue-chip clients across the full spectrum of commercial disputes, including post-M&A, banking and finance, insurance, and maritime disputes. White-collar crime mandates are the area of focus for the ‘highly competent’ Henning Harborg, while ‘fantastic’ litigator Eirik W Raanes handles competition law matters as well as general commercial disputes. Other key names in the team include corporate law expert Stig Berge and leading insurance litigator Andreas Meidell, who handles both land-based and maritime insurance cases. The team also includes new partner Nanette Arvesen, who focuses on professional liability cases and post-M&A disputes.Practice head(s):
Kristine Hyldmo Bjørnvik
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘For me as a client the personal engagement, availability and predictability in responding when needed is of major essence. Especially the collaboration and communication with me as a client to find the best way forward is greatly appreciated.’
‘My main connection and reason for using Thommessen AS, is partner Kristine Hyldmo Bjørnvik. She is just amazing at setting the right direction and bringing in others as needed. I also want to focus on Nanette Arvesen. Excellent and a strong contributor to my satisfaction with Thommessen.’
‘Eirik Raanes is a fantastic litigator. He explains the case in a simple way, yet with great focus on the important details.’
‘I find Henning Harborg to be highly competent.’
‘Excellent litigation team which benefits from expertise both in litigation and legal knowledge within the areas of business law. High capacity to process large and complex cases.’
‘Stig Berge is an excellent litigator, extremely knowledgeable in all areas of business law and a pleasure to work with.’
‘Nanette Arvesen is an excellent litigator with an impressive track-record of high-profile cases over the last few years. She is also a pleasure to work with.’
‘The firm has a professionally very strong department within dispute resolution. Furthermore, the department has some of the country’s most skilled procedural lawyers. They work thoroughly and efficiently, and are always available to the clients. We have a very positive experience with the firm.’
Key clients
DNB ASA
NIBC Bank N.V
Telenor ASA
Storebrand ASA
Equinor ASA
BW Group Limited
BW LPG Limited
The Norwegian Ministry of Transport / The Norwegian Public Road Administration (NPRA)
Westcon Yards AS
Directors/shareholders of RenoNorden
Firda Seafood Group AS
MDE Group AS/MDE Personell AS
TGS Nopec Geophysical Company ASA
Brit Insurance
TONO SA
Norxe AS
Intervet International BV
Zimmer Biomet Norway AS
Pareto Securities AS
Songa Corp.
Assuranceforeningen Gard (gjensidig)
Lyse Produksjon AS
Samsung Electronics Nordic AB
Gasum Oy
Fortum
Søylen Eiendom AS
Tryg Forsikring
Kongsberg Gruppen ASA
Norwegian Hull Club
Navigators Holdings (UK) Ltd
Bane Nor SF
Kesko Corporation
Orkla ASA
Norgesgruppen ASA
Eika Gruppen AS
Koppernæs AS
DAF Trucks N.V.
Haugaland Kraft AS
CHUBB
Kimek AS
Cap Vest
MSG Aviation AS
Markel International Ltd
Stadyard AS
NTS ASA
Vestland fylkeskommune (Vestland County Council)
Promenaden Management AS
Swedbank
Eksportfinansiering Norge (Export Finance Norway)
QBE Insurance
MOWI ASA
The Norwegian Coastal Administration (Kystverket)
Borgestad ASA / Borgestad Properties AS
Måsøval AS
Måsøval Eiendom AS
Finsbråten Eiendom AS
Handelsbanken
Kistefos AS
Sparebank 1 Utvikling AS
Brødrene Jensen AS
Eagle Group AS
Frogn municipality
Austevoll Melaks AS
Langøylaks AS
Troland Lakseoppdrett AS
EXP Group AS
Instabank ASA
Nordic Corporate Bank ASA
Therium Capital Management AS
Samhällsbyggnadsbolaget i Norden AB
Storebrand Bank ASA
Sirkel Materialgjenvinning AS
Småkraft AS
Fiskebas Holding AS
Work highlights
- Acting for several insurers in a claim brought by various funds against two directors of Norge Skog ASA.
- Represented DAF Trucks Deutchland GmBH and DAF Trucks N.V. – the opposing party, Posten Norge AS, put forward claims of approximately NOK1bn based on an alleged breach of competition regulations.
- Acted as Sparebank 1 Utvikling AS’ counsel in a dispute against TietoEvery AS concerning pricing and duration of the existing contracts.
Norway > Employment Tier 1
Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS fields a broad employment practice with particular strength in litigation, investigations and large transfers of business transactions, particularly in the oil and energy sectors. The ‘very skilled’ team possesses in-depth knowledge of compensation and benefits issues, pensions, strikes and collective agreements. Practice head Stein Kimsås-Otterbech is an experienced litigator and is renowned for his advice involving changes in senior management and transfers of undertakings. The group also includes Tron Dalheim, who is a skillful litigator in the oil, energy and aviation sectors; Håkon Berge, an expert in dispute resolution and litigation; and Anders Sundsdal, who focuses on litigation, redundancy processes and transactions. Trine Vabø is also recommended for her ‘excellent legal opinions’ in all areas of employment law, especially within the energy and renewables sectors.Practice head(s):
Stein Kimsås-Otterbech
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Thommessen’s employment law team consists of professional lawyers who are very structured, efficient and good at client handling.’
‘The practitioners we have used in Thommessen are very competent and knowledgeable. They meet us clients with a business oriented mind, and go straight to the point of what we’re requesting. They’re available on short notice and also for short calls, clarifications and questions.’
‘Extremely responsive and honest. Best one-stop shop we’ve used.’
‘They know our business better than others.’
‘They ask and listen to the client’s views, and have a good understanding of the business that the client operates in. They are efficient, professional and structured. They can be trusted and they always deliver on time.’
‘All the people are very skilled. They have unique competence in every aspects of the law.’
‘I’ve worked with Tron Dalheim and especially appreciate his availability, business oriented mindset and ability to see the important factors as well as to negotiate and find practical and sensible solutions.’
‘Trine Vabø combines legal skills with pragmatism and she understands the needs of a professional client. She is on point with regards to advice and she delivers excellent legal opinions. She also masters being a valued sparring partner.’
Key clients
Total Energies EP Norge AS
Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS)
Bane NOR SF
Petoro
Wintershall DEA Norge AS
Gard AS
Equinor ASA
Microsoft Norge AS
B2Holding ASA
Kahoot!
Kongsberg Gruppen ASA
NorgesGruppen ASA
Bama Gruppen AS
Yara International ASA
Roche Norge AS
University of Bergen
Vestland county authorities
FH Gruppen AS
Höegh Autoliners Management AS
CGG Services
CapMan Infra and CBRE Caledon
DOF Subsea
Etac AB/Etac AS
Frydenbø AS
Framo AS
Oceaneering AS
Tidal
Autostore AS
NIKE
Boliden
Nestlé
Kahoot!
