Corporate/M&A: Norway

THE FIRM This firm's formidable reputation owes much to its work in the corporate/M&A area, where it maintains its position as one of the leading names in the market. The department is comprised of numerous high-quality lawyers who command the respect of peers and clients. It covers the full range of corporate/M&A matters, acting on major deals both domestically and internationally.

Sources say: "We are super happy with them, they are brilliant – extremely proactive and responsive, and also good value for money." "Very pleasant to work with, conscious of the issues that the client might raise, and willing to make things happen on the ground."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources agree that "brilliant" Kim Dobrowen is a star M&A lawyer. "He is really at the top of his profession," agree peers, whilst clients appreciate that he is "extremely experienced and easy to get along with." He represented Tandberg in its acquisition by Cisco for NOK17.2 billion, and acted for Orkla on its sale of Elkem to China Bluestar for USD2 billion. Hans Cappelen Arnesen is described as "an excellent lawyer, at the core of the team." He recently advised BW Offshore on a takeover offer for Prosafe Production. Receiving rave reviews on all sides, Anders Arnkværn "is able to see the full picture in a transaction, both the legal and commercial aspects. He focuses on the important details and is always quick and available." He acted for Norsk Hydro on its NOK29 billion acquisition of the aluminium operations of Vale. Managing partner Kai Thøgersen remains an active member of the team, and acted for EDB Business Partner and Telenor on the NOK3 billion merger of EDB Business Partner with ErgoGroup. Younger but well-respected partner Ervin Auren handles M&A and capital markets, with a particular emphasis on real estate, private equity and venture capital-related matters. M&A and capital markets partner Baard Bale is a well-known name in the market, whose sectors of focus include oil, private equity and venture capital.

THE FIRM Market sources agree that this large corporate/M&A team is one of the leading players in Norway. It continues to act in major domestic and cross-border deals, representing clients such as Coca-Cola, DnB NOR and Aker Solutions. It has been particularly busy in the energy sector of late. 

Sources say: "It understands our business and our drive, and is the best at providing precise and efficient advice." "It has an excellent response time and the ability to put teams together quickly to solve problems."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice head Svein Gerhard Simonnæs is one of the most prominent M&A lawyers on the team. Clients applaud his "great understanding of the commercial and accounting aspects of the deal and our business," and note that "he is adept at finding solutions to the problems that arise and doesn't lose himself in the details." Recent deals include advising EQT on its NOK1.4 billion purchase of Hafslund Fibernett. "Creative and solution-oriented" Bjørn Gabriel Reed is an M&A and securities expert with considerable market knowledge and experience. Rolf Johan Ringdal is often present on major transactions, particularly in the shipping and offshore sectors. Recent mandates include advising the joint bookrunners on the IPO and listing on the Oslo Stock Exchange of Statoil Fuel & Retail. Jan Jansen is a major new gain for the team, with noteworthy expertise in the energy sector and strong tax knowledge. The long-experienced Gudmund Knudsen brings to the group his knowledge and expertise as "one of the best thinkers in company law that we have in Norway."

THE FIRM The large corporate/M&A team at this full-service firm remains at the top of the market, handling high-profile domestic and international transactions for clients such as Norske Skogindustrier, Subsea 7 and Hafslund. Recently, the private equity sector has provided a particularly busy deal flow.

Sources say: "We would refer a large M&A deal to them."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Erik Thyness is "a superb lawyer, at the top of his field," say sources. He advised Statoil on the separation of its Energy & Retail business and its subsequent IPO and listing on the Oslo stock exchange. Jarle Kvam is extremely popular with market sources, who note that he has been highly visible and view him as "a good man and a great lawyer – you can trust him when he is your opponent." His recent deals include advising Herkules Private Equity Fund III on its acquisition of ODLO Sports, and DONG Energy Power on the sale of its shares in Nordraft and Salten Kraftsamband to Troms Kraft. Highly reputed M&A expert Ståle Gjengset recently represented Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co in its takeover of Visma. "Very bright and capable lawyer" Harald Hellebust commands the solid respect of peers. The esteemed Andreas Mellbye has extensive experience and "well-rounded knowledge covering a broad range of legal issues," note clients. Sverre Sandvik is praised for his understated yet extremely effective approach. His broad practice encompasses corporate/M&A, commercial, stock exchange and securities law. Peers confirm that Nils Thommessen has been very active on some major deals. He represents private equity funds, financial advisers and other financial and industrial players in an array of corporate/M&A matters.

