Wiersholm > Oslo, Norway > Firm Profile
Wiersholm Offices
DOKKVEIEN 1
PO BOX 1400 VIKA
0115 OSLO
Norway
Wiersholm > The Legal 500 Rankings
Norway > Banking and finance (including shipping finance) Tier 1
Fielding a ‘highly competent‘ team of lawyers, Wiersholm has a solid track record in assisting both domestic and international clients across several industries, including the shipping and offshore, energy, seafood, and real estate sectors, on the full range of finance matters. Practice head Atle Gabrielsen is ‘one of the best’ and stands out for his debt financing expertise on both the borrower and lender side. On the shipping finance front, Kristine Hasle is the key contact, with extensive expertise in cross-border financings and sale and leaseback transactions; she is ably assisted by Kristian Wangsfjord. Petter Thomren Moltu, described as a ‘class act,’ assists lenders and borrowers in the renewables and energy sectors on acquisition financings, cross-border restructurings, and debt capital markets transactions. Audun Dahle-Nedrelid joined the team in March 2024 from BAHR, and Kaare P. Sverdrup left the team in 2023 and is now at Advokatfirmaet Schjødt AS.Practice head(s):
Atle Gabrielsen
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘They know what they’re doing, don’t make a fuss about it or raise arguments when there is no need, and just get the job done. Very collaborative and pleasant to work with. ’
‘Petter Thomren Moltu is the partner I work with most. Like others in his firm, he’s just a class act, quietly gets on with it and delivers for the clients.’
‘Wiersholm always delivers highly competent and diversified teams composed of resources with different professional expertise and resources who are able to understand the industry and know the company well.’
‘The customer feels important and prioritised, and they always provide the right resources in meetings. They work quickly and efficiently, are flexible and solution-oriented.’
‘Extremely service minded and professional firm.’
‘Wiersholm has a very strong financing team that covers all aspects of our business needs, from regulatory issues to transaction work. They are particularly strong in bank financing (corporate, leveraged, project finance, shipping, offshore).’
‘Atle Gabrielsen is one of the best and most sought after banking & finance lawyers in Norway. He delivers superb work in a nice and friendly atmosphere, making both lenders and borrowers satisfied.’
‘Kristine Hasle and Kristian Wangsfjord have excellent qualities in bank, finance and shipping that we need.’
Key clients
Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB
Handelsbanken, Norwegian Branch of Svenska Handelsbanken AB
SpareBank 1 SR-Bank ASA
DNB Bank ASA
Nordea Bank Abp, Filial i Norge
Maritime & Merchant Bank ASA
ABN AMRO Bank N.V.
Danske Bank A/S
Swedbank AB
Wilhelmsen
SFL Corporation Ltd
Flex LNG Ltd
Work highlights
- Advised Aneo, a joint venture between utility company TrønderEnergi and the private equity sponsor HitecVision, on a NOK2.5bn loan facility agreement to finance future growth and M&A activity within the renewable space.
- Advised Flex LNG Ltd over a period of 16 months during which the company conducted a comprehensive refinancing of all ships in the Flex LNG fleet.
- Advised Danske Bank on a $125m committed and $25m uncommitted revolving credit facility agreement to leading energy data company TGS.
Norway > Capital markets Tier 1
Acting for both issuers and trustees, Wiersholm stands out for its strength across the full spectrum of capital markets work, handling a high volume of private placements, bonds, IPOs and listing mandates. Equity capital markets work is a particular area of expertise for the firm. A key name here is Anne Lise E. Gryte, who has ‘invaluable and unmatched‘ expertise across all aspects of ECM work; she now co-heads the team alongside bond markets specialist Petter Thomren Moltu. Tone Østensen has extensive experience advising on IPOs, rights offerings, and convertible bond issuances, while the ‘razor sharp‘ Sverre Sandvik divides his practice between M&A and capital markets transactions.Practice head(s):
Anne Lise E. Gryte; Petter Thomren Moltu
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Wiersholm has a really strong team, both on the partner side and among associates. They can handle large and complex projects and always deliver great quality and client service.’
‘Sverre Sandvik is probably the most knowledgeable capital markets lawyer in Norway. He is razor sharp and always gives sound and pragmatic advice.’
‘Anne-Lise E. Gryte is a star.’
‘Sverre Sandvik is an extremely pragmatic, solution oriented and “to the point” lawyer. He is always available and we feel valued and taken care of.’
‘Highly qualified. Very capable competent team. Always very hands on during the processes. Rapid response time.’
‘Dedicated team with highly competent individuals from partners to junior resources. Very proficient and around the clock availability.’
‘The team is very knowledgeable and capable. No matter on what side of the transaction they are, they work to do the best for the transaction and all parties involved. The team’s experience is incredible.’
‘Anne Lise Gryte is a definite stand out partner. She is very knowledgeable, collaborative, open minded and innovative and truly wants the best outcome. Her experience is invaluable and unmatched in the street. She is also always available and ready to tackle all problems!’
Key clients
ABG Sundal Collier ASA
Carnegie
DNB Markets, a part of DNB
Pareto Securities
Schibsted ASA
Norsk Hydro ASA
Mowi ASA
Flex LNG
Wilh. Wilhelmsen Holding ASA
RAK Petroleum Plc
Benchmark Holdings PLc
Oaktree Capital
Statkraft AS
Goldman Sachs
Seaway 7 ASA
Flyr AS
Awilco Drilling PLC
SpareBank 1 Markets AS
Arctic Securities AS
ADS Maritime Holding PLC
Nordic Trustee AS
Kistefos
Hurtigruten
SFL Corporation Group
ShaMaran Petroleum Corp
Integrated Wind Solutions ASA
Waste Plastic Upcycling A/S
Kyoto Group AS
Work highlights
- Assisted the managers in connection with the IPO of DOF GROUP ASA on Oslo Børs.
- Assisted Schibsted ASA in connection with the secondary bloc trade of shares in the Oslo Børs listed Adevinta ASA.
- Acted for the arrangers and the bond trustee in connection with the comprehensive refinancing of Archer Limited, including a $100m private placement and a 2nd lien bond issuance.
Norway > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 1
Wiersholm fields a ‘top-quality‘ corporate practice that advises on national and cross-border M&A transactions across a wide range of sectors. The practice is co-headed by experienced M&A practitioner Harald Hellebust, who advises both private equity funds and industrial players, and the ‘excellent‘ Sverre Sandvik, who specialises in M&A, capital market transactions and general company and securities law. Gunhild Dugstad is a key contact for private equity transactions, and Kristian Martin Lind regularly advises on M&A, venture investments and general company law. The group also includes Ingjerd Røynås, who assists clients with matters relating to the technology, retail and industry sectors, and Kristian E. Ottesen, who advises companies in connection with M&A, capital market transactions and company law. Other notable practitioners are Hannah Advocaat Lund and Oscar Brown.Practice head(s):
Harald Hellebust; Sverre Sandvik
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team has a deep bench of really strong M&A lawyers. They always deliver top quality advice and have great client service.’
‘Commercially oriented and very skilled team, always understanding and adapting to our demands.’
‘Strong legal capability, commercially oriented and ability to put themselves in our shoes.’
‘Broad competence. Responsive. Practical and commercial approach to legal problems.’
‘Very skilled team with very high working capacity.’
‘Harald Hellebust is the best M&A lawyer in Norway. He introduces new concepts to the local market and is always one step ahead in creating modern process designs. A top negotiator.’
‘Sverre Sandvik is an excellent adviser with high level knowledge, and always serves our demands in a pragmatic, efficient and commercially oriented way.’
‘Sverre Sandvik is excellent on general corporate matters and has a fantastic overview. Kristian Lind is really creative and great in complex projects.’
