Banking and finance (including shipping finance) in Norway

Arntzen de Besche

Arntzen de Besche‘s ‘very skilful’ team is particularly experienced handling shipping and offshore, natural resources, and real estate financing matters. Leading the practice is Siril Visnes, who has a strong track-record in restructuring-related work. On the acquisition financing front, Trond Kildal is the name to note for his capabilities advising both domestic and international lenders. Vidar Løhre has a notable specialism in natural resources, infrastructure, and project financing, while Karl Rosén is well-versed in complex regulatory matters. The group extended its asset management offering with the February 2024 hire of Snorre Nordmo from Wikborg Rein.

Praxisleiter:

Siril Visnes


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Vidar Løhre; Snorre Nordmo; Trond Kildal; Karl Rosén; Atle Stensrud


Referenzen

‘The Arntzen de Besche team is eager to provide the best service. Their capabilities of quick response, commercial knowledge, and case management make us feel highly prioritised.’

‘Trond Kildal has shared a lot of academic knowledge with us, and he is very trustworthy. Siril is a highly skilled partner with a high work capacity, she is always available for thoughtful advice and thorough discussion.’

‘An easy going and very skilful team, always available for quick responses and thorough discussions. One of the easiest teams we have worked with.’

Kernmandanten

Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB


Nordea Bank Abp


If P&C Insurance


ERGO International AG


Tryg


Highlight-Mandate


  • Assisted SEB and Nordea with a complex secured NOK 1.3bn revolving credit facility to the public listed company Komplett ASA.
  • Defended Tryg Forsikring in a D&O liability case filed by the bankruptcy estate of Kleven Verft AS.
  • Defending If P&C Insurance in a directors’ and officers’ liability claim before Norwegian courts.

BAHR

Commended for its ‘deep knowledge and curiosity’, BAHR‘s experienced team covers the full scope of banking and finance matters, with a particular strength in offshore and shipping finance. Richard Sjøqvist oversees the group and has broad expertise which includes syndicated lending and acquisition finance. Ida Marie Windrup leads the banking sub-team and has expertise in debt financing transactions in particular. Markus Nillsen is a key contact for financing agreements, while associate Vanessa Kalvenes harnesses regulatory capabilities. The team was strengthened in May 2024 with the arrival of maritime finance specialist Eivind Eliassen from Advokatfirmaet Simonsen Vogt Wiig. March 2024 marked the departure of Audun Dahle-Nedrelid to Wiersholm.

Praxisleiter:

Ida Marie Windrup; Richard Sjøqvist


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Markus Nilssen; Vanessa Kalvenes; Eivind Eliassen; Steffen Rogstad


Referenzen

‘What makes the team at BAHR unique is that they are able to create a very comfortable and friendly atmosphere during collaborations. They are open to brainstorming ideas and are able to think outside the box when it comes to thinking of creating tailor-made solutions for facility agreement provisions.’

‘What sets BAHR ahead of other Norwegian law firms is its excellent lawyers with in-depth knowledge of both local law and the local market.’

‘Richard Sjøqvist and Markus Nilssen are our trusted advisors within banking and finance. They can always be relied upon to provide well-founded pragmatic and to-the-point advice.’

Kernmandanten

Citibank N.A.


DNB Group


Adevinta


ABN AMRO Bank N.V.


SalMar ASA


Aker Group


Ventyr SN II


Export Finance Norway


Nordea Bank Abp


Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB


Aquila Capital


Schibsted


Nordic Semiconductor


Beal Bank


Tomra


Reitan Group


Sparebanken Vest


Santander Consumer Bank AS


Nets A/S


Sparebank 1 Gruppen


Highlight-Mandate


  • Assisted the creditor parties DNB Bank ASA, Pareto Alternative Investments and Kroll Security Trustee on the ca. NOK 8.2bn (€700m) refinancing facilities.
  • Assisted Aker BP ASA with its new $1.8bn corporate revolving credit facility.
  • Assisted DNB Bank ASA on the €3.5bn Norwegian law governed amendment, restatement and extension of VISMA AS’s credit facilities.