Klarna AB
MDE Group AS / MDE Personnel AS
Agilent Technologies
Boost Ai
Zalando SE
NVIDIA
Dignita Systems Norge AS
Phillip Morris Norge AS
TUI
Melberg Partners AS
Parexel
Intertanko
CTEK Norway AS
Seaway 7
Norkart
Scatec
Union Residental Holding (Bonova)
Hunter Group ASA
Danske Bank – Solo
Bruun Hjejle
MOWI
Fitjar Kommune
Fakta AS
Redy Norge
Grønneviken
Borger
BP
Currys
Nordic Semiconductor
Photocure
00Nation
Brevik Engineering AS
Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd.
Field Group AS
TheOFE.com – Ocean Freight Exchange
HCL Technologies
Work highlights
- Advised Oslo Stock Exchange-listed renewable player Scatec ASA with a complex redundancy process involving more than 30 roles being removed without any claims brought before the courts.
- Representing Nordea in ongoing lawsuits regarding potential misconduct by employees.
Norway > Energy
Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS attracts praise for its ‘deep industry knowledge‘ and routinely advises clients on the full spectrum of regulatory, contractual, M&A, restructuring and contentious mandates. Christian Hals leads the oil and gas team and takes point on M&A and capital markets transactions on the Norwegian Continental Sshelf. Hals works alongside Pål Lieungh and Audun Stornes; Lieungh has an impressive track record advising Norwegian companies undertaking offshore and oil and gas international projects and also handles disputes, while Stornes works with clients in the upstream and oil service sectors, handling contentious mandates. On the renewables front, Bendik Christoffersen oversees a strong group with expertise in project development and structuring, project finance, and expropriation and valuation issues. Gunnar Martinsen is the key contact for regulatory mandates and energy-related litigation, while June Snemyr heads up the renewables team in Stavanger.Practice head(s):
Bendik Christoffersen; Christian Hals
Other key lawyers:
Pål Lieungh; Gunnar Martinsen; Kai-Ståle Kristiansen; Audun Stornes; June Snemyr
Testimonials
‘Thommessen have some of the best people available to carry out the work.’
‘Nice, skilled, broad expertise areas and proactive.’
‘Audun Stornes should be mentioned as a very competent and helpful person with great knowledge of the E&P business in Norway.’
‘From my experience with them, Thommessen has strong experience in the energy sector in Norway, and is very well connected to the energy eco-system which is very useful for a foreign investor with limited experience in the country.’
‘I worked with Kai-Ståle Kristiansen who has been very impressive, probably one of the best lawyers I have worked with: very thorough and knowledgeable while being pragmatic and looking for solutions to make deals happen.’
‘Gunnar Martinsen has deep industry knowledge and network combined with law to create practical, feasible solutions.’
‘Unique and broad competence in all relevant legal areas, always available for us as a customer, excellent discussion partner and adviser that helps us find the best solutions growing our businesses and securing compliance in all relevant matters.’
Key clients
Green Investment Group
Akershus Energi AS
Eidsiva Energi AS with subsidiaries
Lyse AS / Lyse Energi AS with subsidiaries
Nordkraft AS with subsidiaries
FREYR AS
Haugaland Kraft AS with subsidiaries
Tonstad Vindpark AS
Zephyr AS
Haram Kraft AS
Lutelandet Energipark AS
Glitre Energi AS/Å Energi AS with subsidiaries
Vardar AS with subsidiaries
Sira-Kvina Kraftselskap
Småkraft AS
Tysvær Vindpark AS
Østfold Energi AS
Yve AS (incl Kraftriket AS and Polar Kraft AS)
Beyonder AS
HitecVision
Epex Spot
Encavis AG
Multiconsult Norge AS
Northern Lights JV DA
Deep Wind Offshore AS
Norway Fortescue Future Industries AS
Cadre AS
SWEN Capital Partners
InfraVia Capital Partners
Fu-Gen AG
Solgrid AS
Scatec ASA
Release Solar AS
Endra AS
Havfram AS
Cloudberry ASA
Vianode AS
BP International
Equinor
Kongsberg Gruppen
Seadrill
DOF
Island Offshore
Island Drilling Company
Vard Group AS
Odfjell Drilling
Transocean
Shelf Drilling
Vår Energi
BW Offshore
Wellesley Petroleum
TGS-Nopec
MOL Norge
Myklebust Verft
TTC Norge
Veolia Environmental
DNV GL
A/S Nymo
BW Energy
Longboat Japex Norge
Longboat Energy plc
LOTOS Exploration and Production Norge
Wintershall Dea Norge
DNO ASA
Hav Energy AS
Wellgrab
Petoro AS
TotalEnergies E&P Norge AS
Optime Subsea AS
ECOnnect Energy AS
OMV Norge
Work highlights
- Advised HitecVision in connection with the establishment of Aneo AS, a renewable JV.
- Advising Norway Fortescue Future Industries AS in connection with the development of a major hydrogen production facility in Holmaneset (Bremanger, Norway), and in connection with other potential projects relating to the production of green hydrogen and ammonia.
- Advised Longboat Energy plc. on the establishment of a joint venture with Japex Corp.
Norway > EU and competition Tier 1
Lauded by clients as ‘simply the best’, Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS continues to act on the full spectrum of EU and competition work, with a ‘stellar’ offering that spans antitrust, cartel, merger control, and regulatory state aid mandates. Practice head Heidi Jorkjend has extensive experience advising on investigations and general merger control mandates. Siri Teigum takes point on contentious mandates, complex mergers, and a range of EEA and competition cases before the various European courts. The ‘experienced and highly competent’ Eivind Vesterkjær has a broad practice that spans competition, state aid, and public procurements matters.Practice head(s):
Heidi Jorkjend
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Thomessen is a stellar law firm; the go-to firm in Norway. Their lawyers are pragmatic, down-to-earth and sharp litigators. They were simply the best.’
‘Eivind Vesterkjær is an experienced and highly competent adviser who can be trusted to serve his clients in the best possible way. He is responsive, communicates well with clients and provides practical advice taking relevant business perspectives into account.’
‘Easy-going and highly professional competition practice. The team was swift to familiarise itself and get up to speed on what we needed.’
‘Competent, agile, practical approach, responsive.’
‘Heidi Jorkjend has been our main contact. She has an excellent understanding of a very complex legal area and was able to quickly get up to speed. From working with her and her team, it’s also clear that she makes an effort to include her associates and ensures that they are given a chance to participate directly with the client in a meaningful manner.’
‘Highly experienced and excellent legal knowledge in EU and competition matters. Siri Teigum has outstanding knowledge of competition law.’
Key clients
SpareBank 1
Kongsberg Gruppen
Veidekke ASA
Ringnes ASA
Gyldendal ASA
Lindum AS
Eviny AS
BAMA
NorgesGruppen ASA
Circle K
Mestergruppen
El-Proffen AS
Ferd
Triton Partners
DAF Trucks N.V. / DAF Trucks Deutschland GmbH
Lyse AS / Lyse Produksjon AS
Kahoot! ASA
Storebrand ASA
HitecVision
Peak Invest
Elkem ASA
Altor
Rexel Dévéloppement S.A.S.