Key clients
SoftBank
Visma
Kistefos
KKR
Nordax Bank AB
Longship
Summa Equity
Kverva/Kverva Management
Orkla ASA
Schibsted
HG Pooled Management Limited
Nordic Capital
Sector Alarm
Procuritas
DNB
Goldman Sachs Asset Management
Wilh Wilhlemsen Holding AS
Bertel O. Steen
Vipps
Subsea 7
Verdane
VINCIE Energies
Work highlights
- Advised WF Holding on the sale of all its shares in Widerøe AS to Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA.
- Advised Verdane, Summa and Kinnevik on their equity investment in Oda.
- Assisted Goldman Sachs Asset Management in connection with its takeover bid for Kahoot! ASA, a company listed on Oslo Stock Exchange in all aspects of the transaction, including negotiations with the target, negotiations between the bidding parties, preparation of the offer documentation, financing, structuring and regulatory issues.
Norway > Dispute resolution Tier 1
Counting leading domestic and international banks, energy companies, and telecoms and media players among its impressive roster of clients, Wiersholm’s dispute resolution offering runs the gamut of contentious mandates. Thomas Naalsund and Christian Hauge now jointly lead the team; Naalsund has a broad practice that covers post-transaction disputes as well as competition and public procurement-related matters, while Hauge has an emphasis on shipping and insurance litigation. Contentious tax matters are handled by Bettina Banoun, while Olav Perland handles financial and corporate litigation; the ‘outstanding’ Magnus Nordøy Snellingen is another core individual here. The team also includes Morten Goller, who is experienced in international arbitrations, and Magnus Hellesylt, who is a key contact for complex IT contract disputes.Practice head(s):
Thomas Naalsund; Christian Hauge
Other key lawyers:
Magnus Hellesylt; Bettina Banoun; Olav Perland; Magnus Nordøy Snellingen; Stephan Jervell; Morten Goller
Testimonials
‘Very well prepared, and good understanding of the case and also the non-legal aspects of it.’
‘Very strong appearance in court, very well prepared. Very good at assuring that the judge has got the point.’
‘Wiersholm has a competent and skilled team that is able to provide swift assistance adapted to our needs.’
‘I recommend Olav Perland and Bettina Banoun.’
‘Great team players, respecting and working with client representatives efficiently and diligently.’
‘My experience is that the team at Wiersholm works as a true team – without prestige or politics. They care about the client’s cause as if it were their own.’
‘Magnus Nordøy Snellingen is an outstanding individual who combines legal expertise with a deep regard for his clients, always going the extra mile to make sure he delivers the best he can for his clients.’
‘Excellent team both professionally and socially. Strong strategic and good negotiators. Good reputation.’
Key clients
DNB Bank ASA
Equinor
Schibsted ASA
Deutsche Bank AG
Ramme Eiendom Petter Olsen
Discovery Communications Europe Ltd., Eurosport S.A.S, Discovery Communications Deutschland GmbH & Co KG
Telenor, Telia, Altibox, NextGenTel
Parlevliet en Van der Plas B.V. et al.
International Business Machines AS (IBM)
DNV
Danske Bank AS
Equinor Energy AS
Eie 1 AS
Veidekke Entreprenør AS
A/S Taurus
Sparebank 1 Østlandet
Sector Alarm AS
Silva Green Fuel DA (Silva)
Norges Bank Investment Management
Coop Norge SA
Work highlights
- Represented IBM in a large IT contract dispute against the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (NPRA).
- Assisting DNB Bank ASA in a dispute with the tax authorities regarding the allocation of interest costs for tax purposes to the company’s permanent establishment in the US.
- Represented Sector Alarm AS in a substantial class action case in which Sector Alarm was fined by the Norwegian Competition Authorities in 2019 due to alleged cooperation with its competitor Verisure.
Norway > Employment Tier 1
The employment team at Wiersholm is sought after for advice on complex employment matters such as extensive reorganisations and workforce reductions, whistleblowing cases and litigation; the team is also competent in negotiating and settling individual employment disputes at management level. ‘Very knowledgeable’ practice head Christel Søreide is an experienced litigator, with expertise in complex personnel and whistleblowing cases, staff reductions, independent contractor agreements and discrimination issues, while fellow litigator Jan Fougner is also an expert in conflict and crisis management. The group also includes Eli Aasheim, who assists Norwegian and international enterprises with employment related issues; and Ellen Røyneberg, who specialises in borderline issues between employment and privacy law. Julie Piil Lorentzen and Helena Karoline Lie Norum are also key contacts.Practice head(s):
Christel Søreide
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team is always prepared and it feels like they are always prepared in advance when it comes to assessing the next steps. ’
‘Wiersholm’s employment law department is able to give us advice on everything that can be thought of in employment law, and related legal areas in Norway. If our need extends beyond the country’s borders, Wiersholm has cooperating lawyers in most jurisdictions that are relevant for us.’
‘Our advisers in Wiersholm are available at all times and respond quickly and comprehensively to all inquiries. The advice we receive is always very well reasoned.’
‘We have a very close and personal relationship with Eli Aasheim and Julie P. Lorentzen, a relationship made possible by the fact that they have been our stable contacts for several years. Both are very knowledgeable and represent more to us than just being legal advisers.’
‘Julie Piil Lorentzen demonstrates an impressive knowledge and legal expertise within her field.’
Key clients
Norges Bank Investment Management
Orkla ASA
Vipps Mobilepay AS
Statkraft AS
Equinor ASA
ABB AS
Nasdaq Oslo ASA
Hydro
Aller Media AS
Felleskjøpet Agri SA
CHC Helikopter Service AS
Aneo AS
Bane Nor SF
Volue ASA
Formue AS
Anora AS
BDO AS
Fellesordningen for AFP
Okea ASA
Finans Norge
Work highlights
- Successfully represented Norges Bank Investment Management in an extensive case in Oslo District Court. This is the first lawsuit in Norway where an employee alleged that its employer has breached the equal gender pay rules in the Equality and Discrimination Act.
- Assisted the Swedish bank NOBA Bank Group AB with the relevant employment-related issues in connection with the bank’s cross-border merger with Bank Norwegian ASA.
- Assisting Vipps with the employment elements of its complex cross-country merger with MobilePay A/S.
Norway > Energy
Lauded by clients for its ability to bring ‘a wealth of experience and technical know-how to transactions‘, the energy team at Wiersholm runs the gamut of renewable and traditional energy work, handling commercial agreements, project financing work, regulations, and project development. Inge Ekker Bartnes and Jon Rabben jointly oversee the renewables offering; Bartnes is recommended for work relating to M&A, financing deals, and financial restructurings, while Rabben assists domestic and international clients with regulatory issues, contract negotiations, and corporate matters. On the oil and gas front, the team’s expertise spans the full range of petroleum law and regulatory work, as well as commercial agreements, disputes, and transactional mandates. Sondre Dyrland oversees the oil and gas group and has extensive expertise in petroleum law and contractual matters, while Thomas Naalsund handles contentious work. At associate level, the ‘technically very sharp’ Svanhild Vesterheim specialises in regulatory matters in the renewable energy sector. Torkjel Grøndalen joined the practice in early 2024 from Advokatfirmaet Schjødt AS.Practice head(s):
Inge Ekker Bartnes; Jon Rabben; Sondre Dyrland
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Wiersholm is a firm which provides excellent legal services within most fields of business and has good expertise within oil and gas. They also have a number of very skilled arbitration lawyers. Generally easy to cooperate with and sufficient resources to handle the cases expediently.’