Advokatfirmaet Schjødt

Advokatfirmaet Schjødt’s offering stands out for its shipping finance and private credit expertise; it has particular experience advising financial institution clients therein. The team is led by Kaare P Sverdrup who has capabilities in refinancing as well as in project and acquisition financing. Camilla Skøie Mørkve harnesses expertise in shipping financing, high-yield bond and direct lending-related matters. Erlend Brun Bakken's workload includes handling related cases in the energy sector, and Sunniva Kinsella has noteworthy renewable energy, shipping and offshore, and corporate finance expertise.

Praxisleiter:

Kaare P Sverdrup


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Camilla Skøie Mørkve; Erlend Brun Bakken; Sunniva Kinsella; Frida Kristin McPherson


Referenzen

‘A very effective and competent team that delivers what we need and more every time.’

‘I would like to give a standout to Camilla Mørkve and Frida Kristin McPherson for their outstanding advice.’

‘Excellent industry knowledge and background combined with technical expertise.’

Kernmandanten

HitecVision


Altor Equity Partners


Nordea Bank ABP


Nordic Trustee AS


Apollo


Goldman Sachs


Danske Bank A/S


Blackstone


DNB Bank ASA


Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken (SEB)


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised a consortium of lenders including Apollo, Blackstone, CVC, Goldman Sachs, Macquarie, Oaktree, and Sixth Street on the NOK 141bn financing for the P2P acquisition of Adevinta ASA by Aurelia Bidco AS.
  • Advised DNB Bank ASA on the $545m financing and refinancing of nine shuttle tankers for Knutsen NYK Offshore Tankers AS.
  • Advised Goldman Sachs and KKR Credit on the NOK 17.2bn private acquisition of Kahoot! ASA by Kangaroo Bidco AS.

Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS

As the ‘leading one-stop shop for transactions’, Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS‘ comprehensive team combines the expertise of its broader financial restructuring, insolvency, and regulatory practices. Ellen Teresa Heyerdahl heads the banking and finance group and has expertise in debt financing, while Tore Mydske leads the financial regulatory sub-group and is a valuable contact therein. Hans Haugstad specialises in cross-border, acquisition, and real estate financing, while Kristoffer Hegdahl focuses on debt restructuring and corporate insolvency. Hedda Leikvang is recommended for her expertise in acquisition financing.

Praxisleiter:

Ellen Teresa Heyerdahl; Tore Mydske


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Hans Haugstad; Kristoffer Hegdahl; Hedda Leikvang


Referenzen

‘Thommessen has good lawyers across a wide range of areas, which makes them the leading one-stop shop for transactions.’

‘Their financing capabilities include both loans and bonds as well as ECM, which is of high importance in the Norwegian market.

‘The team is professional, easy to reach, commercially aware, and provides practical advice, helping their client to be efficient.’

Kernmandanten

DNB Bank ASA


Nordea Bank Abp


Danske Bank A/S


Svenska Handelsbanken


Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB


Eksfin


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


Gabler Investments AS


Pareto Bank AS


Oaktree Capital


Elkem ASA


B2Holding ASA


XXL ASA


Havfram


Seatankers


Fleetscape


Cadre AS


Sparebanken Vest


Blustep Bank


Instabank ASA


Fremtind Forking ASA


Eika Forsiking AS


Norli Forsiking AS


Convene Collection AS


Blustep Bank


Instabank ASA


Fremtind Forking ASA


Eika Forsiking AS


Norli Forsiking AS


Convene Collection AS


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised HPS Investment Partners LLC in the refinancing of Havila Kystruten AS, financed through a bond issue of €305m.
  • Assisted the lenders, DNB Bank ASA, Eksportfinans Norge and various other lenders in a syndicate, on the refinancing of Solstad Offshore.
  • Assisted Sparebank1 SR Bank in negotiating a merger with Sparebank1 Sørøst-Norge.

Wiersholm

The ‘commercially-minded and solutions-oriented’ team at Wiersholm advises on the remit of financial matters, across industry sectors including shipping and offshore, oil and gas, infrastructure, renewable energy, seafood, aviation and real estate. Practice head Atle Gabrielsen is a key name with capabilities advising lenders and borrowers on debt financing matters. Kristine Hasle handles shipping finance cases in transactional contexts. Petter Thomren Moltu is recommended for his abilities advising lenders and borrowers on financings. The March 2024 arrival of Audun Dahle-Nedrelid from BAHR bolstered the team.