Play Magnus Group
NTS ASA
Bluestep Bank
Danske Bank
Wintershall Dea
BW Offshore
Bane NOR
Work highlights
- Assisting NorgesGruppen ASA in relation to the Norwegian Competition Authority’s ongoing investigation of the Norwegian foodstuffs market.
- Advising Gyldendal in connection with the decision of the Norwegian Competition Authority to impose a fine on Norway’s four largest publishing houses and the provider of the database Bokbasen for alleged exchange of future book prices and other competitively sensitive information.
- Assisted Elkem with the competition law aspects of the transaction that transformed its subsidiary Vianode (producer of sustainable battery materials) into a joint venture between Elkem, Norsk Hydro and Altor.
Norway > Fishing and aquaculture Tier 1
Fielding a ‘highly skilled‘, large and cross-disciplinary team with extensive industry experience, Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS leverages its strength across several legal disciplines to provide a full-service offering that stands out for its ability to handle high-value and complex contentious and non-contentious mandates. Mons Alfred Paulsen oversees the group and has extensive experience advising clients on corporate and tax matters relating to the industry, with a recent area of focus being the new proposed ground rent tax. Trond Hatland takes point on contentious mandates, while Rune Ulriksen Steinsland is also recommended as the key contact for contracts, project developments, and financing mandates.Practice head(s):
Mons Alfred Paulsen
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Our view is that Thommessen has a strong team with in-depth knowledge about our industry.’
‘The individuals we work with have very good knowledge about the industry.’
‘Mons Paulsen and Rune Steinsland are trusted and have a high degree of integrity. Competence of the industry sector.’
‘Highly skilled team, with in-depth industry knowledge.’
‘The combination of legal experience and industry knowledge is excellent. They also appear dedicated and polite in their work. If there are challenges, they are able to look for compromises which makes sense for all involved. In general, a very solution-oriented team.’
‘Extensive experience and knowledge of the aquaculture and fisheries industry.’
‘Mons Alfred Paulsen has a very good understanding of the industry and has extensive experience from having followed the development of the industry over several decades.’
Key clients
Mowi ASA
Lerøy Vest AS
Marø Havbruk A/S
Steinvik Fiskefarm AS
Kobbevik og Furuholmen Oppdrett AS
Erko Seafood AS
Flokenes Fiskefarm AS
Sulefisk AS
Blom Fiskeoppdrett AS
Svanøy Havbruk AS
Austevoll Melaks AS
E. Karstensen Fiskeoppdrett AS
Firda Sjøfarmer AS
Troland Lakseoppdrett AS
Eide Fjorbruk AS
Landøy Fiskeoppdrett AS
Sjøtroll Havbruk AS
Engesund Fiskeoppdrett AS
Tombre Fiskeanlegg AS
Sandnes Fiskeoppdrett AS
Nordfjord Laks AS
Fjord Drift AS
Osland Havbruk AS
NTA ASA
Pelagia Holding AS
Biomar
MSD Animal Health
EWOS/Cargill
NCE Seafood/The Seafood Innovation Cluster
DNB Bank
Nordea Bank
Hav Line Gruppen
Austevoll Seafood/ Br. Birkeland
Måsøval Fiskeoppdrett
Bolaks
Isqueen
Firda Seafood Group
Lingalaks AS
Salmonor
AquaShip
Langevåg Slakteri
Samlaks
Bluewild AS
Proximar Seafood
Ice Fish farm
Salmones Camanchaca
Polarsmolt AS
Work highlights
- Advised a majority of the shareholders of NTS ASA on the successful sale of 50.1% of the shares in NTS to SalMar ASA, and advised NTS on the related voluntary offer made by SalMar for all shares in NTS.
- Assisted Troland Lakseoppdrett AS, Austevoll Melaks AS and Langøylaks AS in the appeal to the Norwegian High Court in a case against the Norwegian Authorities regarding the withdrawal of pollution permits because of the discovery of cauliflower corals beneath an aquaculture site.
- Advised Goldman Sachs Asset Management when funds it managed acquired the majority ownership stake in Frøy ASA.
Norway > Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 1
Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS fields a ‘uniquely qualified‘ practice, advising on financial restructurings, especially in the offshore, oil services and shipping industries. Practice head Kristoffer Hegdahl is an ‘extremely capable restructuring lawyer‘ with particular expertise in financial restructurings, financially distressed scenarios and workouts. Other notable practitioners include Halvor Mansåker, who works primarily with debt capital market transactions; Ellen Teresa Heyerdahl, who focuses on matters relating to bank and bond financings; and Frida Stene-Slotte, whose practice centres on debt capital market transactions and financial restructurings. Faraz Ahmed Ali, who ‘stands out and is always on top of all details’, primarily handles restructuring and insolvency matters within the shipping and offshore industries.Practice head(s):
Kristoffer Hegdahl
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Very strong team. Clearly one of the best in Norway on large scale restructurings.’
‘The Thommessen team is uniquely qualified and positioned to take on and tackle complex restructuring cases both on a national and international level. The team is large and diverse enough to entertain all aspects of a restructuring or an insolvency. The team co-operates seamlessly among themselves and with other Thommessen lawyers. The client responses are immaculate and always timely.’
‘Available for new projects on short notice. Good project management that secures progress. Precise legal advice. Must-have sense of humour.’
‘They are available and quickly get up to speed on ongoing cases. They secure progress and follow-up on projects. Advice is operational, and they are nice people.’
‘Thommessen covers all aspects of banking and finance, which is practical for us. They have some strong partners, but also some very, very strong senior lawyers and managing associates that really stand out and makes the team complete.’
‘Kristoffer Hegdahl is always on top of any matter he handles. He is very quick to grasp the issues and the strategic possibilities. Apart from the legal issues, he generally has a full understanding of the financial “puzzle” and develops sound and smart strategies. An extremely capable restructuring lawyer, in a class of his own in Norway.’
‘Frida Stene-Slotte is very smart, and handles both the legal and strategic sides of a restructuring/insolvency superbly. She is an invaluable part of the team, from the client perspective, due to her responsiveness and client follow up.’
‘Faraz Ahmed Ali stands out and is always on top of all details in a restructuring. He seems to be a key factor in the success of the Thommessen restructuring team and I hope we will see much more of him in the future.’
Key clients
Nordic Trustee (and bondholders committees)
DNB Bank ASA
Nordea Bank
Danske Bank
Swedbank
ABN Amro
NIBC
The Export-Import Bank of China (CEXIM)
Seadrill
Export Finance Norway
Eksportfinans ASA
Handelsbanken
DBS
Danish Ship Finance
SpareBank 1 SR-Bank
Sparebank 1 Søre Sunnmøre
Sparebanken Møre
Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken (SEB)
MPC Containerships ASA
DOF ASA
Unicare
BAML
Recreate ASA
Volstad Maritime
Work highlights
- Advising secured lenders of Solstad Offshore relating to a $1.5bn debt refinancing.
- Advising Recreate ASA, a Norwegian retail company, on its restructuring process.
- Advising a consortium of Norwegian banks in connection with the restructuring efforts of a listed Norwegian oil service company.