‘Sondre Dyrland is one of the most competent oil and gas lawyers in Norway with strong focus on this business. He analyses the cases very thoroughly and is always very well prepared. You always feel safe that all aspects of the case have been taken into account when working with Mr Dyrland and he is also a very good litigator.’
‘In addition to bringing a wealth of experience and technical know-how to transactions, the team demonstrates an ability to quickly become an extension of our internal team, understanding the genuine commercial drivers for the transaction and ensuring that our ultimate objective is baked into all analysis, considerations and key decisions.’
‘Svanhild Vesterheim – technically very sharp and able to pinpoint and provide commercially sophisticated advice on the key commercial and risk decisions on a transaction. Takes a proactive approach, delivers advice in a “user friendly” format and is fully aligned with our internal team. She is a pleasure to work with and operates at Partner level.’
‘Inge Ekker Bartnes utilises his extensive experience and expertise to provide real “value-added” insight at key points of the transaction, the type of support you want (and need) from a top-quality partner in this sector. Exceptional at “cutting through the noise” on transactions and facilitates key decision-making. Again, he is a pleasure to work with.’
‘Great work done! Outstanding work from all employees, and especially the partners, pushing the work forward to be done. Excellent work.’
‘Jon Rabben is a star of the Wiersholm team with a proactive and agile approach.’
Key clients
Statkraft AS
Statkraft Mer Holding AS
Statkraft Energi AS
The Ministry of Petroleum and Energy
NTE AS
NTE Energi AS
TrønderEnergi AS
ANEO AS
Equinor ASA
Hydro Energi AS
Kyoto Group AS
Green H AS
Infranode AB
Å Energi AS
Dalane Energi AS
Dalane Kraft AS
Dalane Vind AS
Enida AS
Infracapital Ltd
Recharge AS
Thermalstore Norway AS
PATRIZIA Infrastructure
Østfold Energi AS
Siso Energi AS
Inherit Carbon Solutions AS
Istad AS
Istad Nett AS
Istad Fiber AS
Kymppivoima Hydro Oy
Skagerak Energi AS
Mainstream Renewable Power Limited
Ringerikskraft AS
Ringerikskraft Produksjon AS
Statnett SF
Suomen Voima Oy
SV Vattenkraft AB
Troms Kraft AS
Kinect Energy AS
Vauban Infrastructure Partners
Abrdn plc
Northern Lights JV DA
Gassco AS
Petoro AS
ConocoPhillips Skandinavia AS
TotalEnergies EP Norge AS
TotalEnergies S.A.
Chrysaor Norge AS
Work highlights
- Acting as legal counsel of Equinor Energy AS, Petoro AS and ConocoPhillips Skandinavia AS as participants in the Breidablikk Unit in a lawsuit brought by the fourth partner in the unit, Vår Energi, against the Norwegian Government and the clients.
- Assisted OKEA with its acquisition of a portfolio of producing assets from Wintershall Dea.
- Acting as legal counsel for Northern Lights on developing new contractual concepts, mechanisms and solutions for the commercial transport and storage of CO2.
Norway > EU and competition Tier 1
Håkon Cosma Størdal and Elisabeth Lian Haugsdal jointly oversee the team at Wiersholm, which has broad competence across the full spectrum of EU and competition issues. The ‘very impressive‘ Størdal handles complex Norwegian and cross-border competition matters, including merger mandates, antitrust investigations, and follow-on litigation. Haugsdal has extensive experience acting for clients in complex litigation proceedings before the Norwegian Competition Authority as well as various EU authorities. The core team also includes seasoned antitrust litigator Stephan L Jervell, described by clients as ‘a rock star in court’, as well as Thomas Naalsund, a key contact for contentious state aid and public procurement matters. At associate level, the ‘very sharp‘ Edvard Hamer Rojahn is also recommended.Practice head(s):
Håkon Cosma Størdal; Elisabeth Lian Haugsdal
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The Wiersholm competition team is a top competition outfit in Norway. Their strength lies in a deep understanding of the law, including relevant EU case law. Their lawyers are critical thinkers and always take the ‘devil’s advocate’ in effect shifting the discussion to what the competition authority will think or do or how they will react to our arguments.’
‘Håkon Cosma Størdal is a veteran competition lawyer. He keeps a cool head and is ready to tackle judges’ most probing questions. Håkon is always pushing the discussion further, asking probing questions and testing the robustness of the legal and economic arguments.’
‘Stephan L. Jervell is a rock star in court, very positive and proactive, and a convincing advocate before judges. Edvard Hamer Rojahn is a rising star, very sharp and always adding to the discussion with important contributions.’
‘The team is headed by Håkon Størdal. He is very impressive. Størdal combines in-depth knowledge of competition law with commercial, strategic and practical thinking. He takes ownership and is able to communicate complex issues in understandable terms. He has been a true resource and guided us with a firm hand in this complex and challenging matter.’
‘We have had the pleasure of working with Stephan Jervell and Elisabeth Haugsdal in addition to several other associates on the Wiersholm team. Jervell is a strategic thinker and his background in litigation has been very valuable in this case. Haugsdal is dedicated, knowledgeable and has full control of the law. She also is a valuable speaking partner and understands the commercial realities. I would also like to recommend Edvard Rojahn as an excellent associate in this area.’
‘Håkon Cosma Størdal is highly skilled and experienced in all aspects of competition law. He has excellent communication skills, has a strong commercial mind and is always available.’
‘Very skilled with a good overview of EU competition legislation and EU bodies. We have good experience with Wiersholm and have had no need to use competing law firms.’
‘Elisabeth Haugsdal is highly appreciated for her excellent competence and availability.’
Key clients
Altor Funds
DNB
Bertel. O. Steen
Coop Norge SA
Felleskjøpet SA
Hurtigruten ASA/ Hurtigruten AS
IK Investment Partners
JCDDecaux
The Ministry of Petroleum and Energy
Schibsted ASA
Svenska Handelsbanken AB
Veidekke ASA/Seby AS
Bravida
Mowi ASA
Wilh. Wilhelmsen Holding ASA
Kistefos AS
Visma AS
Hafslund ASA
Statnett SF
Sector Alarm Holding AS
EQT
The Norwegian Heart and Lung Patient Organisation (LHL)
Statkraft
Santander Consumer Bank
SB1 Markets
Vipps MobilePay AS
Vipps Holding AS/BankID BankAxept AS
Netfonds Holding
Summa Equity
Veidekke Entreprenør AS
Skanska Norge AS
Entur AS
Boreal Norge AS
Den Norske Opera og Ballett
Torghatten ASA
ABB AS
Discovery Communications Europe Limited
Bastø Fosen AS
Viking Redningstjeneste Topco AS
Anora (Former Arcus ASA)
Widerøe’s Flyveselskap AS
Norwegian Banks’ Guarantee Fund
KLP
Ticket
Algeco Holdings B.V
Equinor ASA
Strawberry AS
The Ministry of Trade, Industries and Fisheries
The Ministry of Petroleum and Energy
Nordic Capital
AF Gruppen
Multiconsult
Trønderenergi ASA
Aneo AS
Norsk Hydro ASA
Orkla ASA
Yara International ASA
IBM
Space Norway AS
Discovery Communications Europe Limited
Bane NOR SF
OSM Maritime Group
Work highlights
- Successfully represented Schibsted ASA before the Norwegian Supreme Court, where the Norwegian Competition Authority (NCA) and the Competition Appeal Tribunal’s decision to block Schibsted’s acquisition of Nettbil was annulled.
- Successfully represented a client before the Norwegian Supreme Court, where the Supreme Court confirmed that Norwegian procedural law did not allow for holding group members responsible for external funding costs in a class action such as the one at issue filed by “Alarmkundeforeningen”.
