Wikborg Rein‘s ’highly competent and efficient‘ banking and finance offering stands out for its strength in transactional work, particularly in the heavy industry, shipping and energy sectors. A recent area of focus for the firm is ESG financing, with the group seeing an uptick in activity relating to green and sustainability-linked loans. The team is now jointly led by Johan Rasmussen and Andreas Kjensli Lund. Rasmussen has a broad practice with notable expertise in shipping and offshore-related finance; Lars-Erik Østerbø is another key name here. Lund was promoted to partner in 2023 and is recommended for corporate financing and real estate financing work. Also in the core team are debt financing expert Stian Tande Mortensen and Alexander Owesen, who specialises in assisting investment banks, financial institutions, and private equity houses with financing transactions and restructurings.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘WR provides a highly competent and efficient banking and finance team with in-depth knowledge in all fields relevant for us as a client.’
‘Johan Rasmussen, Alexander Owesen and Andreas Kjensli Lund gathered in one firm makes this the most able provider of law services to financing transactions in Norway. Stian Mortensen is one of the top debt capital markets lawyers, and this team is highly qualified to deliver high quality work on short notice.’
‘You get a lot of partner attention.’
‘Stine H. Barstad is very talented. Johan Rasmussen is always available and is very hands on on the matters of which he is partner in charge.’
‘Johan Rasmussen is always a pleasure to work with. He is a very experienced lawyer who is "hands-on" in the cases he takes on. His experience within drafting of agreements and knowledge of the banking market is outstanding. He knows what we as a client need and makes sure that the transaction works as smoothly as possible.'
‘Lars-Erik Østerbø is a good communicator with excellent skills in shipping and fisheries.'
- 'Andreas Kjensli Lund remains in good control even in complex syndicated deals and handles the documentation and any legal issues with a steady hand.'
- 'Madeleine Finstad gives a solid impression in her field and is handling and organising the documentation process in large financings in a very competent manner.’
Key clients
- 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
- SMBC
- Maritime & Merchant Bank ASA
Work highlights
- Advised NG Group in connection with a NOK3.7bn sustainability-linked facilities agreement to refinance the group’s existing debt.
- Advised Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank as agent on the financing of Edda Wind ASA, a Norwegian offshore wind farm service vessel provider.
- Advised the agent and the lenders on the provision of a senior secured green construction, term and revolving facilities agreement to the Norwegian land-based salmon farming company Salmon Evolution Norway AS.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Johan Rasmussen, Andreas Kjensli Lund