Praxisleiter:

Atle Gabrielsen


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Kristine Hasle; Petter Thomren Moltu; Audun Dahle-Nedrelid; Andreas Rabe


Referenzen

‘I highly recommend Wiersholm’s banking and finance practice. They put together a strong team, who follow up and stay hands-on throughout a financing process.’

‘Strong knowledge of Norwegian and international requirements. Very familiar with market practices and strong relationships with the most relevant financing institutions in Norway.’

‘Audun Dahle-Nedrelid has excellent availability and personal engagement. A key discussion partner for us regarding the interpretation of the agreements.’

Kernmandanten

DNB Bank ASA


Danske Bank, Norwegian branch


SpareBank 1 SR-Bank ASA


Handelsbanken


Avarn Security Group


Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB


Nordea Bank Abp


Maritime & Merchant Bank ASA


ABN AMRO Bank N.V.


Danske Bank A/S


Wikborg Rein

Wikborg Rein‘s team leverages its global network of offices to provide cross-border transactional support on financing matters; its recent work includes noteworthy ESG financing cases. The team is jointly led by Ole Andenæs and Andreas Kjensli Lund. Andenæs heads the financial regulatory sub-group and assists investment firms and asset managers therein, while Lund is recommended in corporate and real estate financing. Johan Rasmussen has a broad practice with notable expertise in shipping and offshore-related finance, and Daniel Nygaard Nyberg focuses on asset management, taxation and funding. Stine Barstad has an ‘ability to navigate complex issues’ and Lars-Erik Østerbø is a name to note.

Praxisleiter:

Andreas Kjensli Lund; Ole Andenæs


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Johan Rasmussen; Daniel Nygaard Nyberg; Stine Barstad; Alexander Owesen; Lars-Erik Østerbø


Referenzen

‘A highly professional team, which is efficient and delivers in time. Gives good advice and directs the clients to take the right decision. Delivers a very smooth and effective process.’

‘Wikborg Rein delivers the highest quality in the market and is the preferred choice if matters are urgent or complex.’

‘Very good knowledge of financing, particularly the combination of bank and bond structures as well as the interaction between the various debt instruments in the structure.’

Kernmandanten

DNB Bank ASA


Nordea Bank Abp


Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB


Danske Bank A/S


Svenska Handelsbanken AB


Eksportfinansiering Norge


BNP Paribas


ING Bank N.V


Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank


Credit Suisse AG


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised the buyers in the acquisition of Adevinta ASA.
  • Advised the lenders in connection with the financing of 9 offshore vessels sold by Sea1 Offshore Inc. to Siem Sustainable Energy Sarl and the refinancing by Sea1.
  • Advised Floatel International Ltd with a $375m refinancing comprised of a revolving credit facility and a new bond issue repaying two existing bond issues.

Advokatfirmaet Haavind AS

Advokatfirmaet Haavind AS’ offering has capabilities handling both borrower and lender-side matters. The team’s areas of expertise include acquisition as well as renewables financing. Hans-Christian Donjem heads the banking and finance group and has expertise in these areas in addition to his corporate and bond financing knowledge. Ellen Schult Ulriksen heads the corporate group and is a key contact in financial restructuring. Christoffer Baisgård is recommended for restructuring and insolvency work, and Helen Xu focuses on financial regulatory matters.

Praxisleiter:

Hans-Christian Donjem; Ellen Schult Ulriksen


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Christoffer Baisgård; Helen Xu; Kasper Formoe Asplin; Cornelius Sogn Næss


Referenzen

‘Highly capable and knowledgeable. Great at following up and explaining the law in simple terms.’

‘Haavind is efficient, communicative, and helpful.’

‘Christoffer Baisgård is proactive, is attentive-to-detail, and meets deadlines.’

Kernmandanten

BlackRock Renewable Finance


Aprila Bank ASA


Axactor ASA


Telenor ASA


Bank2 ASA


Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc.