Norway > Insurance Tier 1
Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS acts for national and international insurers on a wide range of insurance issues, such as D&O claims, pension insurance, reinsurance issues and regulatory work, and has notable expertise in the marine and offshore sectors. Practice head Andreas Meidell has ‘excellent skills and knowledge regarding insurance law‘ and focuses his practice on commercial insurance claims. The group also includes Henrik Hagberg, who is an oil services and shipping lawyer with extensive experience in contentious and non-contentious work; Trond Hatland, who regularly acts for major insurers; and Tore Mydske, who advises financial institutions on matters relating to financial services regulations. Emilie Falch Christensen is a key contact for shipping and marine insurance matters. Henrik Møinichen and Markus Kjelløkken are also notable practitioners alongside renewable energy and infrastructure project expert Henrik Fabian Torgrimsby.Practice head(s):
Andreas Meidell
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘We are very satisfied with the lawyer Andreas Meidell. Him and his team have done a great job for us.’
‘Andreas Meidell has excellent skills and knowledge regarding insurance law and related matters.’
Key clients
Gard
Den norske Krigsforsikring for Skib (DNK)
Norwegian Hull Club (NHC)
Tryg Forsikring
Garex
UK Club
Zurich
AXA XL
Chubb
Navigators
Markel
Allianz
Cardif
Travelers Companies Inc.
QBE
Storebrand Livsforsikring AS
Gjensidige Forsikring AS
Fremtind Forsikring AS
Finans Norge
Skuld
Swedish Club
Brit Insurance
Equinor Insurance
Stadyard AS
Work highlights
- Successfully defended insurers Chubb, QBE and Navigators in a direct action liability D&O claim of NOK1.7bn in Oslo City Court.
- Successfully litigated an international arbitration on a reinsurance claim of approx. NOK240m.
- Advising DNK on a total loss claim of $180m following a vessel detention for nine months in Nigeria.
Norway > Intellectual property Tier 1
Noted for its strength in patent, trade mark, and copyright disputes, Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS also routinely advises clients on the IP aspects of transactions as well as regulatory matters. The team is overseen by Camilla Vislie, who focuses on contentious matters and is described by clients as ‘one of the most outstanding IP lawyers in Norway’. Eirik W Raanes is the key name for clients in the oil and gas, renewables, and entertainment industries, while ‘legal encyclopaedia‘ Magnus Hauge Greaker also handles contentious mandates, representing clients in major patent litigation within the pharma, energy, and collective rights sectors. Julie Rasmussen Solli is praised for her ‘outstanding overview and understanding of the field‘.Practice head(s):
Camilla Vislie
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The IP team in Thommessen is highly skilled and professional, giving practical advice. I like working with them.’
‘I have worked with Camilla Vislie who is a very good lawyer and strategic adviser.’
‘Camilla Vislie is leading the IP department and she is, from a professional perspective, one of the most outstanding IP lawyers in Norway. In addition, Camilla is a sympathetic person who is very pleasant to work with.’
‘Eirik Raanes is an extremely valuable strategic adviser on complex matters. He quickly understands the core of the case and the business needs.’
‘Magnus Greaker is a legal encyclopaedia. He knows everything there is to know about the law, and has an overview of the details of the case that is impressive.’
‘Experienced and strong team. Covers all areas within IP.’
‘Julie Solli is experienced, has got an outstanding overview and understanding of the field. She always delivers beyond my expectations and is a great adviser within the whole IP field.’
‘What I value the most is Julie Solli’s in-depth knowledge of the consumer protection regulation, her ability to understand our business and the way she gives quick answers and assessments to complex questions.’
Key clients
Bristol-Myers Squibb
BioMar AS
TONO SA
Neuraxpharm
Equinor ASA
Vianode AS
Dagens Næringsliv AS
AutoStore AS
Intervet International BV (MSD Animal Health)
Philip Morris International/Philip Morris Norway AS
Helsenor AS
Rolex
Samsung Electronics Nordic AB
NorgesGruppen ASA
Norwegian Recording Artists Association NORA
Ferring Pharmaceuticals
TBL Licensing LLC
Den Norske Apotekforeningen (The Norwegian Pharmacy Association)
Optime Subsea AS
Kahoot!
Komplett Group ASA
Work highlights
- Counsel for Bristol-Myers Squibb in an appeal following patent litigation against Teva relating to a patent protecting Bristol-Myers Squibb’s ground-breaking drug Eliquis.
- Representing Neuraxpharm and Laboratories Lesvi in patent infringement and validity litigation against Biogen relating to Biogen’s dosage patent concerning a treatment for MS.
- Acted for TONO before the Supreme Court in a dispute against Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra regarding remuneration for the orchestra’s performance of works.
Norway > Maritime law Tier 1
Drawing on the firm’s notable strength in banking and finance, the ‘extremely hardworking and responsive‘ maritime practice at Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS stands out for its expertise across the full range of transactional shipping and maritime work. Acting for owners, banks and syndicates, the team is especially active on Norwegian shipping transactions as well as refinancings and restructurings in the offshore supply sector. ‘Excellent partners’ Mads Haavardsholm and Henrik Hagberg jointly lead the team; Haavardsholm has a broad corporate shipping practice spanning vessel sales and purchases, shipbuilding contracts and charterparty negotiations, while Hagberg is the key name for cross-border transactions and dispute resolution in the space. Casualty work and marine insurance issues are handled by Andreas Meidell, and Ellen Teresa Heyerdahl is recommended for her ‘one-of-a-kind’ ship finance expertise.Practice head(s):
Mads Haavardsholm; Henrik Hagberg
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Thommessen stands out from the crowd.’
‘Strong understanding of complex shipping transactions and ability to find solutions to challenges.’
‘Extremely hardworking and responsive. Well connected in the global maritime financing space.’
‘We can always rely on Thommessen to provide us with excellent and timely advice. They have an industry knowledge which is unmatched, and are extremely reliable.’
‘Mads Haavardsholm and Henrik Hagberg are excellent partners in the shipping department.’
‘Ellen T Heyerdahl is one-of-a-kind in finance, with her unique combination of legal and industry knowledge. We can always rely on her to get the deal done or have broader strategy discussions.’
‘Thommessen has a great team of lawyers working for us. They have great competence, give us priority and quick response and in addition, they are great people to work with, with nice personalities. However first and foremost they are good lawyers who give us great advice.’
Key clients
Höegh Autoliners and Höegh LNG
Wilh Wilhelmsen Holding ASA/Wallenius Wilhelmsen ASA
Gard AS
Seaway 7 ASA
Pareto Securities AS
Island Offshore AS
Jo Tankers AS
Knutsen NYK Offshore Tankers ASA
Norwegian Hull Club
BW Maritime/BW Offshore/BW LPG
DeepOcean AS
Fearnley Advisors AS
TRF Ship Management AS
Amon Maritime AS
Belships ASA
Kongsberg Gruppen ASA
Gdansk Shiprepair Yard “Remontowa” SA
Tschudi Shipping Company
Hunter Group ASA
Odfjell SE
Wilson
Sølvtrans
G2 Ocean
AquaShip
Gearbulk
DOF ASA
Viken Shipping
Arne Blystad AS
Western Bulk Charterering AS
Ocean Infinity
MPC Containerships ASA
Seadrill Offshore AS
Havfram Wind AS
Azane Fuel Solutions AS
Norwegian Hull Club – Gjensidig Assuranseforening
Gard AS
Solvang ASA
Arctic Securities AS
Work highlights
- Representing Seadrill in a dispute concerning the redelivery of the rig “West Hercules” to SFL.