THE FIRM This strong corporate/M&A team has been especially active in the private equity field and on mandates relating to the oil and gas sector. The latter is driven from the firm's Stavanger office, and has led to greater international exposure, with clients coming from the USA, the UK and the Middle East.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Einar Caspersen is noted for his visibility on deals in the real estate sector, while Jakob Villum is best known for his high level of expertise and activity in the private equity field. Thomas Aanmoen has extensive experience of M&A and capital markets, with particular expertise in venture capital and private equity. Younger lawyer Dag Sigvart Kaada "is very bright and easy to work with, and goes that extra mile to finish deals," enthuse clients. He often handles private equity, and oil and gas-related deals. Although less visible on deals than in the past, Erling Christiansen maintains a formidable reputation for his prowess in securities law.

THE FIRM This large corporate/M&A team maintains its strong market position, acting for clients such as Accent Equity Partners and UBS Global Asset Management. Most of its work is cross-border, particularly involving the Nordic countries, the UK and North America, and it has also been securing mandates from countries such as Russia and Poland.

Sources say: "It's very professional and has the capacity to advise on several areas of law."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sverre Tysland is highlighted for his activity in energy-related M&A, and often advises public authorities. Clients are enthusiastic in their praise for Are Herrem, reporting that "he is very commercially oriented, knows our business inside-out, and is always available and responsive." He recently assisted US-based private equity firm China National Bluestar with its acquisition of Elkem. Thomas Michelet represented railway infrastructure company Norsk Jernbanedrift in one of the first private equity investments in the Norwegian railway sector. Peers agree that "talented" younger partner Lars Knem Christie has "excellent potential" and "strong commercial understanding." "Highly capable M&A lawyer" Robert Sveen joined the team from Advokatfirmaet Steenstrup Stordrange in January 2012. He was recently involved in advising a number of sellers on the NOK307 million sale of Eneas Energy Holding. Ingar Solheim was another high-profile addition to the group from Advokatfirmaet Steenstrup Stordrange in January 2012. His recent mandates include acting for EQT V on the acquisition of XXL Sport & Villmark.

THE FIRM This team handles public takeovers and private M&A, and tends to be seen on large transactions with cross-border elements. Much of its international work involves the UK, but it also deals with Brazil, the USA, China, Germany and other European jurisdictions. It benefits from the expertise of the firm's offices in London, Singapore, Shanghai and Kobe. The group is particularly active in shipping, and oil and gas-related matters.

Sources say: "An extremely responsive team, and I have been very impressed with its work."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ketil Bøe enjoys a formidable reputation in the field, and has been highly active lately on several major acquisitions, including representing Norli Gruppen in the acquisition of NorgesGruppen. "Very experienced senior lawyer" Arne Didrik Kjørnæs is respected for his wide general knowledge and corporate law expertise, and peers "wouldn't hesitate to refer to him." His recent mandates include representing Acergy in its merger with Subsea 7. Previously at Selmer, Dag Erik Rasmussen is highly respected for his corporate/M&A and capital markets experience. Managing partner Susanne Munch Thore has vast experience in domestic and international M&A. She recently assisted Grand China Logistics with its purchase of 60% of Offshore Heavy Transport, a deal in which the firm's Shanghai office was also involved. The long-established and widely experienced Marius Gisvold has "a brilliant mind" and is said to be extremely tenacious: "If you have him on your side then you will do well," say peers. "Very solid and hard-working" younger partner Sigurd Opedal advised Skeie Technology on the NOK2 billion sale of around 48% of Skeie Drilling & Production to Rowan Industries.

THE FIRM Private M&A and private equity continue to be the dominant areas of focus for this practice, but it has also been handling more public M&A work of late. Cross-border transactions, involving the UK in particular but also Cyprus, the Cayman Islands, Germany and Sweden, account for a large proportion of its activity. The team maintains a healthy level of activity and attracts praise from clients and peers for its high-quality work.