Aider Konsern AS


Santander Consumer Bank AS


Omda AS


Carnegie AS


Highlight-Mandate


  • Acted as lead counsel on the cross-border refinancing of client Omda AS’ MNOK 500 senior secured bond loan.
  • Assisted the owners of Onitio Group AS with a comprehensive refinancing of their existing facilities and a recent acquisition facility.
  • Assisted long term client Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. in several rounds of notes issuances over the past 12-months.

Selmer

Selmer's practice covers a broad scope of work in banking, as well as in shipping and real estate financing. The team harnesses notable expertise in regulatory matters and is led by Christopher Jensen. Practitioner of 'the highest integrity' Per Morten Christiansen has a broad practice, which includes advising on syndications and acquisitions. On the regulatory side, Bernt Olav Steinland assists investment companies and asset managers. Marte Aarøe works across the full spectrum of matters, with particular expertise in financing transactions.

Praxisleiter:

Christopher Jensen


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Per Morten Christiansen; Bernt Olav Steinland; Marte Aarøe; Anja Fabnebust


Referenzen

‘Hands-on partners and well-informed teams. You always feel that you meet one team and that they keep each other up to speed.’

‘Per Morten Christiansen is very competent and solutions-oriented. Simplification of complex requests from lenders and borrowers is one of his strengths.’

‘Anja Fabnebust and Bernt Olav Steinsland showed good planning and a strong commitment to tasks and delivery of results.’

Kernmandanten

Eksport Finance Norway


SpareBank 1 SMN


Sparebanken Vest


Sparebanken Møre


Eidesvik Offshore


Ekornes QM Holding group


Bertel O. Steen group


Europris group


Solør Bioenergi group


GC Sykehus AS


Citibank


DNB Markets


Nordea Bank Abp


Sparebank 1 Markets AS


Stiftelsen Diakonissehuset Lovisenberg


Highlight-Mandate


  • Assisted the Solör Bioenergi-group with the refinancing of the group’s existing senior and junior bank financing.
  • Assisted Bertel O. Steen group in connection with several amendment processes with a total value of approximately NOK 4bn.
  • Acting as the joint legal counsel in the merger of SpareBank 1 SR-Bank ASA and SpareBank 1 Sørøst-Norge, forming SpareBank 1 Sør-Norge ASA.

Advokatfirmaet Simonsen Vogt Wiig

Advokatfirmaet Simonsen Vogt Wiig stands out for its strength in export, aviation and ship financing work. ‘Go-to advisor in all matters’ Halvor Klingenberg leads the group and is well-versed in corporate, project and asset-based financing in particular. Peter Aall Simonsen‘s workload includes advising shipping and energy sector clients in project and asset-based financing cases. For syndicated loans, Stig Strand is recommended, while Christine Rødsæther is a key contact for maritime-related work. Former practice co-lead, Eivind Eliassen departed in June 2024 to BAHR.

Praxisleiter:

Halvor Klingenberg


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Peter Aall Simonsen; Sig Strand; Christine Rødsæther


Referenzen

‘Stig Strand has assisted us in complex financial processes, within the shipping and fishery sectors. He has performed exceptionally, and we are heavily dependent on his skills.’

‘They are quick and always up-to-date on all legal matters. Valuable and trusted legal advisers and very efficient. Truly interested in the underlying problems and matters at hand. They invest time into understanding the complexity needed to provide the best advice possible.’

‘They have a pragmatic and commercial approach which makes them stand out from other law firms.’

Kernmandanten

DNB Bank ASA


Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB


Tibber AS


Pareto Bank ASA


SpareBank 1 SR-Bank ASA


Highlight-Mandate


  • Assisting DNB Bank ASA and Eksportfinansiering Norge in financing the construction and operation of a large-scale biocarbon facility in Hønefoss, Norway.
  • Assisted DNB Bank ASA as agent on behalf of a syndicate for the financing of Havfram’s purpose-built wind turbine installation vessels.
  • Assisted the syndicate of eight banks for the $1,.41bn financing of Frontline’s purchase of 24 VLCC from Euronav.

CMS Kluge

CMS Kluge‘s practice leverages its international network to act for Nowegian and international clients on domestic refinancing and lending work. The team is co-led by Snorre Haukali and Dag Thomas Hansson; Haukali advises corporate borrowers and is sought after by tech, telecoms and aquaculture clients especially, while Hansson’s workload includes cross-border lending. Ida Johanne Bohmann specialises in domestic, cross-border and syndicated financing cases.