- Assisting Widerøe AS with the acquisition by Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA before the Norwegian Competition Authority.
Norway > Insurance Tier 1
The insurance and regulatory practice at Wiersholm is praised by clients as ‘very knowledgeable, with great expertise, and is very available, service-minded and hands-on‘; the team assists insurance companies and intermediaries with a diverse range of insurance matters, as well as acting in litigation and arbitration proceedings. Practice head Hans Kenneth Viga-Gerhardsen is an expert in insurance and marine insurance law, and the team also includes Kjersti Trøbråten, who is ‘one of the best advisers on regulatory matters in the industry’; Olav Perland, who is highly experienced in dispute resolution and corporate law litigation; and shipping and insurance specialist Christian Hauge. Other notable practitioners include ‘highly skilled‘ regulatory specialist Stian Endre, Magnus Nordøy Snellingen, who primarily assists with shareholder M&A and D&O liability disputes; and Fredrik Dahm, who is an expert in liability matters concerning accounts, auditing and other economic issues.Practice head(s):
Hans Kenneth Viga-Gerhardsen
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Wiersholm has a complete insurance team, with experts on the wide range of the spectrum, from regulatory, advisory, contracts to disputes. Its lawyers are also among the best in Norway on professional liability disputes, arising out of or linked to the insurance coverage.’
‘The Wiersholm team is very knowledgeable, has great expertise, is very available, service-minded and hands-on, and offers very constructive and trustworthy advice. The services provided are always spot-on and helpful. Also, the team members that I have been in contact with are very nice and friendly. ’
‘All in all one of the best teams around!’
‘The team is responsive to requests and delivers clear advice that allows for practical discussions within the company.’
‘Kjersti Trøbråten has extensive knowledge of insurance regulatory matters, and provides very insightful and easy to understand advice, as well as constructive solutions. She makes herself available on short notice even if the matter at hand is a part of a major engagement, and leads a team which seems to really enjoy working with her and together.’
‘Kjersti Trøbråten is one of the best advisers on regulatory matters in the industry. Her knowledge and experience are highly valued.’
‘Stian Endre is a knowledgeable lawyer who communicates his advice clearly and in responsive fashion. ’
‘Olav Perland, Magnus Snellingen and Christian Hauge are highly experienced insurance litigators who are commonly used by the large insurers.’
Key clients
Gjensidige Forsikring ASA
AIG Europe S.A
AIG Europe UK Limited
Folksam Ömsesidig Sakförsäkring
BDO AS
Gallagher Europe Holding
DHL Global Forwarding (Norway) AS
AXA XL Insurance SE
QBE Europe SA/NV
Gjensidigeforeningene (Møretrygd, Nordlys, Tromstrygd og Bud & Hustad)
Sparebank1 Østlandet
Work highlights
- Defended DHL and AIG against a claim for damages after DHL discovered that Munch artwork allegedly stored with it in Oslo had disappeared.
- Advised D&O insurer and previous board members and management of a bank in defending a NOK65m–250m liability claim following a bank collapse.
- Advised Gjensidige Forsikring ASA in a NOK70m–100m dispute concerning director’s liability.
Norway > Intellectual property Tier 1
Wiersholm’s ‘best in town’ IP practice stands out for its broad expertise across the full spectrum of intellectual property matters, advising clients across a broad range of industries on copyright issues, patent litigation, trade mark matters, and trade secrets work. The ‘excellent‘ Hans Erik Johnsen has a broad practice with a notable emphasis on the broadcasting, media, and sports sectors. Rune Opdahl specialises in contentious and non-contentious copyright, trade mark, and patent matters, while seasoned IP litigator Anne Marie Sejersted has extensive experience acting for clients in the life sciences, offshore, and renewables industries; the trio jointly oversees the team. At associate level, Kristiane Aarvik and Dina Brask are also recommended.Practice head(s):
Hans Erik Johnsen; Rune Opdahl; Anne Marie Sejersted
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team delivers services of very high quality. They are proactive, solution-oriented, efficient, available and very conscious of quality. Their sector knowledge and experience within our sector is unique and makes them our preferred legal adviser. In total, we are very satisfied with Wiersholm’s IP team.’
‘The individuals we work with are always available and provide high quality legal advice within short deadlines. They are extremely service minded and professional.’
‘I worked mainly with Anne Marie Sejersted and Dina Brask. Both are very talented individuals who were very well prepared for the trials we faced. I felt the company was in very good hands, and we won our cases.’
‘Hans Erik Johnsen is one of kind. Excellent lawyer and knows the media market in Norway especially well.’
‘Wiersholm has in our case set itself apart through its meticulous approach to legal problem-solving. They were detailed in their practices, left no stone unturned in their pursuit of legal excellence for us.’
‘We strongly recommend Wiersholm. Their department for intellectual property is, in my opinion, best in town. They do have the perfect combination of practical and theoretical knowledge.’
‘Hans Erik Johnsen offers first-class service, and his advice is always to the point. Rune Opdahl has an outstanding technical understanding.’
‘Anne-Marie Sejersted: Very experienced and competent.’
Key clients
SkandiaEnergi Omsetning AS
NOBA Bank Group AB
Visma AS
Monster AS
Schibsted ASA
Altibox AS
Silva Green Fuel DA
Statkraft
Aller Media Group
Orkla ASA
Rimfrost AS
Norsk Postkodelotteri AS
Discovery Networks Norway AS
ByOslo Group
Anora AS
Nordisk Film
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals
Aars
Work highlights
- Representing Eltorque AS in an unfair marketing lawsuit against Brødrene Dahl AS.
- Successfully defended Silva Green Fuel in patent litigation brought against the client by LTL; the court ruled that the client’s production method for biofuel would not infringe LTL’s patent.
- Representing Bank Norwegian (a branch of NOBA Bank Group) in a substantial trade mark dispute against Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA.
Norway > Maritime law Tier 1
Karl Even Rygh and Kristine Hasle jointly lead Wiersholm’s ‘excellent’ maritime team, which is routinely instructed by domestic and international ship and rig owners, service companies, and financial advisers on the full range of contentious and non-contentious mandates. On the transactional side, Rygh handles newbuilding and conversion projects and sale and leaseback work, while Hasle takes point on shipping and offshore-related restructuring work. Marine insurance is a notable area of expertise for the group, with ‘strategically sound’ litigator Christian Hauge acts for shipowners, insurers, and classification societies in major litigation and arbitration proceedings.Practice head(s):
Karl Even Rygh; Kristine Hasle
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Excellent team both professionally and socially. Strong strategic approach and good negotiators. Good reputation.’
‘Christian Hauge is very strong professionally and an excellent negotiator and very strong in the field of maritime law. Strategically sound and at the same time solution-oriented. Honest and direct feedback at all times in all cases. Good reputation and pleasant manner.’
Key clients
Hurtigruten AS
Siem Industries
DNV
Golden Ocean Group Limited
Frontline Limited
Archer Limited
Avance Gas Holding Ltd.
Viking Supply Ships
Awilhelmsen
MPC Container Ships ASA
NYK Lines
Western Bulk Chartering AS
Sinoceanic Shipping AS
OSM Maritime Group
Flex LNG Ltd
Granne Forsikring
Tromstrygd
Nordlys Forsikring
Wilh. Wilhelmsen
Lindblad Expeditions
Maersk Supply Service
Seatankers
ADS Maritime Holding Plc
J. Lauritzen Singapore Pte. Ltd
Pareto Securities AS
Equinor ASA
The Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy (MPE)
SFL Corporation Ltd
AquaShip AS
Liberty Mutual Insurance SE
The Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries
Tidewater Inc.