- Assisted Norwegian insurers DNK and NHC in connection with cover considerations concerning vessels stuck in Ukraine after the outbreak of the war, including the sale of certain vessels being detained.
- Assisted Havfram Wind with the entry into of a shipbuilding contract with Yantai CIMC Raffles Offshore Ltd for a second jack-up wind turbine installation vessel.
Norway > Offshore construction and shipbuilding Tier 1
Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS advises on the full range of contentious and non-contentious work in the offshore and shipbuilding sector, counting shipyards, suppliers, rig owners, energy companies, and infrastructure operators among its impressive roster of clients. In particular, the team has seen a recent uptick in work related to the increase in energy prices and materials, as well as sanctions-related issues affecting the sector. Mads Haavardsholm oversees the team and focuses on corporate shipping matters, including the sale and purchase of vessels and drilling rigs, shipbuilding contracts, and drilling rig construction projects. Pål Lieungh advises Norwegian offshore energy companies undertaking international projects; Jacob F Bull is another key individual here. Kristine Hyldmo Bjørnvik leads on contentious issues and has extensive experience handling construction and contract disputes.Practice head(s):
Mads Haavardsholm
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘I have not worked with any other law firm having the same knowledge of our business as Krisine Hyldmo Bjørnvik.’
‘The strong commitment from Kristine Hyldmo Bjørnvik is the main reason for using Thommessen. Her understanding for our business and our need is unique.’
‘Always switched on and up to date on industry matters.’
‘Jacob Bull – good on all aspects, and not just disputes but also complex contracting.’
‘The ability to combine the legal aspect with the overall commercial business cases.’
‘Overall commercial awareness – street smartness.’
Key clients
Equinor ASA
Myklebust Verft
DNO International ASA
Island Offshore/Borgstein
RAK Petroleum PLC
Enhanced Drilling AS
ConocoPhillips
Kongsberg Gruppen
AS NYMO
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/OHT ASA
Qatar Navigation – Milaha
Econnect Energy AS
Island Drilling AS
OHT Alfa Lift AS
TECO 2030 AS
Wellesley Petroleum AS
France Pelagique SAS
J.D. Irving, Limited / Atlantic Harrier Limited Partnership
Southern Wind Shipyards (PTY) Limited
Westcon Yards AS
Green Island Shipholding
Optime Subsea AS
Pareto Securities ASA
Vestfrakt Shipping AS
Vestland Shipping AS
Seadrill Offshore AS
WintershallDea
Work highlights
- Assisted AS Nymo with the contract negotiations of three key contracts with respectively Aker Solutions, NOV and Parat.
- Assisted Havfram Wind AS with its order for a second self-elevating wind turbine installation vessel to be constructed at Yantai CIMC Raffles shipyard in China. Also assisting Havfram Wind on several tenders for installation work following delivery and technical and operational agreements in relation to the operation of two newbuilds.
- Representing Seadrill in a dispute concerning the redelivery of the rig “West Hercules” to SFL in December 2023.
Norway > Tax Tier 1
Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS has ‘high legal competence in the tax field‘ and advises on all tax issues, with a focus on litigation, equity and debt capital markets work, joint ventures and fund establishments; the team also has particular expertise in the real estate, renewables, oil and gas, and shipping sectors. Leading the practice, Marius Holm Rynning focuses on Norwegian and international tax issues, while the ‘excellent‘ Finn Backer-Grøndahl is an experienced litigator who represents Norwegian and foreign clients in tax disputes with Norwegian authorities, and Ståle R Kristiansen has extensive experience in a broad range of domestic and international tax issues, including advising on the Norwegian Petroleum Tax regime. The group also includes international shipping tax expert Espen Ommedal and indirect tax specialist Bjørn Christian Lilletvedt Tovsen.Practice head(s):
Marius Holm Rynning
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Very good in VAT. Professional lawyers with good business knowledge and understanding.’
‘They treat the customer in a respectful manner, see the needs and understand the customer’s business.’
‘They have high legal competence in the tax field. You know you will receive high-quality responses and advice. ’
‘Finn Backer-Grøndahl is an excellent lawyer. His knowledge, personality and his ability to go deep into the case is outstanding.’
Key clients
Fresenius Kabi
Equinor
Statkraft
TGS NOPEC Geophysical Company ASA
Alcoa Corporation Inc
Storebrand
DNB
Odfjell SE
Sølvtrans AS
Intership AS
Westfal Larsen AS/ Masterbulk Pte Ltd.
Knutsen NYK Offshore Partners LP
GE Healthcare
PGNIG Upstream Norway AS
Elkem ASA
Work highlights
- Assisted Sandwater AS in connection with its successful (up to NOK1.5m) fund raise.
- Represented PGNiG Upstream Norway AS in a transfer pricing dispute regarding the pricing of gas in gas sales contracts between PGNiG group companies.
- Provided support to Knutsen LNG AS in a French tax lease and the establishment of French shipowning structure.
Norway > TMT Tier 1
The ‘practical, hands-on and experienced‘ team at Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS provides a market-leading offering with demonstrable strength and depth across several TMT areas, including the tech industry and data protection work. IT sourcing contracts and digital transformation projects feature prominently in the team’s workload, acting primarily for customer-side clients in the private sector. Christopher Sparre-Enger Clausen oversees the team and acts on a broad range of tech and data-related matters, including outsourcing, cloud services, and regulatory compliance work. Espen Werring focuses on digitisation matters, while Eirik W Raanes and Camilla Vislie are the key names for contentious IP mandates. At associate level, Nikolai Rekman and Kjetil Rikardsen handle IT sourcing and tech contracts, while Stian Karlsen is recommended for advisory services.Practice head(s):
Christopher Sparre-Enger Clausen
Other key lawyers:
Espen Werring; Nikolai Rekman; Ane Lerheim Mossige; Stian Karlsen; Kjetil Rikardsen; Eirik W Raanes; Camilla Vislie
Testimonials
‘The team is practical, hands-on and experienced.’
‘I think Christopher Clausen is really impressive.’
‘The team knows the business and industry, and they are easy to work with.’
‘Ane Lerheim Mossige has an incisive and pragmatic edge.’
‘Very good knowledge about market practice and excellent legal skills.’
‘Highly qualified, very good business understanding and excellent profile within the industry/sector.’
‘The best firm in Norway based on their many years of experience. They have broad experience with technology contracts and have specific advice to avoid pitfalls in the types of contracts.’
‘Very responsible and competent resource. Stian Karlsen is easy to work with, very professional with regard to advising us and extremely fast, providing what he promises to do.’