Praxisleiter:

Snorre Haukali; Dag Thomas Hansson


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Ida Johanne Bohmann; Tuva Svare; Thea Killengree


Referenzen

‘CMS Kluge are hardworking, experienced and top qualified lawyers. They deliver expert advice both individually and as a team and that stands out.’

‘They understand the market and our business and are always available to deliver top-service and advice.’

‘Dag Thomas Hansson stands out for his excellent business acumen, and thorough and structured approach. He is very knowledgeable and maintains a very high service level.’

Kernmandanten

Aareal Bank


Arctic Fish


Armada Credit Partners


Aviva


Bakkafrost


Barclays Bank


BNP Paribas


CHC Group


Commerzbank


Danske Bank


Green Mountain


Mowi


Norsk Hydro


Norske tog


Norwegian Refugee Council


Société Générale


DLA Piper

DLA Piper's team handles asset-based lending, export finance and real estate finance matters for its client roster, which features international and domestic banks. The team is led by Børge A Grøttjord whose areas of expertise span public infrastructure, real estate finance and public-private partnerships. Erik Ramm has experience handling restructuring mandates and loan workouts, while Camilla Wollan advises on regulatory and compliance matters. Vibeke Søvik Lindberg is also a key contact.

Praxisleiter:

Børge A Grøttjord


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Erik Ramm; Camilla Wollan; Vibeke Søvik Lindberg; Admir Habibija


Referenzen

‘The people we work with have a high level of competence in the areas we demand and are quick in their delivery.’

‘High expertise and client orientation.’

‘Exceptional client service.’

Kernmandanten

KLP Kommunal Landspensjonkasse


Gjensidig Forsikringsselskap


UniCredit


Credit Suisse


Telenor


CHC Group


Nordea


Armada Credit Partners


Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets.


Silicon Valley Bank


UBS Asset Management


JPMorgan


Wheatsheaf Group


Realkapital Eiendom


Odal Vindkraftverk


Cloudberry Production


Cloudberry Clean Energy


Nordic Wind Power


Azrieli Group


TietoEvry


TheFactory


Lendwill


Bill Kill


Confirmasoft Holding


Aeternum Capital


Sparebanken Øst


Equip Capital


Green Mountain


DEAG


CitiBank


Qred


Address Group


Coburn Resources Pty. Limited


HSBC


Loomis


Elektroimportøren


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised KLP, as bondholder, on all matters in relation to a NOK 2.24bn bond refinancing.
  • Advised DEAG with the issue of unsecured bonds under Norwegian law of up to €100m.
  • Advised Parc BidCo AS in a complex refinancing transaction.

Kvale Advokatfirma DA

Kvale Advokatfirma DA's 'service-oriented' offering has capabilities assisting financial services clients on refinancing and restructuring transactions. The team is headed up by Hillevi Torngren Myhre whose workload includes hybrid capital and regulatory matters. Stine Snertingdalen has expertise in restructuring and insolvency. Stephanie Brungot ‘understands all aspects of a bank’s business’ and is experienced advising both borrowers and lenders.

Praxisleiter:

Hillevi Torngren Myhre


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Stine Snertingdalen; Stephanie Brungot


Referenzen

‘The team appears innovative by being open to new solutions and by staying well-informed about societal changes.’

‘They are very service-oriented and focused on their customers.’

‘The individuals appear competent but are also very receptive to feedback and suggestions. As a customer, you feel well taken care of.’

Kernmandanten

Norion Bank


DNB Bank


Arctic Securities


Nordic Trustee


EksFin


Nordic Mining


SpareBank 1 Østlandet


Sparebanken Møre


Skue Sparebank


Valdres Sparebank


Sogn Sparebank


Melhusbanken


Agder Sparebank


Gordon Brothers


SpareBank 1 SR-Bank


SpareBank 1 SMN


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Nordic Mining on $270m funding of the Engebø Rutile and Garnet mine.
  • Advised a creditor group on two complex multi-million-euro restructurings of credit facilities with borrowers operating within the drone industry.
  • Advised a multinational industrial company on its multi-million-US dollar funding of a major Norwegian iron ore mine.