Banking & Finance: Norway
In the words of one client, Hans Haugstad is "the best. He has great legal knowledge allied with a wealth of commercial awareness, and always finds the best solution." He recently acted for Danske Bank on a syndicated loan worth NOK1.5 billion. "Very strong lawyer" Berit Stokke specialises in regulatory issues and often advises large banks such as ING and Nordea. Clients highlight her business awareness, useful network of contacts and international experience. She is dual-qualified in Norway and the UK, and has a law degree from France. "Brilliant" Kim Dobrowen "has immense legal skill and is so experienced that he is able to give an immediate answer on what to do when a tricky question arises. We know that he will never make a mistake," say clients. "Intelligent and dedicated," Siri Wennevik specialises in shipping finance and recently represented Havila Shipping in two secured bond loan facility deals, of NOK225 million and NOK300 million .
Long experienced and highly reputed banking lawyer Finn Myhre has recently worked on syndicated and structured finance transactions, and in the fields of securitisation and covered bonds. Sources rave about the "excellent, highly skilled and very active" Richard Sjøqvist, who is one of the top names in the banking and finance area. Clients say that "he is very commercial, really understands the crux of the deal, and comes up with creative solutions in a practical way," and highlight his useful previous experience of working in-house at a bank. Recently, Sjøqvist has been particularly prominent on restructuring deals, and receives glowing praise for his work in this field. Peers confirm that Rolf Johan Ringdal is a "very clever, efficient and a tough negotiator" who has been a well respected name in the financing sector for many years. Seasoned finance lawyer Terje Sommer brings great knowledge and experience to the team. Peers predict that "knowledgeable, hard-working and talented" young lawyer Anders Gullåsen has a bright future in the banking and finance field.
Erik Ramm is "the number-one lawyer in Norway for banking and finance," declare several sources, who applaud the outstanding quality of his work and "fantastic combination of pure intellect and commercial knowledge." He has worked on major transactions for clients such as Merrill Lynch, DnB NOR and Barclays Capital. Talented younger lawyer Kaare Sverdrup has forged an impressive reputation for himself in this area. "He stands out for his combination of intellect and the capacity to carry matters through," say peers. Leif Moltke-Hansen covers the whole spectrum of banking and finance matters, and is highly active and long experienced. His recent work highlights include negotiating the financing of Altor Equity Partners' NOK1.5 billion acquisition of a leading Norwegian environmental service provider.
"Fantastic lawyer" Bernhard Haukali wins widespread praise from clients, who report that "he has lots of initiative and good ideas, and is very commercially minded." He is particularly strong on shipping and offshore work, and recently acted for ABN AMRO on its financing of six offshore anchor handling vessels in a deal worth around NOK2.5 billion. Also receiving glowing feedback, Johan Rasmussen "combines traditional legal expertise with commercial insight and the ability to find proper solutions." He recently acted for Nordea Bank on the NOK5 billion financing of a major Norwegian privately owned investment company. "Impressive" and "very talented" younger partner Alexander Owesen has of late worked on some high-profile cases in the banking and finance area.
Finn Bjørnstad is mentioned in our editorial for UK - Banking & Finance
Wilhelm Damm is a figure of considerable standing in the banking and finance field. He is best known for his ship financing and project finance expertise, but is also able to handle a range of finance issues. The widely recognised Jo Stokke's in-house banking background is seen as a valuable asset by clients. Jarl Dybvik is a well-respected ship finance specialist. "Excellent finance lawyer" Anne Gro Sundby comes highly recommended for her broad practice and long track record in the field.
Clients applaud "very skilled" and "extremely service-minded" Einar Grette, highlighting his constant availability, efficiency and creativity. "His knowledge of the market is great and he focuses on looking for solutions rather than dwelling on problems," they add. He played a key role on one of the largest recent property transactions in Norway, representing several banks in the refinancing of the loan facilities of Norgani Hotels.
Department head Fredrik Lindblom is praised for his "ability to take an overview of the situation and come up with great solutions," and for his "excellent knowledge of loan documentation and effective co-ordination with the DLA network worldwide, meaning that he always has overseas resources for us when we need them."
Department head Paul Sveinsson is the standout name on the team. He is particularly highlighted for his aircraft and project financing expertise.
Anders Monrad is a relatively young but "clever and well-respected" finance partner with "great potential," say peers. His real estate and ship financing activity is highlighted. Senior associate Siri Bjørn, a key member of the team, has made a name for herself in the market.