Key clients
Microsoft Corporation (including its Norwegian subsidiary, Microsoft Norge AS)
Samsung Electronics AB
AutoStore AS
Kahoot! AS
Nordea
Otovo AS
Eika Gruppen
Elvia AS
Zalaris ASA
Casi AS
Storebrand
Varner AS
PatientSky Group AS
Dr. Dropin
Sparebank1 Gruppen
NHST Media Group AS (Dagens Næringsliv)
NomVec AS
Circle K Norge
Å Insite AS (formerly Glitre Energiløsninger)
Lyse Energi AS including its subsidiaries Altibox and Smartly
Diakonhjemmet Sykehus
The Norwegian Shipowners’ Mutual War Risk Insurance Association
Telenor Maritime AS
Vestland Fylkeskommune
Wilh. Wilhelmsen Holding ASA
Bolt Technology/Bolt Norway
Aksio InsureTech AS
Work highlights
- Advised Nordea on the procurement of services and software to replace its existing core system with a new core system, and adjacent services.
- Advised AutoStore on a wide range of legal and strategic matters, including contracts, IP matters and data protection.
- Advised Circle K in connection with its joint venture with Schibsted relating to Elton car charging app.
Norway > Construction Tier 2
Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS assists its clients throughout all stages of complex construction projects. Under the leadership of Jacob F Bull, an experienced arbitrator with a focus on energy, real estate and infrastructure-related construction mandates, the team attracts praise for its ‘consistently high availability and quality‘. Svein Aage Valen takes point on construction disputes from the firm’s Bergen office, while Kristine Hyldmo Bjørnvik has a strong track record representing clients in onshore and offshore construction disputes. At associate level, the ‘fantastic’ Henrik Fabian Torgrimsby and Alexander Stulien, praised for his ‘exceptional’ construction project experience, are other key names to note.Practice head(s):
Jacob F Bull
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Thommessen’s construction team is particularly strong on industrial knowledge and the ability to focus on the real business needs of the clients.’
‘Henrik Torgrimsby has been fantastic in terms of his legal counsel. He is pragmatic and solution orientated.’
‘Jacob Bull has outstanding knowledge on the valuable combination of construction law and industry experience.’
‘Alexander Stulien comes with exceptional practical experience from construction projects, in addition to a very strong knowledge of construction law.’
‘Consistently high availability and quality in running project support.’
‘Jacob F. Bull is very knowledgeable and great to work with.’
‘Jacob Bull: knowledge of our industry, and expertise on EPC contracts.’
‘Knowledge, straight to the point.’
Key clients
The Norwegian Public Road Administration / Statens Vegvesen
Bane NOR SF
Vestland Fylkeskommune
FREYR
Zephyr AS
Lyse Produksjon AS
The Norwegian Coastal Administration (Kystverket)
Odal Vindkraftverk AS/Akershus Energi Vind AS
Elvia AS
Sira-Kvina Kraftselskap DA
Watrium Eiendom AS
Mustad Eiendom AS
Agder OPS Vegselskap AS
Jølstra Kraft DA
Work highlights
- Assisting FREYR with its multi billion USD project development activities in Norway, Finland and in the US.
- Assisting Bane NOR with various matters related to the Follo line infrastructure project.
- Representing Vestland County Authority in a comprehensive dispute against contractor YIT Infra Norge AS concerning the road project “FV 556 – Hjellestad”.
Norway > Real estate Tier 2
Leveraging the firm’s strength in M&A, corporate matters, and dispute resolution, the real estate department at Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS is well-placed to advise clients across the full spectrum of contentious and non-contentious matters, handling lease and shareholder disputes, high-value transactions, commercial lease agreements, and property developments. ‘Very talented’ practice head Even Bratsberg takes point on high-value transactions, and also handles refinancings and restructurings, while Christopher Borch focuses on the purchase, sale, development, leasing, and syndication of commercial properties. The ‘extremely good’ Mette Borger Fyksen was promoted to the partnership in January 2023 and handles large property transactions for domestic and international clients. Managing associates Rolf Nyhus and Jenny Mo ably assist with large transactions, syndication projects, and commercial lease negotiations.Practice head(s):
Even Bratsberg
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘I highly recommend Thommessen as a real estate law firm. Their expertise, experience, and dedication to the client’s needs make them a trustworthy partner for all types of property projects.’
‘Mette Borger Fyksen is always available to answer questions and provide advice, and she keeps clients updated throughout the process. Her professionalism and dedication to achieving the client’s goals makes her a reliable choice for anyone in need of legal assistance in real estate.’
‘Very competent in zoning and property development issues. Skilled, professional and likeable employees.’
‘Mette Borgen Fyksen is extremely good at project management. She has a sharp focus that goes down to every little detail in large, complex transactions, which makes it very reassuring to work with her.’
‘Christopher Borch is the best within real estate law in Norway in my opinion.’
‘Rolf Nyhus – He knows both me and our company, and our needs related to real estate/contract, so normally less intro is needed. Nyhus is very competent and polite, and generally a nice guy.’
‘Even Bratsberg is a very talented partner.’
‘Christopher Borch – The long-term partner with a great overview who gives you the best strategic advice. Jenny Mo – The experienced lawyer who sorts out any difficulties in the contract to make the deal go through.’
Key clients
Artic Securities AS
Clarksons Platou Real Estate AS
Nordic Real Estate Partners AS
Samhällsbygnadsbolaget i Norden AB
Norwegian Property ASA
Aspelin Ramm Eiendom AS
Starwood Capital Group
Watrium Eiendom AS
Promenaden Property AS
Scandinavian Property Group AS
Angelo Gordon
MARK
Oslo Airport City AS
Storebrand Eiendom
Axer Eiendom AS
Industrifinans Capital AS
Bulk Industrier AS
Mustad Eiendom AS
Geilo Holding AS
Glastad Farsund AS and Fortus AS
Vika Project Finance AS
Carucel Eiendom AS
Canica Eiendom AS
Eiendomshuset Malling & Co AS /Malling & Co Eiendomsfond AS
Tristan Capital Partners
Scandinavian Development Constructive Development AS
Norgesgruppen ASA
Bane NOR Eiendom AS
Avantor AS
Brødrene Jensen AS
Mont Investor AS
NRE Norway AS
HCH Eiendom AS
Njord Securities
Orkla Eiendom AS
Tellus Eiendom AS
Wahl Eiendom AS
Scala Eiendom AS
Ferd Eiendom AS
OroEiendom AS
Bakke Leiligheter AS
Mestergruppen Eiendom AS
Eiendomsspar AS
Asset Buyout Partners AS
Birk & Co AS
Carnegie AS
Neumann Bygg AS
Gjensidige Forsikring ASA
AMF Pensionsförsäkring AB
Indigo Management AS
Viken Park AS
Bo Coliving AS
EGD Property AS
GC Rieber Eiendom AS
Midstar
Scandic Hotels AS
Fortin AS and Salmon TopCo AS
Work highlights
- Advised Residential Holding AS/Union Residential Development in connection with the acquisition of all the shares in Bonava Norge AS from Bonava AB, a Swedish company listed on Nasdaq Stockholm.
- Advised Scala Eiendom AS on the purchase of 100% of the shares in Citycon Down Town Eiendom AS and Citycon Sjøsiden Eiendom AS, owning the two shopping centres Down Town in Porsgrunn and Sjøsiden in Horten.