Work highlights
- Advised Tidewater on the acquisition of 37 PSVs from Solstad, together with the innovation of time charter parties and transfer of employees, for a price of $577m.
- Advised OSM on the acquisition of/merger with Thome.
- Assisted SFL Corporation Ltd in connection with the Chapter 11 proceedings relating to Seadrill Limited, hereunder taking redelivery of three drilling rigs which had been on lease to Seadrill.
Norway > Public procurement Tier 1
Morten Goller heads up the public procurement group at Wiersholm, which attracts praise for its ‘great industry knowledge’. The group regularly handles the full range of complex procurement matters, both for contracting authorities and suppliers, and has demonstrable expertise acting for suppliers contesting public tender decisions. Goller is a seasoned litigator with a broad public procurement practice acting for both domestic and international clients. Also in the core team are Thomas G Naalsund, who acts for clients in the energy sector, and Stephan Jervell, who takes point on state aid work. At managing associate level, the ‘excellent’ Oda Hellenes Ekre focuses on contentious mandates.Practice head(s):
Morten Goller
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Oda Hellenes Ekre really stands out and provides excellent services within the field of public procurement. She quickly understands the client’s needs, and how to create solutions and value for the client. She has a deep understanding of the law itself, but also vast experience in how Norway’s main public entities relate to the rules in practice.’
‘To the point legal advice within public procurement law. Thorough assessments of the case and different ways forward, well-founded opinions.’
‘Very good knowledge on public procurement. Always available for a discussion.’
‘Oda Hellenes Ekre is always available with solid knowledge of public procurement and assessments of the matter.’
‘Great industry knowledge.’
Key clients
JCDecaux Norge AS
Maskinentreprenørenes forbund
Ion Beam Applications S.A.
Hurtigruten Group AS
The Ministry of Petroleum and Energy
BMO Tunnelsikring AS
Veidekke Entreprenør AS
Veidekke Industri AS
Skanska Norge AS
Boreal Norge AS
Torghatten Nord AS
Statnett SF
ResMed Norway AS
Egencia Norway AS
Norske Tog AS
EveryMatrix Software Ltd.
Sotra Link
ABB AS
KLP
Work highlights
- Represented Norsk Industri in a third-party intervention in a Supreme Court case between Perpetuum Miljø AS and the Municipalities of Fauske and Sørfold.
- Represented EveryMatrix Software Ltd. in a court case against Norsk Tipping regarding claim for damages due to violations of the public procurement rules in a tender procedure regarding delivery of ID and payment services.
- Conducted a third-party examination for Helseplattformen AS, a wholly owned subsidiary of Helse Midt-Norge RHF, which is responsible for launching a joint, regional digital patient journal.
Norway > Real estate Tier 1
Housing a large and experienced team, Wiersholm is routinely instructed to advise on the full range of real estate matters, with expertise spanning yield investments, high-value transactions, litigation, financings, developments and leasing matters. Described by clients as ‘outstanding in all matters’, Ståle O. Meleng has a broad practice advising businesses on both contentious and non-contentious matters, handling contracts, M&A, development projects, and real estate litigation. The ‘always hardworking’ Tom Rune Lian specialises in structuring, financing, and transactional work within commercial real estate, while Stig L. Bech attracts praise for his ‘vast experience and well-founded advice’ across the full range of real estate matters. Meleng, Lian, and Bech jointly lead the team, which also includes managing associate Andreas Gustavson, who is recommended for commercial real estate transactions.Practice head(s):
Tom Rune Lian; Ståle O. Meleng; Stig L. Bech
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘A competent team of people. Swift and valuable consulting, and the best advice going forward.’
‘Stig Bech: Dedicated, knowledge-based, follow-up extremely good. Vast experience and well-founded advice received.’
‘Wiersholm ensures quality and professionalism in every part of a legal process.’
‘We have used Wiersholm mainly for real estate and environmental matters. The team is very competent, fast and precise in their actions, and the individuals are available on short notice.’
‘Ståle O. Meling – outstanding in all matters we have put at his desk. Bright, solution-oriented, high work capacity and high integrity.’
‘One of the leading law firms within the real estate sector. Very active and very highly recognised, valued for being pragmatic and looking for solutions (though still achieving the best possible negotiation solution for the client), never arrogant or conflict-seeking.’
‘Tom Rune Lian holds a leading position within real estate in Norway. Always hardworking, always available, seeking solutions, and having an easy-going communication style that works perfectly with the Norwegian business culture.’
‘I recommend Tom Rune Lian and Andreas Gustavson.’
Key clients
AB Invest AS
Agri Eiendom AS
Arcus Gruppen AS
AS Apotekernes Hus
Aspelin Ramm AS
Axer Eiendom AS
Bane NOR Eiendom AS
BentallGreenOak
Bonum Utvikling AS
Carnegie AS
Coop Norge Eiendom AS
DNB Næringseiendom AS (REIM)
Ferd Eiendom AS
Fredriksborg Eiendom
Fritzøe Eiendom AS
Herøya Industripark AS
Höegh Eiendom AS
Host Hotelleiendom Norge AS / Flying Elephant AS
Innovasjonsparken / Smedvig Eiendom AS
Jotne Eiendom AS
Linstow Eiendom AS
Miliarium Bolig AS
Nordisk Renting AB /Natwest
Norwegian Property ASA
Oslo Pensjonsforsikring AS
Pareto Alternative Investments AS
Pareto Securities AS
Patrizia SE
Pecunia AS
RSV Invest AS
Schage Eiendom AS
Sequoia Spl1 AS
Statkraft AS
Steen & Strøm AS
UNION Gruppen AS
Vika Project Finance AS
Viken Pensjonskasse
Norway > Regulatory, compliance and investigations Tier 1
Wiersholm’s ‘truly outstanding’ compliance offering spans the full range of contentious and non-contentious advice, handling crisis management, investigations, acquisition due diligence, and ESG-related mandates. A recent work highlight includes acting for Gjerdrum Municipality against corporate criminal charges following the 2020 fatal mudslide in the municipality. Jan Fougner and Georg Abusdal Engebretsen jointly oversee the practice; Fougner has long-standing experience handling high-profile contentious compliance cases as well as corporate penalty and crisis management work, while Engebretsen regularly assists domestic and international clients with private investigations. At associate level, Helene Bogen takes point on environmental and human rights compliance.Practice head(s):
Jan Fougner; Georg Abusdal Engebretsen
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team is very available and provides efficient and high-quality legal advice.’
‘Very good understanding of environmental legislation and EU-framework directives, and technical industrial challenges.’
‘Helene Bogen: Very client focused and delivers always on time. Excellent work related to legal framework and what is needed ad background information. Well organised in her work and cooperative spirit.’
‘We use Wiersholm because they simply have the best lawyers. Their lawyers have extremely good professional knowledge, they see a case from many sides, they make good ethical assessments and they deliver with high quality at the right time.’
‘It’s the combination of their in-depth professional knowledge, their excellent customer service and how they walk the talk concerning ethical values that makes them truly outstanding.’
‘What makes them different from many other lawyers is their willingness to always go that extra mile, to find new solutions and most importantly – their dedication to work for the betterment of society.’
‘Highly skilled team. Often available on short notice. Takes control of scope and delivers to satisfaction.’
‘Georg Engebretsen is approachable, available and attentive, and is able to balance theory and practice to find workable solutions for us.’
