EFTA - Iceland

LOGOS

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LOGOS's full-service team draws in a prestige client list which includes major international names such as Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley. The group is recognised for its strength in capital markets work and comprehensive regulatory assistance, and has recently made substantial efforts to develop its banking and finance offering into a major force. Óttar Pálsson has significant expertise in capital markets, including both contentious and non-contentious matters, and co-leads the department alongside Thórólfur Jónsson, who covers securities regulation advice, corporate funding matters, and financial restructurings. Benedikt Egill Árnason specialises in transactions, and acts for a number of prominent corporate clients and private equity houses, while Guðbjörg Helga Hjartardóttir is noted for her expertise in financial restructurings and corporate finance mandates.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'I am impressed by the level of project complexity the team can easily handle from different perspectives, and the high quality of process organisation.'
  • 'I am sure they are number one in the Icelandic legal arena.'
  • 'Benedikt Egill Árnason stands out. What I really appreciate about Benedikt is his readiness to have your back, and not think for you, but definitely think along with you, accessing all blind spots that you are probably missing.'
  • 'I have mostly been in contact with Freyr Snæbjörnsson, who I have found to be very trustworthy, accessible, and eager to work with us to find solutions that fit our company.'
  • 'Óttar Pálsson is a veteran when it comes to banking and finance in Iceland. As a former banker, well respected litigator and one of the most prominent deal lawyers in Iceland, he just has a certain presence. His sharp mind and experience give him and his clients advantages in meetings.'
  • 'Proactive approach, rather than reactive, have shown initiative regarding new law and regulations regarding financial companies by offering assistance to companies such as ours to adapt to changes in our regulatory environment.'
  • 'Freyr Snæbjörnsson is very accessible, has vast knowledge and experience and is an authority in certain fields of capital markets regulation (mutual funds, security brokerage, MiFID related issues).'

Key clients

  • Arion Bank hf.
  • Islandsbanki
  • Kaupthing hf.
  • Goldman Sachs International
  • Deutsche Bank
  • Fossar Investment Bank
  • Alfa Framtak ehf.
  • Crowberry Capital GP ehf.
  • Marel hf.
  • Landsnet hf.
  • Landsvirkjun
  • Icelandair
  • Brim
  • Novator Partners LLP
  • Verne Global Data Centres
  • Origo hf.
  • New Business Venture Fund
  • Kerecis hf.
  • Vordur Insurance
  • Ministry of Industry and Innovation
  • Frumtak Ventures ehf.
  • Eyrir Ventures
  • DTE ehf.
  • Morgan Stanley
  • Laxar eignarhaldsfelag ehf.
  • Laxar Fiskeldi ehf.
  • Icelandic State Financial Investments
  • Nordural Grundartangi ehf.
  • Archer Norge AS
  • Sidekick Health AB
  • Islensk verdbref hf.

Work highlights

  • Advised Islandsbanki hf. on its merger discussions with Kvika banki hf.
  • Advised Brim hf. on its completion of a €220m syndicated loan facility provided by three leading international banks, servicing both the European and global fisheries sector.
  • Representing Icelandic Pension Funds in its debate against the Government of Iceland regarding the Finance Ministers plans to have the Parliament pass a legislation which would allow the bankruptcy of IL-sjodur.

Lawyers

Leading individuals

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Óttar Pálsson, Thórólfur Jónsson

Other key lawyers

Benedikt Egill Árnason, Guðbjörg Helga Hjartardóttir, Freyr Snæbjörnsson