Sources say: "It has an energetic and entrepreneurial approach and is rapidly gaining ground." "We get a lot of partner attention and quick delivery."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients are extremely happy with Lars Gunnar Aas, highlighting his responsiveness, commercial awareness and negotiation skills. "He is excellent at setting out your options and knowing which plan to follow," and "raises material issues, not trivial ones." His recent mandates include advising Crayon Group on its merger with Inmeta, and representing Thomson Reuters in its acquisition of Point Carbon. Alexander Lund comes highly recommended for his considerable expertise in venture capital and private equity, and has been busy lately on a variety of deals in these fields.

THE FIRM The sizeable corporate/M&A team at this full-service firm continues to handle a wide range of domestic and cross-border matters, including M&A for industrial players, and private equity and venture capital-driven deals. Clients include Coca-Cola, Telenor and the European Development Bank. Amongst recent mandates, the group advised Orkla on the sale of 100% of the shares in Borregaard Skoger to Statskog.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Corporate/M&A department head Kjetil Hardeng is the best-known name on the team and receives strong feedback from peers. He has special expertise in energy and IT-related transactions. Recent mandates include representing Atea in the acquisition of Norwegian IT infrastructure company Umoe IKT from Umoe.

THE FIRM This large corporate/M&A team is divided between the firm's Oslo and Trondheim offices. It is particularly recommended for large cross-border transactions and is especially active in the energy, offshore, technology and real estate fields.

Sources say: "Very strong on deals in the oil and gas sectors."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Long-experienced team head Trond Vernegg's recent highlights include acting for Panalpina on its acquisition of Grieg Logistic, and advising Gjensidige Forsikring on its IPO on the Oslo stock exchange. Partner Geir Evenshaug advises on matters including public and private M&A, stock exchange listings and restructuring. He represents high-profile clients such as PwC and Smith International. Younger lawyer Per Dagslet has been busy on a range of deals. He acted for Cooper Industries on its acquisition of the Norwegian company Hernis Scan System, and assisted with the sale of Norwegian production company Feelgood Scene Film and TV to Sony.

THE FIRM This three-partner team is able to advise on a wide range of corporate/M&A matters, focusing on cross-border deals. Its client list includes Carnegie, DnB and Kraft. Amongst recent mandates, the group advised Aon Holdings on the MBO of maritime insurance broker Parisco.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice head Fredrik Lykke is "a great guy and a very good M&A lawyer," affirm peers. He acted for CAE on its acquisition of CHC Helicopter’s flight training operations in Norway.

THE FIRM Sources confirm that this team has a robust position in the corporate/M&A market, assisting Norwegian and foreign clients with a wide range of corporate issues. It regularly advises private equity houses such as EQT and TPG on investments and stock issues. It remains to be seen what will be the impact of the recent departure of certain key team members.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Tuva Aas Bakke is the main point of contact for corporate/M&A matters. 

THE FIRM This 25-lawyer team is spread across the firm's offices in Stavanger, Oslo and Bergen, and tends to handle domestic deals at the smaller end of the M&A market. The group is particularly strong in the private equity and oil and gas sectors, and its clients include Statoil. It recently gained the former head of the Oslo stock exchange, Atle Degré.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Managing partner Snorre Haukali advises on a broad range of corporate matters, including M&A, stock exchange and securities law, and corporate governance. Amongst recent mandates he advised Bjorge on its acquisition of Ahlsell Oil & Gas, and Oceaneering on its acquisition of Norse Cutting & Abandonment.

THE FIRM This 30-lawyer corporate/M&A group represents financial and industrial players in private and public M&A, focusing on the domestic market. Clients include Ahlens, Centra Gruppen and DHT Corporate Services. Recent work included advising Tele2 on numerous corporate/M&A matters, including the sale of its broadband business to TeliaSonera.

Sources say: "Driven, down-to-earth, willing to work and good value for money."

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Very bright" partner Robert Romansky's practice encompasses corporate/M&A, company law, capital markets and banking and finance. Marius Lysell Andresen recently joined Kvale from DLA Piper. This well-known practitioner, whilst at his former firm, was regularly visible in major cross-border deals, including advising Ezra Holdings on its USD250 million acquisition of Aker Marine Contractors from Aker Solutions.