Key clients
Bane NOR SF
Equinor ASA
Hurtigruten AS
Schibsted ASA
Skagerak Kraft
ABB AS
Celsa Armeringsstål AS
Huhtamaki Oyj
Felleskjøpet Agri SA
Glamox AS
Nord-trøndelag Elektrisitetsverk Holding AS
OBOS BBL
VIPPS AS
FERD AS
Longship AS
NBIM
Gjerdrum Municipality
SOS Children’s Villages
Ministry of Culture and Equality
Ministry of Petroleum and Energy
Aars As
The Corona Commission
Work highlights
- Assisted Huhtamaki Oyj in relation to one of Norway’s largest potential clean-up projects on land.
- Conducted a major investigation concerning alleged human rights and compliance and governance breaches across various jurisdictions in the world relating to SOS Children’s Villages.
- Defended Gjerdrum Municipality against corporate criminal charges following a fatal mud slide in the municipality.
Norway > Tax Tier 1
Wiersholm has ‘in-depth knowledge of Norwegian and international tax law‘ and tax disputes, and the group advises across a wide range of sectors with particular expertise in energy-related matters. Leading the practice, Andreas Bullen handles a wide range of tax areas and is praised as ‘second to none‘ for international tax matters. The team also includes litigator Bettina Banoun, who has extensive experience in corporate international and EU tax law, as well as tax avoidance matters; Nicolay Vold, who is an expert in transactional tax matters; and Morten Goller, who ‘has a strategic mindset‘ and focuses on corporate, international and EU tax matters. Other notable practitioners include Håkon Marius Mørch, who has ‘an outstanding ability to understanding the facts and viewpoint of the relevant parties‘, and Erling Selen, who primarily handles tax disputes.Practice head(s):
Andreas Bullen
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘I have over the years dealt with Wiersholm on a range of Norwegian tax related matters. I have always found them knowledgeable, commercial and responsive.’
‘Both a legally and commercially skilled team.’
‘Professional and accurate tax advice. In-depth knowledge of Norwegian and international tax law, in particular transfer pricing. Service-minded.’
‘Strong technical tax knowledge on Norwegian tax, tax treaties, transfer pricing and EEA taxation. Very good in dispute resolution and litigation.’
‘Andreas Bullen and the team provide excellent tax advice within several challenging business areas.’
‘Andreas Bullen has a practical approach to dealing with tax matters, his written English is very good and he is good at bringing in other areas of the firm as is appropriate.’
‘Morten Goller has a strategic mindset.’
‘Andreas Bullen is well known for his excellent knowledge of international tax, and is second to none. Håkon Mørch provides excellent advice also, and has a very good grasp of the issues at hand. He has an outstanding ability to understand the facts and viewpoint of the relevant parties. His written English is exceptional which is a great asset when discussing complex factual and cross-border tax matters.’
Key clients
Ramme Eiendom Petter Olsen
Equinor Energy AS
Equinor ASA
DNB Bank ASA
Kistefos
Orion Resource Partners (USA) LP
Telenor Mobile Holding AS
SATS ASA
Elopak ASA
Wilhelmsen
Aktieselskabet Saudefaldene
PGNiG Upstream Norway AS
Work highlights
- Represented Equinor Energy AS in a trial before the Court of Appeal in a case concerning the transfer pricing of intra-group transfers of a naphtha-rich petroleum product referred to as C5+.
- Assisted Orion Resource Partners in relation to signing a $55m binding investment agreement with Nordic Mining ASA.
- Represented SATS ASA before the Oslo District Court in a case regarding deductions for costs related to a large merger conducted in 2014.
Norway > TMT Tier 1
Acting for leading Norwegian and international tech companies and businesses, Wiersholm’s market-leading TMT offering runs the gamut of contentious and non-contentious matters. The group has recently seen increased activity within technology and GDPR, as well as handling broadcasting issues. The ‘especially excellent’ Hans Erik Johnsen has a broad practice acting for service providers, technology developers and media authorities, and Rune Opdahl takes point on data protection and privacy matters, while Anne Marie Sejersted advises clients in the sector on IP and technology matters, Kai Thøgersen handles M&A and corporate matters; the four co-head the practice. At associate level, Theresa Schumacher Walberg is recommended for IT and tech contracts, while Carl Emil Bull-Berg attracts praise for his ‘impressive sector knowledge‘ and data privacy expertise.Practice head(s):
Hans Erik Johnsen; Rune Opdahl; Anne Marie Sejersted; Kai Thøgersen
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team delivers services of very high quality. They are proactive, solution-oriented, efficient, available and very conscious of quality.’
‘The individuals we work with are always available and provide high-quality legal advice within short deadlines. They are extremely service-minded and professional.’
‘We would particularly like to mention Rune Opdahl and Hans Erik Johnsen. They both have unique and deep sector knowledge and are very service-minded. They are professional and have high ethical standards. They are also very pleasant and fun to work with.’
‘We would also like to give some attention to Carl Emil Bull-Berg. He stands out as a very competent associate within privacy, with impressive sector knowledge considering he is at an early stage in his career. We are very satisfied with Carl Emil as a part of the privacy team.’
‘Excellent knowledge of the market and the industry.’
‘Hans Erik Johnsen is especially excellent. He is hands-on, practical and has good legal knowledge.’
‘Capable of taking a proactive role in our process. Able to control a complicated process with high speed and many variables. Extreme fast response to changes.’
Key clients
Schibsted
Discovery Networks Norway
Aller Media
IBM
Santander
DNB
Altibox
Helly Hansen
SATS
NAV
Monster / A Nice Company
Farmasiet
Visma
Orkla ASA
1881 Group (Digitale Medier 1881 / Opplysningen 1881)
Gyldendal
Telia
Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries
Sector Alarm
Pearl Norge
Ice
Work highlights
- Assisted Ice Communication Norge with its efforts to enter into all agreements necessary to build out a new nationwide 5G/FWA network for the Norwegian market.
- Assisted Aller Media AS with the ‘regulatory fallout’ with the National Research Ethics Committee (NEM) following Dagbladet’s publication of several articles relating to systematic eating disorders in Norwegian cross-country skiing.
- Assisting SATS with an Norwegian Data Protection Authority (NDPA)-issued administrative fine due to breach of the GDPR relating to processing of personal data about members of all gyms in the Nordics.
Norway > Construction Tier 2
Hans Augun Parmann heads up Wiersholm’s construction offering, which advises clients on tender processes, contract negotiations, project executions and contentious mandates. The group has particular expertise in advising on large highway PPPs, with Parmann being a key contact here. Ronny Lund handles contractual, administrative and procurement issues related to offshore and onshore construction projects, working alongside Sondre Dyrland; the two also handle contentious mandates in this space.Practice head(s):
Hans Augun Parmann
Other key lawyers:
Morten Goller; Oda Hellenes Ekre; Ronny Lund; Sondre Dyrland
Testimonials
‘Competent team which is a good sparring partner when it comes to the balance between the practical problems of the case and the legal side. Also, alert to the soft issues in dealing with people and their differences.’
‘High social intelligence combined with excellent knowledge have given us trust and reassurance that the case is in good hands.’
‘Especially Morten Goller, Ronny Lund and Oda Hellenes Ekre are extremely competent lawyers, and truly trusted advisers. They stand out as very service-minded and with a good market understanding.’
‘To the point, excellent commercial understanding, flexible approach.’
‘Very solution-oriented, good at listening and coming up with proposals.’
Key clients
Equinor ASA
Veidekke Entrepenør AS
Skanska
Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy (MPE)
Leonhard Nilsen & Sønner AS
Macquarine Corporate Holdnings Pty. Limited;
Sotra Link AS
Thales
Work highlights
- Advised the Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy on the full-scale carbon capture and storage project of approximately NOK25bn.
- Advised Sotra Link AS and its shareholders on all aspects of its successful tender to the Norwegian state for the construction and operation of the new Rv. 555 highway ‘Sotrasambandet’ outside the city of Bergen.