- Advised Mustad Eiendom AS in connection with the ongoing efforts to realise the large-scale development of ‘Lilleakerbyen’ at Lilleaker in Oslo and Bærum municipalities.
Norway > Public procurement Tier 3
The public procurement team at Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS, which is a sub-department of the EU/EEA and competition law team, routinely acts on behalf of tenderers and contracting authorities in complex procurement damages claims, specifically within the utilities sector. The team is co-led by Oslo-based Eivind J Vesterkjær and Bergen-based Wenche Sædal, with Vesterkjær’s practice covering a broad range of industries including the life sciences, technology, energy, retail, and shipping sectors, and Sædal serving as adviser and litigator for prominent public and private clients. Åse Rieber-Mohn assists suppliers and public authorities with contentious and non-contentious procurement-related issues.Practice head(s):
Eivind J Vesterkjær; Wenche Sædal
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘I experience a very high degree of follow-up and commitment in connection with assignments. Very neat and structured, and with very good communication and plan for implementation through all the processes I have participated in.’
‘I would like to mention Wenche Sædal. Through our collaboration, she stands out as a reliable, proactive and good humoured partner, though razor sharp, which make her obviously attractive for potential customers.’
‘Worked with Wenche Sædal. She has a great ability to understand our needs and quickly understand the issues in our cases. She has an easy-going personality which makes cooperation pleasant and simple. Always available and handles issues in a short time.’
‘I believe Eivind Vesterkjær, Wenche Sædal and the team have an excellent touch on things and provide valuable and on the spot solutions.’
‘Eivind Vesterkjaer: outstanding practitioner and good insights and strong ability to find solutions. Wenche Sædal: is showing her true abilities and is a sharp legal profile that can get things happen.’
Key clients
Bane NOR SF
Vestland fylkeskommune
Eviny AS and BKK Nett AS
Veidekke Industri AS
Skagerak Energi-group, including Skagerak Energi AS and Lede AS
Kystverket (Norwegian Coastal Administration)
Lyse/Lyse Lux/Lnett AS
Fagne AS
Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Fisheries
Stacc AS
BIR Bedrift AS
Unicare Norge AS
Bama Storkjøkken AS
Arval AS
Universitetet i Bergen
Apotek 1 Gruppen
Isalten Nett AS
Coloplast Norge AS
KODE Kunstmuseer og Komponisthjem
HCL Technologies Norway AS
Idrettens Helsesenter AS
Haugaland Kraft AS
Lockheed Martin Corporation
Bolt Services NO AS
SSI Diagnostica AS
Gyldendal AS
El-Proffen AS
Servicegrossistene AS
Å Energi AS
Lindum AS
GasscoAS
Kongsberg Gruppen
Kromann Reumert
Work highlights
- Served as Bane NOR SF’s strategic procurement adviser.
- Awarded a contract through a public procurement process conducted by the Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Fisheries to provide an analysis of Directive 2014/23/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council and formulating detailed proposals for the incorporation of the directive into Norwegian law.
- Represented the Vestland County Administration in an interim injunction case brought against it by BMO Tunnelsikring AS.
Norway > Regulatory, compliance and investigations
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 | |
---|---|---|---|
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 | Andreas Meidell | ame@thommessen.no | +4723111304 |
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 | Wenche Sædal | wsa@thommessen.no | +4755306166 |
Real estate | Even Bratsberg | ebr@thommessen.no | +4723111246 |
Renewable energy and infrastructure | Bendik Christoffersen | bch@thommessen.no | +4723111259 |
Retail/Consumer Markets | Julie Rasmussen Solli | jra@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 |
---|---|---|---|
Mr Thomas Abrahamsen | Partner. Thomas is a corporate generalist attorney with substantial transaction experience, in… | View Profile | |
Mr Hans Cappelen Arnesen | Mr Hans Cappelen Arnesen (“Hasse”) works primarily with matters concerning M&A, offerings… | View Profile | |
Mr Anders Arnkværn | Partner. Mr Anders Arnkværn has long experience within the areas of M&A… | View Profile | |
Mr Ervin Auren | Partner. Mr Ervin Auren works primarly with mergers, acquisitions and capital market… | View Profile | |
Mr Finn Backer-Grøndahl | Partner. Mr Finn Backer-Grøndahl works with both national and international tax law… | View Profile | |
Mr Baard Bale | Partner. Mr Baard Bale focuses on, and has significant experience with, equity… | View Profile | |
Mr Stig Berge | Partner. Mr Stig Berge is one of Norway’s leading lawyers within corporate… | View Profile | |
Mr Christopher Borch | Partner. Mr Chris Borch mainly works with purchase and sale, development, leasing,… | View Profile | |
Mr Even Bratsberg | Partner. Mr Even Bratsberg has twenty years of experience as lawyer in… | View Profile | |
Mrs Solveig Fagerheim Bugge | Partner. Mrs Solveig Fagerheim Bugge has extensive experience with M&A and capital… | View Profile | |
Mr Jacob F Bull | Mr Bull’s work mainly relates to offshore and onshore construction projects within… | View Profile | |
Mr Bendik Christoffersen | Mr Christoffersen works with matters concerning renewable energy and focuses on concession… | View Profile | |
Mr Tron Dalheim | Tron is a recognized employment law adviser to Norwegian and international companies.… | View Profile | |
Mrs Ylva Gjesdahl Petersen | Ylva works with equity capital market transactions and M&A across various industries,… | View Profile | |
Mr Einar Grette | Mr Einar Grette’s practice focuses on financing and restructuring in the bank-… | View Profile | |
Mr Mads Haavardsholm | Mr Haavardsholm works primarily with contract negotiations and transactions towards clients in… | View Profile | |
Mr Henrik Hagberg | Partner. Mr Henrik Hagberg has broad experience from working with both contentious… | View Profile | |
Mr Christian Hals | Partner. Christian works primarily with M&A and securities law within the oil… | View Profile | |
Mr Henning Harborg | Mr Harborg assists clients from a wide range of business areas with… | View Profile | |
Mr Magnus Hauge Greaker | Partner Magnus mainly works with patent, trademark and trade secrets litigation, for… | View Profile | |
Mr Hans Haugstad | Mr Hans Haugstad predominantly works with financing transactions and assists both banks/financial… | View Profile | |
Mr Kristoffer Hegdahl | Partner. Kristoffer has extensive experience from domestic and cross-border financing transactions, acting… | View Profile | |
Mrs Ellen Teresa Heyerdahl | Partner. Mrs Ellen Teresa Heyerdahl has extensive experience with financing. She assists… | View Profile | |
Mrs Kristine Hyldmo Bjørnvik | Partner. Kristine mainly works with dispute resolution with a particular focus on… | View Profile | |
Mrs Heidi Jorkjend | Partner Heidi works with competition law and marketing law. She has broad… | View Profile | |
Mr Stein Kimsås-Otterbech | Mr Stein Kimsås-Otterbech has extensive experience with matters concerning employment law and… | View Profile | |
Mr Ståle R Kristiansen | Mr Kristiansen advises several major Norwegian and foreign companies in connection with… | View Profile | |
Mr Pål Lieungh | Mr Lieungh has many years of experience as legal advisor within the… | View Profile | |
Mr Bjørn Christian Lilletvedt Tovsen | 2018-current Partner, Oslo office, Thommessen; 2015-2017 Managing Associate, Oslo office, Thommessen; 2012-2014 Senior… | View Profile | |
Mr Halvor Mansåker | Mr Mansåker works primarily with debt capital market transactions, assisting both managers… | View Profile | |
Mr Gunnar Martinsen | A significant part of Mr Martinsen’s work is related to the conditions… | View Profile | |
Mr Andreas Meidell | Mr Meidell works mainly on commercial insurance claims and coverage issues, such… | View Profile | |