- Advised Skanska on all aspects of its successful tender to the Norwegian state for the construction and operation of the new E10/Rv. 85 Public Partner Partnership (PPP) Project (‘E10 Hålogalandsvegen’).
Norway > Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 2
Wiersholm frequently assists debtors, banks and bondholders with restructurings in an ‘outstanding‘ manner, with sector-specific knowledge of the shipping, offshore and aviation industries. Group head Ståle Gjengset focuses his practice on advising industrial companies, financial institutions and investment banks on matters relating to financial restructurings, M&A and capital markets transactions. The team also includes Kristine Hasle, who is highly experienced in finance transactions and restructurings; debt financing expert Atle Gabrielsen; and Petter Thomren Moltu, who focuses on debt capital markets, banking and finance, and restructuring mandates. Ingrid Tronshaug joined the team in 2023 from Kvale Advokatfirma DA, and brings with her expertise in insolvency and restructuring law with a focus on bankruptcies.Practice head(s):
Ståle Gjengset
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Wiersholm’s merits, in particular with larger Norwegian companies, in out-of-court restructurings is outstanding. Ståle Gjengset has extensive experience in larger financial restructurings.’
‘Ingrid Tronshaug is experienced and very skilled.’
‘Ingrid Tronshaug just moved to Wiersholm, which represents added strength to Wiersholm’s already strong insolvency team.’
‘Responsiveness and can do attitude.’
Key clients
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries/The Kingdom of Norway
Nordic Trustee AS
Siem Offshore Inc.
DNB Bank ASA
Sparebank 1 SR-Bank ASA
Altor Equity Partners
Olympic Subsea ASA
Polarcus Limited
SFL Corporation Ltd.
Archer Limited
The bankruptcy estate of Major57 AS
The bankruptcy estate of Råholt Hageby AS
Work highlights
- Assisted Nordic Trustee AS and an ad-hoc group of bondholders with the restructuring of the DOF ASA group.
- Assisted the Norwegian government with establishing a state guaranteed individual loan programme to support the airlines in the Covid-19 downturn, and in the restructuring of Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA.
- Acted for DNB Markets (lead arranger) and Nordic Trustee AS (bond trustee) in connection with the comprehensive refinancing of Archer Limited, including a $100m private placement and a 2nd lien bond issuance.
Norway > Offshore construction and shipbuilding Tier 2
Under the joint leadership of Karl Even Rygh and Kristine Hasle, the interdisciplinary offshore construction and shipbuilding practice at Wiersholm draws on experts from various practice areas across the firm to provide a full-service offering with notable strength in dispute resolution, including acting in international arbitration proceedings; Christian Hauge is a key name here. Field development and project execution feature heavily in the group’s workload, with the team regularly acting for both international and domestic oil services contractors operating on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. Sondre Dyrland takes point on offshore construction matters, while associate Mattias Grieg ably assists with transactional work in this space.Practice head(s):
Karl Even Rygh; Kristine Hasle
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Wiersholm offers potential clients a team that is not only legally astute but also forward-thinking, client-centric, and committed to innovation and diversity. They are a formidable choice for any entity seeking specialised legal services in this sector.’
‘Christian Hauge, a partner in the practice, epitomises legal acumen combined with a pragmatic approach to problem-solving.’
‘Karl Even Rygh brings to the table an extensive knowledge of maritime regulations and a natural knack for risk assessment.’
Key clients
Hurtigruten AS
Siem Industries
DNV
Golden Ocean Group Limited
Frontline Limited
Archer Limited
Avance Gas Holding Ltd.
Viking Supply Ships
Awilhelmsen
MPC Container Ships ASA
NYK Lines
Western Bulk Chartering AS
Sinoceanic Shipping AS
Arendals Dampskibsselskab AS (ADS)
OSM Maritime Group
Flex LNG Ltd
Electromagnetic Geoservices ASA (EMGS)
Østensjø Rederi
Granne
Tromstrygd
Nordlys Forsikring
Wilh. Wilhelmsen
Lindblad Expeditions
Maersk Supply Service
Seatankers
ADS Maritime Holding Plc
J. Lauritzen Singapore Pte. Ltd
Statnett SF
Pareto Securities AS
Equinor ASA
ConocoPhillips Skandinavia AS
The Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy (MPE)
SFL Corporation Ltd
Liberty Mutual Insurance SE
The Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries
Work highlights
- Assisted Avance Gas with newbuild contracts and options for 2+2 40,000 LPG carriers from Chinese yard Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering.
- Assisted Seatankers with newbuild contracts and options for four + two + two Kamsarmax bulk carrier vessels from Chinese yard Qingdao Yangfan.
- Assisted Northern Lights JV DA (owned by Equinor, Shell and TotalEnergies) with developing new contractual concepts, mechanisms and solutions for the commercial storage of CO2.
Norway > Fishing and aquaculture Tier 3
Svein-Helge Hanken leads the aquaculture and fisheries practice at Wiersholm, which maintains a strong track record in advising on high-value transactions in the industry. The interdisciplinary team also has notable experience handling operational issues, as well as framework conditions and tax matters. Also in the core group is Harald Hellebust, who clients single out for his ‘invaluable’ expertise.Practice head(s):
Svein-Helge Hanken
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Deep knowledge of the aquaculture-sector, which is a complex industry, particularly Svein-Helge Hanken.’
‘They have an overall competence that is impressive.’
‘We have worked together with Harald Hellebust for many years. For us, with his competence and demeanour, he has been absolutely invaluable to us. Without his advice, we would not have come close to achieving the goals we have set ourselves.’
Key clients
Mowi ASA
Norway Royal Salmon ASA
Kverva AS
Scale Aquaculture AS
Insula AS
Salmar ASA
Milarex AS
Benchmark Holdings plc
Summa Equity AB
Reyktal
Samherji hf
Kistefos AS
Lumarine AS
Rimfrost AS
Alltech Norway AS
Artic Fish ehf
Norcod AS
Gigante Salmon AS
Statt Torsk AS
Proximar Seafood AS
Work highlights
- Advised the minority shareholders of Sinkaberg-Hansen on the sale of their joint stake of 44.4% of the shares in Sinkaberg-Hansen AS to BEWI Invest AS for an consideration of NOK2.2bn.
- Advised Benchmark Holdings plc on its listing of its shares on Euronext Growth, Oslo.
- Advised Scale Aquaculture AS on its acquisition of Skala Maskon AS.
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
Ms Eli Aasheim | Partner Eli Aasheim works mainly with employment law. Her practice covers all… | View Profile | |
Mr Jon Martin Atkinson | Jon Martin’s main practice area is transactions, with a particular focus on… | View Profile | |
Mr Stig L. Bech | Stig has for several decades been a leading real estate lawyer. He… | View Profile | |
Mr Andreas Bullen | Partner Andreas Bullen’s practice includes transfer pricing, international tax law, Norwegian company… | View Profile | |
Mr Håkon Cosma Størdal | Partner Håkon Cosma Størdal advises on EU/EEA law and is a specialist… | View Profile | |
Ms Gunhild Dugstad | Partner Gunhild Dugstad’s practice includes mergers and acquisitions, company law and the… | View Profile | |
Mr Sondre Dyrland | Dyrland has many years of experience with the oil and gas industry… | View Profile | |
Mr Inge Ekker Bartnes | Partner Inge Ekker Bartnes works mainly with mergers and acquisitions, energy law,… | View Profile | |
Ms Oda Hellenes Ekre | Oda works primarily with public procurement law, contract law and dispute resolution… | View Profile | |
Ms Anne Lise Ellingsen Gryte | Anne Lise Ellingsen Gryte practices corporate and securities law with an emphasis… | View Profile | |
Mr Georg Abusdal Engebretsen | Partner Georg Abusdal Engebretsen specialises in assisting Norwegian and international enterprises and… | View Profile | |
Mr Jan Fougner | Partner Jan Fougner is a specialist on litigation and employment law and… | View Profile | |
Mr Atle Gabrielsen | Partner Atle Gabrielsen works primarily with banking and finance issues. He regularly… | View Profile | |
Mr Ståle Gjengset | Partner Ståle Gjengset works mainly with providing legal and strategic advice and… | View Profile | |
Mr Morten Goller | Partner Morten Goller works with dispute resolution, including litigation and negotiations, in… | View Profile | |
Mr Mattias Grieg | Mattias works with shipping and offshore transactions. His main area of practice… | View Profile | |
Mr Svein-Helge Hanken | Svein-Helge works primarily with transactions, including purchase and sale of businesses for… | View Profile | |
Ms Kristine Hasle | Kristine Hasle is a banking and finance lawyer with particular focus on… | View Profile | |
Mr Christian Hauge | Partner Christian Hauge works on the areas of shipping and offshore, with… | View Profile | |
Ms Elisabeth Lian Haugsdal | Elisabeth works with competition law, EU/EEA law, state aid law, administrative law… | View Profile | |
Mr Harald Hellebust | Partner Harald Hellebust works mainly with transactions, including purchase and sale of… | View Profile | |
Mr Magnus Hellesylt | Partner Magnus Hellesylt has special expertise in litigation and dispute resolution, often… | View Profile | |
Mr Stephan L Jervell | Partner Stephan L. Jervell works with litigation, dispute resolution and negotiations, and… | View Profile | |
Mr Hans Erik Johnsen | Partner Hans Erik Johnsen’s practice includes intellectual property law, broadcasting/media law, technology… | View Profile | |
Mr Jarle Kvam | Partner Jarle Kvam works mainly with company law and stock exchange law,… | View Profile | |
Mr Tom Rune Lian | Partner Tom Rune Lian works mainly with real estate, with emphasis on… | View Profile | |
Mr Kristian Martin Lind | Kristian M. Lind advises clients operating or having interests in the technology,… | View Profile | |
Mr Ronny Lund | Partner Ronny Lund works with contract law in general and construction law… | View Profile | |
Mr Simen Mejlænder | Partner Simen Mejlænder’s practice focuses on capital market transactions, general company law… | View Profile | |
Mr Ståle O. Meleng | Ståle O. Meleng works primarily with commercial properties, with emphasis on transactions,… | View Profile | |
Mr Andreas Mellbye | Partner Andreas Mellbye works mainly with transactions in M&A, Private Equity and… | View Profile | |
Mr Petter Thomren Moltu | Petter advises on banking and financing. He assists both lenders and borrowers… | View Profile | |
Mr Petter Thomren Moltu | Petter advises on banking and financing. He assists both lenders and borrowers… | View Profile | |
Mr Thomas G Naalsund | Partner Thomas G Naalsund specialises in dispute resolution and litigation, national and… | View Profile | |
Mr Rune Opdahl | Partner Rune Opdahl works mainly with enterprises in the media, technology, e-commerce… | View Profile | |
Ms Tone Østensen | Partner Tone Østensen has extensive experience as an advisor in capital market… | View Profile | |
Mr Hans Augun Parmann | Partner Hans Augun Parmann specialises in litigation, dispute resolution and contract law,… | View Profile | |
Mr Olav Fr Perland | Partner Olav Fr. Perland works mainly with dispute resolution and providing advisory… | View Profile | |
Mr Jon Rabben | Jon Rabben assists Norwegian and international clients within the energy sector, and… | View Profile | |
Ms Ingjerd Røynås | Partner Ingjerd Røynås works mainly with mergers and acquisitions and in questions… | View Profile | |
Mr Karl Even Rygh | Partner Karl Even Rygh works with shipping and offshore transactions, in particular… | View Profile | |
Mr Sverre Sandvik | Partner Sverre Sandvik has extensive experience in advising on stock exchange listings,… | View Profile | |
Ms Anne Marie Sejersted | Anne Marie works primarily with intellectual property rights (IPR) and dispute resolution… | View Profile | |
Mr Magnus Nordøy Snellingen | Magnus primarily works with dispute resolution in company, torts and contract law.… | View Profile | |
Ms Christel Søreide | Christel heads Wiersholms employment law team and has extensive experience within employment… | View Profile | |
Mr Helge Morten Svarva | Partner Helge M. Svarva has extensive litigation experience from both his time… | View Profile | |
Mr Kaare P Sverdrup | Partner Kaare P. Sverdrup works mainly with banking and finance, mortgage and… | View Profile | |
Mr Kai Thøgersen | Partner Kai Thøgersen has extensive national and international experience with providing corporate… | View Profile | |
Ms Kjersti T Trøbråten | Partner Kjersti T. Trøbråten is a specialist on securities law and framework… | View Profile | |
Mr Nicolay Vold | Partner Nicolay Vold works mainly with tax law and company law and… | View Profile | |
Ms Theresa Schumacher Walberg | Theresa works with contract law, IT law, data privacy law and intellectual… | View Profile |
Diversity/Community
At Wiersholm, we continually strive to create a diverse workplace that reflects the diversity of the world we serve.
As our clients develop and face new challenges, we believe that the breadth of knowledge, diverse backgrounds and unique experience each employee brings to the firm allows us to deliver better service to our clients and creates a stronger organisational culture. Consequently, we work hard to recruit, advance, retain and promote people from minority backgrounds.
We encourage our colleagues to bring their diverse selves to the workplace and acknowledge the importance of creating an inclusive workplace environment. During Pride month, we celebrate the LGBTQIA community by showing our support through visibility at work. Our employee experience survey shows that our employees feel they can be themselves at work, which is vital in order to foster a diverse workplace culture. Our employees also consider workplace diversity to be an asset.
Additionally, to ensure gender equality at all levels we continually work to achieve our goal of a gender-balanced partnership, which takes time. During the last three years, women have constituted 50 per cent of our partner promotions to achieve our goal of 1/3 female partners by 2028. To retain a gender-balanced talent pool in the decision making process, we systematically work with talent development and follow-up before, during and after parental leave to ensure inclusion. In this manner, we create a workplace culture that encourages fathers as well as mothers to take parental leave, a number which has increased significantly in recent years.
International Capabilities
A client-centred international focus
Our international approach is set up to best serve our clients’ needs, with a strong relationship-focused network, and lawyers with significant international experience. We assist Norwegian-headquartered companies with establishing a presence overseas and we assist foreign companies operating in or seeking to establish a presence in Norway. We often use our extensive international network of law firms and partners, which covers more than 100 jurisdictions and is the result of systematic work and long-term relationships. The network consists exclusively of top tier firms, and is managed closely by our international committee.
Our experience
From our base in Oslo, we assist our clients wherever they are or want to go in the world. We advise Norwegian companies on a wide range of international matters, cooperating seamlessly across borders and ensuring our clients receive a clear and consistent interface. We ensure they are up to date with international best practice and trends of importance to Norwegian-headquartered businesses. We also regularly assist foreign companies in Norway, and have in-depth experience with matters before the EFTA Court and the European Court of Human Rights.
Our people
Many of our lawyers were educated in or have work experience from significant jurisdictions outside Norway, with a significant number also having current overseas practicing qualifications (such as for England, the US, Germany, Sweden and Denmark). Their international competence gives us a natural ability to build cross-border bridges and makes us a preferred legal advisor in cross-border transactions or matters. Many of our lawyers have also been on secondments to international law firms and we regularly host international secondments in return.