Mr Øyvind Mork Karlsen | Partner Øyvind has long experience within Mergers & Acquisitions, and acts for… | View Profile | |
Mr Tore Mydske | Mr Mydske advises financial companies with what is considered as regulated activity… | View Profile | |
Mr Reidar Myhre | Associate Partner. In recent years, Mr Myhre has been involved in several… | View Profile | |
Mr Mons Alfred Paulsen | Mr Paulsen primarily works with matters concerning tax and duty law as… | View Profile | |
Mr Eirik W Raanes | Mr Raanes works primarily with dispute resolution within contract law, construction law,… | View Profile | |
Mr Lars Eirik Gåseide Røsås | Partner. Mr Lars Eirik Gåseide Røsås advises a number of listed companies… | View Profile | |
Mr Marius Holm Rynning | Partner. Mr Marius Holm Rynning primarily works with tax law and corporate… | View Profile | |
Mr Eivind Sæveraas | Associate Partner. Mr Sæveraas is primarily recognised for his work on several… | View Profile | |
Mr Christian Grüner Sagstad | Head of M&A and Corporate law department, Partner. Mr Christian Grüner Sagstad,… | View Profile | |
Mr Christopher Sparre-Enger Clausen | Partner. Christopher heads Thommessen’s Technology and Data Protection practice group and specialises… | View Profile | |
Mr Audun Stornes | Partner. Audun primarily advises Norwegian and foreign companies within Oil and Gas… | View Profile | |
Mrs Siri Teigum | Mrs Teigum acts as an advisor and litigator in procurement matters, and… | View Profile | |
Mr Sverre Tyrhaug | Managing Partner. Mr Sverre Tyrhaug has advised on a number of share… | View Profile | |
Mr Eivind J Vesterkjær | Mr Vesterkjær’s practice focuses on matters relating to competition law, public procurement… | View Profile | |
Mrs Camilla Vislie | Mrs Vislie heads Thommessen’s IP and Technology practice. She works mainly with… | View Profile | |
Mr Espen Werring | Espen is a trusted adviser to organizations developing and implementing their mission-critical… | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of lawyers : 290 at this office : 240Languages
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 at 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.
Diversity
Diversity Statement
Diversity and inclusion is a strategic priority for Thommessen. We are a company based on knowledge and expertise, where the most valuable asset is our employees. We acknowledge that there is room for improvement within diversity, and have therefore during the last seven years introduced a number of initiatives to increase diversity, some of which are described here.
We strive to be an attractive workplace and employer for everyone, regardless of gender, age, background, ethnicity, religion, physical capacity and sexuality. In our view, it is all about fostering an engaging teamwork culture where everyone feels included and valued.
At Thommessen, we have also recognized the importance of unconscious discrimination (bias). We have, among other things, structured the recruitment process and developed a recruitment tool together with an assessment and talent measurement company where we evaluate candidates against predefined characteristics identified through various personality and ability tests. Through this process, we reduce unconscious discrimination in the recruitment and selection process.
We have established a designated Women’s Committee, which supports the management in its efforts to improve our gender balance and increase retention of female lawyers. The Committee is also charged with facilitating female staff bonding by holding monthly lunches and other professional and social events.
In the current strategy period, we have chosen to continue to prioritize gender balance and multicultural diversity. Our strategy includes specific targets for increasing the proportion of women among our senior attorneys and partners in addition to employees with a minority background. In order to reach these targets, we have introduced a number of measures in relation to recruitment, management training, flexibility for staff with small children, etc.
At Thommessen, we believe that diversity and inclusion is best achieved through the day to day work, i.e. through the execution of the projects with our clients. We see that employees who experience that they gain knowledge, master their tasks and contribute in a meaningful way, tend to engage more, stay on longer and perform better, which again benefits the project. This is why we generally have a strong focus on building an open and including team culture.
Sponsorships and collaborations
At Thommessen, we seek, together with our clients, to shape the business sector of the future and to safeguard corporate values and the rule of law. Our social involvement is not only reflected in the work we do, but also through the NGOs we support. We support several ambitious CSR and pro bono initiatives. Knowledge is our key resource, and represents our main contribution to enabling NGOs to pursue their mission under optimum conditions.
I relations to our work with social diversity, we support several NGO’s and initiatives including:
- The Norwegian Women’s Football Association
From January 2020 Thommessen is official partner of the Norwegian Women’s Football Association. We want to take part in developing Norwegian women’s football, especially linked to increased professionalization and competence enhancement. At Thommessen we are committed to highlighting female talents – both in the legal profession and in football. The agreement allows the Norwegian Women’s Football Association to access a learning tool for football players based on VR technology, provided by Be Your Best. - #ShesGotThis / Equality Check
#ShesGotThis is an organisation addressing gender stereotypes and unconscious bias. Thommessen is one of its founding partners, and we have assisted #ShesGotThis in a range of legal issues in its start-up phase. The organisation also serves as a key advisor in our efforts to increase our proportion of female managing associates and partners. The founders have also launched Equality Check, a community-based platform where employees can leave anonymous reviews about equal opportunity, company culture, work/life balance and the management’s commitment to diversity. Thommessen encourages all employees to leave their assessment of Thommessen. - Big Enough Global
We are main partner with Big Enough Global (BEG). A youth organization that will work to create solutions within the UN’s sustainability goals, and which, among other things, works to promote the importance of multicultural diversity in the workplace, which is a strategic focus area for Thommessen.
Comparative Guides
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Norway: Tax
Published: October 2023
Authors: Marius Holm Rynning Marius Jærn Pilgaard
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Tax laws and regulations applicable in Norway.
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Norway: Patent Litigation
Published: November 2023
Authors: Camilla VislieEirik W. RaanesMagnus Hauge GreakerAndreas Stabell
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Patent Litigation laws and regulations applicable in Norway.
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Norway: Litigation
Published: July 2023
Authors: Eirik W. RaanesMathilde Rye RambergNanette ArvesenAnders Eide Røyneberg
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Litigation laws and regulations applicable in Norway.
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Norway: Private Equity
Published: January 2024
Authors: Hans Cappelen ArnesenChristian Grüner SagstadLars Eirik Gåseide RøsåsØyvind Mork Karlsen
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Private Equity laws and regulations applicable in Norway.
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Top Tier Firm Rankings
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